The AI-driven reinsurance platform, ARIQ, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swiss Re to advance and broaden innovative solutions aimed at enhancing risk management capabilities and fostering new avenues for innovation in the field. The collaboration also seeks to establish AI-supported capabilities across the United Arab Emirates. ARIQ is headquartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), where it is focused on building an AI-based reinsurance platform that employs advanced analytics to improve underwriting accuracy and optimize capital utilization in reinsurance and investment management.
Founded in June 2025 by International Holding Company, a leading global investment firm committed to creating dynamic value networks and promoting sustainable growth, ARIQ has partnered with BlackRock and Lunit for this initiative.
The signing of the memorandum took place during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, attended by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of ARIQ, alongside Charles Hattemy, the Senior Managing Director of BlackRock and Global Head of Financial Investors and Strategic Clients.
The agreement was signed by Mark Wilson, CEO of ARIQ, and Andreas Berger, CEO of Swiss Re.
Key Driver
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber stated, “Artificial intelligence is a key trend driving global economic transformation and is a crucial factor in enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and adaptability of global systems. We are pleased to launch this strategic collaboration merging Swiss Re’s expertise and resources with ARIQ’s innovative capabilities to establish a robust data-driven insurance ecosystem, contributing to sustainable economic growth and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a worldwide leader in advanced and innovative risk management and reinsurance solutions.”
Mark Wilson, CEO of ARIQ, noted, “Swiss Re brings unparalleled expertise, and we believe this collaboration holds promising potential for the growth of the reinsurance sector by combining capital, data, and technology. Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate the development of AI-driven infrastructure and reinsurance solutions tailored to meet the evolving market needs.”
This collaboration will enhance Swiss Re’s presence in the UAE while aligning with its focus on innovation in risk solutions and establishing long-term market partnerships. The partnership will also explore advanced risk transfer solutions, institutional investment structures, and additional pathways to enhance value, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s strategic standing as a global center for risk transfer operations.
The memorandum with Swiss Re underscores ARIQ’s commitment to building a globally recognized reinsurance platform with a strong regional footprint starting from Abu Dhabi. As ARIQ progresses towards full operational commencement, this collaboration represents a significant step in leveraging global expertise and advanced technologies to deliver the next generation of risk management solutions.
Andreas Berger, CEO of Swiss Re, added, “This partnership capitalizes on Swiss Re’s extensive experience in risk management, robust data ecosystems, and early adoption of AI technologies. Through our collaboration with ARIQ, we aim to develop an AI-based reinsurance platform and strengthen our presence in this vital region. By harnessing our combined capabilities, along with the strong innovation momentum in the area and an active insurance market, we can explore new risk transfer tools and create solutions that support our clients in navigating complex and high-risk challenges.”
Charles Hattemy, the Senior Managing Director of BlackRock, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing progress of the innovative ARIQ platform. “By combining our investment management capabilities with Swiss Re’s extensive expertise, we are confident that ARIQ will help accelerate the development of capital markets in Abu Dhabi and foster growth throughout the region,” he stated.