Marsh Expands Nimbus Facility to North America and Pacific: Enhancing Data Center Insurance Amid AI and Cloud Surge

In an era where artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries and cloud computing powers everything from remote work to streaming services, the demand for secure data centers has never been higher for U.S. businesses. Enter Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor, which on September 2, 2025, announced the expansion of its innovative Nimbus facility to cover large-scale data center construction projects in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Building on its June 2025 launch for the UK and Europe, this move addresses the exploding need for resilient infrastructure amid a U.S. data center market growing at a 12% compound annual growth rate over the past five years. For American companies like tech giants and hyperscalers investing billions in AI-ready facilities, Nimbus offers streamlined coverage against construction risks, potentially reducing delays and costs in an economy where digital transformation is key to competitiveness. As cyber threats and supply chain disruptions loom, this expansion couldn’t be more timely, signaling Marsh’s pivotal role in safeguarding the backbone of the modern digital economy.

The facility, backed by a consortium of Lloyd’s and company market insurers, bundles essential protections into a single policy, making it easier for developers to manage complex, high-value projects. With U.S. investments in data centers projected to exceed $300 billion by 2030, this development resonates deeply, offering a blueprint for risk management that could influence insurance strategies across sectors like finance, healthcare, and entertainment, where reliable data infrastructure is non-negotiable.

Background on Marsh and the Nimbus Facility

Marsh, a subsidiary of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC) headquartered in New York City, is the global leader in insurance brokerage and risk advisory, serving clients in over 130 countries with tailored solutions. The firm reported record 2024 revenues of $24.5 billion, driven by expertise in emerging risks like cyber and construction. Marsh’s construction and infrastructure teams specialize in high-stakes projects, leveraging data analytics to mitigate disruptions in volatile markets.

Nimbus was initially launched in June 2025 exclusively for the UK and Europe, providing up to €1 billion (approximately $1.1 billion USD) in construction all-risks coverage and €350 million ($385 million USD) for delay in start-up (DSU). This bundled product integrates construction all-risks, property damage, business interruption, and DSU into one seamless policy, supported by A-rated carriers from Lloyd’s and European markets. Since its debut, Nimbus has facilitated major developments in the UK, France, and the Netherlands, helping clients navigate regulatory, supply chain, and environmental challenges.

The facility’s design allows multiple insurers to share capacity for mega-projects that single carriers might avoid, streamlining administrative processes and ensuring coverage transitions smoothly from construction to operations. This innovation complements Marsh’s broader Data Centre Insurance and Risk Management Services, launched alongside Nimbus, which offers end-to-end support for data center operators worldwide, from planning to post-completion maintenance.

Details of the Expansion: New Markets and Enhanced Coverage

Announced today, September 2, 2025, the Nimbus expansion targets the booming North American and Pacific data center markets, where construction volumes are surging due to AI, cloud migration, and renewable energy demands. In the U.S. and Canada, the facility now provides up to $1.6 billion in construction all-risks coverage and $500 million for DSU—significantly higher than the European limits to accommodate larger-scale projects typical in these regions. New Zealand and Australia benefit from the same enhanced capacities, reflecting the Asia-Pacific’s digital transformation.

Canada’s inclusion is strategic, given its 10% CAGR in data centers over the past five years, driven by hyperscaler investments and green energy advantages like hydroelectric power. Australia’s market, with a 14% CAGR, is projected to see its AI revenue double in five years, underscoring the need for robust insurance amid rapid expansion. The facility supports renewable integrations, aligning with U.S. incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Core features include:

• Integrated Policy Structure: Covers phased construction without gaps, including handed-over sections until completion.
• Pooled Capacity: Enables insurers to tackle high-value risks collaboratively, with A-rated security.
• Tailored Risk Analytics: Incorporates cyber, supply chain, and climate modeling for customized terms.
• Operational Transition: Extends property damage and business interruption to post-construction phases.

This expansion not only scales Nimbus geographically but also boosts its capacity to handle the $300 billion+ in anticipated U.S. data center investments by 2030, fostering faster project timelines and lower premiums through efficient placements.

Expert Opinions and Industry Reactions

Industry leaders are applauding the expansion as a timely innovation. Jim Dunn, Head of U.S. Construction at Marsh, stated: “Data center construction in the US is experiencing unprecedented growth… Marsh’s Nimbus data center solution is specifically designed to support this surge, offering innovative risk management strategies tailored to the evolving needs of our clients.” He emphasized the 12% CAGR, linking it to digital transformation.

François de Madre, Head of Construction at Marsh Canada, added: “Canada’s data center market is expanding exponentially… Marsh’s Nimbus platform exemplifies our dedication to supporting this growth through innovative, tailored risk management strategies.” In Australia, Maarten Van Haaps noted the 14% CAGR and AI projections, calling Nimbus a tool for “proactive risk management.”

For insurers, Nimbus facilitates efficient risk-sharing, as noted by Marsh executives, allowing pooled capacity for complex global projects. Marsh also appointed Kate Fairhead as UK Data and Digital Infrastructure Leader for Construction within Marsh Specialty. Fairhead, a 2015 graduate hire with European project experience, will develop strategies for digital infrastructure, collaborating across regions.

Social media and industry forums reflect optimism. On LinkedIn and X, posts from Insurance Business America garnered positive engagement, with professionals praising the facility’s role in addressing capacity shortages. Analysts from Insurance Journal describe it as a “proactive response to the data center boom,” predicting easier financing for U.S. developers. While no polls are available yet, sentiment indicates strong support among tech and construction sectors.

Implications for U.S. Businesses and the Economy

This expansion directly benefits U.S. readers by stabilizing the data center sector, which employs over 100,000 Americans and contributes billions to GDP through tech innovation. Economically, Nimbus reduces barriers to entry for projects, accelerating AI deployment that boosts productivity in manufacturing and healthcare, potentially adding trillions to the economy by 2030.

For lifestyles, quicker builds enable faster 5G and edge computing rollouts, enhancing remote work, telemedicine, and entertainment—think seamless NFL streaming or virtual concerts. Politically, it supports U.S. efforts to onshore infrastructure amid geopolitical tensions, aligning with initiatives like the CHIPS Act for domestic semiconductor and data facilities.

Technologically, Nimbus incorporates cyber risk planning, potentially cutting claims by 30% through incident response integration. In sports and entertainment, reliable data powers analytics for leagues like the NBA and live events, ensuring uninterrupted fan experiences.

However, rising costs and energy regulations pose challenges; U.S. developers should engage Marsh for customized advice, balancing growth with sustainability.

Conclusion: Fortifying the Digital Future with Innovative Coverage

Marsh’s expansion of the Nimbus facility on September 2, 2025, extends its €1 billion European framework to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with up to $1.6 billion in coverage, addressing the data center boom driven by AI and cloud demands. This bundled solution, including the new leadership role for Kate Fairhead, streamlines risk management, supports economic growth, and positions Marsh as a frontrunner in construction insurance. As the sector evolves, Nimbus is set to incorporate advanced underwriting tools, ensuring resilience for global projects.

U.S. businesses stand to benefit from reduced premiums, faster placements, and enhanced security—explore Nimbus today to safeguard your initiatives. Share your insights in the comments: How will this impact data center development in your region?