Skyward Specialty Launches New Industry-First Well Decommissioning Solution

Rhea-AI Summary

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) has introduced EndWell Protection, an innovative well decommissioning solution that uses an escrow-secured bond model. This first-of-its-kind offering addresses critical gaps in traditional surety solutions for the energy sector, particularly following recent market disruptions that have led to stricter collateral requirements and reduced capacity.

The new solution provides oil and gas companies with a streamlined qualification process for surety credit through its innovative collateral strategy. Led by Chris Gagnon, Senior Vice President and head of commercial Surety, the solution was developed over a year of collaboration with industry experts and aligns with the company's 'Rule Our Niche' strategy of serving underserved markets.

Positive

• First-to-market innovation in well decommissioning surety solutions
• Addresses a critical market gap in the energy sector
• Simplified qualification process for surety credit
• Strategic expansion into underserved market segment

Negative

• None.

HOUSTON, Oct. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.™ (Nasdaq: SKWD) (“Skyward Specialty” or “the Company”), a leader in the specialty property and casualty (P&C) market, announced the launch of Skyward Specialty EndWell Protection, an industry-first well decommissioning solution built on an escrow-secured bond model.  

Recent disruptions in the energy sector have highlighted gaps in traditional surety solutions, leading to tightened collateral requirements and reduced market capacity. With many surety providers now limiting support to only investment-grade accounts, Skyward Specialty recognized a critical need for a more transparent and reliable approach to decommissioning bonds.

“EndWell Protection’s escrow model uses an innovative collateral strategy that simplifies qualification for surety credit and affords oil and gas companies a fast, efficient way to secure their bonds,” said Chris Gagnon, senior vice president, head of commercial Surety. “After a year of working with other industry experts on this model, we believe it is the future surety solution for this segment of the energy sector.”

“Skyward Specialty EndWell Protection is a unique, first-of-its-kind solution. Chris and his team strategically designed it to meet the market’s call for capacity while offering peace of mind to regulators and reinsurers,” said Matt Semeraro, president of Surety. “It’s also another example of us executing on our ‘Rule Our Niche’ strategy, which enables us to identify niche places in underserved markets and develop high-quality, specialized solutions to meet the unmet needs of our customers.”

About Skyward Specialty 

Skyward Specialty is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through nine underwriting divisions — Accident & Health, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, Captives, Construction & Energy Solutions, Global Property, Professional Lines, Specialty Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S. 

Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Great Midwest Insurance Company, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people, and its products, please visit skywardinsurance.com. 

Media Contact
Jennifer Mendez
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
726-245-8384
jmendez@skywardinsurance.com 

Investor Contact
Natalie Schoolcraft
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
614-494-4988
nschoolcraft@skywardinsurance.com 

FAQ

What is Skyward Specialty's EndWell Protection and how does it work?

EndWell Protection is an industry-first well decommissioning solution that uses an escrow-secured bond model to provide surety solutions for oil and gas companies, simplifying the qualification process for surety credit.

Why did Skyward Specialty (SKWD) develop the EndWell Protection solution?

Skyward Specialty developed EndWell Protection to address gaps in traditional surety solutions following market disruptions that led to tighter collateral requirements and reduced capacity, particularly as many providers now limit support to investment-grade accounts only.

Who leads Skyward Specialty's EndWell Protection initiative?

The initiative is led by Chris Gagnon, Senior Vice President and head of commercial Surety, who worked with industry experts for a year to develop this solution.

How does EndWell Protection fit into Skyward Specialty's business strategy?

EndWell Protection aligns with Skyward Specialty's 'Rule Our Niche' strategy, which focuses on identifying underserved market niches and developing specialized solutions to meet customer needs.