SIRC 2026: ‘There is growing interest in alternative solutions and more tailored reinsurance arrangements.’

November 3 2026 by

What are the major trends you are seeing in Malaysia, along with the wider Asian market, for the upcoming renewal, in terms of capacity, pricing, retention and wordings? 

We expect the upcoming renewal season to remain favourable for buyers, supported by ample reinsurance capacity across Malaysia and Asia. Competitive market conditions are likely to keep pricing under pressure, although we do not expect the pace of softening to be as pronounced as previous renewals.  

Retentions are expected to remain broadly stable, with some cedents using premium savings to enhance protection or optimise programme structures.  

While wordings are generally expected to remain stable, there is growing interest in alternative solutions and more tailored reinsurance arrangements. 

How do you view the current risk landscape? 

Climate and natural catastrophe risks continue to be key concerns, while emerging risks such as cyber, healthcare inflation and longevity trends are reshaping the risk environment. 

As risks become more complex, reinsurers are expected to provide not only capacity but also technical expertise, underwriting insights and risk management support.  

In this environment, strong partnerships, knowledge sharing and long-term commitment are increasingly valued by cedents. 

How is your appetite for risk evolving? Do you see softening in the primary market impacting rate adequacy as a concern, especially for your proportional treaties? 

Our appetite remains growth-oriented but disciplined. We continue to support our clients while maintaining a strong focus on underwriting fundamentals, portfolio quality and sustainable profitability. 

While softening primary market rates are closely monitored, our approach is centred on long-term partnerships rather than short-term market cycles.  

We also continue to explore innovative and alternative structures where they can help clients achieve their objectives while maintaining appropriate risk parameters. 

What are the business growth strategies and focus areas for Malaysian Re in the next 12 months, in terms of geography as well as lines of business? 

Our strategy is focused on building a diversified and sustainable portfolio while continuing to support market resilience and insurance development in Malaysia. 

Regionally, we aim to deepen relationships with selected clients across Asia and expand in areas where we have strong expertise. We also continue to expand our presence in other territories, supported by strong cedent relationships across the London Market, Europe, the Middle East, and selected markets worldwide.  

Key focus areas include specialty lines such as energy, credit and surety, medical business, and structured solutions including parametric offerings. Across all markets, our priority is sustainable profitability, long-term partnerships and delivering value-added technical expertise. 

What are the concerns and challenges you have in the Asian market?  

One of the key challenges in Asia is balancing abundant market capacity with the need to maintain underwriting discipline and sustainable profitability. As risk landscapes evolve, it is increasingly important for reinsurers and cedents to work closely together, sharing insights, technical knowledge and strategic direction.  

What is your advice for cedents? 

Our advice to cedents is to focus on long-term partnerships, maintain open dialogue with reinsurers and remain receptive to innovative solutions that can strengthen resilience and support sustainable growth. 

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