Insurance Investor

Is fear of missing out on private credit driving strategies? Despite the controversies in 2025, #privatecredit remains irresistible for North American insurers going forward. “I don't want to find this industry in a position where we're shadow banking and possibly putting our global economic confidence at risk.” That was the opinion of Shawn Bengtson, Chief Risk Officer for WoodmenLife, at the Insurance Investor Live | North America event, held in December. Yet, despite this cautious note, Bengtson was quick to add that Woodmen is investing in private credit, albeit in “carved out” areas where they understand – both the risks and the opportunities – and think that they have an edge. So, what's behind the #FOMO? And what do the industry figures say to watch for in 2026? Jacob Smith looks at the evidence in depth. #usinsurance #investment #privatemarkets #investmentstratrgy Read more here 👇 https://lnkd.in/ecvanh7e

Uncertainty remains king for 2026: outlook from Insurance Investor North America Uncertainty looms large over the global economy in 2026, according to speakers at Insurance Investor Live | North America, last month. But how are insurers responding, and what do they need to know? "There’s a lot of obvious risks. Tariffs have been one of the biggest risks that has been highlighted this year. But an underappreciated risk is immigration policy," said Alejandra Grindal, Chief Economist at Ned Davis Research, who delivered the opening keynote, looking at the data on the US economy and where the hotspots for volatility were. Building on the theme, in a panel discussion, Lale Topcuoglu, Head of Investment Strategy and Public Fixed Income at Swiss Re, Shawn Bengtson, Chief Risk Officer for WoodmenLife, and Todd Campbell, CEO and President of Builders, discussed key areas to watch. The trio said they saw opportunities in the market conditions, as well as the issues. “I would say volatility provides opportunity, and you have not only the obligation to the organisation to exercise risk parameters but also exercise opportunity. This is two-sided, and that is what we’re employed to do," said Bengtson. Read more here 👇 https://lnkd.in/e4jtwXVH #tariffs #useconomy #marketvolatility #insurance #investmentstrategy

As we close out the year, we're thrilled to share a glimpse into what's coming in 2026 – set to be our most exciting year yet. Noel Hillmann and Jenna Williams recently visited Lindley Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls - The RHS to prepare for Insurance Investor Live | Europe 2026 taking place in September, where we're unveiling an entirely reimagined experience. What's new: Four dynamic open-plan theatres and our largest-ever exhibition space, designed to foster deeper connections and richer learning opportunities for Europe's insurance investment community. This expanded format brings together leaders across insurance investment, treasury, capital management, risk, accounting, and investment operations for unprecedented collaboration and insight-sharing. We want your input! Help us shape the agenda across our four content streams: 🔹 Asset Allocation & Investment Strategy 🔹 Treasury, Capital & Financial Risk 🔹 Private Markets & Real Assets 🔹 Investment Operations, Compliance & Regulation What topics should we prioritise? What challenges are you facing? Drop your suggestions below or message us directly. Your insights will help us create the most relevant and impactful program yet. #InsuranceInvestorLive #Insurance #InvestmentStrategy #IILE2026 #InsuranceInvestor #EuropeanInsurers #AssetAllocation #InvestmentOperations #PrivateMarkets

Last week, CIM's Daniel Ottensoser, Managing Director, Co-Head of Credit, joined a dynamic panel discussion at Insurance Investor Live | North America 2025 in New York City. His panel, “Strategic Real Estate Allocation in Uncertain Markets: When Will the Tide Turn and How Can Investors Prepare For It?” examined how insurers can navigate shifting market conditions, uncover opportunities in real estate credit and position portfolios for resilience and growth. Thanks to the event organizers, sponsors and fellow panelists for a great event.

The Federal Reserve Board's second rate cut is signalling a shift from the inflation-minded approach insurers have been navigating. While many businesses might welcome lower rates, the picture is more complicated for life insurers who are heavily invested in government bonds. "This is a time to think about long-term investments in the business itself, including technology, distribution, and analytics, instead of only chasing yield", Lou Mortillaro, Chief Financial Officer, Dealer Owned Warranty Company (DOWC) told us in the wake of the first cut. Read more here 👇 https://lnkd.in/ekQ95kFP #JeromePowell #FederalReserve #FixedIncome

It was such a special moment to be there in person when Nuveen received the Private Market Manager of the Year award. Thank you Insurance Investor for the recognition. I'm truly proud to represent this team and to support insurers as they navigate an evolving private market landscape with innovative solutions. Excited for what we'll achieve together in 2026! #IILNA2025 #NuveenPrivateMarkets #InsuranceInvesting

Hayfin’s Co-Head of Direct Lending, Mark Bickerstaffe, sat down with Andrew Putwain at Insurance Investor to discuss the evolving private credit landscape. The conversation spanned how Hayfin proactively manages risk ahead of major market events like ‘Liberation Day’, adjusting activity across market cycles based on supply-demand dynamics, and the continuing importance of private credit as the foundation of the firm’s investment strategy. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eqAa8DuM #Hayfin #PrivateCredit  

For some time now, business leaders have made countless announcements about how their investments in AI are changing the way they do business. But are we seeing innovation, marketing, or perhaps something more nefarious? “AI washing,” as this is known, is becoming a real risk. Some are overstating their AI capabilities, either by mistake or on purpose, in order to boost sales or valuations, leaving themselves open to increasing regulatory and financial risk if caught out. To prevent any discrepancy between words and actual capabilities, experts say transparency is a must. Clarity over what a company’s AI can or can’t do, might mean avoiding legal action, and the loss of customers. #AI #Amazon #AIWashing Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP Kathleen Birrane #Aon Read more here 👇  https://lnkd.in/d4spjRtk