InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tristan Fletcher, Co-founder and CEO of ChAI, shares his journey from hedge funds to revolutionizing insurance for manufacturers. He discusses how ChAI uses AI and financial market techniques to protect businesses from raw material price volatility. Tristan explains the innovative insurance solutions created for sectors like food and recycling, and how they've navigated regulatory challenges. Plus, learn about 'Eigenzeit' and its impact on timing in insurance. This is a compelling look at democratizing financial tools for real-world applications!

Sarah Russell, General Manager at Bellwether and an innovator from Google X, dives deep into creating a pioneering wildfire prediction engine. She explains how machine learning beats traditional physics-based models, revolutionizing insurance analytics. Sarah highlights the ability to identify overlooked low-risk zones, delivering 10% improvements in loss ratios for insurers. She emphasizes the importance of explainable AI to build trust and outlines future developments like agentic AI. This discussion reveals how technology can reshape wildfire risk assessment and insurance workflows.

Jeff Radke, Co-founder and CEO of Accelerant, discusses the transformation of specialty insurance through their innovative risk exchange platform. He shares the importance of building trust in data-driven systems and how AI is revolutionizing portfolio management and loss ratios. Radke emphasizes long-term partnerships and transparent dealings in a rapidly changing market. With Accelerant supporting over 200 underwriting teams globally, he highlights the transition towards a platform-based trading model as a key to future industry success.

Neena Saith, a former catastrophe risk analyst and now a stress and resilience specialist, dives deep into personal resilience and stress management. She discusses the significance of mental health in high-pressure roles, sharing practical techniques for maintaining well-being. Neena emphasizes the mind-body connection and how organizations can foster a supportive culture. She highlights the dangers of work addiction and the need for boundaries, while offering her insights on empowering personal growth and the importance of collaborative environments.