FWD Group Holdings Limited (1828.HK) announced strong first quarter new business highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2026, demonstrating consistent financial performance amid regional economic challenges. New business sales rose 4% to US$720 million on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis compared to the same period in 2025. The new business contractual service margin reached US$556 million, reflecting year-on-year growth of 18%. The company introduced 11 new products across the region, addressing consumer needs highlighted by a February 2026 survey showing that most of Asia’s middle-class feel financially anxious and underprepared for retirement.
Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, attributed the results to the company's diversified pan-Asian footprint and distribution model. “Japan and our Expansion Markets in Southeast Asia were key drivers of growth, alongside another solid performance from Hong Kong SAR, despite the high base effect from a record first quarter comparison in 2025,” he said. FWD remains confident in the long-term rising middle-class trend in Asia, with positive outlook for the high-net-worth segment served by FWD Private, particularly in financial hubs like Hong Kong SAR.
Segment performance varied across the region. The Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR segment delivered continued growth compared to the record high first quarter of 2025, driven by 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 amid sustained growth headwinds from the lower rate environment in Thailand. As previously announced, Khun Knattapisit Krutkrongchai (KK) will join FWD as Chief Executive Officer, Thailand, effective 11 May 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. KK brings nearly 30 years of experience, including as Chief Executive Officer of Krungthai-AXA.
The results underscore FWD Group's ability to navigate near-term external shocks while capitalizing on long-term demographic trends. The company serves approximately 40 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia, and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 1828. For more information, visit www.fwd.com. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
