I’m thrilled to sit down with Simon Glairy, a trailblazer in the insurance and Insurtech space, whose expertise in risk management and AI-driven risk assessment has reshaped how the industry approaches underwriting. With a deep understanding of leveraging technology to tackle complex challenges, Simon has been at the forefront of integrating generative AI tools into insurance operations. Today, we’ll explore how these innovations are streamlining processes, empowering underwriters, and addressing modern risks in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Can you share the story behind the inspiration for creating a generative AI tool like BRIAN at Allianz UK?
Absolutely. The idea for BRIAN came from a real pain point in the underwriting process—underwriters were spending way too much time digging through massive guidance documents, sometimes up to 600 pages long. We saw an opportunity to use generative AI to cut through that clutter. It started with a vision to make information retrieval instantaneous and precise, freeing up our teams to focus on what they do best: assessing risk and serving clients. The name BRIAN even pays homage to a colleague who was a guiding light early in my career, symbolizing the tool’s purpose of knowledge sharing and support.
How does BRIAN actually function to make information accessible for underwriters so quickly?
BRIAN is designed with a dual approach that’s incredibly practical. It delivers a concise answer to a query in seconds, but it also provides a direct link to the exact section of the guidance document where that answer comes from. This means underwriters can trust the response and dig deeper if they need to. Before BRIAN, searching for information could take hours each week. Now, what used to take two hours is down to mere seconds, which is a game-changer for efficiency across our commercial offices.
With over 13,000 queries processed since January, can you give us a sense of what kinds of questions underwriters are asking BRIAN?
The range is pretty broad, but most queries revolve around specific policy guidelines, regulatory requirements, or technical details related to property, casualty, and specialty lines. Underwriters might ask about coverage limits for a particular risk or clarification on compliance issues. It’s the kind of stuff that’s critical to get right but can be buried deep in documentation. BRIAN’s ability to handle this volume has really smoothed out day-to-day operations, reducing frustration and letting our teams focus on decision-making rather than searching.
BRIAN has saved an estimated 135 working days. How does this translate into better outcomes for your underwriters?
That time saving is huge because it shifts focus from mundane tasks to high-value work. Underwriters now have more bandwidth for in-depth risk analysis, which is at the heart of what we do. They’re also building stronger relationships with clients by having more time for meaningful conversations. Plus, they can refine pricing strategies and stay on top of market trends or regulatory shifts. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about using that time to elevate the quality of our work.
I understand BRIAN has been especially helpful for junior underwriters. Can you explain how it supports them in navigating their roles?
Junior underwriters often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of documentation and the complexity of regulatory or technical guidance they need to master. BRIAN acts like a trusted mentor, helping them find accurate information quickly and confidently. We’ve seen a noticeable boost in their decision-making skills and overall confidence because they’re not second-guessing themselves or spending hours lost in manuals. It’s accelerating their learning curve in a really meaningful way.
How does BRIAN align with the larger vision for operational improvement at Allianz UK?
BRIAN is a key piece of our broader strategy to refine operations through intelligence and streamlined processes. We’re focused on building robust systems that enhance agility and accuracy without losing the human touch. This tool isn’t about replacing underwriters—it’s about empowering them with the right information at the right time. It’s part of a bigger push to transform traditionally cumbersome procedures into something more dynamic, ensuring we’re ready for whatever the market throws at us.
With growing challenges like cyber risks and climate change in the insurance sector, how does BRIAN help underwriters stay ahead of these complexities?
These emerging risks add layers of complexity that demand quick access to the latest guidance and technical expertise. BRIAN helps by ensuring underwriters can instantly pull up relevant information on things like cyber liability policies or climate-related risk factors. It keeps them updated without the lag of manual research. This speed and accuracy are critical in an environment where regulations and risks are constantly evolving, allowing our teams to make informed decisions even under pressure.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the role of generative AI in underwriting over the next few years?
I see generative AI becoming an indispensable part of underwriting, not as a replacement for human judgment but as a powerful ally. Tools like BRIAN will continue to evolve, handling even more complex queries and integrating with other data sources to provide deeper insights. We’ll likely see AI helping with predictive analytics for risk assessment and personalizing customer solutions on a scale we can’t yet imagine. The key will be balancing this tech with the irreplaceable human elements of empathy and critical thinking, ensuring we’re enhancing, not automating, the heart of our work.
