Aon : Everything you need to know

AON is an international advisory firm that focuses on risk, retirement, and health-related services. Its Reinsurance Solutions division offers a comprehensive suite of services to insurers, including facultative and treaty reinsurance. 

History of AON 

The firm began in 1982 after the merger of Ryan Insurance Group and Combined International. It took the name “Aon” in 1987, from a Gaelic word meaning “one.” 

They grew into a global business with deep focus on reinsurance, risk, and human capital. Other important moments in the company's growth include: 

  • 1996: acquired Alexander & Alexander Services to boost global reinsurance reach 

  • 2008: launched Aon Benfield, a major reinsurance unit, after buying Benfield Group 

  • 2012: moved its headquarters to London and became a UK-based public company 

  • 2020: announced a $30 billion merger deal with Willis Towers Watson (later called off) 

  • 2023: reported over $2.7 billion in reinsurance revenue and 6 percent organic growth 

In 2024, AON reached $695 billion in global reinsurer capital under its market review. That same year, it expanded its Reinsurance Solutions platform across life, health, and catastrophe. 

Reinsurance products and services 

AON's Reinsurance Solutions division offers a comprehensive suite of services to insurers, including: 

  • facultative reinsurance: customized coverage for individual risks 

  • treaty reinsurance: broad coverage agreements for portfolios of risks 

  • structured solutions (ReSolutions): tailored reinsurance structures to meet specific financial objectives 

  • retrocession: reinsurance for reinsurers to manage their own risk exposures 

  • catastrophe management: tools and services to assess and manage exposure to catastrophic events 

  • impact forecasting: catastrophe modeling to predict and prepare for potential losses 

  • ReMetrica: risk and capital modeling platform for insurers and reinsurers 

  • AON Securities: capital markets solutions, including insurance-linked securities 

  • claims management: support in managing and settling reinsurance claims 

  • contract wording & client services: assistance in drafting and reviewing reinsurance contracts 

These services are designed to help insurers navigate volatility, optimize capital, and enhance operational efficiency. 

Culture and core values 

AON builds a workplace that supports strong teamwork, inclusion, and trust among its people. The firm sees culture as more than benefits; it's how every colleague helps clients succeed. 

Their values are shared across teams and shape how it works as one company: 

  • shaping decisions for the better: guides actions to serve colleagues, clients, and communities with clarity and care 

  • united as one team: builds trust across a global network through inclusion, respect, and collaboration 

  • committed to purpose: focuses on solving changing risks and achieving lasting results for society and clients 

  • passionate about success: backs each win by lifting others, staying curious, and striving for shared progress 

This structure reflects how the company connects its values with daily work and long-term goals. 

AON’s ESG impact 

The firm sees ESG risk as a major factor in helping clients plan for tomorrow’s challenges. Its three ESG pillars support this work and connect its business to global progress: 

  1. environmental impact: reduces carbon use, supports climate-ready clients, and builds sustainability coalitions 

  1. social impact: improves equity, health, and inclusion through training, benefits, and community outreach 

  1. governance impact: drives trust with clear reporting, high standards, and strong ethical oversight 

It also works to raise its own standards while guiding others through trusted, data-led solutions. 

Leadership and governance 

AON’s leadership stands on clear values like fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. The company’s ethics show through strong corporate governance across all levels of its business. That same ethical culture continues to guide its decisions and long-term goals today. 

The future at AON 

The company is investing in sector-specific growth by hiring proven leaders and expanding niche service areas. In 2024, the firm hired two senior experts from Marsh to boost its construction and surety strength.  

Recent AON reinsurance highlights also include: 

  • global reinsurer capital: reached $715 billion in 2024, up $45 billion from the previous year 

  • alternative capital growth: ILS market grew to $113 billion which is driven by investor demand and wider risk margins 

  • favorable renewal conditions: April 2025 renewals saw double-digit rate reductions in Japan and South Korea 

  • introduction of cyber cat bonds: first-ever 144A cyber catastrophe bonds totaling $575 million brought to market 

AON’s Risk Capital group grew by $216 million in Q1 2025, reaching $3.2 billion. This reflects steady organic growth and continued investment in reinsurance and advisory services. The firm is staying focused on earnings growth, margin gains, and strong free cash flow. 

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