Market News
Reinsurers' Strong Capital Positions Offer Cedents Renewal Leverage
Guy Carpenter reports a resilient global reinsurance market heading into 2026, with strong capital levels, reinsurer profitability, and increased capacity. Insurers may benefit from more favorable renewal terms, especially with strong performance data. Market dynamics will depend on catastrophe activity and geopolitical shifts, with differentiation and underwriting discipline remaining critical. Read More
Cook Islands Launches Captive Insurer to Boost Risk Resilience and Retention
The Cook Islands has launched its first government-owned captive insurance company, Cook Islands Captive Insurance Company, to improve risk management, access global reinsurance, and retain value locally. Backed by Cook Islands Investment Corporation and partnered with Willis, the insurer aims to offer sustainable, tailored coverage to public assets starting October 2025. Read More
Alternative Capital Reaches $121 Billion Record High, Aon ILS Report Shows
Aon's 2025 Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) Annual Report highlights alternative capital reaching $121 billion, with catastrophe bond issuance at $21.7 billion and sidecars at $17 billion. Insurer participation rose to 58 percent, while Florida-focused issuances reached $5 billion. Despite global catastrophes, catastrophe bonds delivered 14.1 percent returns for investors. Read More
AM Best Issues Revised Criteria for Rating Captives and Other ART Entities
AM Best released its revised criteria, "Rating Captives and Other Alternative Risk Transfer Entities." The update clarifies treatment of incorporated and unincorporated cell entities, affirms the weakest link approach, details letters of credit standards, and emphasizes parental support and governance in evaluating captive insurance companies' credit ratings. Read More
Premiums Increased Across Most Commercial Lines in July
The July 2025 "Ivans Index" showed year-over-year premium renewal rate increases across most commercial lines, including commercial auto, business owners policy (BOP), general liability, property, and umbrella, while workers compensation declined. Month over month, general liability, umbrella, and workers compensation saw gains, while commercial auto, BOP, and property recorded decreases in rate changes. Read More