FS Brew- Insurtech and insurance in the Middle East

Renjit Philip and Vidya Veerapandian
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Welcome to FS Brew! FS Brew is the region’s first podcast focussing on insurance and insurtech in the UAE and the broader Middle East. We are based in the startup magnet, a city of dreamers and visionaries- Dubai! In every episode, the hosts, Vidya Veerapandian and Renjit Philip, have in-depth conversations with industry experts on insurtech, insurance, venture capital, digital transformation, actuarial science, and many other topics. Renjit Philip: www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠ www.onemorethinginai.com Vidya Veerapandian: www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠

  1. Exclusive: CEO Neeraj Gupta Talks AI, Regulations, and the Future of Insurance

    JAN 26

    Exclusive: CEO Neeraj Gupta Talks AI, Regulations, and the Future of Insurance

    Welcome to FS Brew, the UAE and Middle East's first podcast dedicated to all things insurance and InsureTech. In this episode, hosts Renjit and Vidya are joined by Neeraj Gupta, CEO of Policy Bazaar UAE, for an insightful discussion on the latest innovations and challenges in the insurance landscape. Neeraj highlights Policy Bazaar's customer-centric initiatives, including the NRI Healthcare plan and the PB Advantage program. The conversation covers regulatory updates, the role of AI in the industry, and the potential of personalized insurance. They also explore the implications of the upcoming unified GCC travel visa. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the evolving world of insurance and InsurTech with a leading industry expert.00:00 Introduction to FS Brew and Hosts00:28 Guest Introduction: Neeraj Gupta, CEO of Policy Bazaar UAE00:54 Policy Bazaar's Customer-Centric Innovations04:56 AI Tools and Their Impact on Policy Bazaar07:56 Regulatory Changes and Their Impacts17:10 Unified GCC Travel Visa: Opportunities and Implications18:14 Challenges and Innovations in Health Insurance21:55 Partnerships and Future Predictions25:27 Rapid Fire Questions34:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    35 min
  2. At the intersection of Energy and Insurance: FS Brew x MEECON 2025 Special Episode

    12/02/2025

    At the intersection of Energy and Insurance: FS Brew x MEECON 2025 Special Episode

    Navigating the Future of Energy and Insurance: Insights from FS Brew Podcast and MEECON 2025In this must-listen episode of the FS Brew Podcast, co-hosted by Vidya and Renjit in collaboration with MEECON 2025, experts from the insurance and energy sectors reveal crucial insights on the evolving landscape in the Middle East. Featuring industry leaders like Sunil Machado from Lockton Insurance Brokers, Sam Foster from Lloyd Warwick, Alan Purbrick from MEECON, Julie Kimmens from Star Insurance Companies, Sean Pearson from Liberty Specialty Markets, and Heba Tabet from EDF Power Solutions, this episode delves into a diverse range of pressing topics. From innovative risk management strategies and the critical role of battery storage to the impact of emerging technologies and the importance of early risk assessment, this podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges lying ahead as the region transitions to clean energy. Key discussions also include the dynamic regulatory environment, the growing significance of parametric policies, and the necessity of integrated risk management and collaboration among stakeholders. Gain valuable perspectives that can guide your understanding and approach to the future of energy and insurance.00:00 Introduction to FS Brew Podcast00:21 Focus on MEECON and Energy Transition00:39 Interview with Sunil Machado: Risk Management in Energy01:44 Battery Storage and Risk Mitigation02:50 Emerging Alternatives in Energy Storage03:45 Role of Insurance in Power Projects06:57 Interview with Sam Foster: Challenges in Loss Adjusting10:06 Technology and Data in Loss Adjusting16:09 Future of Energy Claims Process19:05 Introduction to MEECON 2025 Conference with Alan Purbrick26:59 Interview with Julie Kimmens: Managing Technical Risk Claims27:47 Policy Wordings and Coverage in Renewable Energy28:41 Impact of Technology on Claims Processing30:56 New Risks in Hydrogen and Battery Storage33:29 Communication and Crisis Management in Claims35:19 Introduction to Sean Pearson and Liberty Specialty Markets35:53 Challenges in Underwriting Large-Scale Energy Projects38:15 Integrated Risk Management in Energy Projects46:18 Interview with Hiba Tabet on Legal Aspects of Renewable EnergyRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://www.futureu.coNewsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    56 min

  3. 09/14/2025

    The Future of Employee Wellbeing: Integrating Digital Health & Insurance

    Integrating Digital Wellness & Insurance: The Future of Employee WellbeingIn this special episode of the FS Group podcast, we host a panel discussion on the critical topic of health, specifically focusing on integrating digital wellness and insurance. Our guests are Jasmyne Rana, a mental health practitioner and consultant, and Mirka Strano, Regional Director for Employee Benefits Consulting at Howden for the Middle East and Africa. They explore the future of employee wellbeing and personalized health, delve into the impact of COVID-19, discuss holistic employee wellbeing, and highlight the challenges and opportunities in the UAE and broader Middle East. Key points include the evolution of workplace culture, the role of digital health solutions, the importance of financial wellbeing, and the potential of AI and advanced technologies in healthcare. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how organizations can better support their employees' health and wellbeing in today's rapidly changing world.00:00 Introduction to the Panel Discussion00:22 Meet the Experts: Jasmyn and Mirka01:39 Defining Holistic Employee Wellbeing03:49 Challenges and Trends in Employee Wellbeing10:34 The Role of Health Insurance in Employee Wellbeing11:04 Digital Health Solutions and Their Impact19:25 Future Trends and Opportunities in Health Insurance22:26 Global Best Practices and Regional Adaptations33:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Renjit Philip: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠ Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilip LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠ Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/ ⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    34 min
  4. What’s Next for Insurance? CII’s Ambitious Vision

    09/14/2025

    What’s Next for Insurance? CII’s Ambitious Vision

    Building Trust in Insurance: CII's Vision and Pathway for the Middle East & CSAIn this episode, we are delighted to host a representative from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to discuss their role in enhancing the insurance and financial planning professions across the Middle East and Central and South Asia (CSA) regions. We explore the organization's goals and priorities for the next three to five years, including increasing their regional footprint, deepening relationships, and hosting events to engage students and corporates. The discussion also covers CII's initiatives like the International Professional Partner Firm (IQPF) and Approved Professional Development Center to acknowledge corporate support for professional qualifications. The conversation touches on cultural dynamics, insurance penetration, and the importance of upskilling young talent. We also delve into various training programs and bespoke courses available through CII. Additionally, our guest shares personal insights and advice on navigating a career in insurance. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on professional development and the future of the insurance sector in these regions.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:12 Role and Objectives at CII01:06 CII's Impact and Initiatives03:09 Regional Dynamics and Stakeholder Management04:27 Membership Statistics and Benefits06:27 Attracting Young Talent to the Insurance Sector08:07 CII Training Programs and Custom Solutions10:06 Navigating a Career in Financial Services13:18 Rapid Fire: Getting to Know the Leader15:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Renjit Philip: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠ Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip ⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/ ⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    16 min
  5. How to build an Insurtech with ZERO VC funding!

    06/30/2025

    How to build an Insurtech with ZERO VC funding!

    Innovating Health Insurance with Vita Virtues – An Interview with CEO Miro Fok | FS Brew PodcastJoin us on this episode of FS Brew, the Middle East’s first podcast dedicated to the world of insurance and Insurtech in the UAE and broader Middle East. Hosts Vidya and Renjit welcome Miro Fok, the CEO and founder of Vita Virtues, a pioneering Insurtech firm specializing in digital health insurance solutions. Dive into Miro’s entrepreneurial journey, inspired by his sales background and a unique vision to streamline the sales process for health insurance through innovative technology.Discover how Vita Virtues is revolutionizing the UAE health insurance market, the challenges Miro faced in its inception, and the unique advantages of launching such a startup in the region. Miro shares invaluable insights into the evolving healthcare sector, the impact of digital transformation, and the importance of staying agile in a rapidly changing market.The discussion also covers Vita Virtues’ plans for international expansion, leveraging Gen AI for business optimization, and building scalable business models. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find Miro’s advice on sales, delegation, and organic growth particularly enlightening.Tune in for a comprehensive look at the future of Insurtech, the critical trends shaping the industry, and practical tips for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in the Middle East.#FSBrew #Insurtech #HealthInsurance #VitaVirtues #Entrepreneurship #UAE #DigitalTransformation #AI #Sales #StartupJourneyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to FS Brew00:30 Meet Miro: CEO and Founder of Vita Virtues01:06 The Inspiration Behind Vita Virtues03:59 Challenges and Trends in the UAE Health Insurance Market05:44 Vita Virtues’ Products and Differentiation09:34 Sales Strategies and Business Metrics14:08 Advice for Aspiring Insurtech Entrepreneurs15:56 Funding and Growth Philosophy18:12 Careful Consideration of Funding18:33 Future of the Insurance Industry in the UAE19:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Insurers21:27 Company Goals for the Next 12–24 Months22:44 Embracing AI in Business24:31 Rapid Fire: Personal Interests and Hobbies30:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs35:23 Conclusion and FarewellRenjit Philip:Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    36 min
  6. Deep Dive into Protego insurtech with Koy Lee: Leadership, Strategies, and Brand building

    06/14/2025

    Deep Dive into Protego insurtech with Koy Lee: Leadership, Strategies, and Brand building

    Exploring Insurance Innovation with Koy Nien Lee, CEO of Protego Insurance | FS Brew PodcastWelcome to another episode of FS Brew, the region's first podcast dedicated to insurance and Insurtech in the UAE and the Middle East. In this episode, hosts Vidya and Renjit Philip sit down with Koy Nien Lee, the CEO of Protego Insurance, backed by RAK Bank. Koy shares his captivating journey from engineering in Singapore to leading Protego Insurance in the UAE, highlighting his goals to revolutionize the insurance industry through technology and customer-centric approaches. From leveraging AI for personalized customer experiences to discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in the Middle Eastern market, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the future of insurance. Additionally, Koy delves into the importance of a strong leadership approach, the role of branding and influencers, and how embedded insurance can change consumer behavior. Tune in to hear thoughts on telematics, open APIs, and what’s next for Protego Insurance. Don’t miss the Rapid Fire Segment where Koy shares his personal interests and leadership philosophies. Stay tuned!00:00 Introduction to FS Brew Podcast00:22 Guest Introduction: Koy Nien Lee of Protego Insurance00:44 Koy's Journey into Insurance04:39 Protego Insurance and RAK Bank Partnership06:14 Operating Model and Strategic Drivers07:46 Affinity Marketing in the Middle East14:03 Leveraging Technology in Insurance26:20 Future Trends and Innovations31:04 Rapid Fire Segment36:56 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRenjit Philip:Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    37 min
  7. Inside the InsurTech Revolution: Jonathan Cooper Tells All

    05/20/2025

    Inside the InsurTech Revolution: Jonathan Cooper Tells All

    Welcome to FS Brew, the UAE and Middle East’s first podcast dedicated to insurance and Insurtech.In this episode, Renjit Philip and Vidya Veerapandian sit down with Jonathan Cooper, CEO and Founder of WIS Group (Worldwide Insurance Solutions).Jonathan shares his journey from working in claims at a local insurer to building an innovative Insurtech company offering travel, cyber, pet, and gadget insurance.We dive into: • The rise of personalized travel insurance • How AI is reshaping policy delivery • Trends in embedded insurance • Local market dynamics and expansion plans into Saudi Arabia and Europe • Building ancillary revenue streams for the travel sector • Jonathan’s personal story of transformation and entrepreneurshipWhether you’re in insurance, Insurtech, or just curious about the future of embedded coverage, this episode is full of insights.🎧 Timestamps00:00 – Intro to FS Brew and Hosts00:28 – Guest Intro: Jonathan Cooper, WIS Group00:51 – Getting Started in Insurance02:26 – Founding WIS Group03:56 – Product Focus and Company Growth04:22 – Trends in Travel Insurance08:28 – Market Challenges & Opportunities14:09 – Innovative Insurance Products17:44 – Embedded Insurance Explained24:05 – Expansion into KSA and Europe27:18 – Rapid Fire Round32:52 – Closing Thoughts🔗 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders in insurance and Insurtech.Include in every epsiode Renjit Philip: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠ Socials: Twitter / X: @renjitphilip LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠ Vidya Veerapandian: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠ I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!  #Insurtech #TravelInsurance #FSPodcast #EmbeddedInsurance #InsuranceInnovation #WISGroup #UAEInsurance #FSGrewPodcast

    33 min
  8. How to Lead with Courage in InsurTech: Insights from Sabine VanderLinden

    05/10/2025

    How to Lead with Courage in InsurTech: Insights from Sabine VanderLinden

    Exploring InsurTech and Innovation with Sabine VanderLinden | FS Brew PodcastWelcome to the FS Brew Podcast, the UAE and Middle East's first podcast dedicated to all things insurance and InsurTech. In this episode, hosts Vidya, and Renjit are joined by Sabine VanderLinden, a renowned corporate strategist and current CEO of Alchemy Crew. Sabine shares her 25-year journey in the industry and discusses her work with Alchemy Crew, a venture lab focused on accelerating innovation in the insurance sector.The conversation dives deep into various topics including the evolution of InsurTech, the challenges of integrating startups into established insurers, and the role of AI in transforming the insurance industry. Sabine also touches upon the importance of planetary resilience in combating climate risk, the regulatory landscape, and how diversity and inclusivity can be fostered within the industry.For anyone interested in the future of insurance, InsurTech, and innovative business models, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in to gain insights from Sabine’s extensive experience and her vision for the future of the insurance industry.01:24 Sabine's Journey into Insurance03:36 The Evolution of Accelerators and Alchemy Crew05:34 Corporate-Startup Collaboration Models12:11 AI in Insurance: Opportunities and Challenges16:53 Challenges in Corporate-Startup Integration19:14 Evaluating Venture Performance23:18 Climate Risk and Future Scenarios24:09 Navigating Capitalism and Sustainability24:54 Building Planetary Resilience25:30 Challenges in the Insurance Industry27:20 Public-Private Partnerships in Insurance28:00 Personal Leadership Journey30:35 Regulatory Influence on InsureTech33:55 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Insurance39:14 Future-Proofing Insurance40:31 Rapid Fire QuestionsRenjit Philip:Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

    45 min
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About

Welcome to FS Brew! FS Brew is the region’s first podcast focussing on insurance and insurtech in the UAE and the broader Middle East. We are based in the startup magnet, a city of dreamers and visionaries- Dubai! In every episode, the hosts, Vidya Veerapandian and Renjit Philip, have in-depth conversations with industry experts on insurtech, insurance, venture capital, digital transformation, actuarial science, and many other topics. Renjit Philip: www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠ www.onemorethinginai.com Vidya Veerapandian: www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠

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