FS Brew- Insurtech and insurance in the Middle East

Renjit Philip and Vidya Veerapandian
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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. APR 17

    Breaking Barriers in Insurance: Julien Condamines' Vision for Claims with Novo AI

    How Novo AI Uses AI to Cut Claims Leakage: Julien Condamines on Fraud, Waste & Abuse | FS BrewRenjit and co-host Vidya welcome Julien Condamines, co-founder of Novo AI, to the FS Brew Insurtech podcast to discuss why he chose claims as the starting point for innovation and how Novo AI now focuses on reducing fraud, waste, and abuse. Julien describes insurers facing rising medical inflation, legacy claims operations that fail to capture usable data, and regulatory premium caps that worsen loss ratios, making leakage control critical to sustainability. He outlines what an ideal claims team looks like with automated data extraction and medical coding, minimal manual intervention for clean claims, and faster clinical review of flagged cases to prevent unnecessary or abusive billing. The conversation also covers the difficulty of selling to insurers, typical enterprise sales cycles and pricing tied to claim volumes, ROI from leakage reduction, and Novo AI’s expansion beyond Singapore into regional and global markets.00:00 Welcome Julian00:10 Why Claims Matter01:38 Meteorite Risks Ahead03:30 Ideal Claims Team06:42 Why Claims Lag Behind08:51 Selling Into Insurers12:07 Deal Cycles And Pricing13:32 Leakage Drives ROI14:47 Trust Speed Explainability16:45 Claims Frustration Reality16:57 Protection Beyond Payouts17:05 Thailand Injury Scenario17:32 Insurer As Trusted Guide18:59 Novo AI Claims Automation19:57 Stopping Fraud And Leakage21:30 Advice For Gulf Insurers23:45 Scaling Beyond Singapore25:28 Rapid Fire Leadership27:52 AI Trend And Big Risks29:16 Kindness And Pay It Forward31:00 Final Thanks And ShoutoutRenjit 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!

    32 min

  2. APR 6

    AI in Insurance and how Emirates Airlines' insurance works in Conflict Zone Operations

    AI in Commercial Insurance, Fully Autonomous Carriers, and Emirates’ War Risk Coverage | FS Drew’s News + AnalysisIn this episode of FS Brew's News with analysis, Renjit and Vidya discuss three insurance developments shaped by AI and geopolitical risk: insurtech Shepherd’s $42M Series B and its AI-driven commercial insurance platform that pulls real-time data from tools like Procore and Autodesk to speed underwriting for AI economy infrastructure; US firm di Primus Holdings’ launch of “Lucy,” a fully autonomous insurance carrier designed to handle underwriting, claims, and agent interactions with minimal human intervention; and a Financial Times report on Emirates Airlines’ war risk insurance, including its relatively low additional weekly war premium, a WTW-negotiated policy covering the first $2B of losses, and how scale, operational reputation, and conflict-specific policy terms help airlines keep flying during war.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:17 Breaking Alert Moment00:33 Shepherd Insurtech Funding03:09 AI Underwriting Debate04:51 Lucy Autonomous Insurer06:08 Can Insurance Be Fully AI08:47 Emirates War Risk Cover12:01 Why Emirates Gets Better Rates13:30 Wrap Up and Call to ActionRenjit 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!

    14 min

  3. MAR 19

    FS Brew: Navigating the Iran-Israel-US Conflict's Ripple Effects on Insurance

    War Risk Cover Pulled in Strait of Hormuz, Hippo Turns Profitable, Aon Tests Stablecoin Premiums | FS Brew NewsVidya and Renjit discuss insurance developments amid the Iran–Israel–US conflict, noting major insurers have withdrawn war risk cover for ships in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, pushing premiums from about 0.2–0.25% of vessel value to 1% or more and threatening fuel prices and supply chains as a major share of global oil transits the strait. They cover Hippo Insurance’s first full-year net profit ($58m) on $1.1bn gross written premium (up 24%) with 2026 guidance of $1.4–$1.5bn, and Aon’s proof of concept for paying premiums with stablecoins (USDC on Ethereum and PYUSD on Solana) to compress settlement times to minutes. They also cite S&P maintaining GCC insurers’ credit conditions as stable due to strong capital buffers, discuss war clause wording and possible cyber impacts, and highlight India’s newly licensed digital-first Kiwi Insurance backed by WestBridge and ex–Tata AIG leaders targeting motor, health, property, SME and commercial lines.00:00 Conflict Sets the Stage00:52 Hippo Turns Profitable02:35 Aon Tests Stablecoins03:57 War Risk Cover Pulled05:48 S&P Sees GCC Stability06:41 Cyber and War Exclusions08:25 India’s Kiwi Insurance10:54 Wrap Up and SubscribeRenjit 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!

    11 min

  4. FEB 15

    GCC & Global Insurtech News with Analysis from FS Brew: Where Innovation Meets Action

    FS Brew January Roundup: AI InsurTech Boom & GCC Regulatory ChangesWelcome to FS Brew, the region's premier podcast for insurance enthusiasts! In this January news and analysis episode, hosts Vidya, founder of Forward, and Renjit, partner at Futureu Strategy Group, tackle the latest developments in the insurance industry. Discover how AI-native carrier Corgi secured a $108 million funding round to revolutionize insurance for startups. Dive into the impact of new GCC regulations on brokers and MGAs. Learn about Advanced Technology Assurance Limited's $50 million facility targeting AI-related risks. Finally, explore how Saudi telecom giant Zain is making waves with its embedded insurance venture. Don’t forget to support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Engage with us and stay ahead in the world of insurance!00:00 Welcome to FS Brew00:29 AI Native Insurance Carrier Corgi's $108M Funding01:59 Impact of AI on Traditional Insurers02:10 Middle East InsureTech Developments03:29 GCC Licensing Framework Updates05:48 Advanced Technology Assurance's $50M Facility08:47 Saudi Market Innovations11:45 Challenges of Embedded Insurance13:01 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionRenjit 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!

    14 min
  5. 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 Impacts 17:10 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 Thoughts Renjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials: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!

    35 min
  6. 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

  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (71)

Trailer

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/⁠

Information