AM Best senior analytical staff explore common types of insurance ABS transactions and the key assumptions behind their ratings. They will discuss the default rates applied to the transactions’ collateral, the asset-dependent recovery rates, the use of credit substitution and enhancement on collateral and rated securities and the determination of the implied rating of the securities by applying AM Best’s Idealized Issue Default Matrix.

Fred Smith, EVP of mining and metals at CAC Specialty, discusses the potential of Arkansas lithium discovery, the operational and environmental risks in lithium extraction, and how insurance markets can adapt to support the growing U.S. electric vehicle battery production industry.

Cowbell Founder and CEO Jack Kudale discusses how recent cyber threats expose digital vulnerabilities and how predictive modeling and AI-driven, real-time risk assessment enable insurers to adapt strategies for managing non-malicious cyber events.

Eric Werkheiser, vice president, Nationwide, said the market is moving toward more specialized products and innovative delivery methods, including embedded insurance solutions and unique fronting arrangements. Werkheiser spoke with AM Best TV at Target Markets' 24th Annual Summit, held in Scottsdale.

Bryan Hodgens, senior vice president and head of research at LIMRA, explores the sector’s increasing priority on growth, with a focus on closing the protection gap that affects more than 100 million Americans.

AM Best Associate Director David Blades and Associate Analyst Bryan Raber highlight a new Best's Market Segment Report that finds price adequacy and risk selection initiatives manifested in notably improved underwriting results during the first half of 2024.

Verisk CEO Lee Shavel highlights how the insurance industry is becoming more resilient in the face of catastrophic events, addresses the protection gap, and explores how generative AI will transform underwriting.

Western & Southern Financial Group Chairman, President and CEO John F. Barrett reviews his 37-year tenure, during which a regional insurance company transformed into a diversified financial services enterprise.

AM Best Associate Director David Blades and Senior Industry Analyst Chris Graham discuss a new report on the U.S. commercial auto insurance segment, which experienced a $5 billion net underwriting loss in 2023 and worsening conditions in early 2024.

Michael Wakefield, EVP, CAC Specialty, discusses how rising M&A activity is impacting pricing, coverage and new insurance solutions, including warranties, tax, and contingent risk insurance.