Swiss Re Sees Reinsurance Demand Rising Amid Natural Disaster Risks

BRUSSELS, Sept 7 (NNN-dpa) -- Swiss reinsurer Swiss Re said on Monday that demand for reinsurance is set to rise as risks become more interconnected, reported German news agency dpa.

It pointed to natural catastrophes, liability claims and geopolitical tensions as drivers of protection needs.

Natural disaster risk remains a key driver of reinsurance demand, Swiss Re said, noting that insured losses have been rising 5-7 per cent annually and could reach about US$320 billion in a peak scenario this year.

The reinsurer highlighted the 2026 European wildfire season as an example of evolving risks, with insured wildfire losses rising 8-11 per cent annually in recent decades.

The company also pointed to rapid investment in data centres, projected to exceed US$6 trillion by 2030, creating a potential US$91 billion insurance premium opportunity. 

Liability risks remain elevated, with US commercial liability losses hitting US$174 billion in 2025, surpassing global insured catastrophe losses.

Geopolitical tensions are adding further uncertainty, Swiss Re said, warning of supply chain shocks and inflationary pressures that could drive up claims' costs.

On the Swiss stock exchange, shares of Swiss Re closed trading on Friday 0.52 per cent lower at 142.85 Swiss francs (US$176.53).

--NNN-dpa