
InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens
Bringing together the best technology and innovation for insurance and risk management together from around the world. Podcast hosted by Matthew Grant.
Latest episodes

Jun 29, 2025 • 14min
Underwriting in 2025: digital platforms, broker models and insurer strategy explained (361)
Enhanced underwriting has become one of the most talked-about shifts in the London Market, but it’s also one of the least clearly defined.
In this episode, we share a live panel discussion from our Enhanced Underwriting event, featuring:
Colum D’Auria, Canopius
Rob Jarvis, Tokio Marine Kiln
Tessa Wardle, QBE
The conversation begins with a basic question what exactly are “portfolio solutions”? and opens up into a broader exploration of how insurers are adapting to new forms of delegated authority, rising data expectations and the growing influence of broker-led facilities.
Our speakers touched on:
How different firms define and implement portfolio underwriting
The emergence of tracker facilities and their potential to reshape market dynamics
Why algorithmic platforms are gaining traction, and where they still fall short
The role of live exposure data and the practical barriers to using it well
How underwriters can maintain control and accountability in increasingly automated environments
What comes through clearly is that many of the most innovative teams are thinking beyond product and pricing and focusing instead on how underwriting structures, controls and data flows can support long-term performance.
If you want a clearer view of how underwriting is evolving beneath the surface and how leaders across the market are responding this episode offers a window into the practical realities behind the strategy.
You can also read our event write-up: “Enhanced Underwriting: How the London Market is Turning Theory into Practice”.
If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn.
Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.
Continuing Professional Development
This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.
By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:
Define what “portfolio solutions” means across different insurers in the London Market context.
Describe how broker facilities and tracker portfolios are influencing underwriting practices and market concentration.
List the key components that distinguish smart platforms and algorithmic underwriting from traditional 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 361 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.

Jun 22, 2025 • 28min
Guillaume Bonnissent, CEO: Quotech: AI hype vs reality in insurance - what really matters (360)
At its core, insurance underwriting is about judgment: making sense of messy information, pricing for uncertainty and doing it at speed. Technology and AI should make that easier, but is it really the answer to underwriting’s most persistent challenges?
In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks to Guillaume Bonnissent, CEO and founder of Quotech, a platform built specifically for underwriting teams.
Guillaume brings a rare combination of perspectives: he’s a former underwriter who became a technologist and his company reflects that crossover. We begin by reflecting on the past 12 months: what’s changed since Guillaume was last on the podcast, and why Quotech’s strategy of building for niche underwriting teams has started to gain serious traction.
In this conversation, Guillaume talks about:
Why underwriters still spend far too much time retyping data
The real promise of AI in ingestion and why it’s finally deliverable
The structural shift from generic platforms to class-specific solutions
Why "build vs. buy" debates rarely make sense for MGAs
How to build systems that record data usefully, not just store it
Why AI can’t fix bad inputs, and what that means for underwriting teams
We also dig into broader trends: how emerging tech is shifting the role of underwriters, whether AI really is a disruptor or just another tool and why so many companies are still struggling to make basic data available for decision-making.
What emerges is a sharp portrait of a market in transition, one that’s slowly waking up to the need for class-specific tools, data-first workflows and AI that’s genuinely useful.
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 Guillaume Bonnissent 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 limitations of building in-house technology solutions within MGA and insurer environments.
Define the role of recorded underwriting data in enhancing future pricing and risk selection.
Identify the ways AI is being realistically — and usefully — applied to solve practical problems in underwriting today.
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 360 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.

Jun 15, 2025 • 30min
Todd Rissel, CEO: e2Value: Understanding insurance to its core (359)
At its best, insurance is about clarity in uncertain times. Pricing that reflects reality. Promises that hold up when things go wrong.
In this episode, I speak with Todd Rissel, CEO and co-founder of e2Value, an independent company that has spent the last 25 years helping insurers and homeowners understand the real cost of rebuilding property, and the wider economic forces shaping those numbers.
Todd brings both practical insight and long-term perspective. Our conversation begins with a simple observation: 2024 was a rare profitable year for home insurance in Florida. But Todd quickly places that in context, explaining why a single good year doesn’t undo a decade of structural challenges and why insurers need to think in five-year cycles, not one.
In this conversation Todd touches on:
Why rising tariffs and global uncertainty haven’t yet impacted replacement costs but might soon
What the “small losses” teach us about insurer performance, far more than catastrophic ones
The challenges of modeling severe convective storms, and why not everything can, or should, be reduced to a model
The limits of funding-driven innovation in InsurTech, and the long-term discipline it takes to survive without external capital
The launch of e2Value’s new Structure Insurance Score, developed in partnership with WTW, and what it tells us about using AI responsibly in underwriting
Along the way, we talk about barnominiums, regulatory experiments in Louisiana and the difference between forward-looking valuation and backward-looking pricing.
Todd’s perspective is shaped not just by data, but by experience. He’s someone who believes in the purpose of insurance, but also understands the commercial pressures it faces. And he makes a compelling case that good data, applied thoughtfully, is still the foundation for everything this industry does well.
If you’re interested in where insurance pricing, risk and property data are heading next - or just want to hear from someone who’s spent decades building quietly essential infrastructure, this is a conversation worth your time.
If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Will Bonner on LinkedIn to start a conversation!
Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.
Continuing Professional Development
This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.
By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:
Explain how the Structure Insurance Score, developed by e2Value and WTW, contributes to more granular underwriting of structural risk.
Identify the regulatory challenges arising from policyholder-directed valuations in certain U.S. states, such as Louisiana.
Specify the data considerations required to apply AI effectively in insurance valuation and pricing.
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 359 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.

Jun 8, 2025 • 20min
Broker and carrier insights: new market opportunities using data and digital technology (358)
Underwriting is undergoing a fundamental shift. As technology matures and data becomes more accessible, insurers and brokers are rethinking how they deploy capital, manage risk and respond to client needs in real time.
In this special episode of the InsTech podcast, recorded live at our event “The growth of Enhanced Underwriting — the opportunity and the role of technology in realising it”, Robin Merttens is joined by Clyde Bernstein from Aon, Hayley Spink from Chaucer and Ed Howkins from Artificial.
Together, they discuss how the market is embracing enhanced underwriting, why insurers are investing in digitisation at scale and how technology providers are helping unlock new levels of efficiency and accuracy across the value chain.
Key Talking Points
Learn how Aon is rethinking broking strategy from the ground up through enterprise-wide transformation.
Understand why legacy systems are holding back innovation and what it takes to modernise at scale.
Explore how cross-functional teams and external partners like Artificial Labs are accelerating progress.
Hear why both brokers and carriers moving in sync is key to realising enhanced underwriting at speed.
Discover how Chaucer is building cloud-native infrastructure and data strategy to support smarter decisions.
Find out how technology is shaping the future of underwriting roles and changing team structures.
Understand the risks of fragmentation as broker portals multiply across the market.
See why consistent data standards are essential to making digitisation stick.
Learn how enhanced underwriting supports speed and accuracy—especially in softening market conditions.
Get insight into why now is the moment for insurers to translate strategy into execution and long-term value.
If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn.
Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.
Continuing Professional Development
This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.
By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:
Specify the role of consistent data standards in enabling seamless broker-carrier collaboration.
Explain how digitisation helps insurers maintain underwriting discipline in soft market conditions.
Define enhanced underwriting in the context of today’s capital deployment 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 358 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.

May 25, 2025 • 29min
Pravina Ladva, Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer: Swiss Re: The beauty of technology is in the small things (356)
Pravina Ladva, Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Swiss Re, is at the forefront of digital transformation in the insurance industry. She discusses how generative AI can streamline underwriting processes, emphasizing small, impactful innovations. Pravina highlights the importance of a cultivated culture of curiosity while balancing traditional business metrics. She also explores the evolving role of underwriters and technologists, and how data infrastructure remains crucial in an increasingly AI-focused world. Upskilling employees globally to embrace these changes is key.

16 snips
May 18, 2025 • 29min
Ed Howkins, Artificial & Sasa Brcerevic, Aon: Digitising risk trade: the future of wholesale broking (355)
Sasa Brcerevic, Head of Portfolio and Delegated Strategy at Aon, and Ed Howkins, Chief Growth Officer at Artificial Labs, discuss the revolution in risk trading. They emphasize the importance of digitizing the broker-underwriter interface, shifting from mere transaction execution to a streamlined trading process. The duo highlights how competitive pressures prompt digital adoption and the rise of underwriting-as-a-service. They also explore new digital models for carriers and the transformative power of data, spotlighting the future of a data-driven insurance landscape.

19 snips
May 11, 2025 • 32min
Will Bonner, COO: McKenzie Intelligence Services: Seeing through smoke: geospatial intelligence at work (354)
Will Bonner, COO of McKenzie Intelligence Services, shares his expertise in geospatial intelligence and its crucial role in disaster response. He discusses how MIS uses satellite data and human analysis to provide timely damage assessments, allowing insurers to set accurate reserves before adjusters arrive. The conversation highlights challenges in public data reliance and the significance of brokers in this space. Bonner also reflects on MIS's evolution and expansion, emphasizing the balance of technology and expertise for effective decision-making.

16 snips
May 4, 2025 • 30min
Matt McGrillis, Chief Product Officer & Co-founder: Send: The underwriting evolution through quiet AI transformation (353)
In this engaging discussion, Matt McGrillis, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Send, reveals how his company is revolutionizing underwriting through AI. He explains how Send's tools streamline complex workflows, allowing underwriters to focus on what truly matters. The conversation highlights the importance of automating repetitive tasks, speeding up decision-making, and the subtle yet profound shift AI is bringing to the industry. Matt also predicts that AI agents will lead the next wave of adoption, emphasizing a future with smarter, more efficient underwriting.

Apr 27, 2025 • 31min
On retaining talent in the London Market: a conversation with PwC (352)
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.

Apr 20, 2025 • 30min
Rob Beller & Lee Boyd, Alacrity Solutions and Co-hosts: FNO: InsureTech Podcast: Building insurance networks one podcast at a time (351)
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.