Welcome to The Best Policy – the new podcast brought to you by the publishers of The Insurer. Over the past few months, the entire industry has been challenged with confronting the escalating COVID-19 crisis. Now more than ever, we recognize how important it is to keep the dialogue going. To provide clarity as the situation develops, we will speak to a leader of our industry regularly, to get his or her take on the major issues of the day...
33: Mark Randall on the 2020 mental health events and impact of Covid-19
In a special edition of The Best Policy podcast, we talk to Mark Randall, CEO of Mark Randall Consultancy, performance and resilience coach, and organisational mindfulness specialist.
Throughout today's episode, we discuss this year's major mental health events that have been triggered by the impact of Covid-19 in an industry so used to face-to-face interaction.
Our guest shares strategies for improving the mental health culture within the workplace, simple techniques that help us manage stress, and how we can support our colleagues remotely.
11/25/2020 • 32 minutes, 41 seconds
32: Lou Iglesias on Covid-19, hard market conditions, new capital and profitable growth opportunities
In today's episode of The Best Policy podcast, we are joined by president and CEO of Allied World, Lou Iglesias.
In our exclusive interview, we discuss the challenges of Covid-19 and the economic downturn, hard market conditions, the impact of new capital and profitable growth opportunities in (re)insurance.
We start by asking our guest how the carrier is helping customers overcome challenges faced as a result of the pandemic and how it ensures operations continue to function.
We discuss the main drivers for price increases in a hard market, lower for longer interest rates, and how much the latter drives sustainability in terms of longevity of current market conditions.
We also talk about areas of claims from the second Covid-19 wave, opportunities for profitable growth in current market conditions and the level of flexibility and responsiveness Allied World has as part of Fairfax.
The chief executive shares his thoughts on the need for capacity in the marketplace and the impact of emerging start-ups and scale-ups on market dynamics.
Finally, we look at capital formation in Bermuda, reinsurance pricing and the retro market, as well as opportunities to expand.
11/9/2020 • 34 minutes, 15 seconds
31: Aon's Nick Frankland on Lloyd's trade capital, retro market, start-ups, and 1.1 renewals
In our latest edition of The Best Policy podcast, we are joined by Nick Frankland, UK CEO of Aon's Reinsurance Solutions business.
In today's episode, we discuss Lloyd's trade capital, the impact of Covid-19 and the current working environment, the tight retro market, start-ups and scale-ups, and the best ways to attract capital support for new entrants into the marketplace.
We look at the role of alternative capital at Lloyd's and the evolution of the portfolio of business across the short to medium term at Lloyd’s.
The executive also talks about MGAs in a hardening market, Covid-19 as a catalyst for tech and innovation, and how critical reducing costs to the end-customer is.
And we touch upon the future of Aon's Reinsurance Solutions business in the UK, what the combination with Willis Towers Watson means for the company's capabilities, as well as growth opportunities for the reinsurance industry as a whole.
Finally, our guest shares his expectations for the upcoming 1.1 renewals.
10/20/2020 • 30 minutes, 41 seconds
30: Richie Whitt on capital raising, low interest rates and pandemic as catalyst for change: Part II
In the second instalment of our podcast interview with Markel's Co-CEO Richie Whitt, we discuss Covid-19 losses, capital raising and what low interest rates mean for return expectations.
Richie talks about Covid-19 from a company perspective and shares his thoughts on the potential impact of a second wave on the business.
We also discuss the overall insurability of pandemic as an exposure from an industry perspective and what role the latter should play in any solution.
Following the significant amount of capital raises and start-ups beginning to emerge in the sector, our guest explains why he expects capital inflow will not temper hardening in the areas that Markel operates at upcoming renewals.
Finally, we look at return expectations in a low interest rate environment and the pandemic as catalyst for technological revolution in the industry.
Part I covers market conditions, capital allocation, fundraising in the ILS space and the fronting solutions business at State National.
9/29/2020 • 19 minutes, 46 seconds
29: Markel's Richie Whitt on market conditions, capital allocation and State National: Part I
In our latest edition of The Best Policy as part of #REinsuranceMonth, we are joined by Richie Whitt, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Markel Corporation.
In the first half of our interview, we discuss market conditions across the broad platform that Whitt oversees and how Markel makes capital allocation decisions to address opportunities in an improving market environment.
We start by looking at the E&S market and how it compares to previous cycles, the chief executive's expectations for the upcoming renewal across property, casualty and specialty, and potential opportunities on the retro side.
We also talk about fundraising in the ILS space and the fronting solutions business at State National.
Finally, Whitt shares how capital allocation decisions are made across insurance, reinsurance and retro.
Part II will air later this week and will cover capital raising, low interest rates and the Covid-19 pandemic as a catalyst for change in the industry.
9/28/2020 • 21 minutes, 38 seconds
28: Steve Arora on 2021 reinsurance renewals, property cat, casualty market, and specialty reinsurance
In today's instalment of The Best Policy during #REinsuranceMonth, we are joined by Steve Arora, chief executive officer of Axis Re.
We start by asking our guest what are the major themes that have arisen during his discussions in the virtual conference world ahead of the 2021 reinsurance renewals, and whether any surprises have come up.
Regarding the property catastrophe market, Steve shares his thoughts on what changes are needed and why the industry needs to see improvements around the world rather than just in specific geographies.
There is also discussion on the casualty market, in particular how much of a concern social inflation is and whether the continued improvements in the underlying business are sufficient to help improve the profitability of reinsurers’ quota share portfolios.
We also hear Steve’s thoughts on the specialty reinsurance sectors, and how much of an impact the expected tightening in the retro market in 2021 will have on Axis Re.
Finally, we explore what areas of opportunity Steve and his colleagues see on the horizon, and whether there are any specific areas of the market that have caught their interest.
9/22/2020 • 30 minutes, 36 seconds
27: Christian Mumenthaler on the impact of Covid-19, the industry’s resiliency, rate increases and the reinsurer’s outlook
In today's edition of The Best Policy as part of #REinsuranceMonth, we are joined by Christian Mumenthaler, Group Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re.
We start by asking our guest what the key fundamentals that underpin his strategy for Swiss Re are and how the reinsurer has differentiated its response to Covid-19 and its commitment to clients.
As 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for notable losses, Christian shares measures to maintain resiliency, lessons to be learnt for the future, and his expectations for the upcoming 2021 reinsurance renewals.
We also look at the surge in cyber attacks, how Swiss Re is improving its understanding about the risk and how solutions have evolved in this class, as well as how to handle systemic risks more generally.
Finally, we explore what the next crisis could look like, how businesses can ensure they are prepared to meet it, and whether the reinsurance sector needs to innovate more and provide more comprehensive solutions.
Don't miss our latest exclusive podcast episode, as the chief executive shares his expectations for the market and Swiss Re for the rest of 2020 and 2021.
9/14/2020 • 29 minutes, 8 seconds
26: Andy Marcell on casualty reinsurance, buying strategies, shifts in demand and the Willis transaction: Part II
In the second instalment of our interview with Andy Marcell, chief executive of Reinsurance Solutions at Aon, we discuss casualty reinsurance, buying strategies in a challenging marketplace, potential shifts in demand and structure, and the upcoming Willis transaction.
We start by addressing concerns about casualty reserves on recent accident years and whether that is leading to demand for additional reinsurance protection.
Next, we talk about the buying strategy coming up to renewal and how clients can differentiate themselves to get a better outcome. Andy shares whether he sees a meaningful shift in the kind of reinsurance structures that clients are looking to buy.
We also discuss how reinsurance can help support opportunities for insurers to grow in the E&S market, and how the use of data and analytics can drive that process.
Finally, we ask our guest about the pending Willis transaction and retaining talent.
Part I can be found here and covers market dynamics, the experience gap, the impact of Covid-19 uncertainty and reinsurance capital.
9/9/2020 • 16 minutes, 14 seconds
25: Podcast: Andy Marcell on market dynamics, experience gap, impact of Covid-19 and reinsurance capital
In our latest edition of The Best Policy as part of #REinsuranceMonth, we are joined by Andy Marcell, Chief Executive Officer, Reinsurance Solutions at Aon.
In the first half of our interview, we start by looking at the challenges of conducting negotiations and trading without face-to-face interaction, and how Aon is adapting to operating in this environment.
We talk about the experience gap and the impact of Covid-19 uncertainty, as well as cat reinsurance and whether European buyers should be prepared to pay higher rates because of losses in other parts of the world.
Next, we discuss whether the view of risk and the cost of capital for reinsurers has changed, the market dynamics that will shape the key 1.1 reinsurance renewals, and whether capital raising will temper hardening pressures.
Finally, we ask our guest whether the retro product needs to evolve, particularly in areas that have been affected by trapped collateral issues over the last couple of years.
Part II will air later this week and will cover casualty reinsurance, buying strategies in a tough market, demand and structural changes, and the pending Willis transaction.
9/8/2020 • 25 minutes, 58 seconds
24: Podcast: Jean-Jacques Henchoz on hardening rates, European renewal trends and the future of pandemic coverage
In today's edition of The Best Policy podcast as part of #REinsuranceMonth, we are joined by Jean-Jacques Henchoz, Chief Executive Officer of Hannover Re.
Throughout today's episode, we discuss key industry trends which will help shape the next few months and the important 1.1 renewal.
Our guest shares his view on the true impact of Covid-19 on demand for reinsurance and the consequences of industry underwriting loss for capacity, appetite and pricing.
We explore attractive opportunities to grow as a reinsurer considering hard market conditions and the long term implications of the growing divergence between jurisdictions, as pandemic-related BI claims continue to be examined by courts globally.
Jean-Jacques talks about the major shift in market dynamics and the balance between intermediaries and insurers, his key priorities in managing pandemic risk from a company, shareholder and customer point of view, as well as recovery management.
Finally, we ask our guest what the answer to pandemic cover is and whether the (re)insurance industry will change from an operational perspective, how the market can ensure that clients have access to long term risk transfer solutions, as well as the impact of investor appetite in the ILS market on the capital retro strategy.
Don't miss our exclusive podcast episode with Jean-Jacques Henchoz, as the chief executive shares his expectations for the market and Hannover Re for the rest of 2020 and 2021.
9/2/2020 • 34 minutes, 14 seconds
23: Tom Vandever on low interest rates, debt financing, IPO market and insurtech valuations: Part II
In the second instalment of our two-part interview with Managing Director and Head of FIG Americas at Barclays, Tom Vandever, we discuss low interest rates, debt financing, how carriers are looking to free up capital, the IPO market, and insurtech valuations.
We begin by asking Tom what impact lower for longer interest rates will have on the P&C sector, including M&A dynamics.
Following a few notable insurance IPOs such as Palomar and Lemonade that have attracted investor interest, we discuss the IPO market and whether we are seeing the emergence of an insurtech bubble.
We also look at the impact of Covid-19 on interest from carriers and brokers in building and buying insurtech platforms, while Tom shares his view on the segment from a corporate finance and fundraising perspective.
Finally, Tom talks about capital efficiencies, restructuring and freeing up capital for hard market opportunities, as well as how insurers are adapting their investment strategies to counter the volatility seen in H1 2020.
Part I can be found here and covers capital raising, start-ups and scale-ups, investor appetite, and how the pandemic has impacted M&A dynamics.
9/1/2020 • 16 minutes, 54 seconds
22: Tom Vandever on capital raising, investor appetite and M&A dynamics: Part I
In our latest edition on The Best Policy as part of #REinsuranceMonth, we are joined by Tom Vandever, Managing Director and Head of FIG Americas at Barclays.
In the first half of our two-part interview, we discuss capital raising, start-ups and scale-ups, investor appetite, and how the pandemic has impacted M&A dynamics.
We begin by asking Tom about post Covid-19 capital raising, how it compares to previous cyclical shifts and whether we are witnessing a true class of 2020.
Tom talks about overall investor interest in the P&C industry and what is driving PE interest in the carrier sector, as well as how much interest he is seeing from carriers in structuring sidecars and similar vehicles.
We look at the practical impact the shutdown and financial markets turmoil had on M&A across the sector, how the deal-making process has changed in response, and whether we are beginning to see a return to normal.
Finally, we consider how the M&A dynamics have changed post Covid-19 in the distribution space and where Tom expects to see the next wave of M&A within distribution.
The next episode will air this week and will focus on low interest rates, debt financing, how carriers are looking to free up capital, the IPO market, and insurtech valuations.
8/31/2020 • 19 minutes, 36 seconds
21: Rod Fox on market dynamics ahead of 1 January renewals, young talent and diversity issue - Part II
In the second instalment of our two-part interview with Managing Partner and CEO of TigerRisk Partners Rod Fox, we discuss how market dynamics are shaping up as the run-up to the key 1 January reinsurance and retro renewals begins.
Following the disruption of the Q3/Q4 conference agenda and lack of face-to-face interaction ahead of significant upcoming renewals, Rod shares what strategies the company is deploying in order to assist clients and navigate a more challenging market.
We also talk about future talent development and how training remains an invaluable tool in supporting the next generation of (re)insurance market participants. Rod shares his advice for young people entering the industry and what companies can do to tackle known issues, such as diversity and racial inequality.
Finally, we explore what drives TigerRisk's results culture and the importance of striving to challenge the status quo.
Part I can be found here, as the chief executive talks about the greatest market opportunity in his lifetime, the distribution landscape and the cost of Covid-19.
8/26/2020 • 15 minutes, 26 seconds
20: Rod Fox on the greatest market opportunity in his lifetime, the distribution landscape and the cost of Covid-19: Part I
Today on The Best Policy, we are joined by Rod Fox, Managing Partner and CEO of TigerRisk Partners, a global reinsurance and capital advisory firm.
In the first edition of our two-part interview, we begin by asking Rod about the completion of an investment round from private equity firm Flexpoint Ford and how this marks a new chapter for TigerRisk Partners.
We explore opportunities from the fall-out from broker consolidation, the distribution landscape and how it has shifted in recent years, as well as the new normal for this part of value chain.
Considering the Capital Markets and Advisory unit of TigerRisk Partners and its involvement in a number of significant raises, Rod shares his thoughts on the impact of Covid-19 on securing capital as (re)insurers look to scale up to capitalise on the rapidly hardening market conditions.
We also ask the chief executive what he thinks of the current loss estimates and trapped collateral, as well as his key priorities in managing the pandemic impact from a company, employee and client point of view.
Finally, we explore how the pandemic has changed the notion of perils in the marketplace.
Part II will air later this week and will focus on market dynamics ahead of the 1 January reinsurance and retro renewals, diversity and racial inequality, and future talent development.
8/24/2020 • 21 minutes, 38 seconds
19: Mike Sapnar on the ILS market, strategic capital relationships and diversity issue: Part II
In the second instalment of our two-part interview with TransRe President and CEO Mike Sapnar, we discuss property cat and what's happening in the ILS market, as well as strategic capital relationships.
We start by asking Mike how dynamics in the ILS market are impacting property cat in the build up to 1.1 renewals. The chief executive also gives his view on the insurability of pandemics, public/private solutions and systemic cyber exposures.
Next, we look at lessons about aggregation and unmodelled exposures that come from Covid-19, as well as the growing movement against racial inequality and the diversity issue the industry is facing.
Mike shares practical steps that firms could take to address it and foster change, as well as attract young talent into organisations, given the generational talent challenge within the industry.
Listen to the second half of our interview with Mike Sapnar.
Part I can be found here and covers market dynamics, reinsurance pricing, investment environment, reinsurance demand, and lessons from Covid-19.
8/7/2020 • 21 minutes, 50 seconds
18: TransRe’s Mike Sapnar on hard market, Covid-19 and new dynamics: Part I
Throughout the first episode of our two-part interview, we explore the market dynamics in reinsurance and underlying insurance business and how this market compares to the true hard markets of 1986 and 2001.
We being by asking Mike, who has been at TransRe for 25 years, whether he has ever seen a similar market dynamic and what his observations are on the underlying insurance business and reinsurance pricing.
The chief executive also talks about the investment environment and how he expects to see risk appetites and conservatism on the balance sheet.
Finally, we discuss lessons from Covid-19 and the imperative to strip cost from the value chain, as well as the impact of uncertainty on reinsurance demand going forward as people look at volatility in their earnings.
Don’t miss the first half of our interview with Mike Sapnar.
Part II will air later this week and will focus on the ILS market, strategic capital relationships, insurability of pandemics and the industry’s diversity issue.
8/5/2020 • 19 minutes, 24 seconds
17: Julian James on his return to the industry, Sompo International's strategy and Lloyd's market
In our latest podcast edition, we are joined by Julian James - Chief Executive Officer of International Insurance at Sompo International.
Having held several leadership positions in the London market, including President of Allied World's Global Markets, CEO of the Allied World Managing Agency at Lloyd's, CEO of Lockton International, and a member of the Council of Lloyd's, Julian has built a remarkable career in the global insurance industry.
In today's interview, Julian talks about the time he left Allied World and what tempted him to return to the London market as Sompo International's CEO of International Insurance two years later.
He shares the strategic reasons for why the company made the decision to exit Lloyd's and whether Sompo would consider returning should John Neal successfully transform the Lloyd's market into a natural home for specialty risks.
We also discuss how Lloyd's has adapted to the challenges of Covid-19 in terms of e-placements, the re-opening of its trading floor in September, and how close it was to ceasing trading in the aftermath of 9/11 nineteen years ago.
Next, we look at Sompo International's vision and international strategy, as well as growth ambitions and potential opportunities emerging from the outbreak.
Julian comments on market hardening, how the industry has dealt with the pandemic crisis so far and what lessons are to be learnt. We also discuss the opportunity of creating a public/private reinsurance platform that would cover pandemics and other existential catastrophes.
Finally, Julian shares his career advice to the younger generation looking to join the industry.
7/21/2020 • 35 minutes, 30 seconds
16: Pat Regan on QBE's strategy and de-risking programme: Part II
In the first half of our interview with QBE Insurance Group CEO Pat Regan, we focus how the global insurer is managing the pandemic impact, current lost estimates and how different jurisdictions and regulators are handling the tensions around BI claims.
In the second half, we begin by looking at the simplification strategy and wider de-risking programme Regan has led at QBE since he took the helm in 2017. He explains why the North American market has been difficult for QBE in the past and what his current plans are in light of continued hardening, including the company's appetite for MGA business.
As QBE continues to maintain the significant upsized core cat XOL, risk XOL and cat aggregate cover it put in place in 2019, we discuss how this strategy is further navigating the company through market uncertainty.
Regan also shares how disruptive Covid-19 has been to QBE's overall strategy, what his views are on the structural changes happening at Lloyd's and its future, as well as QBE's London Market strategy moving forward.
Following the major shift in market dynamics and the balance between intermediaries and insurers as the market hardens, Regan comments on the future for facilities, broker value and remuneration.
Ultimately, the chief executive states his expectations for the market and QBE for the remaining of 2020 and 2021.
7/13/2020 • 23 minutes, 56 seconds
15: QBE's Pat Regan on Covid-19 impact and industry recovery: Part I
In our latest edition on The Best Policy, we are joined by Pat Regan - Group Chief Executive Officer of QBE Insurance Group Limited.
Throughout today's episode, we focus on the Covid-19 impact on the industry and recovery management following the aftermath of the pandemic.
We begin by looking at the key priorities from a company, shareholder and customer point of view, as well as QBE's position from both a preservation standpoint and a hardening market following the A$1.3bn ($825mn) capital raise in the wake of the outbreak.
We also discuss the FCA High Court test case over BI claims and Pat shares his views on how the UK is handling this area of tension in comparison to other jurisdictions.
Following reports that the company stopped writing trade credit insurance for two Australian retailers, Pat explains his outlook for this line of business on a global scale.
Ultimately, we explore what the answer to pandemic cover is moving forward and what markets are best positioned to deliver on innovative products.
Listen to the first half of our interview with QBE Group Chief Executive Officer Pat Regan.
Part II will focus on the de-risking programme and will be published next week.
7/9/2020 • 14 minutes, 23 seconds
14: Podcast: Brian O'Hara on "It’s not the score, it’s the trip" and other industry topics…
In this week's exclusive episode on The Best Policy, we are joined by industry veteran and Chairman of Front Street Advisors, Brian O'Hara - the former Chairman and CEO of XL Capital Ltd., now XL Group.
Having joined XL Insurance as its founding president and chief operating officer in 1986, Brian has built a distinguished career in the insurance market.
During our interview, we focus on his recently published book - "It's Not the Score, It's the Trip: One Man's Journey to Building a Global Franchise" - in which Brian shares his journey during some of the most remarkable years in the financial services world.
Brian talks about his affinity with Bermuda as a young man and what ultimately led to the birth of XL and arguably to the modern Bermuda insurance market. He speaks about his most challenging time in running a public company and the lessons he took from it.
We also discuss the current market conditions for start-ups in Bermuda compared to previous hard market scenarios and whether the “Bermuda mouse-trap” is still as attractive for start-ups as it once was.
Looking at the huge surge in business flow for property and casualty insurance in Bermuda as a result of retrenchment in the domestic US market, we explore whether Bermuda has the resources to capitalise on this opportunity considering the Covid-19 restrictions.
Brian also gives his opinion about his former company now being a subsidiary of Europe's largest insurer, Axa, as well as the reasons for joining Envelop Risk's board of directors and what attracted him to the business.
Finally, Brian tells us about his proudest industry moment and the people who inspired him the most throughout his career.
Listen to our exclusive interview with Brian O'Hara, the industry leader who played a pivotal role in shaping its future.
7/6/2020 • 35 minutes, 2 seconds
13: HSCM’s Michael Millette on the ILS market, investment opportunities and Covid-19 losses: Part II
In the first half of our interview, Hudson Structured Capital Management's Founder and Managing Partner Michael Millette shares his thoughts on investor interest in the (re)insurance markets, both in terms of the newcos being formed and the equity raises from existing companies, as well as the potential for new sidecars to be formed.
In the second half, we begin by looking at the casualty legacy space and what the future holds for that market.
Michael considers the current state of the catastrophe-focussed ILS market, and whether that specialist sector could have a possible role to play in the industry's attempts to mitigate financial losses from future pandemics.
Issues surrounding possible trapped capital due to Covid-19 are discussed, while there is also a review of the recent Florida renewals at 1 June.
Listen to the second part of our podcast interview with HSCM Founder and Managing Partner Michael Millette as we take a broader look at some of the opportunities on the horizon.
6/19/2020 • 20 minutes, 29 seconds
12: HSCM's Michael Millette on investor interest in the (re)insurance market - Part I
This week on The Best Policy, we are joined by Michael Millette - Founder and Managing Partner of Hudson Structured Capital Management (HSCM).
In a compelling two-part interview, we discuss what is driving the current interest from investors in the (re)insurance markets, the potential for new sidecars to be formed and how carriers looking to establish them will need to create mechanisms to untrap capital quickly.
We begin by looking at the recent equity raises for existing platforms and consider the Class of 2020 new sidecars. Michael also explains that on a broad basis the current environment is arguably the best opportunity to invest in the (re)insurance market since 9/11.
Ultimately, we explore existing opportunities in the insurtech space and how the sector will be evolving, as well as the reasons for HSCM's two significant London Market investments - R&Q's $100 equity raise and AIG's new Syndicate 2019 at Lloyd's.
Listen to the first episode as Michael Millette offers his perspective on the general appeal of the (re)insurance industry to investors at present.
Part II will be published later this week.
6/17/2020 • 27 minutes, 26 seconds
11: Dan Glaser podcast Part III: MMC outlook and the future of Lloyd's
In the first two parts on The Best Policy interview with MMC CEO Dan Glaser, we discuss a wide range of pressing industry issues emerging from the Covid-19 crisis, including proposed solutions for future pandemic reinsurance, potential capacity crunch and policy disputes in both the US and Europe.
In our final installment, we look at the dilemma facing Lloyd's and whether it should re-open its trading floor. We also examine why MMC has taken a different approach in managing costs.
Our guest adds why he remains confident that Marsh and Guy Carpenter will grow organically in 2020, whether workplace practices will ever return to the pre-pandemic "norm" and what the experience has taught the industry about the way it operates.
Finally, we consider who is best placed to evolve with the market’s needs in the future: underwriters or intermediaries?
Listen to the third and final episode of our exclusive interview with Dan Glaser as we cover these topical matters in an insightful discussion.
6/4/2020 • 19 minutes, 45 seconds
10: Dan Glaser Part II: Capital and capacity adequacy levels ahead of the hurricane season
In Part I, MMC President and CEO Dan Glaser praised FCA's initiative to fast track the Covid-19 BI disputes and shared his views on the emerging litigation and why private pandemic solutions have failed.
In the second part, our guest explains what he expects the impact of industry underwriting loss to be on capacity, appetite and pricing.
We discuss the concerns related to various legislative initiatives in the US and what the best solution for tackling pandemic risk in the future is in the States.
Finally, we look at the UK where a number of the largest commercial insurers has called on the government to take funds from the terrorism reinsurance reserves of Pool Re.
Listen to the second episode of our exclusive interview with Dan Glaser as we cover these topical matters in an insightful discussion.
The third part will be published on Friday 5th June.
6/2/2020 • 23 minutes, 43 seconds
9: MMC's Dan Glaser on the Covid-19 impact and pandemic coverage: Part I
This week on The Best Policy, we speak to Dan Glaser - the President and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Companies.
In the first episode of a special three-part interview, we look at the industry's reputation following the criticism of some insurers and a number of legal actions relating to BI exposures.
We explore how intermediaries balance the interests of clients pursuing coverage under BI policies and the need to preserve the viability of their insurer partners. We also discuss whether there is a danger that intermediaries will also become embroiled into the Covid-19 legal actions.
Ultimately, the MMC CEO explains why private market pandemic solutions have struggled and whether he welcomes the UK regulator FCA's move to fast track BI disputes to the courts...
Listen to the first episode as Dan Glaser answers these questions in an interesting and thought-provoking discussion. The second and third parts will be published later this week.
5/31/2020 • 13 minutes, 17 seconds
8: KBW’s William Hawkins and Meyer Shields on the Q1 results season: Part II
In the second half of our interview on The Best Policy, KBW’s William Hawkins and Meyer Shields focus on what the impact of Covid-19 dislocation may mean for the year ahead.
The duo considers the delay or cancellation of dividends as a significant development among some Europeans. They also discuss how investors responded to the Q1 results and how significant are the investment losses suffered.
Will affected carriers be able to recapitalise or could we see some distressed scenarios develop later this year? Will investors be selective as to which carriers get the support? These and other topical questions are answered by the leading KBW analysts in the second half of our interview.
Don’t miss out on yet another insightful and thought-provoking episode…
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5/26/2020 • 34 minutes, 38 seconds
7: KBW's William Hawkins and Meyer Shields on the Q1 results season: Part I
This week on The Best Policy, we are joined by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods' Co-Head of European Research (Insurance) William Hawkins and Managing Director Meyer Shields who covers US and Bermuda P&C.
In the first half of our interview, William and Meyer share their thoughts on the high level themes from the Q1 results season and what the noticeable differences between European and US reporters are.
Our guests evaluate the quality of management disclosures around Covid-19, as there appeared to be a diverse range of approaches by companies during the earnings season.
As one of the great Unknowns regarding Covid-19 is BI losses springing from property coverage, Meyer explains his view in regards to the US legislative initiatives to effectively retro-fit cover that appear to have stalled.
Listen to the first episode of our two-part interview as William Hawkins and Meyer Shields answer these and other topical questions in an insightful discussion that makes for essential listening.
5/21/2020 • 21 minutes, 52 seconds
6: Jonathan Sacher on what to expect in overseas jurisdictions and how reinsurers should respond
In Part I, we focused on the UK Covid-19 landscape, from the perspective of the industry's potential liabilities. Jonathan praised the UK regulator for its “bold” and “sensible” approach and predicted the outcome will lead to less BI-related litigation.
The second part of our interview proves an equally fascinating journey, as we look at the US where insurers face activist regulators and politicians, a plaintiff bar and potentially agreed policy holders in the world's most litigious society.
The co-head of the insurance practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner explains what he expects to see in other jurisdictions, how troubled the insurers should be about the moves in the states to retrofit coverage, what the long-term consequences of the disputes could be and whether there will be positive outcomes.
Listen to our fifteen minutes Best Policy interview part II with one of the London market's preeminent (re)insurance lawyers and experienced litigator...
5/8/2020 • 14 minutes, 29 seconds
5: Jonathan Sacher on FCA's decision as Covid-19 BI disputes intensify
This week on The Best Policy podcast, we speak to the co-head of the multi-disciplinary insurance sector at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner - Jonathan Sacher, one of the London market's preeminent insurance and reinsurance lawyers.
In the first half of our interview, Jonathan shares his thoughts on last week's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announcement as Covid-19 lawsuits continue to mount.
In an unsual move, the UK regulator has declared that it was to effectively sweep up all disputed business interruption (BI) coverage wordings and bring them before a court. But BI property claims are only one area of industry exposure. Would there be significant disputes from other classes and would this include reinsurance and retro?
In Part I, the co-head of the legal practice answers these and other topical questions in an insightful discussion that makes for essential listening.
5/6/2020 • 27 minutes, 16 seconds
4: David Howden on how the industry is coping with Covid-19: Part II
In the second half of our two-part interview, Hyperion CEO David Howden shares his views on the impact of the pandemic on the Lloyd’s market and its future. In typical glass-half-full mode, he sees it as the chance to maximize efficiency and deliver the most cost effective product to the clients.
The chief executive also covers Hyperion's M&A and growth strategy post-pandemic, pointing that the changing dynamics will undoubtedly bring bigger opportunities in reinsurance...
A lighthearted and insightful discussion, the second half of The Best Policy interview with Hyperion CEO makes for fascinating and essential listening.
4/23/2020 • 26 minutes
3: David Howden on how the industry is coping with Covid-19: Part I
Optimistic souls are a joy to listen to in dark times and few come more naturally upbeat than Hyperion boss David Howden.
In the first half of our two-part interview, David emphasises the positive aspects of the industry’s response to Covid-19 and how he believes the pandemic will change the shape of the sector long-term.
Yes, some insurers are getting criticised but he points out this is not the first time brickbats have been lobbed at the industry amidst a major event. The important thing - more than ever with one that has had such terrible consequences - is to ensure the sector collectively improves from it in the future.
4/21/2020 • 16 minutes, 36 seconds
2: Stephen Catlin on what the COVID-19 crisis means: Part II
In the second half of our interview on The Best Policy, Convex Group co-founder Stephen Catlin offers his insights on some essential questions, such as what the danger may be if the industry maintains its defensive stance, what are the motor market challenges, what will drive capital shortage, and what the ultimate cost for the industry could be from COVID-19.
4/8/2020 • 14 minutes, 33 seconds
1: Stephen Catlin on what the COVID-19 crisis means: Part I
In our first interview, we speak to one of the insurance industry’s most prominent entrepreneurs – Stephen Catlin, Chairman and CEO of Convex Group.
Addressing the industry as it confronts its greatest challenge since at least 9/11, Stephen shares his thoughts on what the industry needs to do collectively now, how it should work together in the future and also what the next 12-18 months may look like in terms of litigation, political pressure, change to state legislations and the squeeze on balance sheets from both the asset and liability side.