Reid Eanes of Lockton is witnessing firsthand a major shift in the specialty insurance world. As the lines between cyber liability, construction risk, financial exposure, and AI governance blur, insurance products must adapt to keep up. Eanes, who is executive vice president and co-practice leader for financial services in the West, said the days of one-size-fits-all coverage are over.
“Specialty insurance is more connected than ever,” Eanes explained. “You see it in areas like autonomous vehicles, data center builds, and AI, where financial, cyber, construction, and casualty risks all come together.” He will be speaking on this topic at InsuranceFest 2026, which takes place July 16 at the Santa Monica Pier.
Emerging industries are pushing brokers to rethink how they approach risk. For example, data center projects now involve builder’s risk, professional liability, cyber concerns, and environmental factors all at once. Similarly, developing autonomous vehicles brings together product liability, software failures, regulatory issues, and errors and omissions coverage. AI brings its own challenges, including professional liability, privacy laws, intellectual property questions, and cybersecurity threats.
Eanes said brokers can’t rely on coverage designed a decade ago. They need to focus on what risks clients actually face now. This is especially important as new regulations around privacy, biometrics, and cybersecurity reporting keep changing. Missing these shifts could leave clients vulnerable because their coverage may not fit the new rules—even if it technically exists.
Looking ahead, Eanes expects brokers to take on an even bigger advisory role. “As risks grow, good guidance becomes more important,” he said. “The best brokers won’t just sell policies. They’ll truly understand their clients’ businesses and help them make smart decisions.”
Eanes’ own career was shaped by helpful mentors who shared their knowledge and opportunities. He believes in “sending the elevator back down” by supporting others early on, helping them see their strengths so they can build confidence. For him, what keeps him in specialty insurance is the community and connections he’s made.
He sees events like InsuranceFest as vital for the industry. “You can’t solve these new risks alone,” he said. “It takes everyone working together.” He also values how the event brings both young professionals and veterans together, creating a space where ideas flow and people can learn from each other.
InsuranceFest 2026 is expected to draw over 1,500 brokers, carriers, MGAs, and innovators. The festival-style event will cover topics like emerging risks, distribution changes, catastrophe planning, leadership, and culture. Those interested can now register to join the gathering, which promises sessions filled with practical insights and real conversations.
In a time of rapid change, experts like Eanes believe working as a community and adapting to new realities will be key to keeping specialty insurance strong and responsive.