Instech London Podcast

What drives insurers to look into adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into their underwriting processes? Salman Siddiqui at Moody’s Analytics and Adiraj Maitra at Canopius join Matthew Grant in this podcast to discuss ESG and sustainability in the insurance industry, centring the conversation around the recent Moody's report on incorporating ESG into P&C underwriting.  Key talking points: ESG risks and opportunities in the insurance industry What does sustainability mean in the context of ESG The challenges of finding the right data  The future is with carbon credits Explore more insights from Moody’s Analytics and Moody’s RMS’ annual survey of major, global P&C insurers: State of the Market 2023: Incorporating ESG into P&C 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. To find out more about

Inversion specialises in bespoke software development services tailored for the insurance and reinsurance sector. This week Robin Merttens spoke with Inversion's founders, Jacques Bosch and Piro Vorster, and in their conversation they touched on the story behind the creation of the company, and the various secrets to success the founders have picked up by working together.  Key talking points include: Founding a company and overcoming unique challenges - both inside and outside the industry Why excellence and expertise are important to Inversion The benefits of having a global, connected workforce Blockchain and AI technology adoption: anything but a trend The value of hobbies: coding and Brazilian jujitsu 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. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact

Arbol, an MGA specializing in parametric insurance, has been rapidly growing and expanding since we last spoke a year ago. Arbol recently announced a partnership with reinsurer Beazley, enabling them to deploy capacity in the US for weather risks. Tune in to Henry Gale, Senior Research Analyst at InsTech as he speaks to Arbol’s CEO, Sid Jha, about Arbol’s plans to target unmet risks in the energy and agriculture sectors and its new products to help companies manage climate risks beyond insurance. Key talking points include: Insuring renewable energy and agribusinesses with parametric Helping companies understand their exposure to climate risks Measuring carbon offsets and the potential for carbon credit insurance Building an ecosystem for climate risk management Hybrid parametric insurance for difficult-to-insure risks "Climate risk time bombs" in our financial system 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 I

Addresscloud has grown from a team of three to a team of eleven since InsTech last spoke to Founder and CEO, Mark Varley.  In this episode, Matthew’s discussion with Mark covers Addresscloud’s core services such as geocoding and peril risk assessment, and its recent launch of a new management platform called Addresscloud Risk. Tune in to hear more about fire blocks and how Addresscloud utilises open-data sets to simulate fire spread for insurance purposes. Key talking points include: Utilizing open-data sources Working with serverless technology  Partnerships with Allied World Insurance and solving their pain points A look back to the InsTech and Addresscloud Breakfast Event In addition to hearing about Addresscloud’s work with Allied World, we talk about other partners including Cytora, Send, Flood Re and hyperexponential. For more information about Addresscloud and Risk, visit instech.addresscloud.com If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew

Capgemini is an information technology services and consulting company which partners with businesses to develop innovation solutions. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks to Kristofer le Sage de Fontenay, Insurance Leader at Capgemini, about the company's investment in generative AI. Capgemini is focusing on helping clients solve their pain points through digital solutions, investing $2 billion USD in generative AI over the next three years and recruiting 30,000 new people with expertise in data and artificial intelligence. Tune in to find out how Capgemini is trying to alleviate pain points including legacy systems, data access and control, and talent acquisition.  Talking points include: Developing and investing in generative AI Consumer trust in generative AI  The potential for advertising through AI If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Kristofer le Sage de Fontenay and Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh

Zywave provides a platform of modular solutions that enables digital distribution and revenue operation optimisation for insurers and brokers. Over the past five years, the company has made ten acquisitions, spending nearly $1 billion dollars to bring leading brands and innovative companies together under one unified organization. Join Matthew as he speaks to Zywave CEO, Jason Liu on how the company is a fast growing and ambitious player in the space, as well as how it focuses on the customer and external front-office operations.  Curious to find out more? Jason Liu co-authored with Don Bailey “The Sales Revolution” on demystifying digital distribution. Key talking points: Evolution versus revolution - when disruption is your friend Why focus on the customer front end trumps back end Merging data and software - acquisitions that allow software to be more intelligent and automated  Funding in 2023 - the Impact of private equity on insurance Top tips for a CEO - Running, mental health and company culture If yo

Robin speaks to Liselotte Munk, CEO of core administration system provider Fadata, available across all major lines of business to help insurers contribute successfully to the security and well-being of customers. Join Robin and Liselotte as they discuss meeting customer demands in an increasingly digital world, the benefits of a diverse and global workforce, the power of networking and the experience of running the insurance technology company as a woman CEO.  Topics covered include: The importance of trusting yourself  The shift towards cloud-based solutions Experience of being a women in technology and insurance 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. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Professional Development - Learning Objectives InsTech is acc

Tensorflight uses AI, aerial and street view imagery to provide property data for risk analytics on commercial, personal and industrial properties globally. Matthew Grant was joined by Jakub Dryjas, CEO of Tensorflight. They discuss various topics including the importance of partnering, advances in commercial property information by using AI, and tips for aspiring CEOs. Talking points include: What makes Tensorflight different in the aerial imagery space Lessons from a tech start-up CEO Why collaboration is necessary Developing commercial property characteristics 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. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Professional Development - Learning Objectives InsTech is accredited by The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). B

What does parametric insurance mean to Jonathan Gonzalez, Co-founder and CEO of Raincoat?  Raincoat is a technology company that works with brokers and insurers to develop and distribute parametric climate insurance for consumers in at-risk regions. The company is involved in parametric schemes around the world and aims to extend parametric protection to those exposed to disasters globally.  In this week’s podcast Jonathan speaks to InsTech’s Henry Gale, to discuss how Raincoat has expanded since the last podcast, and asks us to consider whether parametric insurance will ever simply be known as “insurance”? Talking points include: Lessons from operating parametric programmes where pay-outs were triggered Why parametric insurance is relevant across the world Raincoat’s approach to collaboration with brokers, insurers and distribution partners How parametric insurance is a “tool” Consumer attitudes to parametric How will the category of “parametrics” evolve in the future? To continue learning about the paramet

Chat GPT was launched a year ago in November 2022, and its existence has consistently brought to the forefront questions surrounding adoption and implementation of AI and technology. It comes as no surprise that insurers are increasingly exploring new opportunities made possible by generative AI.  In this podcast, Matthew Grant speaks to Sam Taylor and Paul Merrey from KPMG to discuss how generative AI tools can be integrated into the insurance industry. The conversation covers the importance of education and experimentation with regards to the implementation of AI, as well as the exciting developments occurring as a result of KPMG Ignition as well as Microsoft Copilot. Key talking points: How the insurance industry is embracing generative AI Why technology moves quickly and then slowly How generative AI can help people do their roles better Chat GPT the librarian KPMG’s Summer of AI: educate, adopt, and infuse artificial intelligence Why experimentation is key to understanding the power of generative AI Wan

The first podcast in our series with PwC touches on the Scale-up programme for insurtechs and the key to transformation in speciality insurance. Matthew Grant speaks to Anthony Joseph, Partner and Andrew Caswell, Director of Insurance Consulting at PwC UK, on why insurers are now progressing with the move to digitization, what transformation really means and how - and which -  insurtechs are the key to change. Talking points include: The PwC insurtech Scale-up programme  Digital adoption in the industry  Specialty insurance and transform New generations of underwriters and new tools You can find out more about PwC, their Scale-up programme and the successful candidates of Scale-up 2023 here. In addition to hearing about PwC, we talk about transformation in the insurance industry touching on various InsTech members including Allphins, Cytora, hyperexponential, Send, Apollo Underwriting, Artificial, Convex, Rethink (Howden) and Vave. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platfo

Parsyl is an integrated risk management and insurance solution for supply chains in food and health, which underwrites policies globally via its managing general underwriter in the US, its Lloyd’s cover holder and its Lloyd’s syndicate (Syndicate 1796).  Robin Merttens is joined by Gavin Spencer, Chief Insurance Officer at Parsyl, to discuss how the company is able to establish its identity as a data-led insurtech and a Lloyd’s of London consortium. This episode touches on the importance of data in improving underwriting, growth and development of start-up businesses, as well as how traditional marketplaces can cooperate and collaborate with leaders of innovation. Talking points include: How Parsyl translates Math into English - the power of insights from data The low-hanging fruit model Lloyd’s, consortiums, syndicates and more Data Darwinism 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 f

The climate has been on our minds since the record-breaking summer heat we had across the world. In this podcast we turn to matters closer to home. In this episode, Matthew speaks to Richard Garry, CCO at Gamma Location Intelligence, which provides software and data services to help insurers understand location risk and climate. Tune in to find out more about how Gamma is helping insurers adapt to the changing weather in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as listen in to InsTech’s first live demonstration on the podcast of Gamma’s Go Green platform, done in collaboration with AXA XL. Talking points include: Why flooding follows wildfire The importance of customising and responding to client needs Go Green platform - how homeowners can mitigate risks associated with climate change MGAs and ecosystems - Gamma and collaboration We’d love to know what you think about this episode - click here and add your thoughts to our LinkedIn post about it. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on wh

This week on the podcast Matthew speaks to a returning guest, Amrit Santhirasenan who is the Co-founder and CEO at hyperexponential. Their discussion focuses on pricing decision intelligence and what this means for insurers. Listen to find out more about hyperexponential’s evolution as a start-up since Amrit previously spoke on the podcast in 2019, and how hyperexponential want to “take the tech risk away” for “insurers to focus on the insurance risk”.   Are you an insurer or reinsurer interested in finding out more about hyperexponential? We are hosting a Breakfast Event in partnership with hyperexponential on 26th of September. Please register your interest and your place will be confirmed by one of our team.  Key topics include: Why insights, opinions and beliefs are as crucial as data How to avoid failure in projects - are you building a bridge or a network of roads Book recommendations for start ups owners hx Connect - the importance of ecosystems in partnerships What is your scope? The power of asking h

This week on the podcast we go into detail about an exciting partnership between two InsTech members. Robin Merttens is joined by David King, Artificial Labs and James Slaughter, Apollo Underwriting, following the two companies announcing an augmented underwriting collaboration. The portfolio will be underwritten Apollo's 1969 syndicate and will run on Artificial Labs' technology. Listen in to find out more about how this collaboration of innovators is going to transform underwriting. Talking points include: Artificial Labs and Apollo - why collaborate? Technology as the driving force for change Why we need to embrace augmented underwriting technology. Wider market ramifications  If you like what you are hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens and Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hel

In this episode Robin Merttens moderates a panel discussion organised by Optalitix and hosted at Lloyd’s. Joining him were Dani Katz, Optalitix; Alison Quinlivan, Google; Ruta Mikiskaite, Swiss Re and Chris Mullan, Eigen Technologies.  The discussion touched on how the future of insurance is being changed by new technology and data sources and how the industry needs to respond. Tune in and hear from a panel leading the clamour for change and understand how Curious George and Bob the Builder can help… Talking points include: 04:39 Real-time risk management is crucial. 06:45 Legacy technology hinders insurance innovation. 10:53 Embrace AI for insurance improvement. 15:06 Underwriters need time and tools. 22:38 Behavioural change needed for real-time risk management. 26:46 Technology enhances underwriters' jobs. 28:13 Technology should help humans thrive. If you like what you are hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens and Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to t

Matthew Grant is joined by Paul Templar, CEO and Co-founder of VIPR, and Greg Massey, US Advisor for VIPR. VIPR was founded in 2009 in the UK but has continued to grow and is expanding into the US following funding from PE firm Tenzing in 2020. Paul Templar has been with the company since its early days and Greg Massey joined recently having formerly been SVP - Head of Programs for Zurich in the US and a long history of working for US carriers. Topics covered include: The key challenges and opportunities for companies expanding their presence outside of the UK Industry trends - what are you keeping an eye on? A preview of the coming “Real-time data exchange”  Working with Lloyd's managing agents Helping companies justify buying decision You can contact this week's guests, Paul Templar and Greg Massey, on LinkedIn.  If you like what you are 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 ever

Last week on the podcast we found out what Chat GPT had to say about InsTech. This week Matthew previews our newsletter on generative AI, particularly who is using it and where are we on the hype cycle.  For the curious, we have released a monthly newsletter dedicated to exploring the uses of generative AI across insurance.  Topics covered include: The three different reactions from insurers to integrating generative AI Our new Generative AI in Practice newsletter. Sign up here.  How InsTech is using automation to help our workflow  In addition to hearing from Matthew, the conversation mentions recent developments from our member community including examples from Send, Inversion, Eigen Technologies, Future Processing, CyberCube, Marsh, CFC and many more. If you like what you are 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. To find out more about InsTech, our membe

We’re back with another “Partners’ Chat” as Robin Merttens and Matthew Grant reflect on what has happened in the world of innovation and insurance and where it is going next.  The conversation touches on InsTech’s various events in the year so far, the success of InsTech’s recent carbon offsetting report and a look forward to the progress being made by our members in analytics and data. Talking points include: Claims ecosystems and interdependency An introduction to Carbon Offsetting: an insurance use case Technology resistance and adoption: from the ‘digital lipstick on a pig’ to the ‘Big Bang’  Rips and Clouds in New York City A look ahead to our Cytora Evening Event The skill of the future: uploading data Chat GPT tells us what the value of an InsTech membership is In addition to hearing from Matthew and Robin on the data disconnect in insurance and making life easier for underwriters, the conversation mentions recent developments from our member community including examples from Overstone, CGG, Kroll, Au

Launching a new insurance business is hard, particularly for those with limited experience in the complexities of a regulated market. OneAdvent can help. Joining Matthew this week are Tim Quayle, COO at OneAdvent and Matt Jones, Chief Strategy Officer at Cowbell, a cyber insurance company entering the UK market. We cover some of the important areas when launching an MGA - and proved that talking about insurance can even be quite fun.  Topics covered include: Core problems in launching insurance businesses and why “plumbers” are needed to fix them What you need from a partner when entering a new market The barriers to entry for cyber insurance businesses How to stay flexible and why it is the key to success What gives successful MGAs the “edge” in growing their business In addition to hearing about Cowbell Cyber’s experience, we talk about other OneAdvent partners including OTT Risk and ARMD. You can contact this week's guests, Tim Quayle and Matt Jones, on Linkedin.  If you like what you are hearing, please