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Hi Friends! It’s ITC week! We’re excited to get to Vegas for one of the biggest gatherings of the year. If you’ll be there and we don’t already have time scheduled, feel free to book with me using this link. This week we’re following a mix of AI-driven change, international expansion moves, and signals from the capital markets as Q3 earnings season begins this week. Here’s to a great week of conversations, innovation, and a look ahead at where the industry is heading next. Let’s dive in and explore the Three Things We Learned: |
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AI’s Acceleration — From Workforce to WorkflowThe impact of AI continues to grow throughout the insurance ecosystem, presenting challenging changes and promising opportunities. Acrisure’s announcement of plans to lay off 400 employees, citing advances in automation and technology, serves as a reminder that the shift toward digital efficiency has very real human consequences. It also reminds us of the trends of the need to reskill workers and the talent gap caused by an aging workforce. Meanwhile, FurtherAI secured $25 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-driven workflow platform for insurers and brokers, showing investors’ continued appetite for automation solutions. Applied Systems unveiled new AI capabilities designed to transform agency operations, deepening its focus on practical tools that enhance productivity and service. Together, these moves highlight how AI is reshaping staffing models, attracting capital, and redefining how insurers and distributors work. |
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Specialty Players Broaden Their Global FootprintsInternational expansion remains a key strategy for insurers, including specialty and MGA platforms, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to diversifying capacity and tapping new markets. SiriusPoint’s announcement that it will sell a 49% stake in Arcadian MGA for $139 million is a strategic move, freeing up capital while maintaining alignment with a key distribution partner. Bishop Street Underwriters made its own international move, acquiring London-based MGA Avid, strengthening its underwriting footprint and adding UK exposure to its growing platform. And Fortegra secured a box at Lloyd’s, reinforcing its ambitions to participate more deeply in global specialty markets. The news came on the heels of their pending acquisition by a multi-national insurer. Collectively, these deals showcase how insurers are extending their reach — a trend that’s steadily knitting together transatlantic insurance networks. |
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Capital, Earnings, and the Next Growth ChapterNext week, Q3 earnings season begins, analysts at KBW anticipate a mix of strong underwriting results and mounting pricing pressures — particularly across commercial lines. AIG is already moving to reorganize its North America commercial business following the retirement of David Bailey, positioning the segment for renewed focus and leadership continuity. On the investment side, Markd expanded its insurance-focused fund with a $500 million raise, adding fuel for insurtech and specialty ventures, while Insurance Office of America launched “IOA 2.0,” bringing in new capital from Madison Dearborn Partners and Navacord, alongside investments from its own producers and employees. The momentum across capital markets and corporate restructuring signals an active close to 2025 — and sets the stage for what could be a dynamic start to the new year. |