Discover our summary of the major headlines in the insurance industry in Belgium & Luxembourg with just a scroll!
NBB Maintains Countercyclical Buffer at 1.25%
24/09/2026 – Source
The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) has decided to keep the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) at 1.25% for Q4 2026. The NBB considers this level appropriate given the current financial cycle and necessary to strengthen the resilience of the Belgian banking sector against potential adverse shocks.
While the financial cycle has recently stabilised, significant uncertainties remain, including geopolitical tensions, weaker macroeconomic conditions, higher interest rates and concerns over public debt and budget deficits.
The 1.25% buffer represents approximately €3.5 billion in capital and could be released rapidly in the event of a major economic shock to help banks absorb losses while continuing to support borrowers.
The NBB also stresses that banks should ensure their credit risk provisions adequately reflect the current high level of uncertainty and potential adverse scenarios.
AXA Supports Annual Road Safety Quiz in Belgium
22/09/2026 – Source
From 14 September to 14 October, AXA Belgium is once again partnering with the AWSR to support the annual Road Safety Quiz, designed to help drivers refresh their knowledge of traffic rules and safe mobility.
AXA highlights that while vehicle technology is improving safety, driver attention, knowledge of traffic rules and responsible behaviour remain essential in preventing accidents.
The initiative is also open to companies and organisations, with nearly 700 already registered this year and access to personalised performance reports. Last year, the national initiative attracted more than 600 organisations and 316,000 participants across Belgium.
Belfius prepares capital structure changes ahead of potential share offering
21/09/2026 – Source
Belfius has proposed adjustments to its capital structure and dividend policy in preparation for a potential opening of up to 20% of its share capital to external investors. The bank plans to lower its target CET1 capital ratio range to 14.5%–15.0%, supported by a proposed €500 million Additional Tier 1 issuance. The new structure is intended to increase capital flexibility, support future growth and make Belfius more attractive to investors while preserving financial resilience.
Belfius also plans to maintain a stable dividend policy, including a 3.0%–3.5% MDA buffer to support sustainable distributions. An interim dividend of €375 million is expected before the end of 2026, while an additional €375 million exceptional dividend could be distributed once the capital opening is formally confirmed.
Ethias maintains ESG rating of 2 as environmental performance improves
16/09/2026 – Source
Sustainable Fitch has maintained Ethias’ ESG entity rating at “2” for the third consecutive year, while increasing its overall score to 66 from 64 in 2025.
Sustainable investments represented around 25% of Ethias’ assets under management at the end of 2025, alongside €5.7 billion invested in public projects in Belgium.
Its social and governance profiles both remained rated “2”, with Sustainable Fitch highlighting low employee turnover, a limited gender pay gap and robust risk management practices.
The agency also identified areas for further progress, including environmental indicators related to water, waste and emissions linked to underwriting activities.
Bike insurance may also be worthwhile for traditional city bikes
15/09/2026 – Source
Bike insurance is gaining popularity in Belgium, with the number of policies increasing by 8.5% in 2025, largely alongside the growth of e-bikes and higher-value bicycles.
However, NN notes that only 4% of its bike insurance policies cover traditional city bikes, even though these bikes are often left unattended in public or unsecured locations.
Belgian police recorded 23,688 bicycle thefts in 2025, with around one quarter taking place in bike parking areas. Bike insurance can typically cover theft, accidental damage and roadside assistance, while some policies also include personal accident protection.
According to NN, insurance may be particularly relevant for higher-value city bikes that are regularly parked in vulnerable locations, with cover for an €800 bike starting at around €65 per year for theft and damage.
FINEST festival aims to boost financial literacy among young Belgians
14/09/2026 – Source
BNP Paribas Fortis is supporting the first edition of Finfest, a financial education festival for young people aged 16 to 30, taking place in Ghent on 27 February 2027.
The event will cover four main themes: earning, spending, saving and investing, and avoiding financial pitfalls, using an informal festival format designed to make financial topics more accessible.
Speakers will include economists, entrepreneurs, financial experts, content creators and cybersecurity specialists.
According to BNP Paribas Fortis, financial literacy remains a significant challenge in Belgium: 49% of Belgians say they need more financial education and guidance, while 74% expect banks to play an active role.
P&V to invest €38 million in the renovation of its Brussels headquarters
01/09/2026 – Source
P&V Group has launched a call for candidates to renovate and transform its historic headquarters in Brussels, with an estimated budget of €38 million excluding VAT.
Built between 1954 and 1956, the facade and technical systems of Brussels’ first modern office tower are approaching the end of their lifecycle and require a major renovation.
The project will include redesigned office floors, a more open ground-level base connecting the building to the city, a more active use of the rooftop, and an improvement of environmental performance.
Maximum interest rate on life insurance remains at 3.75%
31/08/2026 – Source
Belgium will maintain the maximum interest rate for long-term life insurance products at 3.75%, despite a recommendation from the National Bank of Belgium to reduce it to 2.75%. Economy Minister David Clarinval said the decision is intended to support competition in the savings market, where several insurers have recently increased rates on Branch 21 products. The current legal ceiling had stood at 2.5% until the end of 2025, while some insurers are now offering rates of up to 3.25%.
The government nevertheless plans to abolish the interest-rate cap altogether, a reform supported by the FSMA and already included in a draft law. Under the proposed framework, the National Bank would gain powers to intervene if insurers offer clearly unrealistic interest rates. The draft legislation is expected to be presented to Parliament before the end of 2026, after which the statutory ceiling would disappear once the law enters into force.
