Month: January 2026

International insurance group Fortis has updated its net operating results guidance, now expecting profits in 2025 to be significantly higher than originally forecast due to tax changes in China. The updated guidance range is now set at €1.6 to €1.65 billion, a significant increase from the previous forecast of €1.3 to €1.35 billion. The revision…

Zurich Insurance Group has submitted an improved proposal to acquire specialist insurer Beazley for 1,280p a share in cash, after the latter’s board rejected an earlier proposal which they believed significantly undervalued the company. On January 4, 2026, Zurich submitted a proposal of 1,230p per share in cash from Beazley to acquire 100% of the…

Reinsurance provider Westfield Specialty International has appointed Matthew Radbourne as collective underwriter for its power and onshore renewables sectors, based in London. Radbourne will report to Jon Hamilton, director of marine and energy. Hamilton commented: “We are delighted to welcome Matt to Westfield Specialty. His extensive experience and knowledge of the power and renewable energy…

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the international conservation organization dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development, has released a new white paper titled Addressing the Insurance Protection Gap: Harnessing Climate and Nature to Build Resilience. The paper warns that ecosystem degradation is increasing climate-related risks and leading to an increase in uninsured losses in advanced…

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI), the commercial insurance arm of Berkshire Hathaway, recently announced the promotion of Kim Schumacher to head of general property in Germany. Schumacher joined BHSI in 2024 as a senior property underwriter and has nearly two decades of experience in the insurance industry. Andreas Krause, Director of BHSI DACH, commented: “Kim…

In a recent report, Fitch Ratings noted that the insurance and reinsurance market is expected to weaken further in 2026, but profitability will remain strong and return on equity (ROE) will remain above the industry’s cost of capital. Fitch forecasts that while returns on equity may fall into the mid-teens, around 15.5%, from the high…

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd. (NewRe), a subsidiary of Munich Re Group, announced the appointment of Dr. Sascha Brehm to its Board of Directors, effective January 16, 2026. Brehm succeeds Markus Hummel, who resigned after four years on the board to become CEO of MEAG, the asset management arm of Munich Re. Brehm has over 15…

According to global reinsurance broker Howden Re, buyers of cyber reinsurance benefited from favorable supply dynamics and renewals on January 1, 2026, supported by strong competition and a manageable loss environment. Despite several high-profile attacks on individual insureds and some systemic incidents, the financial impact was not enough to change pricing sentiment. Luke Foord-Kelcey, global…

Amiga Specialty, an independent international general agent (MGA), has secured new capabilities for its UK and European transaction risk teams with support from IGI and Lloyd’s. The additional capacity enhances Amiga Specialty’s ability to support M&A and wider corporate transaction activity, enabling the company to offer higher limits, a broader deal profile and greater flexibility…

Wrisk Limited, a digital insurance platform specializing in embedded insurance for the automotive industry, has confirmed a strategic investment from Allianz Holdings Ltd. The investment is part of Wrisk’s recently announced Series B funding round, led by Alma Mundi Ventures and Opera Tech Ventures. With this investment, Allianz joins a group of shareholders that have…