IRLA – The Voice of Legacy

Hosted by Deborah Watson

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May 2026

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About the show

This is the official podcast of the IRLA community. In each episode, we’ll chat to the people at the heart of the insurance and reinsurance legacy space. We’ll hear their individual motivations, the initiatives they’re championing, and the perspectives they have on the sector landscape. We’ll also discuss key events and activities happening as part of IRLA’s calendar, and we’ll bring valuable opinion on globally relevant news.

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29 recent

May 11, 2026Episode 2714 min

Confidence, Capital and the Future of the Legacy Market, with Andy Creed of Riverstone (ahead of IRLA Congress)

Ahead of IRLA Congress 2026, this episode of the IRLA podcast features a conversation with Andy Creed, Group President and Group CFO at RiverStone International.Andy shares his perspective on how the legacy market has evolved in recent years - from being viewed as a reactive solution for distressed portfolios to becoming an increasingly strategic part of the wider insurance and reinsurance landscape.The discussion explores the growing importance of confidence, resilience and long-term market trust, alongside the role technology and data are playing in portfolio assessment, risk appetite and operational innovation.The episode also examines:The increasing sophistication and maturity of the marketWhy legacy solutions are becoming more strategically embeddedOngoing misconceptions surrounding the sectorAnd the importance of attracting and developing the next generation of talentAndy also reflects on the value of IRLA Congress in bringing together market participants from across the global legacy sector to share insight, build relationships and discuss the future direction of the market. Remember, if you’d like to feature on a future IRLA podcast – perhaps reflecting on your experiences of Congress – we’d love to hear from you.

May 8, 2026Episode 2619 min

Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with Aching Arms Ahead of IRLA Congress 2026

Ahead of IRLA Congress 2026, this special episode of the IRLA podcast focuses on this year’s beneficiary charity, Aching Arms, and the work being supported through the IRLA and Zurich London to Brighton Bike Ride.In a deeply personal conversation, Donna Wayman, COO at Zurich Legacy Solutions, shares her own experience of losing her daughter Violet during pregnancy and how that led to her long-standing involvement with Aching Arms.The episode explores:The support Aching Arms provides to families affected by pregnancy and baby lossWhy grief around baby loss is still so often suffered in silenceThe importance of compassionate workplace policies and bereavement trainingThe charity’s OFFLOAD campaign supporting dads and partnersAnd how the IRLA community is helping raise awareness and funds through this year’s London to Brighton bike rideIt’s an honest, thoughtful and important conversation about grief, support, workplace culture and the power of open conversations.If you’d like to learn more about Aching Arms or support the fundraising effort during Congress week, please visit their website or follow IRLA channels for updates.The justgiving link for the bike ride can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/irlazlslondontobrighton

May 5, 2026Episode 2525 min

IRLA Congress 2026 Preview: How the Legacy Market is Evolving (with Jim Bryant of DWF Law)

Ahead of IRLA Congress 2026, we speak with Jim Bryant, Partner at DWF Law, about how the legacy market has evolved, and what he’s seeing on the ground today.Jim shares his perspective on the shift from a claims-focused discipline to a more integral part of the insurance lifecycle, how organisations are approaching historic liabilities, and the growing role of technology in understanding complex portfolios.We also touch on the importance of relationships, talent, and the role IRLA plays in bringing the market together.Plus, Jim tells us why he’ll be one of the cyclists biking to Congress in support of the charity Aching Arms.

October 9, 2025Episode 245 min

IRLA International Seminar: Countdown to Munich

Munich awaits IRLA.In this episode, we hear from Richard Burrows, IRLA Director, and Simon Hawkins COO of lead sponsor, Compre.It’s now just a matter of days until the long awaited IRLA event in Europe, at which members and non members will gather for a packed agenda exploring the topic of Strategic Capital Deployment: Reconfiguring Liabilities for Growth and Efficiency.The two-day gathering begins on Tuesday 14th October with a reception and informal dinner, followed by a full day of speakers.As Richard and Simon reveal in this conversation, the event explores everything from trends in retrospective solutions and legacy management, to opportunities in capital management solutions across Europe.There will also be more insight on regulatory and claims developments, as well as market perspectives.If this episode tempts you to consider a last-minute booking….you’re not too late.Head over to the IRLA website to find out more, or email directly to reserve your spot: registrations@irla-international.com

September 16, 2024Episode 2430 min

An IRLA LCC Episode: Grenfell Unpacked

Phase two of the report into the Grenfell Inquiry has been published and in this episode, we are joined by Scarlett Milligan, a barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and was part of the counsel team to the Inquiry. In a sensitive discussion with Gian Luigi Di Franco, Scarlett helps dissect what the report and offers us and how the legacy sector might expect to see change in the years ahead. Find out more about Scarlett here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scarlett-milligan-7b583171/

July 31, 2024Episode 2313 min

Passing On the Baton: IRLA’s Richard Burrows & Nicole Law Discuss YPG and a New Chapter

We’re joined in this episode by Richard Burrows and Nicole Law, as they talk about the past, the present and the future of IRLA’s hugely successful YPG. Richard has been Chair of YPG since 2022 and is now set to step aside as of the start of September. He’ll be handing over to Nicole, who has recently been serving as Deputy and is certainly ready to embrace the new chapter along with her fellow committee members. We’ll hear some reflections of how YPG was at the outset and how it developed, plus plans for late 2024 and beyond.

July 22, 2024Episode 2214 min

IRLA LCC: Reforming the Law on Limitation in Child Abuse Claims

Today, in the latest of our LCC podcast episodes, we discuss the issue of child abuse claims. In particular, we’re chatting with guests Louise Bland and Wendy Goulder, of Eversheds Sutherland. Louise and Wendy provided a valuable contribution in drafting IRLA’s consultation response on reforming the law on limitation in such abuse claims. You’ll hear the pair talk in detail about what this all means, and how optimistic they are regarding the future of this claims area and the consultation. Should you want to get in touch with Louise and Wendy, you can reach them on by visiting the links below: Louise Bland | Partner | Eversheds Sutherland https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/en/united-kingdom/people/bland-louise Wendy Goulder | Associate | Eversheds Sutherland https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/en/global/people/goulder-wendy

July 15, 2024Episode 215 min

Change Management and a New Chapter in the World of IRLA

Jenny Fair talks about what she’s learned over the years of her career in respect of change management, and how that skillset is proving important now, as IRLA navigates its next phase in succession planning.

June 21, 2024Episode 2013 min

An IRLA LCC Conversation – Asbestos Case Update: Crozier et al Vs Scottish Power

For our latest LCC podcast episode, we head to Scotland and chat to Toni Ashby, of Clyde & Co. She and Gian Luigi Di Franco discuss a recent ruling in regards to another asbestos case. It’s a really interesting look at the rights of relatives, and a reminder of how many mesothelioma cases are yet to be completely concluded

June 12, 2024Episode 1912 min

Checking in With the IRLA Fundraising Cycle Team

To mark Bike Week 2024, and to finally check in with a few of our ‘Congress Cycling Team’, we catch up on this IRLA podcast episode with Liam Rooney and Chirag Shah. The two of them share what they get out of participating in the London to Brighton ride, and what their hopes would be for next year’s effort. You’ll hear from Chirag where the latest fundraising tally stands, and Liam will tell you why a fish and chips meal, accompanied by Guiness, is the perfect post-cycle meal if you should choose to join in next time. If you’re keen to get involved, please do drop a line to Chirag. He’s on c.shah@uk.zurich.com