G20 merchandise trade increased in Q1 2025 with exports and imports rising by 2.0% and 3.1%, respectively, compared with Q4 2024; the latest statistics show a mixed picture in services, with exports decreasing by 0.7% and imports increasing by 1.0%.

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), its provisional estimates released in May 2025 show that gross domestic product (GDP) across the OECD area rose by just 0.1 % quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter (Q1) 2025, down markedly from 0.5 % in the previous quarter. This breaks the pattern of relatively strong and stable growth seen in the OECD area over the past two years. G7

Unum joins Generali Employee Benefits Network as its new employee benefits partner in the UK market for Group Risk products. Generali UK branch transfers the renewal rights of its employee benefits (Group Risk) business to Unum and its employee benefits team is to be welcomed to Unum.

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) in April 2025 announced that it will be enhancing its MAXIS Global Pool Solution. Its updated solution, designed to support multinational employers at every stage of their pooling journey, includes a multi-employer pool (MEP) methodology, complementing its single-employer pool (SEP) offering. Under this new model, smaller MAXIS pool programmes will become part of the MEP, transitioning to a SEP if and when their

MAXIS Global Benefits Network in April 2025 released its 2025 whitepaper which looks in-depth at the growing impact of rising cancer rates on multinational employers and insurers. The whitepaper uses MAXIS GBN’s global claims data, drawn from standardized, anonymized data from millions of claimants around the world, to provide practical strategies for addressing claims trends. Cancer is a topic that has dominated discussions in the global health space in

As of April 2, 2025, European nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom. This marks the final stage of deployment of the U.K. ETA requirement, after all other already eligible nationals. As of early March 2025, the ETA application system is open for E.U. nationals as well. E.U. travelers must now factor in time and cost (GBP 10 per person) when planning

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) in March 2025 announced it is now working with Danish carrier Danica. Danica will offer life, critical illness, disability and medical coverage to MAXIS GBN’s multinational clients in Denmark. Danica, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Danske Bank Group, is a private life insurance company, specializing in pension plans, life insurance and health insurance. It is focused on preventing illness and reducing absenteeism,

Abelica Global, a network of independent actuarial firms, announces its new Executive Director, Kulin Patel, who has taken over the role from 1 December 2024 as Carl Hansen retires. Kulin Patel brings over 28 years of global pensions and insurance consulting experience including a wealth of knowledge representing, building, and leading strong brands and alliances. Kulin’s dedication to excellence, entrepreneurial style, and innovative spirit align well with Abelica Global’s

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) in December 2024 announced the appointment of Nicolas Denys as Chief Underwriting Officer, effective 1 February 2025. Nicolas will sit on the MAXIS GBN Executive Committee, reporting to CEO Mattieu Rouot. In his new role, Nicolas will lead a team of pricing underwriters who work closely with the MAXIS network of local insurers, the MAXIS E.U. Underwriting Hub and our multinational clients. Nicolas joins MAXIS from

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in June 2024 announced that the G20 gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.9 % quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter (Q1) 2024, according to provisional estimates, up slightly from 0.7 % in the previous quarter (Chart 1). The area’s economic performance was primarily supported by China and India in Q1 2024[1]. Together with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Korea and Indonesia, they recorded GDP growth rates

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in May 2024 announced its latest trade numbers. After falling in 2023, G20 merchandise exports (current US dollars) bounced back in Q1 2024. Compared with Q4 2023, exports rose by 1.9 %, driven by strong growth from China, while imports slipped by 0.2 %, partly reflecting lower energy prices. According to preliminary estimates, G20 services trade continued to expand in Q1

London, 22 January 2024 In a groundbreaking move, MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN), a pioneer in the corporate wellness arena, has announced a partnership with Maven Clinic, the world’s preeminent virtual clinic for women’s and family health. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in MAXIS GBN’s efforts to expand its wellness technology marketplace. The union between MAXIS GBN and Maven Clinic is poised to revolutionize healthcare offerings for

The OECD’s “Pensions at a Glance 2023” report presents a detailed analysis of pension systems, demographic trends, and policy reforms among its G20 member countries. Here’s GBV’s comprehensive analysis based on the key findings from the report: 1. Pension Reforms and Retirement Age Adjustments Increasing Retirement Ages: Many OECD countries continue to increase retirement ages. For example, Sweden raised its retirement age and linked it to two-thirds of life-expectancy

In a significant turn of events, Cigna Group has ceased its efforts to merge with fellow health-insurance provider Humana. Initially poised to form a colossal entity valued at approximately $140 billion, the deal’s dissolution arose primarily due to disagreements over financial terms. Despite prior discussions hinting at a possible closure by year’s end, the proposed cash-and-stock transaction faced skepticism, particularly concerning the use of Cigna’s stock as a part

The comprehensive analysis of the “Vitality in America” study, commissioned by The Cigna Group, reveals crucial insights into the state of vitality among Generation Z and other American adults. This study, conducted in June 2023, surveyed 10,000 adults and used the Evernorth Vitality Index (EVI) to measure health and well-being across eight dimensions: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. Generation Z’s Vitality Metrics Mental Health Challenges

In a landmark move, IBM has redefined its retirement strategy, signaling a potential trend for corporate America. Our analysis reveals IBM’s pivot from traditional pension accruals to a novel approach, blending cash balance benefits with a pay increase and pay credit system. This shift, executed amid a climate of peak pension fund health, showcases IBM’s innovative use of surplus assets for future benefits. The new scheme phases out the

In a landmark move for the Italian insurance sector, energy giant Enel has confirmed the establishment of its first onshore captive insurance company, set to commence operations on January 1, 2024. This strategic decision involves merging Enel Insurance NV, currently based in the Netherlands, into this innovative Italian reinsurance captive. This pivotal step reflects a growing confidence among major Italian corporations in the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with the

GBV summary and Key Findings Stability in Unemployment Rate: The OECD unemployment rate remained stable at 4.8% in September 2023, consistently staying below 5.0% since July 2022. This period saw an increase in the number of unemployed persons in the OECD, reaching 33.3 million, with a notable rise in unemployed men​​. Category-wise Stability and Youth Unemployment Concerns: Unemployment rates were broadly stable across all defined categories: men, women, youth

The report titled “Global Pension Risk Transfer Market Outlook” by Milliman, dated November 3, 2023, provides a comprehensive analysis of the Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) markets, focusing on key territories such as the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and Ireland. The report outlines the global landscape of Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes and their interaction with the PRT market. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholders understanding the

OECD Indicators Reveal Trends in Health Spending, Digital Health, and Systemic Transformation The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its “Health at a Glance 2023” report, offering a critical analysis of health system performance and health indicators across member and partner countries. Health Spending: A Global Perspective The report notes that in 2019, before the pandemic, OECD countries spent an average of 8.8% of their GDP

The insurance realm is undergoing a transformative phase, spurred by digital advancements. These digital shifts not only pave the way for innovative growth and efficiencies but also introduce new risk dimensions. A notable outcome of this digital evolution is the surge in companies’ intangible assets, particularly digital data. However, this digital reliance also exposes these assets to threats like cyberattacks and business disruptions. Swiss Re Institute‘s recent sigma study,

As the world observes World Mental Health Day today, October 10th, International SOS,World Mental Health Day today, October 10th, International SOS, a provider of health and security risk services globally, underscores the increasing significance of mental health resilience within the international workforce. In a world grappling with persistent and far-reaching crises, the impact of these challenges on employees’ mental well-being has never been more pronounced. The convergence of a

Introduction In the complex domain of health insurance, adverse selection persistently surfaces as a critical issue, influencing pricing and product allocation among consumers. The research paper, “The Incidence of Adverse Selection: Theory and Evidence from Health Insurance Choices,” authored by Michael Geruso, Timothy Layton, and Adam Leive, meticulously explores the multifaceted implications of adverse selection, particularly its impact on pricing and product allocation among consumers, and its distributional consequences.

In a straightforward and strategic organizational move, Generali has appointed Giulio Terzariol to lead its newly established “Insurance” Division, effective January 2024. This appointment marks a significant development in Generali’s organizational structure, consolidating all of its Insurance Business Units into one unified Division. Giulio Terzariol, with a rich history in the insurance sector, will step into the role of CEO Insurance, a position that entails comprehensive oversight of all

Overview of OECD Inflation Trends in August 2023 The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has released a detailed report, providing an in-depth analysis of the inflation trends observed across its member countries in August 2023. The report reveals a notable increase in the year-on-year inflation within the OECD, which ascended to 6.4% in August 2023, up from 5.9% in July 2023. This inflationary trend was witnessed in

Aegon N.V., a notable entity in the financial and insurance sector, has embarked on a pivotal journey, aiming to shift its legal domicile from the Netherlands to Bermuda, as elucidated in their Shareholder Circular dated September 29, 2023. This strategic move, which is set to be voted upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, is not merely a geographical shift but is embedded with intricate financial, regulatory, and

In 2022, U.S. insurance companies witnessed a deceleration in private equity investments, marking a mere 3.3% increase to reach $132.0 billion, following a stellar growth trajectory in the preceding year, as per a recent report by AM Best. The detailed insights of this financial shift are encapsulated in AM Best’s Special Report, titled “Growth in Insurers’ Private Equity Investments Slowed Significantly in 2022,” which can be accessed here. Life/annuity