Insurance Survey 2024

Insurance Industry Trends for 2024
This year’s title, "Risk and Resilience", is a testament to the strength of the insurance industry in the current macroeconomic environment. Adjusting to higher rates, preparing for elections, and grappling with global conflict are formative shifts that insurers have addressed with a risk-on mindset—from investing in alternatives to using Artificial Intelligence for risk underwriting. Where uncertainty has the power to disrupt, insurers remain at the forefront of new opportunities.
Watch: Insurance Survey 2024
Hear from Mike Siegel, Global Head of Insurance Asset Management and Liquidity Solutions, and Matt Armas, Global Head of Insurance Asset Management, as they discuss key findings from this year’s Global Insurance Survey relating to insurers’ outlook on the economic environment, asset allocation decisions, return expectations, portfolio construction, and industry capitalization.
Searching for Equilibrium
Our survey was conducted against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions. 52% of insurers ranked economic slowdown/recession in the US as one of their top 3 greatest economic fears as it relates to their investment portfolios, while 48% cited concerns with credit and equity market volatility and 46% cited geopolitical tensions. Insurance investors are less concerned with inflation trends, with 42% of insurers viewing inflation as one of the greatest macroeconomic risks, down from 55% in 2023. Notwithstanding these macro concerns, investors’ risk appetite remains healthy in 2024, with 17% net planning to add overall risk to their portfolios.
Please rank the below issues that pose the greatest macroeconomic risk in order of risk to your investment portfolio (Showing top five answers).
En Vogue
Insurers’ appetite for credit is growing: 35% of insurers look to increase credit risk in their portfolios over the next 12 months, despite 59% of insurers expressing concern that credit cycle as entering a late stage. Overall, insurers are looking towards private assets, in part to diversify their exposure, with 53% of respondents looking to increase their private credit allocation in 2024. Investment grade private debt allocations also remain strong, with 33% of investors also intending to increase their allocations to this asset class.
Which asset classes do you expect to have the highest total return in the next 12 months?
Insurance and The Machine
Insurers have been quick to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) models into their operations since their availability skyrocketed over the past year. 29% of insurers are currently using AI, with 51% of insurers looking to implement AI technologies in their businesses. Insurers see AI as having a broad range of uses: 73% are using or considering AI to reduce operational costs, while 39% are using or considering using AI in underwriting insurance risk. Other uses include investment evaluation, claims management, and more efficient client service functions.
In what capacity does your company currently use or is considering using artificial intelligence?
Seeking Impact
Interest for sustainable investments remains strong, particularly in EMEA and Asia. ESG is a primary consideration for one-third (33%) of EMEA insurers, and 13% of insurers in Asia. For those that consider ESG factors in their investment making decisions, the majority tend to focus on environmental issues.
Will your investment focus be on Environmental, Social or Governance factors? Only showing global answers.
Discover: Insurance Survey 2024
Discover the latest insights on insurance asset management from our survey of 359 CIOs and CFOs published by Goldman Sachs Insurance Asset Management.

