The Founders’ Journey: Technology Decisions that Shape Success
Online
29th July 2026 • 13.00 - 14.00
About this session
Cloud technology was a nascent concept when Gareth Baines founded Partner Risk in 2017 and when Dynamo Analytics’ actuarial modelling platform Psicle was at an early stage of development. Fast forward almost 10 years and we find ourselves amid an AI-driven revolution, requiring rapid adaption to evolving technological advancements, or risking being left behind.
Listen to Gareth reflect on the journey of launching and growing Partner Risk, explore how the business approached their technology roadmap, what factors were considered when contrasting off-the-shelf vs. bespoke technology solutions, and how these decisions contributed to the success of the business.
Hannes, co-founder of Dynamo, will provide the perspective of a true technology partner, explore the benefits of implementing a scalable and connected process to facilitate effective financial reporting, and provide genuine modelling automation across all functions. He will also reflect on how partnering with Gareth pushed their boundaries in new areas of functionality.
Join us to hear reflections from of an award-winning technology vendor and successful MGA founder now looking to do it all over again, and answer the question – “what would you do differently next time?”
Learning Objectives
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Describe factors to consider when selecting between off-the-shelf and custom or configurable technology systems that will best fit their business needs across both front- (underwriting) and back-office (finance) functions.
- Explore practical factors related to an MGA’s technology roadmap, including considerations when picking a partner (from both sides of the fence) that will walk the journey through thick and thin, and a few curve balls such as Covid.
- Explain how to stay nimble and adapt during periods of rapid technological change impacting underwriter workflows – where to prioritise change when everything seems important.
Hannes van Rensburg
Head of Psicle Product Innovation, Dynamo Analytics Psicle | Dynamo Analytics
Hannes is co-founder of Dynamo Analytics, a London-headquartered software company and consultancy. He oversees the development of Psicle, a software platform used globally by financial institutions to automate, optimise and streamline complex actuarial and financial workflows.
Hannes is a qualified actuary (FIA, FASSA) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computing Sciences and Mathematical Statistics. Prior to founding Dynamo he worked across pricing, capital management and reserving, in the London and South African insurance markets.
Gareth Baines
Partner Risk Founder and Managing Director
Gareth founded Partner Risk Holdings in 2017, bringing an extensive background in general insurance and bancassurance across Africa, with skills in structured insurance, personal, commercial, and niche insurance products.
Based in South Africa, Gareth has held executive positions at Guardrisk, AIG, Absa Bank, and Nedbank, complemented with strong board experience having served on the boards of The Institute of Risk Management South Africa, as well as various non-life and life insurers.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree (Finance Hons), an MBA, and RE1 and RE5 regulatory qualifications in South Africa.
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