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The insurance industry is experiencing a transformative shift driven by insurtech innovations, leveraging technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, and digital platforms. These advancements are not only enhancing operational efficiencies but also reshaping customer experiences and addressing emerging risks.

In this context, FAnews spoke to Dave Stevens, Chief Technology Officer at Fulcrum Group and Wimpie Van Der Merwe, CEO of Global Choices, to explore how these technologies are transforming the insurance landscape and shaping the future of the industry.

Latest trends in insurtech

According to Van Der Merwe, “The use of technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT in insurtech is revolutionising traditional insurance operations. This shift is improving underwriting, risk evaluation, and customer support, ultimately boosting efficiency and enhancing risk management.” This indicates a fundamental change in how insurers approach their business processes and customer interactions.

Stevens agreed, noting, “It’s really all about data and the ability to interrogate vast amounts of it quickly, accurately, and deeply – connecting the dots where humans can’t even see the dots! Think personalised policies that no longer subscribe to the one-size-fits-all mentality.”

“Insurtechs facilitate access to non-traditional data in real-time, enabling insurers to develop personalised offerings and enhance customer-centric solutions,” he added.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in insurance

AI plays a pivotal role in transforming insurance, particularly in underwriting and claims processing. Van Der Merwe highlighted, “The impact of AI on the re/insurance industry, emphasising its applications in automation, data insights, and risk assessment. Examples such as Swiss Re’s Magnum Pure platform and parametric Flight Delay Compensation illustrate the benefits of AI in underwriting and claims.”

Stevens elaborated on AI’s potential, “Insurers are leveraging AI and machine learning to analyse massive amounts of data for personalisation, risk assessment, fraud detection, and pricing optimisation. AI algorithms process data more efficiently than traditional methods.”

Blockchain technology and its integration in insurance

Blockchain technology is being increasingly integrated into various insurance processes. According to Van Der Merwe, “Blockchain’s trustworthy nature, consensus algorithms, and smart contract capabilities make it ideal for reducing fraud in the insurance industry. Smart contracts can self-execute agreements, leading to the creation of an industry-wide shared claims ledger.”

Stevens noted, “Blockchain can rationalise numerous insurance processes, including claims processing, by storing contract terms unchangeably and automatically executing them. This results in reduced administrative costs and increased efficiency.”

Digital platforms reshaping insurance

Digital platforms are pivotal in reshaping the insurance landscape and improving customer experience and operational efficiency. Van Der Merwe stated, “The adoption of digital transformation has become a crucial strategic priority for insurers, harnessing the benefits of technologies such as cloud infrastructure and AI.”

“Insurtech companies are developing user-friendly apps and interfaces to improve customer experience through integration outside the traditional insurance ecosystem. added Stevens.

Perhaps need to reword this slightly to be less statement-of-fact and more an opportunity. It’s difficult to substantiate the “risk-free” part.

Self-service policy administration and personalised offerings are increasingly becoming the norm, presenting an opportunity for innovation.”

According to Stevens, “AI-driven data analytics across traditionally diverse domains are improving customer experience through personalised insights and offerings. Predictive analytics, particularly through IoT and connected devices, is shaping practices that positively influence behaviour.”

“Insurtech leverages technology to streamline insurance processes, enhancing user-friendliness and accessibility,” he continued.

This bit reads a bit awkwardly to me. Perhaps “is shaping practices that positively influence behaviour.”

Challenges in adopting new technologies

Despite the benefits, insurers face challenges in adopting new technologies while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Van Der Merwe mentioned, “Insurers are dealing with challenges such as the digital transformation of core legacy systems, risk assessment, and underwriting difficulties, and upskilling employees with new digital skills.”

Stevens added that, “Data privacy and security regulations such as POPI and GDPR have raised the bar for data protection, making it challenging for insurers to innovate while maintaining compliance.”

The future of insurtech innovation

In conclusion, insurtech is reshaping the insurance industry through technological innovations that enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and mitigate emerging risks. As insurers continue to embrace AI, blockchain, IoT, and digital platforms, they are poised to lead the industry into a new era of personalised, data-driven insurance solutions.

Looking ahead, both Van Der Merwe and Stevens see cross-industry collaboration and access to real-time data as the next frontier in insurtech innovation.

Van Der Merwe stated, “Advancements in AI, cloud, and data analytics technology are set to enhance customer relationships and improve overall customer experience.”

Stevens concluded, “The future of insurance is promising as insurers embrace new technologies to enhance services and drive positive change in the industry. Products will become personalised, and the speed and accuracy of data processing will unlock huge potential.”

Dave Stevens
CTO