Episode 3: What's Happening at Lloyd's with Roger Foord

Insurance Insights from Source Consulting

In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of technology and its impact on the Lloyd's insurance market. Our guest, Roger Foord from Lime Street System Solutions, shares insights into the historical evolution of technology in the market and its current challenges and prospects.

Roger's extensive experience in the industry dates back to the 1980s, when he started working for the Market Bureau, pioneering the concept of central electronic accounting systems for insurance. After stints in other countries, he ventured into consultancy in 1998 and established Roger Foord Associates, focusing on aiding technology companies to connect with potential buyers in the Lloyd's market.

He delves into the realm of InsurTech, highlighting the distinction between technologies aimed at individual underwriters or brokers and the market as a whole. While there's a growing trend in personalised tech solutions for specific aspects of underwriting and broking, Roger suggests that a complete digital transformation of the entire London insurance market may not solely come from InsurTech companies.

Roger reflects on various initiatives like "Blueprint II" which aims to modernise the market and improve efficiency. We discuss the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of the Lloyd's market, where personal relationships and face-to-face interactions remain vital. Despite the technological advancements, he notes that Lloyd's needs to find a balance between modernisation and retaining its distinctive identity.

He expresses optimism about the ongoing changes and advancements, provided they are effectively implemented and integrated into the market. The challenge lies in embedding these changes and ensuring they lead to enhanced productivity and reduced costs while still nurturing personal relationships with clients, brokers, and underwriters.

Overall, Roger provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between technology and the Lloyd's insurance market, offering insights into the challenges, opportunities, and potential future direction. The conversation underscores the ongoing transformation that the market is undergoing, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in the ever-evolving insurance landscape.