Job ID: 9390

Entity: AXA XL

Underwriter II, Merger & Acquisitions Insurance

AXA XL’s global Mergers & Acquisitions Insurance division focuses on the underwriting of transactional risk insurance solutions for private equity firms and corporate strategic buyers operating around the globe. These products, namely representation and warranty, tax opinion, tax credit and contingent liability insurance are used regularly by buyers and sellers and their advisors to quantify, price and allocate risk. Since establishing this business division in 2017, AXA XL has expanded its suite of products to key clients while creating a more efficient means for them to close deals and reduce uncertainty.

Our rapidly growing Mergers & Acquisitions unit is now looking to continue to scale by filling an Underwriter II position in the New York office to support its business functions.

As an M&A Underwriter you will play a vital role within the team where you will focus on establishing strong business relationships internally and externally and act as the critical interface between the broker and clients and the company when underwriting transactional M&A insurance. You will be expected to develop broker and client relationships as we continue to build out our underwriting capability in North America.

This position will report to Head of Mergers & Acquisition Insurance.

What you’ll be DOING

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Reviewing and analyzing public and private M&A transaction documentation, due diligence reports, and target company financial statements/quality of earnings reports in order to identify deal risks, assess target company financial strength and perform pre-underwriting analysis used in quoting representations and warranties insurance.
• Drafting and submitting custom-tailored quotes for proposed M&A insurance policies

and following up with brokers to win new business.

• Interacting with and supporting the M&A management team with day-to-day business issues and leading the underwriting process on transactions including performing detailed analysis of issues raised on underwriting calls and in due diligence reports.
• Negotiating and drafting insurance policy terms and language specifically addressing the risk and issues in each transaction.
• Collaborating with and supervising outside legal counsel and/or accountants hired to represent AXA XL with due diligence on each transaction.
• Developing and cultivating relationships with M&A insurance brokers, lawyers, private equity firms, deal principals and internal AXA XL colleagues.
• Gathering underwriting information via the Internet and other publicly available sources and completing underwriting analysis for each unique risk.
• Conducting financial analysis on target companies and potential insureds.

What you will BRING

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

Desired Skills and Abilities:

Corporate experience working in a transaction-oriented role such as M&A insurance underwriting, investment banking, private equity or other financial services advisory capacity, in-house corporate legal team or law firm experience, internal corporate development team at a strategic acquirer or a transaction advisory services role at an accounting firm preferred. We will also consider candidates with significant financial lines underwriting experience from an established insurance carrier.

• Knowledge of transactional legal exposures (warranty breaches, tax structuring issues, price adjustment mechanisms, litigation, and computation and measure of damages).
• Ability to comprehend financial statements and comfort addressing tax issues and other commercial matters.
• Financial Accounting / Auditing experience a plus.
• Specific experience with procuring, broking or negotiating representations and warranties insurance or other transactional risk insurance on behalf of deal clients is a strong plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
•  Effective negotiating skills and comfort working with legal documents.
• Self-starter, highly focused, enthusiastic and creative thinker. Keen ability to work independently with minimal oversight is a strong plus.
•  Well-rounded interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team environment is essential.
• Organized, and able to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and deal-time pressures.
• Juris Doctorate degree strongly preferred; Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business a strong plus but not required.

Who WE are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

What we OFFER

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.   At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at Inclusion & Diversity at AXA XL | AXA XL. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action:  We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL.

The U.S. base salary range for this position is $85,000– $149,000 USD. 

Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay.

At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2025.