On November 18th, Croke Park hosted the Insurance Ireland Annual Fraud Conference (#IIFC25), bringing together experts from across insurance, technology, and regulation to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: fraud prevention in an era of rapid change. 

The day was defined by thought-provoking discussions, practical case studies, and innovative solutions – all aimed at strengthening trust and resilience in the insurance sector. 

Privacy vs. Prevention: Finding the Balance
A highlight of the morning was the conversation between Moyagh Murdock (CEO, Insurance Ireland) and Cathal Ryan (Deputy Commissioner, Data Protection Commission). They explored whether the industry can effectively combat fraud while upholding strong data-protection standards. 

Cathal stressed that GDPR should be seen as an enabler, not an obstacle, and encouraged insurers to engage proactively with the DPC through its “quasi-sandbox” approach. This model allows firms to consult with the regulator before launching new systems – a practice that has worked well for larger companies and could benefit smaller ones. 

Both speakers agreed that data sharing is essential for fraud prevention, provided that robust governance and safeguards are in place. Cathal confirmed that simplified guidance will soon be issued to clarify legal frameworks and address misuse of data-protection complaints. He also highlighted the importance of demonstrating the public value of tools like Insurance Link, which remains a cornerstone in detecting and preventing fraud. 

Technology at Scale: Visual Analytics and AI
The session led by Keith Musson (GRAPHT) showcased how visual analysis at scale is transforming fraud detection. Using a mobile-insurance case study, Keith demonstrated how cognitive analytics can process thousands of data points to reveal hidden connections – such as shared addresses or suspicious clusters – through intuitive visual mapping. 

This approach enables investigators to identify fraud rings quickly, closing a gap that costs Irish insurers an estimated €10–20 million annually. The message was clear: advanced analytics, combined with skilled people and strong processes, is key to tackling complex fraud patterns. 

AI: Threat or Opportunity?
Jes Westerman and Kaye Sydenham (Verisk) explored the dual nature of AI in fraud prevention. While AI offers powerful tools for detection, it also enables fraudsters to create fake documents and manipulate images with increasing sophistication. 

Verisk reported a 300% rise in fake documents and warned that deepfakes pose a growing challenge. Their solutions include deepfake detection models and leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) as knowledge assistants for policy interpretation and training. The takeaway: AI is reshaping the fraud landscape – whether it becomes our greatest threat or defense depends on how effectively we harness it. 

Motor Insurance: Closing the Gap
Paddy Slattery (MIBI) addressed Ireland’s uninsured driving problem, which adds an estimated €35 to every motor policy. He highlighted the success of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) and made a strong case for introducing Continuous Vehicle Coverage (CVC) – a system already used in most EU countries. 

CVC would require vehicles to be insured at all times, reducing uninsured driving and lowering costs for consumers. With Ireland’s uninsured rate significantly above the EU average, this reform could deliver immediate benefits. 

Emerging Risks and Innovative Solutions
The afternoon sessions tackled practical challenges and new trends:
– Manjit Rana (Clearspeed) introduced voice-based risk assessment, achieving 97% accuracy and cutting claims handling time by 50%.
– Thomas Matthews (VHI) shared how proactive investigations have saved over €240 million since 2009, including uncovering systemic billing errors.
– Legal and medical experts Declan O’Flaherty and Professor Damian Mohan examined the rise of psychiatric injury claims – up 23% in a decade – and the complexities of proving psychological harm, raising concerns about potential abuse and the need for rigorous evidence standards. 

Key Takeaway
Across all sessions, one message stood out: technology is vital, but collaboration, accountability, and strong governance remain our most effective defenses against fraud. 

A special thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates for making #IIFC25 an insightful and impactful event. 

Lastly, we’re delighted to confirm that the Insurance Ireland Fraud Conference will return to Croke Park on the 26th of November next year. Save the date!