Swiss Re Institute now offering a course for InsurTechs

With over 60 years of experience in knowledge sharing and training, the Swiss Re Institute is a leader in education across areas such as underwriting, capital management, and risk management. It boasts over 100 expert trainers in executive education. The institute is now expanding its focus to InsurTechs, a rapidly growing sector.

thebroker spoke with Ana Yang, Swiss Re’s Senior Client Manager SRI Research, Engagement & Sustainability, who will tell us more about the Swiss Re Institute’s latest course designed for InsurTechs.

Could you describe what the Swiss Re Institute does?

The Swiss Re Institute supports Swiss Re’s business and its position as a thought leader in the re/insurance industry. It focuses on executive training, risk and insurance research, economic forecasts, and sustainability. The institute shares insights through client events, executive training programs, and technical publications to help clients make informed strategic decisions.

What types of risk-related knowledge are being shared at the institute, particularly in re/insurance?

The institute covers the entire insurance value chain, with a clear focus on Sustainability, Natural Catastrophes (Nat Cat), Reinsurance, and Foresights. It provides knowledge on underwriting, capital management, and risk management, as well as emerging risks and economic forecasts.

How is this knowledge disseminated to the participants?

We incorporate innovative ways of knowledge sharing, with some trainings delivered in a traditional way, but our flagship programs are simulation-based trainings. Knowledge is disseminated through client events, executive training programs, technical publications, and e-learning options.

Do all courses take place at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon?

While many courses are held at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon, we also offer in-house programs that can be delivered on-site at our premises, at the client’s preferred location, or even virtually.

The Centre offers not only cutting-edge facilities with stunning views of Lake Zurich and the Alps, but also includes a hotel and spa. Could you tell us more about the experience for participants?

Participants at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including conference rooms with stunning views of Lake Zurich and the Alps. The centre also features a hotel and spa, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for learning and networking.

You offer open programs, custom programs, and e-learning options, in addition to executive programs. Could you explain the differences between these offerings?

• Open programs are available to all interested participants and cover a wide range of topics. These are single-seat programs.
• Custom programs are tailored to the specific needs of an organization and can be conducted at various locations.
• E-learning options provide flexible, online learning opportunities.
• Executive programs are designed for senior leaders and focus on strategic topics and leadership development.

There’s a 1.5-day course called “Insurance Management Simulation for InsurTechs” scheduled for February 18-19, 2025. Can you give us an overview of this course?

This course is designed to help InsurTech professionals build expertise in fundamental insurance topics. It includes simulation-based training on underwriting, portfolio management, and capital efficiency. Participants will engage in multiple simulation rounds to apply practical knowledge and understand the impact of different cost structures, asset management, and reinsurance on an insurer’s profitability and solvency. Additionally, expert sessions will help review their business cases and increase their value proposition, exploring ways of accessing the re/insurance industry to develop partnerships with key players.

This course is being co-developed with the Swiss InsurTech Hub (SIH). Is this your first collaboration with SIH, and are there plans for future courses together?

This is a co-branding arrangement with the Swiss InsurTech Hub, and we aim to take this relationship further. At the moment, we are focusing on the launch of this very first edition of trainings for InsurTechs.

How do the simulations work in the context of this course?

The simulations are designed to provide hands-on experience in managing insurance operations. Participants will engage in multiple rounds of simulations, where they will make decisions on underwriting, asset management, and reinsurance. These simulations help participants understand the real-world impact of their decisions on an insurer’s profitability and solvency.

What are the costs involved, and where will the course be held?

The course will be held at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon. The cost per participant is 1,150 CHF, excluding VAT. Travel arrangements and accommodations are not included.

Who will lead the course and which industry experts will be involved?

This training will be led by Florian Schreiber, a faculty member of the Swiss Re Institute. The InsurTech industry is likely familiar with him. For the expert sessions, we have joined forces with Rift Partners, who are both former Swiss Re colleagues.

How can interested individuals or companies sign up for the course?

We aim for a minimum of 12 participants to open the program. Anyone interested can contact me directly at ana_yang@swissre.com. I am also sharing the flyer, which contains more information.

Ana Yang currently holds the position of Senior Client Manager at Swiss Re Institute, where she focuses on commercializing and improving sales of the institute’s training programs. With prior experience in commercial management within the insurance sector, Ana contributes to revenue growth and cultivates strategic partnerships to highlight the value of Swiss Re Institute’s offerings. 

In her previous roles, Ana has demonstrated proficiency in market analysis, strategic planning, and team management. Her responsibilities included identifying business opportunities, managing client relationships, and leading strategic initiatives. These experiences align well with her current role at Swiss Re Institute. 

Ana’s educational background in finance and insurance, combined with her proficiency in multiple languages, further enhances her ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and expand the institute’s reach. With her dedication and commitment, she continues to support Swiss Re Institute in its mission to advance education within the insurance industry. 

Read also: Swiss Insurtech Hub: „2nd Insur Tech Ecosystem Meetup“