FWD Group Holdings Limited (FWD) today announced strong new business highlights for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026, reporting a 4% increase in new business sales to US$720 million on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis compared to the same period in 2025. The new business contractual service margin (CSM) reached US$556 million, an 18% year-on-year growth, underscoring the company's 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 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 Japan, strong growth reflected the boost from its strategic expansion into the retirement and savings segment in mid-2025, alongside its long-standing protection business. The Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR reporting segment delivered continued growth in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the record high first quarter in 2025, reflecting both domestic and financial hub related demand. Meanwhile, the Thailand & Cambodia segment focused on developing quality new business given sustained growth headwinds from the lower rate environment in Thailand. As previously announced, Khun Knattapisit Krutkrongchai (KK) will join FWD as Chief Executive Officer, Thailand, effective 11 May 2026, subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
The company also introduced 11 new products around the region. A consumer outlook survey released by FWD in February 2026 indicated that the majority of Asia’s middle-class feel financially anxious and underprepared for retirement, highlighting the need for innovative insurance solutions. Huynh Thanh Phong expressed confidence in the long-term rising middle-class trend in Asia, despite near-term external shocks. “The outlook for the high-net-worth segment, served by FWD Private, remains positive, particularly given the strength and confidence in financial hubs in the region like Hong Kong SAR where we are headquartered,” he added.
For more information about FWD Group and its financial performance, visit www.fwd.com. The original press release is available at www.newmediawire.com.
