(Re)thinking insurance
In (Re)thinking insurance we discuss the issues facing P&C, Life, and composite insurers around the globe, as well as exploring the latest tools, techniques and innovations that will help you to re-think insurance.
Episodes
Health, Technology and Transformation: Closing the execution gap
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 expens
How Agentic AI is reshaping insurers' core technical functions?
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 tech
The dust has settled — now what? Navigating Canada's IFRS 17 day 2
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.
WTW & Anthropic: Beyond Insurance AI Hype. A Talking Tech Special
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.
From back office to boardroom: Modernizing the actuarial function
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 faste
Innovation, analytics & the future of health insurance customers
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
Beyond chatbots: How AI agents are transforming insurance
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 Gen
The Role of AI in Financial Reporting: Hype or Reality?
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.
Bureau rates vs. proprietary data: Finding the right pricing balance
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 addresse
The hidden costs: Unpacking legal system abuse in the U.S. insurance market
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 driv
Bermuda's insurance and reinsurance market insights
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 Solvenc
The role of leadership and culture in commercial insurance transformation
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.
Recent developments in Florida residential property insurance, part 2
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.
Recent developments in Florida residential property insurance, part 1
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, litigat
The nearshoring advantage: A life insurance case study from WTW
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
Improving performance in portfolio trading
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.
Proposed changes to Valuation Manual-22 for non-variable annuity products in the U.S.
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 Janua
Rapidly evolving landscape 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
Global health insurance trends
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
Building a high performance insurance culture
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 op
Building a high performance insurance culture
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 op
Talking Tech special: (Re)thinking automated model monitoring and insight generation
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.
Talking Tech special: (Re)thinking automated model monitoring and insight generation
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.
Talking Tech special: (Re)thinking automated model monitoring and insight generation
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.
Risk scoring and its importance in today's digitized insurance marketplace
Anand Patel, Rajeev Janagal and Jonathan Aubrey-Smith discuss what is risk scoring and how this method helps insurers in making better decisions
Talking Tech special: (Re)thinking externalised rating from an IT perspective
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.
The growing European cyber insurance market
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.
The pension risk transfer market: Insights, trends and regulatory changes
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
Talking Tech special: Transforming the reserving function
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.
The people side of pricing
In this episode, Sina Thieme is joined by Maria Jesus Guitard to discuss the importance of people in an insurers pricing function.
Managing the market cycle
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.
Putting theory into practice: Deploying Python and open source to impact business results
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.
Using conduct risk to power customer and commercial value
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.
In-force portfolio management for the U.S. life insurance industry
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 Sa
Advanced analytics
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
Reframing capital risk appetite
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 volatili
WTW global IFRS 17 study – part 2: Analyst survey
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 th
WTW global IFRS 17 study – part 1: Disclosure Analysis
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 a
Navigating the UK household insurance market
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 MGA 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.
AI regulation; how will this impact insurers now and in the future?
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.
Consumer Duty: What duty do life insurers have to their customers?
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 instil
Talking Tech special: AI and Machine Learning
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.
Talking Tech special: Financial Modeling
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.
ESG Special: Planning and implementing an effective ESG strategy
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 ep
Talking Tech special: Dynamic Products
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.
Registered index-linked annuities: How they work, market growth, trends and outlook
In this episode, our experts take a comprehensive look at registered index-linked annuities.
The top ten challenges facing Chief Risk Officers in life insurance for 2024
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 Menne
Talking Tech special: P&C capital modeling trends
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.
Commercial Lines Market Portfolio Optimization - Underwriting implementation
Organizations with effective portfolio management are able to bring together all the functions under a cohesive strategy to deliver against their business plans. And critical to this is portfolio managers turning data into meaningful insights to support better underwriting decisions. In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Hjoerdis Gerke is joined by Paul Higham and Anand Patel to discuss h
Talking Tech special: The future of digital trading and distribution
In this episode, Charlie Samolczyk is joined by Louise Smith and Taffy Jo Mayers to discuss the future of digital trading and distribution.
Reserving transformation practices across Europe
In this episode, Holly Layton is joined by Alessandro Pesci and Friederike Gutjahr to discuss how reserving functions differ across Europe, and what trends and observations they have seen in their respective regions.
Data Science Risk
In this episode, Kartina Tahir Thomson and Pardeep Bassi talk about the risks and challenges an insurer faces when embedding data science into their organisation. They discuss what we are currently observing in the market and what firms should be considering and/or doing when integrating data science, as well as some of the pitfalls that many have run into.
The future of insurance and analytics
Insurers recognize that analytics have the power to add value across their organizations. Companies that maximize the use of analytics will win in the marketplace and gain a competitive edge. In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Ravi Sharma is joined by Pardeep Bassi and Laura Doddington to discuss the future of insurance and how analytics will transform insurance.
Accumulation and Savings — How to provide value for money for both customers and shareholders
Following the introduction of automatic enrollment into workplace pensions in 2012, there has been increasing focus within the UK on delivering value for savers. And with the government's recent proposals for a common framework for assessing Value for Money (VFM) for Defined Contribution (DC) schemes, developing product and services which help customers to and through retirement has never been mor
Navigating the Florida homeowners' insurance market
Insurers in the Florida homeowners' market have had a tough time in recent years. Population booms, economic development, natural disasters and a highly litigious market make it challenging for carriers doing business in the state. In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Ravi Sharma is joined by Klayton Southwood and Trevar Withers to discuss the Florida homeowners' insurance market, tales of t
Talking Tech special: The importance of building a robust technology ecosystem
In this episode, our host, Charlie Samolcyzk is joined by Andrew Harley and John Heidelberger to discuss the benefits of ecosystems and partnerships within an organisation.
Streamlining Insurance - How SaaS is Enabling Automation
Across the insurance industry, many firms are increasingly looking towards software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to address issues of limited internal resource, as well as to automate and streamline their business processes. In this episode of (Re)thinking Insurance, Ravi Sharma is joined by Kunal Patel and Scott Gibson to explore the benefits of SaaS solutions and how organisations can ensure th
ESG Special: How climate conditions impact both insurers' present day and future risk
Faced with the challenges and risks of climate change and a warming planet, insurers have strong foundations in place with the catastrophe models developed over recent decades. But the forecasting horizons of such models tends to be quite short. So, as an industry, we need to be thinking about how we better project the potential longer-term effects on exposures, underwriting and investment strateg
ESG Special: How will climate transition risks impact the insurance industry?
For insurers, climate transition risk has two distinct, but related, aspects. On the one hand is what they do in their own operations, in areas such as reducing emissions and reporting. On the other is the increasing awareness of and attention on what the transition to net zero means for underwriting, claims, products and, potentially, reputation. For (re)insurers, climate transition risk has two
Hot topics in the U.S. life insurance market
Carrie Kelley is joined by Nik Godon, Karen Grote and Nick Komissarov to explore hot topics in the U.S. life insurance industry. They discuss perspectives on managing in-force blocks, M&A transactions and the pension risk transfer (PRT) market.
Using GBMs to Automate Decision Making
In this episode, Rachael McNaughton and Madeline Main discuss the practical applications of GBMs.
Episode 2: Deciphering crypto: What, how and why insurers have to take notice
Ravi is joined by Magda Ramada to discuss crypto assets and related technologies. Magda explains key terms and explores how the insurance industry can play a part in this evolving ecosystem.
Middle East Special: Navigating the M&A market
With Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in the Middle East continuing to increase, the implications for insurers, people, processes and systems can be significant and far-reaching. However, it simultaneously presents unparalleled opportunities for businesses to drive growth, deliver faster decision-making, free up capital and create new opportunities in unexplored markets. In this episode of (R
Episode 14: Reserving transformation: A look at RenRe's journey
Peter is joined by Joshua Wald and Holly Layton to discuss how RenaissanceRe (RenRe) transformed its reserving process. They explore the challenges RenRe faced, the objectives of the project, the benefits gained and what other organizations need to consider when undertaking a similar transformation.
Episode 13 - Reshaping of the UK's Solvency II and wider changes post-Brexit
Sina Thieme is joined by Kenny McIvor and Anthony Plotnek, who explore the proposed reforms to Solvency II in the UK, as set out by the HM Treasury and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), and what the potential implications could be for insurers.
Episode 12: Why life insurers need to embrace data democratization
In this episode: Carrie is joined by Amanda Hug to discuss what data democratization is and how sharing data benefits customers and helps insurance companies advance their businesses.
Episode 11: Emerging mortality experience in U.S. individual life insurance
Carrie is joined by Boyang Meng and Kim Steiner to explore the findings and trends from TOAMS 5, WTW's life insurance industry mortality study.
Episode 10: Inflation and its impact on the insurance industry
Sina is joined by Chris Bozman and Klayton Southwood to discuss the effects of rising inflation on the insurance industry and what steps can be taken to address it.
Episode 9: The role of data science within insurance claims
Tom is joined by Pardeep Bassi to discuss how applying data science within the claims space can improve the customer experience, enhance the way in which claims teams operate and ultimately improve the bottom line for insurers.
Episode 8 – Open source – what can it offer insurers?
Carrie Kelley is joined by Pardeep Bassi and Serhat Guven to discuss what open source is, what the pros and cons are and how to strike the right balance when applying it within the insurance industry.
Episode 7 – How automation is reshaping capital modeling
Peter Royek is joined by Charlie Carwin and Scott Gibson to discuss how automation can benefit capital modeling practices to become more efficient, robust and accurate.
Episode 6: Future changes to the Solvency II regime
Sina Thieme is joined by Miroslav Kotaska to discuss where we currently are with the EC Solvency II review process and what can EEA insurers expect in the coming years from the prudential requirements at a European level.
Episode 5: Middle East Special: Gaining competitive advantage in the GCC through pricing
Guest host Matthew Facey is joined by pricing experts Tim Rourke and Andrew Davies to discuss pricing relevance in the Middle East market and how pricing has wide reaching implications for insurers, peoples, processes, systems and data.
Episode 4: Middle East Special: IFRS17
Matthew Facey is joined by Susann Roeske and Bastian Kurth to discuss what the implementation of IFRS 17 means for insurers operating in the Middle East, and what can be done to make the process as smooth as possible.
Episode 3: Insights from the 2021 P&C Insurance Advanced Analytics Survey
In this episode: Michael McPhail is joined by Nathalie Bégin and Lisa Sukow, who share key findings, takeaways and insights from our 2021 P&C Insurance Advanced Analytics Survey of North American insurers. By listening to this podcast, you'll learn how insurers are expanding and improving the use of advanced analytics.
Episode 2: Generating more business and at the right price
In this episode, Vittorio Magatti is joined by Gero Niessen who explores how agents today decide on pricing and discounts, the potential pitfalls of this approach, and how both insurers and agents can benefit when agents are provided with the right information in the right way.
Episode 27: Commercial lines insurance trends
Michael McPhail is joined by Jeff Van Kley and Nancy Serio, who explore key trends and challenges that are impacting commercial lines insurers, as well as how companies are preparing for the future.
Episode 1: COVID-19 and the future of work
In this episode: Michael McPhail is joined by Day Bishop and George Zarkadakis, who discuss how the pandemic has accelerated the shift to new ways of working, how insurers are leveraging technology to derive value and mitigate future uncertainty and how companies are redesigning critical roles to achieve positive business outcomes.
Episode 26: Machine Learning and alternative methods for reserving
Vittorio Magatti is joined by Lewis Maddock to talk about some of the greatest challenges facing reserving teams today, to explore why historically there has been so little innovation, and discuss the meaning and impact of machine learning in the context of reserving.
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