Our flagship publication sigma celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. Over the last half century, sigma has provided thought leadership on the rapidly evolving risk landscape of societal, economic and regulatory developments and their impact on re/insurance markets and industry specific topics such as distribution channels.

Our sigma 50 years video explains the process and thinking behind the publication. The anniversary infographics feature key developments in the world re/insurance market and natural catastrophes. Our stories talk about which market trends and topics shaped sigma and its research through the decades, and how these may unfold in the future.

 

Watch the sigma 50 years video

Swiss Re leaders and former chief economists reflect on sigma's 50th anniversary. The topics have changed, but curating data has remained a key focus for sigma. Through its rigorous economic analysis and richness of data, sigma has built a strong reputation across the re/insurance industry over the years.

Anniversary infographic on the world re/insurance market

Growth patterns shifted to Asia twice over the past 50 years. Get an overview of the development of key re/insurance indicators in this infographic.

Anniversary infographic on natural catastrophes

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew forever changed the re/insurance sector. We capture three decades of hurricane related re/insurance losses in this infographic.

1960s and 70s: booming markets and ballooning losses in motor

Gain insight into rapid market growth, spiraling losses in motor insurance, regulatory changes and the emergence of risk management in the re/insurance sector.

1980s: risk management and the liability crisis

Find out more about the evolution of risk management practices and how the liability crisis affected the US re/insurance sector.

1990s: globalisation and liberalisation

Read about liberalised European re/insurance markets and how our Economic Research unit set up offices in Asia as these markets expanded.

2000s: re/insurance continues to expand in emerging markets

Since the turn of the century, the emerging markets, especially China, have represented an ever increasing share of global premium volume.

2010s: technology, e-business and cyber risk continue to shape the industry's future

In today's discussion about digital start-ups disrupting the re/insurance industry, it is often forgotten that the sector embraced technological innovations very early on, especially in the life business.

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Swiss Re Institute

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