The insurer plans to redeploy proceeds from about US$25bn in cross-shareholding sales, as Japanese regulators press major carriers to cut legacy equity stakes and improve capital efficiency.
Cyclone pool ends year with a A$1.21bn operating deficit, but Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation said it remains cash-flow positive and able to meet all expected claims.
Australia’s per capita losses from extreme weather remain among the world’s highest, prompting the ICA to renew calls for tax, planning, and disaster funding reforms.
The regulator is sharpening its focus on affordability and long-term resilience as insurers face mounting cost pressures from natural disasters, inflation, and limited reinsurance capacity.
Premiums placed by intermediaries rose to A$21.5bn in the first half, led by a rise in unauthorised foreign insurers, though APRA-authorised carriers continue to hold the lion’s share of premiums.
