ICISA marks 100 years while reporting strong global growth in trade credit insurance and surety
The International Credit Insurance & Surety Association (ICISA) proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of fostering partnerships, supporting businesses, and underwriting the risks that further global trade. In 2025, ICISA members continued to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustaining economic growth worldwide.
A century of impact and collaboration
Since its origin in 1926, ICISA has served as the global hub for trade credit insurance and surety professionals, connecting insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and clients to safeguard commerce. Over the past 100 years, the association has played a critical role in enabling trade, facilitating projects, and building the trust-based partnerships that underpin a robust and resilient industry.
2025 Market performance: Growth amid complexity
ICISA members reported strong performance across both Surety and Trade Credit Insurance (TCI), reflecting continued demand for secure risk solutions:
Surety highlights(1):
- Insured exposure rose by 5.6% to EUR 1.6tn (2024: EUR 1.5tn), demonstrating ongoing investment in infrastructure and projects.
- Premiums written increased by 3.5% to EUR 7.6bn (2024: EUR 7.3bn) reflecting confidence from clients and continued market expansion.
- Claims paid increased by 18.6%, totalling EUR 1.0bn (2024: EUR 1.6bn).
Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) highlights, including dedicated CPRI business
- Insured exposure grew by 3%, reaching EUR 3.6t (2024: EUR 3.5tn), supporting global trade at record levels.
- Premiums written slightly decreased by 0.1% to EUR 9bn (2024: EUR 9.02bn) demonstrating members’ commitment to maintaining economic stability. In constant currency terms, total premium increased by 1% in 2025.
- Claims paid decreased by 5.6% to EUR 3.2bn (2024: EUR 3.4bn), consistent with a stabilising claims environment.
Leadership and membership milestones
ICISA’s 84th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Vienna, gathered industry leaders to celebrate the centennial and chart the path forward for the association. After their respective first years in their 2-year term, the annual general meeting of members decided to re-appoint:
- Jan Müller, managing director of the Credit, Surety & Political Risk division at Hannover Re, as president for 2026/2027.
- Dekker Buckley, executive vice president at Chubb, as vice president.
Since June 2025, 3 new members joined ICISA: Neova, Korean Re and Saudi Re. These additions expand ICISA’s global footprint and enhance its representation across markets and sectors.
Jan Müller, ICISA president: “As we celebrate 100 years of ICISA, I extend my deepest gratitude to all members past and present. The partnerships we’ve built, the projects we’ve supported, and the resilience we’ve demonstrated are the foundation of our success. Together, we continue to ensure that trade credit insurance and surety remain indispensable to global commerce.”
Richard Wulff, ICISA executive director: “Reaching a century is a remarkable achievement, and it underscores the enduring strength and relevance of our industry. Our members’ dedication, innovation, and collaboration have allowed ICISA to thrive through a century of economic and geopolitical changes. The lessons of the past 100 years guide our vision for the future—supporting trade, investment, and development around the globe.”
Outlook: building the next century
ICISA’s centennial is both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future. As the association enters its second century, it remains focused on:
- Supporting the world-wide economy and trade flows
- Strengthening the resilience of global commerce through risk management solutions
- Expanding global membership and fostering partnerships
- Promoting innovation and sound practices in trade credit insurance and surety.
As ICISA continues to expand its membership and strengthen its voice on the global stage, it remains focused on promoting sound practices, increasing innovation, and driving collective action to support businesses worldwide.
(1) All percentages in this press release are based on the unrounded absolute figures, converted to Euros, as reported by members, excluding incomplete submissions.