Rosina Smith, CPO: McKenzie Intelligence Services: Innovation and the insurtech journey - are we there yet? (301)

InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

#Trading #Entrepreneur #Business #InsTech #Founder CEO

28:52

Retailers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where consumer expectations, AI advancements, and social media platforms like TikTok are redefining engagement. It feels like the holiday shopping season just ended, but when do retailers start planning for the next one, and some retailers already behind the curve for this season? Joining us today is Carey Cockrum, Director of Consulting at Cella by Randstad Digital, where she helps major brands and marketing teams optimize their strategies with data-driven insights, AI-powered content creation, and cutting-edge retail marketing trends. With the holidays just around the corner, she’s here to share what’s next for retail marketing, campaign optimization, and how brands can stay ahead in a hyper-competitive space. ABOUT CAREY COCKRUM Carey has been a part of the Creative Agency space for nearly 30 years. She has served as Designer, Creative Director, Creative Operations Lead and Agency Lead in both internal and external agencies (big and small). Carey has worked directly with C-suite stakeholders to understand organizational strategies that inform effective creative solutions. She is a bit of a data nerd and loves demonstrating results. Brands she’s supported include Fruit of the Loom, Wendy’s and Humana. In her free time, she enjoys going back to her creative roots through painting and drawing. She also spends her time improving upon the house she lives in today in Southern, MI - inside and out. RESOURCES Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

рік тому 34:30

MP3•Головна епізоду

McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS) helps accelerate disaster relief and economic recovery for insurers.

Matthew Grant spoke to Rosina, Chief Product Officer for MIS, who shares insights from her MBA dissertation's findings on the adoption of technology in insurance, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between insurtechs, insurance companies, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and effectively address the insurance protection gap.

Key talking points include:

Transitioning from working for a large organization to the world of startup and scale up
MBA Dissertation - the process of writing and publishing
Managing biases - reconsidering the issue with the protection gap
Collaboration and disruption - where do you stand as an insurtech?
Evolving approaches for insurtechs
What you should avoid in partnerships

To read Rosina Smith’s dissertation ‘Barriers to Adopting Insurtech in Natural Catastrophe (Re)insurance’ you can reach out to her on LinkedIn.

If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn.

To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co

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 is the insurance protection gap and why it has historically been misunderstood
Identify some reasons why a business partnership between a insurtech start up and an insurer might not be successful
Summarise why insurtechs need to reevaluate their strategy when partnering with insurance carriers

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 301 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.

301 епізодів

Rosina Smith, CPO: McKenzie Intelligence Services: Innovation and the insurtech journey - are we there yet? (301)

InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

published рік тому

Поширити

MP3•Головна епізоду

McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS) helps accelerate disaster relief and economic recovery for insurers.

Key talking points include:

Transitioning from working for a large organization to the world of startup and scale up
MBA Dissertation - the process of writing and publishing
Managing biases - reconsidering the issue with the protection gap
Collaboration and disruption - where do you stand as an insurtech?
Evolving approaches for insurtechs
What you should avoid in partnerships

To read Rosina Smith’s dissertation ‘Barriers to Adopting Insurtech in Natural Catastrophe (Re)insurance’ you can reach out to her on LinkedIn.

If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn.

To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co

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 is the insurance protection gap and why it has historically been misunderstood
Identify some reasons why a business partnership between a insurtech start up and an insurer might not be successful
Summarise why insurtechs need to reevaluate their strategy when partnering with insurance carriers

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.

301 епізодів

#Trading #Entrepreneur #Business #InsTech #Founder CEO

Усі епізоди

1
On retaining talent in the London Market: a conversation with PwC (353) 30:45

5 днів тому30:45

30:45

Attracting and retaining talent in the London Market is an evolving concern, with the PwC CEO Survey revealing that 93% of respondents either recognise the need to change or are already adapting their strategies to address it. Let’s discuss how! In this special podcast episode done in partnership with PwC, we invited Anna Craston, Senior Manager, to host a panel discussion to explore the critical trends shaping talent management in the London insurance market. She’s joined by fellow PwC colleague Simone Ritson, Phoebe Thomas from CFC, Jacinta Chiang from WTW and Alfie Holt from Marco Capital to share their firsthand experiences and insights. Together, they discuss how companies can build inclusive cultures, the shifting expectations of new talent and what organisations must do to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. This episode dives deep into why attracting diverse talent is just the beginning and why inclusion, development and purpose are the real keys to retention. Key talking points: Understand why changing employee expectations are reshaping the London insurance market. Learn how AI, automation, and technology are driving new workforce capabilities. Explore the historic challenges in attracting diverse talent to the London market — and how that's starting to change. Examine the impact of culture, career growth, and leadership development on employee retention. Discover the importance of outreach programs to schools and universities in broadening insurance career awareness. Hear why inclusion, not just diversity, is critical for long-term workforce engagement. See how mentorship, reverse mentoring, and visible career pathways can support retention. Get practical ideas for fostering inclusion, from flexible working to cultural days and accessible networking events. For more information, you can read PwC’s Transforming the London Market report. 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 current challenges and evolving expectations around attracting and retaining talent in the London market. Explain how diversity and inclusion initiatives can move from hiring strategies to meaningful cultural change that fosters retention. Identify the most effective strategies companies can use to make the London insurance market more appealing to diverse, next-generation talent. 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 .…

1
Rob Beller & Lee Boyd, Alacrity Solutions and Co-hosts: FNO: InsureTech Podcast: Building insurance networks one podcast at a time (351) 29:47

12 днів тому29:47

29:47

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 .…

1
Tristan Fletcher, Co-founder & CEO: ChAI: Eigenzeit, democratisation and protecting the raw materials market (350) 21:36

19 днів тому21:36

21:36

Where tariffs bring chaos, ChAI brings cover. In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Tristan Fletcher, co-founder and CEO of ChAI, about how his team is using financial market techniques and AI to build insurance products that protect manufacturers from volatile input costs. What began in the world of hedge funds and speculative trading is now helping companies like recyclers and food manufacturers hedge against unpredictable raw material prices. Tristan explains how ChAI is transforming techniques once reserved for professional traders like satellite imagery, shipping data and price forecasting, into insurance-backed protection for real-world businesses. He also shares the story behind ChAI’s first deal, the long journey to secure reinsurance capacity and the challenge of winning over regulators. This is an episode about pricing innovation, resilience in turbulent markets and what the insurance industry can do to keep pace with uncertainty. Plus, you’ll learn a new word: Eigenzeit—and it might just reshape how you think about timing in insurance. Key Talking Points Democratising financial tools: why ChAI is bringing hedge fund-style analytics to manufacturers Turning speculation into protection: how AI price forecasting powers a new insurance product From cocoa to copper: insuring raw material volatility in food, packaging and recycling sectors Structuring the product: how ChAI created insurance that mirrors price hedging without regulatory red flags Regulatory hurdles: overcoming concerns about market risk and building legal confidence in a new model First deal breakthrough: how ChAI secured capacity from a major US reinsurer and wrote its first risk ESG implications: how the product supports the circular economy and reduces stockpiling The US vs the UK: why American risk carriers moved faster to back the product Market appetite – how volatility and geopolitical shocks like tariffs are driving inbound demand From startup to scale: why ChAI now needs more brokers, insurers and customers on board If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn . You can also contact Tristan Fletcher 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 potential benefits of price volatility protection on supply chain resilience and inventory management. Define the role of reinsurance in enabling innovative risk-transfer solutions like raw material price insurance. Identify the sectors and commodity risks best suited to ChAI’s product, including recycling, packaging and FMCG manufacturing. 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 350 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 .…

1
Sarah Russell, General Manager: Bellwether: The first prediction engine for the Earth and everything on it (349) 39:44

26 днів тому39:44

39:44

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 .…

1
Jeff Radke, Co-founder & CEO: Accelerant: Industry growth spurts: the influence of risk exchange platforms in specialty insurance (348) 26:24

5 weeks тому26:24

26:24

What does it take to fundamentally rethink how specialty insurance is traded, structured and scaled? In this episode, Robin Merttens is joined by Jeff Radke, co-founder and CEO of Accelerant, for a deep dive into the mechanics of a rapidly growing risk exchange that’s quietly reshaping the MGA and MGU landscape. It has been three years since Jeff joined us on the InsTech podcast , and even Accelerant has radically evolved as a business. This isn’t, however, just another technology story. Jeff shares frank insights on building trust in a data-driven ecosystem, how Accelerant has used AI to make tangible portfolio improvements and why he believes platform-based risk trading will become the dominant model for specialty lines. Unlike many other discussions about AI in insurance, this episode focuses on what’s already working – from subrogation improvements to portfolio optimisation. There’s also a broader message here: about stepping back to see how much the market has changed and why the next evolution may already be underway… Key Talking Points Building a global risk exchange – how Accelerant connects specialty MGAs and MGUs with capacity through a single, scalable platform The value of long-term partnerships – why Accelerant provides five-year capacity commitments and expects transparency in return From niche to global – supporting 200+ underwriting teams across 20 countries and over 225 specialty products Applying AI where it matters – reducing loss ratios and boosting subrogation with machine learning and large language models Cost leadership in a softening market – why expense ratio advantage trumps rate cycles in SME and specialty risks Looking ahead – how AI is reshaping roles, workflows and the entire insurance value chain The rise of risk exchanges – why specialty insurance is following the same path as bonds, mortgages and equities Staying ahead – why Accelerant is focused on evolution, not just competition If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn . You can also contact Jeff Radke 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 a modern risk exchange connects specialty underwriters with capital providers. Identify the signs of systemic evolution in the insurance industry that indicate a shift toward platform-based models. Define the concept of a two-sided risk exchange and its advantages over traditional capacity 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 348 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 .…

1
Neena Saith, CEO: Neena’s Healing: Managing risk and resilience - let’s get personal (347) 32:59

6 weeks тому32:59

32:59

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 .…

1
Nigel Walsh, Global Head of Insurance: ServiceNow: Making insurance lovable and curing the messy middle (346) 34:11

7 weeks тому34:11

34:11

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 .…

1
Nimeshh Patel, CEO: Wrisk: Quiet egos and automotive insurance (345) 22:50

8 weeks тому22:50

22:50

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation—electrification, changing ownership models and evolving customer expectations are reshaping the market. But how does insurance fit into this shift? In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Nimeshh Patel, CEO of Wrisk, about how the company is helping major automotive brands embed insurance seamlessly into the car-buying journey. With a customer-first digital experience, Wrisk enables instant, hassle-free insurance at the point of sale, eliminating outdated manual processes. The discussion also covers Wrisk’s international expansion, its Series B fundraising and why the company focuses on collaboration rather than disruption in the insurance ecosystem. Key Talking Points Embedded insurance at the point of sale – how Wrisk makes car insurance frictionless for customers Why Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) care about insurance – supporting after-sales revenue, finance uptake and customer retention Scaling success with global automotive brands – from BMW to Mercedes-Benz, how Wrisk is powering insurance for top manufacturers The power of quiet ego – why Wrisk has focused on collaboration rather than disruption Expanding beyond the UK – launching a European MGA and the roadmap for international growth The Series B strategy – raising funds to scale technology, data capabilities and global operations The future of automotive insurance – could Wrisk eventually take on risk itself and build OEM-backed captives? If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn . You can also contact Nimeshh Patel 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 embedded insurance enhances the vehicle purchasing experience by integrating seamless coverage at the point of sale. Explain why collaboration between insurers and OEMs is critical to the success of embedded insurance models. Define the role of a managing general agent (MGA) in enabling scalable, brand-aligned insurance solutions for automotive manufacturers. 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 .…

1
Robin Roberson, President and Co-Founder: Agentech: 30 minutes to 30 seconds — Serial entrepreneur, survivor and Agentic AI expert (344) 34:50

9 weeks тому34:50

34:50

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 .…

1
Will Ross, CEO & Co-founder: Federato: Driving underwriting with RiskOps (343) 30:12

10 weeks тому30:12

30:12

Traditional underwriting is evolving, and AI-powered platforms are leading the charge. In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Will Ross, CEO and Co-founder of Federato, about how their RiskOps platform is helping insurers make smarter, faster underwriting decisions. Federato enables underwriters to triage submissions, prioritise in-appetite risks and streamline workflows using AI-driven insights. Will shares how his background in wildfire modelling led to the creation of Federato, how underwriters spend more time on the right risks post-implementation and why the company’s rapid growth is a testament to the industry's appetite for smarter portfolio management. The discussion also covers Federato’s recent $40 million USD Series C funding, its expansion into the UK market and how the RiskOps approach is catching on as a fundamental shift in underwriting strategy. Key Talking Points: The RiskOps mindset – bringing portfolio-level intelligence to risk-by-risk decision-making How AI prioritises in-appetite and winnable risks for underwriters Automating submission workflows to cut response times by up to 89% The impact of RiskOps adoption on quote volumes and portfolio performance Why Federato has seen 3x year-over-year growth The UK market opportunity – differences in tech adoption and underwriting strategies The story behind Federato’s $40M Series C raise and the role of StepStone Group Expansion plans and the future of AI-driven underwriting If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn . You can also contact Will Ross 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 benefits of AI-powered underwriting, including improved risk selection and faster submission processing. Specify how Federato’s platform helps underwriters identify and prioritize in-appetite and winnable risks. Define the significance of Federato’s expansion into the UK and the challenges of technology adoption in the 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 343 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 .…

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Graeme Asquith, UK Managing Director: mea platform: Designing an intelligent processing platform for insurance (342) 27:13

11 weeks тому27:13

27:13

AI-driven automation is transforming how insurers process data, streamline workflows and improve decision-making. In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Graeme 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 Graeme 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 – Graeme'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 .…

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Alex Cardona, CEO and Co-founder: Recorder: Connecting brokers, connected insurance (341) 25:49

12 weeks тому25:49

25:49

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 .…

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Berend de Jong, Global Insurance & Finance Lead: Planet Labs: Planet watch — how satellites are changing risk (340) 25:11

13 weeks тому25:11

25:11

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 .…

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Bob Pick, Group Deputy CITO (CIO), Tokio Marine Group: How well do you know generative AI? (339) 40:19

14 weeks тому40:19

40:19

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 .…

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Alex Haar, Co-founder & Chief Product Officer: Parsyl: Keeping it cool with a fresh $20m (338) 23:22

15 weeks тому23:22