Alliant Specialty Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Alliant Insurance Podcasts
The Alliant Insurance podcast is dedicated to Insurance and risk management solutions, and trends shaping the market today. The team of industry specialists explore topics ranging from cyber to workers' comp and everything in between. With the help of expert guests from across the market, each episode is a bite-sized 10-15 minutes covering what business owners and risk managers need to know about their insurance programs.
O runoff coverage dispute involving subsequent acts exclusions and the timing of alleged wrongful acts. David Finz also discusses the Canvas cyber event, the risks created when organizations rely on shared SaaS platforms and practical steps businesses can take to strengthen contractual and technical protections.
Empathy and active listening are powerful sales skills that can strengthen client trust, uncover unspoken needs and create more meaningful business relationships.In this episode of Women in Sales, host Jenni Lee Crocker welcomes Kristin Searcy, Alliant Employee Benefits, to explore how empathy, intuition and curiosity can improve the sales process. Kristin shares practical ways to read the room, ask better questions and stay present—from creating white space before meetings to pausing during presentations and listening beyond a client’s words.Together, they discuss how sales professionals can move beyond the presentation deck, understand what truly matters to decision-makers and become trusted advisors. Listen for actionable insights on consultative selling, relationship building, client communication and developing empathy as a competitive advantage.
Law firm risk management and client intake strategies are essential to identifying unworthy clients before they create costly legal malpractice exposure. In this episode, Craig Howser and Eric Hubbard, Alliant Law Firm Practice, examine the DC Solar fraud case and discuss how firms can strengthen due diligence, engagement practices and ongoing client monitoring. They share actionable insights on legal malpractice prevention, law firm compliance, ABA Model Rule 1.16(a), client vetting procedures and proactive risk management strategies to help firms better identify and manage high-risk client relationships.
Cybersecurity risk management is shifting from reactive threat detection to proactive, AI-driven predictive security strategies that help organizations identify and mitigate threats before incidents occur. Brendan Hall, Alliant Cyber, welcomes Paul Jespersen, founder and CEO of PRE Security, to discuss how predictive cybersecurity and AI-powered SecOps are giving organizations greater visibility into risk while reshaping cyber underwriting and incident prevention. They share practical insights on reducing false positives, strengthening cyber resilience and using real-time security intelligence to support smarter risk management decisions.
Preparation and confidence are essential skills for success in sales, helping professionals navigate negotiations, client relationships and high-stakes conversations with clarity and intention. In this episode, Jenni Lee Crocker welcomes Kristen Handel, Alliant Americas, and Marya Propis, RT Specialty, to discuss how strategic planning, thoughtful questioning and resilience can strengthen confidence and drive long-term success. Kristen and Marya share practical insights on sales strategy, professional development, relationship building and overcoming setbacks to drive career growth and sales performance.
O coverage decision and why the court rejected a carrier’s broad interpretation of the public offering exclusion. They also explore emerging AI liability laws, chatbot-related risks, deepfake regulation and what businesses should be doing now to reduce cyber and regulatory exposure.
O insurance coverage, recent Department of Justice enforcement signals and a case exploring AI and legal privilege. Together, they break down what these developments mean for policyholders and organizations, including how to challenge coverage denials, prepare for regulatory scrutiny and manage confidentiality risks associated with AI tools.
O coordination and safeguarding your company against cyber litigation tied to data breaches and geopolitical threats. They share key insights on policy wording, coverage gaps and data breach liability, while highlighting strategies for insurance coverage alignment and cyber preparedness.
Strong professional networks are built through trust, consistency and meaningful relationships, not transactional interactions. In this episode, Jenni Lee Crocker, Alliant, welcomes Stephanie Ford, Warren Whitney, to discuss how centers of influence (COIs) and authentic networking drive long-term success in sales. Together, they share practical insights on building referral networks, strengthening professional connections and cultivating relationships that support sustained business development and career growth.
O settlement demands and emerging trends in pixel tracking litigation and cyber coverage. Together, they outline practical considerations for notice compliance, settlement strategy and managing website tracking risk.
Welcome to the very first episode of Women in Sales. Host Jenni Lee Crocker is joined by Beth Phares and Julie Rison for an honest and inspiring conversation about what truly drives success in sales. Together, they share real experiences, practical lessons and encouragement for the next generation of women considering a path in sales. This debut episode launches an ongoing series dedicated to elevating women’s voices, stories and impact across the industry and marks the beginning of many powerful conversations to come.
Join Kenny White, Alliant Healthcare, and Kathy Roe, Health Law Consultancy, as they examine recent federal and state developments shaping the regulation of artificial intelligence in healthcare and managed care, including a new executive order establishing federal priorities. Their discussion highlights state-level activity around prior authorization and mental health AI applications, alongside the growing tension between federal oversight and state enforcement. They also share practical considerations for organizations, from governance and risk management to compliance and insurance implications as AI adoption continues to evolve.
Join Brendan Hall and Michael White, Alliant Cyber, and Scott Erickson, APT Healthcare, as they explore how Alliant’s PortCo Protect program supports private equity organizations in advancing cybersecurity maturity across their portfolio companies. The discussion highlights how portfolio-wide risk assessments, sponsor transparency and ongoing remediation guidance help drive alignment, justify investment and strengthen security posture. Scott also shares firsthand insights on modernizing IT infrastructure, improving defenses against threats like ransomware and the value of collaborative partnership in elevating enterprise risk management.
O coverage arbitration, highlighting key takeaways on allocation, best efforts and the application of New York’s relative exposure rule. David then examines a new federal executive order on artificial intelligence, outlining its potential impact on state regulation, emerging liability exposures and insurance considerations across specialty lines.
AI is accelerating ransomware attacks and reshaping the cyber threat landscape. Join Brendan Hall, Alliant Cyber, and Brad LaPorte, Morphisec, as they discuss how evolving ransomware tactics and polymorphic malware are challenging traditional cybersecurity defenses. Together they share how a preemptive approach to ransomware protection can help organizations reduce exposure, lower insurance costs and strengthen cyber resilience as AI continues to accelerate the speed and sophistication of attacks. They also highlight how Morphisec’s patented technology and ransomware-free guarantee provide a powerful layer of protection that complements existing MDR and EDR tools.
CJ Dietzman and Tara Albin, Alliant Cyber, are joined by Kenny White, Alliant Healthcare, to examine the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the managed care industry. Their discussion explores how AI is streamlining administrative processes and compliance functions, while simultaneously introducing new exposures around privacy, vendor accountability and cyber risk. Together they highlight how proactive strategies such as implementing governance frameworks, employee training and AI literacy in an organization can strengthen resilience and manage risk in an increasingly automated environment.
O policy prior notice exclusions, with Mike exploring their impact on claims handling and coverage strategy. David then examines a recent data breach settlement, highlighting how precise policy language can help manage cyber liability and navigate complex class action exposures.
Join CJ Dietzman, Cara Murray and Ben Lorentzen, Alliant Cyber, as they discuss the current state of the cyber insurance market and the evolving threats organizations face heading into 2026. Their conversation explores how cultivating a strong culture of cybersecurity that is supported by engaged employees and leadership can strengthen resilience and reduce exposure. They also share actionable steps organizations can take to build a sustainable cyber culture that reinforces strategy and enhances preparedness in today’s dynamic risk landscape.
Join Howard Miller and Grace Michael, Alliant Cyber, as they discuss practical strategies organizations can use to reduce downtime, minimize costs and strengthen resilience before and after a cyber incident. They examine how effective incident response planning, tabletop exercises and business impact analysis (BIA) collectively enhance recovery and guide smarter insurance and risk transfer decisions.
Acquisitions, to examine the unique risks involved in financing healthcare real estate compared to traditional commercial assets. They explore key challenges including medical professional liability, environmental exposures, and evolving post-COVID regulations, highlighting how comprehensive insurance reviews and active lender involvement can lead to stronger healthcare transactions.
Suicide and mental health challenges remain critical yet often overlooked issues in the construction industry, with suicide rates significantly higher than in other professions. Join Eli Mendoza and John Murphy, Alliant Construction, as they discuss the factors driving this crisis, recent statistics and how to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health in construction. Their conversation explores prevention and post-prevention strategies, available resources and how Alliant works alongside clients to raise awareness and implement meaningful support programs.
Legal, as they break down three recent legal developments shaping insurance and cyber risk. They discuss how strict notice provisions can result in claim denials, the importance of securing coverage for regulatory investigations and what the MOVEit litigation reveals about duty to defend versus choice of counsel. Together, they provide key insights for policyholders navigating coverage gaps, defense strategies and the evolving risks in the financial institutions and cyber markets.
Join Brendan Hall, Alliant Cyber, and Gaurav Kulkarni, COO, Sprocket Security, as they explore the evolution of penetration (Pen) testing from traditional legacy models to continuous security programs that deliver real-time insights into an organization’s ever-changing attack surface. Their discussion highlights how this new approach supports compliance, reduces exposure and aligns with modern cybersecurity frameworks like Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). Gaurav also outlines how Sprocket’s hybrid model blends technology with human-led testing to better identify, validate and remediate risk to stay ahead of zero-day vulnerabilities and emerging risks in today’s changing climate.
A, to look into the complexities of commercial real estate insurance. They discuss common challenges like high deductibles and catastrophic loss exposure, the importance of early engagement and how Harbor Group Consulting's unique approach ensures smooth closings.
Legal, break down the implications of Kousisis v. United States and discuss a pivotal California ruling that broadens the scope of the California Consumer Privacy Act beyond data breaches. Together, they explore how these developments could carry implications for contract compliance, DEI disclosures, cyber controls and privacy litigation moving forward.
Kenny White and Fred Driscoll, Alliant Healthcare, are joined by Seth Madnick, Alliant Captives, to examine how captive insurance continues to shape risk financing strategies in the managed care and ancillary healthcare sectors. The team outlines key considerations for feasibility, formation and utilization, highlighting benefits such as control over coverage terms, cost efficiency and streamlined access to reinsurance markets.
AI-powered cyber-attacks are reshaping the threat landscape, driving new risks and challenges for organizations worldwide. CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, welcomes Daniel Tobok, CEO of Cypfer, to break down the latest cyber trends from Q1 2025 and predictions for the future. They discuss the rise of generative AI in attacks, the ongoing ransomware threat and the increasing role of third-party vendors in breaches. Daniel also offers practical advice on boosting cyber awareness, protecting critical data and preparing incident response plans to stay ahead in this evolving environment.
With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, NIST has overhauled its incident response guidance to help organizations better prepare, respond and recover. Join Jay Stampfl, David Finz and Grace Michael, Alliant Cyber, as they explore the NIST Special Publication 800-61 Revision 3 and its link to the updated Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. They explore the expanded role of incident response, the new “govern” function and the shift toward continuous improvement. The team also explains how these changes affect cyber insurance underwriting and how Alliant helps clients stay ahead through planning, tabletop exercises and risk-focused engagement.
With major staff reductions and budget constraints, the SEC is predicted to scale back broad enforcement efforts and prioritize more traditional securities fraud like insider trading, Ponzi schemes and accounting fraud. Mike Radak, Alliant Financial Institutions, and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, explore the shifting regulatory priorities for the SEC under the current U.S. administration and its implications for financial and consumer industries.
Bledion Dizdari welcomes Holly Ragsdale as she shares her journey into the insurance industry and the power of networking. They discuss how Holly was drawn to insurance as a way of combining her analytical skills with her passion for building relationships, which now plays a key role in her work with the Conserve-A-Nation program. Holly also shares how co-founding the Young Risk Professionals’ (YRP) D.C. chapter has helped her expand her professional network and support the next generation of insurance professionals.
In recognition of Women in Construction Week, this episode features a discussion with Celia Seigerman-Levit and Laura Martino on the evolving landscape of the construction industry. They share their career journeys, the changes they’ve seen over the years, and the reasons they are passionate about their work. The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities for women in the field, as well as their advice for the next generation of professionals entering the industry.
Trailblazers like Wendy Conway are paving the way for the next generation of women in the industry. In this episode we sit down with Wendy Conway, Managing Director of Risk Management at Greystar Development & Construction, to discuss her journey in construction, the challenges she’s overcome, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.Wendy shares insights into risk management, leadership, and the evolving landscape of the construction industry, along with actionable advice for women looking to build their careers in this space.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth welcome David Finz, Alliant Cyber, to discuss the recent SEC settlement with Ashford following its 2023 cyber breach. The team examines the backlash of alleged inadequate disclosures to investors about the breach’s magnitude. They discuss the insurance implications that cyber incidents can cause beyond cyber, such as triggering various policies like D&O and E&O, and stress the importance of early communication with brokers and a holistic view of coverage to avoid gaps.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth welcome CJ Dietzman and David Finz, Alliant Cyber, to discuss recent amendments to the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) cybersecurity regulations. The team breaks down the regulatory changes, their impact on financial institutions and best practices for compliance. Together, they emphasize how proactive cyber risk management goes beyond insurance, helping organizations strengthen security and enhance their overall insurability—an approach Alliant takes pride in delivering to clients.
Bledion Dizdari welcomes Pam Frassineti, Alliant Public Entity, to discuss her career journey and what sets Alliant apart as a leader in insurance. Pam shares how her aspiration to become a high school guidance counselor provided her with the transferable skills needed to succeed in the insurance industry, emphasizing the value in understanding client needs, building trust and providing customized solutions. As a recent addition to the Alliant team, she highlights how the company’s relationship-centered approach is essential to building a successful outcome.
The construction industry is evolving, and women are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. In this episode, we sit down with Hillary Neal, Managing Director of Risk Management at Greystar Development & Construction, to explore her career journey, the shifts she’s witnessed in the industry, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.Hillary shares her insights on navigating risk management, breaking barriers, and leading with confidence in the construction industry. She also offers practical advice for the next generation of women looking to build successful careers in construction.
CJ Dietzman welcomes Jon Gilbert, Alliant M&A, and Michael White, Alliant Cyber, to discuss the critical role of cybersecurity and technology risk assessments in mergers and acquisitions for private equity firms. The team reviews key insights from 2024, including the growing importance of cyber due diligence and the complexities of managing cyber risk across PE portfolios. As one of the top five risk considerations, they highlight the necessity of integrating cyber risk into M&A strategies to ensure long-term success. They also share how Alliant equips firms with the expertise and solutions needed to navigate these evolving challenges and to better support our clients.
Bledion Dizdari welcomes Kenny White, Alliant Healthcare, to discuss his unique career trajectory, transitioning from law to insurance, and highlight Alliant’s collaborative company culture with the one P&L model fostering teamwork across the entire organization. Kenny also shares his advice for aspiring insurance professionals, emphasizing the value of expertise and specialization in a chosen field.
The insurance landscape is ever-changing, especially when decisions are made shifting legal standards. Join David Finz, Mike Radak and Peter Kelly as they explore recent legal decisions posing broad implications for the industry. They discuss a favorable appellate court ruling on D&O insurance coverage and indemnification, examine efforts to deem the Corporate Transparency Act unconstitutional and analyze a high-profile cybersecurity enforcement case in New York’s financial sector.Executive Liability Newsletter: https://alliant.com/news-resources/newsletter-financial-lines-executive-liability-2024/
Brokers initially feared losing control of the market due to downward pricing trends, increased insurer capacity and a heightened volume of claims. However, 2024 proved to be a year of opportunity for financial institutions. Join Ron Borys, Ryan Farnsworth and Steve Shappell as they reflect on the trends and challenges that shaped the financial institutions marketplace during the past 12 months. Assessing a firm’s risk profile, developing tailored solutions, selecting an effective counterparty/insurer and creating manageable insurance programs have established a pattern for success that Alliant expects to continue into 2025.
Karen Caterino, Alliant Public Entity, welcomes Myshell Gresham, Ascot Group, to discuss her unconventional career path and advice essential for career growth in insurance, or any relationship-based industry. Myshell shares the internal and external challenges she has faced that have helped her learn the importance of investing in yourself, constant learning, maintaining curiosity and being an effective communicator. Defining herself as a relationship maverick, Myshell emphasizes the value in developing your personal brand and leveraging social media as a networking tool.
As companies prepare for the unfortunate probability of a cyber attack, many continue to overlook the key role played by cyber crisis communications teams. Brendan Hall, Alliant Cyber, is joined by Dan Wire, Head of Crisis Communications at Mandiant Consulting, to discuss the critical need for proactively managing communications during a cyber event, and pitfalls to avoid in order to best protect the enterprise during crisis.
The public sector has historically grappled with workforce challenges, including employee retention, layoffs, and a shortage of qualified workers—issues further exacerbated by the pandemic. Carleen Patterson welcomes Scott McNea, Alliant Public Entity, to discuss the impact of the workforce crisis on the public sector and five solutions public policy professionals believe will address these challenges. From adjusting job qualification criteria to utilizing AI to streamline the hiring process, there are several strategies organizations can actively implement to minimize the workforce shortage and improve employee retention.
Join Karen Caterino, Alliant Public Entity, as she welcomes Brandon Barnhardt, Safety and Risk Manager for the City of Charlotte, to share how a passion for environmental science sparked his career in safety and risk management. Brandon provides valuable insights into the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of his role and how he navigates regulations and leverages technology to improve outcomes.
Bledion Dizdari welcomes Rosy Ku, Executive Vice President, Alliant M&A, to discuss her career path in the insurance industry and what led her to Alliant. She highlights the Alliant One P&L model as well as the company culture of unlimited support and resources as the key factors of success.
How can innovative solutions like parametric insurance and water detection systems be leveraged to improve risk management in the construction industry? Join Matt Walsh, Greg Melton and Bill Marutsos, Alliant Construction, as they explore the current challenges and opportunities facing businesses in construction. From navigating large-scale infrastructure projects to mitigating catastrophic events, this podcast offers valuable insights into the strategies and solutions shaping today’s builder's risk marketplace.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant Financial Institutions, speak with Adam Rauf and CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, on their integrated approach to helping clients navigate cyber threats and highlight trends and precautions that businesses should consider to mitigate risks when managing third party service providers.
CJ Dietzman welcomes Tara Albin to the Alliant Cyber team and explores her background in the managed care industry, specifically focusing on how cyber risks have impacted the insurance market. They also discuss her prediction for the future of the cyber market and the current threat actors and key controls organizations can implement such as MFA, EDR solutions, email filtering, employee education and incident response plans.
Navigating the complex insurance landscape can be a daunting task for real estate developers and investment firms, as traditional policies often fail to cover the full spectrum of risks, from managing development to tenant interactions. Join Craig Goesel and Jimmy Farkas as they discuss the intricacies of the real estate market and the insurance needs developers and investors should have in place before any project is initiated. The duo also explore how the REDI program simplifies risk management and enhances protection, ultimately providing better value and security for real estate firms.
Join Tim Crowley, Travis Barnett, Matt Green and Sara Heller, Alliant, as they review key trends and challenges that have surfaced for public and private companies in the first half of 2024. The team provides an analysis of current market conditions, coverage trends and implications for policyholders.
Bledion Dizdari connects with Tim Carlson, Alliant Construction, to discuss his transition to Alliant and the benefits of the one P&L structure. Tim highlights his decision to join Alliant was based on his commitment to taking care of his clients and how the Alliant platform allows him the flexibility to do what’s best for the client, every step of the way.
Private equity investors are leveraging AI as an integral part of their business strategy. With this exciting technology comes a growing concern: data privacy. Join Chad Neale, Alliant M&A | Cyber, and Sara Haneef, BluDot Advisors, as they discuss AI due diligence as well as data compliance, cybersecurity and governance frameworks for PE firms to ensure a successful and responsible acquisition.
Bledion Dizdari welcomes Peter Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer, Alliant, to discuss the company culture, employee experience, and commitment to client satisfaction which earned Alliant the highest net inflow of industry-leading broker talent among the nation’s leading P&C insurance brokerages in 2024. They also dive into Peter’s personal experience in the insurance industry, including the 2008 acquisition of the Seattle-based employee benefits consulting firm that he co-founded and where he started his career in insurance.
How will the SEC’s new data privacy rules under Regulation S-P impact financial entities? David Finz and Steve Levine unpack the regulations for enhanced client data protection, quick breach notifications and incident response plans, effective July 15. They discuss the vital role of third-party risk management and explore the insurance implications, highlighting coverage areas in cyber and D&O policies. Alliant offers specialized services to help clients ensure their compliance with these regulations and strengthen their incident response strategies.
The Black Basta ransomware group has become a significant concern, prompting the issuance of a joint Cybersecurity Advisory. Join Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, as they discuss the escalating concern surrounding the Black Basta ransomware syndicate and its implications for cyber risk management. Originating from Russia, this group has been targeting healthcare and critical infrastructure sectors, prompting a joint cybersecurity advisory from several U.S. agencies. The advisory provides technical details and mitigation strategies to help organizations protect their data and networks. They also explore the importance of precise policy language in D&O insurance, especially in cases involving bankruptcy and prior acts, emphasizing the need for meticulous scrutiny to ensure comprehensive coverage.
What is specialty lending? Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth welcome two new colleagues, Michael R. Smith and Caroline Keener, who are spearheading Alliant’s recently announced specialty lending practice. They discuss the goals and focus of the practice and the importance of tailored risk solutions for non-bank lending institutions, along with the market dynamics and strategies for maximizing coverage while minimizing costs.
Chad Neale, Alliant M&A, welcomes Haytham Allos, Chief Technology Officer at Cyberbian.ai, to discuss the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI systems prevalent today and strategies for evaluating AI enabled applications during due diligence. From dissecting the technology stack to assessing talent shortages and data security challenges, they provide insight for navigating challenges involved with AI-driven businesses.
Product liability continues to be the most common legal and reputational risk for life sciences companies. How prepared are public and private companies when faced with litigation claiming that their product has caused injury to one or more people? Join Rich Leavitt, Rob Lane and Will Eustace as they discuss the best practices to shield your company from product liability claims. Learn how to build a rapid-response team, secure essential insurance coverage and avoid hidden dangers that could derail your defense.
Join CJ Dietzman and Howard Miller, Alliant Cyber, as they welcome Ronald Ross, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to discuss the pivotal role of building cyber resilience within your organization. Learn what the future holds for NIST and the evolving threat landscape, as well as how NIST empowers businesses to strengthen their cyber defenses.
The landscape for student health insurance has undergone major consolidation over the years, making the options for higher education health plans limited. Join Carleen Patterson as she welcomes Kevin McCarroll from Alliant Student Health, to discuss the benefits of student health insurance. The duo discusses the incentives for domestic and international students during the recruitment process, as well as what differentiates Alliant from other student health programs.
Following his participation on the Insurance Committee session panel at Nareit's REITwise 2024: Law, Accounting and Finance Conference, Tim Crowley, Alliant Management & Professional Solutions, provided a recap of the key takeaways from his panel discussion, as well as the conference as a whole. Tim discusses the current D&O insurance market for publicly traded equity REITs, trends and outlooks for securities class action filings and the new SEC disclosure requirements for environmental impact.
The SEC is cracking down on text messages and emails sent between companies and their clients. Join Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, as they provide an update on critical legal issues. They examine the SEC’s increased focus on off-channel and informal communications and the current status of the climate reporting rule. As well as the increasing need to bolster your cybersecurity defenses with the growing threat of denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks on the financial sector.
Live at RISKWORLD 2024. We sit down with Colin Daigle of Imperium Consulting to discuss claims preparation and how clients should not go it alone.
Karen Rivara Joins the podcast during RISKWORLD 2024 to discuss the benefits of the Alliant Data & Analytics Platform.
The Alliant Cyber team (CJ Dietzman, David Finz, and Bobby Horn) lead discussions on "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Cyber Risk Management Outcomes," exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be a critical tool for enabling fast and effective cyber incident response and risk management.
Brendan Hall and Brian Kill, Alliant Cyber, welcome Stuart Panensky, Founding Partner at Person Ferdinand, to discuss the current trends in liability cases, the importance of carrier-endorsed providers when it comes to breach incident response and best practices for navigating the claim process properly, particularly concerning cyber insurance.
The cyber-attack against United Healthcare’s parent company, Change Healthcare caused massive disruptions for pharmacies and healthcare organizations across the U.S. The resulting outage prevented the flow of information between providers and insurance companies, compromising benefits verification, claims and prior authorization. Join Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims, as they share details of the attack and its insurance implications as well as additional claims challenges and litigation for HB473.
Telematics such as safe-driving apps, cameras and electronic logging devices (ELDs) are taking the transportation and trucking industry by storm, but they provide more benefits than just the collection of data, they can reduce premiums and provide cash-back incentives for fleets. Join Mark Epperson, Mark Nunes and Patrick O’Driscoll, Alliant Transportation, as they provide updates on the current state of the transportation market as well as new insurance programs for small and middle market fleets implementing the use of telematics and data collection to improve driver safety.
The continued increase in the frequency and extremity of sexual abuse and molestation claims makes Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAM) Coverage more necessary than ever, but increasingly more challenging to obtain. Join Kristen Handel as she welcomes Lisa Rodriguez, Brown & Riding, to discuss the key factors contributing to the heightened complexities New York City nonprofits must face when placing SAM Coverage.
Shari Paul, Director of Marketing, Alliant, welcomes Alex Littlejohn, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Alliant P&C, to the podcast. Alex provides a sneak peek into the new features and functionality of the Alliant Data & Analytics Platform, including the ability to look at all risk exposure versus the catastrophic side of things that traditional modeling provides. Visit the team at RISKWORLD in San Diego, May 5-8th, in the Alliant Arena. Alliant.com/riskworld
What were the main takeaways from the JPM Morgan Healthcare Conference for the Biotech industry? Rich Leavitt and Doug Bixby, Alliant Life Sciences, discuss the recent conference and main insurance considerations for 2024 including AI, M&A and the recent uptick in off-label use of weight loss drugs by the public.
CJ Dietzman, David Finz and Bobby Horn, Alliant Cyber, provide a sneak peek into what they will be discussing during the RISKWORLD Cyber Track Session, "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Cyber Risk Management Outcomes". The session will take place on Monday, May 6th at 1:30PM-2:30PM PT.
Alliant Financial Institutions has doubled down on our commitment to serving the insurance risk advisory and brokerage needs of the venture capital and private equity industry. Join Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth on the Financial R&R, as they welcome the newest venture capital and private equity brokerage specialists at Alliant, Dan Berry and Maggie Gialessas, to discuss what attracted them to Alliant Financial Institutions, as well as share their goals and objectives towards building and growing an industry leading brokerage platform focused on venture capital and private equity firm level risk exposures.
Peter Johnson and Brian King, Alliant Agribusiness, connect to discuss the role of product recall insurance in safeguarding businesses from the financial impact of product contamination. The duo reviews the FDA’s scrutiny of dietary supplements and online grocers, the challenges and concerns for agribusinesses with the addition of sesame as a major allergen and the regulatory updates of 2023.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant Financial Institutions, welcome Jacob Borth, Alliant M&A, to discuss Reps & Warranties Insurance (RWI) in financial services transactions. The team discuss the current state of the RWI market and nuances of transactional risk insurance including ideal consumers, risk exposures, deal size and what buyers can do to differentiate themselves in a soft market.
Karen Caterino welcomes Irina Simpson, Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer with PMA Management Corp., to take an inside look at the role of a Chief Claims Officer. Irina walks through her career journey and how risk and insurance careers can provide stability through socio-economic changes. She discusses internship opportunities and details on her firm’s extensive training program, work/life balance as well as how a career in claims management has a positive impact on people and businesses.
How will new SEC cyber rulings effect private equity firms cybersecurity protocol? Chad Neale and Chris Clark, Alliant M&A, are joined by Former SEC Chair Senior Cybersecurity Advisor, Chris Hetner, to discuss SEC cyber regulations and their impact on private equity and portfolio companies. They discuss the top privacy concerns for 2024, what steps private equity firms should take to ensure compliance and the potential penalties for non-compliance.
2024 will be a year dominated by threat actors leveraging artificial intelligence, deepfakes and advanced phishing attacks. Join CJ Dietzman, Brendan Hall and Bobby Horn, Alliant Cyber, as they discuss their cyber 2024 predictions. The team examines regulatory shifts, cloud vulnerabilities, talent scarcity and elevated geopolitical risks, including the sophisticated threat of deepfakes.
With the ever-evolving workforce, it can be difficult for nonprofit leaders to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in employment. Join Kristen Handel, Alliant Nonprofit sector, and Michael Santocki, Senior Attorney at Jackson Lewis, as they dissect key challenges for nonprofits, such as remote work complexities, DE&I legal challenges and cybersecurity concerns, as well as strategies for navigating these challenges.
CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, welcomes Tim Stranahan, former FBI Assistant Special Agent of North Carolina and current COO at Tekniam. Tim's 23-year FBI tenure offers an experienced perspective on cyber threats, trends and strategies. They discuss the evolving motives of cyber actors, looming threats in 2024 and emphasize the critical role of law enforcement in proactive risk management.
From the biotech boom to biotech bankruptcies, what is the current state of the D&O market for life sciences companies? What are the factors that we expect will continue in the year ahead? Join Rich Leavitt and Andrew Sousa, Alliant Life Sciences, as they welcome Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims & Legal, to discuss market stability, claims trends, recommended coverages for buyers and boards and current challenges including limited access to capital affecting directors and officers.
Karen Caterino, Alliant Public Entity, explores the diverse and exciting career opportunities within insurance with industry leaders Shanna Sweeney and Danielle Thorsteinson. The group shares their personal experiences and career journeys along with challenges, rewards and advice for young professionals. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, ethical conduct, and the various pathways available in the field of insurance.
Brendan Hall, CJ Dietzman, Bobby Horn and David Finz, Alliant Cyber, discuss the rapidly evolving technology of artificial intelligence along with its risks and potential. The team sheds light on the intricacies of AI, encompassing EU regulations, the implications for insurance, and proactive measures aimed at optimizing risk management strategies.
How could a single cybersecurity vulnerability cost a company a million dollars? Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, discuss a record-breaking year for data breaches and the cautionary tale of cybersecurity lapses leading to million-dollar penalties. As well as developments in coverage litigation exploring contract formation, notice issues and the criticality of timely claims reporting.
Ron Borys, Ryan Farnsworth & Steve Shappell look back at the driving market forces and claims trends for financial institutions in 2023. They also reveal their expected trends and challenges for 2024, including regulatory risks, contract certainty and the importance of effective carrier and broker partnerships.
What happens when a cyber-attack goes beyond ransomware, crippling an organization's core business functions? Join CJ Dietzman and Bobby Horn, Alliant Cyber, as they discuss the complexities of cyber business disruption beyond ransomware and network disruptions, and the implications, insurance nuances and proactive strategies crucial for organizations facing critical threats.
How did the SolarWinds cyber incident evolve into one of the most significant cyber-attacks of our time, triggering SEC charges against SolarWinds and its ex-Chief Information Security Officer? Join Brian Dunphy, CJ Dietzman, Steve Shappell and David Finz as they examine this complex cybersecurity breach and explore the SECs stance, the implications for D&O and cyber insurance and strategies to fortify cyber defenses.
How do insurance companies navigate the fine line between denying coverage and honoring claims for deliberate behavior in management liability? Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal review the alarming trend of Section 533 misuse, denying coverage for deliberate acts in management liability claims. Plus, AI's impact on insurance, from security concerns to potential liabilities, highlighting the need for proactive risk management.
Jacob Borth, Nolan Wilson and Michael White highlight the prevalence of cyber threats to financial institutions engaged in mergers and acquisitions and the role of due diligence and reps and warranties insurance to address these heightened cyber exposures. The team covers M&A and insurance industry trends, insurer competition, cyber threat scenarios and strategies for comprehensive risk management, with a focus towards financial services firms and private equity-backed portfolio companies.
How do successful organizations tackle the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risk and cybersecurity? Join CJ Dietzman and Brendan Hall, Alliant Cyber, as they explore pressing issues such as advancing technology, increase in remote work, regulatory requirements and fluctuating budgets, as well as essential insights on incident response readiness and the complexities and challenges organizations face.
Why do M&A transactions seemingly make the perfect target for cybercriminals? How can you protect your investment and preserve value? Join Brendan Hall and Chad Neale as they discuss the importance of proactive portfolio cyber risk management, explore how cybercriminals target companies, and learn about Alliant’s risk service recently recognized by M&A Advisor as a ‘Product of the Year’ finalist. The team emphasizes the need for improved cybersecurity practices and the evolving role of private equity sponsors in overseeing cyber risks across their portfolios.
How does the ruling on ERISA excessive fee cases affect your business? Join Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, as they look at recent legal developments, including new rules proposed by federal agencies on federal contractors' cybersecurity requirements and excessive fee claims in ERISA litigation. The duo highlights the importance of a software bill of materials (SBOM) for businesses and the need for uniform cybersecurity requirements.
Join Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, as they utilize recent court decisions to uncover current trends and challenges within D&O and cyber. In this month’s podcast, the duo looks into the recent Blue Bell Listeria Litigation where the appellate court decision highlights the limitations of Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) coverage for directors and officers. Plus three steps to safeguard against phishing attacks following the Second Circuit's decision regarding data breach cases without pled harm.
The 2022 cyber insurance market saw a temporary dip in rates due to global instability. However, ransomware attacks have surged in 2023, making it challenging for insurers to explain falling rates amidst rising claims. Join Meghan O’Malley and Bobby Horn, Alliant Cyber, for an insightful overview of the current state of the cyber market as well as predictions for 2024.
Disruptive technologies such as AI and other innovations continue to expand the creative horizons of music and entertainment production. However, this technological leap has also brought forth complex questions regarding copyright ownership. Who owns the content? Is AI itself a creative entity? Join Joe Charles, Alliant Sports and Entertainment as he welcomes Peter Fields, Partner, Ritholz Levy Fields LLP. Peter discusses intellectual property and the intersection of technology and entertainment, international brand strategies and the overarching legal challenges many artists are facing today.
Tim Crowley, Alliant Management & Professional Solutions, welcomes Chris Arehart, Chubb, to discuss the value of kidnap and ransom (K&R) insurance products, addressing risks and vulnerabilities for businesses of all types, including international considerations. They highlight how K&R safeguards companies and individuals from financial impacts and harm resulting from kidnapping, extortion and detention events and explore lessons from real-world incidents.This podcast is jointly owned by Alliant Insurance Services and Chubb. Permission is granted to download, copy, distribute, share and publicly perform this podcast in its original form. Modification of the podcast is prohibited without the prior written permission of both Alliant and Chubb.
Construction sites face unique challenges during hurricane preparation due to the presence of heavy machinery, large equipment and unfinished structures. These elements, if not properly secured can become dangerous projectiles. It is imperative to understand the importance of assessing and securing current projects, documenting project sites and ensuring contract provisions are in place for hurricane-related challenges. Rob DiBiase and Chris DeBruin, Alliant Construction, and Colin Daigle, Imperium, discuss the necessary steps for effective hurricane preparedness for contractors.
On August 23, 2023, the SEC implemented significant changes to private fund adviser regulations. Ron Borys, Ryan Farnsworth, Tim McAndrew and Steve Shappell join in a roundtable discussion covering the new expectations and requirements following the amendments to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. While the final rules are less stringent than initially proposed, there is anticipation for considerable costly administration and compliance challenges facing private fund advisers as they conform and become compliant.
CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, and David Finz, Alliant Specialty Claims, discuss the significance of cyber incident tabletop exercises and best practices for effective cyber risk management. The duo emphasizes the importance of validating cyber readiness plans through exercises covering technical, legal and communication aspects with the goal of improving cyber incident response.
Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, examine three recent court decisions and their potential implications on insurance policies. These decisions include Groff v. DeJoy, which redefines religious accommodation standards and could result in increased employment practice litigation; the Harvard Affirmative Action decision, which could affect diversity and inclusion policies; and the unexpected alteration in cybersecurity regulations by the SEC, mandating swift disclosure of material incidents and cybersecurity approaches.
Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims & Legal, Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant Financial Institutions, welcome Peter Kelly to Alliant. Peter offers his insights as a policy wording attorney on recent legislative developments. The team discusses the new Assembly Bill 398 in Nevada, which outlaws defense costs and the ramifications for businesses, as well as the current trends and challenges for shareholder class action litigation.
With nearly three decades of professional scouting under his belt, Tom McNamara can spot the next “big leaguer” in an instant. According to Tom, "The good ones just jump out; it’s like a punch in the mouth." Joe Charles of Alliant Sports & Entertainment hosts a conversation with Tom McNamara, Special Assistant to the GM of the Kansas City Royals, who shares his passion for the sport of baseball, his transition from player to scout, and the crucial elements required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth welcome Drew Logue, Alliant Financial Institutions, to discuss the challenges of insuring digital assets and cryptocurrency companies. The team examines the unique risks and exposures companies may face and the importance of tailoring insurance solutions based on their specific operations and chosen blockchain technology.
Joe Charles welcomes former heavyweight boxer, Monte Barrett to the podcast. With a professional boxing career spanning over 17 years, Monte Barrett fought 48 times with 35 wins, 11 losses, and 2 draws showcasing his relentless spirit despite being undersized for a heavyweight. In 2019, Barrett was elected to the New York Boxing Hall of Fame. The two discuss some of his battles against top heavyweight champions and contenders and explore Barrett's post-boxing journey, highlighted by his non-profit dedicated to empowering the potential of the next generation of athletes. More information about the organization can be found at Housesofchampions.com
Bob Treacy and Carleen Patterson, Alliant Public Entity, connect to identify new challenges facing employee benefits in the public sector. They discuss the shifting priorities of the developing workforce, the importance of attaining and retaining employees and how Alliant works with public entities to make strategic decisions for their employee benefit offerings.
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been around for decades, but advancements in detection of these forever chemicals has brought about higher standards and increased government regulations. Bill Nellen and David Orleans, Alliant Environmental Group, discuss the potential wave of litigation associated with PFAS and how companies can mitigate the risk of being blindsided by civil actions and held liable for cleanup of PFAS chemicals.
Public power producers throughout the nation are expanding their generation portfolios via new renewables projects, with many choosing to own their new renewables assets rather than purchase the power from a developer. Aidan Heisey and Cindy Fee welcome Lisa Hough, Omaha Public Power District to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impact on generation expansion strategy. They discuss the decision-making process, tax credits, and insurance considerations inherent in expansion for the future.
What is the difference between PLL and Lender Environmental Insurance? How can lenders shield themselves from pollution risks in real estate transactions? Bill Nellen and Bill Havard, Alliant Environmental Group, discuss the differences in environmental liability coverages and how these particular policies can help fill crucial gaps in standard coverage and protect against known pollution conditions.
Joe Charles, Alliant Sports and Entertainment welcomes Kevin Carr, an accomplished author, professor, CEO and former NBA executive. Kevin dives into working with athletes, personal development and the challenges young athletes face in the sports industry including Name Image and Likeness (NIL). He highlights the importance of athletes being more than just talent on the field and preparing for life beyond sports.
What do taxes, corporate structures and world tours have in common? All areas today's artists and athletes must navigate to achieve financial success. Joe Charles, Alliant Sports and Entertainment, welcomes Business Manager to the Stars, Bruce Seckendorf. Bruce has spent decades providing financial advice to some of the biggest stars in the industry. Joe and Bruce discuss how today's athletes and artists tackle the challenges of safeguarding their assets, effectively manage endorsement deals, and ensure long-term financial security.
Steve Shappell and Andrew Sousa join Rich Leavitt to discuss recent trends and observations within Life Sciences. They examine the shifting dynamics in the D&O insurance market, the driving forces behind this shift, including budgetary considerations and the perception of overbuying, as well as how talks of a potential end to soft market conditions may impact decision-making at the buyer and board levels.
What are the unique complexities and considerations involved in workers' compensation for financial institutions? Jim Biernat joins Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth to discuss the importance of this compulsory coverage. From protecting injured employees to providing immunity against negligence claims, how does workers' compensation differ in this sector compared to other industries? #Insurance #FinancialInsitutions #Podcast
David Finz and Steve Shappell explore two recent articles from the May edition of the Executive Liability Insights Newsletter. The duo discuss the Fitch Ratings' annual report on the cyber insurance market, as well as a recent D&O decision that touches upon the interplay between rescission and severability.
David Finz, Alliant Cyber Claims, and CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, discuss the recent MOVEit file transfer vulnerability and provide insights into what this means for managing cyber risk around software. The two also outline key lessons and potential action items clients should strongly consider.
Tony Mulrain, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP, joins Joe Charles, Alliant Sports and Entertainment, to examine the unique landscape of the entertainment industry and emphasize the importance of appropriate insurance coverage. They explore the impact of streaming platforms and name, image and likeness(NIL), as well as, the rising influence of animation and podcasts.
Bruce Droz and Max Macias, Alliant Agribusiness, discuss the current state of safety emphasis in the agribusiness industry. The two reflect on the important areas of safety programs, such as compliance, workplace wellness, and environmental safety, as well as the importance of creating a positive and supportive safety culture.
Tim Leach and Mark Lillemon, Alliant, discuss the reasons behind OSHA visits to worksites and offers valuable guidance on preparing for unexpected inspections. They shed light on the various scenarios that trigger OSHA inspections, including formal complaints from employees and referrals from non-employers like regulatory sources, building inspectors, EPA, and news media reports. Tim and Mark emphasize the importance for companies to be mindful of their visibility to the public, as OSHA compliance officers can spot hazards from public areas, especially in outdoor environments such as construction sites. These insights offer listeners an understanding on how to navigate OSHA inspections effectively and ensure workplace safety compliance.
Lora Yordanova interviews Jon Gilbert, Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions, about the key takeaways for M&A from RISKWORLD 2023. The two discuss the launch of the Alliant Data & Analytics platform and the increasing awareness of cybersecurity risk to various industries, as well as the current hot topics in M&A.
Jennifer Sylvester and Craig Goesel, Alliant Financial Institutions, join Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth to discuss the importance of carrier relationships in a changing marketplace. The team emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships, communication with insurers, evaluating claims behavior and payments, and understanding of risk appetite of carriers.
Meghan O’Malley, Jay Stampfl and CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, join in a roundtable discussion on market trend observations from RISKWORLD. The team highlights the growing concerns amongst board members and executives involving cyber threats, as well as the risk of ever-evolving approaches from threat actors. They examine the talk of a “softening ransomware market” and urge policyholders to maintain strong cyber postures and controls.
Dan Howell, Mark Goode and Karen Caterino, Alliant Public Entity, recap their RISKWORLD experience and explore the current trends and topics facing the public entity sector. The team examines cybersecurity, analytics and staffing challenges, as well as highlight the value of RIMS for public entities.
CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, welcomes Nolan Wilson to the Alliant Cyber team. The two discuss lessons learned from the past 25 years in the field of cybersecurity, the constant evolution of incident response and security controls and the need for organizations to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing cyber threat universe.
Rennetta Poncy and Penny Dewitt-Holdren review Special Event Liability Insurance Program for Public Entities.
Wendy Mellk from Jackson Lewis and Tim Crowley discuss how the notable employment litigation trends of 2022 have shaped the current market. Topics include religious discrimination, remote work threats, pay transparency, BIPA, AI, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, and recent rulings and their implications for employers.
Life Sciences companies remain a favorite target of plaintiffs' lawyers in securities litigation, but outcomes have not been as dire as carriers predicted. Rich Levitt, Life Sciences Practice Leader, is joined by Steve Shappell and Andrew Sousa, Alliant, to discuss how past securities litigation and industry trends are changing the dynamics of the public D&O market. They explore what this means for those protected by and purchasing D&O insurance.
Frank Russo, Imperium Consulting Group, joins Carleen Patterson in preparation for hurricane season to discuss the preparation and claims process for public entities after disaster strikes. The two examine best practices for preparing and submitting a claim, including the use of FEMA.
Adam Pardi is joined by Mike Beranek, Berkeley Crime, to discuss the importance of crime and fidelity insurance considering ever-evolving threat of social engineering and cyber-crime. The two explore FBI crime statistics and scenarios and provide solutions to best protect your business.
CJ Dietzman and Jay Stampfl speak with Lora Yordanova, Alliant, live from RISKWORLD 2023 to recap their RISKWORLD TV interview and summarize the current threat landscape in the world of cyber. The two provide insights on cyber insurability, key themes and the continued evolution of ransomware, malware and other defensible cybersecurity risks.
Matt Walsh and Rob DiBiase recap their RISKWORLD TV interview with Lora Yordanova, Alliant, and provide insights into the current challenges facing the construction industry. The team highlights the domino effect of current issues, such as inflation, labor shortages and new technology on the construction industry and how they impact project schedules and cost structures.
David Finz, speaks to the recent court case where Merck won an appeal in the Superior Court of New Jersey regarding a property insurance claim they filed after being impacted by the NotPetya attack. The court found that the exclusion for hostile warlike actions did not apply to the situation and was not written in a way that would be triggered in the absence of a physical or military attack.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth are joined by Tim McAndrew, Alliant Financial Institutions, as they review the last six weeks since the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. The team examines the implications for private equity and venture capital firms including the challenges of transitioning to new banking relationships, the impact on D&O and how private equity firms are navigating the risks of a changing landscape.
Another Sneak Peek of What’s on Deck for Cyber at RISKWORLD 2023! by Alliant Insurance Podcasts
Get a sneak peek of this can't-miss session during the RISKWORLD 2023 Cyber and Technology Risk Track, sponsored by Alliant. Join us, Monday, May 1st at 1:30PM ET, as Meghan O’Malley and Adam Rauf, Alliant Cyber, lead discussions on "Navigating a Path to Optimized Cyber Risk Management" and explore how to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and cyber insurability.
David Finz is joined by Stephen Vina, Executive Office of the President, to discuss the White House's National Cybersecurity Strategy released on March 2, 2023. Together, they discuss the recently established Office of the National Cyber Director, exploring its mission and core principles. They also outline the key components of the new cybersecurity strategy and how it will change cybersecurity regulations moving forward.
Karen Caterino is joined by guest, Melissa Thomson, City of Phoenix, on her insights on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). Melissa shares her journey into risk management and how she used ERM to make her organization more successful, as well as her involvement with the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management (AFERM). She also discusses her upcoming plans to build a local outreach committee for AFERM and start an ERM book club, along with advice for students and young professionals looking to break into the world of insurance.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth are joined by CJ Dietzman and John Loftus, Alliant Cyber, to review key takeaways from the recent ABA Conference. The team discusses client issues related to cyber risk management and the need for a broader approach that includes security controls and cyber insurance. Many clients have invested heavily in cybersecurity and control and are ready for "cyber insurability 2.0."
Karen Caterino interviews Betty Coulter, the Chief Risk Officer for the City of Charlotte. Betty shares her career journey, how she got into risk management and why she chose to work in the public sector. She discusses the skills necessary to succeed in the field, including the ability to listen, learn and communicate effectively. Betty also talks about her typical day as a Chief Risk Officer and how her law degree will fit into her role.
David Finz and Steve Shappell, Alliant, provide insights into two recent court cases highlighted in the March edition of the Executive Liability Newsletter. The two take a look at the Delaware Chancery Court ruling in a D&O case, extending the standard of care to officers, creating a higher burden for them in terms of conduct, as well as an Illinois Supreme Court case featuring BIPA litigation, ruling a five-year statute of limitation period applies to actions brought under BIPA and that each act, prior to consent, applies as a separate action.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth are joined by Financial R&R regulars, Steve Shappell and David Finz, to discuss the latest news and fallout in the banking industry from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. The team reviews concerns regarding the lack of confidence in the industry, the potential for litigation against bank executives, and the need for reassurance and diversification in the banking industry to help rebuild confidence. In addition, David also warns organizations about possible phishing and other cyber threats that can arise during this time of industry distress.
In light of the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant Financial Institutions, sit down with Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims & Legal, to examine the implications of the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. The team explores the actions taken by California banking regulators and the FDIC to mitigate its impact as well as the coverage provided by D&O or E&O policies.
Matia Marks and David Finz, Alliant, delve into two leading cases highlighted in the February issue of the Executive Liability Insights Newsletter. They discuss developments around two proposed class action lawsuits against a wireless telecommunications carrier, potentially impacting approximately 37 million subscribers, as well as language found in recent “bump-up” exclusions which could bar coverage. Learn more about what the outcome of these cases could mean for underwriters and companies alike.
Join Jon Gilbert and Brian Barger as they discuss healthcare mergers and acquisitions in an exclusive interview with industry experts Rob Langtry and Katie Wagner from Liberty Mutual Insurance. Together, they explore the topic of private equity in healthcare and how it impacts underwriting.Understand the perceptions surrounding private equity-backed businesses in the healthcare sector, and learn about the unique qualities that make healthcare investments stand out in the crowded M&A landscape. The discussion also sheds light on the specialized underwriting approach required when anticipating add-on acquisitions in the healthcare industry.
Grain bin safety is a serious concern that is often overlooked. Don't wait until a preventable accident occurs to take grain bin safety seriously. Peter Johnson and Lee Tilleman welcome Ken MacDonald to Alliant Agribusiness and discuss the urgent need for increased awareness during Grain Bin Safety Week. With the rise in inspections and regulatory actions this year, there's never been a better time to prioritize safety and protect both lives and livelihoods.
Matia Marks and David Finz, Alliant, take a closer look into two of the leading cases discussed in the December issue of the Executive Liability Insights Newsletter. They examine the North Carolina District Court’s recent ruling regarding interrelated claims, as well as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) recently released report and what it means for the cyber insurance market.
Jon Gilbert and Tim Conlon, Alliant, welcome Heather Madland, Huron Capital, to discuss the recent acquisition of ExperiGreen. They examine the keys to success including company culture, workforce retention and geographic expansion, as well as the future of private equity during economic uncertainty.
Carleen Patterson welcomes Aidan Heisey, David Heath and Tim Prenger, Alliant, to the podcast. They discuss engineering within public power and cover what loss control and engineering really entails as it pertains to insurance, what insureds are meant to do with engineering recommendations, the “requirements” of these recommendations and what fulfilling these recommendations means for premiums.
Jon Gilbert speaks with Katie Murphy and Seth Madnick, Alliant, to examine what companies should consider when evaluating a captive arrangement. The team analyzes the advantages and disadvantages to captives, various jury award jurisdiction distinctions and why captives can be attractive to private equity firms.
Kevin Kenny and Alex Littlejohn, Alliant, explore marketplace opportunities and challenges business leaders should be prepared to navigate as we move forward in 2023. The duo discuss the behaviors, strategies and tools available to minimize risk and maximize value during turbulent markets.
Carleen Patterson welcomes Seth Cole and Robert Lowe, Alliant, to discuss the emerging risks and challenges within the water and sewer insurance market. The team examines quasi-governmental entities and the benefits and challenges their structure.
How does public power differ from privately-owned distribution? Carleen Patterson speaks with Aidan Heisey, David Heath and Cindy Fee, Alliant Power, to review the unique risk exposures in the power industry, emerging risks and the advantages and disadvantages of the public power structure.
David Finz, Alliant, welcomes Jay Stampfl, Brendan Hall and CJ Dietzman, Alliant Cyber, to the podcast. The Alliant Cyber team discusses the evolving threat landscape and what clients can look forward to in 2023.
Jon Gilbert and Kaitlyn Murphy speak with Brian Barger and Larry Shapiro, Alliant, to highlight the importance of Reps & Warranties insurance for healthcare and what trends to expect in 2023. They discuss the unique elements of healthcare investments, regulatory requirements and how private equity buyers can prepare for the best outcomes.
Jon Gilbert and Tim Conlon sit down with Matt Cole, SBJ Capital, to discuss the techniques the firm has used to safeguard their portfolio companies. They reveal the challenges faced over the last year, how to integrate safety and risk management practices, retain a reliable labor force and how cybersecurity has impacted portfolio companies.
Mary Busch speaks with Chuck Couch, Global Aerospace, to go over the different nuances that can separate a standard Workers' Compensation policy from an Aviation Workers' Compensation Policy. They uncover the history of Workers' Compensation Policies in America and what makes Aviation related risks unique.
Jon Gilbert and Tim Conlon, Alliant M&A, sit with Jon Van Tuin, P4G Capital, to discuss how portfolio companies have been impacted by supply chain risk, how they can manage that risk and what the remainder of 2022 and 2023 has in store for the M&A market.
What are per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and how do they affect Public Entities? Carleen Patterson speaks with Jessica Plummer and Katrina Seese, Alliant, to discuss the key concerns surrounding PFAS. The team explores what entities are at the highest risk for exposure, the research on the adverse effects of exposure to PFAS, as well as, who’s at risk and who is responsible for environmental issues caused by PFAS.
Grain is one of the most difficult commodities to transport as it is prone to a number of hazards such as moisture or self-heating or contamination. Bruce Droz speaks with Lee Tilleman, Alliant Agribusiness, on the most common concerns surrounding grain transportation. The two explore utilizing trucking, rail systems, rivers and waterways and explore ways to reduce loss and risk exposures associated with each mode of transportation.
New York’s cybersecurity regulation for financial institutions has become a role model for regulators nationwide. Earlier this month, the state’s Department of Financial Services proposed another round of amendments to these regulations. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth speak with David Finz, Alliant Cyber Claims, to explore what’s in the proposal and what’s needed to make sure that your company’s cyber policy responds.
From Legionella and mold to explosions or fire damage, pollution and environmental exposures in multi-family housing are ever-present and often overlooked. Megan Davidson and Bill Nellen, Alliant, discuss some of the potential environmental hazards and the possible impact on multi-family housing properties.
David Finz, Cyber Claims, Matia Marks, Financial Institution Claims and Tim Crowley, Alliant Management & Professional, review recent cyber claims litigation and offer suggestions on best practices for stakeholder communications around cyber security incidents.
Ryan Babeu speaks with Gary Tripp, Senior Vice President, Evolution Credit Partners, about the advancements in Trade Credit Protection within Evolution Credit Partners and how they are changing the traditional Put Market.
You have been asked to serve on a board. Now what? When you agree to serve on a board of any kind, you’re probably thinking about how you can serve your community, both professionally and personally, but how are you going to be protected for personal liability? Carleen Patterson, Alliant speaks with Linda Bourn, Alliant Private Client, on the risks associated with serving on a board and what precautions should be put in place.
Ryan Babeu, Alliant Trade Credit speaks with Christina Montes de Oca, CCO, Allianz, to discuss the current state of the economy and evaluate the potential risks of a global recession. Christina reviews lessons learned during the pandemic and what precautions should be put in place to best manage risk.
Jonathan Gilbert, Chad Neale and Michael Dolezal, Alliant M&A, discuss how the portfolio management of cyber has evolved over the years, the challenges private equity firms face today and the critical components to an effective portfolio cyber management program.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant, discuss the most important risk and insurance considerations for financial institutions and what clients need to know going into 2023.
Meghan O'Malley and Bobby Horn, Alliant, speak with Chad Neale and Scott Takaoka, Imperium about the current cyber landscape and how the continued influx of cybersecurity events are influencing the market.
Carleen Patterson sits with Katrina Seese, Alliant Environmental for Public Entity, to discuss emerging issues and possible exposure to air & water pollution for Public Entities in order to better understand the risk of third-party migration, PFA's, wildfires and oil & gas producing wells.
What is Privileged Access Management? How do companies ensure users have the right level of access to corporate resources and networks to mitigate the damage arising from a cyber attack? Bobby Horn speaks with George Glass and Keith Wojcieszek, Kroll, on the importance of privileged access management (PAM) and how to implement, maintain and utilize these tools.
What Is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)? Bobby Horn sits down with Michael Cowley, Senior Vice President of Cyber Risk and Head of Solution Engineering at Kroll, to provide a deeper understanding of the differences between endpoint detection & response platforms (EDR), managed detection & response platforms (MDR), network detection & response tools (NDR) and security information & event management (SIEM), and the benefits that come with each.
The success of education systems goes far beyond the classroom. This includes having the right coverages to protect faculty and students alike. Tom Boobar, Alliant Education Specialist, speaks with Carleen Patterson about the unique risk factors associated with Charter Schools and how risk managers are addressing particular challenges.
Karen Caterino, Alliant, speaks with Courtney Claflin, Head of Insurance at Fluid Truck, who provides insights on captives, the insurance industry and examples of how to leverage captives to address organizational risks.
While Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) solutions have been around for decades, the current market landscape and the ability for companies of all sizes to now take advantage of ART solutions, has brought innovative risk financing to the forefront. Alex Littlejohn sits down with Peter Kranz who will spearhead Risk Finance and Strategic Consulting solutions at Alliant to discuss what is driving the need for more creative ways to finance risk and how he will help clients explore options outside of traditional insurance offerings.
Karen Caterino, Alliant, sat down with Lilian A. Vanvieldt, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Aaisha Hamid, Assistant Vice President and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, to discuss the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and how to promote a company culture that gives every individual the tools they need to succeed.
What does the next three to five years look like for the Power, Utility and Renewable clients? Rob Bothwell, and Derek Whipple, Alliant, welcomes Gary Wagner to the Alliant Power team to discuss the risks that continue to drive the market, including battery storage, ESG and convective storms. The team explores how Alliant provides the More Rewarding Way to Manage Risk with client-centric solutions.
The Alliant Power team continues to expand and provide the More Rewarding Way to Manage Risk for our Power, Utility and Renewable clients. Rob Bothwell, Derek Whipple and Edward Stewart, Alliant, discuss the evolving risk in the market and the challenges renewable energy clients are facing when it comes to claims, regulatory frameworks, tax credits and emerging technologies. The team also explores the client-centric solutions Alliant continues to provide.
David Finz and Matia Marks, Alliant, discuss recent events highlighted in this months edition of the Executive Liability Insights Newsletter. Including a trademark infringement case involving a computer reseller who brought suit against its cyber insurer and recent confusions around ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and the attempt to identify what topics are covered under that term.
Drones have seen rapid growth and advancements over the last few years as more and more industries discover ways that drones benefit their business. Drones are used for site inspections, infrastructure monitoring, crop monitoring and security surveillance just to name a few. However many are flying drones without a thorough understanding of the regulations that govern their use. Mark Shichtman and Cielo Camacho, Alliant Aviation, sit down with Chris Proudlove, Senior Vice President at Global Aerospace to many regulations and coverage surrounding drones, as well as lessons learned from real-world claim scenarios.
Mark Shichtman and Lou Timpanaro, Alliant Aviation, discuss key considerations for flying private and the different types of risk exposures.
Karen Caterino, Alliant, sat down with Lilian A. Vanvieldt, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Aaisha Hamid, Assistant Vice President and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, to discuss the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and how to promote a company culture that gives every individual the tools they need to succeed.
There is a clear need for leadership that prioritizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives and mental/emotional health in the new workplace. Nothing brought these important issues to the forefront more than the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting transition to the current and hybrid work environment. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth take a departure from the Insurance angle of the Financial R&R and welcome Aaisha Hamid, Alliant Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager to discuss how to build an environment in which employees feel safe, can be their true, authentic selves, and apply their unique strengths and capabilities to accomplish their personal goals and business objectives. Aaisha provides insight into holistic, long-term strategies leaders can put into place to build a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.
Links Aaisha mentions during the podcast: https://www.nextupisnow.org/team/laurie-greer/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/may-benefit-change-your-email-signature-reflect-work-greer-cde/
https://www.amazon.com/Nina-Godiwalla/e/B003IFCTU8/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk
Policyholders need to ensure that the representations they make as part of the insurance application are accurate, or could face challenges obtaining coverage for a subsequent claim. In this episode, David Finz and Matia Marks, Alliant, discuss a pending case involving a ransomware attack on a luxury company with high-profile clientele data and whether or not there will be coverage for the multi-million dollar extortion payment. What will the outcome of this case mean for clients facing an increasingly complex underwriting process for Cyber insurance?
Cyber threats continue to be a heightened area of focus for buyers as well as rep and warranty insurers. It is now more important than ever to have a coordinated approach to Cybersecurity and IT due diligence; insurance due diligence; as well reps and warranties insurance. In part two of the podcast series, Jonathan Gilbert sits down with Chad Neale and Larry Shapiro, Alliant, to discuss the evolution of rep and warranty underwriting, both for buyers and sellers. The team also explores the importance of a coordinated approach to manage cybersecurity and IT due diligence. Helping secure the deal and giving valuable “deal time” back to our private equity clients.
Is the global food supply vulnerable to cyber criminals? The agriculture industry is not typically the first that comes to mind when discussing cyber attacks, but cybercrime is a real threat to today's modern agriculture. "Smart" farm machinery is vulnerable to malicious hackers, leaving local and global supply chains exposed to risk. Bruce Droz sits down with the Alliant cyber team, Bobby Horn, Meghan O'Malley and David Finz to explore what agribusiness companies can do (and what not to do) when a cyber crisis hits.
With the continuing rise in cybercrime – and ransomware in particular – the Reps and Warranties Insurance (RWI) process can be an intense part of due diligence. In part one of a three-part series, Jonathan Gilbert, Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions welcomes Chad Neale who will lead the M&A Cyber Due Diligence Service. The two explore how Alliant plans to reduce friction during the deal process and the key components of pre-close cyber and IT due diligence private equity firms should be focusing on today.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth are joined by David Finz, Alliant, to recap trending topics surfaced during the 2022 With Intelligence HFM Billion Dollar Leaders Summit. The Financial R&R team also addresses the latest regulations around cyber risk management and cyber incident response.
Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions. Tim Leech, John Owen and Steven Meglio, Alliant, discuss the increasing concern for indoor or outdoor heat-related illness, the OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP) and how to protect employees from heat-related hazards and injuries.
Data and analytics have become a primary consideration when it comes to accurately underwriting risk. Carleen Patterson speaks with Dan Madej, Alliant, on the importance of accurate statement of values, COPE data and the critical role data plays when presenting your insurance program to the market.
SPACs, Cybersecurity and Crypto are just a few of the key items that continue to draw the SEC’s attention towards asset managers into the foreseeable future. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth are joined by Blake Cramsie and Eric Bruhn, Alliant, to discuss the SEC’s 2022 Examination priorities amidst a flurry of rules proposals by the SEC. #Insurance #Crypto #Financial #Cyber
Karen Caterino and Eric Seaborg sit down with mother and daughter duo, Marilyn & Emily Quinlan, Alliant. These two exceptional risk advisors share their stories on how they got started working in the insurance industry, their passion for helping clients simplify the insurance process and their advice for young professionals considering a career in insurance.
The criminal conviction of former Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse RaDonda Vaught has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry. Todd Hagemeier and Katherine Debes, Alliant, discuss the case and key insurance terms and provisions impacting whether a policy provides coverage for an insured nurse’s criminal defense.
Business executives already know that cyber risk is a boardroom issue and can impact shareholder value. Now, S&P Global is warning companies that it’s going to be factored into their credit worthiness as well. Ron Borys, Brian Dunphy and David Finz, Alliant, break down what this means for Directors and Officers.
Risks within the investment management sector are expected to see an uptick with regard to oversight, enforcement and compliance. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant, sits down with Tyler Entwistle, Alliant, discussing the risks and key takeaways learned at the 2022 Investment Management Conference.
Karen Caterino and Eric Seaborg speak with Victoria Vasso, Assistant Vice President, Excess Casualty with Ascot Insurance, to find out what inspired her early career development starting in London as a broker and now underwriter of liability insurance.
The aviation sector is just starting to see some recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic as the crisis in Ukraine sends another blow to the global aviation industry. Sandy Crystal and Lou Timpanaro, Alliant sit down to discuss the current situation in Russia and Ukraine, how it’s affecting the market place and what lessors can do to better position themselves for renewal.
Jaclyn Frey and Hunter Williams, Alliant, discuss what you should know about business interruption insurance when it comes to M&A.
Businesses in the private sector have been warned to harden their cyber defenses, including construction, an industry not typically thought of as a potential target for a cyber attack. David Finz, Steve Pierce and Matt Walsh, Alliant, discuss the increasing threat of ransomware and cyber attacks on the construction industry.
Michael Cusack, Senior Managing Director, Alliant Specialty, and Chris Murphy, Managing Director, Surety, uncover the construction industry landscape and how contractors should manage their surety portfolios in today's insurance market.
In preparation for the 2022 Investment Management Conference, March 27th – 30th, Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant, welcome John Mulligan, Senior Vice President & Chief Underwriting Officer and Dan Steiner, President, ICI Mutual Insurance Company, to discuss the company’s distribution strategy, the claims environment, the current insurance market and how it works with insurance brokers on behalf of mutual clients.
The Florida School Board Insurance Trust (FSBIT) turned to drone technologies to help survey their school district properties, which span 12 counties. Eric Seaborg and James Woodside, Alliant, spoke with one of the founders of the program, Jill Thompson, Information Director, FSBIT to learn how the groundbreaking program got started. In addition, discuss how their use of drone technologies has improved their ability to survey properties in significantly less time and reduce the risk of accessing difficult-to-reach areas.
The Associated General Contractors (AGC) Education and Research Foundation is committed to supporting the future of the construction industry through a multitude of education programs and resources. Karen Caterino, Alliant, sat down with Darrell Gibson, Executive Director, AGC Education & Research Foundation, to discuss how the AGC and Alliant are investing in the next generation of construction professionals through its scholarship programs, and helping individuals reach their career goals.
A federal court in California recently rejected a motion for summary judgment in a False Claims Act (FCA)case involving a contractor accused of failing to disclose deficiencies in their cybersecurity. David Finz, Matt Walsh and Steve Pierce, Alliant, discuss the important lessons for government contractors in the emerging area of FCA liability.
Many larger companies have considered starting a captive as an alternative to traditional D&O insurance. With the amendment to Delaware Corporation Law (Section 145(g)), captives appear, on the surface, to be a more viable option. But is this really “The Next Big Thing” in D&O? Ron Borys & Ryan Farnsworth sit down with Matia Marks, Alliant, and explore the possible risks associated with starting a captive to replace traditional D&O.
For many public entities, the largest total cost of risk (TCOR) driver is claims costs. Implementing ways to control those costs not only reduces claims spend, but impacts renewal premiums as well. Carleen Patterson and Keith Brown, Alliant, discuss ways to control costs, starting with how you choose your third-party administrator (TPA).
Environmental factors have resulted in record losses across the globe. Carleen Patterson and Jeff Moench, Alliant, discuss economic factors impacting the property insurance market and what you should expect for future renewals.
The amendment to the Delaware Corporation Law (Section 145(g)), provides a potential alternative for traditional D&O insurance. Brian Dunphy sits down with Steve Shappell and Seth Madnick, Alliant, to discuss whether a captive is truly a D&O game changer.
Universities are investing in curriculums to help students develop knowledge for careers in risk management and insurance. In this episode, Karen Caterino sits down with David Cisneros, Director, Risk Management & Insurance Studies, to hear what the University of Nevada, Reno is doing to stay in step with the industry with its own exciting new program.
The Red Cross cyber attack resulted in a data breach affecting 515K of some of the most vulnerable people and victims of conflict. David Finz and Lorraine Lewis discuss the massive breach and mistakes organizations should avoid as they build out their cybersecurity programs.
Coming off a headlong post-pandemic rebound, what’s up next for private equity firms? Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth welcome the newest member to the Alliant team, Tim McAndrew and discuss the “hot button” exposures private equity firms and portfolio companies should be thinking about in 2022.
Like every year prior to 2020, the past year was another tumultuous year in the world of cyber liability. Considerable movement in the market and the cyber landscape has changed exponentially – and not for the better. Threat actors have become more sophisticated, resulting in an increase in data breaches, phishing attacks and more. Understandably, there was increased pressure put on the markets from a claims perspective.
Brian Dunphy and David Finz, Alliant, sit down to discuss the ever-changing landscape in the regulatory world, both at the state and, at the federal level as other states ramp up consumer data privacy protection.
How does the industry attract, train and retain the next generation to pursue careers in risk and insurance? Eric Seaborg and Karen Caterino, Alliant, discuss cover the varied and rewarding job opportunities that are available, and how to get started with your own career growth and development.
Securities class action lawsuits may have declined in 2021 compared to the number filed in 2020, but a growing trend of M&A-related lawsuits involving special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) is on the rise. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth sit down with Matia Marks and Abbe Darr, Alliant Claims and Legal, to discuss the recent and upcoming court decisions impacting M&A litigation as well as the implications of D&O insurance policy language.
From ransomware to "killware". This Is the future of cyber attacks. Carleen Patterson and Susan Leung, Alliant, discuss this next big threat in cyber security, how it might affect Public Entities and Municipalities, as well as what can be done to prevent damages to critical infrastructure or even loss of human life.
Bruce Droz and Roberto Rivera discuss the advantages of alternative risk transfer and the types of solutions available for organizations looking for different means of transferring, as well as financing risk.
Alex Littlejohn and Al Tobin, Alliant welcome Duncan Ellis, Head of Retail Property, AIG, North America General Insurance, to discuss trends for 2022 and how 2021 will shape up for retail and wholesale property.
Alex Littlejohn and Al Tobin sit down with Brett Borelli and Thomas Franzoni, Alliant, recently featured in Business Insurance, to continue the discussion around the recent influx of smash and grab robberies and what measures retailers can take to minimize their risk.
Recently, federal bank regulatory agencies issued the final rule requiring a banking organization to notify its primary federal regulator of any significant “computer-security incident” no later than 36 hours after the banking organization determines that a cyber incident has occurred. The Financial R&R team, Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth sit down with David Finz, Alliant, to discuss what plans, policies and procedures banking organizations and service providers should have in place in order to comply with the new requirement set to take effect on April 1, 2022.
Carleen Patterson, Alliant, speaks with Colin Daigle and Hunter Williams, Imperium Consulting, about claim preparation services and the steps public entities should take to best recover financial losses from complex claims and catastrophic events.
Dan Howell sits down with Phil Williams and Kaci Snyder to discuss how their expertise, knowledge and understanding of public entities enables them to provide clients with innovative programs that meet their specialized needs.
The pandemic, coupled with a hard market, has forced financial institutions to prioritize risk and find solutions in partnership with their insurers. Paired with increased requirements and expectations for addressing cybersecurity and regulatory risk, insurance protection is more important than ever for global companies and their directors and officers. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant, sit down with Jane Bennett, Senior Advisor, Howden, to discuss global risk trends and insurance solutions for directors and officers, including the introduction of Howden's DuoProtector product offering.
Update: Multiple states have filed suit against the newly announced COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandate. In response, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Nov. 6, temporarily blocked the Biden administration's new vaccine coronavirus vaccine mandate for large businesses.
On November 4, 2021 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the much-anticipated emergency temporary standard (ETS) addressing COVID-19 vaccination and testing. Jonathan Gilbert, Daniel Balles and Jaclyn Frey, Alliant M&A, address a few of the most common questions when it comes to what employers must do to comply with the OSHA ETS.
In a decision made earlier this year, the NCAA adopted an interim policy that allows athletes at all its member colleges and universities the ability to profit from their names, images, and likeness — or NIL. Carleen Patterson, Alliant, sits down with Eric Seaborg, Alliant, to discuss the complicated decision and the possible risks for colleges and universities.
John Ludwig, Co-COO and Senior Managing Director, Energy & Marine sits down with Debbie Crabb, Alliant, to discuss the evolution of Energy & Marine and the changes occurring in the industry today.
The broad range of connected devices including cameras, thermostats, wearable monitors, medical devices, large-scale monitoring and detection services, just to name a few, creates a myriad of connection points for hackers leaving corporate networks vulnerable. Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims and Legal and David Finz, Alliant Cyber Claims, discuss the often misunderstood IoT and how it relates to cyber exposures.
Cybercriminals aren't just master manipulators of technology. Some cybercriminals are masters of human manipulation. Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims and Legal and David Finz, Alliant Cyber Claims, discuss the art of "Social engineering" and the best practices for organizations to prevent social engineering attacks.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth sit down with Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims & Legal, to review the current state of the marketplace for financial institutions and the impact of class action suits, SPAC litigation, regulatory changes, cyber risk, analytical modeling and other key trends for the balance of 2021.
Covid-19 presented a set of unique challenges for our Senior Living Communities including loneliness and isolation, interruption of daily routines and the disconnection from family members. Lorraine Lewis, Alliant Senior Living Solutions, speaks with Alan Brown, CEO, Methodist Retirement Communities, on how they met the challenge of navigating the pandemic with innovative solutions that both protected residents and kept them connected to friends and family.
Pesticide exposure cause farm workers to suffer more chemically-related injuries and illnesses than any other occupational group in the nation. Bruce Droz, Alliant Agribusiness, sits down with Max Macias, Alliant Safety and Risk Control, to discuss the importance of a solid pesticide and chemical safety program.
In honor of National Farm Safety & Health Week, September 20-24, 2021, Bruce Droz, Alliant Agribusiness, sits down with Max Macias, Alliant Agribusiness, to discuss some of the biggest hazards relating to tractor use, emphasizing the importance of operating tractors safely out in the field.
In the final of the 3-part market update series, Jonathan Gilbert, Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions, sits down with Dan Schloss and Paul Cleveland to discuss the current state of the property & casualty market, as well as projections for the remainder of the year.
Second in the 3-part market update series, Jonathan Gilbert, Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions, sits down with Tim Crowley to discuss the current state of the private equity market, as well as projections for the remainder of the year.
In the first of a 3 part series, Jonathan Gilbert, Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions, sits down with Bobby Horn to discuss the current state of the cyber liability market, as well as projections for the remainder of the year.
The agriculture industry has become more and more sophisticated over the last 50 years. Advances in technology and machinery have expanded the scale, speed, and productivity of many agribusiness companies. These advances have also transformed agribusiness into the perfect target for bad actors. Bruce Droz and Trey Busch, Alliant Agribusiness sit down with Bobby Horn, Alliant Cyber Practice Leader, on the current cyber landscape, the increase in controls and what agribusiness companies can do today to mitigate the risk of a cyber attack or extortion event.
Food recalls continue to rise and the resulting disruption in operations can result in significant long term financial losses. Bruce Droz and Trey Busch, Alliant Agribusiness, speak with Lori Hunter, Executive Vice President, Amwins, on how the pandemic has impacted and improved the food safety industry, how product contamination and recall coverages have evolved and strategies to mitigate product recall risks.
2021 was one of the most aggressive years for cyber-attacks on record – with 93% more carried out in the first half of 2021. Are companies starting to get the message? Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant, sit down with David Finz, Alliant Cyber Claims and David Kruse, Director of Strategic Client Services, Tetra Defense to review the "year of ransomware" and fundamental steps companies should be taking now in preparation for when, not if, a cyber-attack will occur.
Source: Check Points mid-year security report
Eliminate expensive budget “surprises” with an Equipment Maintenance Management Program (EMMP). Carleen Patterson sits down with Robert Schimke, Alliant Public Entity, to discuss the unique equipment maintenance needs of public entities and how an EMMP can maximize equipment performance while typically saving clients 15% to 25% over conventional maintenance contract pricing.
Alex Littlejohn and Al Tobin speak with Michael Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Sompo International Global Risk Solutions, on differentiators in the market, trends for hedging risks, lead umbrella programs, and the need for industry-wide changes.
July 1 renewals may be in the rearview mirror, but keeping an eye on the road ahead will prepare you for the future. Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick, Alliant Public Entity, welcome David Werch, Managing Director, and Tim Kolgen, Business Development Manager, from CBIZ Valuation Group’s Tangible Asset Practice to discuss what underwriters are looking for when reviewing a schedule of values.
Alliant welcomes Mark Goode as Senior Executive Vice President and Managing Director. Mark will lead the Alliant Public Entity Education & Pooling Practice, enabling public entity clients to find a more rewarding way to manage risk.
The market says SPACS(Special-purpose acquisition companies) seem to be entering a slow-down. Given all the activity we saw at the beginning of the year - Is the "SPAC-Attack" over? Ron Borys, Ryan Farnsworth, Brian Dunphy and Steve Shappell, Alliant, discuss why the frenzy that swept the market earlier this year may be coming to an end. Or is it?
Rising premiums and retentions, a challenging regulatory environment, and other factors of a hard market have left the private equity industry feeling the impact. Ron Borys, Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant, talk with Kim Patlis, President & Managing Director, Corporate Risk Solutions, about what private equity firms can do now to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
Ransomware attacks are nearing an all time high according FBI data and so are the losses associated with those attacks. Ryan Farnsworth speaks with Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims & Legal, David Finz, Alliant Cyber Claims and Matia Marks, Alliant Claims, on why the recent Kaseya attack was different than the previous cyber events.
Class Action Suits, SPAC Litigation, Regulatory Changes, Cyber Attacks. 2021 has seen it all in the last 6 months. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Financial Institutions, sit down with Steve Shappell, Alliant Claims & Legal, to review the first half of the year and what the balance of 2021 may bring.
An Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP, otherwise known as a "Wrap-Up," is an efficient, cost-effective way to provide insurance for owners and contractors for a specific or a series of construction projects. Carleen Patterson sits down with Shawn Kraatz, Alliant Public Entity and Mike Davidson, Alliant Construction, to discuss the benefits of an OCIP for Public Entity Projects.
Alex Littlejohn and Al Tobin sit down with Lyndsey Christofer, Executive Vice President, Chubb Construction Major Accounts, to discuss current trends in the construction industry and the top three areas we should prepare our clients/prospects to look out for when it comes to pricing, coverage and exposures.
The global digital asset market continues to evolve. With more organizations exploring the opportunities presented by digital assets, insurance is going to play a critical component in mitigating risk due to an unstable cryptocurrency ecosystem. Ron Borys and Glenn Morgan speak with Adam Zuckerman, Latham & Watkins LLP, on understanding the risks associated with digital assets and the need for regulations and common standards in the industry.
According to the long-term records kept by the National Earthquake Information Center, we should expect about 16 major earthquakes in any given year. While discussions often focus on the "Big One," models suggest that smaller earthquakes are much more likely to cause serious damage. Carleen Patterson and Shadi Jalali, Alliant, sit down with Alex Kaplan, Amwins, to discuss a different ways to manage and finance California earthquake risk.
One of the biggest drivers of the “Total Cost of Risk” for a Public Entity is claims experience. Since claims experience also drives premiums, it is critical to have a strong claims management and loss control program in place. Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick sit down with Colin Finn, Alliant Structured Settlements, to discuss how Structured Settlements can help Public Entities control claims costs.
Taking a second look at your safety programs and building a safety culture as part of the "fabric" of the company is more important than ever, especially when returning to work after COVID-19. Bruce Droz and Max Macias, Alliant Agribusiness, discuss hitting the "reset" button on your safety program and building a safety culture to help reach your safety goals.
Safety technologies continue to advance. Everything from wearable devices such as exoskeletons to chemical exposure monitoring. Knowing what's on the market and having a strategy in place for implementing new technologies into your safety program is becoming more important than ever. Tim Leech, John Owen, Brady Dunn and Kristi Loiselle, Alliant Safety and Loss Control, discuss the latest trends in safety technologies.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the construction workplace. While falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs and other elevated workspaces are the most commonly thought of risk exposures, falling on ground-level is often overlooked. Eli Mendoza and Luis Torres, Alliant Construction, discuss fall protection, the different behavioral responses towards various fall exposures and why falling on the ground-level should be taken as seriously as any other kind of fall.
Tim Leech and Mark Lillemon, Alliant discuss how focusing on strategies and solutions to address risk, rather than solely focusing on regulatory standards, not only ensures compliance, but also reduces loss.
Cyber incidents are now occurring on a daily, if not hourly basis, across the spectrum of businesses around the world. Brian Dunphy, David Finz and Robert Horn, Alliant, discuss ransomware attacks and some of the key areas to focus on in order to defend against possible intrusions.
Cyber criminals are no longer selective about their potential targets. Any organization can be the next mark and Public Entities are seeing an increase in cyber and ransomware attacks. Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick welcome Susan Leung, Alliant and David Rees, Howden Group, to discuss cyber claims and how Public Entity risk managers prepare for their future renewals.
With so many uncontrollable forces driving this difficult market, Carleen Patterson and Courtney Ramirez, Alliant Public Entity sit down and discuss what Public Entity risk managers CAN control. The data.
Data and analytics have become a primary consideration for firms looking to manage their risk exposures. Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth sit down with Kevin Habash, Alliant, to discuss the evolving need to prioritize data and analytics to mitigate risk and determi.ne the optimal value of potential insurance program structures
In response to the hardening insurance market, interest in captive insurance is on the rise. While the appeal may be strong, is it the right fit for your business? Bruce Droz, Alliant Agribusiness, Seth Madnick and Jay Thebaut, Alliant Captives, explore the attributes that makes a company a good candidate for a captive.
Catastrophe (CAT) modeling for hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes has become an important aspect in property underwriting and is considered essential for insureds to better understand their risk. Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick speak with Ali Syed, in-house CAT Modeling Analyst at Alliant to discuss CAT modeling uses and misconceptions.
Q1 2021 has come and gone, but not without leaving us with a number of insurance market and risk related topics to consider for the balance of the year. Ron Borys, Ryan Farnsworth and Steve Shappell, Alliant, share their thoughts and perspectives on insurance market conditions, legal & regulatory trends, SPACs and a number of other key considerations for companies managing insurance renewals and risk transfer strategies.
Billions of dollars in crypto currency are stolen each year with very few insured losses. Ron Borys and Glenn Morgan, Alliant, discuss the rapidly changing insurance marketplace and some of the resulting hurdles faced by firms in the digital asset space looking to obtain coverage.
COVID-19 insurance claims are starting to make their way through the court systems, and there is a heightened focus on how settlements and judgments in these cases will impact the insurance industry. Ron Borys, Steve Shappell, and Blake Cramsie, Alliant, discuss the current insurance company market environment, litigation response to COVID-19 claims, and how insurance companies can best prepare for upcoming renewals in light of changes in underwriter risk appetite and product offerings.
Al Tobin welcomes Alex Littlejohn to Alliant on the debut episode of Alex & Al Coast to Coast podcast series.
Sandy Crystal, Steve Shappell, Tim Crowley and Tom Shashaty, Alliant, discuss the current surge of new SPACS in 2021 and the related uptick in litigation associated with SPAC deals that we may continue to see throughout 2021.
Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick speak with Andrew Siffert, Vice President and Senior Meteorologist, BMS, as they discuss weather trends, risk and insured losses.
Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick, Alliant, speak to Daniel Howell, Managing Director, Alliant Public Entity and continue the conversation around the volatile liability market, emerging risks and what's next for 2021.
Daniel Howell and Carleen Patterson, Alliant welcomes Lauren Gregory, Vice President, Director of Public Entity Infrastructure to the company and discuss how her expertise is going to be put to work.
Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick, Alliant, speak to Kevin Williams, SVP & Division Manager, Genesis, about market volatility and skyrocketing liability claims.
Alliant Financial Institutions discuss the implications and considerations resulting from last week’s GameStop-related events and what can clients expect going forward.
Alliant discusses the current SPAC landscape, D&O Insurance and current market conditions.
Jonathan Gilbert, Bill Nellen and Larry Shapiro, Alliant discuss environmental risk in M&A transactions and the steps buyers can take to offset and/or mitigate risk.
Carleen Patterson and Justin Swarbrick, Alliant, discuss the current market and explore risk management and challenges faced by today's public sector leaders.
Ron Borys, Steve Shappell and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant Financial Institutions, discuss the legal trends and risk issues driving the financial services insurance market.
Ron Borys and David Finz, Alliant, discuss cyber risk, the current market and how his extensive experience resolving complex claims will benefit clients.
Ron Borys and Ryan Farnsworth, Alliant welcome Steve Shappell to the company and discuss the best way to represent clients in this challenging environment and how his expertise is going to be put to work.
Jacob Borth and Sumit Agarwal, of Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions, speak with two leaders of Houlihan Lokey’s Transaction Advisory Service “TAS” practice:
- Sean Murphy, Managing Director – Global Head of TAS
- Lance Myers, Director – TAS Industrials Lead
The discussion with Houlihan Lokey is centered around the current M&A market, the routine use of RWI, industry changes over the last 5-10 years, COVID-19, and how these factors have changed due diligence.
Detailed topics including the respective time markers within the podcast are as follows: 1. 2020 M&A market - Time 1:48 2. RWI commonplace in deals – Time 9:31 3. Diligence evolution over the last 5-10 years – Time 15:25 4. RWI evolution over the last 5-10 years – Time 19:15 5. COVID-19 impacts on diligence – Time 24:38 6. COVID-19 impacts on RWI and related exclusions – Time 34:19
To connect with Sean Murphy:
https://hl.com/contact-us/sean-murphy https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-80386632/
To connect with Lance Myers: https://hl.com/contact-us/lance-myers https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-myers-cpa-cma-326a4320/
Jacob Borth and Sumit Agarwal, Alliant Mergers & Acquisitions, speak with Brian Richards, Partner and Chair of Global Private Equity and Amit Mehta, Partner and Global Chair of the Corporate Department at Paul Hastings about current trends in the Reps and Warranties insurance market, overall deal activity and the impact of COVID-19 on policy terms.