OAK Global, a global risk partner underwriting through two Lloyd’s syndicates, has unveiled ROOT Intelligence, a newly formed technology company designed to accelerate its AI and data capabilities across the underwriting lifecycle.
ROOT Intelligence will develop and scale a suite of proprietary tools, headlined by OCEAN (OAK Capital, Exposure and Analytics Network), a risk orchestration platform built to harness current and emerging AI advances. The unit brings together specialists across engineering, compliance, data science and AI to strengthen technology-enabled risk insight and build more resilient, scalable data foundations.
The new venture will be housed within Trinity College Dublin’s innovation hub, situating it at the heart of a recognised European centre for engineering, responsible AI and data science. AWS will underpin ROOT Intelligence’s technical infrastructure, providing access to cloud, AI and data capabilities as well as the expertise needed to translate emerging technologies into tangible business value.
Day-to-day leadership of the ROOT Intelligence team will be divided between three senior figures: newly appointed Dublin-based Gerard DeVere, head of platform; London-based Oliver Mapp, head of data science & innovation; and Alex Stephenson, head of business technology. The team will collaborate closely with OAK Global’s underwriting, capital & risk, and finance & operations divisions.
OAK Global operates as a leading global risk partner, underwriting through two dedicated syndicates within Lloyd’s market. The establishment of ROOT Intelligence represents the company’s long-term vehicle for technology-driven transformation, with the aim of cementing OAK Global’s position as an AI-native risk partner anchored in governance, trusted data and robust controls.
The Dublin base marks an expansion of OAK Global’s geographic footprint beyond its existing London-based Lloyd’s underwriting platform.
OAK Global founder and CEO Cathal Carr said: “As the pace of change driven by technology – and AI specifically – accelerates, the creation of ROOT Intelligence enhances OAK Global’s strategy to embrace the challenge this change will present. OAK Global adopts holistic intelligence as a foundational capability building strategy. It is our belief that future underwriting leadership will only be achieved through the successful fusion of both market-leading talent and technology – data driven innovation rooted in strong security, governance and controls to enable, not replace, our people in delivering market leading long-term solutions to our clients and investors.”
OAK Global co-founder, chief capital officer and head of strategy Alex Winfield said: “ROOT Intelligence will enable faster, more consistent responses through efficient workflows and better access to OAK Global’s proprietary data asset, supporting better risk management for our clients. It will allow OAK Global to deliver responsive, better-informed and more reliable underwriting decisions across the cycle, building trust through speed, clarity and consistency.
“Through its research and technology partnerships, ROOT Intelligence will ensure OAK Global remains closely connected to advances in AI, data science and analytics – translating innovation and experimentation into practical underwriting advantage.”
OAK Global chief financial officer and managing director Irfan Haq said: “We are proud to expand our Group footprint into Dublin, one of Europe’s leading technology ecosystems. Complementing our London-based Lloyd’s underwriting platform, this technology investment strengthens our ability to deliver long term value for our stakeholders.”
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