The insurance industry has remained much the same for more than100 years, but the status quo cannot endure nor lead to growth ofan organization.

Commercial insurers face tough times ahead withunderwriting margins that are pressured by softening prices and apotentially volatile interest rate environment. What are the keysto success? Better capabilities, service, customer-focus andproducts — all of which require on-going investment incapabilities.

As we look to 2017, it's important to consider the biggestdrivers of change to ensure a boost in your bottom line:

• Customer expectations: Customers expectconvenience and transparency and have greater ability to find itthan ever before.
• Pace of innovation: Customers have a need fornew insurance solutions, but incumbents are struggling to provideappropriate products and services.
• Startups: New players that have the ability toinnovate quickly are taking advantage of the opportunity to fillthe gaps that incumbents have not.

Although the industry has seen generally strong underwritingresults in recent years, this could change — potentially verysoon.