NFP Strengthens Its Commercial Surety Practice in Canada
NFP, a prominent player in the property and casualty insurance sector and part of Aon, has officially announced the appointment of Darrin De Stephanis as Senior Vice President of Capital Solutions and Commercial Surety Growth Leader. This strategic move, effective as of June 20, 2025, is aimed at expanding NFP's commercial surety services throughout Canada, particularly in the construction sector. De Stephanis will operate out of Vancouver and directly report to Adrian Pellen, who serves as the co-leader of NFP's Construction and Infrastructure (CI) Group.
Adrian Pellen expressed his enthusiasm about De Stephanis joining the team, highlighting his extensive background in the surety industry which is expected to propel NFP’s commercial surety services to new heights. With over a decade of immersive experience, De Stephanis has established a solid reputation in the domain, notably through his role as manager of a national commercial surety portfolio at Intact Insurance. Furthermore, he began his career specializing in surety and subcontractor default insurance at Aon, showcasing a robust history of expertise in the field.
De Stephanis, who also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, is actively engaged in the financial community, sitting on the social committee of the CFA Society Vancouver. His unique blend of skills and experience will not only benefit NFP but will also enhance their ability to provide tailored capital structures to meet clients' needs, especially in a changing economic landscape.
NFP's commercial surety practice is an integral part of its CI Group, which operates across both the U.S. and Canada. This group is marked by a collaborative spirit, comprising seasoned experts like John Hyland, co-leader of NFP's CI Group, and Thomas Henn, Head of Surety at NFP. Together, they focus on delivering comprehensive risk advisory services that are essential for navigating the complexities faced by North American businesses today.
In a statement, De Stephanis articulated his eagerness to join a global team wholly dedicated to enhancing client experiences in construction surety. He acknowledged the unique challenges that the construction sector is experiencing, particularly those stemming from cross-border interactions within the U.S.-Canadian marketplace. De Stephanis emphasized the necessity for clients to have a dependable partner who can navigate these uncertainties effectively.
Building and maintaining trust with clients are at the forefront of De Stephanis's vision as he steps into this role. He aims to leverage NFP’s solid reputation and extensive knowledge base to foster new opportunities that can enhance client relationships and confidence in NFP’s services. The growing intricacies in the construction industry mandate a higher caliber of risk management, and De Stephanis’ appointment signifies NFP's commitment to addressing these evolving demands.
About NFP
NFP is a leading organization in the realm of consultative advisory services, tackling significant challenges in risk, workforce management, wealth management, and retirement advising. With a global presence that spans various regions, including the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the UK, and Ireland, NFP caters to a diverse array of clients, industries, and communities. Their considerable capabilities and customized solutions cover multiple sectors, ensuring a client-first approach that prioritizes partnerships and fosters an innovative organizational culture. To learn more about NFP's offerings and services, visit
NFP.ca.