With submissions surging in the E&S sector, investing in data technology is vital to ensuring companies aren’t overwhelmed. Scott Stafford’s takeaways from the E&S Insurer conference
Recently, I had the opportunity to join leading figures from the E&S sector at the E&S Insurer Conference & Awards 2025 in New York. This one-day event explored how companies can address operational inefficiencies and navigate emerging risks to meet rising demand and keep pace with the market’s continued growth.
The event brought together decision-makers from across the distribution landscape for in-depth discussions on optimizing risk processes. I was honored to take part in a panel titled “Finding Underwriting Efficiencies with Data and AI,” chaired by Kamaron Leach, Content Editor & Host of The Insurer TV.
Our discussion focused on the evolving role of AI in underwriting and broking ecosystems, especially within data workflows. A central theme was the importance of meeting organizations where they are on their AI journey – recognizing the maturity of their existing systems and designing solutions that integrate seamlessly into their current data architecture.
There was strong consensus that AI is not a plug-and-play fix. It’s a tool – powerful, but only as effective as the systems, software, and expertise surrounding it. Unlocking AI’s full potential requires thoughtful implementation, tailored to the specific needs and infrastructure of each organization.
As CTO with a background in solving complex software challenges, I was particularly keen to steer the conversation toward the technical underpinnings of global exposure technology. The panel provided a valuable opportunity to explore how machine learning can drive efficiency in key tasks like name clearance, modeling, and exposure data scrubbing – enhancements that empower underwriters and brokers to perform at a higher level.
Beyond the panel, I had the chance to attend several presentations and fireside chats featuring thought leaders from across the E&S landscape. Many of their insights echoed Ping’s perspective on the data-driven evolution unfolding in the industry.
In the opening address, Ryan Specialty CEO Tim Turner emphasized AI’s critical role in helping the wholesale market manage the increasing volume of submissions from retail brokers. His message to the industry was clear:
“The faster we can go, the more business we’re going to write,” he told delegates. There will be some of us that can invest heavily in AI. I hope everyone does that. I hope that we’re heavy in digital as an industry, in small commercial in particular.”
Staying on the topic of submissions, Skyward Specialty CEO Andrew Robinson later underscored the need to remove manual processes from the intake workflow. He also noted the need for data enrichment:
“You need to be able to augment submission data with third party data,” he stated, “and I would say today, probably synthetic AI data. This would involve bringing together data sources to augment the information about the risk in the submission.”
CRC CEO Dave Obenauer continued this theme, highlighting the challenge of matching surging submission volumes with carrier appetite efficiently:
“It’s about getting faster and smarter systems,” he said, “especially with AI, that will really advance that ball significantly and on the underwriting front. It allows them to triage submissions that fit what they expect, and it has all the data presented in the way they expect to see it every time.”
He added, “The underwriter needs to have their talents applied to an efficient data process.”
The takeaways from the event for me were unmistakable – no matter where you are on your AI journey, it’s time to pick up the pace. The faster and more efficient your data flows within the underwriting process, the more quality business you can write – and the stronger your overall performance will be.
I’d urge you all to check out the great coverage from the event, which is available at E&S Insurer.
Scott Stafford
Ping Intel CTO