Jan 11-16, 2026

Insurance Market

Hiscox strengthens delegated authority and alternative risk solutions with new division
Hiscox London Market has launched Hiscox Portfolio Solutions, a new division to strengthen its delegated authority and alternative risk capabilities. The division comprises four complementary teams: Alternative Risk (backing top underwriting since 2015), Beta-Follow (broker cross-class facilities for diversified, high-indexation portfolios), Global MGA (strategic support for select MGAs across Hiscox London Market and Retail), and Structured Solutions (multi-year/multi-line tailored policies). The hybrid teams combine experienced underwriters with commercial actuaries to leverage data analytics for innovative, capacity-rich solutions in evolving risk transfer markets.

Improved P&C insurance Q3'25 underwriting results driven by US personal lines: AM Best

Despite early 2025 challenges from California wildfires and severe convective storms, the U.S. P&C insurance industry rebounded strongly through Q3, per AM Best. Net underwriting income surged to ~$35B (from $3.7B in 2024), driven by improved loss ratios in homeowners/farmowners and private passenger auto. A benign hurricane season, sustained rate adequacy efforts, and enhanced risk management fueled the recovery, though workers' comp margins narrowed and liability lines showed mixed results. Full-year outlook remains optimistic.

Munich Re: Insured Losses From Wildfires, Storms and Floods Hit Record High
Munich Re reported that insured losses from non-peak perils (secondary perils) such as wildfires, severe convective storms, and floods reached a record $98 billion in 2025, contributing to total natural catastrophe insured losses of $108 billion even without major U.S. hurricane landfalls. The findings underscore the growing severity and frequency of these events driven by climate change, highlighting challenges in risk modeling, the need for risk-adequate pricing, improved building standards, and enhanced resilience measures to address protection gaps.

United Risk Signs Agreement to Acquire DUAL North America's Crisis Management Program
United Risk has signed an agreement to acquire DUAL North America's Crisis Management program and its underwriting team, which will be rebranded as First Product Protection and operate as an independent division within United Risk, adding specialized Product Recall and Contaminated Products coverages targeting classes such as food and beverage, transportation, electronics, apparel, and furniture. The transaction, expected to close early in 2026, includes leadership continuity with program founders Mark LeBlanc and Robley Moor assuming key roles, while DUAL North America focuses on core growth areas like commercial property, casualty, and financial lines.

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Reinsurance Market

Best's Special Report: Non-Life Run-Off Insurers Illustrate a Changing Reinsurance Landscape
A.M. Best's special report highlights that non-life run-off insurers have evolved from managers of discontinued books into key strategic capital partners for the insurance sector, enabling companies to optimize capital, simplify operations, and refocus on core businesses through tailored run-off transactions. Transaction volumes remain healthy but increasingly concentrated among a few dominant, technically sophisticated players, with a shift in driver from legal finality to capital relief, though risks such as execution challenges, reputational concerns, and counterparty impairments persist.

Global property cat rate declines below consensus at 1.1 renewals: Jefferies - Reinsurance News
Jefferies reports that global property catastrophe reinsurance rates declined by less than consensus expectations at the January 1, 2026 renewals, with average risk-adjusted rate reductions in the mid-single digits rather than the double-digit drops many anticipated, reflecting resilient pricing amid abundant capacity and strong reinsurer profitability. The milder-than-expected softening was supported by disciplined underwriting, limited new capital inflows, and continued demand for protection against non-peak perils, though competitive pressures and excess supply point to further moderation in subsequent renewals.

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Litigation & Mass Torts

Alliant Latest to Sue Howden US Over Alleged 'Smash-and-Grab' Poaching
Alliant Insurance Services has filed a lawsuit against Howden US and three former employees from its Texas energy and marine team (Jessie Guerrero, Christina Murphy, and Sunnie Fairburn), accusing Howden of orchestrating a "smash-and-grab" poaching strategy involving mass resignations on December 2, 2025, violations of non-compete and confidentiality agreements, mishandling of client files, and spreading rumors that led to client losses. A temporary restraining order was granted to prevent use of Alliant's confidential information, with a hearing set for January 16, 2026; this joins similar suits from Aon, Marsh, WTW, and Brown & Brown against the newly launched Howden US (August 2025), highlighting escalating broker talent disputes in the U.S. insurance market.

APCIA Backs Federal Bill to Require Litigation Funding Disclosure
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) endorsed the Protecting Third Party Litigation Funding From Abuse Act, introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), which requires full disclosure of third-party litigation funding contracts in civil actions to promote transparency in the legal system. APCIA highlighted that secretive third-party litigation funding contributes to rising litigation costs for insurers, with potential industry impacts of up to $50 billion over the next five years according to EY research, and supports the bill as part of its 2026 agenda to combat legal system abuse ahead of its markup by the House Judiciary Committee on January 13, 2026.

Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to $2.46B Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Settlement
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the Boy Scouts of America's $2.46 billion settlement for sex abuse claims, rejecting an appeal by 144 survivors who sought to pursue lawsuits against other organizations involved in running scouting programs. Lower courts had upheld the 2022 bankruptcy deal, which granted immunity to those organizations in exchange for contributions, noting that disrupting the settlement would harm survivors and Scouting America financially and emotionally.

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Emerging Risks & Technologies

AI-driven disruption to reallocate rather than increase insurance demand: Swiss Re Institute - Reinsurance News
Swiss Re Institute research indicates that AI-driven disruption will primarily reallocate rather than increase overall insurance demand, as it creates new insurable asset classes like data centers (potentially $7 trillion by 2030 per McKinsey) and heightens liability and cyber risks, while simultaneously reducing exposures in "loser" industries disrupted by AI and compressing traditional models. In the near term, this could boost premiums in engineering, construction, liability, and trade credit lines, but over the medium to long term, insurers will need active portfolio adjustments and underwriting adaptations to manage reallocation effects, amplified cyber threats, algorithmic biases, and limited current AI financial impact disclosures (less than 5% of firms).

Aon expands Data Center Lifecycle Insurance Program to $2.5 billion, strengthening resilience for AI-driving digital infrastructure
Aon has expanded its Data Center Lifecycle Insurance Program to $2.5 billion in capacity, delivering end-to-end coverage for the full project lifecycle of data centers-from construction and operational risks to cyber exposures and supply chain disruptions-to bolster resilience for owners, operators, and investors. The program addresses the explosive growth in AI-driven digital infrastructure by providing tailored risk transfer solutions for physical damage, business interruption, cyber threats, and other perils in hyperscale and advanced computing facilities amid unprecedented demand and emerging exposures.

Aon's new Resilience Quotient suggests priorities will shift from static risk management
Aon has launched its Resilience Quotient, a data-driven tool developed with Gallup that combines public sentiment from Gallup's World Poll across 140 countries with Aon's Risk Capital and Human Capital analytics to uncover hidden risks and opportunities for building sustainable resilience amid global uncertainty. Insights from the tool suggest that resilience priorities will shift from static, siloed risk management to dynamic, localized strategies tailored to specific geographies, sectors, and sub-regions, as disruptions from trade volatility, technology risks, weather pressures, and workforce mobility grow more complex. Aon CEO Greg Case emphasized that a portfolio view incorporating sentiment as an early warning signal is superior for decisions on investment, workforce, and geopolitical risk management.

ATA Launches up to $750 Million Insurance Facility to Underwrite $7 Trillion Global AI Infrastructure Boom - Haggie Partners
ATA Risk, a specialty insurance provider, has launched a new insurance facility with up to $750 million in capacity to underwrite risks associated with the global AI infrastructure boom, estimated at $7 trillion in investments over the coming years. The facility targets coverage for data centers, hyperscale facilities, advanced computing projects, and related supply chain and construction exposures, addressing the unique and escalating property, casualty, and operational risks driven by rapid AI expansion.

Climate change presses on: Devastating wildfires and intense thunderstorms exacerbate losses for insurers | Munich Re
Munich Re reports that global natural catastrophes in 2025 caused total economic losses of US$ 224 billion and insured losses of US$ 108 billion, marking the sixth consecutive year insured losses exceeded US$ 100 billion despite no U.S. mainland hurricane landfalls, with non-peak perils like wildfires, floods, and severe convective storms driving the majority (US$ 98 billion insured) and exceeding long-term averages. The Los Angeles wildfires were the costliest event at US$ 53 billion overall (US$ 40 billion insured), fatalities reached 17,200 (above 2024 but below the 10-year average), and Munich Re emphasized climate change's role in intensifying these risks while stressing adaptation and expanded insurance coverage under its Ambition 2030 strategy.

Data and automation to define the next era of reinsurance, says Send Send
analysts state that reinsurance is entering a new era defined by granular data analytics, widespread technology adoption including AI-enhanced tools and cloud-native platforms, and diversification of global capital sources, enabling real-time decision-making, portfolio optimization, and reduced administrative friction through automated bordereaux and AI-driven risk scoring. This shift to "Reinsurance 2.0" (as referenced from Willis Re) will make data and automation standard practice in 2026, transforming broker-led platforms and delegated authority models while moving competition beyond price to efficiency and capital optimization.

Global business challenged by rapid emergence of a new age of competition | Zurich Insurance
Zurich Insurance Group and Marsh, as strategic partners of the World Economic Forum, commented on the Global Risks Report 2026, highlighting the rapid emergence of a new age of competition driven by deepening geopolitical divisions, misinformation, societal polarization, geoeconomic confrontation, state-based armed conflicts, and extreme weather as top immediate risks for 2026. Executives from Zurich emphasized the urgent need for investment in resilience, collaboration to address societal gaps like declining health and public infrastructure, and modernization to manage interconnected threats from AI, quantum computing, and under-prioritized critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Political Violence, SRCC and Geopolitical Risk: Howden Re's View from the 1.1 Renewal
Howden Re's view on the January 1, 2026 reinsurance renewals for political violence, SRCC (strikes, riots, civil commotion), and geopolitical risk lines indicates that these risks remain elevated due to persistent geopolitical volatility, ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, hybrid warfare tactics, and events like the US strike on Venezuela's leadership. Capacity stays available and markets are considered insurable absent major losses, with expectations for competitive, well-supplied conditions in 2026 driven by demand for coverage in strategic sectors like energy, defense, and advanced technologies amid entrenched uncertainty and macroeconomic pressures.

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Commercial Lines

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Expands Casualty Lines in Italy
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has expanded its casualty insurance offerings in Italy, launching new general liability and professional indemnity products tailored for mid-to-large Italian businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, and professional services. The expansion builds on the company's existing presence in Italy, providing local underwriting expertise, claims handling, and risk engineering support to address growing demand for comprehensive casualty coverage in a market facing increasing liability exposures and regulatory requirements.

Sedgwick launches new Global Specialty platform
Sedgwick has launched its new Global Specialty platform, a dedicated solution centered in London with hubs in Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, designed to manage the largest and most complex losses by building on existing marine and energy capabilities while expanding into other technical and special risks. The platform is led by CEO Damian Ely (with over 35 years of experience) and Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Hagan, supported by the onboarding of over 100 leading loss adjusters, including specialists like David Boghurst heading marine, Hugh Kennaway leading onshore energy, and Gary Mawditt spearheading offshore energy, aiming to drive growth, attract talent, and deliver unmatched technical expertise amid evolving global claims and macroeconomic shifts.

SiriusPoint partners with ISC to expand its general liability programme
SiriusPoint has formed a strategic partnership with Integrated Specialty Coverages (ISC), a multi-line program administrator, to provide underwriting capacity and support the expansion of ISC's flagship general liability program for small contractors (e.g., landscapers, roofers). The collaboration strengthens ISC's exclusive and wholesale programs across specialty lines, aligning with SiriusPoint's focus on high-performing MGAs and ISC's commitment to tailored, high-service solutions.

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People Moves

AXA UK Commercial appoints Caroline Dunn as CUO
AXA UK Commercial has appointed Caroline Dunn as Chief Underwriting Officer, effective immediately, where she will lead the underwriting strategy, risk selection, and profitability across the company's commercial lines portfolio including property, casualty, motor, and specialty risks. Dunn brings extensive experience from senior underwriting and leadership roles within AXA and other major insurers, focusing on driving disciplined growth, enhancing technical underwriting, and supporting brokers and clients in a competitive UK commercial market.

Brenda Stewart to lead AIG's Captive Management & Advisory team - Reinsurance News
AIG has appointed Brenda Stewart as Head of Captive Management Advisory Services, where she will lead the team providing strategic advisory, governance, and operational support to captive insurance clients globally. Stewart brings extensive experience in captive management, risk consulting, and insurance program design from prior leadership roles, focusing on helping clients optimize their captive structures, enhance risk financing efficiency, and navigate regulatory and market complexities.

Chris Jackson to lead PIB Group's Underwriting & Distribution division
PIB Group has appointed Chris Jackson as Group Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Distribution, effective immediately, where he will lead the underwriting and distribution division, oversee strategic growth across PIB's MGA and broker operations, and report directly to Group CEO Brendan McManus. Jackson brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles in insurance and reinsurance, including previous positions focused on underwriting discipline, product innovation, and broker relationships, to drive profitability, enhance distribution channels, and support PIB's expansion in the UK and international specialty markets.

Cowbell names Simon Hughes as Chief Commercial Officer - Reinsurance News
Cowbell, a cyber and specialty insurance provider focused on small and medium-sized enterprises, has appointed Simon Hughes as Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Hughes, who joined in 2023 to launch and lead the company's UK operations as Senior Vice President of Global Distribution & General Manager UK, will now oversee global commercial strategy including distribution, partnerships, international expansion, and market development to drive sustained growth and profitability.

Lloyd's announces the appointment of Jim Bichard as Chief Financial Officer
Lloyd's has appointed Jim Bichard as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 2026, where he will join the Executive Team, report to CEO Patrick Tiernan, and become a Council member, subject to regulatory approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. Bichard, with 30 years at PwC including leadership of its global insurance practice and expertise in technology-enabled transformation, capital structures, and regulatory advisory, succeeds Alexandra Cliff who is leaving to pursue other opportunities after strengthening Lloyd's financial discipline and capital appeal.

Lockton Appoints Helene Fisher to Key U.S. Market Engagement Role | Lockton
Lockton has appointed Helene Fisher as Managing Director, U.S. Market Engagement, based in New York City, where she will report to Vince Gaffigan, U.S. Market Strategy and Engagement Group Leader, and focus on deepening insurer relationships, enhancing collaboration across regional teams and product lines, and using data-driven insights to improve transparency, performance tracking, and growth for clients and partners. Fisher brings extensive experience from senior roles at Marsh (as Managing Director, Insurer Consulting Leader), AIG (17 years, including Global Head of Commercial Underwriting Quality), and ACE USA, along with a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.

Markel Insurance appoints Preeti Gureja as Chief Risk Officer, US and Bermuda
Markel Insurance has appointed Preeti Gureja as Chief Risk Officer for its US and Bermuda operations, effective immediately, where she will lead enterprise risk management, oversee the risk framework, and support strategic decision-making across the business units. Gureja brings extensive risk management experience from previous leadership roles in insurance and reinsurance, focusing on enhancing risk governance, capital optimization, and resilience in a dynamic market environment.

QBE prepares for launch of media PI insurance product with two new senior hires - QBE European Operations
QBE Europe has appointed Lucy Smith as Senior Media PI Underwriter and Hannah Dennis as Media PI Underwriter, both joining from Tokio Marine HCC where they each brought over 10 years of experience in media, film, and TV underwriting. The hires support the upcoming launch of QBE Europe's new Media Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance product, targeting sectors such as video/film production, radio, television broadcasting, and publishing, to replicate the long-standing success of QBE's similar offering in North America and expand the company's PI portfolio in this area.

SCOR announces changes to its Group Executive Committee
SCOR has announced changes to its Group Executive Committee effective February 1, 2026, with François de Varenne appointed as Group Chief Risk Officer and Deputy CEO succeeding Jean-Paul Conoscente who will retire after 35 years with the company. Additional promotions include Victor Peignet as Group Chief Underwriting Officer while retaining his role as CEO of SCOR Reinsurance, Ian Kelly as Group Chief Operating Officer reporting to CEO Thierry Léger, and other internal advancements such as Jérôme Crugnola as Group Chief Actuary and Head of Group Risk Management, aimed at reinforcing leadership and strategic execution.

Susan Steinhoff Appointed Chief Underwriting Officer at Hamilton Re | Hamilton
Hamilton Insurance Group has appointed Susan Steinhoff as Chief Underwriting Officer at Hamilton Re effective January 1, 2026, where she will lead underwriting activities across the Bermuda-based reinsurance platform and report to CEO Adrian Daws. Steinhoff brings over 25 years of industry experience from roles at ACE (now Chubb) and since joining Hamilton in 2014, succeeding Tim Duffin who advanced to Group Chief Underwriting Officer, with accompanying promotions including Peter Riihiluoma as SVP Head of Property Reinsurance and Sergio Lottimore as SVP Head of Specialty Reinsurance to maintain leadership continuity and strengthen underwriting capabilities.

W. R. Berkley reassigns top execs in leadership realignment
W. R. Berkley Corporation has appointed Lee Iannarone as executive vice president, effective immediately, succeeding Stephen Kennedy, who becomes senior vice president and general counsel. Iannarone, with over 25 years of industry experience and Berkley's general counsel since 2023, will now oversee certain company businesses. Kennedy, who joined in 2020, brings deep expertise in insurance/reinsurance transactions, regulatory matters, governance, and litigation.

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