Our difference

Three things separate Powerline: relentless focus, insurance product expertise, and deal execution. In practice that means market access others cannot reach, product knowledge that anticipates what underwriters will ask, and a process that removes friction before it costs time. That combination is what turns a difficult risk into a placed program and a stalled project into a closed deal.

  • Holistic perspective
  • Focused sector expertise
  • Precise execution

Holistic perspective

We cultivate deep relationships with key players, from carriers to financial institutions. With backgrounds in lending and structured finance, we understand each stakeholder’s priorities and requirements, enabling precise execution on your behalf.

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Focused sector expertise

We are industry specialists fluent in the financial, operational, and risk nuances of power and infrastructure, commodities and real estate, and the financial institutions that support them. This is our terrain, and we are your guide through it.

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Precise execution

Our work is led by seasoned practitioners expert at identifying and addressing critical risks with pinpoint accuracy, removing friction early in the process and ensuring an efficient path to financial close.

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Our leadership

Powerline brings a holistic perspective to risk, built by people who have worked every side of these transactions, in lending, asset management, and insurance. They know the terrain, speak the language of each stakeholder, and hold the market relationships that open capacity when it is scarce. That combination is why clients get answers shaped around their specific deal rather than a standard program, and why projects keep moving when the risk gets complicated.

Neil Derfler

Neil Derfler

Chief Executive Officer

Neil leads Powerline as Chief Executive Officer, setting the firm’s strategy, standards, and growth agenda. He has built the team, the carrier relationships, and the lender network that make Powerline a trusted partner to renewable power and energy infrastructure sponsors, physical commodity traders, and institutional lenders. He leads senior client engagements, helping clients navigate evolving risks from economic, policy, and technological change.

Previously, Neil was a corporate and investment banker focused on debt financing transactions. Most recently, he was responsible for leading both the U.S. metals and chemicals coverage team, along with coverage of healthcare and retail clients at Intesa Sanpaolo IMI. Neil lives in New York, has spent significant time living and working in China, and is conversant in Mandarin.

Michael Strupp

Michael Strupp

Vice President

Michael serves as Vice President at Powerline Risk Advisors, where he is responsible for transaction diligence and execution, client advisory, and risk placement across a diverse portfolio of projects. From initial risk assessment and strategic advisory through placement and ongoing client service, Michael remains actively involved throughout the transaction lifecycle.

Prior to joining Powerline in 2023, Michael gained experience in the commercial property management and asset development field. His background in real estate continues to be a core focus of his work at Powerline, where he advises property and project owners on navigating complex insurance and risk management considerations. Michael works closely with clients, insurance carriers, and specialty market partners to develop tailored solutions that align with each project’s unique risk profile and broader business objectives.

Michael earned degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of Miami.