Articles by Séamus O’Hanlon
Optalitix advocates for AI-powered ‘spreadsheets’
Underwriters should be encouraged to use AI-powered Excel, says Optalitix co-founder Dani Katz, as the software company focuses on allowing natural language to increase accessibility as well as speed.
AI can help insurers cover ‘equally complex’ SME risks says Sixfold
Alex Schmelkin, co-founder and CEO of Sixfold, said despite AI being an opportunity for the industry to narrow down protection gaps, smaller businesses are still not seeking as many coverages as they should.
Q&A: Richard Pauly, Guidewire
Richard Pauly, senior director at Marketplace, Guidewire, talks about upcoming AI chat services, the industry’s slow adoption of cloud, and the return on investment in artificial intelligence.
Ifed warns crash-for-cash fraud is becoming more targeted
According to the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department, suspected ‘crash for cash’ fraud is moving towards more aggressive and targeted methods, as drivers are warned about identity data risk.
Travelers to cut 6% of UK and Ireland workforce
Insurance Post has learned that Travelers is cutting 6% of its UK and Ireland workforce to "enhance efficiencies," affecting an estimated 48 members of staff.
Ex-Liverpool footballer caught trying to buy temporary car insurance during police stop
Former Liverpool FC winger Jermaine Pennant has been caught driving without car insurance as he attempted to source temporary insurance while being stopped by police.
Urban Jungle eyes AI as next major insurance distribution shift
With consumers already choosing insurance providers via large language models, Urban Jungle co-founder and CEO Jimmy Williams said his business is trying to be model-agnostic because it is unclear which general AI platform will become "the new Google."
Davies calls for ‘continual compliance’ around agentic AI
AI will transform governance to be a more involved and continual process for firms, says Davies, ahead of the specialist technology firm’s new white paper, which outlines how autonomous agents could compound bias.
Q&A: Theo Duchen, Acturis
Theo Duchen, co-CEO and co-founder of Acturis, discusses his company’s expansion into the US and Canada, the rise of ChatGPT insurance apps, and the next phase for the software company.
Q&A: Minster Law’s Craig Gilchrist
Craig Gilchrist discusses his new role of director of technology and digital platforms at Minster Law and how the firm’s volumes of data and culture sets it apart.
Lloyd’s ‘new’ Dive In consultation to end next month
Lloyd’s Mark Lomas said consultation on the replacement for its Dive In festival will conclude in August and observed the last edition of the event has a ‘unique’ ability to bring people together to harness the power of artificial intelligence for good.
Minster Law reports 230% uptick in alternative dispute resolution
The motor claims insurance industry should become more proactive with using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to cut costs and court waiting times, says Minster Law’s chief commercial officer Paul Taylor as the law firm reports a 230% year-on-year…
Q&A: Rich Tomlinson, Thatcham Research
Rich Tomlinson, insurance sector director at Thatcham Research, talks to Insurance Post about his first month in the role and the ongoing technological changes which are shaping the motor insurance industry.
London Market Group reveals collapse in early careers hiring
Early careers hiring in the London market has fallen by almost a quarter, with another 25% decline forecast next year, prompting warnings that under-30s could account for just 7% of the workforce within a decade.
FCA review calls for ‘trusted’ AI agents in insurance
A Financial Conduct Authority review into the use of artificial intelligence has both warned of the amplification of fraud and cyber risks and said “trusted agents” could help consumers through addressing protection gaps as well as switching firms.
Aviva calls for forward-looking climate risk modelling
Insurers are relying too heavily on historical risk data, contributing to a widening protection gap as climate-related losses become more frequent and severe, according to Aviva.
City calls for insurer uptake in digital verification pilot
Insurers are encouraged to sign up to the pilot phase of a City of London digital verification system, which could save the economy £5bn through fraud reduction and infrastructure gains.
Quantexa warns AI fraud could leave smaller insurers exposed
Organised artificial intelligence fraud is likely to shift from large insurers to smaller rivals as major carriers improve their detection capabilities, Quantexa’s global head of insurance fraud solutions, Shyam Bhatt, has warned.
Zurich’s Hackett urges industry to win over Gen Z talent
Gen Z graduates are ‘bright’ and the industry needs to position itself as an attractive place to start a career for them, according to Bernadette Hackett, head of customer and distribution UK at Zurich.
Charity accuses Lloyd’s agents of ‘underperforming’ on climate change
Climate change progress has stalled significantly since 2024, with Lloyd’s managing agents performing worse across the board in ESG underwriting practices, according to a charity’s major climate change assessment.
CFC warns silent AI cover could create pandemic-like challenge
Louise O’Shea, group CEO of CFC, has warned that AI risks need to be accounted for with affirmative stances to avoid “unclear” situations.
Axa XL and Scor stress need for multi-peril climate change insurance
Axa XL and Scor have said multi-peril coverage, in comparison to parametric solutions, can increase investor confidence for successful climate change coverage.
LexisNexis warns of ‘reactive’ inefficiencies in motor claims handling
While underwriting and pricing has become more data-driven in recent years, LexisNexis Risk Solutions has warned that motor claims handling is still lagging behind, relying on “fragmented, reactive processes”.
Carpenters CEO’s journey adds meaning to LGBT award win
Carpenters Group was honoured at the British LGBT Awards, with CEO Donna Richards saying the recognition was important both for the business and for her youngest child, who is transitioning.