2025 Underwriters of the Year | Youpeng Shi, Underwriter II, Personal Lines, SGI CANADA

Starting as an underwriting administrator, Shi advanced through various roles, joining the Alberta Personal Lines team before earning his current title as Underwriter II earlier this year. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University and his CIP designation.

Away from underwriting, Shi enjoys a busy lifestyle, whether he’s playing basketball with friends, video-gaming with his six-year-old daughter, or working part-time as a banquet bartender at the Delta Hotel in Regina, a role he has held for over 13 years.

“I feel incredibly honoured and grateful,” he says of the recognition by A-Kan Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “I never thought I could be a recipient of this prestigious award. It’s both motivating and humbling, and drives me to continue delivering excellent service to our brokers and clients.”

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

“Clear and active communication. The Alberta personal lines market has become increasingly challenging for clients, and things continue to evolve. Strong communication helps us stay aligned with brokers, respond quickly to change, and deliver the best possible coverage and service.”

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


“I became an underwriter after starting at SGI as an underwriting administrator. I felt this could be a long and successful career path, and I haven’t looked back. I love the balance between analyzing risks and helping people. The industry is always changing, and that keeps me learning and growing.”

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


“It’s sometimes challenging to ensure all brokers stay on the same page when rules or rates change. With the pace of change, communication and collaboration are crucial to keep things running smoothly.”

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


“Being proactive and staying on top of market trends. Technology helps us make better decisions more efficiently, but we need to stay focused on delivering affordable coverage and excellent service — without losing sight of profitability.”

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


“The insurance industry offers many paths for a long and successful career, which is why I decided to stay. It’s constantly evolving and keeps you growing.”

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


“These tools are hugely beneficial. They free up underwriters to focus more on decision-making and maintaining broker and client relationships. That said, learning how to use them takes time, and we must stay aware of risks like data privacy and system errors.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Never stop learning. Strong communication, flexibility, and the ability to support your team are key. Embracing technology is critical, too. And the relationships you build with brokers and clients really matter. For me, leadership means helping your team members do their best.”

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?


“It’s all about active and continuous communication. Brokers play a key role in educating clients about coverage and prevention, while underwriters can provide flexible solutions, like discounts for loss prevention systems. By working together, we can reduce risk and improve outcomes for everyone.”

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