Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast (Re)thinking insurance

A catastrophe model may estimate a $20 billion loss, but what does that event look like for insurers managing claims on the ground? In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Alena Kharkavets is joined by Scott St. George, Head of Weather and Climate Research at the Willis Research Network, and Andrew Leeds, Chief Claims Officer at Plymouth Rock, to explore the disconnect between modeled losses and operational reality. They discuss where models fall short, how different types of catastrophes impact claims teams, the increasing use of AI in claims processing and the wider industry challenges of affordability, resilience and risk mitigation.

Technology transformation in health insurance is no longer a future ambition - it's a present-day imperative. In this episode of (Re)Thinking Insurance, host Lisa Balboa, Senior Director in WTW's Global Health Advisory Practice, sits down with Algirdas Dineika and Tawhid Rahman to explore what's really driving change in health insurance - and what separates meaningful transformation from expensive theater.

While Generative AI is already reshaping customer service and claims, the real opportunity lies deeper in pricing, reserving, and portfolio management. Yet for most insurers, the full potential of Agentic AI remains largely untapped.

In this episode, Charlie Samolcyzk, Technology Sales Lead speaks with Duncan Anderson, Global Leader, Technology to explore how Agentic AI is set to redefine the technical core of insurance, shifting not just how work gets done, but who owns decisions and how expertise is applied. Having witnessed every major technological shift in the industry, Duncan believes we are now at a genuinely unprecedented inflection point.

Together, they discuss the distinction between Generative and Agentic AI and what it means for performance, capital management and competitive advantage.

In this episode, Mary Bahna-Nolan, Erika Dochney, Martin Laframboise and Jane Seward share practical strategies for optimizing operations, improving disclosures and unlocking greater value, as well as exploring how AI and automation are reshaping the future of insurance reporting.

In this episode, Charlie Samolczyk, Global Technology Sales Leader, is joined by guest speaker André Balleyguier, Applied AI Leader at Anthropic, and WTW's Pardeep Bassi, Global Proposition Leader for Data Science, to discuss how AI is transforming the insurance industry.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, host Erika Dochney is joined by expert Poojan Shah to explore how modernizing actuarial operations — through cloud platforms, advanced analytics and centralized data — is reshaping the way life insurers manage M&A, reinsurance and capital decisions. No longer a back-office function, the actuarial team is now at the center of value creation, enabling faster scenario testing, greater transparency and smarter risk strategy. Discover what it takes to move beyond the numbers to proactive business leadership — and why modernization is the competitive advantage insurers can't afford to ignore.

In this episode of Rethinking Insurance, host James Haybyrne is joined by WTW experts Jessica Plewes and Lisa Balboa to explore how innovation, analytics, and digital transformation are reshaping the future of health insurance. The discussion examines shifting customer expectations, the rise of personalised digital health solutions, and how insurers are moving beyond one size fits all propositions to deliver greater value and engagement.

The episode also dives into the role of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics in customer retention, pricing, product design, and profitability. With insights on preventative care, value based healthcare, partnerships, and sustainability, this conversation highlights what the health insurer of the future may look like and the strategic actions insurers should take now.

Unlike traditional chatbots, AI agents can plan multi-step tasks, use tools, and collaborate like employees. In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rick Hayes is joined by Amanda Hug, Salma Galván, and Eddy Trivedi to explore how these intelligent systems are enhancing actuarial modeling, automating documentation and streamlining claims processing. The discussion covers Retrieval Augmented Generation, prompt engineering and real-world applications. From code writing to fraud detection, AI agents are creating specialized teams that work alongside humans to transform insurance operations.

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence within the actuarial and financial reporting landscape. While the buzz around AI is everywhere, we move beyond the hype to explore how these technologies are becoming practical partners in enhancing speed, consistency, and insight for insurers.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rafael Costa is joined by Farah Ismail and Ben Williams to explore the strategic role of bureau rates as a foundational tool for the commercial insurance sector. They discuss how these standardized data sets provide a reliable starting point for carriers — especially startups — to avoid data gaps and stay aligned with industry trends. The podcast addresses the critical balance between using advisory loss costs and developing proprietary pricing models, highlighting both the advantages of aggregated industry data and the potential pitfalls that require a more tailored, data-driven approach.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rafael Costa is joined by Dale Porfilio and Joey Daryanani to explore legal system abuse within the U.S. insurance landscape. The experts explain it as practices that unnecessarily inflate costs and prolong claim settlements, ultimately impacting policyholders. The discussion highlights how trends like "nuclear verdicts" and aggressive litigation are driving up premiums across various insurance lines and make it challenging for actuaries to predict future losses. Looking ahead, the conversation explores proactive mitigation strategies, including the strategic use of AI for claims processing and the crucial role of consumer education in fostering awareness around this pervasive issue and its financial implications.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Rick Hayes is joined by Nick Komissarov, Martin Laframboise and Cédric Thibault to discuss Bermuda's significant role in the global reinsurance sector. They explore the jurisdiction's robust regulatory framework, political stability, and financial expertise. Key topics include the Bermuda Economic Balance Sheet (EBS), recent updates to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (BSCR) and new public disclosure requirements. The experts advise insurers to prepare for these changes by enhancing their modeling and governance frameworks and reviewing asset portfolios.

Louise Smith OBE is joined by Kate Markham, CEO of Hiscox London Market, to explore how leadership and culture are driving meaningful transformation in commercial insurance.

In part one (episode 31) of our two-part series, Klayton Southwood and Travis Miller covered the condition of Florida's property insurance market before major legislative changes were introduced in 2022. In part two, they discuss the post-reform environment, the effects of the changes and potential actions for the future.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Chris Zanoni is joined by Klayton Southwood and Travis Miller to explore the Florida property insurance market. The state faces significant challenges due to hurricanes, litigation and assignment of benefits. Historically, the market was disrupted by major hurricanes like Andrew in 1992 and Irma in 2017. As a result, Florida saw increasing losses, litigation and insolvencies among carriers. In response, the Florida legislature implemented reforms in 2022 to stabilize the market and improve the availability and affordability of property insurance.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Inna Kogan is joined by Marcela Abraham, Duncan Briggs and Shankar Raman to discuss nearshoring for life insurance companies. 

Competition for talent and technological advances are leading companies to explore different ways for getting work done. One viable solution that has surfaced is nearshoring. The benefits of nearshoring range from streamlined time zones to cultural alignment. Challenges also arise, such as teams exhibiting resistance to change. This conversation draws from WTW's own journey with their actuarial team in Mexico City.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, WTW's Anand Patel discusses with Will Archer Shuter, George Lewkowicz and Lewis Matthew the bifurcation of the specialty insurance market, focusing on portfolio underwriting and its growing importance.

Inna Kogan, Karen Grote and Rick Hayes discuss the proposed updates to Valuation Manual (VM)-22 for non-variable annuity products in the U.S. They highlight the shift to a more flexible framework that prioritizes actuarial judgment, asset-liability management and strong governance. The changes have the potential to affect product design, reinsurance and capital management. With a deadline of January 1, 2026, life insurers need to prepare now.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, WTW's James Haybyrne and Jess Plewes burn dive into the evolving world of health insurance. From rising medical costs and the shift to proactive healthcare models, to the impact of AI, digitization, and changing customer expectations, they explore how insurers can adapt. The topics they cover include personalization, data-driven insights, public-private dynamics, and strategies to engage younger audiences. Listen now for a fresh perspective on the future of health insurance.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, WTW's James Haybyrne and Jess Plewes burn dive into the evolving world of health insurance. From rising medical costs and the shift to proactive healthcare models, to the impact of AI, digitization, and changing customer expectations, they explore how insurers can adapt. The topics they cover include personalization, data-driven insights, public-private dynamics, and strategies to engage younger audiences. Listen now for a fresh perspective on the future of health insurance.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Frank Schepers, WTW's Global Leader, Insurance Consulting and Technology and Sina Thieme, Senior Director, Insurance Consulting and Technology, explore the impact of technology and innovation on the insurance industry, particularly in risk modelling, data analysis, and distribution channels. This wide-ranging discussion also probes the challenges and opportunities of closing the insurance gap and the evolving role of capital in the insurance market.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Frank Schepers, WTW's Global Leader, Insurance Consulting and Technology and Sina Thieme, Senior Director, Insurance Consulting and Technology, explore the impact of technology and innovation on the insurance industry, particularly in risk modelling, data analysis, and distribution channels. This wide-ranging discussion also probes the challenges and opportunities of closing the insurance gap and the evolving role of capital in the insurance market.

Description: Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Pardeep Bassi and Tim Rourke to discuss the importance of monitoring model health, and how Radar Vision, WTW's automated monitoring tool, is helping to address this problem for insurers. 

Description: Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Pardeep Bassi and Tim Rourke to discuss the importance of monitoring model health, and how Radar Vision, WTW's automated monitoring tool, is helping to address this problem for insurers. 

Description: Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Pardeep Bassi and Tim Rourke to discuss the importance of monitoring model health, and how Radar Vision, WTW's automated monitoring tool, is helping to address this problem for insurers. 

Anand Patel, Rajeev Janagal and Jonathan Aubrey-Smith discuss what is risk scoring and how this method helps insurers in making better decisions

In this episode of Talking Tech, Charlie Samolczyk is joined by John Heidelberger and Peter Harrison to discuss what externalised rating is along with some of the key challenges and best practices insurers should consider in this area.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, our host Anand Patel is joined by Dr Kennet Otto and Georgy Matov who share their insights on the challenges and opportunities within the growing European cyber insurance market.

In this episode of the (Re) thinking Insurance podcast, experts Caitlynn Greenfield and Stan Roberts cover the pension risk transfer market (PRT), discussing its growth, key trends and challenges. They shed light on increasing transaction volumes, rising plan terminations and the challenges of managing deferred lives. Also, they provide insights on the diverse landscape of U.S. PRT players and the regulatory changes affecting transactions.

In this episode our host, Charlie Samolczyk, is joined by Holly Layton and Joost Wilbers to discuss why there is a need for reserving teams to consider new approaches, as well as some of the recurring challenges they've seen in the market.

In this episode, Sina Thieme is joined by Maria Jesus Guitard to discuss the importance of people in an insurers pricing function.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Anand Patel is joined by Paul Higham and Derric Howard to explore the dynamics of the commercial lines and specialty market cycle and how leading insurers are successfully managing the cycle through investments in technical capabilities.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Pardeep Bassi, Global Head of Data Science, talks to Mani Heer about overcoming the challenges in deploying open source effectively.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Suky Mann is joined by James Tanser to discuss their view on how firms have responded to conduct related regulations across pricing, as well as a look to the future and how things may change in this space over the next 12 months. 

Life insurers have built up large blocks of policies that represent in-force business. They want to manage these blocks efficiently and profitably. A number of factors such as low interest rates, expense pressures, aggressive competition and stakeholder expectations have increased company focus on in-force management. Mark Mennemeyer is joined by Mary Bahna-Nolan, Nik Godon, Nathan Hardiman and Sam Keller to discuss the opportunities for improving performance of in-force portfolios.

In this episode of the (Re)thinking Insurance podcast, Scott Gibson is joined by Laura Doddington and Lauren Finnis to explore advanced analytics in the insurance industry. They discuss findings from WTW's recent advanced analytics survey, highlighting how nearly 50 North American P&C insurers are leveraging analytics.

Despite strong leadership commitment, progress has stagnated since 2021 due to IT bottlenecks and data challenges. The discussion covers practical applications of machine learning in document processing and risk assessment, and identifies areas where analytics can enhance operations, such as claims management and distribution strategies. The speakers emphasize the need for a clear roadmap, robust data infrastructure, and collaboration between analytics and business teams, underscoring the importance of sustained effort and strategic planning to fully integrate analytics into organizational culture.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Mark Mennemeyer is joined by Gerard Anderson and Muhammad Amjad to take a fresh look at capital risk appetite and internal model calibrations.

They examine the challenges and implications of recent dramatic shifts in interest and swap rates, highlighting the importance of robust internal model calibrations and scenario testing to manage potential volatility.

In the second of two special episodes focused on WTW's global IFRS 17 study, Kunj Maheshwari is joined by Kamran Foroughi and Anshul Garg to examine the results of WTW's recent insurance analyst survey.

They explore the responses from analysts - both sell and buy side, equity and debt – on aspects of IFRS 17 the analysts liked, did not like and wanted to improve; as well as how IFRS 17 affected their decision making. This episode also discusses the differences seen across various regions and geographies and finally shares some key takeaways for those insurers adopting later on the implementation of IFRS 17.

In the first of two special episodes focused on WTW's global IFRS 17 study, Kamran Foroughi is joined by Teresa Murphy and Urvi Nagda to examine key findings from the global disclosure analysis for the full year 2023.

In addition to sharing how the analysis of the disclosures for 89 insurers and reinsurers globally was conducted, they explore key takeaways, and provide their perspectives of what actions organisations should be taking moving forwards.

In this episode, Steve Cox joins our host for this episode, Sina Thieme, to discuss some of the key factors and challenges affecting the UK household insurance market.

What's driving the growth in the current MGA market and should insurers allow underwriters to write both direct and delegated authority business?

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Anand Patel is joined by Jonathan Aubrey-Smith and Paul Higham to discuss the impact on MGA growth in a fluctuating market.

In this episode, Chris Halliday is joined by James Clark, a partner at DLA Piper, to discuss AI regulation and the impact it will have, and is already having on insurers.

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Jenelle Cherrie is joined by Donna Cowell and Jonathan Richards to discuss the implementation of Consumer Duty and the obligations that insurance companies have to ensure good customer outcomes.

They explore the changes they've seen in the market so far, some of the challenges insurers are facing complying with the Duty as well as the benefits that instilling a customer centric culture can bring to organizations.  

In this episode, Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Laura Doddington and Lauren Finnis to discuss the topic of the moment for insurers; AI and machine learning.

In this episode, our host, Charlie Samolczyk, is joined by Mark Brown and David Pond to discuss the challenges that insurers are currently facing in the financial modeling space and what actions can be taken to address them.

As regulatory pressures and scrutiny from stakeholders continues to grow, having an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy in place has become more and more important. What steps can insurers take to develop an ESG strategy that aligns with their overall business goals, as well as incorporate ESG factors into their wider risk management frameworks and investment portfolios?

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Sina Thieme is joined by Niamh Carr and Mike Wilkinson to discuss how insurers can develop and implement an effective ESG strategy, as well as share their advice on getting started.

In this episode, recorded live on stage at the European Insurance Leaders Forum, Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Iain Whittingham and Magdalena Ramada to discuss what 'Dynamic Products' are, and how they impact insurance.

In this episode, our experts take a comprehensive look at registered index-linked annuities.

As the global life insurance industry continues to undergo significant change, Chief Risk Officers (CROs) have an increasingly pivotal role to play in ensuring their organizations adapt. With new regulation being introduced, arising external environmental changes and evolving risks – what are the biggest issues facing the risk function in 2024?

In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Mark Mennemeyer is joined by Philip Tervit and Niamh Carr to explore the top ten key challenges for CROs in the year ahead; from Climate risk and Model risk, to making sense of IFRS 17 and ensuring their risk framework is operating effectively.

In this episode, Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Chris Bird and Charles Carwin to discuss the trends and themes they have seen in the P&C capital modeling market.