Insurance works best when it keeps its promise—simply, quickly, and without friction. In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden sits down with Ola Jacob, Business Development Director at Descartes Underwriting (now Global Parametrics), to demystify one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—innovations in risk transfer today: parametric insurance. Despite its intimidating name, Ola makes a compelling case that parametric insurance is actually the purest form of insurance there is. The principle is refreshingly clear: when a pre-agreed parameter is met, a pre-agreed payout is triggered. No loss adjustment battles. No ambiguity. Just certainty—when it matters most. As climate volatility and natural catastrophes increase, traditional indemnity insurance alone is struggling to keep pace with the speed and predictability businesses now require. Parametric solutions flip the model from reactive reimbursement to pre-planned recovery—using independent, measurable data points such as weather or seismic activity to trigger rapid payouts. Ola shares why this shift isn’t just technical—it’s human. Insurance, at its core, is about trust. When claims are paid quickly and smoothly, it restores confidence in the promise insurers make. When they’re delayed or disputed, the entire industry pays the reputational price. One of the most striking insights? Clients using parametric insurance often recover with up to 10x less limit than before—because speed matters more than size. Knowing exactly what payout to expect allows organisations to plan in advance, allocate funds immediately, and stabilise operations while others are still waiting for loss assessments. This episode also explores why innovation in insurance can’t happen in silos. True progress requires collaboration across carriers, MGAs, brokers, technologists, and clients. Parametric insurance doesn’t replace indemnity—it complements it. Together, they have the potential to fundamentally reshape how risk is managed in an increasingly uncertain world. You’ll learn: Why parametric insurance is simpler than it sounds—and more powerful than expected How data-driven triggers enable faster recovery and better resilience planning Why combining parametric and indemnity cover could be a game changer for the industry What insurers must do to design solutions that feel invisible, elegant, and effective This conversation is essential listening for anyone rethinking resilience, climate risk, and the future role of insurance. 🎧 Tune in—and ask yourself: is your risk strategy built for recovery, or just for claims?