Chief Executive’s review of 2025
As I conclude my first full year as CEO of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF), I am grateful for the trust placed in me and proud of what we have achieved together as a global member network. Stepping into the role at our Biennial Conference in Buenos Aires in late 2024, I was energised by the sense of purpose that unites our members. Throughout 2025, that purpose has guided our work, shaped our priorities, and strengthened our collective impact.
This year has been defined by deeper collaboration, meaningful connections, and renewed momentum across our global community. The ICMIF global network is powerful thanks to the ways in which it learns together, innovates together, and supports one another.
Facilitating a unique depth of knowledge sharing and collaboration
One of the defining strengths of ICMIF is that we offer a trusted, non-competitive space where members can exchange intelligence openly and honestly. In a sector shaped by global uncertainty, rapid change and complex risk, this environment is rare, and profoundly valuable.
Our members regularly tell us that the depth of strategic insights they gain through connections with fellow ICMIF members are unlike other sources available to them, with a focused relevance on specific issues and challenges facing leaders of mutual/cooperative insurers.
In 2025, this value was more important than ever. We enabled 103 member-to-member connections, linking organisations with peers facing similar strategic questions so they could share solutions, compare approaches, and accelerate learning. These conversations are often catalytic, enabling members to explore new ideas in a confidential and collaborative environment unlike anything elsewhere and ultimately being challenged and finding ways of thinking differently.
We were also pleased to welcome 19 new members across our full, associate, and Supporting Member categories: further expanding the reach and diversity of our global network. Our membership now includes 220 organisations worldwide, strengthening our collective voice and enhancing the pool of shared knowledge available to all.
Learning, leadership and events
Every engagement we deliver - whether in-person or virtual - is designed not only to inform but to connect our members. In 2025:
- 600+ delegates participated in our in-person events
- 540+ attendees joined our virtual forums, webinars, and roundtables
- 68% of all member organisations took part in at least one networking opportunity
- Members benefited from 41 networking opportunities delivered across 20 virtual events
These forums create the conditions for candid discussion among organisations that do not compete with each other, enabling a level of openness that is often impossible elsewhere. Members frequently cite these exchanges, hearing directly from peers about what is working, what isn’t, and what they are learning, as among the most valuable aspects of their membership.
Leadership development also remained a core focus. This year:
- 75 emerging leaders took part in the ICMIF Virtual Young Leaders Programme (NEW for 2025), strengthening the pipeline of future talent in our sector.
- We reached an important milestone, surpassing 500 total participants on the ICMIF Advanced Management Course since its inception in 2000.
These programmes not only build capability, they deepen relationships across borders and foster the next generation of leaders committed to mutuality and cooperation.
Intelligence, insights and shared learning
Our commitment to providing strategic intelligence remained unwavering. In 2025, we added more than 100 new pieces of member-only strategic content to the ICMIF Knowledge Hub, helping us exceed a total of 2,400 curated insights available to members. This platform stands as one of the sector’s most comprehensive sources of knowledge, reflecting contributions from organisations around the world.
The content, like our events, is strengthened by the fact that it comes from within our own community. It is grounded in the real experiences of ICMIF members and/or designed exclusively for mutual and cooperative insurers and shared via the Federation, and enriched by global diversity. We are always delighted to hear feedback from member companies on the value they gain from our strategic content and how the combination of sector relevance, peer exchange, and long-term perspective that uniquely defines our “Only at ICMIF” approach.
A decade of impact for the ICMIF Foundation
In 2025, the ICMIF Foundation celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of impact through member-led projects in developing nations, including the 5-5-5 Mutual Microinsurance Strategy (now concluded) and the UNDP–ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund (IIC). As of September, these initiatives have delivered 3.7 million policies, protecting 18.5 million lives and livelihoods.
The current work is supported by ICMIF member donations matched by UNDP, with 17 members contributing to IIC projects this year, alongside 11 technical assistance assignments and virtual exchanges focused on south-to-south collaboration.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on an impactful year, I am energised by the strength of our community and the clarity of our shared purpose. The mutual and cooperative model continues to demonstrate its relevance and resilience in a world shaped by uncertainty. Our values: long-term stewardship, member focus, social responsibility, remain powerful differentiators and guideposts for the future.
In 2026, we will continue to deepen our support for members, strengthen our platforms for cooperation and networking, and expand our ability to respond collectively to global challenges. A highlight of next year will be the ICMIF Biennial Conference (3-6 November 2026), hosted by Co-operators in Toronto (Canada). As the largest global gathering of mutual and cooperative insurance leaders, the Conference provides a unique space for senior decision-makers to enjoy unparalleled networking, share insights, and explore the future of our sector in a collaborative environment.
The achievements of 2025 are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together, learn from one another, and stay true to our purpose. I look forward to building on this momentum, confident in the knowledge that our network is strong, committed, and ready for the opportunities that lie ahead.
A message from ICMIF Chair Rob Wesseling
In his year-end message, ICMIF Chair Rob Wesseling reflects on the unique strength of our global member network in driving innovation, resilience, and shared purpose amid a challenging world. He highlights the valuable insights and collaboration our members have gained through events and peer exchanges in 2025, and looks ahead to continuing this momentum in 2026.
More moments of 2025 — a timeline
Inaugural meeting of the ICMIF Public Affairs Working Group in London (UK)
February
ICMIF visit to Japan for the Japanese Cooperative Insurance Association (JCIA) Annual Seminar
Liz Green, CEO, represented ICMIF at Co-operators' AGM in Toronto (Canada)
April
Ben Telfer, Chief Membership Officer, represented ICMIF at Länsförsäkringar (Sweden) 2025 Research Foundation Conference
Liz Green, CEO, represented ICMIF at the Association of Financial Mutuals (AFM) Conference 2025, in Manchester (UK)
October
