As a provider of claims management and risk services within the Arthur J. Gallagher group, Gallagher Bassett supports insurers and corporates across multiple industries and regions, and is entering 2026 with a clear focus on expansion, integration and investment.
Senior leaders from the business’s Europe, Middle East and Asia (EME&A) operations have outlined their priorities for the year ahead, alongside the market forces expected to shape insurance over the next 12 months.
Reflecting on the past year, Manan Sagar, CEO of Gallagher Bassett Europe, Middle East and Asia, described 2025 as “an unprecedented year of growth and transformation,” pointing to expansion into marine and financial lines, enhancements to compliance frameworks and continued uplift in operational capability.
Looking ahead, he highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in claims handling, noting that while AI-powered tools bring efficiency, they also require careful oversight, particularly in the UK where Consumer Duty regulations demand transparency and robust quality assurance.
He noted: “Gallagher Bassett is a thought leader in AI adoption for claims handling and will continue to invest in our cutting-edge decision support, automation and workflow tools over the next 12-months.”
Emphasising the organisation’s client-first approach, Sagar added that every strategic decision is made with the aim of delivering strong outcomes, with 2026 expected to be a year of further integration, broader capabilities and expansion into new geographies.
From an operational perspective, Chief Operating Officer John Fearn characterised the year ahead as one of widening scope, developing people and strengthening service delivery. He highlighted progress within the Legal Solutions division, noting that Strata Solicitors and Caytons Law were named in the Legal 500 for the first time in late 2025, recognition he said reflects sustained investment in building and expanding the legal offering.
He further commented: “Gallagher Bassett has built a world class team of litigators with expertise covering a wide range of specialised legal matters. A priority for 2026 is to showcase what we can do for clients in this area.”
Fearn also pointed to increasing demand from insurers for specialist legal services that support consistent claims strategies and help control litigation costs, with plans in place to add further expertise and work towards becoming the UK’s leading full-service insurance legal team. He added: “For Operations overall, I look forward to implementing a modern claims platform and delivering greater efficiencies. Our clients can expect to experience positive outcomes as a result of our forward-thinking system strategy soon.”
Within the wider group, Anthony Smith, CEO of W K Webster & Co Ltd, a Gallagher Bassett company, outlined a continued focus on growth and integration in 2026. He said the business will concentrate on embedding itself more deeply within the Gallagher Bassett group, strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge and using the group’s global reach to support portfolio growth.
He added: “Our increased capabilities from the past 12 months of investment combined with favourable market conditions present new prospects for WKW in 2026.”
Recent investment and supportive market conditions, he noted, have opened up new opportunities, particularly within the US Inland Marine market. Against ongoing economic uncertainty linked to tariffs and geopolitical developments, Smith said insurers and corporates are increasingly seeking specialist support to manage supply chain risk.
Smith concluded: “WKW has a dedicated team of fully licensed US based claims professionals with decades of experience in property transport and storage, covering every major business line and industry. In 2026, we’re poised to expand our Inland Marine claims management solutions – offering the most efficient and personalised service on the market.”
