Ahmet Yaşar, President of the Insurance Association of Türkiye (TSB), Spoke at saz2026

Ahmet Yaşar, President of the Insurance Association of Türkiye (TSB), stated in his opening speech at the Insurance Intermediaries Summit 2026 that the insurance sector is undergoing a major transformation, saying: “Artificial intelligence and digitalization are changing the way we do business, but the trust-based relationship at the heart of insurance remains intact. Insurance intermediaries are at the center of this transformation.”

Insurance Intermediaries Summit 2026 (saz2026) brought all stakeholders of the sector together in Istanbul. The two-day summit addresses the transformation of distribution channels in the insurance sector, next-generation agency models, artificial intelligence, digitalization, changing customer expectations, and multi-channel distribution structures.

Throughout the two-day summit, participants will explore the key issues shaping the future of the insurance industry. The first day, dedicated to agencies, will feature sessions on next-generation agency models, AI-powered digital transformation, growth opportunities in life insurance and the Private Pension System (BES), changing customer expectations, service ecosystems, and multi-channel distribution structures.

On the second day, with the participation of representatives from all distribution channels, the discussions will focus on the impact of the digital ecosystem and artificial intelligence, bancassurance and new financial distribution models, corporate risk management, preventive insurance, embedded insurance, big data in customer management, and the emerging balance among multiple distribution channels in insurance intermediation. These topics will be examined by leading representatives of the insurance industry.

Speaking at the opening of the summit, Uğur Gülen, President of the Insurance Association of Türkiye (TSB), emphasized that the insurance industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, stating that insurance intermediaries are at the center of this change.

“Insurance is not merely a sector that pays compensation,” Yaşar said, drawing attention to the fact that the sector is one of the key elements of economic security, social resilience, and sustainable development. He stated that insurance intermediaries, who establish the first contact with customers, explain risks, build trust, and stand by customers at the time of loss, are the sector’s strongest representatives in the field.

“Technology Exists Not to Replace People, but to Empower Them”

Highlighting that innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital sales channels, and embedded insurance are transforming the industry, Uğur Gülen stated that they view technology not as a substitute for people, but as a tool that empowers them.

Gülen said, “Technology can advance, processes can become digital, and artificial intelligence can transform the way we do business. However, the trust-based relationship at the core of insurance will continue to endure. That is why we need a strong, knowledgeable, competent, and transformation-ready intermediary structure more than ever.”

A New Era in Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance

In his speech, Yaşar also addressed the new regulations introduced in motor third-party liability insurance, stating that claims processes, particularly vehicle depreciation, will become faster, more transparent, and more predictable. Yaşar noted that, under the new regulations, vehicle damage applications will also include claims for depreciation, adding that this step will increase trust in insurance, reduce disputes, and make a significant contribution to citizen satisfaction.

“Strong Intermediaries Mean Strong Insurance”

Emphasizing that increasing insurance penetration and developing insurance awareness in Türkiye are the shared responsibility of all industry stakeholders, Ahmet Yaşar highlighted the importance of companies, agencies, brokers, loss adjusters, professional organizations, and public institutions acting in line with the same goal.

Yaşar stated that, as the Insurance Association of Türkiye (TSB), they consider the development of all distribution channels a strategic priority, and that they are determinedly continuing their efforts to ensure the adaptation of the intermediary structure to digital transformation, enhance technical competencies, improve customer experience, and create sustainable income models.

Yaşar said: “Strong intermediaries mean strong insurance. Strong insurance means a more resilient economy and a safer society.”

“We Are Evolving into an Industry That Anticipates and Manages Risks”

Pointing out that climate change, natural disasters, cyber risks, geopolitical developments, and economic uncertainties have increased the importance of risk management, Ahmet Yaşar stated that insurance is no longer merely a sector that compensates losses, but has transformed into one that anticipates, prevents, and manages risks.

Yaşar added that he believes the ideas and collective wisdom emerging from the Insurance Intermediaries Summit will guide the future of the sector, and expressed his wish for saz to become a traditional and strong platform where the industry’s shared future is discussed every year.