2026 Insurance Conference

The life insurance sector continues to adapt to rapidly changing macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions. In this conversation, the CEO of a leading global life insurance company will provide insights into key trends influencing the industry, including domestic and international growth opportunities, demographic shifts, investment strategies in commercial real estate and private credit, and regulatory developments. The discussion will also explore how life insurers are managing risks and using AI to drive innovation and execution.

Michel A. Khalaf, President and Chief Executive Officer, MetLife, Inc.
Joined on stage by: Heena Abhyankar, Director & Lead Analyst, S&P Global Ratings

With about $6 trillion in invested assets, North American life insurers are among the largest institutional investors in the capital markets. In this session, chief investment officers will share their perspectives on the investment landscape and the strategies guiding today’s insurance portfolios. They will also discuss the asset classes drawing interest amid economic volatility and geopolitical shifts, including private credit--its evolving structures, risk-return profiles, and role in portfolio diversification--and the emerging risks and opportunities shaping longer-term investment priorities.

Moderator: Anika Getubig, Director & Lead Analyst, S&P Global Ratings
Tod Nasser, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Pacific Life
Anne B. Walsh, Chief Investment Officer, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management

Chief executives from property/casualty and reinsurance companies will discuss how they are navigating an environment shaped by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, as well as increasingly complex and interconnected risks. These leaders will address today’s most pressing issues, including pricing, terms and conditions, regulation, reserve adequacy, elevated natural catastrophes, and social and economic inflation. Panelists will also share their insights on the growing influence of AI across the property/casualty ecosystem, emerging challenges, and strategic opportunities.

Moderator: Taoufik Gharib, Director & Lead Analyst, S&P Global Ratings

Jon Farney, President and Chief Executive Officer, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

Jim Williamson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Everest Group, Ltd. 

Brian D. Young, President, Fairfax Insurance Group

The U.S. insurance industry experienced a remarkable 2025, but can it last? Softening pricing, reserve adequacy concerns, and escalating secondary perils threaten property/casualty margins while a retirement savings crisis fuels annuity demand and attracts private capital to the life sector. Growing private credit exposures, geopolitical tensions and evolving capital strategies add further complexity. Join leading Wall Street analysts as they dissect current trends in U.S. insurance industry and offer perspectives on what lies ahead.

Moderator: Saurabh Khasnis, Director & Lead Analyst, S&P Global Ratings

Moderator: Megan O’ Dowd, Associate Director, S&P Global Ratings

Elyse Greenspan, Managing Director, Equity Research, Insurance, Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking

Peter Troisi, Managing Director, U.S. Credit Research, Barclays