In a recent interview with Insurance Asia News, Managing Director and Head of APAC Alice Ho addressed the recent increase in M&A deal volume despite U.S. tariffs and where transactions are being made in the market.

“This year, deal volumes have come back up, though they still have not reached the level of 2020-21. Even after the announcement of US tariffs in April, we see deals being sustained,” she said.

“For example, we still see some manufacturing business transactions taking place, where one would think they would be affected by the supply chain.”

Alice also discussed the need for adequate W&I rates in APAC, adding:

“Pricing continues to be deal-specific, but as we emerge from a period of more subdued activity in the M&A cycle that has seen rates at unsustainably low levels, we anticipate a normalisation in pricing going forward with rates expected to rise.

“This is essential for the long-term viability of the class to ensure that sufficient investment is made in claims servicing as activity levels rebound.”