Investing in the insurance landscape presents a stable backdrop of growth through the management of risks in a rapidly changing world. The insurance industry serves as a vital safety net for individuals, businesses, and society, offering financial protection against unforeseen events. At the same time, today’s changing world also exposes insurance company investors to various risks, including underwriting risk, investment risk, and regulatory changes. Underwriting margins are a key focus, reflecting the balance between premiums collected and claims paid. Careful and disciplined underwriters can find pricing opportunities in today’s environment given the increasing role of climate change in the risk equation. Investors may also find opportunities in the growing space of technology-driven innovation, Insurtech startups, as well as the emerging market economies where insurance penetration remains relatively low. Building a diversified portfolio within the insurance sector requires careful consideration of these opportunities and risks alongside a strategic approach to asset allocation, inflation, and risk management. In this episode, Nick Martin shares a wealth of insights and expertise gathered from his extensive career in the insurance and investment landscape. Listen in to learn the emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges that investors may encounter, including exciting innovations driving transformation and more.
Nick joined Polar Capital in September 2010 and is fund manager of the Polar Capital Global Insurance Strategy (previously the Hiscox Insurance Strategy). Nick has worked on the Strategy since 2001 when he joined Hiscox plc. He participated in the management buyout of Hiscox Investment Management in 2007 when the business was renamed HIM Capital Ltd. Nick has developed a broad knowledge of the insurance sector during this time and from working for the chartered accountants, Mazars Neville Russell, where he specialized in audit and consultancy work for insurance companies and brokers.
