Verisk Analytics Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of McKenzie Intelligence Services

The acquisition of MIS is poised to significantly improve Verisk's ability to provide rapid post-event damage assessments and military-grade intelligence. This move allows insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and loss adjusters to access high-resolution catastrophe event responses, from pre-event alerting to post-event exposure damage quantification.

MIS's proprietary technology offers actionable insights that empower real-time decision-making during major loss events. By integrating MIS’s expertise into its existing framework, Verisk aims to offer a more comprehensive suite of services tailored to the needs of its clients in catastrophic event scenarios.

Verisk's acquisition of MIS not only enhances its operational capabilities but also deepens its insights into Strikes, Riots, and Civil Commotion (SRCC) and political violence risk analytics. The integration of MIS’s real-time, incident-level intelligence will allow Verisk to provide clients with timely updates and insights as events unfold, thus enabling them to manage risks more effectively.

Rob Newbold, President of Verisk Catastrophe and Risk Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Verisk and MIS share a commitment to helping clients make faster, more confident decisions before, during, and after catastrophic events.” Newbold emphasized that the combination of MIS's geospatial intelligence with Verisk's existing catastrophe models and risk analytics will offer clients a more complete view of unfolding events, allowing for better impact assessment and response prioritization.

MIS’s capabilities are set to provide (re)insurers with rapid and precise insights, supporting several critical functions including:

Forbes McKenzie, the founder of MIS, remarked on the synergy between the two companies, highlighting their collaborative history in integrating real-time event data. He stated, “It felt like a natural fit to join the team, especially as catastrophes grow increasingly disruptive around the world.”

With this acquisition, MIS will enhance Verisk's Catastrophe and Risk Solutions division, integrating its real-time geospatial intelligence into a broader portfolio that includes advanced analytics and risk data. This alignment is expected to provide clients with a more connected view of emerging and unfolding risks, enabling them to prepare effectively and respond swiftly.

Verisk’s recent innovations, such as the Verisk Synergy Studio — a cloud-native platform that unifies catastrophe modeling, exposure management, and risk analytics — further exemplify the company's commitment to integrating advanced science with modern technology. The acquisition of MIS complements these initiatives, ensuring that Verisk remains a leader in the catastrophe and risk analytics space.

Verisk has indicated that this transaction is not expected to have a material impact on its financial results, suggesting a calculated and strategic approach to the acquisition. As the global landscape of catastrophic events becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable, Verisk’s commitment to equipping insurers with robust tools and insights will be crucial in fostering resilience across the industry.

The acquisition of McKenzie Intelligence Services marks a significant milestone for Verisk Analytics, enhancing its capabilities in managing catastrophic risks and empowering clients to navigate the complexities of global events. With its strong focus on integrating real-time intelligence and advanced analytics, Verisk is well-positioned to lead the way in catastrophe management and support the insurance industry in making informed decisions during critical moments.