Amwins' Purviance at WSIA 2025: Scale, tech and wholesale resilience fuel next growth phase

The wholesale insurance market is no stranger to change, but few voices carry as much weight in navigating its twists and turns as Scott Purviance, CEO of Amwins. At WSIA 2025 in San Diego, Purviance made it clear that the specialty sector’s rapid evolution is not a threat to the wholesale model but an opportunity to double down on relationships, technology and disciplined execution.

For Amwins, the scale of its platform is an undeniable strength however Purviance has long resisted the idea that size alone is strategy. Instead, he argued that scale should be used as a lever to invest faster, analyze data better and deliver smarter solutions for retail partners.

“We’ve never set targets on premium dollars or revenue growth just for the sake of getting larger,” he said speaking to The Insurer TV during a Close Quarter interview. “With scale there’s tremendous benefits: it gives you data and a view of the industry that is absolutely critical in delivering the best solution for our clients.”

That mindset is especially relevant at a time when artificial intelligence is creeping into every corner of the sector. Purviance acknowledged the tech’s potential but downplayed the notion of an overnight transformation altogether.

“We’re big believers, we’re investing heavily,” he asserted. “It’s absolutely going to enhance human talent and make us more productive and efficient but it’s not going to replace what we do in this industry.”

He added, “I don’t think it’s going to fundamentally change how businesses operate next year. We’ll be incrementally making material progress but it will take some time.”

Market conditions, meanwhile, remain a point of focus. The E&S sector has experienced staggering growth in recent years, with certain lines tightening and others softening.

Purviance described the environment as healthy but complex. “We operate in a cyclical market, no longer do we see all lines moving in tandem,” he said. “That’s a trend that over the last 10 years has been very obvious. But at the end of the day, as a broker, you’ve got to respond and still find ways to grow regardless of market pricing.”

If there’s one market narrative he’d like to retire, it’s surely the idea that wholesale is at risk of disintermediation.

“In the specialty insurance segment, wholesale is incredibly valuable,” he stressed. “We’re part of a giant, very important industry for the global economy — we’re very value-added in our niche.”

Looking ahead, Purviance sees opportunity in delegated facilities and MGA business, but only in partnership with carriers. And his message to retailers leaving San Diego was unmistakable: “We’re here ready to work our tails off on your behalf. Use us only when you need us but when you use us, I promise we’ll deliver.”