My recent trip to the UK was an incredible experience, and can I just lead with how amazing the food at each of the partners we visited was, my inner foodie was in heaven.
At Lloyd’s of London, I saw how they combine tradition with new ideas through programs like Lloyd’s Lab. It really hit home that success in this industry isn’t about being the biggest, but about being agile enough to change with the market.
At Marsh McLennan, I was reminded how important it is to stay curious. Asking the right questions and really understanding what clients need. This same focus on collaboration came up at the CII event hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright. Sharing knowledge and building strong partnerships are essential for the industry.
Visiting Aviva showed me how agility is key to staying resilient. The way they adjust their strategies and take on new risk portfolios was inspiring—it’s a great reminder that being adaptable is critical to success. Pool Re highlighted how teamwork between the private and public sectors can bring about unique and amazing synergies, not seen anywhere else in the market.
The role of technology and how people are key to using it really stood out during my visit to Munich Re and Airfinity. Their use of real-time data and predictive models showed how insurance products can be fine-tuned to meet evolving risks, such as pandemics.
At Howden, I saw how challenges in the market – are also opportunities. Resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times—it’s about finding the gaps and building something better. Swiss Re reinforced this with their smart use of data and people to stay financially stable, even in a crowded market.
Ki Insurance was one of the most inspiring stops. As the first fully digital syndicate at Lloyd’s, they showed me how technology like algorithmic underwriting and quoting/renewal platforms can make services faster and more accessible. It was a great example of how modern tools can enhance, not replace, the industry’s experience and tradition.
This trip taught me that South Africa has amongst the brightest and most innovative minds, and that access to the larger scopes enable a market full of growth and opportunity. I can’t overstate the importance to keep learning, build strong connections, and stay agile. The future of insurance will depend on how well we adapt, work together, and use technology to create smarter solutions while holding on to the industry’s core values.
A Big Thank you to IIG for organising this, and to Hollard for supporting my #Development and #Growth!
#Bettertogether #itstartswithaconversation
Article written by Rhein Schnetler | Hollard Insure
