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Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.Welcome to Cytora's Practitioner's Guide, a new series from Making Risk Flow.In each episode, we sit down with experts from Cytora's global team to explore practical strategies, real-world applications, and emerging insights from the front lines of risk digitization and underwriting transformation.In this episode, Juan de Castro is joined by Rich Lewis, Cytora's Sales Director, and Zaheer Hooda, Head of North America, for a deep dive into what makes proof-of-concept (POC) initiatives in risk digitization succeed—or fail.Drawing on firsthand experience from working with leading carriers, they break down five essential capabilities insurers need to get right when implementing digitization initiatives—from extraction accuracy and full-spectrum intake handling, to scalable deployment and human-in-the-loop exception management.They also provide a practical, inside look at how insurers structure effective proof of concept processes, including live workshops, data preparation, success metrics, and how to align POC design with measurable business outcomes.Whether you're a carrier planning a digitization journey or a leader seeking to optimize underwriting workflows, this episode offers tactical guidance to ensure your technology investments deliver meaningful impact.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
How can insurers make accurate loss estimates before adjusters are on the ground, and why does it matter? In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Will Bonner, Chief Operating Officer at McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS), about how the company uses satellite data, open-source intelligence and human expertise to deliver early insights on catastrophic events. From wildfires in California to civil unrest in the Pacific, the conversation explores how insurers are responding faster, setting more accurate reserves and navigating uncertainty in real time. The episode also highlights the practical challenges of relying on public data sources, the growing role of brokers in geospatial intelligence and how MIS transitioned from a centrally funded Lloyd's service to a solution used by 80% of syndicates. With real-world examples and lessons from other domains like defence and disaster response, this is a grounded look at what it takes to turn raw data into operational decisions. Key Talking Points: Intelligence before access – how MIS delivers building-level damage assessments before roads reopen or planes can fly From imagery to insight – why expert human analysis still outperforms automation in post-disaster response Scaling trust – what it takes to become a Lloyd's elective service for catastrophe intelligence From fires to frontlines – how MIS tracks 50,000+ buildings in wildfire zones to anticipate claims before they're filed Beyond Lloyd's – what global carriers and brokers are asking for as MIS expands into the US and beyond Stress-testing your stack – why reliance on single public datasets could leave insurers exposed in 2025 Real-time relevance – how MIS is turning horizon scanning into an actionable, insurer-led signal layer Experiment, iterate, evolve – what MIS has learned from testing edge ideas like mobile phone data and evacuation mapping If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Will Bonner on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: List the types of natural and man-made events MIS monitors, from wildfires to geopolitical conflicts. Specify how reliance on single-source public datasets could create systemic risks for insurers. Identify the workflows and use cases where insurers benefit most from horizon scanning and rapid event monitoring. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 354 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
What if underwriters could instantly triage submissions and reduce time spent on repetitive admin, without changing how they work? Matthew Grant speaks with Matt McGrillis, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Send, to explore how the company's underwriting workbench is embedding AI into core workflows to help underwriters write more business, more profitably. Now on its third feature with InsTech, Send has evolved from an early-stage start-up to one of the UK's leading underwriting platforms. Matt shares how Send's latest innovations including agent workflows and AI-powered triage, are making decision-making faster all while running quietly behind the scenes. Key Talking Points How Send is digitising complex underwriting workflows to reduce friction and increase speed. How agent workflows are breaking down underwriting into manageable AI-driven tasks. Send's triage tools helping underwriters prioritise high-value business in real-time. Why GenAI is less about disruption and more about quiet, seamless transformation. How Send balances “build v buy” to offer agility without sacrificing functionality. Why clients working with Send are seeing faster quote turnaround and improved broker response. The importance of automating the “boring bits” so underwriters can focus on value. Matt's prediction on why AI agents and not flashy features will drive the next wave of adoption. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Matt McGrillis on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how AI agents are transforming underwriting workflows by automating repetitive tasks and enabling faster decision-making. Specify the types of underwriting tasks best suited for AI agents and automation. Identify key challenges insurers face when adopting AI tools and how Send supports clients through that transformation. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 353 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
The ultimate insurtech podcast crossover. In this episode, Matthew Grant is joined by Rob Beller and Lee Boyd, co-hosts of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, for a cross-continental conversation on what they've learned after more than 300 episodes spotlighting insurance innovation. Rob and Lee share insights from their day jobs at Alacrity Solutions and discuss the realities of claims management in the US, the cultural differences they notice when visiting the London Market and why podcasting has become one of their most valuable tools for professional growth. Also joining the conversation is InsTech's own Zoja, stepping from behind the mic to offer her take on what makes a great guest and why we still don't hear enough female voices on insurance podcasts. Whether you're new to podcasting, thinking of launching your own, or just looking for a better way to understand the insurance ecosystem this episode is full of practical takeaways, thoughtful reflections and just a little bit of holiday light-show talk. Key Talking Points Building the FNO InsureTech Podcast: how a marketing idea became a 300-episode archive From Texas to California to London: Rob and Lee reflect on the cultural contrasts between US and UK insurance markets How podcasting helps build relationships and shape industry perspectives Defining a great guest: why passion, personality and storytelling beat corporate scripts Podcasting as learning: how hosting guests has improved leadership skills and business understanding Behind the mic: tips for being a good guest The power of partnership: how two co-hosts keep things creative, balanced and fun Industry outlook: one prediction each for how AI, customer experience and economic change will shape the year ahead Advocating for diversity:why we need to hear more female voices on insurance podcasts Think big, start small: why building global networks starts with showing up, listening and sharing ideas If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Rob Beller and Lee Boyd on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: List the qualities that make a guest engaging and memorable on an insurance podcast. Define the role of podcasting in creating community and promoting innovation within insurance. Specify the differences between UK and US insurance markets from the perspective of claims professionals. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 351 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro sits down with Cassandra Vukorep, Chief Data and AI Officer at Lloyd's of London, to explore the impact of data and AI on commercial insurance. They discuss Lloyd's role as an ecosystem platform for over 100 syndicates, the importance of data standardisation, and efforts to streamline operations through the Core Data Record (CDR). With only 8% of insurers adopting AI across multiple functions, Cassandra highlights key challenges, including legacy systems and process redesign. They also examine how AI will become a competitive differentiator in the coming years. This conversation offers valuable insights into Lloyd's digital transformation and how insurers can navigate the complexities of AI adoption to drive efficiency and innovation in the evolving insurance landscape.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
What does it take to build a wildfire prediction model that not only outperforms physics-based approaches but also fits seamlessly into underwriting? In this episode, Matthew Grant is joined by Sarah Russell, General Manager at Bellwether – a climate-focused moonshot from Google X – to explore why wildfires are the ideal proving ground for next-generation insurance analytics. This isn't, however, just another conversation about AI potential. Sarah explains why wildfire risk fits machine learning better than traditional methods, how Bellwether is helping insurers find overlooked low-risk zones and why explainability, not black-box brilliance, is key to adoption. She also shares what's next – from agentic AI to Severe Convective Storm models – and what the industry needs to be ready for. Key Talking Points: Wildfires as a moonshot – why Bellwether started with wildfire risk to build a prediction engine for the Earth From physics to AI – how machine learning outperforms traditional models in dynamic, data-heavy environments Spotting opportunity, not just risk – how Bellwether identifies low-risk zones that other models overlook Real-time data, real underwriting gains – delivering a 10% loss ratio improvement for a Lloyd's carrier Beyond black boxes – using explainable AI to justify counterintuitive predictions and build trust The end of the ‘yak shave' – how agents and large models will reshape insurance workflows and tech stacks From geospatial to generative – where Bellwether is heading next with severe convective storm modelling Working with the experts – why collaboration with scientists and government agencies remains critical If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Sarah Russell on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: List the key environmental and structural factors that contribute to low wildfire risk Define the role of large models and their ability to handle uncertainty in climate risk assessment Identify the advantages of using AI to uncover underappreciated low-risk zones in high-exposure regions If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 349 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with Carl Bach, CEO of Hartford Underwriting Agency, about how a 200-year-old insurer is modernising for the future. They discuss Hartford's brand refresh, maintaining its historic stag emblem while evolving its global identity. Carl outlines the strategic transformation of the company's Global Specialty business, which began in 2019, focusing on streamlining operations and ramping up specialisation in marine, energy, and financial lines.The conversation also covers Hartford's international growth ambitions through Lloyd's syndicate 1221, its approach to serving diverse market segments, and its use of AI and intelligent document processing in underwriting. Carl shares insights on balancing tradition with innovation, underscoring Hartford's values—especially "own it with pace"—as the company embraces change and seizes new opportunities in a fast-evolving industry.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
From our Exponential Risk breakout session, to joining us on InsTech podcast - this week we are spotlighting Neena Saith's valuable discussion on the science of resilience. Resilience is a familiar term in insurance, often associated with mitigating risk and protecting against natural disasters. But what about resilience at a personal level? How can individuals in high-pressure roles manage stress effectively and maintain their well-being? In this episode, Matthew Grant brings back Neena Saith, a former colleague and catastrophe risk analyst turned stress and resilience specialist, about the importance of managing personal stress in the workplace. Neena shares her journey from catastrophe modelling to working with individuals and organisations to help them recognise, understand and address stress. Together, they explore the physical and psychological impacts of stress, how organisations can create a healthier work culture and practical techniques for managing stress in high-pressure environments. Further resources connected to the conversation: Anxiety Rx by Dr. Russell Kennedy – exploring the mind-body connection in managing anxiety When the Body Says No by Dr. Gabor Maté – understanding the link between stress, emotions and physical health Neena's website: www.neenashealing.com – for coaching, group programs and corporate workshops How to Meet Yourself by Dr Nicole LePera - an interactive workbook designed to help every reader uncover their authentic self. Connect with Neena on LinkedIn: Neena Saith Key Talking Points The missing conversation in insurance – why workplace stress and personal resilience matter just as much as risk modeling Recognising stress cycles – understanding how the body responds to stress and how to complete the stress cycle for recovery Mind-body connection – how unresolved stress manifests physically and why mental and physical health cannot be treated separately Building awareness – learning to recognize personal stress triggers and early warning signs before they escalate Practical techniques – breathing exercises, movement, and micro-breaks to reduce stress and improve resilience Organisational responsibility – how companies and managers can support employees by fostering open conversations about stress Personal responsibility – setting boundaries, managing workload, and creating habits that support long-term resilience Beyond the workplace – the impact of work-related stress on personal relationships and how to navigate it If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Neena Saith on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how stress affects both the mind and body and why resilience is essential in high-pressure environments Explain the concept of the stress cycle and the importance of completing it for long-term well-being List practical techniques for reducing stress in daily work life, including breathing exercises and movement strategies If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 347 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
The insurance industry is at an inflection point—legacy processes are still widespread, yet AI and automation are enabling smarter, more efficient workflows. But how do insurers cut through the noise and apply technology in a way that truly transforms their operations? In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Nigel Walsh, newly appointed at ServiceNow, to discuss how AI, digital agents and workflow automation are reshaping insurance. With 500 insurers already using ServiceNow, Nigel shares why he joined, what ServiceNow does beyond IT service management, and how its AI-powered workflows are tackling the industry's “messy middle.” Key Talking Points AI-driven insurance workflows – how ServiceNow is helping insurers streamline underwriting, claims and customer service beyond traditional IT service management. Agentic AI in action – the role of digital agents in automating insurance processes, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing decision-making. The changing face of VC funding – why AI is reshaping startup strategies, reducing team sizes and altering investment dynamics. Bridging the data gap in catastrophe insurance – lessons from California wildfires and the challenge of accurately assessing risk and rebuilding costs. Enhancing claims efficiency with AI – how insurers can leverage automation to improve claims workflows and customer experience. Navigating insurance thought leadership – the challenge of cutting through LinkedIn's noise and building meaningful industry conversations. AI adoption in 2025 and beyond – the rise of digital workers, the evolution of enterprise AI and the potential for insurers to orchestrate thousands of agents. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Nigel Walsh on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain the evolving role of AI in the insurance industry, including its influence on venture funding and business models. Define the challenges insurers face in catastrophe modeling and data accuracy for risk assessment. Identify the potential applications of AI-driven orchestration platforms in improving enterprise-wide insurance operations. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 345 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro welcomes Jonathan Spry, CEO and co-founder of Envelop Risk, for an insightful discussion on how AI and advanced analytics are transforming cyber insurance. They explore Envelop Risk's “data flywheel” strategy, emphasising the power of data-driven decision-making in risk assessment. Jonathan shares how AI-driven underwriting has evolved over the past eight years, shifting from industry scepticism to widespread adoption. They also discuss "augmented underwriting," where AI enhances—rather than replaces—human expertise, especially in speciality insurance. The conversation extends to emerging risks, such as quantum computing's impact on cybersecurity and how AI reshapes risk management across industries. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Agentic AI - the buzzword of 2025. But what is it and how can it help claims? The insurance industry has long struggled with manual, time-consuming claims processes that create bottlenecks and put pressure on adjusters. Now, Agentic AI is emerging as a solution: automating administrative tasks and enabling claims teams to work faster and more efficiently. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Robin Roberson, co-founder of Agentech, about how digital agents are reshaping claims handling. By leveraging Agentic AI, Agentech is reducing processing time from 30 minutes to 30 seconds, enhancing subrogation workflows and helping insurers streamline claims without removing human expertise. Robin, a veteran in InsurTech and former WeGoLook founder, shares her journey from launching startups to pioneering AI-driven claims solutions. She also discusses why mentorship is crucial for new entrepreneurs, how working with design partners ensures AI solves real-world problems and why reducing adjuster burnout is a core focus of Agentech. Key Talking Points: The rise of Agentic AI – how digital agents are reshaping claims handling and automating administrative tasks From 30 minutes to 30 seconds – how AI is streamlining pet insurance claims processing and boosting efficiency AI-powered subrogation – identifying recovery opportunities and reducing claims leakage with automated analysis The role of design partners – why collaboration with insurers is key to building AI solutions that solve real-world problems Improving adjuster productivity – how Agentech's AI-driven approach is reducing workload and preventing burnout The future of AI in claims – exploring voice-enabled AI, smart routing and automation for catastrophe response Lessons from a serial entrepreneur – Robin's insights on launching startups, scaling innovation, and finding the right market fit If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Robin Roberson on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Specify how AI-powered subrogation tools help insurers identify recovery opportunities and reduce claims leakage. Define the concept of Agentic AI and how it differs from traditional AI and generative AI in insurance applications. Identify the future trends in AI-driven claims processing, including voice-enabled AI and smart claims routing. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 344 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.This episode of Making Risk Flow is a recording of an event hosted by Cytora and InsTech to bring industry stakeholders, including clients and key industry executives, to the table to discuss how they are approaching digitisation. Juan is joined by James Platt, Henry Withinshaw, and Jonathon Gray to explore how digital transformation is reshaping commercial insurance, tackling challenges like reducing quote turnaround times, improving data accuracy, and enhancing broker service. The panel shares real-world insights on balancing automation with human expertise, overcoming legacy system hurdles, and leveraging AI to streamline underwriting. Whether you're an insurer, broker, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable takeaways on modernising underwriting workflows for a more efficient and data-driven future.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
AI-driven automation is transforming how insurers process data, streamline workflows and improve decision-making. In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Graham Asquith, UK Managing Director at mea Platform, about how AI-powered document ingestion is changing the game for underwriting and claims. With advanced machine learning models trained on millions of insurance documents, mea platform enables insurers to extract key information instantly—reducing manual processing, improving accuracy and accelerating business decisions. Robin and Graham also discuss the rise of algorithmic underwriting, the role of AI in digital distribution and what's next for the insurance industry as automation becomes a competitive necessity. Key Talking Points: From consulting to AI – Graham's career path and transition into insurance technology How mea platform extracts data from insurance documents using AI and machine learning Automating underwriting workflows – turning unstructured data into actionable insights The rise of AI-driven ingestion – why it's becoming a must-have for insurers Three approaches to document processing – build, generic IDP, or insurance-specific AI Speed and accuracy – how mea achieves high extraction precision out of the box Scaling AI in insurance – implementing solutions quickly without heavy IT investment Beyond ingestion – how automation and intelligence are shaping underwriting and claims Partnering for success – mea's collaborations with Lloyd's, Accenture, and Solos Consulting The future of insurance AI – from digital trading to algorithmic underwriting and beyond If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Graeme Asquith on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Specify the differences between generic document processing tools and insurance-specific AI solutions. Define the challenges insurers face in handling unstructured data and the benefits of automation. List the key inefficiencies in manual data extraction and how AI-powered solutions address them. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 342 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
From manual data entry to slow underwriting decisions, inefficiencies in broker management have long been a challenge for the commercial insurance industry. But what if brokers could streamline data collection, enhance risk assessment and seamlessly connect with underwriters in real time? In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Alex Cardona, CEO and Co-founder of Recorder, a company building the next generation of broker management software. After a successful exit from Codat, a financial data infrastructure business, Alex and his team are applying their expertise to insurance—helping brokers replace outdated workflows with automation, APIs and structured data. Key Talking Points: How Recorder is addressing inefficiencies in broker management Why traditional broker workflows create data bottlenecks for insurers The role of APIs in modernising commercial insurance How automated data ingestion can improve underwriting accuracy The importance of standardizing risk data for brokers and carriers Challenges in adoption and how Recorder is overcoming industry resistance Insights from Alex's journey at Codat and lessons applied to Recorder Why brokers are the key drivers of change in insurance distribution How Recorder is scaling without heavy venture capital investment If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Alex Cardona on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: List the key inefficiencies in traditional broker workflows that slow down risk assessment and underwriting. Define the challenges brokers face in manual data processing and how technology is addressing these issues. Explain why brokers are central to driving innovation in insurance data infrastructure and connectivity. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 341 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro is joined by Laurent Rousseau, CEO of Global Capital Solutions at Guy Carpenter, to discuss leadership, success, and the evolving role of insurance in society. Laurent reflects on his career journey from equity analyst to CEO, sharing his personal definition of success: one that prioritises inner fulfilment over external expectations. Together, Juan and Laurent also discuss the insurance industry's role as a key enabler of societal good and the need to shift public perception of the sector, why insurance must embrace innovation, and the challenges of leadership transitions, including the importance of knowing when to step down as part of an organisation's evolution.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Satellite imagery is revolutionising the way insurers assess risk, track disasters and provide coverage. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Berend de Jong, Global Insurance & Finance Lead at Planet Labs, about how high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data are reshaping the insurance industry. With a fleet of over 200 satellites capturing daily images of the Earth's surface, Planet Labs enables insurers to enhance flood and wildfire risk modeling, parametric insurance solutions and pre/post-loss assessments. The conversation explores real-world applications, including how instant satellite imaging played a key role in analysing the Los Angeles wildfires and German floods, and how parametric insurance providers like Floodbase leverage satellite data to develop innovative flood coverage solutions. Key Talking Points From consulting to satellites – Berend's career journey How Planet Labs' 200+ satellites capture daily Earth imagery The power of high-resolution imaging – down to 30-40 cm Tasking satellites on demand – costs, speed, and accessibility Optical vs. SAR satellites – when to use each technology Los Angeles wildfires case study – tracking fire progression in real time German floods case study – distinguishing between river and rain-driven floods Parametric insurance in action – partnerships with AXA, Swiss Re, and FloodBase Underwriting & claims insights – using satellite data for smarter decisions The future of satellite data – affordability, accessibility, and evolving use cases If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Berend de Jong on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how high-resolution satellite imagery supports risk assessment, underwriting, and claims management in insurance. List the key differences between optical satellites, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and passive microwave technology in data collection. Identify the real-world applications of satellite data through case studies, including Los Angeles wildfires and German floods. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 340 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
How is generative AI changing the way insurers work—and think? In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Bob Pick, EVP Chief Information Officer at Tokio Marine North American Services and Group Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer for Tokio Marine Group, to explore the real-world impact of generative AI in the insurance industry. From streamlining underwriting decisions to detecting fraud and automating operational processes, Bob explains how Tokio Marine is using AI to address both everyday challenges and complex, global demands. Balancing innovation with responsibility, the conversation sheds light on what AI can—and can't—do for insurers today. If you've ever wondered how generative AI works in practice, or what it means for the future of insurance, this episode offers clear and thought-provoking insights. Key Talking Points: The evolution of generative AI – from revolutionary tech to practical applications Classic AI vs. generative AI – understanding the difference Advisory tools like Microsoft Copilot – where they fit into the workflow Case studies from Tokio Marine – submission analysis and claims fraud detection Development tools – automating back-end processes with generative AI Risk management – balancing innovation with safeguarding data and compliance Tools of the trade – Microsoft Copilot, Grok, and other favourites Looking ahead – evolution or revolution in the next 1-3 years If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Bob Pick on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how generative AI is transforming key processes in the insurance industry, such as underwriting and fraud detection. List the practical applications of generative AI discussed in the episode, including submission analysis, backend automation and global translation. Specify the differences between classic AI and generative AI, and their respective roles in insurance. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 339 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro is joined by Marcus Ryu, Co-founder of Guidewire, to explore his fascinating entrepreneurial journey and the transformative role of technology in the insurance industry.Marcus reflects on his nearly two decades of experience building Guidewire into a company that revolutionised insurance. From his early career at McKinsey to founding a startup in a traditionally conservative industry, Marcus shares his thoughts on overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of building complementary founding teams, and navigating the high-stakes world of sales.Together, Juan and Marcus also discuss the evolution of insuretech and its growing opportunities, Marcus' transition into venture capital, and the pivotal moments in Guidewire's history, including a legal battle with Accenture that nearly derailed the company.If you'd prefer to watch the episode instead, simply click here!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
How is technology redefining supply chain insurance and resilience in a changing world? Parsyl is combining innovation, data and ambition to transform the way essential supply chains are insured. Robin Merttens speaks with Alex Haar, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Parsyl, about the company's impressive growth, their $20M Series C funding and the advanced technologies powering their solutions. From leveraging AI and IoT to expanding into non-perishable cargo, Parsyl is building a future where insurers and businesses can better predict, price and mitigate risks across global supply chains. Key Talking Points: From tech startup to global supply chain insurer – Parsyl's journey $20M Series C funding led by Lightsmith Group – what it means for Parsyl Essential supply chains – focusing on food, life sciences, and renewable technologies The role of AI – predictive models and generative AI powering underwriting IoT in action – real-time data for monitoring and managing risks Data partnerships – leveraging Lineage and other innovative sources The underwriter's role – blending expertise with cutting-edge tools Preparing for the future – expanding in the U.S. and launching new products Resilience to climate change – Parsyl's mission to protect critical supply chains If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Alex Haar on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain how generative AI enhances efficiency in submission processing and underwriting workflows. Define the role of predictive models in improving underwriting accuracy and claims outcomes. Identify the cultural and organisational factors critical to successfully implementing data-driven insurance solutions. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 338 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Adrian Coupland from Earnix to explore the findings of its latest industry report, An Industry at a Crossroads. They discuss how insurers are adapting to modern challenges, from navigating compliance to leveraging real-time analytics. With a focus on modernisation and competition, Adrian shares insights into how technology and data are reshaping the insurance landscape, empowering businesses to move faster and make smarter decisions. This conversation offers a glimpse into how insurers can stay ahead in a complex, evolving market while addressing regulatory pressures and increasing customer expectations. Key Talking Points: From legacy systems to agile ecosystems – modernizing insurance. Insights from Earnix's Industry at a Crossroads report. Real-time data and analytics – leveraging external and internal insights. The compliance conundrum – challenges and opportunities for innovation. Streamlining underwriting and pricing rule changes with Earnix. Proof of value – how Earnix helps insurers test and adopt technology. Staying competitive – advice for insurers planning for 2025 and beyond. Embracing AI and data-driven decision-making – the path forward. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Adrian Coupland on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Measure the significance of reducing underwriting rule change timelines on operational efficiency. Explain the regulatory and compliance factors shaping the adoption of AI and machine learning in insurance. Define the differences between legacy monolithic systems and agile ecosystems in insurance operations. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 337 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
In this special first episode of 2025, Zoja takes the hosting seat to ease us back into work and life post-New Year with a reflective and forward-looking conversation. Here's what you can expect: 2024 Highlights: A look back at InsTech's key themes, including the growing buzz around catastrophe modeling and exposure management. Zoja shares insights from the year's most popular webinars, including: Know Your Models: An Underwriter's Guide to Flood Modelling (in collaboration with Fathom). JBA Risk Management's session on lessons learned from five years of flood modeling. Flood modeling emerged as a standout topic, highlighting its importance as the second-largest driver of insured losses globally. Top Podcasts of 2024: James Orchard (QBE Ventures): Exploring investment strategies for the year ahead. Marcus Ryu (Guidewire): A personal journey into entrepreneurship and building a globally recognized company. Nicola Turner (Scrub AI): From underwriter to founder—a compelling narrative of innovation. Munich Re's parametric experts: Insights into cutting-edge work in parametric risk management. What's Ahead in 2025: Exponential Risk London: InsTech's inaugural two-day conference on March 4-5, a culmination of a year's work on catastrophe risk and exposure management. New Members Spotlight: Meet ClaimSorted, Bellwether, Grappler, OIP Robotics, Coherent, Recordr, Guy Carpenter and Federato —all new additions to the InsTech community. Join Zoja as she celebrates the successes of 2024, previews what's coming in 2025 and shares her personal podcast recommendations to kick off the new year. Thank you for your continued support, and see you next Sunday! If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Hasani Jess on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Identify the new InsTech members and their potential contributions to the insurance and technology ecosystem in 2025. List the key themes and standout topics from InsTech's 2024 events, including popular webinars and podcasts. Specify the primary goals and expected outcomes of the Exponential Risk London conference in March 2025. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 336 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.Here it is, the moment we've been counting down to! As we wrap up our Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024, we're thrilled to re-release the No. 1 episode of the year.In this standout conversation, host Juan de Castro sits down with Andrew Horton, Group CEO of QBE Insurance, a global leader operating in 26 countries and ranked among the world's top 20 insurance and reinsurance companies. Andrew's insights captivated audiences, making this the most downloaded episode of the year.During their discussion, Juan and Andrew explore how QBE maintains consistency in a market defined by rapid change, the pivotal role of innovation and culture in driving the industry forward, and why AI has become a personal priority for Andrew as a game-changing technology.Topics Discussed:How QBE balances stability with adaptability in a dynamic industry.The critical link between company culture, innovation, and long-term success.Andrew's perspective on how AI is reshaping the future of insurance.Join us as we celebrate this incredible episode and reflect on the remarkable conversations that defined 2024. Thank you for being part of Making Risk Flow; here's to more impactful episodes in the year ahead!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Matthew and Robin meet again for our final Partners' Chat of the year to touch on the highlights of 2024 and dive into key themes shaping the insurance and technology industries. From augmented underwriting to agentic AI, they explore the trends, challenges and opportunities that defined the year—and offer insights on what's coming in 2025. While Matthew emphasises the growing significance of secondary perils like severe convective storms (SCS), Robin reflects on how "boring but brilliant" innovations are quietly transforming the industry. Alongside these insights, expect lively discussions about digital transformation, smart follow syndication, and of course, Robin's essential holiday wine recommendations. Key Talking Points What are market makers, and how are they shaping the future of insurance? Why severe convective storms are becoming the most significant natural peril for insurers. How algorithmic syndication and smart follow innovations are transforming underwriting. The role of parametric solutions in addressing gaps left by traditional insurance models. Why claims workbenches are the next frontier in specialty insurance efficiency. Exploring agentic AI: Can insurers trust proactive, decision-making technology? The growing ecosystem of catastrophe modeling and analytics providers in insurance. The importance of networking events like curated dinners for scaling tech solutions. Robin's Holiday Wine Picks White: Gerard Bertrand Heritage Clairette (£17 at Majestic) Red: Georgian Saperavi 2021 Bodoba Special Occasion: 2024 Château Léoville Barton Festive Favorite: The Society's 150th Anniversary 2011 Vintage Port If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain how algorithmic syndication and claims workbenches are improving efficiency in underwriting and claims management. Specify the potential of agentic AI to transform insurance decision-making processes. Define the significance of secondary perils, such as severe convective storms, on insurance losses and reinsurance capacity. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 335 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.We're nearing the top of our countdown! As we celebrate the Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024, this week we're revisiting the conversation that landed at No. 2.In this episode, host Juan de Castro is joined by James Platt, Co-Founder and Operating Partner at Trimstone Partners. James brings a wealth of experience in operational transformation and technology innovation, with a career that spans senior roles at Boston Consulting Group and Aon, where he served as CEO of Digital Solutions.This episode struck a chord with listeners for its bold perspectives and actionable insights. James shares why he believes the combined ratio is a flawed metric holding the insurance industry back, and how leveraging data, digitisation, and smarter decision-making can propel the sector forward.Topics Discussed:Why the combined ratio might be the insurance industry's biggest obstacle.Lessons from other industries like mortgage and asset management on evolving successfully.How data and digital tools can unlock new growth and efficiency opportunities.Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we edge closer to revealing the No. 1 most popular episode of 2024!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
How can technology and culture drive successful insurance transformation? Aventum is blending innovation and ambition to transform its insurance operations into a tech-enabled powerhouse. Robin Merttens speaks with Hasani Jess, CTO at Aventum Group, about the company's growth, their approach to technology, and the cultural foundation enabling change. With over 650 employees and a tech team of more than 100, Aventum is building solutions to empower brokers, underwriters, and operational teams alike. Key Talking Points: Scaling from 450 to 650 employees while evolving technology and processes. Building an integrated platform to unify data and streamline business functions. Developing bespoke engineering solutions for competitive advantage. Adopting best-of-breed tools to complement in-house technology development. Leveraging AI to triage submissions and extract insights from unstructured data. Operating a dedicated Innovation Lab to explore future-focused technologies. Connecting brokers and underwriters with tailored workbenches and tools. Addressing challenges of legacy systems to enable consistent progress. Embedding a culture of change and innovation across the business. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Hasani Jess on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Define the importance of a culture of change in driving successful insurance transformation. Identify key strategies Aventum employs to address the challenges of legacy systems and enable progress. List the challenges associated with scaling technology teams to support rapid business growth. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 334 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.The countdown continues! As we approach the end of 2024, we're revisiting the Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of the Year on Making Risk Flow.This week, we're diving into No. 3, a thought-provoking conversation with Jacob Palmer, Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). With over 13 years of experience in consulting, risk management, and insurance, Jacob works with global insurers to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.Whether you're revisiting this conversation or hearing it for the first time, it's an episode packed with expert perspectives on leveraging GenAI to transform insurance.Topics Discussed:Why GenAI is becoming a high priority for insurers.The essential components of a successful GenAI strategy.Buy versus build: considerations for adopting new technologies.How London market insurers are approaching growth opportunities in the US market.Join us as we celebrate the standout moments from 2024 and continue our countdown to the No. 1 episode of the year!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
You may have heard that Floodbase and Amwins partnered earlier this year, and are combining satellite data and parametric insurance to tackle flood risk, a peril often underinsured or uninsured altogether. Matthew Grant speaks with Emmalina, who leads Public Sector Partnerships at Floodbase, and Alex, Executive Vice President for Alternative Risk at Amwins, about their work insuring golf courses, municipalities and more. The discussion highlights how advancements in satellite technology and data-driven insights are bridging gaps in traditional flood insurance, providing faster, more flexible coverage for both private and public sectors. Key Talking Points: Learn how Floodbase uses satellite data to track and monitor flood risks. Understand the limitations of traditional flood insurance coverage. Explore how parametric insurance provides flexibility and fast payouts. See how municipalities can use parametric payouts to cover tax revenue losses and community recovery. Examine how historical flood data shapes payout triggers and pricing. Discover the unique challenges of insuring golf courses against floods. Gain insight into the increasing severity of atmospheric rivers and their impacts. Understand how parametric insurance addresses gaps in public and private sector coverage. Hear how municipalities reallocate budgets to afford parametric solutions. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Emmalina or Alex on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain the benefits of parametric insurance, including faster payouts and flexible use of funds. Specify the process Floodbase uses to monitor and quantify flood water in insured boundaries. Define the term "atmospheric river" and its relevance to flood risk in California. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 333 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.The countdown continues! As we approach the end of 2024, we're revisiting the Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of the Year on Making Risk Flow. This week, we're diving into No. 4, a fascinating conversation with Clive Buesnel, former CEO of Tysers and current Managing Partner, International at Insurance Advisory Partners.Whether you're revisiting this conversation or hearing it for the first time, it's an episode packed with forward-thinking insights that remain as relevant today as when it was first released.Topics Discussed:How carriers can harness data and technology to achieve greater efficiency.The emergence of a secondary insurance market for specialty risks—and why it's a game-changer.Key trends shaping the future of the insurance industry and what they mean for stakeholders.Join us as we celebrate the standout moments from 2024 and continue our countdown to the No. 1 episode of the year!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
How can insurers, brokers, and risk managers better understand and adapt to the growing impacts of climate change on catastrophe risks? Reask is tackling this challenge by leveraging climate science and technology to enhance traditional catastrophe modeling and provide actionable insights for the insurance industry. Matthew Grant speaks with Jamie, Reask's CEO, and Ian, Principle Quantitative Engineer, to discuss how their innovative models integrate global climate signals and provide more accurate assessments of hurricane risks, enabling the industry to manage dynamic and long-term challenges. Key Talking Points: Discover how Reask enhances traditional catastrophe models with physics-based climate insights. The distinction between natural climate variability and human-caused change Why globally connected models help insurers see correlations across regions and diversify portfolios. How Reask validates data through transparency and peer-review methodologies. Understand how flexible tools provide actionable insights for immediate and long-term risk assessments. Why precise data enables parametric insurance policies that are more accurate and efficient. Insight into how Reask is expanding beyond insurance, using data to predict outcomes like emergency response needs. You can access the Reask science team's research and papers here. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Measure the impact of accurate wind speed data on the effectiveness of parametric insurance policies. Specify the distinctions between natural climate variability and anthropogenic climate change in influencing hurricane risks. Explain the role of transparency and validation in building trust and credibility for catastrophe models. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 332 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.Welcome to a special end-of-year series on Making Risk Flow! As we count down the final weeks of 2024, we're revisiting the Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of the Year. Each Tuesday, we'll re-release one standout episode, starting with the fifth most popular and building up to the fan favourite at No. 1.To kick things off, we're thrilled to revisit a milestone moment: our 50th episode featuring Bob James, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyd's. This conversation captured the attention of thousands of listeners for its insightful exploration of how one of the world's most iconic insurance markets is driving digital transformation.In this episode, host Juan de Castro and Bob discuss Lloyd's ambitious Blueprint Two initiative, which aims to revolutionize the London insurance market through cutting-edge digital strategies. They also explore the challenges and opportunities of industry-wide change, including the role of core data standards in driving efficiency and innovation.Whether you're revisiting this conversation or hearing it for the first time, it's an episode packed with forward-thinking insights that remain as relevant today as when it was first released.Topics Discussed:How Lloyd's is pioneering digital transformation through Blueprint Two.The role of core data standards in the future of insurance.Lessons from other industries, like mortgage markets, on accelerating innovation.Why insurers don't always evolve at the same pace—and how they can overcome this.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
This week on the InsTech Podcast, Robin Merttens speaks with Martin Olley, Head of North America and APAC for AdvantageGo, and Laurence Trigwell, Head of Strategy and Chief Revenue Officer at Insurants, about how technology is transforming the commercial insurance and reinsurance landscape. Martin and Laurence explore how their respective platforms are addressing key challenges in the industry, from intelligent document processing to streamlining underwriting and policy administration. They discuss the demand for innovation, the role of AI in improving efficiency and how their recent partnership is creating seamless solutions for insurers through an integrated ecosystem. Key talking points: The shift from exploration to execution: Insurers are moving beyond AI experimentation to apply practical, value-adding solutions. Intelligent document processing: Unlocking valuable data from submissions, loss runs and slips to streamline risk operations. Ecosystem partnerships: How collaborations like AdvantageGo and Insurants deliver end-to-end solutions for clients, enhancing operational efficiency. Quick wins in tech adoption: Agile approaches, like delivering results within nine weeks, build confidence and improve adoption. Orchestrating AI and machine learning: Combining multiple technologies to optimize accuracy and decision-making. Confidence in today's technology: Solutions are ready to deliver measurable ROI, enabling insurers to act now. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe the role of AI and intelligent document processing in streamlining underwriting and risk operations. Define the concept of ecosystem partnerships and their impact on delivering integrated insurance solutions. List the key technologies, including AI, OCR and machine learning, that are enabling smarter decision-making in insurance. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 331 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
From our highly successful webinar last month sponsored by Fathom, we bring to you everything you need to know about models in a bitesize podcast. Flood models play a critical role in helping insurers, brokers and risk managers assess flood risk, but their inherent uncertainties make effective use challenging. Matthew Grant leads a discussion with Dr. Oliver Wing, Chief Scientific Officer at Fathom, along with Caroline Fox from Guy Carpenter, Stefan Wunderlich from Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Tom Philp, a flood risk consultant from Maximum Information. Together, they explore how flood models can be tailored to support underwriting decisions, portfolio management and risk selection. Oliver highlights the importance of understanding model uncertainty, while Caroline and Stefan share practical insights on using flood maps effectively, validating outputs and collaborating with model vendors to create actionable insights. Tom provides guidance on defining use cases to evaluate and implement models more effectively. Key talking points include: Flood models are inherently uncertain, requiring underwriters to consider the spread of possible outcomes. Tailoring model use to specific needs, like underwriting or aggregation, is essential for actionable insights. Low-hazard zones still carry risk, and misinterpretations can lead to costly surprises. Multi-model approaches can help, but deeply understanding one model's assumptions can sometimes be more effective. Collaborating with model vendors enables better customization and decision-making. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Define the concept of model uncertainty and its impact on decision-making. Identify the limitations of flood models when interpreting low-hazard zones and evaluating risk. Measure the importance of tailoring flood models to specific use cases, such as aggregation versus underwriting. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 330 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with Johan Slabbert, an Independent Senior Advisor for Insurance Advisory Partners, to delve into the transformative impact of AI and data analytics on the insurance industry. With over 30 years of international experience, Johan has held key executive roles, including CFO for Latin America and the Caribbean at AIG and CEO positions at Augustus Specialty, Chaucer Group, MS Amlin, and MSIG Holdings. Johan's global journey has undoubtedly enriched his expertise across diverse insurance markets.Together, Juan and Johan explore the transformative role of AI in underwriting, particularly in managing the increasingly complex landscape of data integration. They discuss the balance between traditional data sources and new digital data streams and how AI-driven automation is unlocking more dynamic approaches to risk assessment. Johan also sheds light on the shift from simple system upgrades to broader, strategic transformations within insurance, emphasising how AI can support portfolio-level decision-making while reshaping the role of the underwriter.If you'd prefer to watch the episode instead, simply click here!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Jonathan Gonzalez, CEO & Co-founder of Raincoat, takes the reins as guest host to explore one of the most pressing challenges in insurance: the disaster insurance gap. Jonathan speaks with Carolyn Kousky from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), about the rising economic losses from climate disasters and the need for more inclusive and innovative insurance solutions. Carolyn discusses her extensive research on climate risk management and disaster recovery, while also introducing her nonprofit initiative, ‘Insurance for Good', which aims to bring together policymakers, insurers and community leaders to create practical solutions. Jonathan and Carolyn dive deep into how parametric insurance, policy innovation and collaboration can redefine resilience in a world of escalating climate risk. Key talking points: The scale of the disaster insurance gap: two-thirds of global disaster losses remain uninsured How parametric insurance tailors solutions to underserved communities and specific disaster needs Affordability challenges and public-private partnerships as key levers for change Using insurance innovation to cover non-property losses, such as lost income or higher living costs after disasters The role of ‘Insurance for Good' in building a hub for education, innovation, and implementation Why regulatory frameworks need to adapt to new insurance models like parametric solutions Inspiring collaboration across sectors, from housing to climate adaptation, to enable sustainable resilience Carolyn's optimism about how partnerships and innovation can address systemic climate challenges If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain the role of public-private partnerships in fostering innovative insurance solutions. Specify the advantages and limitations of parametric insurance in addressing non-property losses. List the key factors contributing to underinsurance in high-risk areas. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 329 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
How can parametric insurance transform risk management in an unpredictable world? Munich Re, a leader in reinsurance, is paving the way for innovative parametric solutions addressing weather-related and natural catastrophe risks. Robin Merttens is joined by René Mück, Global Head of Parametric NatCat, and Marcel-Steffen Reif, Global Head of Weather Agricultural Risks, to explore how Munich Re's data-driven insurance products help corporates, public sector entities and industries navigate complex and evolving risks. A key focus of the conversation is understanding the growing demand for parametric insurance, its role in bridging protection gaps and how Munich Re is developing solutions for emerging risks like green energy and agriculture. Key talking points: What does the Capital Partners unit at Munich Re do? How parametric insurance addresses gaps in traditional coverage. Revenue smoothing for industries like renewable energy and agriculture. Client use cases – from supply chain disruptions to hurricane protection. Addressing basis risk in parametric insurance and how to manage it. Expanding applications for parametric solutions, including public sector resilience. Sensor technology and its potential to enhance parametric insurance accuracy. The importance of client education and engagement in driving adoption. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Define the concept of basis risk in parametric insurance and its implications for claims. Summarise the role of client education in fostering adoption of parametric insurance. List the key industries benefiting from parametric solutions, including energy, agriculture and construction. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 328 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Send us a textIn this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with Jillian Slyfield, the Chief Innovation Officer at Aon, a global leader in risk management and insurance solutions, helping organisations tackle complex risks with innovative, data-driven approaches. With years of experience at the forefront of technological change, Jillian has a unique perspective on how data is reshaping the insurance landscape and driving new opportunities for clients and insurers alike.Together, Juan and Jillian discuss Aon's three main strategic innovation focusses: enhancing data and analytics capabilities, advancing future mobility solutions, and driving digital transformation. Plus, the duo also cover Aon's billion-dollar investment in data architecture modernisation, the growing complexities of managing risk as vehicle technology evolves, the development of a digital marketplace aimed at streamlining interactions between brokers, carriers, and clients, and the enticing potential of AI and telematics. If you'd prefer to watch the episode instead, simply click here!To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
How can impartial valuations drive transparency and trust in insurance? Kroll's platform provides property valuations through data-driven insights that benefit insurers, brokers and property owners alike. Matthew Grant sits down with Kiran Aulakh, Kroll's VP of Fixed Asset Advisory, to explore how Kroll's platform combines technology and real-time data to assess underinsurance and overinsurance risks across vast property portfolios. Kiran shares her insights on the value of green valuations, and the importance of impartial assessments, which Kroll provides through both an API and a standalone platform for seamless integration into clients' ecosystems. Key talking points: The role of impartial valuations in improving insurer-client trust How Kroll's platform combines technology with in-person expertise Reducing claims friction by accurately assessing property insurance needs Using valuation data to better negotiate policy terms for clients Kroll's partnership with WTW and global insurers to streamline valuation assessments Real-time data updates and third-party integration for accurate market responses Green valuations and the impact of ESG on future property valuation trends Aulakh's thoughts on data scalability and how it supports insurer-broker collaboration If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Kiran Aulakh or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe the role of impartial valuations in managing underinsurance and overinsurance risks. Define the impact of valuation accuracy on insurance policy terms and claims outcomes. Measure the importance of transparent valuations in fostering stronger insurer-client relationships. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 327 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
How do you shed light on ‘dark shipping activity'? S&P Global Market Intelligence aims to support insurers throughout the entire insurance value chain by providing critical data and insights. Matthew Grant is joined by George Devereese, who monitors and tracks shipping around the world to screen them against various forms of liabilities. This data is passed onto markets such as the insurance world, to build a better and fuller picture for the insurance contract. A key aspect of this process involves identifying and understanding the risks associated with illicit or ‘dark' shipping activities. Key talking points include: How are the analytics provided helping insurers? Why all navigation is a timestamp. What is AIS and how can it help an insurer understand a ship's history? Understanding a ship's risk - from tracking to insurance contracts Driving frigates and hunting pirates - George's time in the Navy On becoming ‘dark' - are there exemptions to turning off AIS? Collaborating with Concirrus Cross pollination of data - understanding a bigger and better picture for underwriting risk New launches in S&P's Global Market Intelligence portal and looking ahead to the future If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how data on a ship's movement can better inform an underwriter's decision Explain what an AIS is, why this can be manipulated by some vessels, and how this affects the underwriter Define dark shipping activity and why it is important to understand its implications in insurance If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 326 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Send us a textIn this special episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro engages an esteemed panel of insurance industry experts during InsTech's recent Beyond Theory event in London. The panel features James Wright, Head of Technology at Beazley; Henrik Bjørnstad, Managing Director of National Markets at Markel International; and Jason Howes, Chief Transformation Officer at Allianz Insurance. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of commercial insurance, with a particular focus on digital transformation and its implications for underwriting processes.Juan prompts the panel to candidly discuss their transformation journeys, uncovering the distinct challenges each company encounters as they modernise operations and enhance customer experiences. James details Beazley's efforts to centralise operations for better SME client service, emphasising the importance of tailored underwriting for diverse risks. Jason outlines Allianz's ambitious strategy to digitise and simplify its services, underlining the need to meet rising customer expectations. Meanwhile, Henrik illustrates how prioritising workflow improvements has significantly boosted productivity and customer satisfaction in underwriting, especially in speciality lines. The discussion also delves into strategies for fostering a cultural shift among underwriters to embrace innovative digital tools.If you'd prefer to watch the episode instead, simply click here!To discover out more about digital risk processing, click here.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Richard Coleman of Ecclesiastical, Steven Wilkins of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Philippe Lutgen of Howden, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Ben Turner joked that he'd “be a rich man for every pound [he] had somebody asking” what Salesforce has to offer the insurance world. Robin Merttens is joined this week by Ben Turner and Tom Swire at Salesforce, who touch on their journey to joining the company, the trouble with legacy systems and the exciting prospects for the future including an agency management system to be launched in 2025. If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to hear more, our October evening event hosted in collaboration with Salesforce and Azur Technology was recorded. The videos will be available on our website soon. Key talking points include: On working as an underwriter or in insurance market standards to joining Salesforce - the journey Salesforce's place in insurance The importance of the workbench Case studies from the front line - N2G and Crux Underwriting The Salesforce approach to AI - creating your own bot Looking ahead to the future - all the exciting launches A match made in heaven - working with ecosystems and partners Transformation - making the unknown and scary just that tiny bit more familiar If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how Salesforce operates in the insurance sector and the benefit of pre-built templates Specify how a CRM system can be a strong foundation for building an underwriting workbench Explain how ecosystems work and how do you pick a successful partner If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 325 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Determined to write delegated business better, Ben Laidlaw joined Nick Tye and Jacqui Ferrier to found Carbon Underwriting. Carbon Underwriting is a Lloyd's Syndicate MGU that provides shareable underwriting conclusions on its Graphene administration system. The company has matured since its conception in 2018, and Ben discusses navigating ‘Decline 10' to gaining approval for Carbon's second syndicate earlier this year, which will exclusively underwrite US business. Key talking points: The story behind the creation of Carbon Underwriting and growth in the Lloyd's market The thinking behind the second syndicate US business - why enter a competitive market? Smart syndication Graphene - who built it and what's so good about it? Plans for the rest of this year and 2025 On being Private Equity owned and waxing lyrical If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Specify what issues were in the delegated business market and what changes did Carbon Underwriting seek to solve Define what ‘Decile 10' is and how it changed the Lloyd's Market Summarise why smart syndication is and why it is a growing and exciting aspect in the Lloyd's Market If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 324 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
Making Risk Flow is back for it's sixth season! In the first episode of the new series, host Juan de Castro speaks with Bettina Dietsche, Chief People and Culture Officer at Allianz Group, one of the world's largest and most diversified insurance and asset management companies. Bettina is a global executive with over 25 years of international experience in leading and managing business, sales, and operational divisions in the financial services, insurance, and IT industries.Together, Juan and Bettina discuss the intersection of technology, people, and culture in the ever-evolving landscape of commercial insurance. The pair also talk through how to foster a culture that embraces both digital transformation and personal development, the need for upskilling for the future via lifelong learning, and the importance of valuing and leveraging the experience of older employees while also embracing the innovation and dynamism of younger generations.If you'd prefer to watch the episode instead, simply click here!To discover out more about digital risk processing, click here.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Richard Coleman of Ecclesiastical, Steven Wilkins of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Philippe Lutgen of Howden, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Fadata's CEO, Liselotte Munk, returns to the InsTech podcast with Robin Merttens to discuss the company's recent developments, including its expansion to APAC and South America. Discover in this episode the intricacies of running a policy admin system provider, where Liselotte thinks the market is heading to next and the challenges with entering new regions. Key talking points include: The market's maturity and the problems this may pose. Running a business when policy admin system changes are rare Working around compliance Working with a new generation of tech-savy insurers Culture shocks upon entering new markets Navigating a highly competitive marketing with key players Using AI in Fadata Ecosystems versus agnostic systems provider - which is best? If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe why implementing a new policy admin system may pose issues for an insurer. Specify what markets across the globe are expanding and are interesting for new entrants in insurtech. Explain why you need to change your business model and approach when entering new global markets. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 323 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
According to Mike Hobday, CEO of Insurants, the company is “a bit like being the Google Translator of the commercial insurance market”. Insurants is developed by Antworks in collaboration with Marsh McLennan to help commercial insurance companies manage and process their documents. This week, Matthew caught up with Mike, who previously having spent 12 years at IBM, witnessed early AI automation with the likes of Watson, through which he fell in love with document processing. At Insurants, Mike is bridging the language barrier (so to speak) between data that flows between brokers and carriers. Key talking points include: The importance of summarisation - courtesy of the InsTech AI bot intern Falling in love with document processing - Mike's career journey What is the current problem with document processing in insurance The Periodic Table Insurants accuracy - working with Marsh Commonality between insurance and the left side of the brain Moving business back to the UK Vital advice for small carriers and brokers If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Mike Hodbay or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain the issues with document processing in the insurance industry and why automation is the solution. Identify different types of documents used in insurance and their purpose. Summarise ways in which a carrier can integrate a document processing AI system into their workflow. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 322 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
While we take a seasonal break over the summer, we're excited to bring you a special series of Greatest Hits episodes! These episodes highlight the most impactful discussions from past seasons of Making Risk Flow; offering both new listeners a chance to catch up on the essential conversations that have shaped our industry, and long-time followers an opportunity to revisit the insights that continue to resonate today. We hope you enjoy revisiting these highlights, and we look forward to bringing you new content soon.In this Greatest Hits episode, Juan is joined by Simon Cooper-Williams (Director of Portfolio Development Solutions at Markel International) and Jamie Wilson (Head of Pricing and Innovation at Hyperexponential). Together they discuss how the role of actuaries has evolved over the years, and how they work together with underwriters to achieve more dynamic and informed pricing decisions.To discover out more about digital risk processing, click here.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Richard Coleman of Ecclesiastical, Steven Wilkins of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Philippe Lutgen of Howden, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
This week we are combining youthful enthusiasm with sage wisdom on the podcast, as Robin Merttens speaks to InsurX's CEO, Gilbert Harrap and Chairman, Michael Watson. InsurX is a platform that enables insurers and brokers to undertake portfolio underwriting, automated contract binding, algorithmic underwriting and instant risk matching. Touching on the importance of driving digitisation in the London Market, Michael also shares highlights from his distinguished career, with a focus on his success at Canopius and his reasons for joining InsurX. An important episode for all those interested in digital trading, algorithmic underwriting and the future of the London Market. Key talking points include: The Hot Topic - digital trading solutions and an introduction to Never close to being at the “end” of a career - looking back at career achievements Wise owls and youthful enthusiasm - the perfect pairing? Plans for fundraising Development in the London Market - where are we at? The tension between centralised infrastructure and entrepreneurs What is next for InsurX and the potential to bring digital trading beyond portfolio underwriting If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe what is a digital trading platform in insurance and why is it important in the context of the London Market Explain why bringing new tools is difficult in a centralised infrastructure like insurance, and how companies can work around this issue Identify reasons why it is valuable to mix young entrepreneurs with industry veterans when building out a new tool If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 321 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
According to Yann Barbarroux, Co-founder and CEO of Otonomi, “every year is like starting a new company”. It has been a year since we last caught up with Otonomi, and Matthew reconnects with Yann to discuss how parametric insurance helps mitigate supply chain risks, particularly in situations where traditional insurance falls short. Key topics include: Addressing pain points in maritime freight and global trade Developing and refining parametric insurance products Real-world case studies demonstrating Otonomi's solutions Strategies for managing accumulation risk Yann's expertise in risk management and its influence on Otonomi's approach Expansion of the air cargo market and new maritime product offerings Growing awareness and adoption of parametric insurance Leveraging AI to scale and enhance business operations Otonomi's global expansion plans and future funding strategies If you are interested to learn more about parametric insurance and non-damage business interruption, read our report here. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain how AI and developing new tools can help automate tasks within a business. Define parametric insurance and its impact in the perishable goods market. Identify the common issues in the cargo insurance space and how parametric insurance can solve them. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 320 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
While we take a seasonal break over the summer, we're excited to bring you a special series of Greatest Hits episodes! These episodes highlight the most impactful discussions from past seasons of Making Risk Flow; offering both new listeners a chance to catch up on the essential conversations that have shaped our industry, and long-time followers an opportunity to revisit the insights that continue to resonate today. We hope you enjoy revisiting these highlights, and we look forward to bringing you new content soon.In this Greatest Hits episode, Juan discusses implementing ESG with Simon Tighe, Group Head of Investments, Treasury and Credit Risk at Chaucer Group, and Paul McCarney, Senior Director of Insurance Product Strategy at Moody's. Together, the trio talk through the relevance of ESG data in insurance, the need for standardised data, and how the industry can unite to create a more sustainable future.To discover out more about digital risk processing, click here.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Richard Coleman of Ecclesiastical, Steven Wilkins of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Philippe Lutgen of Howden, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
While we take a seasonal break over the summer, we're excited to bring you a special series of Greatest Hits episodes! These episodes highlight the most impactful discussions from past seasons of Making Risk Flow; offering both new listeners a chance to catch up on the essential conversations that have shaped our industry, and long-time followers an opportunity to revisit the insights that continue to resonate today. We hope you enjoy revisiting these highlights, and we look forward to bringing you new content soon.In this Greatest Hits episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro is joined by his good friend and Deputy CUO and Head of Third Party at Inigo Insurance, Craig Knightley. During their conversation, the pair discuss just how data analytics and insights can play a pivotal role in gaining a competitive advantage in insurance and ensure underwriters are more accurate in risk selection. Plus, Craig outlines the five pillars of Indigo's strategy: great data, great analysis, a great underwriting workbench, portfolio underwriting, and partnering with clients.To discover out more about digital risk processing, click here.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Richard Coleman of Ecclesiastical, Steven Wilkins of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Philippe Lutgen of Howden, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's
Can you imagine navigating a grueling 555-mile off-road race, battling thick dust and treacherous terrains, all while maintaining an unwavering focus and strategic mindset? This episode celebrates the thrilling Vegas Torino race, where we delve into the intricacies of off-road endurance racing with firsthand insights from competitors like Bella Bouchard, Ryan Arciero, and Travis Moores. We highlight the triumphs of class winners such as Ryan Arciero and Jason Coleman, and hear from other notable racers like Raul Gomez, William Fry, and Matthew Grant about their exhilarating victories in the Maxxis Final 48.Ever wondered how live streaming and Elon Musk's Starlink are reshaping the future of off-road racing? Discover how these technological advancements bring the sport to a broader audience, making every race more accessible and engaging. Nick Whetstone shares his recent second-place finish at Vegas Arena and emphasizes the importance of growing the sport. Join us as we explore the camaraderie that defines this racing community, and learn about the crucial role of the Geyser Brothers' expertise in achieving racing success. We'll also touch on creative strategies for securing sponsorships, with insights from industry experts and the upcoming sponsorship summit with Alex Stryler.What goes through the minds of racers as they navigate nighttime challenges and unpredictable track conditions? From the high-speed dynamics of Polaris Pro-R vehicles to mastering off-road racing strategies, this episode offers a treasure trove of experiences and lessons. Hear from Josh Roe, Max Eddy, and Austin Eddy about their intense racing battles and the strategic decisions that led to their victories. We end with a heartfelt note on the family atmosphere within the off-road racing community, showcasing the emotional connections and mutual support that make this sport truly special. Join us for an inspiring and adrenaline-pumping ride through the world of off-road racing.Support the Show.DM us anytime. Let us know what you want to hear. Join in the convo!Hang with us on SocialInstagram - @thedirtlifeshowFacebook - The Dirt Life ShowYouTube - The Dirt Life Show