InsurTech Leader Hokan Group Establishes Research Arm 'hal' Targeting Longevity and Next-Gen Social Challenges
Hokan Group, a holding company specializing in insurance technology and solutions, has established a new Discover & Research (D&R) and generative research institution, "hal (hokan advanced lab)".
The Tokyo-based company operates a portfolio of subsidiaries, including "hokan," a provider of cloud-based CRM software for the insurance sector; "CIEN," a professional service firm catering to insurance companies; and "Frich," a platform designed for alternative compensation architecture.
According to Hokan Group, the launch of hal is driven by structural shifts in society that present challenges beyond the scope of traditional actuarial science. The research institution will focus on cross-disciplinary fields, specifically targeting declining birthrates, population aging, increased longevity, and emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber threats.
"The scope of questions insurance must address is broader than ever," stated Naoyuki Kosaka, Group CEO of Hokan Group. "In an environment where our fundamental assumptions are being rewritten by global risks like climate change and the rapid advancement of technology like generative AI, simply deepening existing knowledge is insufficient."
The research center aims to bridge academic insights and practical industry applications by bringing together experts from insurance, finance, healthcare, technology, and academia. It will channel its findings back into the market through research papers, white papers, forums, and specialized community initiatives. Additionally, hal intends to leverage its research outcomes to develop systems and drive tangible business creation.
The institution's core research framework will be divided into two main strategic axes:
- Confronting Risk: Addressing new structural risks that cannot be calculated with traditional data, implementing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), and engineering pre-emptive crisis resilience.
- Expanding Well-Being: Exploring methods to extend healthy life and asset expectancy, and scientifically augmenting human cognitive and physical vitality.
To steer these initiatives, Hokan Group has appointed two Executive Advisors:
- Toshiyuki Yasui, a professor at Musashino University and special invited professor at Keio University Graduate School. Yasui brings extensive regulatory and financial experience, having previously held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Services Agency (FSA), including serving as the Director of the Insurance Planning Office.
- Sanae Akima, CEO of La torche. Akima is an expert in business development and organizational transformation, specializing in cognitive science-based management and human vitality.
Hokan Group indicated that it will announce additional executive advisors as the initiative progresses.
Norbert Gehrke
