InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

How can insurers make accurate loss estimates before adjusters are on the ground, and why does it matter? In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Will Bonner, Chief Operating Officer at McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS), about how the company uses satellite data, open-source intelligence and human expertise to deliver early insights on catastrophic events. From wildfires in California to civil unrest in the Pacific, the conversation explores how insurers are responding faster, setting more accurate reserves and navigating uncertainty in real time. The episode also highlights the practical challenges of relying on public data sources, the growing role of brokers in geospatial intelligence and how MIS transitioned from a centrally funded Lloyd’s service to a solution used by 80% of syndicates. With real-world examples and lessons from other domains like defence and disaster response, this is a grounded look at what it takes to turn raw data into operational decisions. Key Talking Points: * Intelligence before access – how MIS delivers building-level damage assessments before roads reopen or planes can fly * From imagery to insight – why expert human analysis still outperforms automation in post-disaster response Scaling trust – what it takes to become a Lloyd’s elective service for catastrophe intelligence * From fires to frontlines – how MIS tracks 50,000+ buildings in wildfire zones to anticipate claims before they’re filed * Beyond Lloyd’s – what global carriers and brokers are asking for as MIS expands into the US and beyond * Stress-testing your stack – why reliance on single public datasets could leave insurers exposed in 2025 * Real-time relevance – how MIS is turning horizon scanning into an actionable, insurer-led signal layer * Experiment, iterate, evolve – what MIS has learned from testing edge ideas like mobile phone data and evacuation mapping If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjggrant/]. You can also contact Will Bonner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/willebonner/] on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter [https://www.instech.co/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) [https://www.cii.co.uk/]. 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 types of natural and man-made events MIS monitors, from wildfires to geopolitical conflicts. * Specify how reliance on single-source public datasets could create systemic risks for insurers. * Identify the workflows and use cases where insurers benefit most from horizon scanning and rapid event monitoring. 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 354 page [https://www.instech.co/knowledge-centre/seeing-through-smoke-geospatial-intelligence-at-work/] of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co [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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9pDG2r3HxjdPhPKLAIJZsS4q1KaV3dJfTx31ohpnCT0chOg/viewform].

What if underwriters could instantly triage submissions and reduce time spent on repetitive admin, without changing how they work? Matthew Grant speaks with Matt McGrillis, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Send, to explore how the company’s underwriting workbench is embedding AI into core workflows to help underwriters write more business, more profitably. Now on its third feature with InsTech, Send has evolved from an early-stage start-up to one of the UK’s leading underwriting platforms. Matt shares how Send’s latest innovations including agent workflows and AI-powered triage, are making decision-making faster all while running quietly behind the scenes. Key Talking Points * How Send is digitising complex underwriting workflows to reduce friction and increase speed. * How agent workflows are breaking down underwriting into manageable AI-driven tasks. * Send’s triage tools helping underwriters prioritise high-value business in real-time. * Why GenAI is less about disruption and more about quiet, seamless transformation. * How Send balances “build v buy” to offer agility without sacrificing functionality. * Why clients working with Send are seeing faster quote turnaround and improved broker response. * The importance of automating the “boring bits” so underwriters can focus on value. * Matt’s prediction on why AI agents and not flashy features will drive the next wave of adoption. If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjggrant/]. You can also contact Matt McGrillis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcgrillis-5b65181/] on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter [https://www.instech.co/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) [https://www.cii.co.uk/]. 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 AI agents are transforming underwriting workflows by automating repetitive tasks and enabling faster decision-making. * Specify the types of underwriting tasks best suited for AI agents and automation. * Identify key challenges insurers face when adopting AI tools and how Send supports clients through that transformation. 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 353 page [https://www.instech.co/knowledge-centre/the-underwriting-evolution-through-quiet-ai-transformation/] of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co [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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9pDG2r3HxjdPhPKLAIJZsS4q1KaV3dJfTx31ohpnCT0chOg/viewform].

Attracting and retaining talent in the London Market is an evolving concern, with the PwC CEO Survey [https://www.pwc.com/bm/en/press-releases/pwc-2025-global-ceo-survey.html] revealing that 93% of respondents either recognise the need to change or are already adapting their strategies to address it. Let’s discuss how! In this special podcast episode done in partnership with PwC, we invited Anna Craston, Senior Manager, to host a panel discussion to explore the critical trends shaping talent management in the London insurance market.  She’s joined by fellow PwC colleague Simone Ritson, Phoebe Thomas from CFC, Jacinta Chiang from WTW and Alfie Holt from Marco Capital to share their firsthand experiences and insights. Together, they discuss how companies can build inclusive cultures, the shifting expectations of new talent and what organisations must do to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. This episode dives deep into why attracting diverse talent is just the beginning and why inclusion, development and purpose are the real keys to retention. Key talking points: * Understand why changing employee expectations are reshaping the London insurance market. * Learn how AI, automation, and technology are driving new workforce capabilities. * Explore the historic challenges in attracting diverse talent to the London market — and how that's starting to change. * Examine the impact of culture, career growth, and leadership development on employee retention. * Discover the importance of outreach programs to schools and universities in broadening insurance career awareness. * Hear why inclusion, not just diversity, is critical for long-term workforce engagement. * See how mentorship, reverse mentoring, and visible career pathways can support retention. * Get practical ideas for fostering inclusion, from flexible working to cultural days and accessible networking events. For more information, you can read PwC’s Transforming the London Market [https://www.pwc.co.uk/industries/insurance/insights/transforming-london-market-drivers-underwriting-change.html] report.  Sign up to the InsTech newsletter [https://www.instech.co/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) [https://www.cii.co.uk/]. 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 the current challenges and evolving expectations around attracting and retaining talent in the London market. * Explain how diversity and inclusion initiatives can move from hiring strategies to meaningful cultural change that fosters retention. * Identify the most effective strategies companies can use to make the London insurance market more appealing to diverse, next-generation talent. 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 351 page [https://www.instech.co/knowledge-centre/building-insurance-networks-one-podcast-at-a-time/] of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co [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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9pDG2r3HxjdPhPKLAIJZsS4q1KaV3dJfTx31ohpnCT0chOg/viewform].

The ultimate insurtech podcast crossover. In this episode, Matthew Grant is joined by Rob Beller and Lee Boyd, co-hosts of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast [https://www.fnoinsuretech.com/], for a cross-continental conversation on what they’ve learned after more than 300 episodes spotlighting insurance innovation. Rob and Lee share insights from their day jobs at Alacrity Solutions and discuss the realities of claims management in the US, the cultural differences they notice when visiting the London Market and why podcasting has become one of their most valuable tools for professional growth. Also joining the conversation is InsTech’s own Zoja, stepping from behind the mic to offer her take on what makes a great guest and why we still don’t hear enough female voices on insurance podcasts. Whether you’re new to podcasting, thinking of launching your own, or just looking for a better way to understand the insurance ecosystem this episode is full of practical takeaways, thoughtful reflections and just a little bit of holiday light-show talk. Key Talking Points * Building the FNO InsureTech Podcast: how a marketing idea became a 300-episode archive  * From Texas to California to London: Rob and Lee reflect on the cultural contrasts between US and UK insurance markets * How podcasting helps build relationships and shape industry perspectives * Defining a great guest: why passion, personality and storytelling beat corporate scripts * Podcasting as learning: how hosting guests has improved leadership skills and business understanding * Behind the mic: tips for being a good guest * The power of partnership: how two co-hosts keep things creative, balanced and fun * Industry outlook: one prediction each for how AI, customer experience and economic change will shape the year ahead * Advocating for diversity:why we need to hear more female voices on insurance podcasts * Think big, start small: why building global networks starts with showing up, listening and sharing ideas If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjggrant/]. You can also contact Rob Beller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-beller-5363247/] and Lee Boyd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-boyd-672a9920/] on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter [https://www.instech.co/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) [https://www.cii.co.uk/]. 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 qualities that make a guest engaging and memorable on an insurance podcast. * Define the role of podcasting in creating community and promoting innovation within insurance. * Specify the differences between UK and US insurance markets from the perspective of claims professionals. 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 351 page [https://www.instech.co/knowledge-centre/building-insurance-networks-one-podcast-at-a-time/] of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co [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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9pDG2r3HxjdPhPKLAIJZsS4q1KaV3dJfTx31ohpnCT0chOg/viewform].

Where tariffs bring chaos, ChAI brings cover. In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Tristan Fletcher, co-founder and CEO of ChAI, about how his team is using financial market techniques and AI to build insurance products that protect manufacturers from volatile input costs. What began in the world of hedge funds and speculative trading is now helping companies like recyclers and food manufacturers hedge against unpredictable raw material prices. Tristan explains how ChAI is transforming techniques once reserved for professional traders like satellite imagery, shipping data and price forecasting, into insurance-backed protection for real-world businesses. He also shares the story behind ChAI’s first deal, the long journey to secure reinsurance capacity and the challenge of winning over regulators. This is an episode about pricing innovation, resilience in turbulent markets and what the insurance industry can do to keep pace with uncertainty. Plus, you’ll learn a new word: Eigenzeit—and it might just reshape how you think about timing in insurance. Key Talking Points * Democratising financial tools: why ChAI is bringing hedge fund-style analytics to manufacturers * Turning speculation into protection: how AI price forecasting powers a new insurance product * From cocoa to copper: insuring raw material volatility in food, packaging and recycling sectors * Structuring the product: how ChAI created insurance that mirrors price hedging without regulatory red flags * Regulatory hurdles: overcoming concerns about market risk and building legal confidence in a new model * First deal breakthrough: how ChAI secured capacity from a major US reinsurer and wrote its first risk * ESG implications: how the product supports the circular economy and reduces stockpiling * The US vs the UK: why American risk carriers moved faster to back the product * Market appetite – how volatility and geopolitical shocks like tariffs are driving inbound demand * From startup to scale: why ChAI now needs more brokers, insurers and customers on board If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmerttens/]. You can also contact Tristan Fletcher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanfletcher/] on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter [https://www.instech.co/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) [https://www.cii.co.uk/]. 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 potential benefits of price volatility protection on supply chain resilience and inventory management. * Define the role of reinsurance in enabling innovative risk-transfer solutions like raw material price insurance. * Identify the sectors and commodity risks best suited to ChAI’s product, including recycling, packaging and FMCG manufacturing. 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 350 page [https://www.instech.co/knowledge-centre/eigenzeit-democratisation-and-protecting-the-raw-materials-market/] of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co [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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9pDG2r3HxjdPhPKLAIJZsS4q1KaV3dJfTx31ohpnCT0chOg/viewform].