New Advanced Markets Underwriting Team is here to help

If you work with high-net-worth clients and BMO Insurance, chances are you’ve already met a member of the new BMO Insurance Advanced Markets Underwriting Team. As you know, our approach has always been to provide a hands-on approach to deliver solutions that meet your clients’ needs. 

This spring, we launched a new team composed of five seasoned underwriters, each with more than 20 years of experience.

The new team spans the country, with specialists in Ontario, Quebec, and out West. This gives them the ability to meet with clients where they are and whenever they need. We believe it’s crucial for advisors to be able to pick up the phone and talk to underwriting experts when they need answers—whether it’s before, during, or after the underwriting process.

When dealing in the large case market, we understand the importance of your relationship with the client and the confidentiality surrounding the financial underwriting process.  We work closely with our internal tax experts, actuaries, and Business Development teams to ensure we understand the complexities surrounding the sale. The team is also comprised of several medical experts including cardiologists and internal medicine physicians who help bridge the gap on complex medical pathologies. This whole ecosystem works closely with the Advanced Markets Underwriters to navigate the complexities involved, in order to provide you with the best outcome for your client. 

Getting in touch 

The team’s one-on-one, direct access is available to any advisor who handles large cases that require support. If you’re a new advisor to BMO Insurance and working with the high-net-worth market, reach out to your regional sales team to see if the business is eligible. Any advisor with eligible business can pick up the phone to call the Advanced Markets Underwriting Team whenever they need support. Team members may also be available for in-person meetings with advisors, or with advisors and their clients.   

Meet the team 

Dennis Banda: Dennis has spent 25 years in the insurance industry.  He has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Underwriters Education and Program Committee as well as serving on the Academy of Life Underwriting’s exam writing committee. Dennis’ passion revolves around training and mentoring underwriters, delivering presentations, and networking with the industry’s sales partners. 

Jocelyn Johnson: Jocelyn has more than 25 years experience in insurance and has been with BMO Insurance since 2018. As well as supporting advisors, she works with reinsurance partners to ensure we are providing the best decision for both the customer and for BMO. She strongly believes that communication is imperative to ensuring a positive and transparent client experience. 

André Robichaud: André has over 20 years experience in the individual life, critical illness, disability insurance, and long-term care underwriting space, and has taken on many progressive underwriting roles throughout his career. André joined BMO Insurance after a decade working with a Canadian reinsurer, where he was a senior underwriting consultant supporting the high-net-worth market. André is bilingual.   

Nadine Landry: Nadine has been with BMO Insurance since 2007 and has more than 25 years of experience in life insurance and critical illness underwriting. Prior to joining the insurance world, she was a dietician, which provided a solid foundation for her move into underwriting. Nadine is bilingual and her primary focus is supporting the Quebec and Atlantic national accounts.  

Donna Marra: Donna brings more than 30 years of underwriting experience to her role. With more than two decades dedicated to managing high-net-worth clients, Donna has developed a deep understanding of intricacies and demands on this niche market. Her commitment to the industry extends beyond underwriting; she is enthusiastic about mentoring colleagues new and old in the field. She is located in Vancouver and often meets with advisors in the western provinces.