Looking ahead to what may shape the global insurance industry in 2026, Digital Insurance sought out insights from leaders at ACORD Solutions Group (ASG) and ACORD.
From the impact of AI on cybersecurity risks to the potential trajectories of P&C and life insurance markets, this year’s predictions are a must-read for industry professionals.
AI and Insurtech Predictions for 2026
ASG CEO Chris Newman talked about how AI could transform how insurers operate.
“Agentic AI is poised to redefine operations, with autonomous digital agents supporting data analysis, routine decisions, and data enrichment in underwriting and claims analysis, he states. This will, in turn, empower human experts to focus on complex risk, strategy, and client relationships. With highly consumable data as a prerequisite for effective AI adoption, insurers will treat data standardization as the foundation of AI and Insurtech, not simply a back-office task.”
ASG’s VP of Technology Shared Service Corey Calajoe shared his thoughts on cyber threats, especially those driven by AI.
“The rapid growth of AI will intensify cyber threats, with autonomous AI tools being weaponized by both attackers and defenders, accelerating phishing, malware deployment, and real-time threat detection,” he states.
He also touches upon potential threats related to quantum computing, stating, “We'll see quantum computing spur significant cryptographic upgrades, with many organizations anticipating future quantum threats and proactively transitioning to post-quantum cryptography with an eye toward long-term data security.”
Life Insurance Predictions for 2026
David Sterner, SVP Research & Development at ACORD, presented his outlook for the life insurance industry this year.
“In 2026, we expect to see declining interest rates pressure overall sales growth, as well as drive a shift from fixed products to variable products,” he states. “Insurers with large legacy books will continue to seek divestiture through large reinsurance and private equity deals.”
Property and Casualty Insurance Predictions for 2026
Sterner also shared his expectations for the P&C market.
“Premium rates will continue to moderate in the coming year, and more lines will enter soft market territory,” he states. “Investment returns will be pressured by a combination of declining interest rates and increased equity market volatility. As a result, P&C insurers will increase their focus on operational efficiencies to combat declining margins.”