Sompo Insurance, a Tokyo-based insurance group, has expanded its operations in Continental Europe by securing regulatory approval to provide primary insurance locally in Belgium and the Netherlands.
This move boosts the insurer’s commercial property and casualty (P&C) insurance capabilities throughout the region.
The new licences complement Sompo’s existing presence in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, further strengthening its position in the European market.
The strategy aligns with Sompo’s goal of combining local expertise with global insurance solutions.
Ralph Brand, President of Continental Europe Insurance at Sompo, highlighted the importance of the development.
Sompo has significantly grown its presence across Continental Europe in recent years. The authorizations to write primary insurance locally in Belgium and the Netherlands mark another milestone for our business.
Ralph Brand, President of Continental Europe Insurance at Sompo
He noted that clients increasingly value insurers with both local expertise and global capabilities to manage complex risks.
We enable our local teams to collaborate with clients and brokers, delivering a flexible, solutions-driven approach that builds lasting partnerships and success.
“I am eager to explore opportunities in these promising markets,” Ralph Brand added.
This expansion reaffirms Sompo’s commitment to offering insurance solutions across key European markets.
Sompo Holdings, a Tokyo-based insurance group, has been actively expanding its global footprint through strategic initiatives.
Organizational Restructuring
In February 2025, Sompo announced a reorganization into two global segments:
- Sompo Property and Casualty (P&C): This segment integrates Sompo International Holdings Ltd.’s insurance and reinsurance operations with Japan’s commercial and consumer P&C businesses. James Shea, previously chairman and CEO of Sompo’s global insurance and reinsurance business outside Japan, has been appointed CEO of Sompo P&C.
- Sompo Wellbeing: This segment encompasses Sompo Himawari Life Insurance and Sompo Care, focusing on health, financial stability after retirement, and nursing care services in Japan. Yasuhiro Oba, formerly CEO of Sompo Himawari Life Insurance, leads this segment.
Geographical Expansion
- Continental Europe: In March 2025, Sompo received authorization to write primary insurance in Belgium and the Netherlands, enhancing its presence in Europe. This complements existing operations in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Asia-Pacific: Sompo has identified Asia as a key growth area, with Singapore serving as a regional hub for operations across 12 Asian markets. The company aims to address emerging risks such as cyber threats and natural disasters in this region.
Strategic Focus
Sompo’s overseas insurance business aims to expand geographically and into new segments through disciplined underwriting and talent acquisition.
The company is committed to increasing investment income and achieving stable profit growth. Additionally, Sompo continues to explore mergers and acquisitions to drive discontinuous growth.
These initiatives reflect Sompo Holdings’ commitment to strengthening its global presence and diversifying its service offerings to meet evolving market demands.
