CAC’s Baseman: Casualty Pressures, Cyberrisks Shape Insurance Strategies for 2026

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.

Steve Kinion, captive insurance director, Oklahoma Insurance Department, said OneNexus Insurance was assigned an AM Best Credit Rating. Kinion spoke with AM Best TV at the 2025 Vermont Captive Insurance Association Conference, Burlington.

Gene Lanzoni, head of enterprise content at Guardian Life, discusses how insurers can help Americans build financial confidence through life insurance, annuities and long-term planning, along with the importance of seeking out professional guidance.

William Koppelmann, president and CEO, Standard Premium Finance Management Corp., discusses how federal disaster programs, AI and resilient infrastructure can help insurers manage risk, stabilize premiums and better serve communities.

Meredith Brasher, insurance underwriter turned actor and podcast host shares how a quest to perfect her accent during lockdown unexpectedly evolved into “Insurance vs. History,” a podcast that uncovers how insurance has shaped pivotal moments from the Atlantic slave trade to the terror attacks on 9/11.