October ITL Focus: Blockchain

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

This month's focus is Blockchain.

Blockchain ITL FOcus
Copy

FROM THE EDITOR 

When cryptocurrencies crashed last year, the many I-told-you-so's tended to dismiss not only the currencies but also the underlying technology: blockchain. Not so fast.

As you'll see in this month's interview, with Patrick Schmid, president of the RiskStream Collaborative, blockchain keeps moving forward and is very close to entering production with at least a couple of applications than can make the industry operate more efficiently. 

In particular, RiskStream's Rapid X, which lets insurers share information on auto accidents, is about to start a pilot that will use production data. Among other things, that pilot will let RiskStream generate real data about the savings in time and money that come when insurers can stop playing phone/email tag and can collaborate via blockchain on filling out the claims documentation. 

RiskStream has also made great progress in an area where it didn't expect to find nearly so much interest: surety bonds. Working with five major industry groups, RiskStream has developed applications that greatly simplify all the document handling that goes into powers of attorney and into the delivery and verification of the bonds themselves.

The collaborative, which, like ITL, is an affiliate of The Institutes, continues to broaden adoption of its Mortality Monitor. The application allows network participants to share data on a deceased party with another network participant that also has the deceased as a policyholder. The goal is to speed the processing of benefits.

Progress on blockchain has been slower than I, at least, expected. I knew there would be technical issues and figured it would take time to line up industry support for a radically new technology. But I underestimated the extent of the chicken-and-egg problem -- you don't get the full benefits of a blockchain application until all the major players are on the network, but the major players aren't inclined to join the network until they see the potential for real benefits. 

The good news is that RiskStream has pulled together support from just about all the major auto insurers and, while earlier in the process on surety bonds, has major backing there, too. And the history of what's known as network effects (or Metcalfe's Law) shows that when a technology reaches the tipping point, adoption comes very quickly.

So, no breakthrough for blockchain yet, but stay tuned. We're getting there.

Cheers,

Paul

P.S. In addition to the interview with Pat, you might want to read this piece in Risk & Insurance, a sister publication of ours, that provides a thorough survey of the blockchain landscape.

 
In this month's FOCUS on Blockchain, Pat Schmid, president of the RiskStream Collaborative, highlights the significant strides being made in adopting enterprise blockchain solutions. He discusses the successful development and potential impact of the "Rapid X" data exchange solution, shedding light on how it enhances efficiency in claims processing.

Read the Full Interview

"Whether it’s the network-based apps or linear/partnership apps, I think we're beginning to see a lot of light at the end of the tunnel within enterprise blockchain use cases in insurance. I think there will be applications here over the next year or so that will be live and will provide significant operational efficienciesy benefits to the industry. "


— Pat Schmid
Read the Full Interview
 

READ MORE

 

Can Blockchain Transform Insurance?

Insurers are looking to harness the power of blockchain to infuse processes with the three T's: trustworthiness, transparency and tamper-resistance.

Read More

Blockchain’s Future in Surety Industry

Bond execution still involves antiquated technology like typewriters and fax machines. It’s time to catch up, including with blockchain.

Read More

Top 10 P&C Insurance Technology Trends

These technology trends will reshape the way insurance companies operate, interact with customers and mitigate risks.

Read More

How Blockchain Enhances Reliability, Speed

Let's take a look at three options for how blockchain is transforming insurance and improving insurance services.

Read More

Is Blockchain Still on Track?

With B3i declaring bankruptcy, will blockchain/DLT (distributed ledger technologies) ever reach the point of disrupting the industry for the better?
 

Read More

Why Digital Titling Is Transformational

Digital vehicle titling is revolutionizing auto insurance, offering same-day service and cost savings. West Virginia is setting the example.

Read More

 
 

FEATURED THOUGHT LEADERS

 
 

Insurance Thought Leadership

Profile picture for user Insurance Thought Leadership

Insurance Thought Leadership

Insurance Thought Leadership (ITL) delivers engaging, informative articles from our global network of thought leaders and decision makers. Their insights are transforming the insurance and risk management marketplace through knowledge sharing, big ideas on a wide variety of topics, and lessons learned through real-life applications of innovative technology.

We also connect our network of authors and readers in ways that help them uncover opportunities and that lead to innovation and strategic advantage.

MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR

Read More