HDI Global eyes international expansion with new 4-year plan

It will focus on specialty aviation surety and credit lines.

HDI Global has outlined plans to expand internationally and strengthen profitability under a new four-year strategy cycle running from 2026 to 2029.

The strategy, called Xcelerate29, keeps the insurer’s long-term direction centred on selective global growth, stronger underwriting and claims discipline, and investment in people and technology.

Management said the approach combines “excellence” in core operations with faster expansion in priority markets and specialty lines.

HDI Global will focus international expansion on North America, South East Asia and the Middle East, whilst reinforcing its specialty portfolio in aviation, crisis management, surety and credit insurance. 

At the same time, the group plans to tighten underwriting and claims standards globally through harmonised processes and data-driven controls. 

Investment management will also be refined across asset allocation, operations and governance to improve risk-adjusted returns.

Management said these measures aim to support sustainable profitability and long-term financial performance.

The strategy also places emphasis on workforce development and technology adoption. HDI Global plans to expand training, international career paths and modern working conditions to position itself as a leading employer in financial services. 

Artificial intelligence is being rolled out in underwriting and claims, including risk analysis, document processing and first-notification-of-loss workflows, with final decisions remaining human-led.

Xcelerate29 builds on recent financial momentum. 

In 2024, HDI Global exceeded EUR10b in insurance revenue for the first time, whilst EBIT rose 57% year-on-year and the combined ratio improved to 90.0%. Management said the results provide a strong base for the next phase of international growth and profitability through 2029.