Economic Crossroads: A Conversation on Insurance Trends (Exclusive to 2026 Members!)

When:  Feb 17, 2026 from 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM (ET)

Economic Crossroads: A Conversation on Insurance Trends

Presenters: Michel Léonard, PhD, CBE, and Abi Potter Clough, CPCU, AIC-M, AIS (Moderator)

Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. ET

Join us for an engaging fireside chat with Michel Léonard, PhD, CBE, Chief Economist and Data Scientist at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

In conversation with Abi Potter Clough, insurance writer and member of the CPCU Society Leadership Council, Dr. Léonard will discuss the critical economic trends facing insurers as they navigate 2026 and beyond. Drawing on his extensive background in economics, he'll share perspectives on how evolving interest rate environments, persistent inflation pressures, and changing consumer behaviors are reshaping strategic priorities across the industry.

Exclusive for 2026 members, join or renew by Feb. 15 for your chance to hear candid insights on 2026 trends from one of insurance's most respected economic voices. Members will need to wait 24 hours after membership renewal before receiving access to register for the webinar.

Key Takeaways:

  • Assess how current economic conditions are influencing insurer balance sheets, reserve adequacy, and investment strategy decisions.
  • Understand the interplay between macroeconomic volatility and insurance company profitability across personal and commercial lines.
  • Recognize emerging economic risks and opportunities that will shape competitive positioning and strategic planning through 2026.
 

Presenters:

Michel Léonard, PhD, CBE

Chief Economist & Data Scientist

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
 

Michel Léonard, PhD, CBE, is chief economist and data scientist at the Insurance Information Institute, adjunct faculty in New York University's Economics Department, and a board member of the Insurance Research Council.

Michel brings more than 20 years of insurance experience focusing on key drivers of P&C performance across personal, commercial, specialty, and excess and surplus lines. He has held senior leadership positions including chief economist and data scientist at Alliant, chief economist at Jardine Lloyd Thompson, and chief economist for trade credit and political risk at Aon. Prior to joining the Triple-I, he was founder and CEO of MaKro LLC.

His academic appointments include adjunct faculty positions at New York University's Center for Data Science and Columbia University's Data Science Institute and Statistics Department, as well as fellow in the Institute of Latin American Studies at Columbia University. Dr. Léonard holds a BA from McGill University, an MTS from Harvard University, and an MA and PhD in political economy from the University of Virginia.

Abi Potter Clough, CPCU, AIC-M, AIS (Moderator)

CEO

AbiLeads LLC
 

Abi Potter Clough, MBA, CPCU, is a thought leader, author, and keynote speaker who writes about insurtech, insurance, and leadership for Risk & Insurance magazine and several leading insurtechs, carriers, and brokers. Her expertise is grounded in a prior career in claims leadership and operations for a major US carrier. She serves as editor of IRMI's Captive Insurance Company Reports and sits on the board of InsurTech Florida and the Executive Committee of the CPCU Society Leadership Council. Abi is the founder and CEO of AbiLeads, LLC, and the author of Life After Leaping In and Top 10 Lists for Relocation. Connect with her on LinkedIn or at Abi1Leads@gmail.com.