As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, 1291 Group is proud to mark this milestone with bold steps to strengthen our global presence. From Zurich to Hong Kong, London to GIFT City, we’re expanding our reach to deliver innovative, tax-compliant wealth solutions to high net worth individuals (HNWIs), ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs), and investment professionals worldwide. Today, we’re thrilled to announce strategic growth in Europe, Japan, the UK, and India – moves that reflect our commitment to empowering clients in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
Since our founding in 2000, 1291 Group has grown into a trusted leader in life insurance, with over 100 experts across Europe, Asia, LATAM, and the Middle East. In 2024 alone, we wrote USD 1.5 billion in new life insurance premiums. As we look to the future, our 2025 expansion underscores our vision: to provide tailored, multi-jurisdictional solutions that protect and grow our clients’ wealth.
Read the full press release for details.
Welcoming Sean Taro Byrne to Lead Our Japan Desk
Japan remains a cornerstone of our Asian strategy, and we’re excited to welcome Sean Taro Byrne as Head of our Japan Desk. A former Managing Director at Credit Suisse, Sean brings unparalleled expertise in asset management and a deep understanding of Japan’s unique financial landscape. Based in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Switzerland, he will lead our team in delivering tailored, tax-compliant wealth solutions for Japanese clients.
“Sean’s appointment is a big step for 1291 Group,” said Yannick Häni, Head of Asian Markets. “His proven track record positions us to accelerate growth in this vital market.” With Sean at the helm, we’re poised to offer innovative strategies that meet the sophisticated needs of Japanese HNWIs, reinforcing our commitment to the region.
Elevating Our European Presence
In Europe, we’re intensifying our growth under the leadership of Victor Sonnevelt, Head of Sales. Our team has been strengthened by the addition of Andreas Seiwert and Nicolas Bachmann, who bring 20 years of combined experience from Lombard International Assurance. Their expertise in markets like Germany, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Italy enhances our ability to serve clients across Europe and Switzerland.
“Our focused expansion reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional value,” said Victor Sonnevelt. “With our enhanced team, we’re driving our European operations to new heights.” This move solidifies 1291 Group’s leadership in providing customized wealth protection plans, ensuring clients receive the high-touch service they expect.
Building Momentum in the UK
The UK is a key pillar of our global strategy, and we’re thrilled to announce the establishment of 1291 Group UK Ltd. in London, following the acquisition of Independence Wealth Management (iWM). With over 20 years of success, iWM strengthens our ability to navigate the UK’s evolving financial landscape, including the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime effective April 2025. Led by Robert Noble-Warren and approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), this new entity aligns with our broader European vision.
Tapping India’s Rising Potential
India’s growing population of HNWIs and UHNWIs presents a compelling opportunity, and we’re proud to announce the founding of 1291 Group IFSC Insurance Broker Private Limited in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This strategic move, launched in Q1 2025, positions us to meet the rising demand for tax-compliant life insurance solutions among Indian clients worldwide.
Supported by GIFT City’s favorable regulatory framework and India’s vision to become a global financial hub, our new entity will offer comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional solutions. From Mumbai to Dubai, we’re here to support Indian clients with sophisticated wealth planning.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Growth
As we reflect on 25 years of success, we’re energized by the opportunities ahead. “Our headcount, revenue, and EBITDA have grown organically by about 20% annually over the last 20 years,” said Serge Hediger, CEO of 1291 Group Holding Ltd. “Today, we’re witnessing remarkable demand for our bespoke solutions, and our strategy will focus on sustaining this growth through global expansion and strategic acquisitions.”
With USD 1.5 billion in new premiums written in 2024, we’re building on a strong foundation to deliver even greater value. Our regulated status with authorities around the world ensures we meet the highest standards of trust and compliance.
Join Us on This Journey
Our recent expansion is more than a milestone – it’s a promise to continue innovating for our clients. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Tokyo, Zurich, or beyond, 1291 Group is here to protect and grow your wealth with solutions as unique as your goals.
Thank you for trusting 1291 Group for 25 years. Here’s to shaping the future of wealth together.
About 1291 Group
1291 Group is a leading life insurance brokerage firm, offering customized and tax-compliant wealth protection plans to high net worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) and investment professionals. The company was founded in 2000 in Zurich and employs over 100 highly skilled experts across Europe, the UK, Asia, LATAM and the Middle East.
1291 Group is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA, Switzerland), the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (FMA, Liechtenstein), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS, Singapore), the Insurance Authority (IA, Hong Kong), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA, Dubai, UAE) and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC, United States). 1291 Group UK Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, UK).