Market News

Reinsurance Sector Outlook Turns Negative Amid Rising Competition

September 4, 2025

Fitch Ratings downgraded its global reinsurance outlook for 2026 to deteriorating, citing increased competition, softening prices, and rising catastrophe and social inflation-driven loss costs. While underwriting margins and returns may weaken, strong capitalization and reserve buffers are expected to provide resilience, maintaining overall stability in the reinsurance sector. Read More


Reinsurers' Strong Capital Positions Offer Cedents Renewal Leverage

September 4, 2025

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

September 3, 2025

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

September 2, 2025

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

September 2, 2025

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