A.m. Best Radio Podcast

Michel Léonard, chief economist and data scientist, Triple-I, explores how inflation, interest rates, third-party litigation and global tariff uncertainty are reshaping underwriting, investment strategies and the industry's protection gap.

Carter Lawrence, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, said choices and competition in a business-friendly environment will help the insurance market meet the needs of the state’s growing population. Lawrence spoke with AM Best TV at the CIRCA ReConnect Conference in Grand Cayman.

Srdjan Todorovic, head of political violence and hostile environment solutions at Allianz Commercial, discusses key findings from the latest Allianz report, including terrorism trends, sabotage threats and the growing complexity of civil unrest that businesses face worldwide.

Jordan Barker, climate risk specialist, Beazley, discusses how rising economic uncertainty is pushing sustainability lower on the corporate agenda, despite growing exposure to extreme weather and energy transition risks.

Bryan Hodgens, head of research, LIMRA, discusses how economic pressures, remote work trends, and rising employer expectations are transforming benefits brokers into data-driven, consultative partners.

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.