A.m. Best Radio Podcast

In the All Eyes on Economics podcast, Insurance Information Institute Chief Economist and Data Scientist Michel Léonard explores how economics delivers tools that specifically match business needs in today’s uncertain economy.

Melissa Ricco, co-head of Barings’ Structured Credit Investment Team, said that the opportunity in collateralized loan obligations for insurance investors remains compelling.

Dan Byrnes, president and principal at Asset Allocation & Management LLC, said that AAM has built a reputation for delivering customized investment strategies that align with the unique needs of insurers.

Mark Yu, head of Enterprise Capital Strategy at New England Asset Management, said that stress and scenario testing are crucial components of the company’s asset allocation analysis.

Robert Lewis, CEO, INTX Insurance Software, discusses the need for end-to-end policy management systems in property/casualty insurance, and the challenges of legacy software.

Swiss Re Chief Underwriting Officer-Casualty, Laure Forgeron, breaks down short- and long-term forces, including inflation, tariffs, evolving mobility patterns and emerging technologies that are redefining risks and strategies in the $2.2 trillion global motor reinsurance sector.

Sridhar Manyem, senior director, industry relations Americas, AM Best, discusses regulatory sandboxes for testing products, and how AI is being used in pricing and claims. Manyem spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech Hartford Symposium 2025.

Eleanor Bragg, a research analyst with Verisk Extreme Event Solutions, discusses how systemic risks including “forever chemicals” litigation, climate change liability and artificial intelligence are reshaping the insurance industry's approach to modeling and mitigation.

Bill Ross, CEO, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, discusses key takeaways from the 2025 IICF Philanthropic Roundtable, where industry leaders from 26 insurance organizations explored innovative ways to integrate corporate social responsibility, enhance volunteerism and strengthen community leadership across the sector.

Stephen Crewdson, senior director, J.D. Power, discusses how stabilized switching rates despite high shopping activity signal a shift in consumer behavior, prompting insurers to focus on retention, digital engagement and identifying high-value customers in the auto and homeowners insurance market.

Joan Woodward, who joined Travelers 16 years ago from Goldman Sachs, discusses her role in leading the Travelers Institute's podcast initiative, which explores the intersection of business, insurance and public policy.

Ivan Gonzalez, CEO, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, said companies are turning to parametric solutions, catastrophe bonds and captive arrangements that offer custom coverage. Gonzalez spoke with AM Best TV at the RIMS RISKWORLD conference, held in Chicago.

William Mule, global risk solutions practice leader, Hub International, discusses how multinational companies are adapting to geopolitical instability, climate change and evolving ESG regulations through proactive risk management and innovative insurance solutions.

Allen Kirsh, head of claims, judicial and legislative affairs, Zurich Insurance, discusses the growing impact of social inflation and legal-system abuse on insurance, and how his team is working with policymakers and industry leaders to champion meaningful tort reform.

Mark Popolizio, vice president of Medicare Secondary Payer compliance at Verisk, discusses key 2025 CMS policy updates, new reporting requirements and strategies insurers can use to stay compliant, reduce costs and mitigate liability under the evolving MSP framework.

AM Best Chief Ratings Officer Ken Johnson unpacks the latest industry outlooks, the growing impact of private equity and offshore reinsurance structures, and the importance of transparency and balance sheet discipline amid evolving global regulations in this repost of the InsuranceAUM.com.podcast.

Brittney McLaughlin, vice president of underwriting for human and social services at Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), said the landscape for human and social service risks is constantly changing. As the landscape continues to evolve, PHLY remains committed to providing innovative solutions that help human and social service organizations manage risk effectively, she said.

Keith Golembiewski, assistant vice president and head of LIMRA research, said that strong interest rates, market performance and growing awareness among plan sponsors fueled a record-breaking year for pension risk transfer deals.

Dawn Walker, associate director, AM Best, warns of privacy concerns as the sector increasingly adopts automation technologies. Walker spoke with AM Best TV at the InsurTech Hartford Symposium 2025.

Mike Antognoli, Allstate’s mobile product director, said the insurer’s app, which has five million monthly users, uses driving information to tailor risk management and offer cost savings for safe driving. The app also aims to build connections to alert customers to where to park, cheap fuel, and potential weather hazards, he said.