• Record attendance heard from speakers including Minister of State Michael D’Arcy TD, Justice Nicholas Kearns, Chairman of the Personal Injuries Commission, Cyberpsychologist Prof Mary Aiken and Detective Inspector Craig Mullish of the City of London Police
• “Insurers have shown their willingness to challenge fraudulent claims and are increasing their capacity to respond to the challenge of fraud in a digital age. Crucially, this must be part of a system-wide approach to a constantly evolving threat” – Kevin Thompson, CEO of Insurance Ireland

Following its annual Fraud Conference, Insurance Ireland has said insurance fraud is a constantly evolving threat and insurers must work with all stakeholders to ensure there is a robust systemic response to protect honest policyholders.

Now in its sixth year, Insurance Ireland’s Fraud Conference has become an essential forum for considering the industry’s response to this recognised public policy issue. The digital world presents new challenges for the sector and this year’s theme was ‘Insurance Fraud in a Digital Age’. The conference heard from speakers including Prof. Mary Aiken, the world’s foremost Cyberpsychologist and Craig Mullish, the Head of the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department.

Kevin Thompson, CEO of Insurance Ireland said, “Irish insurers are recognised innovators in combating fraud however, the nature and complexity of the challenge is changing. In a digital world, insurers, the Gardai and others must continuously develop their digital investigation and intelligence capabilities to deter and detect new types of fraudulent activity. This year’s conference heard from law enforcement, academic and industry experts on digital-enabled insurance fraud and how all stakeholders can respond.

Kevin concluded, “Tackling insurance fraud in all its forms requires a collaborative effort by all stakeholders and Insurance Ireland is committed to leading the industry and stakeholder discussions on this important issue. Insurers have shown their willingness to challenge fraudulent claims and are increasing their capacity to respond to the challenge of fraud in a digital age. Crucially, this must be part of a system-wide approach to a constantly evolving threat.”

As well as experts from Insurance Ireland, speakers at the conference, attended by Insurance Ireland members, included Derek Lande, Technology Strategy Lead, Accenture (MC for the day), Deirdre Ashe, Director of Customers & Markets, Liberty Insurance, Elaine Healy, Partner, Dillon Eustace and Kieran Cowhey, Partner, Dillon Eustace.