AM Best Audio Podcast

Mark Friedman, PwC’s U.S. insurance deals leader, discusses the rise in insurance deal value in 2025, driven by strategic megadeals, strong investor interest and sector resilience.

Jason Ott, president, Aon Private Risk Management, discusses how affluent clients are proactively adapting to climate volatility through fortified properties, strategic insurance planning and evolving risk mitigation to safeguard high-value assets.

Kevin Sandelin, senior risk consulting engineer at Allianz Risk Consulting, discusses the growing frequency and severity of wildfires, their impact on industries like agriculture, utilities, and construction, and how insurers and clients can use emerging technologies and mitigation tools to better manage wildfire risk.

Melissa Carmichael, head of U.S. cyber, Beazley, discusses rising AI-driven cyberrisks and supply chain challenges, highlighting the critical role insurers play in strengthening cyber readiness and safeguarding businesses against evolving threats.

Shane Riedman, president of antifraud analytics at Verisk, discusses trends as outlined in recent company reports highlighting the sharp rise in collision severity, evolving subrogation strategies, and the growing role of data and AI in helping insurers improve speed, accuracy, and recovery outcomes.

Dale Porfilio, formerly chief insurance officer of the Insurance Information Institute, discusses the ongoing threat of lightning-related losses, insurer mitigation efforts and shifting storm patterns impacting risk.

Keith Golembiewski, assistant vice president, director of annuity research, LIMRA, discusses strong annuity sales, rising demand for guaranteed income and how insurers are adapting to meet evolving retirement needs.

Erika Melander, head of Nationwide’s national manufacturing practice, discusses how supply chain shifts are creating new risks for manufacturers and how insurance advisers can help manage them.

Stephen Cross, founding partner of McGill and Partners, CEO of McGill and Partners Europe, discusses the U.K. government’s new captive-friendly regulations and their potential to boost London as a top global captive insurance hub.

AM Best Director Edin Imsirovic discusses a new Best's Commentary that finds the insurance industry's crypto-market penetration is limited, but provides opportunities.