Laplace Alternative Risk Solutions specializes in alternative risk transfer (ART) and risk financing strategies, delivering creative,
non-traditional approaches to modern risk management.
Founded by Experts to Overcome a Common Challenge
For complex, new, or emerging risks, traditional insurance capacity is often scarce or priced out of reach. Laplace was created to change that – offering structured insurance solutions such as customized, multi-year programs that combine strategic risk retention with tailored risk transfer. This model delivers a more cost-effective, dependable alternative, helping clients smooth financial volatility, close coverage gaps, and safeguard against significant or unconventional losses the standard market often overlooks.
With a focus on transparency, innovation, and client-first service, Laplace is your trusted ally in alternative risk solutions.
Disciplined Risk
Our experts bring decades of experience in structured risk transfer, risk financing, and captive solutions.
We collaborate with leading actuaries, modelers, and structured underwriters to ensure every solution is data-driven, resilient, and precisely tailored to client needs.
Our solutions have been successfully implemented across industries from pharmaceuticals to real estate, consistently delivering measurable value and stability.
We work in true partnership, designing programs with you, not for you, to ensure every solution aligns seamlessly with your business objectives.
Named for the French mathematician Pierre-Simon Laplace, whose work laid the statistical foundation for alternative risk modeling, the company reflects a deep commitment to analytical rigor and innovation in risk transfer.
LEADERSHIP
(913) 398-8916
Richard Zhang
Founder, CEO and Lead Underwriter
Richard Zhang is the Founder and CEO of Laplace Risk Transfer Solutions.
A seasoned insurance executive with over 30 years of global experience, including more than 20 years specializing in Alternative Risk Transfer (ART), Richard is widely recognized for his ability to lead cross-functional teams in structuring and delivering innovative, data-driven risk solutions for complex and underserved market segments.
Most recently, Richard served as Head of ART Underwriting at Nexus Specialty Inc., following his role as Managing Director and Head of ART for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at Willis Towers Watson (WTW). During his close to eight-year tenure at WTW, he built the ART practice from the ground up, establishing it as one of the region’s leading Alternative Risk Transfer platforms. He led high-performing teams across program design, actuarial modeling, strategic delivery, and client engagement, developing a large, profitable, and innovation-driven portfolio.
Richard began his insurance career in 1995 as an energy underwriter, and has since held several senior roles, including ART Specialist at Zurich Canada and Chief Underwriting Officer at Lloyd’s China. His work spans multiple regions and lines of business, with a focus on structured insurance for complex risks, parametric and weather-index solutions, and bespoke ART strategies.
He holds an MBA from the University of Toronto, as well as a master’s and bachelor’s degree in engineering from Shandong University. He also holds professional designations including FCIP (Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional), CRM (Canadian Risk Management), and Certified Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) Specialist.
(734) 353-2282
Shelly Yan
Head of Business Operations
Shelly Yan brings over 15 years of experience in finance and insurance, specializing in risk management and structured financing solutions. She currently serves as VP/Senior Credit Manager at HSBC, underwriting loans and evaluating complex risks. Her previous roles include P&C Underwriter at Zurich Insurance and positions at ICBC as VP/Credit Analyst, and Relationship Manager for non-bank financial institutions, focusing on insurance companies. Shelly has CPCU and FRM certifications. She holds an MS from Fordham University and a BA in Finance and Insurance from Nanjing University. Her extensive background and credentials enable her to deliver innovative risk transfer solutions, supporting stakeholders in providing tailored risk management strategies.