HDI Global Australia expands regional footprint & profits
Wed, 19th Aug 2026 (Today)
HDI Global reported higher first-half earnings and said its Australian business continued to grow profitably across Asia-Pacific. The insurer added that its Australia operation has expanded into New Zealand and opened a representative office in Seoul.
The Australian branch has now written more than 230 international programmes from Australia, a milestone for the local operation as it broadens its role within the wider group.
Globally, insurance revenue was stable at EUR 5.0 billion, compared with EUR 5.1 billion a year earlier, as currency movements and underwriting discipline limited top-line growth. The insurance service result rose 8 per cent to EUR 465 million from EUR 430 million.
Large-loss payments fell to EUR 92 million from EUR 142 million, or EUR 209 million below the pro rata budget recognised for the period. Natural catastrophe losses also remained below budget in the first half, even as significant man-made losses continued across industries.
The combined ratio improved to 90.7 per cent from 91.6 per cent. Net insurance finance and investment income before currency effects increased to EUR 169 million from EUR 99 million, helped by higher investment volumes and stronger current interest income.
Earnings before interest and tax were broadly unchanged at EUR 381 million, compared with EUR 377 million. The division's contribution to group net income increased 7 per cent to EUR 292 million from EUR 274 million.
In Australia, growth came from underwriting, international programmes and specialty insurance lines. The branch also pointed to new business in environmental impairment liability and film and production liability insurance as part of its specialty expansion.
The regional push points to a broader role for Australia within HDI Global's Asia-Pacific business. Beyond its home market, the branch said it had strengthened its presence across the region, including in New Zealand and South Korea.
Stefan Feldmann, Head of HDI Global Asia Pacific and Managing Director of HDI Global Australia, said the Australian operation had widened both its portfolio and physical footprint while navigating a difficult market.
"In the first half of 2026, HDI Global Australia has expanded its portfolio, regional footprint, and shown resilience amid a dynamic market environment. Reaching more than 230 International Programmes written out of Australia was a significant milestone, reflecting the trust placed in our team and our expertise in managing complex multinational risks. We also expanded our Specialty offering through innovative solutions such as Environmental Impairment Liability and Film & Production Liability insurance, while continuing to strengthen our presence in Asia-Pacific, including New Zealand and the opening of our representative office in Seoul. Together, these developments reinforce Australia's growing role as a hub for multinational and Specialty expertise, reflecting our commitment to supporting clients as they navigate evolving risks and transformation," Feldmann said.
Regional role
HDI Global is part of the Talanx Group and focuses on corporate and specialty insurance. It runs roughly 5,400 international programmes worldwide and has a network spanning more than 200 countries and territories through branches, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and partners.
The Australian results suggest the local branch is becoming a more important base for multinational insurance business in the region. Its growth in international programmes and specialty lines comes as insurers seek profitable niches in markets marked by claims volatility and changing risk exposures.
HDI Global Australia was also recognised as a Top Insurance Employer of 2026. The recognition came as the branch expanded its underwriting footprint and added new specialist products.
Across the wider division, disciplined underwriting remained central to the first-half outcome. Lower large-loss payments and stronger investment income offset pressure from currency effects on revenue.
Feldmann said the insurer sees further room for expansion in multinational business and specialist cover across the region.
"Our outlook for the remainder of 2026 is positive. HDI Global Australia is poised to accelerate growth in International Programmes, Specialty lines, captive solutions, and renewable energy. In line with our strategy Xcelerate29, we will strengthen capabilities across the region to serve clients even more effectively. We want to be recognised as a reliable, long-term partner in transformation, helping clients manage climate-related challenges, international growth, and the energy transition with confidence. Supported by our Global Energy Hub in Singapore, which now includes Upstream Energy to further broaden capability and expertise, and coupled with our existing specialist renewable energy business out of Australia, we are building a true one-stop shop for clients in Australia and beyond," Feldmann said.