FWD Group Reports Strong First Quarter Results, Driven by Japan and Expansion Markets

FWD Group Holdings Limited reported strong first quarter new business highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2026, with new business sales rising four per cent to US$720 million on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis compared to the same period in 2025. The company also posted a new business contractual service margin of US$556 million, representing year-on-year growth of 18 per cent.

Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, attributed the results to "our consistent track record of performance, growth, and the diversified pan-Asian footprint and distribution model of FWD Group." He noted that Japan and the Expansion Markets in Southeast Asia were key drivers of growth, alongside another solid performance from Hong Kong SAR despite a high base effect from a record first quarter in 2025.

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. Japan reported strong growth, boosted by its strategic expansion into the retirement and savings segment in mid 2025, alongside its long-standing protection business. 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 the Thailand & Cambodia segment, the focus on developing quality new business continued, given sustained growth headwinds from the lower rate environment in Thailand.

FWD Group introduced 11 new products around the region during the quarter. The company's consumer outlook survey released in February 2026 showed that the majority of Asia’s middle-class feel financially anxious and underprepared for retirement. Huynh Thanh Phong expressed confidence over the long-term that "the rising middle-class trend in Asia will continue, despite the near-term impacts of external shocks on economies and consumers in the region." He added that the outlook for the high-net-worth segment, served by FWD Private, remains positive, particularly given the strength and confidence in financial hubs like Hong Kong SAR where the company is headquartered.

As previously announced, Khun Knattapisit Krutkrongchai (KK) will join FWD as Chief Executive Officer, Thailand, effective 11 May 2026, subject to relevant regulatory approvals. KK is a seasoned insurance executive with almost 30 years of experience, including most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Krungthai-AXA.

For more information about FWD Group, visit www.fwd.com. The original press release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.