Executive agenda: four strategic shifts redefining Insurance

This turbulent environment is shaking insurance players to the core. In an industry that was built on stability, it’s no longer enough to just endure shocks. Insurers need to redefine what their core strengths of reliability and security mean – for themselves and the people they serve – in an unpredictable, uncertain world.

They need to embrace technology and agility to adapt to emerging risks. They need to become truly resilient.

The case for urgency  

The signals are stark – and visible on every balance sheet:   

• Insured catastrophe losses reached CHF 70 billion in H1 2025, almost twice the 10-year average.
• Wildfires alone caused CHF 35 billion in insured losses in the same period.
• Health-insurance costs keep climbing, and premium hikes of more than 8% are expected for mandatory health insurance in Switzerland in 2025 – the steepest increase in two decades – while German health insurers report annual expenditure growth of over 5%.
• Customer expectations are accelerating, with Zurich and Allianz both reporting growing demand for proactive, personalised support before, during and after events, beyond financial coverage.
• Generative AI offers an estimated CHF 45 billion EBIT opportunity across the sector. 

The financial push factors are accompanied by pressure in the boardroom. CFOs know prevention translates into solvency protection. CIOs are embracing connected platforms as a route to lower IT debt. And CROs understand that agility means managing systemic risks. Orchestrating this mixed board agenda is the CEO, who must find new ways to sustain growth, enhance relevance, accelerate digitalisation, and improve customer experience.

It’s a tall order, but we believe a powerful new form of resilience – built on technology, people, and ecosystems – is emerging. By integrating these three pillars into their business models, insurance leaders can position themselves at the epicentre of four seismic shifts rocking the industry.

Those that do will co-create a new era of insurance and secure the long-term resilience of their own organisation. 

Resilience is built through action, not aspiration. Insurance leaders should combine visible quick wins with structural commitments. Execution discipline matters as much as the ideas themselves.

Boards and regulators will demand clear ownership, cross-silo authority, and rigorous reporting against financial KPIs. Some ways to start your journey: 

• Pilot a prevention initiative targeting one high-cost peril to build credibility and protect solvency.
• Launch an internal API marketplace to speed integration and enhance the flow of data and services.
• Create a GenAI “impact cockpit” to track measurable outcomes and increase accountability around digital impact.
• Embed churn prediction in renewal workflows as an investment in loyalty and customer experience. 

By 2030, there’ll be a marked gap between industry leaders and those pursuing vanishing margins. Resilient, fast, adaptive, and connected insurers will shape risk instead of chasing it. They’ll grow through loyalty and customer acquisition, generating new revenue pools from prevention services. They’ll attract talent, forge partnerships in the insurance ecosystem. And they’ll set new standards for the industry.  

Zühlke’s dedicated insurance team is ready to guide you in navigating the shifts – let’s co-create the future of insurance. Together.