2025 Underwriters of the Year | Catherine Yatco, Personal Lines Underwriting Team Lead, Northbridge Insurance

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Maryknoll College in the Philippines and working in banking, she moved to Canada in 1994 and took a role as a typist and filing clerk at a brokerage in Pickering, Ont.

From obtaining her RIBO licence and working as a broker, to joining underwriting on the company side in 2001 and then Northbridge a year later, Yatco has risen through the ranks to her current role, Personal Lines Underwriting Team Lead, building a reputation for her unwavering work ethic, deep technical knowledge, and dedication to broker training and mentorship.

She’s a proud holder of the CAIB and CIP designations and leads compliance audits, broker training, and complex risk assessments.

Outside of work, Yatco enjoys cooking, baking, and travelling with her husband of 20 years.

She was left “ecstatic” upon hearing of the recognition by The Insurance Market, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers.

“In my 31 years in the insurance industry, I have not received a prestigious award like this. It’s an enormous accomplishment, both personally and professionally, and I’m truly grateful.”

Q: What’s key to a great working relationship between underwriter and broker, and why is this more important than ever?


“Effective communication and personal interaction. That’s how trust is built, especially when we need to work through even the most complex issues or different opinions. A little humour can go a long way in creating a professional yet positive atmosphere — so we can brainstorm and find the best resolution that benefits everyone.”

Q: Why did you become an underwriter, and what do you love most about your role?


“After seven years as a personal lines broker, I wanted to expand my knowledge and explore a different side of insurance. I still wanted to stay connected to brokers, and underwriting was the perfect fit. I’m still happy after 23 years within Northbridge underwriting. What I enjoy most is training and meeting brokers. I learn as much from them as they learn from me.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters today, and how can they overcome it?


“Gathering enough quality information to underwrite effectively. Technology has given us more tools and data, but it can also introduce questions the broker might not be expecting. The challenge is finding a balance — meeting broker and client needs while managing the complexity of risk.”

Q: What’s one opportunity underwriters should focus more on?


“Knowing our brokers, understanding risk, and obtaining the proper information to adequately assess risk. Open communication with brokers helps us stay ahead of market trends and customer needs.”

Q: Given that talent shortages remain a challenge, what would you say to encourage more people to join the industry?


“There’s a misconception that insurance is boring, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s fast-moving and at the centre of everything happening in the world. There are endless opportunities, and so many companies support continued education and growth.”

Q: How do you see AI and technology impacting underwriting?


“These are excellent resources, especially for training and streamlining mundane tasks. But I don’t see AI replacing underwriters in the near future. We deal with unique and complex risks that require human judgment and experience. We still need the ability to think outside the box.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Perseverance, hard work, and patience. Leaders also have to have strong organization skills and an analytical mindset. You need to stay curious, adaptable, and open to continuous learning. Mistakes and setbacks will happen — use them as a chance to grow.”

Q: Canada continues to suffer pressures like natural catastrophes, auto theft, fraud, and tariff impacts. How can brokers and underwriters better collaborate to help Canadian consumers manage risk?


“Underwriters have access to claims data and risk tools that brokers may not. It’s our responsibility to share that insight so brokers can educate clients and help them make informed choices. That’s how we empower consumers to take steps to mitigate their risks — through shared knowledge and honest, meaningful conversations. This is where there’s tremendous opportunity for underwriters.”

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members for over a decade. The program is exclusive to CBN in partnership with Canadian Underwriter magazine. The categories allow for each of our member firms, at their option, to select one commercial lines underwriter winner and one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market, as well as a commercial underwriter from an MGA. The criteria includes underwriting excellence and risk knowledge; prompt and effective responsiveness back to CBN members; writing business that satisfies clients’ needs while creating a win-win for the broker and the insurer; a positive, helpful attitude; and investing time to develop trusting relationships with brokers.

Full list of 2025 Underwriter of the Year Award Recipients