underwriter

noun

1. a person or company that underwrites policies of insurance or carries on insurance as a business.
2. a person or company that underwrites shares or bonds.
3. a person or organization that finances something; backer: the underwriters of the ballet company.

noun

1. a person or enterprise that underwrites public issues of shares, bonds, etc
2. 1. a person or enterprise that underwrites insurance policies
   2. an employee or agent of an insurance company who assesses risks and determines the premiums payable

n.1610s, “subscriber;” insurance sense from 1620s; agent noun from underwrite.