FWD Group Holdings Limited reported strong first quarter new business highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2026, with new business sales rising four per cent to US$720 million on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis compared to the same period in 2025. The company also posted a new business contractual service margin of US$556 million, representing year-on-year growth of 18 per cent. These results underscore FWD's consistent track record of financial performance and its diversified pan-Asian footprint.
Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, attributed the results to strong contributions from Japan and the Expansion Markets in Southeast Asia, alongside a solid performance from Hong Kong SAR despite a high base effect from a record first quarter in 2025. The company introduced 11 new products across the region during the quarter. A consumer outlook survey released by FWD in February 2026 indicated that a majority of Asia's middle-class feel financially anxious and underprepared for retirement, highlighting the ongoing need for insurance solutions.
The Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR reporting segment delivered continued growth compared to the record high first quarter in 2025, reflecting both domestic and financial hub-related demand. Japan reported strong growth, boosted by its strategic expansion into the retirement and savings segment in mid-2025, alongside its long-standing protection business. The Expansion Markets segment—comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam—posted excellent growth, driven by the broker and independent financial advisor channel and solid bancassurance results. In the Thailand & Cambodia segment, the focus on developing quality new business continued amid sustained growth headwinds from the lower rate environment in Thailand. As previously announced, Khun Knattapisit Krutkrongchai will join FWD as Chief Executive Officer, Thailand, effective 11 May 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
FWD Group (1828.HK) is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business serving approximately 40 million customers across 10 markets. The company's customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, FWD operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets globally. For more information, visit www.fwd.com. The original release is available at www.newmediawire.com.
