Berne Union Press Release: Spring Meeting Astana

Berne Union members reflect on changing norms of international trade as rising demand for risk
mitigation drives growth in business

ASTANA, 12th May 2026 – Over 200 delegates representing 90 organisations from the global export finance industry assemble this week in Astana for the Spring Meeting of the Berne Union (International Union of Credit and Investment Insurers).

At the nexus of the Silk Road, Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic connector between Asia and Europe – spanning goods, knowledge and ideas – highlights a moment of inflection for the industry, as members reflect on how best to support global trade in an environment undergoing profound change, echoed in the meeting’s theme: “crossroads”.

▪ Data released by the Berne Union shows that members supported USD 3.7tn of cross-border trade during 2025

▪ Berne Union Membership continues to expand and diversify with new applications presented by senior executives from Lloyds credit speciality underwriters: Africa Specialty Risks, Canopius, and Chaucer, while
The African Development Bank and MSIG USA attend as newly admitted Observer members
▪ The Berne Union and UNDP signed an MoU which aims to will enhance the role of export credit agencies (ECAs) and investment insurers in mobilizing private capital toward national development priorities, particularly in developing and emerging markets

For more info, contact Paul Heaney at the Berne Union Secretariat

Berne Union Secretariat

International Union of Credit & Investment Insurers

T   +44 20 7841 1110

E   bu-sec@berneunion.org

W  https://www.berneunion.org

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231 - 232 The Strand, London, WC2R 1DA