Editor's Picks

The global construction industry continues to expand, says Jimmy Keime, Head of Engineering and Nuclear, for Swiss Re.

Ahead of the upcoming Baden-Baden Reinsurance Meeting, top of mind for many are climate, economy and geopolitics, says Nikhil da Victoria Lobo, Head of P and C Reinsurance for Western and Southern Europe and Middle East and Africa for Swiss Re.

The explosive growth of the E&S market, coupled with higher seller valuations, is driving a steady stream of carrier M&A activity, said Jason Murgio, Principal & CEO and Paul Procops, Vice President, of boutique insurance investment bank Merger & Acquisition Services.

“That’s what we live for,” said Darren Tasker, Head of Construction, North America, Allianz Commercial, emphasizing the deep expertise needed to navigate multi-billion-dollar data center construction projects and deliver tailored, comprehensive insurance coverage.

From cat losses from wildfires and hurricanes to litigation battles to the shifting commercial insurance landscape — these are the stories that defined our industry in the last 12 months. In celebration of Insurance Insider US Honors Awards, please enjoy our Year in Review video.

January 1 renewal rates will be determined by the next 60 days of possible hurricane loss activity and any change to interest rates.

As the reinsurance industry “fought incredibly hard” for its recent underwriting profits, SiriusPoint CEO Scott Egan remains hopeful that the market will remain disciplined coming into Jan. 1 renewals.

MGA’s can be challenging but cost effective and “we use them to expand our footprint in new markets and new lines of business”.

It is your people who differentiate you in a competitive reinsurance market, Klinger said.

While investors recently have favored the “instant gratification” of supporting brokers and MGAs, start-up reinsurer Mereo CEO David Croom-Johnson said he thinks capital will “fall back in love” with balance-sheet companies who deliver consistent profitable results.

Named peril specific mass tort litigation coverage is a $5bn opportunity for reinsurers.

Alternative capital can support M&A, says Eric le Mercier.

The E&S market has “the same DNA as we do”.

AI is fuelling MGA growth in Europe and the UK, Clausner says.

Paul Campbell details how the most profitable insurers act during a soft versus hard market.

New technologies, including autonomous vehicles, are impacting loss trends already, said Charlie Bartlett, head of P&C for North, Central and Eastern Europe, SCOR, in the walk up to the annual RVS conference in Monte Carlo.

The insurance industry faces fierce competition to replace retiring professionals amid evolving expectations from younger workers. Tony Chimera, Talent Executive, Westfield Specialty, reveals how investing in people and culture drives success in recruiting and retention.

While volatile stock markets and increased geopolitical strife may have dampened global Mergers & Acquisitions, transactions among brokers remain robust, said M&A Services Inc.’s Managing Director Chris Hughes and Senior Associate Stephen Scales.

Insurers are pairing accumulation and exposure management with modeling to navigate natural catastrophes, said Monica Ningen, CEO P&C Reinsurance US, Swiss Re.

Insurers could face a “heightened claims exposure” due to increased regulation scrutiny on the fintech industry, including buy now pay later schemes, AI and crypto, said Nick Rugg, Head of Fintech and Investment Management Insurance for Markel International.

The increase in business and leisure travel – plus niche travel, such as for cosmetic procedures – is driving increased demand for travel insurance, said Guy Bonwick, Head of Global Specialty Accident and Health at AXIS.

“Wildfire is a specialist peril," said Kevin Stein, Co-Founder and CEO of Delos, explaining how harnessing data is redefining wildfire risk underwriting.

Companies are focusing on offering mental health support to employees. “We're listening, we're learning and we're sharing,” said Vince Tizzio, President and CEO of AXIS, with Phil Schermer, Founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds.

As AI and data analytics reshape the insurance industry, Brendan Hanley, managing director of binding P&C at Markel, explains how these tools can offer real efficiency gains.

Private equity investors may not have the same timeline as the multi-year construction projects they’ve invested in, which could leave surety writers holding the keys if private equity walks away, said Mike Keimig, president and CEO of Markel Surety.

Parametric insurance and multi-year, multi-line structured solutions are two tools that can help insureds manage natural catastrophes, said Katie McGrath, regional CEO of North America for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.

Jack Falvey, CEO of Falvey Insurance Group, talked to Insider on Air about what sets his MGA apart in an increasingly crowded field and why “just having relationships” isn’t enough anymore.

Anna Woolley, Head of Construction for AXIS Global Markets, discusses how they’re tackling the challenges of mega projects, sustainability, and evolving risks in the construction insurance sector.

The cyber insurance market is poised for growth in 2025, but staying competitive requires innovation and adaptability to new risks. Andy Maher, head of cyber & technology, London, for AXIS, shares insights on industry trends and challenges ahead.

"The Once and Future C&F" delves into pivotal moments within the company and the insurance industry and spotlights the leaders who’ve shaped the company’s legacy over the past 200+ years.

Karl Haynes, Managing Director for Wholesale Claims at Tysers Insurance Brokers, explains how advancements like AI and drones are transforming the insurance claims process, improving efficiency and transparency in the London market.

Fred Karlinsky, Chair of the Insurance Programme at Greenberg Traurig, discusses Florida's impactful tort reforms, third-party litigation funding, and the booming E&S market's future.

Paul Templar, Co-Founder & CEO of VIPR Solutions, explores the drivers of growth, key challenges, and future outlook for MGAs in 2025.

Jim Mormile, President of Professional Lines for Skyward Specialty, discusses AI, cyber risks, and industry challenges.

Mark Maher, President of Jencap, discusses the thriving MGA space, market challenges, and opportunities in 2025.

Tim Brockett, EVP & Head of Specialty for Munich Re U.S. shares insights on risk perceptions, the flood insurance gap, and innovative strategies.

Michael Silas, Head of Global Credit for AXIS Re, discusses 2025's macroeconomic outlook, regulatory shifts, and credit market trends.

Maggie Munns, Head of Executive Assurance for Arch Insurance International, on the evolving D&O market, discussing challenges, strategies, and a 2025 outlook.

Target Markets is hoping to expand to offer scholarships to additional students next year, says Gene Abby, executive director, Target Markets

Damian Cooper, Partner with PwC Bermuda discusses life reinsurance growth and regulatory challenges.

Arthur Wightman, Territory Leader for PwC Bermuda discusses industry challenges and Bermuda's key role in reinsurance growth and climate initiatives.

Charlie Matthias Deputy Chairman and Group Executive Director for The Fidelis Partnership discusses how ESG practices can drive societal change, improve underwriting, and ensure sustainable growth in insurance.

Joe Dutton, Energy Innovation Lead for AXIS, discusses the role of insurance in supporting new energy technologies.

Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Exeter, explains ocean carbon storage and its role in climate change.

Bill Cooper, Managing Director with Howden Capital Markets & Advisory, discusses insurance market trends, M&A projections, MGA expansion and ILS insights.

Nadia Beckert, Group Head of Property Reinsurance for The Fidelis Partnership, shares insights on market outlooks, AI integration and the challenge of attracting new talent in the evolving reinsurance industry.

Robert Wiest, CEO of MS Reinsurance, discusses trends in the casualty market, social inflation and renewal expectations at the PwC Insurance Summit in Bermuda.

Kirsten Beasley, Head of the Bermuda Office for WTW, discusses talent, diversity, and mentorship at the PwC Insurance Summit.

Neil Eckert, Chairman and Co-Founder of Conduit Re, discusses climate change mitigation, new insurance products, and closing the coverage gap.

Will Bridger, Group CEO with Compre Group, discusses the evolving legacy insurance market at the PwC Insurance Summit.

Rachel Turk, CUO for Lloyd’s, shares first-year insights and explores AI, market outlook, and data flow innovations.

AXA XL’s CUO for Bermuda, Noel Pearman, shares how AI is transforming insurance operations, enhancing client offerings, and opening doors to new business opportunities.

Steve Horton, President of Liberty Mutual Bermuda, on AI's transformative role, challenges, and potential in reshaping the insurance industry.

Tim Usher Jones, Co-CEO and Founder of Banyan Risk, shares insights on their new excess casualty venture, AI integration, and growth strategies in an evolving market.

Rob Bredahl, Vice Chairman of Howden Re and Executive Chairman of Howden Capital Markets & Advisory, discusses cat events, market capital and the 2025 outlook.

Stephen Catlin, Executive Chairman for Convex, shares insights on leadership, climate initiatives and how insurance must evolve at the PwC Insurance Summit in Bermuda.

Andrea Baer, Head of Alternative Risk Transfer Latin America for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, discusses how Latin American companies use alternative risk transfer solutions like parametric cover and captives to overcome insurance capacity challenges.

William Ho, CEO of MS Amlin Asia Pacific discusses the Phoenix Re catastrophe bonds and plans to grow ILS in Asia.

Chris Dougherty, CEO of Alimco Re, shares insights on the firm’s strategy and market goals at Target Markets.

Greg Massey, US Adviser for VIPR, shares insights on growth, challenges and data’s role in sustaining profitable program insurance portfolios.

Bob Hartwig, Professor of Insurance with the University of South Carolina, discusses the resilient US economy, election impacts and future growth in specialized insurance sectors at the Target Markets conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jerico Vinsonhaler, VP & Head of Workers Comp for Origin Specialty Underwriters discusses a soft workers' comp market amid rising coverage challenges, at Tarket Markets 2024.

Mitchell Rosenberg, Managing Director for Howden Capital Markets & Advisory shares key ILS market insights and investor sentiments ahead of 2025, at the ILS Connect 2024 conference in New York.

Richard Pennay, CEO of Aon Securities discusses how recent hurricanes and trapped capital shape the ILS market, at the ILS Connect 2024 conference in New York.

Connie Germano discusses social inflation, collaboration, and limits in the evolving excess casualty market.

Paul Sullivan shares updates on Arch's growth strategy and the evolving delegated authority market, at the Target Markets 2024 Conference.

Dan Riordan, Head of Political Risk at MSIG, discusses the rising demand for political risk and credit insurance due to global infrastructure growth across the U.S., Europe, and emerging markets.

Claims professionals and leaders at the International Association of Claims Professionals conference in Orlando said the industry must work together to stem the rising cost of social inflation.

Ryne Carney, Head of Property Product for The Hartford discusses how underreporting property values can leave businesses vulnerable during a catastrophe.

Marko Ninkovic, Head of Claims Specialty at Brit, explains the growing challenges of war risk claims and modern piracy at the International Association of Claims Professionals Conference in Orlando.

CEO of WTW’s Corporate Risk and Broking for North America, discusses the transformation in operations, diversity, and talent strategy.

Randy Fuller, Head of North America Property at Guy Carpenter, discusses market stability, hurricane impacts, and the evolving role of claims professionals on October 1st, 2024.

Tracey Ant, Head of Middle and Large Commercial for The Hartford discusses key insurance gaps and innovative risk mitigation strategies.

Bhavik Desai, Director of Professional Indemnity at Markel, explains the widening gap between professional indemnity and cyber insurance, highlighting the impact of recent events including the CrowdStrike IT outage.

Michael Steel, General Manager-Insurance Solutions at Moody’s, discusses the latest trends in mitigating cyber risks, managing secondary perils, and leveraging new technologies to enhance data quality and workflow efficiencies.

Ahead of RVS 2024 Robert Wiest, CEO of MS Reinsurance, shares his perspective on market trends and client expectations as reinsurers prepare for the pivotal January 1st renewal season.

Kevin Nolan, Head of Multinational for The Hartford, discusses the supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by COVID and strategies to mitigate future risks.

President & CUO for Liberty Specialty Markets discusses key risk factors, market trends, and the insurance industry's role in the energy transition

Ashleigh Cashman, President of ICAT, discusses how the property insurance market is adapting to increased natural catastrophes and shares strategies for handling valuation and claims inflation challenges.

Scott Whitehead of Markel Insurtech Underwriters discusses the evolving role of digital managing general agents in the insurance industry, highlighting innovation, challenges, and future growth.

Matt Scott discusses how The Hartford is shifting from traditional insurance to innovative partnerships, enhancing client value beyond risk transfer.

Jason Busti, President of North America for AXIS Re discusses the complexities and challenges of 2024 midyear casualty renewals

Risa Ryan, head of US P&C at Hyperexponential, discusses the transformative impact of technology on the insurance industry.

Businesses are increasingly interested not just in property catastrophe insurance, but also parametric solutions and directors & officers to help cover claims related to climate change, said Bob Quane, chief underwriting officer, Beazley.

Smaller companies may follow in the steps of the larger insurers who’ve already taken charges. “That trend has legs,” said Marc Adee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Crum & Forster.

The need for specialty lines is greater than ever before, said Patrick G. Ryan, founder, chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty.

About 80-90% of the global economy is based on intangible assets, said Ian Lewis, Head of Intangible Assets for Arch Insurance International.

Facing increased existential pressures, businesses are seeking more robust financial lines protection, said Mark Paccione, head of retail financial lines, lower middle markets, for AXIS.

While Arch is looking into using AI and robotics to streamline claims, an important focus remains on diversity to build a strong claims culture, said Barbara Rizzi, Chief Claims Officer for Arch Insurance International.

Mark Gregory, Head of AXIS Global Markets discusses AXIS’s new Energy Transition Report, the launch of Syndicate 2050, and the future of emerging energy technologies.

Augmented underwriting can provide underwriters new insights at the right time in process, but underwriting is still an art, no matter how much technology you put around it, said Simon Cooper-Williams, Director of Portfolio Development Solutions, Markel International.

AXIS recently entered a partnership with Project Healthy Minds. “We live in a world that is fairly uncertain… the notion of feeling comfortable and talking about mental health needs is critically important,” said Vince Tizzio, president and CEO of AXIS, during an interview with Phil Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds, and Insurance Insider’s Meg Green.

Over the next six to eight months, MSIG USA will continue its US expansion with new hires and new products, including launching cyber coverage, said Peter McKenna, CEO of MSIG USA, at RISKWORLD in San Diego.

Heading into hurricane season, the property insurance market continues to face the impact of inflation and severe convective storms, said Martin Neuhaus, president, Munich Re Facultative & Corporate North America at RISKWORLD in San Diego.

Businesses are looking for comprehensive, specialized product and service solutions in addition to indemnity coverage, said Kristin Towse, executive underwriting officer, Markel Specialty, at RISKWORLD in San Diego.

It’s critical that insurers help clients to evolve and manage new and different risks stemming from AI, said Lucy Pilko, CEO of the Americas for AXA XL at RISKWORLD in San Diego.