Many insurers in mature markets such as Western Europe and North America are facing limited organic growth opportunities, and it’s likely the poor near-term economic outlook will further impede expansion.

Increasingly, insurers are meeting these challenges by pursuing growth strategies that include business acquisitions or expansion into emerging markets. Others may try to improve business performance, and free up capital and resources by exiting unprofitable businesses. Before taking action, insurers should ask:

• Are there organic growth opportunities yet to be explored?
• How heavily will the poor economy impede our company’s growth?
• Do potential mergers and acquisitions or expansion into emerging markets make sense?
• Which emerging markets make sense?