Archives April 2026

Clearwater Analytics research finds Singapore insurers are bracing for a wave of domestic M&A — making the gap between digital confidence and operational reality a pressing competitive concern 

SINGAPORE, Apr 1, 2026 – Despite 82% of Singapore insurers claiming to be ahead of the competition when it comes to the adoption of digital systems, almost all (98%) admit legacy technology is holding back their business growth — a combination that suggests an industry aware of its constraints but potentially underestimating their long-term competitive consequences, new research from Clearwater Analytics (NYSE: CWAN), the most comprehensive technology platform for investment management, shows.

The study with Singapore based insurance asset management executives at firms with total assets under management of $1.04 trillion found that nearly all (98%) of respondents agreed that older technologies are still driving future strategy and are proving to be a constraint on their businesses. It is a similar story in Hong Kong where the research found 96% believe there is still a reliance on older technologies.

“While Singapore insurers show confidence in their digital progress, our research reveals a concerning gap between perception and operational reality that could impact competitive positioning as the sector consolidates,” said Shane Akeroyd, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Asia Pacific at CWAN. “Our research highlights a critical misalignment between the strategies of Singapore insurers and the operational effectiveness of their current technology stacks that rely on older systems that are increasingly difficult to manage.”

Around 70% said their company’s operating model is too focused on short-term challenges and goals rather than long-term issues facing their organisation.

Hiring people to manage legacy systems is one area that has become increasingly problematic, according to half (50%) of those surveyed, with 8% saying it is a serious problem. While 28% of the executives suggested the problem was relatively minor, none expressed a view that there was no problem with recruitment in the sector.

The technology challenges are also cultural and appear to be rooted in deep organisational resistance. Almost all respondents (96%) said people working in the insurance industry are resistant to change and the adoption of new operating models and systems. Only 4% said this was not an issue.

“There are worrying signs that those working in these businesses lack confidence in the long-term capability of their organisations to deliver their full potential,” continued Akeroyd. “Cultural change is critical for digital transformation and must be addressed if technology rollouts are to be successful.”

Workforce diversity emerges as a critical factor, with almost three quarters (72%) saying problems in the insurance sector are caused by a lack of diversity – not just of people from different backgrounds, but also with different ways of thinking. In Hong Kong just 28% say the same.

The contradiction deepens when examining competitive perceptions. Despite concerns about technology and culture, most respondents (82%) consider their organisation to be ahead of their competitors in terms of their digital transformation journey (10% said they were significantly ahead). None said they were trailing behind their competitors, though 18% did believe they were in line with them.

There was confidence in the flexibility and scalability of operating models being able to meet new challenges. More than nine out of 10 (94%) said their organisation’s models were flexible (26% said very flexible). In Hong Kong, more than three quarters (76%) said their organisation’s models were flexible (28% said very flexible).

Insurers in the Singapore region are braced for a surge in M&A activity in their domestic markets. Almost all (94%) predict a rise in domestic M&A over the next three years, and around 10% predict a dramatic increase.

A focus on growth is the main driver of M&A activity in the region with firms looking for ways to expand quickly. The need to diversify risk and reduce dependence on a single product or market was selected as the second reason for increased M&A activity.

Potential synergies from mergers or acquisitions were rated as the third most important reason ahead of the improved financial capacity of the combined firm. Economies of scale from mergers and acquisitions was ranked fifth as a factor fueling M&A with a desire to eliminate competition ranked last.

“With 94% of Singapore insurers expecting increased M&A activity, those that close the gap between digital confidence and operational reality will be best positioned to lead consolidation  rather than become a target of it – and those that do not may find their operating models are not as flexible or scalable as they had believed,” added Akeroyd.

Noida,  Apr 1:  HCLTech, a leading global technology company and CrowdStrike  today announced an expansion of their strategic partnership with the launch of Continuous Threat Exposure Management services. This joint offering enables continuous, intelligence-led identification, prioritization and remediation of exposure across endpoints, cloud, identity, applications and data, helping enterprises maintain an always-on view of exposure and address risk in a more structured and timely manner.

As part of this expanded partnership, CrowdStrike and HCLTech combine advanced adversary intelligence with AI‑driven threat detection to operationalize real‑time insights by correlating exposure, threat and cloud posture signals.

Powered by the AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon platform, patented ExPRT.AI and agentic innovation, Falcon Exposure Management rapidly identifies and prioritizes vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited based on adversary activity and real-world attack paths. HCLTech applies these prioritized insights through its VERITY framework and AI Force, its GenAI-led service transformation platform, to accelerate remediation and continuously reduce attack surface risk across the enterprise.

“Falcon Exposure Management gives organizations the real-time visibility and AI-driven insights they need to reduce and prioritize risk at scale,” said Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike. “HCLTech’s services expertise makes them the right partner to deliver this capability to customers globally. Together, we’re helping security teams move faster, consolidate operations and stay ahead of adversaries.”

“Enterprises today require continuous visibility, contextual prioritization and rapid execution to stay resilient,” said Amit Jain, EVP and Global Head of Cybersecurity at HCLTech. “By integrating our AI Force and Agentic AI solutions with the Falcon platform, we are enabling an intelligence-led, autonomous security model that reduces risk and delivers total resilience across the enterprise.”

New Delhi, 31 March 2026: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has partnered with Gujarat Titans (GT) for the current edition of the Indian T20 League. The association is part of IGI’s ongoing effort to strengthen consumer awareness, transparency, and responsible decision-making in the jewelry industry. By leveraging the scale and influence of the Gujarat Titans, IGI aims to make diamond certification more accessible and relevant to a wider audience.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO, IGI, said, “Just as cricket relies on DRS to ensure every decision is accurate and beyond doubt, IGI brings that same standard of independent review to every diamond it certifies. The 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color, form the foundation of our work, enabling transparency and trust. Gujarat Titans reflect the same discipline, consistency and pursuit of excellence that sit at the core of IGI. Through this partnership, we intend to reach a wider audience and reinforce the importance of informed, confident decision-making in diamond and precious gemstone purchases.”

Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Arvinder Singh, COO, Gujarat Titans, said, “We are very happy to partner with the International Gemological Institute. Gujarat has always been closely linked with craftsmanship, precision and a strong legacy of excellence, and this association reflects a shared commitment to these values. At Gujarat Titans, we look to collaborate with partners who stand for trust, integrity and consistency in their domain. For Gujarat Titans, this partnership further strengthens our endeavour to align with like-minded organizations as we continue to build a purpose-driven and high-performance ecosystem around the team.”

As an associate partner, IGI’s logo will be visible on the Gujarat Titans uniform throughout the season.

 Apr 1:MARS Cosmetics, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty brands, has announced the launch of its latest retail kiosk at Bhartiya Mall, marking a significant milestone as the company expands its retail footprint to 50 kiosks across India. This achievement reflects the brand’s rapid growth and its continued focus on enhancing accessibility and consumer engagement in the beauty segment.

Founded on the philosophy of “Makeup For Everyone,” MARS Cosmetics has consistently worked towards making beauty more inclusive, accessible, and affordable. By offering innovative, high-quality products at competitive price points, the brand has successfully built a strong connection with a diverse and evolving consumer base. Its ability to combine affordability with trend-driven product innovation has positioned it as a preferred choice among today’s value-conscious and aspirational beauty consumers.

Commenting on this milestone, Sr Manager EBO Operations & Expansion, Pushpa Kandpal said, “Reaching the milestone of 50 kiosks is a proud moment for us and a reflection of the trust our consumers have placed in the brand. Our vision has always been to make beauty inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering innovative products and creating engaging, on-ground experiences that bring us closer to our customers.”

The launch of these 50 kiosks with a strong retail presence through prestigious mall partners – Lulu Group International malls, Pacific Malls, Phoenix Mills, Inorbit Malls, and Ambuja Neotia Group capturing high foot traffic and delivering strong brand visibility across key retail destinations marking an important step in the company’s strategic retail expansion journey. By strengthening its presence in high-footfall retail destinations, MARS aims to provide immersive and interactive experiences, enabling customers to discover, explore, and engage with its wide range of beauty products in a more personalized environment.

This milestone not only highlights the brand’s expanding physical footprint but also underscores the sustained demand it continues to witness across markets. It reflects MARS Cosmetics’ ability to scale efficiently while staying aligned with evolving consumer preferences.

Looking ahead, the brand remains focused on accelerating growth, driving product innovation, and strengthening its omnichannel presence. With a clear emphasis on customer engagement and accessibility, MARS Cosmetics is well-positioned to further solidify its standing in India’s dynamic and fast-evolving beauty landscape.