FWD Group Holdings Limited reported robust new business profitability for the nine months ended 30 September 2026, with new business contractual service margin reaching US$1.4 billion, up 22 per cent year-on-year, and value of new business growing 18 per cent to US$878 million. The results, announced via NEWMEDIAWIRE, highlight the insurer's disciplined execution and strategic focus on higher-margin products.
New business sales were US$1.95 billion on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis, achieved despite a strong comparable period in 2025, particularly in the Hong Kong & Macau segment. The double-digit profitability growth stemmed from a deliberate shift in product mix, notably in Hong Kong where medium-term endowment sales had dominated the prior year. This rebalancing toward protection and wealth management solutions reflects evolving structural demand across the region.
Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, attributed the performance to "disciplined execution, margin expansion, and diversification across our pan-Asian platform." He noted that a diversified product mix drove excellent new business profitability in Hong Kong, while Thailand returned to new business sales growth in the last quarter. In Japan, a clear product strategy capitalizing on demand for savings and retirement solutions in a higher interest-rate environment delivered outstanding growth in new business sales and profitability.
The Expansion Markets segment also contributed, with strong sales of investment-linked products in Singapore, increased sales to affluent customers in the Philippines, and a thriving digital channel in Malaysia. FWD's joint venture in Indonesia, BRI Life, continues to lead the market in bancassurance.
In its first year as a listed company, FWD Group received multiple accolades for investor engagement, including the Outstanding Listed Companies Award 2026 from the Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators and the Excellence Award for First-Year Listed Companies at the Hong Kong Management Association Best Annual Reports Awards 2026.
The implications of these results are significant for stakeholders. The margin expansion and product diversification demonstrate FWD's ability to navigate varied economic conditions across its 10 markets, serving over 40 million customers. The company's focus on high-net-worth clients through FWD Private, well established in international cross-border wealth hubs, positions it to capture growing wealth management opportunities in Asia. Moreover, the return to growth in Thailand and strong momentum in Japan signal resilience amid a lower interest-rate environment in some regions and rising rates in others.
Looking ahead, Huynh Thanh Phong emphasized that "Asia's long-term protection, savings, and wealth opportunities remain significant," and that FWD is well positioned to help more people celebrate living with greater financial confidence. For more information, visit www.fwd.com.
