Market News
States Diverge on ACA Subsidy Expiration Response
Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace enrollment has declined following the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits, prompting states to pursue different affordability strategies. KBRA reports that some states are funding premium or cost-sharing assistance, while others use reinsurance programs to reduce individual-market premiums, creating varying coverage outcomes and additional state fiscal pressures. Read More
Aon to Acquire USI for $17 Billion in Middle-Market Expansion
Aon agreed to acquire USI from KKR and other shareholders for $17 billion, expanding its US middle-market insurance operations and access to excess and surplus lines. The transaction, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, is projected to generate $395 million in annual run-rate net adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization synergies. Read More
Catastrophe Bond Issuance Hits Record $17.3 Billion in First Half
Record catastrophe bond issuance and growing insurance-linked securities (ILS) capacity are reshaping the reinsurance market. First-half 2026 catastrophe bond issuance reached $17.3 billion, while abundant traditional and ILS capital contributed to softer property catastrophe reinsurance pricing. AM Best said capital supply exceeded demand as investors continued deploying retained earnings into the market. Read More
NAIC Advances Capital, Solvency Measures at Summer Meeting
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) advanced risk-based capital and solvency measures during its 2026 Summer National Meeting. Regulators approved changes involving collateralized loan obligations and life insurer capital requirements while addressing principle-based reserving, market conduct, catastrophe risk, homeowners insurance affordability, mitigation programs, and evolving insurance market conditions nationwide. Read More
How Strategy and Collaboration Are Shaping Captive Insurance
Captive insurance is becoming an increasingly strategic component of organizational risk management. This episode examines the qualities of strong captive proposals, the Midwest’s expanding role, regional collaboration, emerging risks, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the importance of connecting captive programs to clear business objectives and long-term risk strategies. Read More