The U.S. economy is experiencing robust growth, but some economists see storm clouds on the horizon. Has strong growth coupled with low interest rates fueled M&A? What happens when the economy slows? Our keynote speaker will explain the forces at work on the economy and how they impact M&A.

• Thomas Holzheu, Chief Economist Americas, Swiss Re

Hear from representatives of both financial and strategic acquirers about their objectives when buying transaction insurance, how well those objectives are being met, and what insurers can be doing better.

• Deborah McBrearty, Global Head of Transactional Risk Insurance, Tokio Marine HCC
• Nicholas Wilski, Senior Vice President, Macquarie

What are the significant issues facing transaction insurance underwriters today? Which emerging issues will be important in the months and years to come? A panel of top underwriters will offer their insights on topics including rates, retentions, new industries and deal types, minority transactions, and new applications of transaction insurance.

• Omari K. Sealy, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP [Moderator]
• Colin J. Addy, Vice President, Transactional Risk, Chubb
• Chris Graham, Vice President – Underwriting Leader. Specialty and Commercial Insurance, North America, QBE
• Ilan Peress, Vice President, Concord Specialty Risk
• Howard T. Spilko, Co-Managing Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

A panel of reinsurers will share their views on the transaction insurance market, focusing on issues such as claims trends, capacity, pricing, and concerns about aggregation of risk. They also will address product-specific concerns with contingent risk and tax liability insurance.

• Edward Markovich, EVP, Transactional Risk, North America Financial Lines, Chubb [Moderator]
• Bill Hopkins, Managing Director, Arch Reinsurance Company
• Christopher Ross, Managing Director, Treaty Broking, Guy Carpenter

Most policyholders who file a Reps & Warranties policy claim are experiencing it for the first time. They don’t know what to expect or how to best work with the insurer in getting the claim validated. The discussion will provide the perspective from a forensic accountant’s experience on ways that both the policyholder and the insurer can make the claims process more efficient and less stressful.

• Marc Sherman, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal

Reps & warranties insurance is still relatively young in the United States, and the claims landscape is still taking shape. This session will examine frequency and severity trends, and will compare and contrast the findings of recent reports from AIG, SRS Acquiom, and JP Morgan concerning M&A claims.

• Markus Bolsinger, Partner, Dechert LLP [Moderator]
• David Barkus, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
• Elliot Kowalski, Vice President (North America), Mergers & Acquisitions Insurance, AIG
• Kevin Pruner, Executive Director, Senior Sales Manager, JP Morgan
• Stefano Vranca, Senior Managing Director, Ankura

A panel of senior executives will offer their perspectives on the transaction insurance market and where it is headed. They’ll discuss the impact of claim trends on carriers, the rapid growth of the market, the potential impact of various economic factors, competition, and evolving perspectives on the role of R&W insurance in transactions.

• Randy Hein, President, Berkley Transactional [Moderator]
• Matthew Heinz, Senior Managing Director, Aon
• Jay Rittberg, Managing Principal, Euclid Transactional LLC
• Craig Schioppo, Transactional Risk Practice Leader, Managing Director, Marsh JLT Specialty
• Michael Turnbull, North America and UK M&A Manager, AIG