InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

Arturo is a property intelligence company which combines multispectral imagery, geographic data and customer portfolio insights with machine learning models in a single platform. A lot has developed in property intelligence since we last spoke to Arturo on the podcast. Matthew Grant caught up with CEO Marty Smuin about how generative AI is adding a new dimension to property analysis. Arturo knows that it is expensive to be wrong in insurance. Find out how Arturo is aiming to tackle relying on outdated public records, incomplete tax assessor data and more in this episode. Key talking points include: Using third-party data to reveal greater insights Driving innovation - Smuin’s background in technology Partnering with Suncorp in Australia  The power of high-resolution data in underwriting property - how Arturo is tapping into new sources of data The impact of generative AI on property risk assessment For more information on Arturo and how they can help, you find more information about the platform here and reach out to book a demo here. 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: Describe the methods Arturo uses to make property intelligence more accurate to improve the claims process Specify how changing climate and weather patterns have a direct effect on property analysis Identify ways in which generative AI is developing and innovating property risk assessments 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 291 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.

Robin Merttens is joined by CEO and President of Verisk Specialty Business Solutions (VSBS), Tim Rayner. The discussion covers VSBS’s acquisitions such as Rulebook and Whitespace for a broader digital ecosystem, and the challenges of decision-making and procurement in the London market.  Key talking point: Growth and opportunities in the specialty market Acquisitions and the role of Whitespace and Rulebook The impact of London Market modernisation on Verisk The importance of providing solutions rather than products A challenge to the market to innovate 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 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 the London Market operates and how it can subsequently modernise its processes Explain what an acquisition is and why they are important for a company Identify the opportunities for change in the specialty 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 290 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.

Since its start in 2001, the insurance platform provider Guidewire has grown to be used by more than 540 insurers in 40 countries. Guidewire's President and Chief Revenue Officer, John Mullen, spoke to Matthew Grant about the company's journey as it continues to grow, the climate of the insurance industry and what are the driving forces of innovation in the company. Key talking points: Why standardisation of critical functions is important in the upcoming year How insurers can find ways of being innovative Collaboration - working with other corporates The value of experimentation Supporting InsTech’s New York Event in March 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 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 community and collaboration can help generate innovation in insurance Identify the ways insurance can develop and change in the future Summarise the role of technology 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 289 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.

In this mid-week special, Matthew Grant speaks to Adrian Coupland at Earnix, a software provider to global insurers and banks. They discuss how the nature of risk in the insurance industry is rapidly changing, presenting new challenges in areas like motor pricing and supply chain management. The podcast ends with a discussion about Earnix's new product 'Underwrite-It' aimed at changing the underwriting process. Key talking points: What challenges are Earnix solving for the insurance industry Changes to the auto insurance sector - increasing repair costs and the impact of pricing regulation Underwrite-ItTM - an automated underwriting platform 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 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 reasons for challenges in the motor insurance industry Explain the role of technology in enabling business users to make pricing changes quickly. Identify the impact of regulatory reforms on insurance 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 288 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.

After the popularity of our first episode, InsTech is back with another analysis of what happened in insurance in the past month.  If you are curious to know what is going on behind the news items you read about in insurance or technology - we’re bringing together experts, founders, insurers and some well know figures to tell us the news items that are capturing their attention – and why. Matthew Grant CEO of InsTech is once again joined by Nigel Walsh, Managing Director, Insurance, Google Cloud US, alongside Martha Notaras, Managing Partner at Brewer Lane Ventures and Charlotte Halkett, Senior Consultant at Milliman.  In addition to this week’s discussion, we have a special feature with the Co-founder and CEO of hyperexponential ​Amrit Santhirasenan as he discusses with Matthew the completion of their Series B funding round.  The news we’re discussing this week: Raising $73 million USD: record funding for hyperexponential in Series B Kicking up a storm - how is property insurance changing as a result of climate change Cargo and geopolitics - how marine insurance is affected by political instability across the world If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. In collaboration with Google Cloud, InsTech is hosting an event in New York. We are calling all US insurers, Brokers, and MGAs to join us and discuss the future of underwriting. Supported by Cytora, hyperexponential, Guidewire and Kroll, register now. 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 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 insurance technology companies secure funding from investors and venture capital firms Explain how insurance can help provide solutions for circumstantially difficult events Identify how geopolitical crises can affect cargo and transportation 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 287 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.

In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Sarah Woolliscroft, Group Head of Operations & TPA and Wayne Calderbank, Group Data and Performance Director at Claims Consortium Group (CCG) for an exploration of the importance of technology in the claims industry and CCG's journey into the world of artificial intelligence. Synergy originated as a solution developed internally by CCG to enhance its claims management processes but has evolved since its launch into a platform that streamlines the claims handling process to support customer service and business performance. Key Talking Points Include: The role of technology in the claims industry The significance of passion and shared goals within an organisation How measurable goals and targets within a platform can add value The benefit of understanding the nuances of customer communication Where Synergy is focusing its AI efforts next 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 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 technology continues to shape and improve the claims management process Outline how generative AI can be leveraged to analyse customer sentiment Identify the significance of measurable goals and shared passion within an organisation in achieving business targets 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 286 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.

This week James Orchard, CEO of QBE Ventures, joins the podcast and discusses the shift in insurers' appetite for innovation, partnerships with startups, and the importance of collaboration in achieving strategic goals.  The conversation covers how QBE Ventures is making strides in data and AI, resilience, and growth in emerging markets, with interesting prospects for cyber coverage and embedded insurance. James also reveals his predictions for 2024, foreseeing consolidation and challenges in investment as well as a focus on AI and strategic partnerships.  An immensely packed episode, for everyone curious about how investing and insurance intersect. Key talking points: Exploring QBE Ventures and its investment strategy The strategy and focus of QBE Ventures The challenges and opportunities in the insurtech space How QBE can become a start-up partner Using AI for resilience  What QBE looks for - the culture of collaboration Coalition of the willing  Predictions and expectations for 2024 in insurtech As well as hearing about QBE Venures, Matthew and James touch on innovation from Cytora, Sixfold, CGG, GeoSmart Information, Tensorflight, Geosite, Beazley, Chaucer, Tokio Marine, hyperexponential, The Demex Group, and Clara Analytics. To listen to Cytora's podcast with Andrew Horton, QBE Insurance's Group CEO, click here. 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 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 potential developments and challenges the insurtech community will face in 2024 Define what resilience can mean to a company from a strategic perspective, and how investors can help support this  Identify what traits an investor looks for in a company  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 285 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.

Garrett Koehn, President of CRC Brokerage and AI enthusiast, and Gordon Wintrob, Co-founder and CTO of Newfront, share insights on the integration of generative AI in insurance brokerage. They discuss real-world applications, like using AI to streamline submissions and improve client interactions. The duo explores how AI can enhance underwriting and identify coverage gaps, while also examining the vital build vs. buy decisions for tech solutions. They emphasize the need for brokers to adapt, empowering professionals to thrive in an evolving landscape.

Colville Wood and David Fearne from Cognizant discuss the practical applications and benefits of generative AI in the insurance industry. They explore how generative AI can automate manual tasks, optimize processes, and provide valuable insights for underwriters. The key to successful implementation is finding balance between AI and humans. They also touch on data privacy and security considerations. Overall, generative AI has the potential to streamline workflows and improve operations in the insurance industry.

In our first podcast of 2024, Jamie Crystal, CEO of MIC Global, discusses with Matthew Grant their aim to close the insurance protection gaps by offering insurance products tailored to the needs of underserved individuals, including income protection, identity theft protection, and incident coverage.  MIC uses a business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) model and all of its products are embedded within other platforms or services. MIC offers insurance products in various forms including embedded insurance methods, aiming to make the process simpler and more relevant to everyday life. Crystal highlights the company’s partnerships with brokers, digital platforms, and other insurance companies to distribute their coverage. The need for these products is global, Crystal insists, and not limited to specific demographics or regions. Key Talking Points Include: Understanding the concept of microinsurance The problem MIC is solving - access to affordable products The role of embedded insurance The future of MIC and the insurance industry Closing the insurance protection gap If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Visit MIC Global here. 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). By listening to any InsTech podcast, 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 what is the insurance protection gap and how it can be remedied Summarise how an embedded insurance product operates and how it can help consumers Identify key industries where there is an under-insurance problem and why that is the case 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 282 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.