2025 Underwriters of the Year | Mike Watt, Underwriter I, SGI CANADA

Mike Watt has built his career on nurturing strong relationships, trust, and attention to detail.

Since joining SGI CANADA  in 2007, Watt has held various admin roles supporting both personal and commercial underwriting. He moved into an auto underwriting assistant position in 2012 before taking on his current role, Underwriter I, earlier this year.

Watt is working toward his CIP designation, and when he’s not underwriting risks, he enjoys strumming his guitar with local bands, cooking with his wife, Tania, watching sports, and spending time outdoors.

“I’m very grateful,” says Watt of his nomination by Harvard Western Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “It means a lot to be recognized by the very brokers I’ve built great relationships with over the years.”

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


“A great working relationship between underwriters and brokers is vital to the success of the insurance industry as a whole. Here in Saskatchewan, the market is very different from other provinces, and our continued growth as an insurer has been built on strong broker partnerships. We continue to grow and work together.”

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

“While in another role I heard how dynamic and rewarding underwriting can be. I applied for an underwriting role and soon realized it was a great fit for me. More than a decade later, I still find the work engaging. We never see the same risk twice, and I still find myself asking questions. It keeps me on my toes. I love that I get to come to work and build a professional relationship with our brokers. Their trust in my knowledge of our auto product and the service I provide is extremely rewarding.”

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


“Our company is going through a major transformation in the way we do business, and that can be tough to navigate. Economic uncertainty will also have a huge impact on our industry. The key is to embrace change.”

Q: How has the industry evolved since you joined?


“Technology and tools like social media and AI have had a huge impact on how we do business and will continue to shape the way we assess and underwrite risks.”

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


“There are so many opportunities and paths to grow. I didn’t plan to stay in insurance long term, but I’ve carved out a fulfilling career path after discovering how rewarding this industry can be.”

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


“As I mentioned, technology already plays a major role and will only become more influential. Everything can be delivered faster, with more options and more competition, and underwriters need to adapt to stay effective.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“You have to be able to connect with brokers on both a business and a personal level. Leaders also face challenges head-on, tackle periods of ambiguity with a positive attitude, and handle risks one at a time.”

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?


“Uncertainty is what we try to eliminate in this business. Consumers want peace of mind that their coverage is right. That’s why we need to keep asking, ‘Are the products and coverage we’re offering still meeting today’s needs?’ We have to listen to the consumer and work together to ensure we’re delivering protection that evolves with the world around us.”

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