HDI Global's combined ratio improved to 90.7 percent from 91.6 percent in the first half of 2026, as large loss payments fell to €92 million from €142 million a year earlier. The group-level results, reported under IFRS 17/9, come as the insurer installs new leadership in the US. HDI Global is expanding its broker-facing capabilities in the market under a four-year growth plan.
Shadi Albert (pictured) took over as chief executive officer of HDI Global Insurance Company in Chicago on July 13. He succeeded Jim Clark, who led the US operation for 23 years.
"The next phase of HDI Global's development in the United States is already underway," Albert said. "We are bringing more than a century of global underwriting expertise, technical excellence and financial strength into one of the world's most important commercial insurance markets, backed by a long-term commitment to brokers and clients."
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 percent to €465 million from €430 million. Large loss payments came in €209 million below the pro rata budget, which the company said was recognized 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 recognized 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 percent 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 percent from €1.37 billion a year earlier. The Solvency II ratio strengthened to 246 percent from 224 percent. Talanx now anticipates full-year net income significantly above its original guidance of approximately €2.7 billion.
HDI Global's US push under Xcelerate29
Albert said the US operation would invest in talent, technology, and its national footprint, with the goal of building a premier corporate and specialty insurer in the market.
HDI Global operates in the United States through three wholly owned subsidiaries, licensed across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
"Our focus is on disciplined execution," Albert said. "We are investing in talent, technology and our national footprint, while making it easier for brokers and clients to do business with us through responsive underwriting, clear decision-making and dependable capacity across market cycles."
HDI Global's US expansion is framed around the Xcelerate29 strategy, which targets profitable growth through specialty expansion and closer broker relationships through 2029. The group carries an S&P financial strength rating of AA-/stable and an AM Best rating of A+/stable.
