What happens when you build one of Asia’s most successful digital insurers—then decide to start over?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, Walter de Oude, Founder and CEO of Chocolate Finance (and previously Founder of Singlife), joins Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman for an honest conversation about risk, reinvention, and the blurry lines between banking, insurance, and asset management.
Walter shares his journey from actuary to founder, including:
The hard-won lessons of launching Singapore Life from scratch
Why branding and customer trust can be a company’s strongest assets
How he’s now building Chocolate Finance, a capital-light model for smarter, happier money
What the future of financial ecosystems might look like as banks, insurers, and asset managers converge
This one’s for anyone fascinated by where finance goes next—and what it takes to build something truly new.
How do you grow a business fast—without losing what made it special?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Katie Stranaghan, Head of Financial Lines at High Street Underwriting Agency, to explore how High Street scaled from a small family business to one of Australia’s leading underwriting agencies while keeping people and culture at the core.
Katie shares her journey from joining High Street straight out of school to helping shape its next chapter of growth, technology, and leadership.
Tune in as she discusses:
Building technology that enhances—not replaces—human connection
Maintaining authenticity during rapid expansion
How culture drives customer experience
The next evolution of underwriting and broker partnerships
For anyone scaling a business or leading through change, this episode is packed with lessons on staying grounded while moving fast.
Underwriting agencies are evolving fast — balancing growth, culture, and technology while staying relevant to brokers and customers.
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Marc Crossman, Executive GM of Distribution and Strategy at UAA Group, to unpack what it takes to lead transformation in today’s market.
Tune in as Marc shares:
Why distribution strategy is shifting from visibility to value
How UAA is embedding tech and culture to drive transformation
Lessons from leading teams across Australia and Singapore
The future role of underwriting agencies in insurance
For leaders navigating change and growth in underwriting, this episode is a must-listen.
How do insurers balance innovation with an ever-tightening web of regulation?
In this episode, host Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with award-winning litigator and regulatory specialist Kezia David to unpack the forces reshaping insurance in Australia and beyond.
Kezia shares:
Why ASIC’s crackdown is changing every stage of the policy lifecycle
The biggest blind spots insurers still face—and how to address them
How innovation and compliance can (and must) work together
What startups need to know to avoid regulatory pitfalls
Why proactive, customer-first approaches to Nat Cat events matter more than ever
A sharp, timely conversation for anyone navigating the next wave of accountability and customer expectation in insurance.
Insurance for small businesses has always been complex, expensive, and underserved. But what if technology and partnerships could change that?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Eric Mignot, Founder and Chairman of +Simple, to explore how one of Europe’s most ambitious digital brokers is reshaping SME insurance.
From CFO at Suez, to leading Hiscox, to launching +Simple, Eric’s journey shows how insights from telecoms, utilities, and digital banking inspired him to reinvent insurance distribution.
Tune in to hear:
Why expense ratios—not loss ratios—are the real challenge in SME insurance
How +Simple scaled to 14,000 brokers across five countries
The role of technology in simplifying underwriting, claims, and accounting
Why programmatic M&A and capacity pooling became game-changers
Eric’s lessons on raising capital, partnering smartly, and scaling across Europe
This is a must-listen for anyone building insurtech, rethinking distribution, or leading digital transformation in insurance.
Insurance policies aren’t just complex - they’re overwhelming. For brokers, underwriters, and customers alike, navigating thousands of pages of wording can feel like an impossible task.
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Jasmin Flori-Hess, Co-Founder of Raindrop, to explore how her startup is tackling one of insurance’s most overlooked challenges: policy complexity.
From Switzerland to Darwin, Jasmin shares her journey from corporate communications and change management to founding an insurtech powered by AI, machine learning, and natural language processing. Raindrop is on a mission to make policy wordings clearer, compliance more accurate, and the customer experience more transparent.
Tune in to hear:
Why policy complexity is one of the industry’s biggest risks—and opportunities
How Raindrop builds AI pipelines trained by insurance experts, not just generic models
The role of trust, accuracy, and explainability in insurance AI
What a future of hyper-personalised, customer-first insurance could look like
If you’re a broker, underwriter, or insurtech builder, this episode is packed with insight into how AI can simplify the most complex part of insurance.
When disaster strikes, speed and coordination make all the difference.
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Sam Ratcliff, COO of InsureBuild, to explore how technology, logistics, and human connection come together to transform claims.
From building a nationwide subcontractor network to deploying RPA and machine learning in repair management, Sam shares how InsureBuild is streamlining the claims process—without losing sight of the customer.
Tune in for insights on:
Building and managing a 1,700-strong contractor network
Using automation and AI to reduce claim cycle times
Designing tech to serve people first, not just processes
Why builders are the unsung heroes of disaster recovery
For anyone working in claims, repair, or customer experience, this is a must-listen.
What if the future of broking isn’t automation—it’s craftsmanship?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with John Warburton, CEO and Co-Founder of Konsileo and Co-Chair of InsurTech UK. From cutting his teeth in regional branch offices to building a tech-driven brokerage with a people-first model, John shares a refreshingly human take on the future of insurance.
🔹 Why the real disruption in broking is cultural—not just digital
🔹 The untapped potential of brokers as “insurance artisans”
🔹 What insurers can learn from Robocop, Iron Man—and the SAS
🔹 How Konsileo is rethinking everything from commissions to capability
This episode is a masterclass in blending technology with human insight—and why the next wave of insurance innovation might feel more personal, not less.
When climate volatility rises, the need for fast, transparent insurance has never been greater.
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman speaks with Lynn Roehrig, Head of Business Development at Descartes Underwriting, about the growing role of parametric insurance in a world where natural catastrophe (nat cat) risks are accelerating.
They unpack how parametrics shift the conversation—from loss adjustment and delays to real-time data, pre-agreed payouts, and clarity for risk managers and brokers alike.
🎙️ Tune in to hear:
How parametrics are complementing traditional insurance—not replacing it
Why speed, transparency, and automation matter more than ever
What clients and brokers are asking for in the face of climate risk
How underwriting is evolving through AI, satellite data, and modelling at scale
This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in commercial lines, reinsurance, NatCat, or product innovation.
SMEs make up 97% of businesses—but they’re often underserved, misunderstood, or stuck in analog experiences. Can insurance meet them where they are?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Skye Theodorou, Co-founder and CEO of upcover, to talk about building a digital-first insurance platform that empowers small business owners through speed, simplicity, and deep operational empathy.
From founding upcover via Antler, to scaling nationally with a multi-niche strategy, Skye shares the hard-won lessons of raising capital, hiring globally, and automating 20% of her business every few months.
Tune in as Skye shares:
How upcover is using automation and AI to simplify SME insurance
What it takes to deliver both compliance and speed in regulated markets
Why trust, transparency, and customer understanding are non-negotiables
How she’s scaling a remote-first team—and changing lives along the way
What the future holds for SME insurance, data, and embedded experiences
If you’re building in insurtech, distributing SME cover, or just want to hear how real impact meets smart innovation—this one’s for you.
What does it take to transform restaurant insurance into a data-rich, tech-forward experience that truly supports small businesses?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman is joined by Bill Deemer, Head of Insurance at Rainbow, to explore how his team is redesigning small business insurance from the ground up. From launching in high-risk markets like Texas to building a platform tailored for restaurants and service-based SMEs, Rainbow is bringing discipline and innovation back to underwriting.
Tune in as Bill shares:
Why restaurants were Rainbow’s first frontier—and what they learned
How deeper, industry-specific data unlocks better coverage and pricing
The role of agents, relationships, and real-world insight in commercial insurance
Why Rainbow’s approach to prevention and risk visibility goes beyond the claims process
What’s next: scaling to beauty, wellness, and beyond
For anyone working in commercial lines, MGA growth, or insurance tech strategy, this is a must-listen episode on how to build coverage that truly serves small businesses.
In an era where insurance must do more than protect—it must empower—how are insurers rethinking the role of data, compliance, and design?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman is joined by Aurora Voss, co-founder and CEO of Zemble, to explore how insurers can move from monolithic systems to modular, intelligent experiences. From reimagining claims workflows to embedding governance into the fabric of insurance tech, Aurora shares a bold and deeply practical vision for the future.
Tune in as Aurora unpacks:
Why data isn’t just for assessing risk—it’s the foundation for stronger customer relationships
How embedded governance can unlock innovation rather than restrict it
What it takes to scale compliance in a digital-first world
The “Zemble Manifesto” and how it’s reshaping how insurers work and think
Her founder journey—from venture capital to building insurance infrastructure from the ground up
Whether you’re rethinking your claims stack or designing the next-gen data layer, this is a must-listen for insurance leaders ready to break the mold.
In today’s digital world, cyber risk isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a business problem, and a growing one at that.
In this episode, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman speaks with Karen Stephens, CEO of BCyber, about the shifting landscape of cybersecurity and what insurers, brokers, and business owners must do to stay ahead of emerging threats.
With over two decades in financial services and cybersecurity, Karen brings sharp insight, practical advice, and a dose of dry wit as she breaks down the human, emotional and financial cost of cyber breaches—and how to mitigate them.
💥 Topics include:
Why cyber is everyone’s problem, not just IT’s
How brokers can better explain what’s actually covered in a cyber policy
The rise of ransomware-as-a-service and AI-powered fraud
The real meaning behind “progress, not perfection” in cyber hygiene
Why "Trust nobody, verify everything" should be your new motto
Whether you're a broker, insurer or just wondering what the heck a deepfake voice attack is—this episode will leave you informed and alert.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about what it really takes to insure against cyber in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
#CyberRisk #Insurtech #SMEs #CyberSecurity #InsurancePodcast #BuildingTomorrowsInsurer #KarenStephens #Kanopi
Insurance is no longer just about policies—it’s about meeting customers where they are. As embedded insurance transforms how coverage is delivered, are insurers keeping pace with shifting expectations?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Angus McDonald, CEO of CoverGenius, to unpack the company’s remarkable journey. From disrupting traditional distribution to building partnerships with global tech giants, CoverGenius has redefined what it means to deliver protection.
Tune in as Angus shares:
The vision behind CoverGenius and its rise as a global embedded insurance leader
Key lessons from scaling a tech-first insurance business
How embedded insurance is shaping the future of customer protection
The challenges insurers face in adapting to this new model—and how to overcome them
For insurance leaders looking to innovate, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss this deep dive into the CoverGenius success story with Angus McDonald.
Is the insurance industry stuck in its old ways? In an era where digital media drives brand loyalty and tech reshapes customer expectations, insurance companies might be missing out on huge opportunities. Featured in Feedspot's Top 10 Insurance Podcasts, Kanopi’s Building Tomorrow’s Insurer brings you insights from leaders who are redefining insurance.
In this episode, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman speaks with Ian White, the force behind Turbo Ventures and MGA Labs. Ian’s decades of experience in insurance and media give him a unique perspective on why insurers need to radically rethink how they connect with customers.
Tune in as Ian challenges traditional approaches and shares eye-opening insights on:
For insurance leaders ready to break out of the status quo, this episode offers fresh takes that just might redefine your approach. Don’t miss this discussion with Ian White as he calls out what’s missing—and what’s possible—in the future of insurance.
Is the traditional insurance cycle dead? As capital, technology, and consumer expectations shift at an unprecedented pace, insurers can no longer rely on historical patterns of hard and soft markets to drive their strategies.
In this episode ofBuilding Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Bryan Falchuk—bestselling author, insurtech advisor, and CEO of PLRB—to explore the forces reshaping the industry.
Tune in as Bryan shares:
🚀 Why insurers must abandon the cyclical mindset and embrace constant evolution
📉 How AI and data-driven underwriting will redefine profitability
🔄 The rise of embedded and dynamic insurance models
🤝 The secret to successful insurer-insurtech collaboration
With leadership transitions and rapid AI adoption on the horizon, the next decade will bring a fundamental shift in how insurers operate. Are you ready for it?
Listen now to gain insights that will shape the future of insurance. 🎧
The insurance industry is at a crossroads. While technology reshapes distribution, embedded insurance gains traction, and climate risks surge, are insurers truly prepared for the future?
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman speaks with Steve Tunstall—board director, risk expert, and founder of PARIMA.org and Inzsure. With over 30 years of experience across Asia and global markets, Steve has led risk management for companies like Cathay Pacific and Jardine Pacific and is deeply engaged in how insurers must adapt to remain relevant.
Tune in as Steve shares sharp insights on:
🔹 Why Asia’s insurance penetration lags behind mature markets—and how to close the protection gap
🔹 The role of embedded insurance in reaching underinsured populations
🔹 How climate risks and NATCAT losses will reshape the global reinsurance market
🔹 Whether large insurers can survive another decade without true transformation
🔹 The critical role of storytelling in rebuilding trust in insurance
If you’re interested in the intersection of risk, regulation, and innovation, this episode is packed with thought-provoking takeaways. Don’t miss it!
What does it take to revolutionize the insurance industry while staying grounded in authenticity and purpose? In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Jeff Shi, founder of Insurtechs.io and a top 50 InsurTech influencer.
Jeff shares his inspiring journey from building a car performance shop in his early days to founding J&J Insurance, where he grew a scratch agency to $27 million in premiums. He brings a wealth of insights on innovation, customer-centric strategies, and the critical role of storytelling in creating trust and brand value in the insurance sector.
Tune in to explore:
This episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking perspectives for anyone navigating the evolving insurance landscape.
Featured in Feedspot's Top 10 Insurance Podcasts, Kanopi's latest podcast series 'Building Tomorrow's Insurer' explores the cutting edge of insurtech and digital innovation in the insurance industry. Join host and CEO of Kanopi, Nigel Fellowes-Freeman as he interviews industry leaders and unpacks the latest trends shaping the future of insurance.
The future of insurance is about more than policies—it's about protection, prediction, and prevention.
In this episode of Building Tomorrow’s Insurer, host and Kanopi CEO Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with David Lynch, Group CTO at bolttech, to explore the cutting edge of insurtech and its transformative role in the insurance ecosystem. With a wealth of experience in banking, fintech, and sustainability, David shares powerful insights on the evolving insurance value chain, the role of generative AI, and the technologies shaping the next decade of innovation.
Tune in as we discuss:
🔹 The shift from reactive claims handling to predictive and preventative protection
🔹 How bolttech connects insurers, distributors, and customers through hyperconnected networks
🔹 Practical applications of generative AI that go beyond the hype
🔹 Scaling technology across 35+ markets while adapting to local nuances
🔹 The future of hyper-personalized, real-time insurance offerings
From matching supply and demand to solving protection gaps with tech-driven solutions, this episode uncovers what it takes to deliver meaningful impact to customers and society.
Whether you're an insurance leader, insurtech entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, David's vision for the industry's future is both inspiring and actionable.
Listen now to discover how bolttech is building the future of protection, one connection at a time.
Featured in Feedspot's Top 10 Insurance Podcasts, Kanopi's latest podcast series 'Building Tomorrow's Insurer' explores the cutting edge of insurtech and digital innovation in the insurance industry. Join host and CEO of Kanopi, Nigel Fellowes-Freeman as he interviews industry leaders and unpacks the latest trends shaping the future of insurance.
What does it take to redefine pet insurance for a digital-first world? Guy Farley, CTO and Co-founder of ManyPets, shares the groundbreaking journey that transformed a niche insurtech startup into the third-largest pet insurer in the UK. In this episode Guy Farley dives deep into the story behind ManyPets’ success, exploring the innovative technologies, data-driven strategies, and lessons learned along the way. From pioneering new approaches to pet insurance claims to integrating advanced technology for scalability, this episode is packed with insights for insurtech leaders. Tune in as Guy discusses: - The unique challenges of scaling pet insurance during a global pet ownership boom - How ManyPets leveraged technology to streamline claims and enhance customer experience - The balance of building, partnering, and buying in a modern tech stack - Emerging trends in insurtech and the role of AI and machine learning in the future of insurance - What MGAs can learn from ManyPets’ journey about standing out in competitive markets If you’re curious about how technology, creativity, and customer-centricity can transform insurance, this episode is not to be missed. Stream now to hear from one of insurtech’s most innovative leaders!
