Key Takeaways from IRLA Congress 2026: AI, Resilience and a Market Looking Ahead 

Held under the theme “New Horizons”, this year’s programme brought together leaders from across the sector to explore the future of legacy claims, regulatory developments, market trends and the increasing role of technology and automation in shaping outcomes.

For Pro Global, the event also marked the first time attending alongside colleagues from Pro Legal, reflecting the growing convergence between claims, legal and legacy expertise as portfolios become increasingly complex.

As always, IRLA provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with clients and market contacts, share perspectives and discuss the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the market.

Resilience was a defining theme

One of the standout moments from the conference was the keynote address from John Peters, former RAF pilot and Gulf War prisoner of war. Peters delivered a powerful and deeply personal account of resilience, leadership and adaptability under extreme circumstances.

His reflections resonated strongly with attendees and served as a reminder that resilience remains critical not only at an individual level, but also for organisations navigating an increasingly uncertain and fast-evolving insurance landscape.

AI is moving rapidly from discussion to deployment

Artificial intelligence featured heavily throughout the conference agenda, particularly during the “AI focussed strategies” session.

Discussions highlighted how AI and automation are beginning to transform the way legacy portfolios are monitored and managed. A number of practical use cases demonstrated how carriers and acquirers can use AI-driven tools to track portfolio development in real time, identify trends proactively and intervene earlier when opportunities arise to transfer or acquire liabilities.

Many of the conversations reflected a market that is now moving beyond theoretical discussions around AI and focusing instead on operational deployment and measurable outcomes. The scale of innovation underway suggests this will remain a major area of investment and strategic focus over the next 12 months and beyond.

Industry collaboration remains vital

The conference programme also covered wider market dynamics, including regulatory developments, asset management trends and predictions for the future direction of the legacy market.

Sessions such as “Understanding Legacy Market Trends; what it teaches us” and “What’s on the horizon? Market Predictions” reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared expertise and adaptability across the sector as firms respond to evolving claims environments and increasing operational complexity.

The event underlined the continued value of in-person industry forums in bringing together claims professionals, legal experts, reinsurers, advisors and service providers to exchange ideas and strengthen relationships.

Pro Global takes centre stage

Pro Global was also proud to see its own expertise represented within the conference agenda, with our Head of Specialist Claims Michael Mackenzie participating in the “Claim your success” panel discussion alongside fellow market specialists.

And no IRLA recap would be complete without mentioning Head of Insurance Services Richard Emmett’s performance as part of the Rendezvous Band during Tuesday evening’s entertainment, a highlight that helped round off another successful event in style.

Thank you to IRLA and everyone involved in organising another excellent congress. We look forward to continuing the conversations started in Brighton over the months ahead.