Underwriters

/ˈʌndərˌraɪtərz/ noun

Definition

Financial professionals who assess and assume risk, particularly in insurance or securities offerings.

Etymology

From the practice of literally writing one's name under the terms of a marine insurance policy to accept liability. Originated in 17th-century Lloyd's Coffee House in London where merchants would sign below shipping insurance contracts.

Kelly Says

The romantic origin of 'underwriter' comes from Lloyd's Coffee House, where merchants would literally write their names under insurance contracts while sipping coffee and gossiping about ships. This casual coffee shop practice evolved into the sophisticated global insurance industry we know today.

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