HDI Global's UK & Ireland branch posted a positive first half of 2026, expanding key lines and investing in data and technology capabilities.
At the group level, HDI Global's 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.
"The first half of 2026 has underlined both the resilience and ambition of our UK & Ireland business," said Simon Hunt (pictured), chief executive officer of HDI Global UK & Ireland. "We have made a positive start with our new Energy & Power Hub, continued to strengthen our Specialty proposition and seen strong external recognition for the expertise of our people, reflected in our growing thought leadership around captives and risk transfer."
Insurance revenue held broadly stable at €5 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.
In the UK & Ireland, the branch launched its Energy & Power Hub in the first half, targeting recognised lead market status in London. Hunt said the branch sees continued opportunities for profitable growth in cyber, health, multinational business and specialty products. He described trading conditions as demanding and said underwriting profitability remained the primary objective.
Hunt said Xcelerate29 provides a clear strategic framework, with investment continuing in data and AI capabilities to support long-term growth.
