Friday, 21st August 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 28th March 2026, 5:52 AM
The insurance sector witnessed a particularly active week from 23 to 27 March 2026, characterised by strategic partnerships, product launches, steady recruitment, and heightened technology investment. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, climate risks, and rapid technological change, industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic about growth.
A number of notable collaborations were announced this week. Willis, a WTW business, partnered with Circle Asia to introduce a specialist art insurance facility targeting collectors and galleries throughout Asia. The partnership leverages Willis’s expertise in fine art insurance alongside Circle’s digital platform to offer coverage for fine art, jewellery, and specie collections, as confirmed in a 23 March 2026 press release.
In parallel, Liberty Specialty Markets launched its fine art and specie insurance services across Asia, offering bespoke protection to individuals and businesses that own, store, or transport high-value assets.
Shariah-compliant offerings also expanded, with Etiqa Insurance Singapore and AIA Singapore launching a distribution partnership to make Takaful products more accessible. The initiative provides ethically responsible financial solutions to both Muslim and non-Muslim clients, reflecting growing demand for socially conscious investment options.
Labour trends remain stable. The 2026 Hays Asia Salary Guide projects steady hiring in Hong Kong’s insurance sector, particularly for roles serving high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. Growth in health, wellness, and investment services further supports recruitment needs, signalling sustained demand for specialised talent.
Following a downturn in 2024, global insurance M&A activity stabilised in 2025. Clyde & Co reports 211 completed deals worldwide, up slightly from 202 in 2024, indicating measured recovery and continued consolidation in the sector.
Technology investment remains a priority. Aon estimates that automation could replace 43% of insurance tasks by 2030, with 97% of insurers accelerating automation efforts. Its report, Three Roles to Build Insurance’s Next-Generation Workforce, emphasises the need to reskill staff to manage AI, automation, and emerging business risks.
Financial institutions are also raising IT budgets. Celent, a GlobalData company, forecasts increases of 13.8% in life and health insurance technology spending and 12.9% in property and casualty insurance, reflecting the sector’s digital transformation priorities.
Despite ongoing challenges, insurance executives are cautiously optimistic. KPMG International reports that 82% of CEOs are confident in their company’s growth, a notable rise from 74% in 2024, while 78% express confidence in the broader industry outlook.
| Indicator | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global M&A Deals | 202 | 211 | – |
| CEO Confidence – Company Growth | 74% | – | 82% |
| CEO Confidence – Industry | 72% | – | 78% |
| Expected IT Budget Increase – Life & Health | – | – | 13.8% |
| Expected IT Budget Increase – Property & Casualty | – | – | 12.9% |
| Insurance Tasks Potentially Automated by 2030 | – | – | 43% |
| Insurers Accelerating Automation | – | – | 97% |
This week demonstrates the sector’s focus on innovation, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships, coupled with steady recruitment and leadership confidence, positioning the industry for cautious but sustained growth throughout 2026.
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