Risk Management

The International Insurance Society (IIS) announced the finalists for the 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Award. These emerging leaders were selected for their research addressing key challenges in insurance and risk management. Finalists include Robin Huettemann (McKinsey), focusing on public-private partnerships for natural catastrophe resilience; Sulim Lee (AIA), exploring the role of human advisors in the age of AI; and Anne-Katherin Schirlitz (Gallagher Re), examining growth imperatives in reinsurance. They will present their research at the IIS Global Insurance Forum in Switzerland, where the 2025 RGA Leader of Tomorrow will be named.

The luxury yacht “Dolce Vento” sank off the Turkish coast shortly after its launch due to suspected design flaws and inadequate watertight seals. Valued at $940,000, the 85-foot vessel rapidly submerged within 15 minutes, though all aboard evacuated safely. The incident raises concerns about shipbuilding quality control, especially in smaller shipyards, and is expected to prompt stricter safety standards and increased insurance scrutiny. Initial analysis points to potential weight imbalance and rapid water ingress as contributing factors.

HII, a leading defense technologies provider, announced the 2025 Compass Award recipients, recognizing five employees for their contributions to ethical conduct and compliance. This award, part of HII’s broader strategy to strengthen ethical behavior and risk management, underscores the importance of integrity in operations. EVP Paul Harris emphasized accountability and ethical leadership. HII’s commitment aims to improve investor confidence, secure government contracts, and maintain trust in a competitive market. The focus on compliance reduces risk and helps the company deliver defense capabilities effectively.

AGNC Investment Corp. (Nasdaq: AGNC) announced the pricing of a public offering of 12,000,000 depositary shares representing preferred stock, with gross proceeds of $300 million. Underwriters have a 30-day option for additional shares. Listing on Nasdaq is planned under “AGNCZ,” with closing expected around September 10, 2025. Proceeds will be invested in a diversified portfolio including Agency securities and credit risk transfer securities. Managed by a consortium of financial institutions, the offering is under an existing shelf registration statement. The strategy aims to bolster capital amid volatile market conditions.

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is expanding its Corporate Risk & Broking team in Japan, hiring 22 professionals in 2025. This growth targets Japan’s projected insurance market expansion from JPY11.7 trillion in 2024 to JPY12.7 trillion by 2028. New hires strengthen Risk & Analytics, Reinsurance, Marine, Business Development, and Claims divisions, bringing expertise from firms like Marsh and Tokio Marine. Japan’s significant marine insurance market, representing 11% of the global fleet, is a key focus area.

**Zurich China paid a landmark $40 million settlement** for a product liability claim. A US child suffered permanent injuries in 2022 after swallowing a button battery from a defective Chinese-manufactured air conditioner remote insured by Zurich. As the excess layer insurer, Zurich settled the original $125.2M lawsuit to avoid a potentially higher US jury verdict. Completed in June 2025 (~¥141M), the payment impacted profits but left the insurer financially sound. This record settlement starkly highlights the catastrophic liability risks in markets like the US and the need for robust safety and tailored insurance for exporters.