Key Takeaways
- Gallagher Bassett is focusing on expansion, integration, and investment in 2026
- Artificial intelligence will play a growing role in claims handling, with a need for careful oversight and transparency
- The company will prioritize client-first approach, delivering strong outcomes and expanding into new geographies
- Gallagher Bassett will invest in cutting-edge decision support, automation, and workflow tools
- The company will showcase its legal services, including specialist legal services to support consistent claims strategies and control litigation costs
Introduction to Gallagher Bassett’s 2026 Strategy
As a leading provider of claims management and risk services, Gallagher Bassett is entering 2026 with a clear focus on expansion, integration, and investment. The company supports insurers and corporates across multiple industries and regions, and its senior leaders have outlined their priorities for the year ahead. Manan Sagar, CEO of Gallagher Bassett Europe, Middle East and Asia, reflected on the past year, describing 2025 as "an unprecedented year of growth and transformation." The company expanded into marine and financial lines, enhanced its compliance frameworks, and continued to uplift its operational capability. Looking ahead, Sagar highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in claims handling, noting that while AI-powered tools bring efficiency, they also require careful oversight, particularly in the UK where Consumer Duty regulations demand transparency and robust quality assurance.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Claims Handling
Gallagher Bassett is a thought leader in AI adoption for claims handling and will continue to invest in its cutting-edge decision support, automation, and workflow tools over the next 12 months. The company’s client-first approach is at the forefront of every strategic decision, with the aim of delivering strong outcomes. Sagar emphasized that 2026 will be a year of further integration, broader capabilities, and expansion into new geographies. The use of artificial intelligence will play a significant role in this strategy, with the company leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in claims handling. However, the company is also aware of the need for careful oversight and transparency in the use of AI, particularly in the UK where Consumer Duty regulations demand robust quality assurance.
Operational Priorities for 2026
From an operational perspective, Chief Operating Officer John Fearn characterized the year ahead as one of widening scope, developing people, and strengthening service delivery. The company has made significant progress in its Legal Solutions division, with Strata Solicitors and Caytons Law being named in the Legal 500 for the first time in late 2025. Fearn noted that this recognition reflects sustained investment in building and expanding the legal offering, and the company plans to showcase its capabilities in this area. The company has built a world-class team of litigators with expertise covering a wide range of specialized legal matters, and Fearn highlighted the increasing demand from insurers for specialist legal services that support consistent claims strategies and help control litigation costs.
Expansion and Growth Plans
Within the wider group, Anthony Smith, CEO of W K Webster & Co Ltd, a Gallagher Bassett company, outlined a continued focus on growth and integration in 2026. The business will concentrate on embedding itself more deeply within the Gallagher Bassett group, strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge, and using the group’s global reach to support portfolio growth. Recent investment and supportive market conditions have opened up new opportunities, particularly within the US Inland Marine market. Against ongoing economic uncertainty linked to tariffs and geopolitical developments, Smith said insurers and corporates are increasingly seeking specialist support to manage supply chain risk. The company is poised to expand its Inland Marine claims management solutions, offering the most efficient and personalized service on the market.
Market Forces and Opportunities
The insurance market is expected to be shaped by several factors in 2026, including ongoing economic uncertainty, tariffs, and geopolitical developments. Insurers and corporates are increasingly seeking specialist support to manage supply chain risk, and Gallagher Bassett is well-positioned to provide this support. The company’s expertise in claims handling, combined with its global reach and capabilities, makes it an attractive partner for insurers and corporates looking to manage risk and optimize outcomes. With its focus on expansion, integration, and investment, Gallagher Bassett is poised for continued growth and success in 2026, and is expected to play a significant role in shaping the insurance market in the year ahead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gallagher Bassett is entering 2026 with a clear focus on expansion, integration, and investment. The company’s senior leaders have outlined their priorities for the year ahead, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in claims handling, the importance of careful oversight and transparency, and the need for continued investment in cutting-edge decision support, automation, and workflow tools. With its client-first approach, expertise in claims handling, and global reach, Gallagher Bassett is well-positioned to deliver strong outcomes and support the growth and success of its clients in 2026. As the insurance market continues to evolve, Gallagher Bassett is expected to play a significant role in shaping the industry, and its focus on expansion, integration, and investment will be key to its success in the year ahead.
