KEWA Financial

When it comes to resource industries, keeping projects compliant and financially viable often depends on access to the right surety and insurance solutions. Without these protections, operators risk stalled permits, regulators face unfunded liabilities and capital remains tied up instead of fueling growth.

KEWA Financial was established to give resource industries a financial partner that understands both growth and responsibility. As a financial services holding company, it develops comprehensive surety and insurance solutions for critical yet often underserved industries.

“Our purpose is to stand behind the industries and customers that keep economies and societies moving forward by bringing a problem-solving mindset, expert teams and a holistic underwriting approach that looks beyond the numbers,” says Scott Lampard, CEO.

KEWA’s story began in the mines of Kentucky. Founder and Executive Chair David Wiley, while leading a mining business, witnessed firsthand how fragile operations could become without the right surety bonds in place. One missing bond was enough to jeopardize permits, stall production and threaten livelihoods. That lesson planted the seed for a financial services company built on understanding the realities of the resource industry from the ground up.

When KEWA was formally founded in 2014, it carried that lived experience in its DNA. The turning point came in 2017 with the acquisition of Indemnity National Insurance Company (“INIC”), a trusted carrier serving clients since 2005. With INIC’s foundation in surety bonding, KEWA gained both the scale and credibility to serve industries often misunderstood by traditional insurers.

Growth soon followed. Beginning with traditional mining, the company soon expanded into oil, gas, and the wider natural resource sector. In less than a decade, the premium volume multiplied a hundredfold and boosted capital and surplus fifteen times. From a small regional insurer, the company became a national player, licensed in all 50 states and moving toward Canada, with upgraded credit ratings underscoring its disciplined, forward-looking approach.

KEWA’s true strength lies in uniting financial strength with deep technical know-how. While traditional insurers typically rely solely on financial statements, KEWA integrates subject-matter experts into its underwriting process. Geologists, former mining inspectors, tailing engineers and reclamation experts all contribute their firsthand knowledge to review reserve reports, inspect sites and assess operational risks. Their insights add a layer of depth to underwriting that transcends numbers, enabling KEWA to craft solutions for complex risks that many others wouldn’t take the time to underwrite.

“Underwriting for us goes beyond just running the numbers; we roll up our sleeves and look at the full picture,” says Richard Clark, vice president. “That means evaluating creditworthiness along with understanding the quality of the assets, the way they’re managed and where potential risks lie. Clients value that we treat every situation as a problem-solving exercise.”

The company’s approach resonates strongly with operators who need to achieve both regulatory accountability and strong performance. Mining and energy firms are legally required to post financial assurance for environmental reclamation. Without surety bonds, they would need to provide cash equal to liabilities, which locks up capital, limits expansion projects and puts jobs at risk. KEWA eases this burden while protecting regulators from unfunded liabilities.

The company’s operations also encompass a sophisticated approach to risk management. Despite the fact that it remains relatively small compared to large publicly traded insurers, KEWA has implemented enterprise-level risk frameworks that are similar to those of much larger organizations. Regular mine inspections, ongoing monitoring of its portfolio and geographic diversification show a forward-thinking strategy aimed at responsible growth.

At its core, KEWA is about fueling progress while safeguarding the future. From the get-go and every day since, the company has upheld its mission to support underserved industries, guiding them toward financial success and strong environmental stewardship.