Discussions on the impact of regulations on insurance market development in Poland, market competitiveness prospects, the importance of insurance for economic stability, catastrophic damages and a resilient economy, and longevity and other challenges facing the insurance market – these were the most important topics during the 12th PIU Congress in Sopot.
The 12th PIU Congress was held under the theme “Competitiveness”. It was opened by PIU Management Board President Jan Grzegorz Prądzyński. Among the guests were: former Prime Minister Jan Krzysztof Bielecki, Senator Kazimierz Kleina, Deputy Finance Minister Jurand Drop, PFSA Chairman Jacek Jastrzębski and his deputy Krystian Wiercioch, OCCP President Tomasz Chróstny, Financial Ombudsman Michał Ziemiak, Insurance Europe Director Thea Utoft Høj Jensen, as well as Sopot City Secretary Wojciech Zemła. Over two days of debates, the Congress gathered around 330 people.
During the ceremonial opening of the Congress, the talk was primarily about healthy competition, simplifying regulations and seeking balance between regulation and deregulation. PIU President Jan Grzegorz Prądzyński’s speech clearly emphasised: competitiveness today is not born from rivalry, but from the ability to combine forces and cooperate. – This approach should be adopted not only by the insurance sector, but the entire economy – all the more so because challenges related to demography, climate and technology create new conditions in which we all must find ourselves – the Chamber President argued.
Day one – thematic panels
“Competitiveness – regulations”
The panel opening the Congress, led by Cezary Stypułkowski (President of Pekao SA Management Board), with the participation of Jan Krzysztof Bielecki, Vittorio Grilli (J.P. Morgan) and Prof. Jacek Jastrzębski (PFSA), focused on the impact of over-regulation on Europe’s competitiveness. Discussion participants unanimously stated that the excess of complicated regulations weakens Europe’s competitiveness compared to the USA. Panellists concluded that revision and simplification of current regulations is necessary.
“Competitiveness – market”
In the panel moderated by Witold Jaworski (Carrot), leaders of the largest insurance companies in Poland participated: presidents Andrzej Klesyk (PZU), Marcin Kulawik (Allianz), Marcin Nedwidek (UNIQA Polska) and Anna Włodarczyk-Moczkowska (Compensa). Discussion participants agreed that the insurance industry faces the need to simplify regulations, redefine competitiveness (not only through the price prism) and prepare for potential technological shocks that may affect existing business models.
“Flood 2024 – facts and myths”
In the panel with the participation of President Tomasz Tarkowski (PZU), Maciej Podlewski (PFSA), Marek Kurowski (Financial Ombudsman) and Wojciech Rabiej (UNIQA), participants recognised that the insurance industry coped well with the September 2024 flood, but the current protection system requires deep changes. The most important needs are greater transparency, better client education, simpler and more understandable products, and regulations adapted to the changing climate. The meeting was moderated by Agnieszka Dąbrowska (PIU).
“Resilient economy – insurance against natural disasters”
The panel with the participation of, among others, President Grzegorz Bielec (Warta), Daria Ringwelska (PFSA Office), Esther Baur Reinecke (Swiss Re) and Prof. Jerzy Pietrewicz (SGH) focused on challenges for building a resilient economy. Panellists concluded that prevention is necessary, particularly effective flood protection infrastructure, and market cooperation with institutions. Financial stability of local governments is important for economic resilience. It is also important to collect data to understand threats arising from climate change. The discussion was moderated by Rafał Mańkowski (PIU).
Day two – strategic topics
“Longevity” panel
Led by Dorota M. Fal (PIU), started with a presentation by Marcin Krzykowski (Milliman, Polish Actuarial Association). Participants – Dorota Bieniasz (Social Insurance Institution), Kamil Sobolewski (Employers of Poland), Wojciech Książkiewicz (Reinsurance Group of America) and Marcin Krzykowski – agreed that population ageing is one of the greatest challenges for the economy and pension system. The response should include long-term, lifetime products supported by the state and private sector.
Panel on combating insurance fraud
Moderated by President Radosław Bedyński (UFG), with the participation of presidents Kazimierz Majdański (ERGO), Rafał Stankiewicz (Warta) and Andrzej Wasilewski (Allianz). Panellists agreed that technology is a key tool in fighting insurance crime but requires continuous development and responsible use. A change in social attitudes, improved legislation and further cooperation of insurance companies in terms of information exchange and building common prevention systems is also necessary.
In the last part of the Congress, there were three presentations on new technologies in insurance;
- “Hyperpersonalisation in insurance”,
- “Distributed client data and its assessment. KRD scoring and other data sources in insurance company processes”,
- “The role of client data in risk assessment processes and offer personalisation and the impact on insurance company competitiveness”.
The Congress was officially concluded by a ceremonial summary delivered by PIU President Jan Grzegorz Prądzyński.
A detailed report from the 12th PIU Congress can be found on the Polish Chamber of Insurance LinkedIn profile >>
Panel recordings are available on the PIU YouTube channel >>
Photos from the event can be found on the 12th PIU Congress website >>
