HDI Global Singapore backs data centre and renewables demand with stronger H1

Engineering expertise and international programmes drove Southeast Asia growth as HDI Global's group underwriting improved

HDI Global Singapore backs data centre and renewables demand with stronger H1

Insurance News

By Mark Rosanes

HDI Global's Singapore branch grew its engineering and renewable energy capabilities in the first half of 2026, strengthening its international programmes offering and expanding its regional footprint across Southeast Asia. The branch contributed to the group's positive H1 result as HDI Global posted an improved combined ratio and sharply lower large loss payments globally.

At the group level, the combined ratio improved to 90.7 per cent from 91.6 per cent a year earlier. Large loss payments fell to €92 million from €142 million over the same period. These are group-level results reported under IFRS 17/9.

"We continued to strengthen our position in Singapore and across Southeast Asia in the first half of 2026," said Alex Tarantino (pictured), managing director of HDI Global Singapore. "Demand for our engineering expertise remained robust, supported by continued investment in data centres and renewable energy. Our international programmes offering, underpinned by our risk engineering expertise, deep local market knowledge and Singapore's strategic position as a regional hub, continued to deliver compelling value for multinational clients."

Man-made losses stayed elevated

Insurance revenue held broadly stable at €5.0 billion, against €5.1 billion a year earlier. Currency effects and disciplined underwriting were cited as the primary factors. The insurance service result rose 8 per cent to €465 million from €430 million. Large loss payments came in €209 million below the pro rata budget, which the company said was recognised in full. Natural catastrophe losses remained below budget in the first half of the year, though man-made losses stayed elevated across all industries.

At the Talanx group level, total large loss payments of €942 million came in below the group's pro rata budget of €1.416 billion. That figure includes €200 million in reinsurance reserves recognised for potential losses linked to the Iran war, according to Talanx's H1 2026 results.

The net insurance financial and investment result before currency effects climbed to €169 million from €99 million. Higher investment volumes and increased current interest income drove the gain. Earnings before interest and tax held steady at €381 million.

HDI Global's contribution to Talanx Group net income rose 7 per cent to €292 million from €274 million.

"The first half of 2026 demonstrated the strength and resilience of HDI Global's business model," said Edgar Puls, chief executive officer of HDI Global SE. "Strong operational performance and disciplined execution enabled us to further improve our results, underscoring our strategic focus on underwriting excellence. The improvement in our insurance service result, combined ratio, and net income reflects the quality of our portfolio, prudent underwriting, and the commitment of our teams worldwide."

The parent group, Talanx, reported record first-half 2026 net income of €1.50 billion, up 9 per cent from €1.37 billion a year earlier. The Solvency II ratio strengthened to 246 per cent from 224 per cent. Talanx now anticipates full-year net income significantly above its original guidance of approximately €2.7 billion.

Singapore as a regional hub

Tarantino said the branch plans to continue growing its core lines and expanding its regional footprint under the group's Xcelerate29 strategy, with a focus on improving productivity and client experience. He said HDI Global Singapore aims to develop further as a regional hub and centre of excellence for specialty insurance in the Asia-Pacific market.

The group carries an S&P financial strength rating of AA-/stable and an AM Best rating of A+/stable.

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