Media OutReach
Allianz Commercial: Geopolitics and cyber drive risk exposures for directors and officers in 2026
- Geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, tariffs, and cyber risks pose liability challenges for the boards of corporations of all sizes.
- The increasing number of insolvencies around the globe is becoming a major issue for executives.
- Claims severity and settlement costs are increasing, especially in the US, while the commercial financial lines insurance market remains highly dynamic.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2025 – Around the world, political, economic, and social uncertainties are on the rise. They can impact every aspect of a company’s operations, as well as lead to significant changes in financial, regulatory, and legal environments. Failure to anticipate and adapt can expose companies to operational failings, financial loss and reputational harm with consequences for the companies’ directors and officers.
According to Allianz Commercial’s latest Directors and officers (D&O) insurance insights report, D&Os can be held accountable for misjudging the impact of geopolitical developments on their company’s operations or for failing to adequately adapt to the legal or regulatory requirements in different countries. Liability for D&Os may arise from shareholder lawsuits or regulatory penalties directed both against the entity and individual decision-makers.
At the same time, cyber liability risks for directors and officers have risen sharply in recent years with higher expectations for board level oversight of cyber security and a trend towards more litigation and regulatory actions. Exposures for D&Os typically arise from their duty to oversee the organization’s cyber security posture. Claims against directors have been triggered by a wide range of events, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and even technical glitches. Ransomware accounted for around 60% of the value of large cyber insurance claims (>€1mn) seen by Allianz Commercial during the first six months of 2025, according to its annual Cyber security resilience outlook. Should a cyber incident result in financial loss, directors could face legal claims from shareholders, customers or suppliers if the board is seen to have failed to implement adequate risk controls or business continuity planning.
“Directors and officers (D&O) liability continues to develop at pace, with an evolving regulatory and litigation environment, an increasingly complex risk landscape, and an uncertain geopolitical and economic outlook,” explains Jarrod Schlesinger, Global Head of Financial Lines and Cyber at Allianz Commercial. “Against this backdrop, there has been a continual increase in the frequency of new claims against directors, now approaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels in most regions around the world. Meanwhile, claims severity continues to be an issue in North America in particular.”
Insolvencies drive D&O claims globally
Bankruptcy and regulatory enforcement actions are among the top sources of private D&O claims, although claims can also arise from allegations for breach of fiduciary duty, such as misleading or inadequate disclosure, or negligence. According to Allianz Trade, global business insolvencies are expected to rise by +6% in 2025 and +5% in 2026. Next year will mark five consecutive years of increases to reach a record high number of bankruptcies, +24% above the pre-pandemic average. Insolvency risks are particularly concentrated in the automotive, construction, retail, and consumer goods sectors.
The current challenging business environment – marked by factors such as tariffs, weak demand, rising costs, technological transformation, growing competition, and regulatory changes – is heightening the risks of claims against directors. There has also recently been a notable rise in “mega bankruptcies” in the US – those filed by companies with over US$1bn in reported assets. The first half of 2025 saw 17 such bankruptcies, the highest number since the Covid-19 pandemic, with 32 in the past 12 months, well above the historical average.
“Managing a multinational corporation has never been more challenging, as leaders find themselves caught between conflicting governmental priorities and policies across the globe, and trade tensions and fiscal challenges weigh on the economy. It’s important that directors understand their expanded fiduciary duties in the event of an insolvency, seek expert advice, and keep detailed records of all key decisions. Such information will prove critical if D&Os face claims of mismanagement or allegations of conflicts of interest,” says Dan Holloway, Head of Management Liability Commercial and Professional Indemnity at Allianz Commercial.
Claims activity is increasing in the highly dynamic D&O market
Over the past three years, there has been a continual increase in the frequency of new claims against directors and officers, now approaching or exceeding pre-pandemic rates in most regions of the world. Claims severity continues to be an issue in North America. For D&O insurers, the US especially is a highly complex market due to its high frequency of securities class action claims and surging average settlement costs, which rose by 27% in the first six months of 2025 to US$56mn. Meanwhile, shifting governmental policy in the US and parts of Europe regarding DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), ESG (environmental, social, governance), and artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced new complexities for boards to navigate.
Challenging Asia D&O market amidst abundance of capacity
Asia-domiciled risks are seeing heightened competition from an abundance of capacity globally, resulting in the overall commercial D&O market size in Asia shrinking due to rate erosion and limited new business.
“We are seeing more clients cutting insurance spending and being more cautious about costs. This is driving a lot of tenders and remarketing by clients seeking more economical solutions, which in turn is driving more intense broker competition and rate pressure. Terms and conditions are also starting to move with trends of lower deductibles and wider coverages provided by the market. It is a good time for new potential buyers to consider purchasing D&O insurance because of the solutions and choices they can obtain in this market,” says Josephine Tam, Regional Head of Financial Lines and Cyber at Allianz Commercial Asia.
Hashtag: #Allianz #AllianzCommercial #Insurnance
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Allianz Commercial
Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, financial strength, and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and Multinational services as well as seamless claims handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2024, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €18 billion in gross premium globally. https://commercial.allianz.com/
Media OutReach
SkinLab The Medical Spa Recognised at the 2026 Singapore Retailers Association Awards (SRA) for Excellence in Beauty and Cosmetics
For SkinLab, this reflects two decades of building a holistic beauty ecosystem spanning medical aesthetics, skin health, and wellness, under Dr Kelvin Chua, Senior Medical Director and Founder of SL Aesthetic Group. Treatments are personally developed by Dr Chua to address different skin concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, sensitivity, rosacea, dryness, and ageing. The medical spa also offers a range of skincare products formulated for Singapore’s humid climate and to support long-term skin health.
With 10 outlets islandwide, SkinLab has cared for more than 100,000 customers through this model of doctor-designed care. As no two skin conditions present the same way, each treatment can be customised to individual needs and preferences.
SkinLab has also been recognised by Harper’s BAZAAR, HerWorld, and Singapore Women’s Weekly for treatments targeting deep hydration, rejuvenation, and complexion correction. Behind these treatment outcomes are medical-grade technologies, including the LDM Triple, a triple-frequency ultrasound that targets multiple skin depths simultaneously; FDA-approved Lumenis M22 IPL system for photorejuvenation and pigmentation; Onda Pro with Coolwaves™ technology for body contouring; and the globally-recognised HydraFacial.
The medical spa continuously invests in technology that improves the customer experience, including using AI-assisted skin analysis to support consultations alongside chatbot-based scheduling to reduce waiting time and streamline appointment bookings.
SkinLab’s commitment to holistic care extends beyond treatment sessions, promoting skin health literacy educational content and workshops with doctors from sister brand SL Aesthetic Clinic.
“This award is a valuable milestone that reflects how far SkinLab The Medical Spa has grown as a brand,” says Dr Chua. “From the very start, our brand was designed with the customer at the centre, and that principle continues to guide every treatment developed and every experience delivered moving forward. The brand remains committed to advancing medical-led facial treatments that address a wide range of skin concerns more effectively.”
Looking ahead, SkinLab The Medical Spa remains committed to advancing its medical-led approach to skin health, continuing to explore and adopt clinically validated technologies to deliver more individualised care while reinforcing its commitment to clinical excellence across all its outlets.
To learn more, visit: www.skinlabmedspa.com
Hashtag: #SkinLabTheMedicalSpa #SLAestheticGroup #SingaporeRetailersAssociation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SkinLab The Medical Spa
SkinLab The Medical Spa brings together the attentive, understated service of a world-class spa with medically grounded aesthetic science. As the dedicated medical spa brand of SL Aesthetic Group, SkinLab focuses on non-invasive facial treatments for acne, pigmentation, sensitive skin, and overall skin rejuvenation, delivering evidence-based care that supports long-term skin health.
Founded in the 2000s, SL Aesthetic Group is a healthcare and aesthetics group specialising in skin and hair health, women’s wellness, and holistic medicine. Its portfolio includes SL Aesthetic Clinic, a doctor-led medical aesthetics practice; SkinLab The Medical Spa; TrichoLab, a specialist hair and scalp centre; PROLOGUE, a women’s wellness and lifestyle medical clinic; and Euphie Skin Solutions in Malaysia. Across its network of clinics and outlets, the Group offers a comprehensive range of FDA-approved aesthetic and medical treatments, all supervised by trained and certified healthcare professionals holding Certificates of Competency (COC) recognised by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC).
SkinLab The Medical Spa operates 10 locations across Singapore, including its flagship medical spa at Wheelock Place, while SL Aesthetic Group has a network of more than 20 clinics and outlets across Singapore and Malaysia.
The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Do Quang Thai, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Kingdom of Denmark, together with representatives from leading Danish organizations, including 3F, Dansk Erhverv, DPT and Carnegie Investment Bank, alongside strategic partners and industry stakeholders from the transport, technology, energy, finance and infrastructure sectors.
As one of the world’s leading cities in sustainable urban mobility, Copenhagen was chosen as Green SM’s first European market. Here, the company aims to complement the city’s existing transport network by offering another reliable, fully electric mobility option for residents and visitors alike.
In Denmark, the company operates a fully electric fleet of VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 vehicles, serving a wide range of everyday urban travel needs. Unlike many ride-hailing platforms that primarily connect passengers with independent drivers, Green SM directly owns and manages its fleet and oversees driver operations to help ensure consistent service quality and customer experience. During the initial phase of operations, Green SM will focus on establishing a reliable local operation, ensuring full compliance with Danish regulations, and continuously improving its service based on feedback from customers, drivers, and other stakeholders.
Delivering a safe, professional, and consistent customer experience begins with Green SM’s drivers. Before serving customers, every driver completes comprehensive training in road safety, customer service, operating procedures, and electric vehicle operation. Together with ongoing training and a robust local operations system, this helps ensure every journey reflects the high standards Green SM is committed to delivering.
Customers can book rides through the Green SM app, available on the App Store and Google Play. Fares are displayed before each trip is confirmed, and electronic receipts are issued automatically at the end of every journey. To mark its launch in Copenhagen, Green SM is offering new customers five (5) vouchers worth 25% off each trip, up to a maximum discount of 100 DKK per ride throughout the Grand Launch period from July 30 to September 30, 2026.
Richard Nabil Chahine, CEO of Green SM Europe, said: “Cities shape the future of mobility long before companies do. Copenhagen is one of those cities. That is why beginning our European journey here carries special meaning for Green SM. We come with deep respect for the standards already established here, drawing on what we have learned from serving millions of journeys across Asia. Our ambition is simple: to become a trusted mobility partner by delivering safe, professional and fully electric journeys that people can rely on every day. If we earn that trust, growth will naturally follow.”
Green SM’s expansion into Europe reflects the company’s long-term approach to international growth. Rather than prioritising rapid expansion, Green SM focuses on building well-structured local operations, adapting its services to local market needs, and earning trust through consistently reliable service.
With its fully electric fleet and low-emission operating model, Green SM hopes to contribute to Denmark’s long-standing ambitions for more sustainable mobility while providing another practical transport choice for everyday journeys.
Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Kazakhstan. Through its fully electric fleet, technology platform and consistent operating standards, the company is steadily expanding internationally while adapting its services to local market needs.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The collaboration marks a significant moment for Taiwan’s international media presence, as the completion of Gaudí’s vision draws global attention to one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks. NHK has documented the construction of the Sagrada Família for decades, building a relationship of trust with the basilica’s team that enabled joint coverage.
TVBS crews filmed in areas rarely accessible to media, including the crypt where Gaudí is buried, architectural workshops, and key structural sections of the basilica. The team conducted interviews with architects and experts involved in the project during preparations for the inauguration ceremony. Construction on the church began in 1882, one year before Gaudí took over as chief architect.
Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team in Barcelona as a cultural ambassador for the project. Lin met with architects and experts to explore the basilica through the perspectives of architecture, aesthetics, and cultural heritage. Her involvement added a cultural dimension to the coverage beyond conventional architectural reporting.
The coverage brought together partners from Taiwan’s technology and financial sectors. HTC, through its VIVE Arts initiative, contributed its immersive experience “Gaudí, the Atelier of the Divine.” The virtual reality program allows audiences to explore Gaudí’s architectural world in new ways, transcending geographical and physical boundaries.
TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., which has long supported arts and cultural exchange, sponsored the live broadcast. The company cited values of integrity, innovation, and sustainability in joining the project. The cross-sector collaboration extended Taiwan’s cultural advocacy onto the international stage, connecting the 144-year architectural endeavor to audiences in Taiwan and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.
TVBS integrated AI-powered real-time translation technology throughout the live coverage, facilitating multilingual communication across international production teams. The project showcased Taiwan’s ability to connect industries and communities across borders. TVBS, NHK, HTC, and TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., together documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família’s history.
Hashtag: #TVBS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
