Swiss Re highlights climate losses, AI transformation, and geopolitical uncertainty as critical themes at Monte Carlo reinsurance talks

Swiss Re highlights climate losses, AI transformation, and geopolitical uncertainty as critical themes at Monte Carlo reinsurance talks

(IN BRIEF) At the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo, Swiss Re has highlighted how climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the global re/insurance market. The company warns that insured losses from natural catastrophes, which have exceeded USD 100 billion annually in recent years, could surge to USD 200–300 billion in extreme scenarios unless stronger prevention and resilience measures are implemented. Geopolitical fragmentation and widespread civil unrest further complicate risk assessment, increasing volatility across markets. At the same time, artificial intelligence is emerging as an indispensable tool, enabling insurers to process unstructured data and improve underwriting quality. Swiss Re emphasises that re/insurance continues to serve as a foundation of economic stability and urges closer public-private cooperation to meet the challenges of an uncertain world.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, 8-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Meeting at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo, Swiss Re has urged the industry to respond decisively to the dual pressures of escalating climate-related disasters and mounting geopolitical uncertainty. At the same time, the company sees artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to strengthen underwriting quality and provide new ways of managing risks.

According to Urs Baertschi, Chief Executive Officer P&C Reinsurance at Swiss Re, the industry’s role as a stabilising force has never been more important: “In today’s unsettled world, marked by technological leaps and shifting geopolitical realities, re/insurance provides essential stability. By working closely with clients, partners, and governments, we can both embrace innovation and ensure societies remain resilient to future shocks.”

The current geopolitical climate is marked by greater instability. Rising protectionism, disruptions to supply chains, and social unrest in more than 70 countries over the past year have added layers of unpredictability. Swiss Re stresses that these developments heighten the need for careful exposure management and disciplined underwriting to safeguard the industry’s long-term sustainability.

The consequences of extreme weather remain a central challenge. Swiss Re Institute data shows annual insured losses from natural catastrophes consistently topping USD 100 billion in recent years, with projections indicating that losses could surge to USD 200–300 billion in particularly severe years. Swiss Re calls for investment in preventive infrastructure such as resilient building standards, advanced urban planning, and more robust modelling. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, the company says, will be critical to mitigating the growing financial burden of climate-related risks.

The re/insurance industry, traditionally reliant on data hidden in contracts, claims and submissions, is now experiencing a technological turning point. AI has advanced from promise to necessity, enabling insurers and reinsurers to analyse unstructured information at scale. Gianfranco Lot, Chief Underwriting Officer P&C Reinsurance at Swiss Re, explained: “AI will fundamentally reshape how we approach risk. Reliable data remains the bedrock of our business, but artificial intelligence will allow us to apply that data more effectively, ensuring greater transparency and improved underwriting decisions. Our task now is to align expertise, technology, and collaboration to turn these opportunities into reality.”

Swiss Re will continue its discussions with clients and partners during a hybrid press briefing held in Monte Carlo and via Zoom at 14:15 CEST today.

About Swiss Re
The Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and  other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk – from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cyber crime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 70 offices globally.

Disclaimer
Although all the information discussed herein was taken from reliable sources, Swiss Re does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or comprehensiveness of the information given or forward-looking statements made. The information provided and forward-looking statements made are for informational purposes only and in no way constitute or should be taken to reflect Swiss Re’s position, in particular in relation to any ongoing or future dispute. In no event shall Swiss Re be liable for any financial or consequential loss or damage arising in connection with the use of this information and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Swiss Re undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE: Swiss Re