InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

Jonathan Rake, CEO, Risk Data Solutions: Swiss Re: The case for certainty and real-time insight in insurance (380)

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In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Jonathan Rake, CEO of Risk Data Solutions at Swiss Re, to explore how a major reinsurer is building data and analytics as core capabilities beyond traditional risk‑transfer. Jonathan explains why the shift matters, how analytics are being embedded in real‑time workflows, and what insurers and corporates should focus on as risk becomes more interconnected and dynamic.

In this conversation, Jonathan shares:

  • Why Swiss Re launched Risk Data Solutions and how it leverages internal analytics for client value
  • How “certainty of insight” and real‑time decision‑making are redefining insurance workflows
  • The differing risk‑analysis needs of large corporates versus insurers, and what each must prioritise
  • How Swiss Re approaches partnerships: enabling versus enriching, and why you cannot go it alone
  • The acquisition of Fathom (UK) and how model‑blending is raising the accuracy bar in catastrophe modelling
  • His approach to leadership, maintaining balance outside work and keeping pace with change
  • A bold prediction for 2026 — and the book he recommends to anyone interested in adventure, risk and innovation 'A Voyage for Madmen' by Peter Nichols

    • If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Jonathan Rake or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn.

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    Continuing Professional Development

    This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.

    By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:

    • Specify the tools and workflows that allow insurers to consume insights directly within underwriting platforms.
    • Measure the business case for embedding analytics in risk workflows versus maintaining separate data functions.
    • Produce a clearer understanding of how large insurers are operationalising resilience through data, modelling and partnerships.

      • If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 380 page of the InsTech website or email [email protected] to let us know you have listened to this podcast.

      To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

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