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The human side of AI-powered pricing

Why insurers no longer need to choose between Excel, Python, R and modern pricing systems and how connected underwriting platforms are making AI a practical reality.

August 10, 2026
Dani Katz

Introduction

AI is reshaping insurance, but successful transformation isn’t just about adopting the latest technology. It’s about designing tools that people actually want to u

Bringing Actuaries and Underwriters Closer Together

In this episode, Robin Merttens is joined by Dani Katz, Co-founder and Director of Optalitix, to explore why the future of pricing lies in bringing underwriters and actuaries closer together rather than forcing them into the same way of working.

Designing Technology Around the Way People Work

Drawing on recent industry research and practical experience supporting insurers and reinsurers, Dani explains why human-centred design is becoming just as important as technical innovation.

From the enduring role of Excel to the rise of natural language AI, the conversation explores how technology can remove repetitive work while giving insurance professionals more time to focus on judgement, strategy and commercial decision-making

AI as an Enabler, Not a Replacement

You’ll also hear why Dani believes AI will create new opportunities across the insurance market rather than replace the next generation of talent.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

  • Why successful pricing transformation depends on people as much as technology
  • How AI can simplify underwriting without becoming a ‘black box’
  • Why actuaries and underwriters need different tools and different user experiences
  • What insurers can learn from the continued popularity of Excel
  • How modern pricing platforms are helping bridge the gap between actuarial models and underwriting workflows
  • Why removing manual data preparation could unlock more strategic work for actuaries
  • What the future of the London Market could look like as AI and automation become mainstream
  • Why expanding insurance coverage, not reducing headcount, could be AI’s biggest impact on the industry

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