Rapidly evolving cyber risks and how to counter them will be the focus of an expert panel at the upcoming Insurance News conference.

Outlook 2026 is on March 19 in Sydney, and tickets are available here. 

For the cyber session, QBE global head of cyber services Dominic Keller will be joined by WTW director of cyber and technology for the Pacific Michael Parrant and MGA broking operations manager Trent Woodward. 

The panel is expected to tackle the rise of ransomware and other threats, the impact of technology and AI, regulatory requirements, the protection gap and the value cyber underwriters can bring.

“The more that we can encourage organisations to understand that cyber risks can be a threat to the achievement of core business goals, the better,” Mr Keller said. “Australian businesses can adopt stronger practices in terms of understanding the importance of data governance and how core business functions are impacted by reliance on interconnected networks and information systems.

“There’s ground to make up for organisations in understanding what their operational and business exposures are to cyberattacks.”

Other sessions at Outlook 2026 include a keynote speech by Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall on the major challenges facing the industry, a panel on the future of broking, and presentations on AI, workplace wellbeing and claims.

The final session is the annual CEO panel, which includes AUB CEO Mike Emmett, AIG Australia CEO Kathleen Warden, Allianz chief GM of commercial and personal injury Julie Mitchell, and Aon Australia CEO Kevan Johnston. 

Attendees will also gain access to an exclusive printed copy of our INFORM report, compiled with experts at Finity. The report provides a detailed analysis of rates, capacity and profitability across commercial and personal lines, plus a series of in-depth features addressing issues including the rational/irrational soft market, the psychological claims crisis, and cyber risks and myths. 

The event is backed by gold partners QBE and Tata Consultancy Services, and sponsors Entsia, AAMC and Australia Underwriting.

Attendees are eligible for eight ANZIIF CIP points and six NIBA CPD points.