In this edition, we sit down with Niraz Buhari, CEO of City & Commercial Insurance Group, to explore the shifting dynamics of the insurance industry. From AI-driven underwriting to evolving reinsurance strategies, Niraz offers a sharp look at how innovation and regulation can and must coexist. With insights on leadership, customer relationships, and the future of risk, this conversation sheds light on the emerging blueprint for modern insurance.

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How has the role of risk management evolved in the insurance industry, and what emerging risks do you see shaping its future?

Risk management has become a central strategic function, no longer just a protective measure. Today, insurers and reinsurers use advanced analytics to anticipate risks, manage exposures, and build resilience. Emerging threats such as cyberattacks, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics are reshaping risk portfolios across reinsurance, MGA platforms, captive solutions, and primary insurance.

AI and automation are transforming insurance. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in integrating these technologies into underwriting and claims processing?

As Niraz Buhari explains, AI and automation present transformative opportunities across insurance and reinsurance, improving underwriting accuracy, claims efficiency, and portfolio management. For MGAs and captive solutions, these technologies enable better risk segmentation and faster decision-making. However, challenges remain around ethical data use, bias mitigation, and regulatory alignment.

How do you balance strategic innovation with the need for regulatory compliance in an industry as tightly governed as insurance?

At City & Commercial Insurance Group, innovation is designed to work in tandem with compliance. The company embeds regulatory expertise into innovation initiatives across insurance, reinsurance, MGA, and captive operations. By maintaining close dialogue with regulators, the group ensures that new solutions are both forward-looking and fully compliant.

What leadership principles have guided you in steering City & Commercial Insurance Group toward growth and industry leadership?

Niraz Buhari has guided the company with a focus on integrity, transparency, and empowerment. By fostering innovation and accountability across all business units, from reinsurance partnerships to MGA operations, the group has achieved sustainable growth and strengthened its industry reputation.

In what ways do you see customer relationship management evolving in insurance, and how do you ensure a personalized yet scalable approach?

While customer needs remain central, the company is also focused on enhancing relationships across the insurance value chain, including reinsurers, MGA partners, and captive clients. Leveraging data-driven insights and scalable digital platforms allows for personalized service delivery across multiple stakeholder groups while maintaining operational efficiency.

With reinsurance playing a critical role in risk mitigation, how do you see global market trends influencing reinsurance strategies in the coming years?

Global volatility, climate-related events, and emerging risks are driving a shift toward more dynamic reinsurance strategies. There is increasing focus on parametric solutions, alternative capital, and cross-border diversification. Strong reinsurance partnerships are critical not only for traditional insurers but also for MGA programs and captive arrangements.

The insurance sector is frequently perceived as conservative and resistant to rapid transformation. What disruptive trends do you believe will redefine its future?

Disruptive trends such as embedded insurance, digital ecosystems, and ESG-focused underwriting are reshaping the landscape. Technology-driven distribution and advanced analytics are set to propel innovation among MGAs and captive providers. Reinsurance, too, will benefit from insurtech platforms that enable faster, more adaptive risk transfers.

How do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization while maintaining the core principles of trust and reliability?

City & Commercial Insurance Group fosters innovation by creating a culture where experimentation is encouraged and lessons are valued. Whether in insurance, reinsurance, MGA partnerships, or captive solutions, innovation is anchored in the group’s core principles of trust, reliability, and long-term client success.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders looking to make an impact in the insurance and risk management sectors?

Aspiring leaders should embrace adaptability, develop both technical and interpersonal skills, and prioritize ethics. Building strong partnerships whether with reinsurers, MGA collaborators, or captive clients is crucial for creating impact and driving meaningful change in the industry.

If you could change one major aspect of the insurance industry overnight, what would it be and why?

Simplifying and improving transparency across insurance and reinsurance processes would be transformative. Reducing complexity in MGA and captive arrangements would also enhance efficiency and trust, ultimately delivering greater value across the entire risk management ecosystem.