HUB’s Bot: Rising Specialty Drugs, Inflation Challenge Employer Benefits

Robert Wiest, CEO, MS Reinsurance, discusses reinsurance trends, the importance of underwriting discipline and strategies for managing risk in a changing market. Wiest spoke with AM Best TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre conference, Monte Carlo.

John Cavanagh, co-founder, Beat Capital Partners, discusses how managing general agents matured into underwriting leaders, specialty growth, client focus and responses to emerging risks. Cavanagh spoke with AM Best TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre conference, Monte Carlo.

Kirsten Bot, national director, actuarial services and financial consulting, HUB International, discusses emerging trends in benefits and how proactive strategies can curb medical and pharmaceutical inflation.

Nathan Riedel, SVP, federal government affairs, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, discusses how social inflation and litigation funding drive claims costs and premiums, and how agents can educate clients and advocate for reforms.

Matt Blackley, president and CEO, MapleTech, discusses how the company is leveraging AI, cloud-native platforms and intelligent automation to transform insurance operations while keeping client relationships and human trust at the forefront.

Lawrence “Lars” Powell, director, Alabama Center for Insurance Information & Research, University of Alabama, said a study has found that trees caused nearly half of Hurricane Sally claims, even in fortified homes. Powell spoke with AM Best TV at the 130th annual NAMIC convention, San Diego.

Nate Baseman, head of data and technology, CAC Group, discusses the company’s third-quarter market update and the latest trends and challenges insurers face heading into 2026.

Innovation and transformation coach Ibeth Ayala discusses in her book “No Risk No Fun: The Human Side of Innovation in Insurance” how people-centered leadership helps insurance leaders conquer fear, unlock creativity and lead change.

Ben Rose, co-founder and president of reinsurtech Supercede, said firms lose time pulling data from inconsistent spreadsheets, highlighting the need for cleaner information. Rose spoke with AM Best TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre conference, Monte Carlo.

John Menefee, enterprise cyber lead, and Lauren Winchester, head of cyber risk services, both of Travelers, discuss key findings of the 2025 Travelers Risk Index, which shows cyberthreats are the top concern for businesses.