Beyond the placement – rethinking broker–underwriter relationships
Panel discussionUnderwriting Club (Forum at Broker Expo)
2025-10-09 | 10:40 AM - 11:20 AM
Information
As underwriting becomes more selective amid geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and shifting risk appetites, brokers are increasingly challenged to secure the right cover for their clients.
At the same time, underwriters face demands to balance capacity constraints, regulatory expectations, and profitability. This dynamic has put broker–underwriter relationships under strain, raising questions about how both sides can engage earlier, communicate more openly, and work together to deliver sustainable outcomes for clients. This panel will examine how trust can be rebuilt in underwriting relationships, what processes need rethinking, and how technology and data can support a more collaborative placement process.
- How are market conditions (capacity, pricing, and appetite shifts) impacting broker–underwriter relationships today?
- What does effective early engagement between brokers and underwriters look like, and how can it improve placement outcomes?
- Where are the biggest pinch points for brokers during underwriting negotiations, and how are underwriters addressing them?
- How can underwriting teams use data and digital platforms to give brokers clearer visibility on appetite and faster responses?
- What skills and behaviours will define the most effective broker–underwriter partnerships over the next five years?
Speakers
Niraj Shah
HSB Engineering Insurance
Chief Underwriting Officer