Rieder and Meyers did a deep dive examining how the two firms are driving innovation – particularly in the mid-market – and Rieder emphasized NFP’s distinct role: “We are independent and connected, and the connected part is what’s really benefiting us.” Operating with autonomy while tapping into Aon’s data and resources allows NFP to scale its capabilities and deliver solutions, once limited to larger markets, down market.
A major theme of the conversation centered on the importance of data as the foundation for Artificial Intelligence (AI). “We’ve been executing for five-plus years on a data strategy,” Rieder noted. “AI just becomes a tool to help us drive those insights in a more effective, efficient and timely fashion.” NFP’s long-term investment in data infrastructure positions it ahead of the curve in AI enablement for the mid-market.
Similarly, Meyers pointed to Aon’s own commitment to data transformation, which is underlined by its enterprise-wide 3-by-3 strategy – an ambitious plan supported by a billion-dollar investment in data and analytics.
When asked if he views AI as a threat Meyers stated, “We view AI as an opportunity. It will definitely bring risk and potential disintermediation, but it creates an enormous amount of opportunity as well. When we think of disintermediation in the broking space, whether in reinsurance or on the retail side, faster information is always better for a trusted advisor,” he said. “Making sure our teams are nimble, agile and knowledgeable is the key. I think this is how we mitigate the potential downside and maximize the
chance at upside. Obviously, there will be times of unforeseen challenges, but you can use AI to help observe what is coming. There will certainly be iteration and cycling as we work towards optimizing the use of this evolving technology.”
Rieder added, “Agents not using AI will be replaced by ones who are, but the human aspect of what we do isn’t going away.”
Meyers noted, “One of the top risks for me is that we never get our data to the point where we can fully benefit from AI.” He also commended NFP’s readiness: “They can tell us which data are necessary. They’re really the team on the ground, tip of the spear.”
This practical, outcome-focused mindset stood out throughout the discussion. “We took the lumps over the last few years to organize,” said Rieder. “Now we’re benefiting from it, and our operating model helped us move faster than most.”
While Aon brings global scale, it’s NFP’s agility, client focus and strategic clarity that position it to lead in the mid-market. In a rapidly evolving space, success isn’t about having the flashiest AI, it’s about using it where it matters.
As AI matures and clients demand more tailored, insight-driven solutions, NFP is not only ready to meet that challenge but poised to lead it. In a market where many are still planning, NFP has been building.
