Asia recorded its lowest first-half insured catastrophe losses since 2017, but more than US$6bn in flood-driven economic losses in China underscored the region's significant protection gap.
The preferred bidder is expected to sign a stock purchase agreement in the third quarter, with the acquisition targeted for completion before year-end.
Swiss Re expects Asia to outpace global insurance growth in 2026, though the regional outlook is splitting sharply between AI beneficiaries, energy-exposed markets and reform-led growth stories.
Price negotiations remain a key hurdle as South Korea's largest financial groups line up for the sale of the mid-sized insurer, with Shinhan seen as the frontrunner.
Insurers across China, Taiwan and South Korea are bolstering capital buffers and refining investment strategies as low rates and volatility strain traditional earnings models.
KIRI says a widening gap between driver expectations, insurer assessments, and review outcomes is driving higher dispute rates in Korea’s motor insurance market.
