What is Willis’ New Data Centre Risk Framework?

Data centres now underpin digital infrastructure worldwide, powering technology strategies, AI growth and economic activity. 

Responding to this shift, Willis, a WTW business, introduces a new framework for managing data centre risk.

Working with five of the 10 largest global owners and developers, Willis builds this model in response to the changing nature of risk in the sector. 

Data centres face interconnected threats traditional insurance alone cannot address, ranging from cyber risk to energy constraints and environmental exposure.

George Haitsch, North America Technology, Media and Telecoms Industry Leader at Willis, says: “Data centres have become a critical part of the global supply chain and with that evolution, they face a growing list of complex and integrated risks. A ‘one-size-fits-all' approach is no longer a viable option.

“Our industry must switch from singular products to customisable frameworks that embed risk mitigation from the earliest stages of development – and that is exactly what Willis is doing.”

Lifecycle-based framework targets emerging threats

The company’s eight-point digital infrastructure risk framework aims to support data centre owners, operators and investors across the entire asset lifecycle.

It addresses both insurable and non-insurable risks.

Though the sector is forecast to generate US$10bn in insurance premiums this year, Willis argues exposures now exceed what traditional policies can cover. 

The framework offers a comprehensive approach rather than a product-led solution.

Bill Creedon, Chairman of Willis Global Construction, says: “Data centres sit at the heart of the modern economy.

“From the construction phase through to long-term operations, we’re working with some of the world’s largest data centre developers, owners, contractors and hyperscalers and seeing first hand how the sector’s unprecedented pace of growth is making risk more systemic, more interconnected and more material. 

“These exposures extend well beyond the technology sector and demand a fundamentally different approach – one that looks across the entire data centre lifecycle, not simply the placement of insurance capacity.”

Power supply adds new complexity

One of the biggest threats to data centre operations is energy availability. As demand for power increases and grids face pressure, access to reliable supply becomes a strategic concern.

Willis draws on in-house energy expertise across traditional, renewable and nuclear sources, advising clients on options such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 

The firm brings together risk specialists from its energy, construction, broking and analytics teams to provide support throughout the project timeline.

This approach ensures energy risk is addressed not only during operations but also during the development and construction stages.

Bespoke solutions for global infrastructure

Moving away from a fixed model, Willis now offers customised digital infrastructure insurance aligned to individual client risk profiles. 

These solutions aim to provide continuous coverage from build to steady-state operations.

Structured across multi-year terms, they include builder’s risk, property and marine cover.

By securing more than US$3bn in capacity for hyperscale data centre developments, Willis demonstrates its commitment to long-term alignment across clients, capital providers and insurers.

As the sector expands, Willis plans new hires to support its growing client base and increase delivery capacity across digital infrastructure.