FWD Group Holdings Limited has completed the rollout of its high-net-worth (HNW) insurance platform in Asia under the brand FWD Private, establishing operations across three core markets – Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bermuda.
The move is part of the insurer’s broader strategy to strengthen its regional position in the legacy planning and private wealth segment.
FWD Private, introduced in 2023, delivers customised legacy and wealth transfer solutions to affluent clients.
Its newest facility, the FWD Private Lounge, is located in central Hong Kong and is positioned to serve as a venue for client engagement and advisor meetings.
Ken Lau, managing director of Greater China and CEO of FWD Hong Kong, said the business has been structured to meet the evolving needs of international customers.
“Building on our strong foundation in Hong Kong and our ability to also now service other markets including Southeast Asia and the Middle East, we’re well-positioned to navigate diverse markets and tailor solutions that empower customers and their families to truly celebrate living,” he said.
The group has also introduced new indexed universal life (IUL) products in Bermuda, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Among them is Imperial Fortune, launched in Bermuda and Singapore, which offers policyholders uncapped index returns with a guaranteed minimum return of 2.3% annually.
FWD’s Hong Kong office launched a separate IUL product that aligns with recent local regulatory guidance.
FWD Private’s offerings are distributed primarily through international brokers based in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Switzerland.
These brokers work with HNW and ultra-HNW clients to deliver personalised insurance-based wealth planning services.
The business operates through FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited and opened a Singapore branch in 2024 to extend its reach in Southeast Asia.
Shelyne Shum, chief partnership distribution officer for FWD Hong Kong and FWD Private, said the business model focuses on speed to market and partner collaboration.
“Through FWD Private, we’ve built a compelling proposition anchored in time-to-market agility, product and service innovation, and exceptional client experience. The FWD Private Lounge is designed for preferred partners to host exclusive engagements and deliver a refined, personalised experience to our customers,” she said.
FWD reported a strong start to 2025, with key metrics showing year-on-year growth across multiple markets.
In Q1 2025, new business contractual service margin (CSM) rose to US$465 million, a 55% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Annual premium equivalent (APE) sales reached US$679 million, marking a 46% rise.
The insurer said growth was observed in all 10 of its active Asian markets. Sales in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR were particularly strong, driven by demand from both local policyholders and visitors from Mainland China.
Several emerging markets also recorded double-digit increases, while Japan showed consistent results.
However, market conditions in Thailand and Cambodia remained subdued due to low interest rates and economic pressure.
FWD noted that the increase in CSM will support future earnings under the IFRS 17 framework.
In June 2025, FWD Group confirmed details of its proposed listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s Main Board.
The company plans to issue approximately 91.34 million shares at an indicative price of HK$38 per share.
Should the over-allotment option be exercised in full, the company could raise up to HK$3.99 billion (approximately US$512 million).
Without the additional option, gross proceeds are expected to total HK$3.47 billion (approximately US$445 million).
