Podcasts about risk podcast

Insurers use risk engineers to help customers identify and mitigate risks by assessing their operations and making recommendations for improvements. The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Peter Ukstins, head of construction risk engineering at AXA XL, in a talk that was originally presented as a snap talk at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference. Listen in to Peter's insight on how face-to-face interactions with customers throughout the lifecycle of a project allow risk engineers to gain a deeper understanding of their operations and provide more customized solutions.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum speaks with Cherie Baker, vice president of enterprise risk management at Ilitch Companies, about how captive insurance can serve as a strategic tool for managing risk, deploying capital, and supporting business growth. Ms. Baker shares her career journey through brokerage, healthcare, automotive, and enterprise risk management, and explains how Tenda, the organization's captive insurer, has evolved from its original employee benefits focus into a broader risk financing vehicle supporting multiple lines of coverage. The conversation explores how Tenda utilizes both the Michigan and Cayman domiciles, works alongside commercial insurers and reinsurers, and evaluates opportunities across health, property, casualty, management liability, executive life, and other emerging risks. Ms. Baker discusses the importance of aligning captive strategy with organizational objectives, building relationships across diverse business units, and continuously reassessing captive utilization as market conditions change. She also shares insights into the role of entrepreneurship in captive innovation, the value of industry involvement through Captive Insurance Companies Association and Amplify Women, and why organizations should regularly revisit how their captives can support evolving and interconnected risks.

Farmers and ranchers are challenged by complex forms needed to apply for critical federal programs, among other things. In this 20-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, ZForm's Lara Goldmark, founder and CEO, and Laura Napoli, cofounder and head of marketing and partnerships, discuss US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and government-required farm program forms, especially those that determine program eligibility and enrollment and in which a small error can delay or restart the entire process. Many federally reinsured crop insurance policies require accurate and timely USDA filings to remain eligible—learn ways to minimize your risk.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Donny Tong, senior vice president at Truist Bank, about the role of reinsurance trusts—also referred to as "collateral" trusts—in captive insurance programs. The discussion explores how these trust structures function as collateral mechanisms between captives, fronting insurers, and reinsurers, including the operational mechanics behind trust agreements, eligible assets, withdrawal rights, and trustee responsibilities. Mr. Tong explains why many fronting insurers increasingly favor trust arrangements over letters of credit due to their operational simplicity, streamlined administration, and ability to provide ongoing visibility into collateral assets. The conversation also examines how reinsurance trusts compare with other collateral options such as letters of credit and funds withheld arrangements. Topics include investment flexibility within trust accounts, liquidity considerations, balance sheet treatment, multibeneficiary and multicell trust structures, and the growing demand for master trust frameworks. Mr. Tong also shares perspectives on how market conditions, liquidity pressures, and rising letter-of-credit costs may continue driving adoption of collateral trusts across the captive insurance industry in the years ahead.

Starting a real estate podcast? Jason sits down with Sean Mooney and Tim Garrity, hosts of the popular Bricks and Risk Podcast to break down everything you need in order to help your new podcast hit the ground running. From bookings, content strategies, branding, technical know-how, and more...Tim and Sean have got you covered. If you're a real estate agent trying to grow your business, build credibility, and create long-term attention online, this is the episode you need to hear!

As climate change drives more severe and unpredictable weather, construction projects face costly delays and other risks. This month, The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI is pleased to feature Rose Hall, founder and CEO at RH Business Ventures, LLC. Listen in as Ms. Hall discusses how the application of noncatastrophic parametric weather insurance can be utilized to help contractors and project owners manage climate-related risks that do not trigger other policies. This talk was originally presented as a snap talk at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference.

Recorded live at the Captive Insurance Companies Association 2026 International Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Kristen Lawler discussing one of the most closely watched captive insurance tax decisions in recent years: the 2025 CFM Insurance Tax Court memorandum opinion. Drawing from her recent article in IRMI's publication Captive Insurance Company Reports, Ms. Lawler explains how the case highlights the growing importance of operational discipline, governance, documentation, pricing support, and claims handling in determining whether a captive arrangement qualifies as insurance for federal tax purposes. The discussion explores the "commonly accepted notions" prong of the four-part insurance test and why it has become an increasingly significant focus of Internal Revenue Service scrutiny and Tax Court analysis. Ms. Lawler examines how the court evaluated risk distribution, premium practices, policy issuance, and state licensure issues under the McCarran-Ferguson framework, while also outlining practical questions captive owners should be asking their advisers today. The episode offers timely insight for captive owners, tax professionals, actuaries, and risk managers seeking to better understand how operational rigor and economic substance continue to shape the captive insurance landscape.

Recorded live at the Captive Insurance Companies Association 2026 International Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond industry hype and into practical application within captive insurance programs. Joel Appelbaum is joined by Steven Bauman of AXA XL to examine where AI is already delivering measurable value—from underwriting support and claims analytics to operational efficiency and reporting enhancements—while also addressing the critical importance of data readiness and governance. The discussion also expands into emerging risks, including the distinction between autonomous vehicles and broader autonomous mobility systems, and how these evolving exposures may reshape captive structures, capital strategies, and risk retention approaches. Mr. Bauman highlights the role of captives as incubators for emerging risks, particularly in environments where loss data is limited, and discusses how fronting insurers and regulatory considerations may evolve alongside these technologies.

This episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI explores the fast-moving world of maritime war risk insurance, from the Strait of Hormuz to market capacity, cancellation, and coverage gaps across hull, liability, and cargo. Featuring Steven Weiss, president and chief underwriting officer of Incarnation Specialty Underwriters, the conversation delivers critical insights for insurance professionals dealing with global transportation and geopolitical risk.

Recorded live at the Captive Insurance Companies Association Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Stephen Taylor, director of the Bureau of Captive and Financial Insurance Products at the Delaware Department of Insurance. Mr. Taylor discusses Delaware's regulatory philosophy, highlighting a balance of flexibility, efficiency, and innovation supported by a collaborative and responsive oversight framework designed to meet evolving business needs. The conversation explores how regulators distinguish between thoughtful and reactive captive evolution, with a focus on governance, capital adequacy, and alignment with enterprise risk strategy. Mr. Taylor outlines key regulatory priorities, including solvency oversight, compliance with approved plans of operation, and additional scrutiny for certain captive structures. He also provides practical guidance on effective communication with regulators and emphasizes the importance of deliberate planning, strong governance frameworks, and consistency between strategy and execution.

Recorded live at the Captive Insurance Companies Association Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Victoria Fimea, chief captive analyst with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Ms. Fimea discusses the continued growth of Arizona's captive insurance program, emphasizing the state's measured, quality-driven approach and its collaborative ecosystem of regulators and service providers. The conversation explores trends in captive formation, including the rise of first-time owners and evolving use cases as captives become more integrated into broader enterprise strategy. Ms. Fimea also outlines what regulators look for in strong business plans, common areas where applicants underestimate governance and operational requirements, and the importance of communication, compliance, and experienced advisers. She further shares how Arizona balances accessibility with analytical rigor and what the future may hold for the domicile's continued development.

When the pressure's on, will you make the right call? In this 16-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Elise Farnham previews her IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) ethics sessions and shares why moral courage isn't optional—it's essential. You'll want to hear what Ms. Farnham, president of Illumine Consulting, will present in her three-part "Ethical Decision-Making" series and make plans to attend this year's IRMI AgriCon, scheduled for August 31–September 2, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Recorded live at the Captive Insurance Companies Association Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Christine Brown, deputy commissioner of the Captive Insurance Division at the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation. Ms. Brown shares her perspective on regulating within one of the most established captive domiciles globally, emphasizing Vermont's long-standing focus on solvency, transparency, and maintaining the integrity of the captive insurance industry. The discussion explores how regulators evaluate expansion into new lines of coverage, the importance of early communication with regulators, and the critical role of governance in captive success Ms. Brown also outlines key areas of focus for captive owners in today's environment, including evolving risk exposures, policy exclusions, and claims handling practices, while offering insight into Vermont's continued leadership and collaborative role as the captive landscape grows more competitive.

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference (CRC) in Indianapolis, this 17-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with David Tibbetts, chief safety officer at Highwire. Mr. Tibbetts discusses why tracking events with the potential to result in a serious injury or fatality (SIF) provides better insight into safety performance than traditional metrics, such as total recordable incident rate (TRIR). Listen in to learn more about the importance of safety culture and identifying the highest-risk work on construction sites.

In this 11‑minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, American Farm Bureau Federation economist Faith Parum breaks down the pressures shaping the 2026 farm economy—from soaring input costs to shifting global trade policies. Listen as Dr. Parum explores how tariff and nontariff barriers are reshaping market access, what declining US soybean demand from China means for row‑crop profitability, and where producers face the greatest financial exposure.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum speaks with Dustin Carlson, president of the 831(b) Institute, about maintaining the credibility and long-term viability of Section 831(b) micro-captives. The discussion centers on Mr. Carlson's three-part series in Captive Insurance Company Reports outlining proposed reforms aimed at addressing practices that have drawn regulatory scrutiny while preserving legitimate captive insurance programs. Mr. Carlson explains how the Section 831(b) election allows small insurance companies to exclude underwriting income up to the statutory premium threshold while remaining taxable on investment gains. He outlines concerns around structures used for estate planning, investments such as life insurance or annuities inside captives, and related-party lending practices. The conversation explores practical policy proposals designed to curb abuses while reinforcing insurance fundamentals—such as proper underwriting, claims processes, and governance practices—to ensure micro-captives remain focused on risk management rather than investment or wealth transfer strategies.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum welcomes Ian Davis, president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), for a detailed discussion on how captive insurance advocacy works in practice. Building on a prior conversation about Vermont's legislative framework, this episode focuses on VCIA's state and federal engagement efforts—including Vermont Legislative Day and Hill Day in Washington, DC—and what captive owners, managers, and service providers should be tracking in today's regulatory environment. Mr. Davis explains how VCIA sets advocacy priorities, collaborates with regulators, and proactively engages policymakers on issues such as Terrorism Risk Insurance Act reauthorization, National Association of Insurance Commissioners model law discussions, federal tax developments, and emerging regulatory concerns. The conversation highlights how education, relationship-building, and real-world captive owner participation shape effective advocacy—and why staying informed early is critical for the broader captive community.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Michael Kolodner, Marsh's US energy and power leader, to unpack how geopolitical shifts, market volatility, and evolving incentives are reshaping energy investment priorities. Together, they explore why cross-industry collaboration is becoming essential for building operational resilience in a rapidly changing risk landscape. They also highlight the risks of hyperspecialization and share practical insights leaders need to navigate today's turbulent energy landscape, driven by generative artificial intelligence growth.

Are traditional insurance models keeping pace with innovation? In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Bill Kost, senior vice president, energy, power, and renewables risk consulting leader at Marsh, about how the insurance industry is adapting to rapid energy innovation. From emerging technologies like battery storage to the growing role of captives, they explore where traditional approaches fall short—and how risk strategies are evolving to meet a changing energy mix.

Host Joel Appelbaum and Scott Smidlein, managing director and senior client executive at Marsh, break down the 2026 energy insurance outlook in this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI recorded at the 2026 Marsh North American Energy Industry Conference. They examine artificial intelligence- and data center-driven power demand, policy signals from Washington, and the strain of aging assets running at full tilt. They also look ahead to windstorm season and ongoing hail risk for growing solar portfolios. The takeaway: Volatility is the norm, but staying agile—while actively engaging with peers—creates a real competitive advantage.

In this 30‑minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Scott Cornell, vice president of transportation risk and strategy and crime and theft specialist at LogistIQ Insurance Solutions, pulls back the curtain on the growing sophistication of agricultural cargo theft. Mr. Cornell explains how criminals are leveraging technology and organized networks and what these evolving tactics mean for risk managers, insurers, and the agricultural supply chain.

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference (CRC) in Indianapolis, this 7.5-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with Rachel Dobbs, client executive at Hylant. Ms. Dobbs describes how construction materials affect property insurance costs during and after construction and how they vary across different regions of the United States. Listen in for a technical breakdown utilizing data from a recent study comparing these costs.

Casualty claims are growing more complex—and risk professionals need practical strategies to stay ahead. In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast, we're joined by Rachael Chen, Senior Vice President in Marsh's U.S. Casualty Energy Practice, and Phil Educate, Senior Vice President in Marsh's Claims Practice. Together, they'll explore the factors that lead to complex claims, the shift in jury dynamics, and proactive tactics to manage troublesome claims and achieve better outcomes.

In this episode of The Politics & Risk Podcast, The Council's senior vice president of government affairs, Joel Kopperud, and Audra Jackson, director of government affairs, are joined by Matt Kirk, head of North American retail placement at Acrisure. Jackson and Kirk both served in White House Office of Legislative Affairs, respectively during the Biden and George W. Bush administrations. They share unique stories from the White House spanning from Sept. 11 to the passage of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act to Jan. 6.

In this episode of The Politics & Risk Podcast, Republican Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District shares how his background as a McDonald's franchisee owner influenced his outlook on employer-sponsored healthcare, expresses his support for individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements, and discuses changes he wants to see to third-party litigation funding. Council Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Joel Kopperud and Vice President of Government and Political Affairs Blaire Bartlett also discuss the issues they are focused on in the new year and if we are headed for another federal government shutdown at the end of January.

Steve McElhiney, partner at Captives and ART Solutions, divulges both the rising popularity, as well as some of the misconceptions, of the use of captive insurance in agriculture, in this 26-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI. Hear Mr. McElhiney's thoughts on how parametric insurance and captive insurance can go hand in hand.

Natural disasters and weather-related events continue to dominate headlines, with their frequency and severity increasing year over year. The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Angela Skow, vice president and head of Large and Complex Construction at CNA, to discuss how the construction industry strengthens communities after natural disasters. In this 16-and-a-half-minute episode, Ms. Skow identifies short- and long-term challenges the construction industry faces with weather-related events, such as labor and environmental considerations, and highlights the importance of integrating climate-adaptive materials with efficient designs to reduce future risk exposures. Listen in and learn more as she stresses the importance of utilizing the latest technology measures, including drones and climate-resilient building materials, to further maintain insurability for construction risks.

In this episode of The Politics & Risk Podcast, Democratic Rep. Linda Sánchez of California's 38th Congressional District discusses the impacts of the upcoming expiration of Affordable Care Act enhanced premium subsidies and issues of affordability in America, and offers her thoughts on President Donald Trump's leadership. Council Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Joel Kopperud and Vice President of Government and Political Affairs Blaire Bartlett also join for a conversation on what to expect from Washington in 2026.

Elise Farnham, president of Illumine Consulting, explains hedging in agriculture. In this 14-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, the daughter of a Kansas wheat farmer provides real-life examples of how farmers hedge commodities as part of their overall risk management strategy. Consider this a teaser for what will be an enormously insightful session at the 2026 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference. Click here to be notified when Conference registration opens and be eligible for the Early Bird discount.

Letters of credit remain the most widely used form of collateral in captive insurance programs, valued for their reliability, simplicity, and universal acceptance by fronting insurers and regulators. In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Marty Ellis of Comerica Bank about how letters of credit function behind the scenes, from application through draw procedures, and why features such as evergreen clauses and irrevocability are central to maintaining confidence on all sides of a captive program. The discussion also examines how letters of credit compare with trust accounts and cash collateral in terms of cost, liquidity, and investment flexibility. Special attention is given to how group captives use back-to-back letter of credit structures and how banking regulations may influence future pricing and collateral requirements. Together, these insights provide a practical look at why letters of credit continue to anchor collateral strategies in the captive insurance market.

The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Theresa Guertin, partner at Saxe Doernberger & Vita, who was a speaker at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference in Indianapolis. Listen in for an informative discussion on coverage claims, contracts, and litigation strategy. In this 17-minute podcast episode, Ms. Guertin highlights excellent examples of policy language trends, sleeper risks, and red flags in construction insurance. She also shares her expert opinion on case law that may have a ripple effect on coverage litigation and provides highly applicable examples of best practices for construction risk transfer processes.

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) Central in Des Moines, this 9-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with Casey Roberts of Laurus Insurance Consulting. In this episode, Mr. Roberts gives us a sneak preview of what's in store for you at the 2026 AgriCon, August 31–September 2, in Nashville, Tennessee. AAIS has changes coming our way, and Mr. Roberts will be joining forces with Casey Davis of AAIS to break it all down for us!

In this episode of The Politics & Risk Podcast, Democratic Representative Adam Gray of California's 13th Congressional District shares how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting his constituents—and what can be done to end it. The Council's senior vice president Joel Kopperud, vice president of government affairs Blaire Bartlett, and director of government affairs Audra Jackson also join the conversation to break down how we got here.

The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Terence Kadlec, senior vice president and technical services expert at MC Consultants, Inc. In this 19-minute podcast episode, Mr. Kadlec highlights the connection between front-end project failures and back-end claim investigations that can and have led to improved processes. Hear about his experience as he stresses the importance of communication to adapt to the evolving risk industry. Learn how construction risk and insurance professionals of all levels can utilize experiences and environments, such as the IRMI Construction Risk Conference, to collaborate more effectively to mitigate future risk.

In Part 3 of Episode 256 of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, Navy SEAL veteran Kevin Kent continues his unfiltered recounting of high-stakes operations and his unexpected transition into Hollywood. This segment dives into the gritty details of Iraq deployments, from textbook raids gone awry—like hitting the wrong house marked by a faulty blue chem light—to intense firefights in Abu Bali, where Kevin unloads 400 rounds from a 46 gun in a chaotic ambush. He shares vivid stories of hauling bodies wrapped in carpets, mistakenly crossing into Syria, and a surreal encounter with Iranian soldiers on a river op in Basra. The episode also explores Kevin's post-military career, sparked by his twins' acting gigs, leading to technical advising on major films like Transformers and The Last Ship under mentor Harry Humphries. From navigating Hollywood's feast-or-famine nature to launching the Liberty Risk podcast with fellow veterans, Kevin's journey highlights the camaraderie, chaos, and adaptability of a SEAL turned storyteller. Perfect for fans of raw military tales and behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reinsurance can be complex and confusing. However, in this 23-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Larry Schiffer, attorney at Schiffer Law & Consulting PLLC, helps you understand the basics. In plain talk, Mr. Schiffer breaks down important reinsurance concepts as they relate to agricultural risks. After this podcast, you'll understand the importance of Mr. Schiffer's philosophy of "say what you mean, and mean what you say."

A winning strategy for Liberty Mutual is to have professionals with farming backgrounds serve in its farm and ranch division. It helps to understand your client's needs when you understand your client's lifestyle and daily reality. This 16-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Jenn Powell, farm and ranch senior territory manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance. This episode unpacks the challenges farmers face and the important work Liberty Mutual is doing to help protect the farmers' families and livelihood.

In this episode, The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Anuja Patil, risk control consulting director at CNA, for an insightful discussion with practical strategies in creating supportive and future-proof work environments in construction. In this nearly 25-minute episode, Ms. Patil provides an examination of the multigenerational and multicultural workforce and explains how understanding the nuances of a workforce can help develop effective safety solutions on construction sites. Ms. Patil provides practical advice and action items to address the challenges in communication, work styles, and physical demands that may vary with diverse jobsites.

Get 40% off Ground News' unlimited access Vantage Plan at https://ground.news/airisk for only $5/month, explore how stories are framed worldwide and across the political spectrum.TAKE ACTION TO DEMAND AI SAFETY LAWS: https://safe.ai/actTyler Johnston, Executive Director of The Midas Project, joins John to break down the brand-new open letter demanding that OpenAI answer seven specific questions about its proposed corporate restructuring. The letter, published on 4 August 2025 and coordinated by the Midas Project, already carries the signatures of more than 100 Nobel laureates, technologists, legal scholars, and public figures. What we coverWhy transparency matters now: OpenAI is “making a deal on humanity's behalf without allowing us to see the contract.” themidasproject.comThe Seven Questions the letter poses—ranging from whether OpenAI will still prioritize its nonprofit mission over profit to whether it will reveal the new operating agreement that governs AGI deployment. openai-transparency.orgthemidasproject.comWho's on board: Signatories include Geoffrey Hinton, Vitalik Buterin, Lawrence Lessig, and Stephen Fry, underscoring broad concern across science, tech, and public life. themidasproject.comNext steps: How you can read the full letter, add your name, and help keep the pressure on for accountability.

This month's episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Ryan Powers, head of construction at QBE. Listen in as Mr. Powers discusses the top risks that construction insureds worry the most about but often feel the least prepared for. In this 13-minute episode, Mr. Powers provides manageable action items to address cyber risks, addresses the benefits and challenges insureds face with technology, and discusses how collaboration in risk mitigation has resulted in reduced frequency in losses in the construction industry.

We know the effects of the Baltimore Bridge collapse on transportation. But what was the agriculture effect? Explore how the Baltimore Bridge collapse disrupted global supply chains and agricultural shipping. This 19-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Chris Montez, underwriting director at US Marine Insurance Group.The episode unpacks the ripple effects of the disaster—including its complex implications for the insurance industry—and highlights just how interconnected risk really is.

Builders risk policy forms vary significantly, and one of the most misinterpreted elements of these forms is the "delay in opening" coverages. Join The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI with Jake Parsons, managing director of disputes, claims, and investigations at Stout, in an informative discussion on time element losses in builders risk policies. In this 24-minute episode, Mr. Parsons provides a high-level summary of the three main types of delay in opening coverages, highlights important coverage extensions, and gives examples of typical yet significant exclusions. He also offers helpful tips for insureds to navigate a delay claim.

Why is there such a rising phenomenon of nuclear verdicts? This 17-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Nick Lucas, executive director of research and data analytics at the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Legal Reform. Listen to this important discussion on how massive jury awards have surged in popularity, and learn the underlying factors driving this trend. After this podcast, you will also understand that almost no industry escapes the effects of nuclear verdicts—even agriculture.

By Adam Turteltaub Recently, Gartner released very intriguing research into third party risk. Chris Audet, Vice President and Chief of Research in the Gartner Assurance Practice tell us that they found business has it's spending all wrong. Too much is invested in due diligence, and not enough time and effort is spent on monitoring. There research found that the business unit knows the risks third parties pose and is seeing it firsthand. When relationship managers were surveyed, 84% had seen changes to the risk profile and 76% found a third party had provided materially inaccurate information.  In fact, 95% had seen something troubling in the past year. So why aren't they reporting this information to the compliance team and what would get them to share more? There were three main answers, Chris reports: Creating more relationship ownership objectivity. Too many feel too strong a tie to the third party. Confidence in identifying red flags. Encouraging objectivity and providing reassurance that compliance won't over-react. He also advises making it easy for third party relationship owners to contact compliance and to work compliance into the workflow. Listen in to learn more about the benefits of rebalancing the third party risk equation. Listen now Sponsored by Case IQ, a global provider of whistleblowing, case management, and compliance solutions.

Why are affordability and tech advances important to farmers? This 24-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Craig Smith, vice president of Agribusiness and Food Services for Alliant Insurance Services and a keynote panelist for the 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference. Listen to this impactful discussion of these challenges and what's happening on the family farm. After this podcast, you will have even more appreciation for the importance of strong advocates for farmers and ranchers.

Private equity is investing in the construction industry—but what does that mean? In The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, join Rob Langtry, global private equity director at Liberty Mutual, as he provides clarification as to why private equity is interested in the construction industry. In this 15-minute podcast, gain an understanding of the typical structure of a private equity program in construction and learn how insurance is generally addressed in such transactions.

Join Joel Appelbaum, chief content officer at IRMI, as he dives into the real economic impact of global trade and tariffs with special guest Bob Passmore, department vice president of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. In this short, 12-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, you'll explore how tariffs influence claims costs, repair cycles, and underwriting strategies.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Steven Bauman, head of global programs and captive practice for AXA XL in North America. With over 35 years in the insurance industry, Steven brings a depth of expertise on how multinational organizations can structure captives to navigate regulatory complexity, diversify risk, and support global growth strategies. The conversation covers best practices for aligning captive programs with parent company objectives, the importance of selecting the right partners, and how emerging risks—from cyber threats to climate exposures—are influencing the future of captive insurance. Steven also shares reflections on his long career and offers final advice for companies looking to launch or expand their global captive footprint.

Water damage is a perpetual risk for all insureds but significantly so for contractors. This month, The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Tony Grieser, technical director of construction loss control at Nationwide, for a thorough discussion of water damage mitigation programs. In this episode, learn about key tools a construction insured can utilize to reduce water damage losses and gain clear action items to establish and implement a water damage mitigation program for contractors of every size. 

What's the raison d'être of American Farm Bureau, and how does California Farm Bureau fit into that? This 24-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Dan Durheim, chief operating officer, California Farm Bureau, and 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) keynote panelist. Listen as Mr. Durheim explains the value proposition of Farm Bureau and why it continues to remain strong since its start in 1919. After this podcast, you will have even more appreciation of the organization that serves as the "voice of the farmer."