Ask the Expert: Steve Strauss, Accelerant’s U.S. Chief Underwriting Officer

Steve Strauss brings nearly three decades of (re)insurance experience as Accelerant’s Chief Underwriting Officer for the U.S. region. Over the course of his career, Steve was Vice President of CNA Reinsurance, Vice President of Business Development at Berkley Program Specialists, Senior Vice President and Deputy Team Leader of U.S. Casualty at SCOR, and Chief Underwriting … Read more

Ask the Expert: Nick Brown, Accelerant’s Chief Underwriting Officer

Nick Brown, Accelerant’s Chief Underwriting Officer for the UK region, has the expertise of over 15 years of combined experience in both insurance and reinsurance. He began his career at RSA, where he was an underwriter in their UK Commercial Property Portfolio and latterly led the UK & Europe Commercial Construction, Engineering and Renewable Energy … Read more

Member Stories: Accelerant’s Data Culture Enabled Volta Underwriters, powered by Swiftly, to Better Forecast Risk

Like its tech-savvy namesake, Volta Underwriters was founded in 2021 as a cutting-edge surplus lines broker and MGA focused on underwriting commercial property and small business insurance.  In line with Accelerant’s mission to reform legacy processes, Volta favors rapid, digital-first systems. Managing Partner Jon Rank and Director Michael Lyons shared why they decided to partner … Read more

Crafting Competitive Specialty Insurance Products: Insights from the Industry

The insurance landscape is as varied and intricate as the risks it seeks to cover. In the vast spectrum of insurance offerings, specialty insurance stands out, designed to address unique, complex, and often rapidly evolving risks. But how do you craft a specialty insurance product that’s not only effective but also competitive? Drawing on our … Read more

Building for a New Era: Modernizing MGA Operations

The insurance industry, much like the risks it seeks to cover, is in a constant state of flux. Among the many roles within the insurance ecosystem, Managing General Agents (MGAs) play a crucial part. They bridge the gap between insurers and customers, often specializing in niche markets or innovative products. However, as we pivot towards … Read more

The Future of Specialty Insurance: Predictions and Preparations for 2024

As the world is simultaneously becoming more interconnected through technology while global upheaval and conflicts evolve, the intricacies of risk become ever more complex. Specialty insurance, designed to cater to these specific and nuanced risks, must evolve in tandem. At Accelerant, we’re not just watching the horizon; we’re shaping it. As we approach 2024, let’s … Read more

How Accelerant Uses Big Data to Assess and Mitigate Insurance Risks

In the evolving world of insurance, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just understanding risks—it also means anticipating them. In this digital age, the treasure trove of Big Data offers unprecedented insights into risk assessment and predictions for mitigation. At Accelerant, we’ve seamlessly integrated Big Data analytics into our core operations, refining the … Read more

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Insurance Distribution Channels

The insurance industry is traditionally perceived as resistant to change but has undergone significant transformation in recent years. At the forefront of this evolution is technology, revolutionizing not just how insurance products are designed but also how they’re distributed. At Accelerant, we’ve been keen observers and active participants in this digital shift. Today, we’ll explore … Read more

The Road Ahead: Preparing for an AI-Driven Insurance Ecosystem

It’s impossible to ignore the impact AI  (artificial intelligence) is having on our world — and on our ecosystem. But adopting AI isn’t a panacea, or a straightforward tactic — It requires strategic planning, investment, and a holistic change in the operational model. Here are the things we’re hearing from our Community about what’s ahead. How … Read more