Media Release 7 October 2025

IUA PUBLISHES EMERGING RISKS WHITE PAPER

Are we prepared to underwrite risks that we have not yet defined? That is the question posed in a new white paper published by the International Underwriting Association.

The document considers how emerging risks are impacting insurers, how the London company market is responding and how the sector can work collaboratively to meet future challenges. Its observations and conclusions were recently presented in a joint event hosted by the IUA and the Singapore College of Insurance. They have now been published in a report titled ‘Insuring the Intangible: How the London Market is Navigating Emerging Global Risks’.

Tom Hughes, Director of Underwriting, said: “Insurers are facing emerging risks at an unprecedented level. There is a continuous need to monitor and adapt to threats arising from geopolitical unrest, climate extremes, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, malicious cyber attacks and litigation trends that outpace regulation.”

The white paper considers emerging risks, divided into three categories. The first is risks with uncertain impact, such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), man-made chemicals that do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Artificial intelligence is cited as a prime example in the second category: risks in complex, interconnected systems. Finally, there are risks resulting from changes in context caused, for example, by geopolitical developments or climate change.

Tom Hughes added: “In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face transcend borders, industries and sectors. Tackling these issues calls for a commitment to open communication and collaboration with the aim of growing our collective understanding.

“To effectively combat and mitigate these threats, the IUA and its members plan to work hand in hand with leading market and industry associations to help evolve our strategies and solutions.”

Copies of ‘Insuring the Intangible’ are available to download at iua.co.uk/underwriting.

Contact:  

Scott Farley                                                                                                           
Director of Communications                                                                             
International Underwriting Association                                           
Tel: 0207 617 4449  
Mobile: 07921 699 218                                                                        
E-mail: [email protected]                                                                         

Notes to Editors:  

About the IUA  

The International Underwriting Association of London (IUA) is the representative body for companies in London providing international and wholesale insurance and reinsurance coverage. Its mission statement is to secure an optimal trading environment for London insurance companies.