Latest Review Articles Spotlight Top Insurance Brokers Worldwide and Beyond
In the dynamic world of insurance, Best's Review, a renowned monthly magazine published by AM Best, has been shedding light on emerging issues and trends, evaluating their impact on the marketplace.
Recent reports from Best's Review highlight a variety of key developments in the global insurance industry.
Reinsurance: Europe’s four largest reinsurers - Swiss Re, Munich Re, Hannover Re, and SCOR - have shown strong 2024 results, driven by adequate rates and underwriting discipline. The total dedicated reinsurance capital is projected to grow to USD 649 billion in 2025, continuing significant growth from previous years. Asian reinsurers are also expanding into mature overseas markets to diversify and improve agility in underwriting cycles.
Corporate Rating and Outlook Updates: AM Best revised the outlook for Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Group to stable from negative, citing improved underwriting and operating performance through 2024 and into 2025. Arkansas Farm Bureau Insurance converted from mutual to stock company form and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Casualty, aligning with strategic goals and providing financial advantages.
US Property/Casualty Market Insights: The 2024 Direct Premiums Written reports for multiple lines were released in August 2025. Notably, the US Cyber insurance market experienced the first-ever reduction in direct premiums written due primarily to pricing cuts rather than exposure changes, signaling market adjustments.
Life Insurance Sector Trends: US life/annuity insurers face challenges from potential interest rate cuts, increased risk asset use, and legacy liabilities. However, strong liquidity, capital positions, and robust annuity sales support a stable outlook. Advances in personalized medicine and early disease detection are reshaping mortality trends and risk strategies in the life and health reinsurance space.
Industry Technology and Data Use: Industry leaders are emphasizing the growing role of artificial intelligence, data-driven analytics, and voice technology in underwriting and claims processing. There is also notable growth in the private flood insurance market driven by better data availability, and ongoing inflation impacts on claims and settlements are being actively managed.
Investment Activity: Berkshire Hathaway Group made a large equity investment by purchasing $1.57 billion worth of UnitedHealth Group shares, reflecting ongoing investment interest in health-related sectors.
These insights reflect a dynamically evolving insurance industry with significant capital growth, strategic repositioning, emerging technological adoption, and nuanced market performance across segments globally and in the US.
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In light of these developments, Best's Review has reported that the US Cyber insurance market has witnessed a decrease in direct premiums written due primarily to pricing adjustments, signifying market adaptations. Additionally, advances in personalized medicine and early disease detection are influencing mortality trends and risk strategies in the life and health reinsurance business.
