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 basis compared to the same period in 2025. The company also saw new business contractual service margin grow 18 per cent year-on-year to US$556 million, reflecting its consistent track record of financial performance.
Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, attributed the results to the company's diversified pan-Asian footprint and distribution model. “Japan and our Expansion Markets in Southeast Asia were key drivers of growth, alongside another solid performance from Hong Kong SAR, despite the high base effect from a record first quarter comparison in 2025,” he said.
The Japan segment reported strong growth, boosted by its strategic expansion into the retirement and savings segment in mid-2025, complementing its long-standing protection business. The Expansion Markets segment, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, posted excellent growth driven by broker and independent financial advisor channels as well as solid bancassurance results. The Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR segment delivered continued growth compared to the record high first quarter in 2025, reflecting both domestic and financial hub-related demand. In the Thailand & Cambodia segment, the focus on developing quality new business continued amid sustained growth headwinds from the lower rate environment in Thailand.
The company introduced 11 new products across the region during the quarter. Its consumer outlook survey, released in February 2026, revealed that a majority of Asia’s middle-class feel financially anxious and underprepared for retirement, underscoring the importance of FWD’s offerings. Phong expressed confidence in the long-term rising middle-class trend in Asia despite near-term external shocks, and noted a positive outlook for the high-net-worth segment served by FWD Private, particularly given the strength of financial hubs like Hong Kong SAR.
FWD’s consistent performance comes as it continues to serve approximately 40 million customers across 10 markets. The company’s customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions and simpler insurance experiences. As previously announced, Khun Knattapisit Krutkrongchai will join as Chief Executive Officer for Thailand on 11 May 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, bringing nearly 30 years of insurance experience.
For more information, visit www.fwd.com. The original press release is available on NewMediaWire.
