Abu dhabi: RIQ and Swiss Re have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance innovative capacity solutions, risk origination opportunities, and AI-enabled capabilities across the UAE region. Headquartered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), RIQ is building an AI-native reinsurance platform that integrates artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to improve underwriting accuracy, capacity deployment, and investment management optimized for clients.
According to Emirates News Agency, RIQ was launched in June 2025 by IHC, a global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, in partnership with BlackRock and Lunate. The MoU was announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week in the presence of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of RIQ, and Charles Hatami, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Financial and Strategic Investors Group at BlackRock. The agreement was signed by Mark Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of RIQ, and Andreas Berger, Group Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re. This agreement formalizes RIQ and Swiss Re's framework to jointly pursue strategic initiatives across capacity, risk, and technology.
The collaboration also deepens Swiss Re's engagement in the UAE, aligning with its focus on high-quality risk origination and long-term market engagement. It further extends to exploring advanced risk transfer solutions, institutional investment vehicles, and additional pathways for value creation, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's emergence as a strategic center for global risk transfers.
The MoU with Swiss Re underscores RIQ's commitment to building a globally connected, regionally anchored reinsurance platform from Abu Dhabi. As RIQ advances toward full operational readiness, this collaboration marks a critical step in mobilizing global expertise and advanced technology to deliver the next generation of risk solutions.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber commented on the collaboration, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence as a major global trend driving economic transformation. He highlighted the strategic collaboration as a strong foundation for an advanced, data-driven insurance ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth and reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global center for advanced and innovative solutions in risk management and reinsurance.
Mark Wilson noted that Swiss Re brings unparalleled expertise and a shared belief in the future of reinsurance when capital, data, and technology converge. He expressed confidence in accelerating the development of AI-native infrastructure and structured reinsurance solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the market.
Andreas Berger added that the collaboration builds on Swiss Re's deep risk expertise, strong data foundations, and early adoption of AI. Together with RIQ, they aim to realize an AI-native reinsurance platform and further strengthen their engagement in this dynamic region. The combined capabilities and innovative drive in the region are expected to explore novel risk-transfer instruments, creating new ways to support clients through peak risks.
Charles Hatami expressed excitement about the continued momentum of RIQ's next-generation platform, highlighting the integration of investment management capabilities and Swiss Re's deep industry expertise to accelerate the development of Abu Dhabi's capital markets and support regional growth.