Teneo’s Kajiwara: Geopolitical Risks Drive Need for Agility and Scenario Planning

Why It Matters

Insurers and reinsurers face amplified underwriting, supply-chain and political risks that can rapidly affect pricing, capacity and market access; adopting nimble scenario-based strategies will be critical to manage losses and capture emerging opportunities. Clear government engagement can reduce regulatory and reputational fallout as states prioritize national interests.

Summary

Kevin Kajiwara, global chair of political risk advisory at Teneo, told AM Best at the Circa Reconnect Conference that rising geopolitical tensions—from hot wars and trade chokepoints to Arctic routes and climate-driven instability—are reshaping the operating environment for insurers and reinsurers. He argued that these disruptions expose vulnerabilities in global trade and supply chains and create both heightened risk and new commercial opportunities. Kajiwara urged industry leaders to adopt agile decision-making, rigorous scenario planning, and clear-eyed assumptions rather than relying solely on historical precedent. He also recommended proactive engagement with governments to mitigate political pressure and better position firms for an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Original Description

Kevin Kajiwara, global chair, political risk advisory, Teneo, discusses how shifting global dynamics are influencing insurance markets, underscoring the importance of adaptability and strategic risk assessment. Kajiwara spoke with AM Best TV at the CIRCA ReConnect Conference in Grand Cayman.