John Marra

Deal value in the U.S. insurance sector more than tripled to $10 billion in the first half of 2017, compared with $2.9 billion in the first half of 2016.

Drivers are Asian buyers interested in the U.S. and insurers expanding into technology, asset management and ancillary businesses.

21% of the insurance business is at risk of being lost to standalone fintech companies within five years.

Many insurers are considering carve-outs or IPOs as sellers, and there are even more looking to build market share by acquiring.

Momentum should pick up from small to medium-sized companies, as they are focused on building much-needed scale and complying with regulation.

Foreign investment – especially from Japan and China – will fuel U.S. deals activity for the foreseeable future.