The explosive growth of the E&S market, coupled with higher seller valuations, is driving a steady stream of carrier M&A activity, said Jason Murgio, Principal & CEO and Paul Procops, Vice President, of boutique insurance investment bank Merger & Acquisition Services.

“That’s what we live for,” said Darren Tasker, Head of Construction, North America, Allianz Commercial, emphasizing the deep expertise needed to navigate multi-billion-dollar data center construction projects and deliver tailored, comprehensive insurance coverage.

From cat losses from wildfires and hurricanes to litigation battles to the shifting commercial insurance landscape — these are the stories that defined our industry in the last 12 months. In celebration of Insurance Insider US Honors Awards, please enjoy our Year in Review video.

January 1 renewal rates will be determined by the next 60 days of possible hurricane loss activity and any change to interest rates.

As the reinsurance industry “fought incredibly hard” for its recent underwriting profits, SiriusPoint CEO Scott Egan remains hopeful that the market will remain disciplined coming into Jan. 1 renewals.

MGA’s can be challenging but cost effective and “we use them to expand our footprint in new markets and new lines of business”.

It is your people who differentiate you in a competitive reinsurance market, Klinger said.

While investors recently have favored the “instant gratification” of supporting brokers and MGAs, start-up reinsurer Mereo CEO David Croom-Johnson said he thinks capital will “fall back in love” with balance-sheet companies who deliver consistent profitable results.

Named peril specific mass tort litigation coverage is a $5bn opportunity for reinsurers.

Alternative capital can support M&A, says Eric le Mercier.

The E&S market has “the same DNA as we do”.

AI is fuelling MGA growth in Europe and the UK, Clausner says.

Paul Campbell details how the most profitable insurers act during a soft versus hard market.

New technologies, including autonomous vehicles, are impacting loss trends already, said Charlie Bartlett, head of P&C for North, Central and Eastern Europe, SCOR, in the walk up to the annual RVS conference in Monte Carlo.

The insurance industry faces fierce competition to replace retiring professionals amid evolving expectations from younger workers. Tony Chimera, Talent Executive, Westfield Specialty, reveals how investing in people and culture drives success in recruiting and retention.

While volatile stock markets and increased geopolitical strife may have dampened global Mergers & Acquisitions, transactions among brokers remain robust, said M&A Services Inc.’s Managing Director Chris Hughes and Senior Associate Stephen Scales.

Insurers are pairing accumulation and exposure management with modeling to navigate natural catastrophes, said Monica Ningen, CEO P&C Reinsurance US, Swiss Re.

Insurers could face a “heightened claims exposure” due to increased regulation scrutiny on the fintech industry, including buy now pay later schemes, AI and crypto, said Nick Rugg, Head of Fintech and Investment Management Insurance for Markel International.

The increase in business and leisure travel – plus niche travel, such as for cosmetic procedures – is driving increased demand for travel insurance, said Guy Bonwick, Head of Global Specialty Accident and Health at AXIS.

“Wildfire is a specialist peril," said Kevin Stein, Co-Founder and CEO of Delos, explaining how harnessing data is redefining wildfire risk underwriting.

Companies are focusing on offering mental health support to employees. “We're listening, we're learning and we're sharing,” said Vince Tizzio, President and CEO of AXIS, with Phil Schermer, Founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds.

As AI and data analytics reshape the insurance industry, Brendan Hanley, managing director of binding P&C at Markel, explains how these tools can offer real efficiency gains.

Jack Kuhn, President of Westfield Specialty, discusses the shifting market cycles and changing landscape at RISKWORLD 2025.

Alliant is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and is the ‘furthest thing from a serial acquirer,’ Greg Zimmer, CEO, Alliant, said at RISKWORLD 2025.

Today’s casualty market is “challenging” driven by shrinking capacity and tightening excess layers, said Pete McGuinness, EVP, national accounts casualty, for Arch.

Uncertainty around political climate, weather and a possible recession is firming the market, said Wendy Houser, President, wholesale and specialty, Markel.

Private equity investors may not have the same timeline as the multi-year construction projects they’ve invested in, which could leave surety writers holding the keys if private equity walks away, said Mike Keimig, president and CEO of Markel Surety.

Parametric insurance and multi-year, multi-line structured solutions are two tools that can help insureds manage natural catastrophes, said Katie McGrath, regional CEO of North America for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.

Jack Falvey, CEO of Falvey Insurance Group, talked to Insider on Air about what sets his MGA apart in an increasingly crowded field and why “just having relationships” isn’t enough anymore.

Kathleen Reardon, CEO of Hiscox Re & ILS, also talked about the impact of the California wildfires and why it’s important for cedants to work with a reinsurer with strong underwriting and modelling skills when disaster strikes.

While significant, the fires are expected to be an earnings rather than a capital event for the industry, John Huff, CEO of the Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers, said.

Anna Woolley, Head of Construction for AXIS Global Markets, discusses how they’re tackling the challenges of mega projects, sustainability, and evolving risks in the construction insurance sector.

The cyber insurance market is poised for growth in 2025, but staying competitive requires innovation and adaptability to new risks. Andy Maher, head of cyber & technology, London, for AXIS, shares insights on industry trends and challenges ahead.

"The Once and Future C&F" delves into pivotal moments within the company and the insurance industry and spotlights the leaders who’ve shaped the company’s legacy over the past 200+ years.

Karl Haynes, Managing Director for Wholesale Claims at Tysers Insurance Brokers, explains how advancements like AI and drones are transforming the insurance claims process, improving efficiency and transparency in the London market.

Fred Karlinsky, Chair of the Insurance Programme at Greenberg Traurig, discusses Florida's impactful tort reforms, third-party litigation funding, and the booming E&S market's future.

Paul Templar, Co-Founder & CEO of VIPR Solutions, explores the drivers of growth, key challenges, and future outlook for MGAs in 2025.

Jim Mormile, President of Professional Lines for Skyward Specialty, discusses AI, cyber risks, and industry challenges.

Mark Maher, President of Jencap, discusses the thriving MGA space, market challenges, and opportunities in 2025.

Tim Brockett, EVP & Head of Specialty for Munich Re U.S. shares insights on risk perceptions, the flood insurance gap, and innovative strategies.

Michael Silas, Head of Global Credit for AXIS Re, discusses 2025's macroeconomic outlook, regulatory shifts, and credit market trends.

Maggie Munns, Head of Executive Assurance for Arch Insurance International, on the evolving D&O market, discussing challenges, strategies, and a 2025 outlook.

Target Markets is hoping to expand to offer scholarships to additional students next year, says Gene Abby, executive director, Target Markets

Damian Cooper, Partner with PwC Bermuda discusses life reinsurance growth and regulatory challenges.

Arthur Wightman, Territory Leader for PwC Bermuda discusses industry challenges and Bermuda's key role in reinsurance growth and climate initiatives.

Charlie Matthias Deputy Chairman and Group Executive Director for The Fidelis Partnership discusses how ESG practices can drive societal change, improve underwriting, and ensure sustainable growth in insurance.

Joe Dutton, Energy Innovation Lead for AXIS, discusses the role of insurance in supporting new energy technologies.

Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Exeter, explains ocean carbon storage and its role in climate change.

Bill Cooper, Managing Director with Howden Capital Markets & Advisory, discusses insurance market trends, M&A projections, MGA expansion and ILS insights.

Nadia Beckert, Group Head of Property Reinsurance for The Fidelis Partnership, shares insights on market outlooks, AI integration and the challenge of attracting new talent in the evolving reinsurance industry.

Robert Wiest, CEO of MS Reinsurance, discusses trends in the casualty market, social inflation and renewal expectations at the PwC Insurance Summit in Bermuda.

Kirsten Beasley, Head of the Bermuda Office for WTW, discusses talent, diversity, and mentorship at the PwC Insurance Summit.

Neil Eckert, Chairman and Co-Founder of Conduit Re, discusses climate change mitigation, new insurance products, and closing the coverage gap.

Will Bridger, Group CEO with Compre Group, discusses the evolving legacy insurance market at the PwC Insurance Summit.

Rachel Turk, CUO for Lloyd’s, shares first-year insights and explores AI, market outlook, and data flow innovations.

AXA XL’s CUO for Bermuda, Noel Pearman, shares how AI is transforming insurance operations, enhancing client offerings, and opening doors to new business opportunities.

Steve Horton, President of Liberty Mutual Bermuda, on AI's transformative role, challenges, and potential in reshaping the insurance industry.

Tim Usher Jones, Co-CEO and Founder of Banyan Risk, shares insights on their new excess casualty venture, AI integration, and growth strategies in an evolving market.

Rob Bredahl, Vice Chairman of Howden Re and Executive Chairman of Howden Capital Markets & Advisory, discusses cat events, market capital and the 2025 outlook.

Stephen Catlin, Executive Chairman for Convex, shares insights on leadership, climate initiatives and how insurance must evolve at the PwC Insurance Summit in Bermuda.