FWD Private sets Guinness World record with USD318 million life insurance policy. FWD Private (Bermuda), part of Hong Kong-listed insurer FWD Group, has secured a Guinness World Records title for the most valuable life insurance policy after issuing a policy valued at USD318 million, the company announced on 10 November. FWD said the certificate was received in Hong Kong on 9 November. The policy was issued to an individual client and tailored to support wealth preservation and intergenerational legacy planning. The client was not identified. Established in 2023, FWD Private provides legacy planning solutions and services to high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals. FWD credited broker adviser Charles Monat Associates, an unnamed private bank and reinsurers for their roles in the transaction. Shelyne Shum, Chief Partnership Distribution Officer at FWD Private, said a case of this scale and complexity required extensive collaboration. She thanked external partners and internal teams across distribution, case management, product solutions, underwriting and corporate governance. Teddy Chu, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, at Charles Monat Associates, said the firm had contributed to a record in this category for the second consecutive time, with the same consultant involved on both occasions. He said the policy underscored Hong Kong's position as a wealth management and life insurance hub. Manulife Singapore announced the issuance of a USD300 million life insurance policy in February 2026, surpassing the USD250 million policy issued by HSBC Life in Hong Kong in 2024, which had previously received Guinness World Records certification.

FWD Group posts 22% rise in new business profitability for nine months to September. November 3, 2026 Hong Kong, November 3, 2026: FWD Group Holdings Limited reported a 22 per cent year-on-year increase in new business contractual service margin to US$1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, with value of new business rising 18 per cent to US$878 million. The company said new business sales reached US$1.95 billion on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis, achieving growth despite a strong comparable period in 2025, particularly in the Hong Kong & Macau segment. Product mix and regional performance. FWD Group attributed the double-digit growth in profitability to a shift in product mix, especially in Hong Kong where medium-term endowment sales were prominent in 2025. The company noted continued structural demand for protection and wealth management solutions, with its high-net-worth unit, FWD Private, established in international cross-border wealth hubs. In Thailand, new business sales growth returned in the last quarter, supported by a focus on higher-margin products and a refreshed distribution strategy, though partly offset by a lower interest-rate environment. Japan saw strong momentum, with a product strategy targeting savings and retirement solutions in a higher interest-rate context, leading to significant growth in new business sales and profitability. Expansion markets and joint ventures. Growth in the Expansion Markets segment was driven by robust sales of investment-linked products in Singapore, increased sales to affluent customers in the Philippines, and a thriving digital channel in Malaysia. FWD Group's joint venture in Indonesia, BRI Life, continued to lead the bancassurance market. Awards and recognition in first year of listing. In its first year as a listed company, FWD Group received several accolades, including the Outstanding Listed Companies Award 2026 from the Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators, the Excellence Award for First-Year Listed Companies at the Hong Kong Management Association Best Annual Reports Awards 2026, and the Gold Award Annual Report Chairman's Letter (Insurance: Life & Health category) at the 40th International ARC Awards. Leadership comments and outlook. Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, said disciplined execution, margin expansion, and diversification across the pan-Asian platform were driving profitable growth. "A diversified product mix drove excellent new business profitability in Hong Kong, while in Thailand we saw a return to new business sales growth in the last quarter," he said. Phong added that Asia's long-term protection, savings, and wealth opportunities remain significant and that the company is well positioned to help more people achieve greater financial confidence. FWD Group is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business serving over 40 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the code 1828. Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release provided by the concerned organisation and has been edited for style and clarity with the assistance of AI tools. BusinessFortnight does not verify, endorse, or take responsibility for the claims, figures, or statements made in the original release. Hong Kong, October 15, 2026: Duiba Group (01753.HK) reported that its AI short drama business achieved profitability in the third quarter of 2026, posting net profit for July, August and September, according to a voluntary announcement released on October 14.The company said the figures are based on unaudited consolidated management... October 15, 2026 In "Technology" Hong Kong, October 30, 2026: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd. (CIMC Group) reported a 146.40% year-on-year increase in net profit attributable to shareholders for the third quarter of 2026, reaching RMB708 million, as revenue rose 16.91% to RMB47.9 billion. The company also saw a quarter-on-quarter net profit increase... November 2, 2026 In "Corporate" April 13, 2026 In "Banking" Senior journalist with 38 years of experience in print and digital media. Former Executive Editor. Founder and Editor of BusinessFortnight, covering business, economy, and policy news from Madhya Pradesh and across India. November 3, 2026