Connecting the Business & Technology Communities
July/August 2011 • Volume 14, Issue 5
page 25 page 62
In the wake of the financial crisis and broad-reaching regulatory
reforms, the internal workings of insurance companies here and
abroad are very much in the spotlight. And while carriers such
as AIG and Allstate may be considered ahead of the governance
curve, others still regard changes to governance structures as some-
thing of a forced march. Still a third group of carriers is emerging
that views governance as a business opportunity, employing as a
well-defined effective internal control structure that adds value to
risk management.
Global Boost for Governance
Electronic communications, such as email and other forms of
Web-based networking, continue to proliferate. However, according
to Novarica research, digital interactions with customers and partners has not eliminated the need to support traditional channels
such as the phone or snail mail. In fact, according to Novarica, one
of the keys to successfully engagement is making sure all lines of
communications are left open.
Communication Channels:
Where More is More
INN FoCus
Automated Underwriting:
How Far Can it Go?
As new technologies and standards make it possible
to fully automate underwriting, some experts wonder
if eliminating the human element from the process
will lead to missed business opportunities and
greater risks. Some carriers, however,
such as Nationwide and ICBC, have
found a way to balance technology
with traditional underwriting.
page 19
Inside the IT
Budget Trenches
Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance’s
Michael Foerst and other IT leaders have found
innovative ways to make their technology
dollars go further. page 14
