Private markets have captured the attention of insurers who, grappling with market volatility, are assessing the opportunity to put excess cash and liquidity to work. Currently, almost three-quarters — or 73 percent — of insurers invest in private markets or plan to do so in 2024, according to the Mercer and Oliver Wyman 2024 Global Insurance Investment Survey. And nearly four in 10 insurers — or 39 percent — are planning to increase their private markets allocations this year, with private debt in focus.
The study canvassed the views and plans of more than 80 insurers to share insights and key learnings based on their views on investment challenges and opportunities in the current environment; investment decision making and plans for portfolios; approaches to sustainable investing, net-zero target setting and implementation; and operational challenges.
Insurers cited an inability to tolerate increased illiquidity, a lack of resources to asses
