Marsh Launches $10B Digital Infrastructure
Marsh has launched Stratus, an insurance exchange providing up to $10 billion in property coverage for the operational risks of large US-domiciled digital
Global insurance broker Marsh has launched a new property insurance exchange called Stratus. It is designed to handle the complex operational risks of large digital infrastructure projects, such as data centers, as they transition from construction into operation.
Stratus provides access to up to $10 billion in property insurance capacity on a single-placement basis. The facility is aimed at the global exposures of US-domiciled companies, according to the broker's announcement.
How the Exchange Operates
Designed as an insurance exchange, Stratus involves 30 traditional and alternative capital providers. Each participant evaluates risks individually to determine the most appropriate support for a placement. Marsh stated that this structured trading environment lets providers better assess, quantify, and diversify risk while addressing aggregation concerns that arise during a project's operational phase.
The exchange will also utilize Marsh's own data, analytics, and advisory services. The goal is to help clients procure customized property coverage tailored to their unique needs during the operational transition.
Linking Construction and Operational Coverage
Stratus is designed as an extension of Marsh's existing construction-phase insurance facility, called Nimbus. This gives clients a continuous market solution as their digital infrastructure assets move through different lifecycle phases. Marsh says Stratus and Nimbus can be engaged separately or together, with additional coverages added as a client's needs evolve.
Joe Macejak, US Property Digital Infrastructure Leader at Marsh, explained the need for the new facility. He said that as large digital infrastructure projects shift from construction to operation, the associated risks become larger and more complex. He cited multi-billion-dollar campuses, self-generating power systems, and emerging technologies in processing units and critical equipment as key drivers.
Macejak said Stratus is designed to improve the quality and efficiency of operational digital infrastructure property placements. He stated it would help clients secure the protection needed to support growth at scale.
Defining Operational Risks and Future Plans
In its announcement, Marsh outlined the types of threats covered under operational risks. These relate to threats that disrupt systems, data, and revenue flow. Examples include power and grid issues, cooling system breakdowns, software problems, or structural fires and natural disasters affecting data hubs.
Marsh said Stratus will initially launch as a property-focused solution. However, the broker has plans to expand the exchange into other insurance lines. These planned expansions include inland marine, cyber, and casualty coverage. The ultimate goal is to create a single point of access for operational digital infrastructure clients.
