Dr. Henna Karna, seen here, trained as a mathematician and believes there are many ways to solve a problem. She is currently managing director and chief data officer for AXA XL. (Photo provided by IASA). Dr. Henna Karna, seen here, trained as a mathematician and believes there are many ways to solve a problem. She is currently managing director and chief data officer for AXA XL. (Photo provided by IASA).

Insurance has always been referred to as a data-driven industry, even if much of the industry has thus far failed to achieve a level of data mastery on an individual business basis that would keep insurers on par with financial services firms, for example. An inability to handle the volume, velocity and variety presented by big data, illustrated for many insurers the need for more talent and more technology focused around harnessing the value of the industry's data assets.

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