The Future of Insurance Supervision in Europe — Priorities, Risks, and Opportunities

In this episode of the Global Regulatory Update podcast, host Philippe Brahin, Head of Insurance and NBFI at the IIF, speaks with Petra Hielkema, Chairperson of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), following her confirmation for a second five-year term. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, climate risk, technological disruption, and economic fragmentation, the conversation explores EIOPA’s new Strategy to 2030 and its vision for strengthening the European insurance and pensions sector.

Petra discusses the implementation of the revised Solvency II framework, including new proportionality measures, reduced reporting requirements, and efforts to support investment while preserving a robust risk-based supervisory system. The discussion also examines the European Commission’s Savings and Investment Union, the role of insurers as long-term investors, and the challenge of mobilizing capital to support Europe’s economic, digital, and green transitions. In addition, Petra shares her perspective on the growing pension gap and the policy initiatives aimed at encouraging greater long-term savings and retirement preparedness across Europe.

The episode further explores some of the most pressing issues facing supervisors and insurers today, including natural catastrophe protection gaps, digitalization and AI, the evolution of private markets and private credit, and the importance of international supervisory cooperation through organizations such as the IAIS. Petra reflects on the progress made during her first mandate, the opportunities and challenges ahead for European supervision, and why stronger dialogue between regulators and industry will be essential to building resilience, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable growth in the years ahead.