Insurance Association of Türkiye (TSB) President Ahmet Yaşar: ''The Future of Insurance Will Be Shaped by Strong Intermediaries and Trust-Based Transformation''

Speaking at the opening of the Insurance Intermediaries Summit 2026, Türkiye Sigorta Birliği (TSB) President Ahmet Yaşar stated that the insurance industry is undergoing a major transformation, saying, “Artificial intelligence and digitalization are changing the way we do business; however, the trust-based relationship at the core of insurance remains intact. Insurance intermediaries are at the center of this transformation.”

The Insurance Intermediaries Summit 2026 (SAZ 2026) brought together all stakeholders of the sector in Istanbul. During the two-day summit, topics including the transformation of distribution channels in the insurance industry, next-generation agency models, artificial intelligence, digitalization, changing customer expectations, and omnichannel distribution structures are being discussed.

Throughout the two-day summit, topics shaping the future of the insurance industry will be discussed. During the sessions focusing on agents on the first day, next-generation agency models, AI-supported digital transformation, growth opportunities in life insurance and BES, changing customer expectations, service ecosystems, and omnichannel distribution structures will be addressed. On the second day, with the participation of all distribution channels, leading sector representatives will evaluate topics including the digital ecosystem and the impacts of artificial intelligence, bancassurance and new financial distribution models, corporate risk management, preventive insurance, embedded insurance, big customer management, and new omnichannel balances in insurance intermediation.

Speaking at the opening of the summit, Türkiye Sigorta Birliği (TSB) President Ahmet Yaşar emphasized that the insurance industry is undergoing a profound transformation and stated that insurance intermediaries are at the center of this transformation.

Stating that “Insurance is not merely an industry that pays compensation,” Yaşar highlighted that the sector is one of the key elements of economic security, societal resilience, and sustainable development. He noted that insurance intermediaries, who establish the first contact with customers, explain risks, build trust, and stand by customers in the event of a claim, are the sector’s strongest representatives in the field.

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

Stating that new applications such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital sales channels, and embedded insurance are transforming the sector, Ahmet Yaşar said that they see technology not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that empowers them.

Yaşar said, “Technology may advance, processes may become digitalized, and artificial intelligence may change the way we do business. However, the trust-based relationship at the core of insurance will continue to exist. Therefore, we need a strong, knowledgeable, competent, and transformation-oriented intermediary structure more than ever before.”

A New Era in Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance (Trafik Sigortası)

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

“Strong Intermediaries Mean Strong Insurance Industry”

Emphasizing that increasing insurance penetration and developing insurance awareness in Türkiye are the shared responsibilities of all sector stakeholders, Ahmet Yaşar highlighted the importance of companies, agents, brokers, loss adjusters, professional organizations, and public institutions moving forward toward the same goal.

Stating that Türkiye Sigorta Birliği (TSB) considers the development of all distribution channels as a strategic priority, Yaşar said that they are continuing their efforts decisively to ensure the adaptation of the intermediary structure to digital transformation, enhance technical competencies, improve customer experience, and establish sustainable income models.

Yaşar stated, “Strong intermediaries mean strong insurance. Strong insurance means a more resilient economy and a more secure society.”

“We Are Transforming 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 an industry that covers losses, but has evolved into one that anticipates, prevents, and manages risks.

Expressing his belief that the ideas and collective insights to emerge from the Insurance Intermediaries Summit will shape the future of the industry, Yaşar wished for SAZ to become a traditional and strong platform where the sector’s shared future is discussed every year.