Post by Willis Re

Global reinsurers delivered exceptionally strong Q1 2026 results, benefiting from a period free of major catastrophe losses, unlike Q1 2025 when California wildfires generated over $5 billion in claims. Across a group of 19 leading reinsurers, gross premiums fell 6.1% to $38.1 billion as many carriers prioritised underwriting discipline over growth, reducing participation in lower-margin business and responding to declining reinsurance rates. Major players such as Munich Re, Hannover Re, and RenaissanceRe cut premiums by more than 10%. Despite lower volumes, profitability surged: the group’s weighted combined ratio improved from 97.1% to 81.0%, while the four largest European reinsurers achieved a record aggregate return on equity of 21.4%. Reserve releases, stronger investment income, and limited losses from the Middle East conflict further supported earnings. While results are expected to remain strong through mid-year, continued rate softening and potential catastrophe losses suggest current profitability may represent a cyclical peak. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/esbDpRva #WillisRe #Reinsurance