Ben & Jerad run through what’s happened within the world of reinsurance during the past month.
CONNECT WITH US:
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(03:05) Market scale & positioning
(06:09) Reinsurer performance
(07:41) Cat bonds & alternatives
(09:12) Market dynamics explained
(10:43) London market platforms
(12:15) Delivering on industry hopes
(13:48) Closing & outro
John Butler joins us to unpack his journey from the Lloyd’s market to launching digital-first MGAs. We explore the evolution of reinsurance, embedded insurance opportunities, and why starting from scratch can be a superpower in today’s market. A must-listen for anyone eyeing innovation in the reinsurance space.
EPISODE LINKS:
John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-butler-4bb60514/
Cohen & Company: https://cohenandcompany.com/
CONNECT WITH US:
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:15) Meet John Butler
(01:01) Falling Into Insurance
(02:00) Early Career in Marine & Energy
(03:00) Moving Into Specialty Lines
(04:01) Small Syndicates & Big Learnings
(05:00) Becoming a Reinsurance Buyer
(06:02) Reinsurance Structures & Strategy
(07:01) Starting at Charles Taylor
(08:00) Why He Left Lloyd’s Behind
(09:00) Challenges of Modernising Insurance
(10:02) Building from Scratch at MIC Global
(11:00) The MGA Model: Then vs Now
(12:01) Risk Appetite & Underwriting Innovation
(13:00) Embedded Insurance & Digital Products
(14:02) Scaling the MGA: Operational Realities
(15:00) Talent, Tech, and Team Building
(16:01) Legacy Markets vs Startup Culture
(17:02) Looking Ahead: Reinsurance in a Digital World
(18:00) Final Thoughts & Close
DISCLOSURE:
Cohen & Company Asset Management, a business segment within Cohen & Company, LLC, the main operating subsidiary of Cohen & Company Inc. (NYSE American: COHN). Cohen & Company Asset Management’s business is conducted through Cohen & Company Financial Management, LLC, Dekania Capital Management, LLC, and Cohen & Company Financial (Europe) S.A., each majority, indirectly owned subsidiaries of Cohen & Company Inc. (collectively “Cohen & Company”). The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cohen & Company, its affiliates or its employees. This podcast is solely for information purposes and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer or any advice or recommendation to purchase any securities or other financial instruments and may not be construed as such. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from Cohen & Company.
David Benyon joins us to unpack everything from elections and riots to emerging insurance products. We explore market volatility, global flashpoints, and how underwriters, brokers, and cedents can navigate an increasingly unpredictable world.
EPISODE LINKS:David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-benyon-4a14778/The Political Risk: https://www.politicalriskpodcast.com/
CONNECT WITH US:
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro(01:01) Becoming a Political Risk Podcaster(02:02) Global Political Risk Landscape(03:03) Market Volatility & Industry Context(05:05) Rising Prominence of Political Risk(06:06) State-Backed Risk & Case Examples(08:08) Researching Political Risks & Perspectives(11:11) Simplifying Complex Risks(12:12) Case Study: Mining Dispute(14:14) Record Year for Political Risk(15:15) Key Takeaways & Trends(16:16) Transatlantic Political Events(17:17) Emerging Political Risk Products(18:18) When to Bring in Legal Expertise(22:22) Underwriters & Event Analysis(25:25) Looting, Riots & Political Violence(29:29) Impact of Losses & Global Risk Outlook(33:33) Media Coverage & Attention(36:36) Election Aftermath & Voter Sentiment(38:38) Shifts in Political Risk & Market Response(42:42) Closing Remarks
James Fisher joins us to explore how the U35s are shaking up reinsurance from the inside out. From navigating early-career chaos to creating meaningful industry connections, this episode dives into leadership, inclusion, and why reinsurance needs fresh thinking. Whether you're 25 or 55, there's something here for you.
EPISODE LINKS:
James's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjamesfisher/Under 35s
Reinsurance Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8423043/
Gallagher Re: https://www.ajg.com/gallagherre/
CONNECT WITH US:
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:15) Meet James Fisher – Chair of the U35 Reinsurance Group
(01:28) How James Got Into Reinsurance
(03:02) The Value of the U35s Community
(05:05) Creating Events with Purpose
(07:16) Connecting with the Wider Industry
(09:30) From Pandemic to Present: Event Evolution
(11:50) Keeping Events Relevant and Inclusive
(14:18) Why Informal Networking Still Wins
(16:01) Broadening Horizons Beyond London
(18:10) Advice to New Starters & Career Reflections
(20:01) Reinsurance Leadership & Looking Ahead
Gavin Lillywhite joins us to unpack how underwriting is evolving in the age of AI, capital efficiency, and shifting customer expectations. From exclusion clauses to talent strategy, this episode explores where insurers are getting it wrong - and how smarter tech partnerships could finally push the industry from talk to transformation.
EPISODE LINKS:
Gavin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-lillywhite/
Xceedance: https://www.xceedance.com/
CONNECT WITH US:
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:31) Gavin’s Background & Global View
(04:33) Reinsurance Data Problems
(07:25) Standardising & Streamlining with AI
(10:22) GenAI & Risk Engineering in Action
(15:01) Lowering the Cost of Capital
(18:00) Product Innovation & Efficiency Gains
(21:01) Insurers, Customers & Exclusions
(24:01) Talent, Strategy & The Future of Work
(27:01) Data ≠ Strategy (Unless You Use It!)
(30:00) Final Thoughts
Life insurance, but make it Bitcoin. Zac Townsend & Carsten Ragborg join us to unpack Meanwhile—the first life insurer built entirely on Bitcoin. We dive into how it works, why it’s gaining traction, and how crypto-native risk transfer could shake up the traditional (re)insurance world.EPISODE LINKS:Zac's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zactownsend/
Carsten's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carstenragborg/
CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
George Alayon, Deputy Director of FinTech at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, joins us to unpack how a regulator became a champion of change. From regulatory sandboxes to AI policy papers, George reveals how the BMA is helping shape the future of reinsurance - and why collaboration, not competition, is Bermuda’s secret weapon. EPISODE LINKS:George's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-b-alayon-jr-48116154/BMA: https://www.bma.bm/CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:05) George's Insurance Beginnings(01:46) The BMA & Tech Innovation(03:52) What Is a Regulatory Sandbox?(06:09) Engaging with the Lloyd’s Lab(09:44) BMA & the Bermuda Market (10:45) Lloyd’s Lab BMA Special(14:18) Emerging Risks(16:58) Alternative Capital(20:50) Innovation Over the Next Decade(24:10) Advice for Innovators
James Robinson, co-founder of Cactus, joins us from Bermuda to share how a holiday turned into a thriving insurtech journey. From launching Marmalade (now Cactus Risk Studio) to navigating Lloyd’s Lab and Bermuda’s unique market dynamics, James unpacks the highs, hurdles, and hilarity of building reinsurance tech in paradise.EPISODE LINKS:James's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpr-bm/Cactus: https://cactus.bm/CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:55) James’s Bermuda Beginnings(01:55) What is Cactus?(06:09) Joining the Lloyd’s Lab(09:50) Advice for Insurtech Startups (13:33) Raising Capital (15:20) Basing Your Business in Bermuda(19:05) Growing Tech in Bermuda(22:53) What’s Next for Cactus?(24:40) Issues Leveraging AI(28:25) Solving Insurance Problems with AI(35:30) Final Words of Advice
Rosie Denée, Head of Innovation, Commercial Education and Engagement at Lloyd's, joins Ben live in Bermuda to explore the Lloyd's Lab’s first reinsurance-focused accelerator on the island. They dive into the Lloyd’s–BMA partnership, why Bermuda is critical for innovation, and how Cohort 14 is tackling real industry challenges.EPISODE LINKS:Rosie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-den%C3%A9e-54471426/Lloyd's: https://www.lloyds.com/ CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:12) Rosie’s Insurance Beginnings(03:22) What is the Lloyd’s Lab?(04:35) Cohort 14: Bermuda Edition (07:01) Kickstarting Innovation (10:00) What Is Cohort 14 Doing?(13:50) Startup Applications for the Lab(15:32) What Makes a Good Applicant?(19:07) Lloyd’s Lab Mentors(20:07) Continued Support After the Lab(23:34) Lloyd’s Pushing Innovation(25:59) Bermuda Lab Participants (30:10) What’s on the 5-year Horizon?(34:17) How Can You Get Involved?(36:30) Brokers & Clients(37:25) Final Words
Brittany Baker from CyberCube unpacks the complexities of modelling cyber catastrophes, the rise of cyber cat bonds, and how re/insurers are grappling with aggregation risk in a man-made peril unlike any other.
EPISODE LINKS:
Brittany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-baker-b8709121/
CyberCube: https://www.cybcube.com/
CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:07) Brittany’s Career Beginnings
(05:43) Cyber Insurance Consulting
(07:55) What Does a Cyber Model Look Like?
(11:30) Risks in Cyber
(14:06) Protection to Match Risk
(16:55) Buying Reinsurance Coverage
(18:33) Lacking Capital for Cyber?
(20:30) Cyber Cat Bonds
(25:47) Innovation & Personal Cover
(27:47) Emerging Commercial Solutions
(30:45) Innovation Through Data
(32:32) Cyber Non-Correlating to Economy
(35:20) What the Industry’s Getting Wrong
(37:11) AI: Good or Bad for Defence?
(43:16) Clash of Perils
Straight from the floor of TMPAA, Jerad catches up with Barry Plummer and Calum Williams from Aegis to dive into what’s powering the rapid rise in the programme space.EPISODE LINKS:Calum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calum-williams-insurance/Barry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-plummer-2830159b/AEGIS London: https://aegislondon.co.uk/ CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
Ray Hannon joins us at TMPAA to explore how leading carriers are navigating the MGA explosion. We cover AI’s real-world underwriting use cases, data presentation as a competitive edge, and why smart capital is chasing precision—not scale. A candid look at profit-first growth in today’s programme market.EPISODE LINKS:Raymond's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-hannan-a734b025/Westfield: https://www.westfieldinsurance.com/CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
Rick Farmer joins us at TMPAA to unpack what separates great MGAs from the rest. From data transparency and underwriting rigour to niche market empathy, we explore how the best MGAs earn trust, unlock capacity, and shape the future of insurance distribution.EPISODE LINKS:Rick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickjfarmer/Berkshire Hathaway GUARD: https://www.guard.com/CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
Matthew Jones of MS Transverse joins us at TMPAA to unpack how his VC background shapes their approach to MGA partnerships. We dive into data challenges, niche lines, and why the future belongs to agile underwriters. From $2.2B in premium to untapped corners of the market—this one's packed.EPISODE LINKS:Matthew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcjones1/MS Transverse: https://mstransverse.com/ CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
Patrick Charles of SiriusPoint joins us at TMPAA to unpack the MGA boom, why expert underwriters are breaking out, and how data’s gone from advantage to expectation. We dive into capital deployment, AI’s role in efficiency, and why betting on yourself might just be the smartest move in insurance today.EPISODE LINKS:Patrick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-charles-7a30891/SiriusPoint: https://www.siriuspt.com/CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
Kevin O’Connor of Everspan joins us live at Target Markets to break down the MGA boom, the rise of alternative capital, and why reinsurers are circling the space. From data to distribution, we dig into what’s driving programme growth—and why speed, specialisation, and synergy are the name of the game.EPISODE LINKS:Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-oconnor-028409119/Everspan: https://www.everspangroup.com/CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
Dawn Walker of AM Best joins us live from Target Markets to unpack how MGAs can stand out in a crowded field. From performance assessments to data transparency, we explore what it really takes to secure capacity and keep it.EPISODE LINKS:Dawn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-walker-mba-arm-9150bb6b/AM Best: https://web.ambest.com/homeCONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
Renewal season: spreadsheets everywhere, deals flying, chaos reigning. In this episode, Ben and Jerad lift the lid on the messy reality of managing reinsurance renewals - from missed authorisations to rogue WhatsApp updates. Why is the industry still stuck in spreadsheet hell, and how can we finally fix it?
CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro01:02 Why Renewal Season is a Nightmare08:54 How Cedents, Brokers, and Reinsurers Manage Chaos16:47 Why Collaboration Tools Matter18:00 Real Stories of Renewal Season Stress
We explore how cedents and brokers can use stronger submission packs to actively influence reinsurance pricing. From showcasing portfolio quality to shifting negotiations in your favour, we break down how better information actually moves rates.
CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss
OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
03:54 Digital Transformation in Reinsurance
06:10 How Underwriters Use Information Today
09:00 Data Challenges Across Different Classes
12:41 The Role of Brokers in Market Strategy
15:14 Winning Extra Capacity and Rate Movements
18:34 Impact on Reinsurers' Portfolios and Protection
21:17 Wrap-Up and Call to Action
Xander Georgetti joins us to share how he pivoted from finance into reinsurance broking - powered by connections, not job boards. We explore the impact of the Under 35s network, why reinsurance isn’t boring, and how every background has a place in the industry.EPISODE LINKS:Xander's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-xander-georgetti-acca-632322b3/U35s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uITL6mktFSn3AQvFvW0XR?si=70dbf4bf19eb4d15CONNECT WITH US:
Join the Conversation: https://forms.gle/ZtofYjbgpLQVaXQ16
Say Hello: producer@thereinsurancepodcast.com
Website: https://www.supercede.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supercedehq
X: https://twitter.com/SupercedeHQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SupercedeHQ
RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/7e741c8c/podcast/rss OUTLINE & TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:10) Meet Xander Georgetti(02:40) Getting into the Industry via Finance(04:58) The Grad Scheme Journey(07:06) Transitioning into Reinsurance Broking(09:35) The Power of the Under 35s Network(11:59) Exploring Different Reinsurance Roles(14:10) Discovering Reinsurance and Finding a Fit(16:05) Can the Under 35s Attract New Talent?(17:55) The Hollywood Reinsurance Dream(20:09) Mid-Career Moves into Reinsurance(21:25) There’s a Role for Everyone in Reinsurance
