Risk in Context Podcast

Getting ahead of 2026's top risks to build resilience

In today's complex, interconnected, and dynamic risk landscape, organizations are facing a multitude of challenges. Geopolitical tensions, climate-related extreme weather events and chronic threats, and evolving cyber threats are complicating supply chain risks, requiring organizations to develop holistic, forward-looking, enterprise-wide risk mitigation strategies that build resilient organizations. In this episode of Risk in Context recorded at the end of 2025, Marsh's James Crask, Christopher Coppock, Nick Faull, and Payal Patel explore some of the trending risks that Marsh has been monitoring and that organizations should be prepared to address throughout 2026 and beyond. They also discuss how robust risk management approaches can help organizations identify opportunities to build resilience and thrive. You can access a transcript of the episode here [https://assets.libsyn.com/show/85467/Risk_in_Context_Podcast_Episode_122_transcript.pdf]. Visit our trending risks page [https://www.marsh.com/en/risks.html] on marsh.com for additional insights For more insights and insurance and risk management solutions, follow Marsh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh/] and X [https://twitter.com/marshglobal] and visit marsh.com [https://www.marsh.com/].

Advancing climate risk management after COP30

Climate risks continue to increase in complexity, underscoring the urgent need to address their impacts through a strong focus on adaptation and resilience. At the same time, innovative insurance products and financing are helping climate and resilience investments become more accessible and viable. Last month's COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, underscored the importance of accelerating adaptation and resilience efforts, given recognition of climate change as a present reality demanding immediate solutions. In this episode of Risk in Context, Marsh's Graeme Riddell, Nick Faull, and Rodrigo Suárez, and Marsh McLennan's Swenja Surminski discuss key takeaways from COP30, focusing on the implications and opportunities for risk managers navigating the complex challenges of climate adaptation and resilience. You can access a transcript of the episode here [https://assets.libsyn.com/show/85467/Risk_in_Context_Podcast_Episode_121_transcript.pdf]. Listen to our recent podcast, Unpacking water-related economic risks and solutions. [https://www.marsh.com/en/risks/climate-change-sustainability/insights/unpacking-water-related-economic-risks-and-solutions.html] For more insights and insurance and risk management solutions, follow Marsh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh/] and X [https://twitter.com/marshglobal] and visit marsh.com [https://www.marsh.com/].

Navigating the global rise of social inflation

Social inflation is transcending borders and creating challenges for organizations operating in jurisdictions across the globe, often resulting in increased litigation risks and higher claims costs, which are, in turn, contributing to increased underwriter scrutiny and impacting organizations' insurance programs. This underscores the importance of preemptive action to identify potentially challenging claims and mitigate losses. In this episode of Risk in Context, Marsh's Chetna Gulati, Catherine Osborne, Teri Solomon, and Paul Hutchinson discuss the evolving social inflation risk landscape, address some of today's most pressing risks and the challenges that are likely to evolve, and share actionable insights to help organizations minimize the risk of social inflation and prepare for potential high-value claims. You can access a transcript of the episode here [https://assets.libsyn.com/show/85467/Risk_in_Context_Podcast_-_Episode_120_transcript.pdf]. For further information about social inflation, visit our social inflation and nuclear verdicts hub [https://www.marsh.com/en/risks/social-inflation-and-nuclear-verdicts.html]. Listen to our recent podcast — PFAS risks and insurability challenges [https://www.marsh.com/en/services/environmental-risk/insights/pfas-risks-and-insurability-challenges.html] — to learn more about perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which could be a risk area for social inflation. For more insights and insurance and risk management solutions, follow Marsh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh/] and X [https://twitter.com/marshglobal] and visit marsh.com [https://www.marsh.com/].

Maximizing value in private equity exits

As private equity activity regains momentum after a prolonged period of low exit volumes and extended holding periods, it is critical for PE firms to remain vigilant and focus on identifying and addressing potential risks. Human capital considerations, tailored insurance solutions, and innovative transactional risk insurance can help PE firms navigate challenges to help safeguard value and optimize returns. In this episode of Risk in Context, Marsh's Paul Knowles, Katie Gensheimer, Philipp Giessen, and Mercer's Dhruv Mehra discuss the current private equity landscape and its impact on exit strategies, the people-related issues that funds should consider in their exit strategy, and the insurance solutions that can help firms mitigate risks. You can access a transcript of the episode here [https://assets.libsyn.com/show/85467/Risk_in_Context_Podcast_-_Episode_119_transcript.pdf]. For more insights and insurance and risk management solutions, follow Marsh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh/] and X [https://twitter.com/marshglobal] and visit marsh.com [https://www.marsh.com/].

Expanding parametric coverage options help supplement traditional insurance

Parametric insurance has become a critical tool for managing risks, generally providing organizations with a transparent, data-driven risk financing solution. Its defined triggers generally lead to faster and more predictable payouts compared to traditional indemnity insurance. In this episode of Risk in Context, Marsh's Steve Harry and Hannah Bassett explore how parametric insurance is evolving. They discuss practical applications that enable organizations to better anticipate and respond to both established and emerging risks, highlighting opportunities to integrate parametric solutions into captive insurance programs for more tailored and flexible risk management. You can access a transcript of the episode here [https://assets.libsyn.com/show/85467/Risk_in_Context_Podcast_-_Episode_118_transcript.pdf]. For more insights and insurance and risk management solutions, follow Marsh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh/] and X [https://twitter.com/marshglobal] and visit marsh.com [https://www.marsh.com/].