Hiroko Washiyama is an independent researcher and consultant based in Frankfurt, specialising in insurance, generative AI and digital finance. Her work examines how AI is reshaping insurance operations, distribution and governance across Japan and Europe, with a particular focus on responsible adoption, accountability and the role of human judgement. She is an Executive Fellow at the Digital Governance Council and contributes to the APFF working group on Digital Innovation and Responsible AI in Insurance.
Before becoming independent, Hiroko spent more than 14 years at Nomura Research Institute, advising financial institutions on insurance innovation and emerging technologies. Her experience includes a secondment to Nippon Life’s innovation team and cross-border work in Asia and Europe. She also writes and speaks on insurance and AI, translating regulatory, technological and market developments into practical implications for industry leaders.