AXA XL has launched its Canada middle market business, marking an expansion of its insurance services in the country.
The move follows the appointment of Arti Rawal as chief underwriting officer – middle market, Canada, in September 2024. Rawal is tasked with building the middle market team and developing insurance products tailored to support this business segment.
“We're open for business,” Rawal said. “We're excited to start working with new clients and brokers, because we know that they have a lot to gain from the multiline insurance coverage provided by our experienced underwriters and backed by AXA XL's financial strength, suite of products and risk management capabilities.”
AXA XL will offer multiline coverages for middle market clients in Canada, including property, general liability, umbrella, and commercial auto insurance. The company plans to initially partner with a limited number of brokers in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. It also plans to broaden the broker network as the business grows.
James Lee, chief agent and head of Client & Distribution at AXA XL, said the expansion aligns with the company’s goal to act as a risk management partner for its clients, providing value beyond standard insurance policies.
“Risk is growing more complex for businesses of all sizes,” Lee said. “By tailoring our insurance products and services specifically to the middle market, we can assist clients who might otherwise lack the resources or expertise to effectively manage these risks.”
The launch comes as businesses face increasingly varied and complex risk environments, requiring more comprehensive and adaptable insurance solutions.
Last year, AXA introduced cyber insurance coverage designed for businesses developing their own generative AI models. This endorsement expands the company’s global cyber insurance portfolio to cover emerging technological risks tied to AI.
The company said the new coverage addresses three main risk areas associated with Gen AI, particularly data poisoning, usage rights and intellectual property infringement risks, and regulatory compliance risks.
