Our Fortify insurance strategy is aimed at growing the business by applying the principle ‘optimise locally by sharing globally’, i.e. share proven skills across borders and businesses. To this end, we have established one global organisation which includes knowledge communities to enhance the cross-border exchange of know-how and to help us pursue a common approach within individual fields of expertise. Our strategy focuses on extending multi-channel distribution, product market innovation and operational excellence. Finally, we will continue to invest in selected new markets in Europe and in Asia.

In Belgium, we want to strengthen our market leadership position by exploiting our multiple distribution channels, focusing on innovation and pursuing profitable growth. The goal in our life insurance business is to achieve growth of written premiums and of assets under management. In Property & Casualty, meanwhile, we want to gain market share in both the retail and SME client segments. For the latter, we will continue to develop business between the bank and the broker channels.

In the Netherlands, our focus is on profitable top-line growth and boosting market share through multi-channel distribution and product innovation. We are adapting our organisation to new regulations and stricter supervision and a more critical attitude among stakeholders towards the insurance industry. Plus we are facing the challenge of stiffer competition and changing customer preferences and purchasing behaviour.

In the rest of the world, we have successfully entered new markets and have reinforced existing market positions, both organically and through acquisitions. The result of all this has been impressive revenue and profit growth in Asia and in several markets in Europe. We have drawn on our knowledge and expertise to transfer skills throughout the company, promote product innovation and improve distribution methods.