InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant

Graeme Asquith, UK Managing Director: mea platform: Designing an intelligent processing platform for insurance (342)

AI-driven automation is transforming how insurers process data, streamline workflows and improve decision-making. In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Graeme Asquith, UK Managing Director at mea Platform, about how AI-powered document ingestion is changing the game for underwriting and claims.

With advanced machine learning models trained on millions of insurance documents, mea platform enables insurers to extract key information instantly—reducing manual processing, improving accuracy and accelerating business decisions. Robin and Graeme also discuss the rise of algorithmic underwriting, the role of AI in digital distribution and what’s next for the insurance industry as automation becomes a competitive necessity.

Key Talking Points:

• From consulting to AI – Graeme's career path and transition into insurance technology
• How mea platform extracts data from insurance documents using AI and machine learning
• Automating underwriting workflows – turning unstructured data into actionable insights
• The rise of AI-driven ingestion – why it’s becoming a must-have for insurers
• Three approaches to document processing – build, generic IDP, or insurance-specific AI
• Speed and accuracy – how mea achieves high extraction precision out of the box
• Scaling AI in insurance – implementing solutions quickly without heavy IT investment
• Beyond ingestion – how automation and intelligence are shaping underwriting and claims
• Partnering for success – mea’s collaborations with Lloyd’s, Accenture, and Solos Consulting
• The future of insurance AI – from digital trading to algorithmic underwriting and beyond

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Graeme Asquith on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Specify the differences between generic document processing tools and insurance-specific AI solutions.
• Define the challenges insurers face in handling unstructured data and the benefits of automation.
• List the key inefficiencies in manual data extraction and how AI-powered solutions address them.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 342 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Alex Cardona, CEO and Co-founder: Recorder: Connecting brokers, connected insurance (341)

From manual data entry to slow underwriting decisions, inefficiencies in broker management have long been a challenge for the commercial insurance industry. But what if brokers could streamline data collection, enhance risk assessment and seamlessly connect with underwriters in real time?

In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Alex Cardona, CEO and Co-founder of Recorder, a company building the next generation of broker management software. After a successful exit from Codat, a financial data infrastructure business, Alex and his team are applying their expertise to insurance—helping brokers replace outdated workflows with automation, APIs and structured data.

Key Talking Points:

• How Recorder is addressing inefficiencies in broker management
• Why traditional broker workflows create data bottlenecks for insurers
• The role of APIs in modernising commercial insurance
• How automated data ingestion can improve underwriting accuracy
• The importance of standardizing risk data for brokers and carriers
• Challenges in adoption and how Recorder is overcoming industry resistance
• Insights from Alex’s journey at Codat and lessons applied to Recorder
• Why brokers are the key drivers of change in insurance distribution
• How Recorder is scaling without heavy venture capital investment

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Alex Cardona on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• List the key inefficiencies in traditional broker workflows that slow down risk assessment and underwriting.
• Define the challenges brokers face in manual data processing and how technology is addressing these issues.
• Explain why brokers are central to driving innovation in insurance data infrastructure and connectivity.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 341 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Berend de Jong, Global Insurance & Finance Lead: Planet Labs: Planet watch — how satellites are changing risk (340)

Satellite imagery is revolutionising the way insurers assess risk, track disasters and provide coverage. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Berend de Jong, Global Insurance & Finance Lead at Planet Labs, about how high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data are reshaping the insurance industry.

With a fleet of over 200 satellites capturing daily images of the Earth's surface, Planet Labs enables insurers to enhance flood and wildfire risk modeling, parametric insurance solutions and pre/post-loss assessments.

The conversation explores real-world applications, including how instant satellite imaging played a key role in analysing the Los Angeles wildfires and German floods, and how parametric insurance providers like Floodbase leverage satellite data to develop innovative flood coverage solutions.

Key Talking Points

• From consulting to satellites – Berend’s career journey
• How Planet Labs’ 200+ satellites capture daily Earth imagery
• The power of high-resolution imaging – down to 30-40 cm
• Tasking satellites on demand – costs, speed, and accessibility
• Optical vs. SAR satellites – when to use each technology
• Los Angeles wildfires case study – tracking fire progression in real time
• German floods case study – distinguishing between river and rain-driven floods
• Parametric insurance in action – partnerships with AXA, Swiss Re, and FloodBase
• Underwriting & claims insights – using satellite data for smarter decisions
• The future of satellite data – affordability, accessibility, and evolving use cases

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Berend de Jong on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Describe how high-resolution satellite imagery supports risk assessment, underwriting, and claims management in insurance.
• List the key differences between optical satellites, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and passive microwave technology in data collection.
• Identify the real-world applications of satellite data through case studies, including Los Angeles wildfires and German floods.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 340 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Bob Pick, Group Deputy CITO (CIO), Tokio Marine Group: How well do you know generative AI? (339)

How is generative AI changing the way insurers work—and think?

In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Bob Pick, EVP Chief Information Officer at Tokio Marine North American Services and Group Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer for Tokio Marine Group, to explore the real-world impact of generative AI in the insurance industry.

From streamlining underwriting decisions to detecting fraud and automating operational processes, Bob explains how Tokio Marine is using AI to address both everyday challenges and complex, global demands. Balancing innovation with responsibility, the conversation sheds light on what AI can—and can’t—do for insurers today.

If you’ve ever wondered how generative AI works in practice, or what it means for the future of insurance, this episode offers clear and thought-provoking insights.

Key Talking Points:

• The evolution of generative AI – from revolutionary tech to practical applications
• Classic AI vs. generative AI – understanding the difference
• Advisory tools like Microsoft Copilot – where they fit into the workflow
• Case studies from Tokio Marine – submission analysis and claims fraud detection
• Development tools – automating back-end processes with generative AI
• Risk management – balancing innovation with safeguarding data and compliance
• Tools of the trade – Microsoft Copilot, Grok, and other favourites
• Looking ahead – evolution or revolution in the next 1-3 years

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Bob Pick on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Describe how generative AI is transforming key processes in the insurance industry, such as underwriting and fraud detection.
• List the practical applications of generative AI discussed in the episode, including submission analysis, backend automation and global translation.
• Specify the differences between classic AI and generative AI, and their respective roles in insurance.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 339 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

 

Alex Haar, Co-founder & Chief Product Officer: Parsyl: Keeping it cool with a fresh $20m (338)

How is technology redefining supply chain insurance and resilience in a changing world?

Parsyl is combining innovation, data and ambition to transform the way essential supply chains are insured. Robin Merttens speaks with Alex Haar, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Parsyl, about the company’s impressive growth, their $20M Series C funding and the advanced technologies powering their solutions. From leveraging AI and IoT to expanding into non-perishable cargo, Parsyl is building a future where insurers and businesses can better predict, price and mitigate risks across global supply chains.

Key Talking Points:

• From tech startup to global supply chain insurer – Parsyl’s journey
• $20M Series C funding led by Lightsmith Group – what it means for Parsyl
• Essential supply chains – focusing on food, life sciences, and renewable technologies
• The role of AI – predictive models and generative AI powering underwriting
• IoT in action – real-time data for monitoring and managing risks
• Data partnerships – leveraging Lineage and other innovative sources
• The underwriter’s role – blending expertise with cutting-edge tools
• Preparing for the future – expanding in the U.S. and launching new products
• Resilience to climate change – Parsyl’s mission to protect critical supply chains

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Alex Haar on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Explain how generative AI enhances efficiency in submission processing and underwriting workflows.
• Define the role of predictive models in improving underwriting accuracy and claims outcomes.
• Identify the cultural and organisational factors critical to successfully implementing data-driven insurance solutions.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 338 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Adrian Coupland, Head of Sales: Earnix: An Industry at Crossroads (337)

In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Adrian Coupland from Earnix to explore the findings of its latest industry report, An Industry at a Crossroads. They discuss how insurers are adapting to modern challenges, from navigating compliance to leveraging real-time analytics. With a focus on modernisation and competition, Adrian shares insights into how technology and data are reshaping the insurance landscape, empowering businesses to move faster and make smarter decisions.

This conversation offers a glimpse into how insurers can stay ahead in a complex, evolving market while addressing regulatory pressures and increasing customer expectations.

Key Talking Points:

• From legacy systems to agile ecosystems – modernizing insurance.
• Insights from Earnix’s Industry at a Crossroads report.
• Real-time data and analytics – leveraging external and internal insights.
• The compliance conundrum – challenges and opportunities for innovation.
• Streamlining underwriting and pricing rule changes with Earnix.
• Proof of value – how Earnix helps insurers test and adopt technology.
• Staying competitive – advice for insurers planning for 2025 and beyond.
• Embracing AI and data-driven decision-making – the path forward.

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Adrian Coupland on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Measure the significance of reducing underwriting rule change timelines on operational efficiency.
• Explain the regulatory and compliance factors shaping the adoption of AI and machine learning in insurance.
• Define the differences between legacy monolithic systems and agile ecosystems in insurance operations.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 337 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Curious minds & bold beginnings (336)

In this special first episode of 2025, Zoja takes the hosting seat to ease us back into work and life post-New Year with a reflective and forward-looking conversation. Here’s what you can expect:

• 2024 Highlights: A look back at InsTech's key themes, including the growing buzz around catastrophe modeling and exposure management. Zoja shares insights from the year’s most popular webinars, including:
  • Know Your Models: An Underwriter’s Guide to Flood Modelling (in collaboration with Fathom).
  • JBA Risk Management’s session on lessons learned from five years of flood modeling.
    Flood modeling emerged as a standout topic, highlighting its importance as the second-largest driver of insured losses globally.
• Top Podcasts of 2024:
  • James Orchard (QBE Ventures): Exploring investment strategies for the year ahead.
  • Marcus Ryu (Guidewire): A personal journey into entrepreneurship and building a globally recognized company.
  • Nicola Turner (Scrub AI): From underwriter to founder—a compelling narrative of innovation.
  • Munich Re’s parametric experts: Insights into cutting-edge work in parametric risk management.
• What’s Ahead in 2025:
  • Exponential Risk London: InsTech’s inaugural two-day conference on March 4-5, a culmination of a year’s work on catastrophe risk and exposure management.
  • New Members Spotlight: Meet ClaimSorted, Bellwether, Grappler, OIP Robotics, Coherent, Recordr, Guy Carpenter and Federato —all new additions to the InsTech community.

Join Zoja as she celebrates the successes of 2024, previews what’s coming in 2025 and shares her personal podcast recommendations to kick off the new year.

Thank you for your continued support, and see you next Sunday!

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Hasani Jess on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Identify the new InsTech members and their potential contributions to the insurance and technology ecosystem in 2025.
• List the key themes and standout topics from InsTech’s 2024 events, including popular webinars and podcasts.
• Specify the primary goals and expected outcomes of the Exponential Risk London conference in March 2025.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 336 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Partners in paradise - Wine, birds and fabulous new friends (335)

Matthew and Robin meet again for our final Partners’ Chat of the year to touch on the highlights of 2024 and dive into key themes shaping the insurance and technology industries. From augmented underwriting to agentic AI, they explore the trends, challenges and opportunities that defined the year—and offer insights on what’s coming in 2025.

While Matthew emphasises the growing significance of secondary perils like severe convective storms (SCS), Robin reflects on how "boring but brilliant" innovations are quietly transforming the industry. Alongside these insights, expect lively discussions about digital transformation, smart follow syndication, and of course, Robin's essential holiday wine recommendations.

Key Talking Points

• What are market makers, and how are they shaping the future of insurance?
• Why severe convective storms are becoming the most significant natural peril for insurers.
• How algorithmic syndication and smart follow innovations are transforming underwriting.
• The role of parametric solutions in addressing gaps left by traditional insurance models.
• Why claims workbenches are the next frontier in specialty insurance efficiency.
• Exploring agentic AI: Can insurers trust proactive, decision-making technology?
• The growing ecosystem of catastrophe modeling and analytics providers in insurance.
• The importance of networking events like curated dinners for scaling tech solutions.

Robin’s Holiday Wine Picks

• White: Gerard Bertrand Heritage Clairette (£17 at Majestic)
• Red: Georgian Saperavi 2021 Bodoba
• Special Occasion: 2024 Château Léoville Barton
• Festive Favorite: The Society’s 150th Anniversary 2011 Vintage Port

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. 

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Explain how algorithmic syndication and claims workbenches are improving efficiency in underwriting and claims management.
• Specify the potential of agentic AI to transform insurance decision-making processes.
• Define the significance of secondary perils, such as severe convective storms, on insurance losses and reinsurance capacity.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 335 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Hasani Jess, CTO: Aventum Group: Dare to discover innovation (344)

How can technology and culture drive successful insurance transformation?

Aventum is blending innovation and ambition to transform its insurance operations into a tech-enabled powerhouse. Robin Merttens speaks with Hasani Jess, CTO at Aventum Group, about the company's growth, their approach to technology, and the cultural foundation enabling change. With over 650 employees and a tech team of more than 100, Aventum is building solutions to empower brokers, underwriters, and operational teams alike.

Key Talking Points:

• Scaling from 450 to 650 employees while evolving technology and processes.
• Building an integrated platform to unify data and streamline business functions.
• Developing bespoke engineering solutions for competitive advantage.
• Adopting best-of-breed tools to complement in-house technology development.
• Leveraging AI to triage submissions and extract insights from unstructured data.
• Operating a dedicated Innovation Lab to explore future-focused technologies.
• Connecting brokers and underwriters with tailored workbenches and tools.
• Addressing challenges of legacy systems to enable consistent progress.
• Embedding a culture of change and innovation across the business.

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Hasani Jess on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Define the importance of a culture of change in driving successful insurance transformation.
• Identify key strategies Aventum employs to address the challenges of legacy systems and enable progress.
• List the challenges associated with scaling technology teams to support rapid business growth.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 334 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Emmalina Glinskis, Floodbase & Alex Kaplan, Amwins: Insuring uncovered flood risk (333)

You may have heard that Floodbase and Amwins partnered earlier this year, and are combining satellite data and parametric insurance to tackle flood risk, a peril often underinsured or uninsured altogether.

Matthew Grant speaks with Emmalina, who leads Public Sector Partnerships at Floodbase, and Alex, Executive Vice President for Alternative Risk at Amwins, about their work insuring golf courses, municipalities and more.

The discussion highlights how advancements in satellite technology and data-driven insights are bridging gaps in traditional flood insurance, providing faster, more flexible coverage for both private and public sectors.

Key Talking Points:

• Learn how Floodbase uses satellite data to track and monitor flood risks.
• Understand the limitations of traditional flood insurance coverage.
• Explore how parametric insurance provides flexibility and fast payouts.
• See how municipalities can use parametric payouts to cover tax revenue losses and community recovery.
• Examine how historical flood data shapes payout triggers and pricing.
• Discover the unique challenges of insuring golf courses against floods.
• Gain insight into the increasing severity of atmospheric rivers and their impacts.
• Understand how parametric insurance addresses gaps in public and private sector coverage.
• Hear how municipalities reallocate budgets to afford parametric solutions.

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Emmalina or Alex on LinkedIn to start a conversation!

Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

Continuing Professional Development

This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

• Explain the benefits of parametric insurance, including faster payouts and flexible use of funds.
• Specify the process Floodbase uses to monitor and quantify flood water in insured boundaries.
• Define the term "atmospheric river" and its relevance to flood risk in California.

If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 333 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.