INSIGHTS FROM CFA SOCIETY SINGAPORE
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The growth story behind insurance-linked securities

Their appeal lies in their independence from economic cycles and their potential to provide steady returns even when traditional markets are under stress

    • Hurricane Melissa triggered a 100% payout of a US$150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica.
    • Hurricane Melissa triggered a 100% payout of a US$150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Tue, Jan 6, 2026 · 03:12 PM

    AFTER years of low yields and rising macro volatility, investors are demonstrating renewed interest in insurance-linked securities (ILS) for their very low correlation with traditional financial markets. Despite event-driven volatility, the first half of 2025 reaffirmed the market’s strength and growing scale.

    According to mid-year industry data, ILS issuance reached US$17.2 billion across nearly 60 transactions, making 2025 the second-largest year in the market’s history, with half the year still to go.

    The total market size surpassed US$56 billion, having expanded by more than 75 per cent since 2020. Last year alone saw 10 new issuers and three wildfire bonds, signalling growing investor confidence alongside supportive market dynamics.