The investment performance of insurers and takaful operators (ITOs) will remain sensitive to financial market conditions amid global economic and policy uncertainties, including those arising from the conflict in the Middle East, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said.
Asia-Pacific insurers have sufficient capital buffers to absorb investment and underwriting stresses from the Middle East conflict, in S&P Global Ratings' (S&P) base case.
Taiwanese life insurers' growing exposure to the Middle East could face valuation pressure amid ongoing conflict in the region, though the risks remain manageable for now, according to S&P Global Ratings.
Tokio Marine Holdings (TMHD) has entered into a strategic partnership with National Indemnity Company (NICO), a reinsurance unit of Berkshire Hathaway.
Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) is proposing to amend a plan to establish a non-life insurance subsidiary, with the new proposal to be tabled at the bank's upcoming 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, while not a direct claims event for life insurers, is a macro stressor that is reinforcing the sector's resilience and adaptability.
Insurance funds and other private capital can be leveraged through market-oriented channels to replenish bank capital, according to Mr Li Yunze, Director of the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA).
Singapore insurance asset managers are increasingly turning to outside experts to manage their funds, driven by a growing demand for greater portfolio control and transparency.
The global outlook is extremely worrying, with the bond and equity markets reacting to recent events, said Mr Paul Hanratty, the Group CEO & Executive Director of Africa's largest insurer, Sanlam, which is headquartered in Capetown.
South Korean insurers will invest a total of KRW8tn ($5.6bn) in the National Growth Fund over the next five years. The industry will also provide KRW40tn to productive finance initiatives, an increase of KRW3.2tn from the commitment made earlier in January.