A.m. Best Radio Podcast

Raju Seetharaman, technology chief, Legal & General America, discusses how AI, data analytics and digital innovation are transforming life insurance by streamlining underwriting, empowering agents and expanding access for customers with complex health profiles.

Climate risk, supply chain and geopolitical risk continue to be major concerns, said Christopher Majka, staff vice president of data visualization, FM. He noted that proprietary cybersecurity data has been introduced into the index this year.

Neil Sprackling, CEO of Life and Health Re US at Swiss Re, explores how breakthroughs in personalized medicine, metabolic health and early disease detection are transforming longevity expectations and underwriting in the insurance industry.

AM Best Associate Director Jason Hopper and Industry Analyst Kaitlin Piasecki discuss a new Best's Special Report that finds eligibility redeterminations after public health emergencies are leading to a mismatch between acuity and rates.

John Dickson, CEO and president of Insurmark, discusses the rising frequency and severity of tornadoes, wind, and hail storms, the evolving insurance landscape, and the critical steps homeowners and agents should take to mitigate risk and ensure adequate coverage.

Aaron Hillebrandt, principal and consulting actuary, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, said diversification of risk is important—and a great strategy.

In his book, Claims-Made Insurance: The Policy That Changed the Industry, Fisher Consulting President Frederick Fisher explores the intricacies of claims-made policies, offering a comprehensive guide to their evolution, components and challenges.

John Lopes, executive vice president, Nationwide Alternative Ventures and Emerging Markets, said that given the size and scope of the company, Nationwide is one of the most diversified carriers in the U.S.

Wai Tang, senior director, and Matt Tuite, director, both of AM Best, discuss a new Best's Special Report that finds ILS capacity reached a record high in 2024, as did issuance of 144A natural catastrophe bonds.

Suzanne Williams-Charles, CEO of Bermuda International Long-Term Insurers and Reinsurers, discusses how the island is balancing robust regulation with innovation in life and annuity markets.

While cyber is becoming more of an operational risk, increased severity trends and emerging technologies such as AI are raising concerns, said Ziad Kubursi, head of Financial & Executive Liability, Hartford Financial.

Justin Hakes, senior vice president of public affairs, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, discusses the success of the Insurance Uncovered podcast, its role in delivering key industry insights, and how it keeps members informed on pressing insurance issues.

Rapid premium rate increases, coupled with pockets of higher reinsurance pricing, also expands the need for higher capital, said Jason Hopper, associate director, AM Best, discussing a new Best's Special Report.

AM Best Director Edward Kohlberg highlights a new Best's Market Segment Report that determines that economic conditions, regulatory frameworks and engaging products will reshape the future of the Life/Annuity market.

David Meinen, CIO at SIAA, discusses how artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and high-quality data are revolutionizing independent insurance agencies, enabling them to enhance customer relationships, improve underwriting, and drive business growth in an increasingly competitive market.

With over 14,000 YouTube subscribers and 21,000 LinkedIn connections, Prasath Parthiban, host of the PNC Insurance Helpline, is on a mission to make insurance concepts accessible by empowering small business owners, newcomers, and industry professionals alike through short, insightful, and non-monetized videos.

Paul Giliberto, head of management liability, private non-profit, Zurich Insurance, discusses the evolving private directors and officers insurance market, highlighting increased competition, the impact of M&A slowdowns and emerging risks such as rising bankruptcies and interest rate pressures. Giliberto spoke with AM Best TV at the PLUS D&O Symposium in New York City.

Justin Baker, AVP of life insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, discusses how the industry is leveraging electronic health records and real-time health insights to enhance underwriting, improve risk assessment, and expand access to coverage.

AM Best Senior Director Jacqalene Lentz outlines a new Best's Market Segment Report that finds despite weather-related catastrophe losses, overall P/C underwriting results improved in 2024, and AM Best expects the industry to build on its solid rebound in 2025.

Franklin Manchester, global insurance strategic advisor at SAS Institute explais how insurance leaders face a growing ethical responsibility to close the global protection gap — leveraging AI, data, and technology to build resilient communities while overcoming trust barriers and adapting to climate-driven risks.