25th Conference on Liability Insurance: Complex risks shape the industry
Key developments such as third-party litigation funding, the revised EU Product Liability Directive, climate lawsuits, and new technological risks show that the liability landscape is becoming more diverse and demanding. Presentations on clinical trials, artificial intelligence, aviation, and geothermal energy highlighted the growing demands on insurers and practitioners.
On 19 May 2026, the 25th Liability Specialist Conference of the Swiss Insurance Association (SIA)took place at the Kursaal Bern. More than 100 professionals took the opportunity to exchange views on current developments and challenges in the field of liability.Lorenzo Natale, President of the SIA’s Liability Specialist Committee, opened the event. In his overview, he highlighted key developments shaping the liability landscape. These include, in particular, the growing importance of third-party litigation funding, regulatory changes such as the revised EU Product Liability Directive, and the rise in climate litigation. He illustrated the increasing momentum and complexity in the liability sector.
New risks and technological developments
Several presentations shed light on new risk areas. Ueli Stalder, a long-standing expert in the life sciences sector at Chubb, focused on the insurance of clinical trials. He explained the specific challenges for insurers, especially against the backdrop of complex regulatory requirements and high standards for safety and efficacy in drug development. Maryam Kashani, Senior Treaty Underwriter at Swiss Re, focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on liability risks. It became clear that new technologies are changing existing risk profiles, raising new questions for liability, regulation, and the insurance industry as a whole.
Maryam Kashani sheds light on AI risks.
Specialized markets in focus
Other presentations focused on specific segments. Stefan Koller, Senior Underwriter Aviation at Helvetia, provided insights into the global aviation liability market. International interconnectedness, the large number of involved stakeholders, and the potentially high loss amounts make this segment particularly demanding.
In connection with geothermal projects, Prof. Dr. Ina Ebert of Munich Re pointed out that while the use of geothermal energy is an important component of the energy transition, it also entails specific risks. The focus was on potential loss scenarios, liability scenarios, and the legal framework for liability insurance.
The closing remarks were delivered by National Councillor Beat Flach.
SIA 118: Significance for Practice
In conclusion, National Councillor Beat Flach (SIA) highlighted the practical significance of Standard SIA 118 as well as the current revisions in contract law for works and services. Particular attention was paid to the changes to defect-related rights and their impact on liability and insurance.
The conference showed that the liability landscape is shaped by a growing diversity of risks, increasing complexity, and new regulatory requirements. The interdisciplinary exchange was used intensively by the participants.
Special thanks go to all speakers for their well-founded contributions and the wide range of insights. The Liability Conference remains a key platform for professional exchange within the industry. The SVV is already looking forward to the next event in 2027.
