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As volatility rises, Skyward Specialty sees sustainable growth in data-backed insurance solutions

As traditional commercial lines face mounting pressure to evolve, specialty programs are rapidly emerging as the engine of growth in the insurance industry. For Corey LaFlamme, president of captives & specialty programs at Skyward Specialty, the reason behind this shift is universal – the blend of precision and expertise that always wins in a market demanding more tailored solutions. “It’s certainly been crazy to see the amount of growth in these segments,” LaFlamme told IB. “The main reason for that is programs usually tend to focus on a specific industry segment or an unmet market need. So, when you can demonstrate expertise to a customer with a customized approach to solving their problems, it’ll be desired in the marketplace.”

Skyward Specialty (Nasdaq: SKWD) is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The company operates through nine underwriting divisions – Accident & Health, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, Captives, Construction & Energy Solutions, Global Property, Professional Lines, Specialty Programs, Surety, and Transactional E&S. Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Great Midwest Insurance Company, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people, and its products, please visit skywardinsurance.com.

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“At Skyward, our approach won’t change. We will continue to identify partners that are on the forefront of using technology, underwriting expertise, and differentiation to be consistent players in the market”

Corey LaFlamme, Skyward Specialty

Published Nov 3, 2025

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“When you can demonstrate expertise to a customer with a customized approach to solving their problems, it’ll be desired in the marketplace”

Corey LaFlamme, Skyward Specialty

Unlike traditional models that often treat clients uniformly, specialty programs zero in on niche markets – offering bespoke products and services that align with specific business challenges. ‘No one wants to be the dumb money in any market’“In my experience, traditionally most carriers would treat the majority of their clients similarly, but there’s a growing appreciation for aligning around the expertise,” LaFlamme explained. “Clients prefer dealing with experts that understand their business – and that’s where the program market has been stepping up. At Skyward Specialty, when we’re vetting a new program, we’re looking for presence and expertise in the market being served along with differentiators that are hard to replicate. We want partners that rule their niche, which is a theme that you’ll hear consistently from Skyward no matter where we play.” At the core of any successful specialty program lies deep underwriting expertise, with LaFlamme adding that Skyward’s internal team is rather exceptional here. “We think underwriting expertise is paramount,” he told IB. “No one wants to be the dumb money in any market, but we see it when carriers get outside their lane and play where they don’t have expertise.”

At Skyward Specialty, LaFlamme and his team consistently seek out program underwriters who are not only technically skilled but also passionate about their market. “The program underwriters we partner with have that deep industry knowledge combined with a passion for their niche, and they know exactly where they want to focus,” LaFlamme explained. “They also offer a product that resonates with their clients and know how to sell that differentiated offering.” Strong underwriting, however, is only part of the equation. Effective distribution partnerships are equally critical – and alignment across the value chain is non-negotiable.

“Alignment is key,” LaFlamme emphasized. “The common alignment we look for is that the entire value chain should be based around the customer and their priorities. Brokers understand their clients’ goals, and they need to feel that underwriters and program managers can deliver solutions that meet them. After all, product knowledge is essential for everyone involved, and the best partners we work with bring us customers that align with and value our offering.” Noise vs. signal: understanding the differenceAs programs become more data-driven, the role of analytics in designing, pricing, and monitoring performance is also growing rapidly here. For LaFlamme this hinges on both having access to real-time data and, more importantly, knowing how to use it effectively. “The amount of data accessible today is crazy [compared with] about 10 or 15 years ago. It continues to increase, and therefore the speed at which we can evaluate performance has increased. At Skyward Specialty, we combine leading indicators with trailing indicators to review direction and adjust quickly if necessary. As we continue to evolve the role of AI in the process, we will be able to digest more data and determine where to look to distinguish noise from signals.”

For Skyward Specialty, and for LaFlamme, the distinction between noise and signal is fundamental to success here too. “Noise just tells you things you already know or expect, but signals are actionable,” he told IB. “In the end, sustainable underwriting results are the mission, but how fast you pick up signals that need to be addressed will separate the markets – which will present opportunities for those that can adjust the fastest.” As we move further on through to 2026, LaFlamme sees both opportunity and disruption on the horizon. As the insurance markets shift, not every program will survive – but those built on adaptability and innovation will thrive. “It’s so hard to predict what the market will present, but we know it won’t stay still,” he said. “We’re anticipating changes, evolution, and we expect that not every program will survive.”

For LaFlamme, the winners will be the ones who embrace technology, data, and disciplined underwriting. And the data certainly chimes with LaFlamme’s assertions. According to research from Broker Pulse, 68 percent of brokers have some level of AI skills – with 18 percent boasting “confident usage.” What’s more, 25 percent of brokers are already using AI tools regularly and report getting tangible value from their usage.

“Those that embrace AI, advanced data, and analytics have a firm grasp on the right price for their exposures, and of course need to limit volatility – they will prosper, and others won’t.” ‘At Skyward Specialty, our approach won’t change’Looking ahead, LaFlamme added that the current hard market has created opportunity for both standard and specialty carriers – but competition is only going to intensify. “The hard market left enough meat on the bone for standard and specialty carriers to both grow,” LaFlamme told IB. “But

as this market changes, the dipping into each other’s appetites is going to come back, since we know both groups will fight for growth.” With that in mind, Skyward Specialty is preparing for this shift by sticking to its core principles – decisive action, specialized expertise, and strategic partnerships. “At Skyward, our approach won’t change,” he explained. “We will continue to identify partners that are on the forefront of using technology, underwriting expertise, and differentiation to be consistent players in the market. “We will look for those partners that adapt to the market changes, find new opportunities to address unmet needs, and bring innovative solutions. Here at Skyward Specialty, our structure enables us to move quickly and be decisive when opportunities present themselves – allowing us to capitalize.”

Source: Broker Pulse

are confident in using AI

68%

18%

25%

of brokers are using AI tools regularly

of brokers have some level of AI skills

Brokers embracing AI innovation

Source: Skyward Speciality

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Skyward Specialty’s people-first values

Source: Skyward Specialty

We go further to gain the insight it takes to find better answers and create the right solutions

Grow personally and professionally

Rise above the usual

Engage in inclusion

We avidly seek a rich diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives

We are committed to bettering ourselves and supporting that same spirit in each other, and we have fun doing it

Skyward Specialty’s people-first values

Act in good faith

We are transparent, honest, and accountable to ourselves and each other, no matter what

Transcend the self

We are high-achieving individuals who are humble enough to know that teamwork takes us even higher