Hong Kong’s insurance sector is set to outpace the banking industry in recruitment momentum in 2026, marking a significant shift in the territory’s broader financial services landscape. This projection comes from Randstad’s 2026 Market Outlook & Salary Guide, which outlines how insurers are entering the new year with a notably stronger hiring trajectory, fuelled by regional expansion and the evolving expectations of modern customers.
According to the report, insurance companies are progressively extending their operations beyond their conventional strongholds. Active expansion initiatives are now underway in destinations such as Dubai, Thailand and the Philippines. This strategic outward movement is occurring at a time when markets in Hong Kong and Mainland China have reached a more mature stage, prompting insurers to broaden their geographical scope. By doing so, they aim to capture growth opportunities in emerging regions across Asia and the Middle East, strengthening their competitive position within an increasingly interconnected market environment.
Despite steady advances in digitalisation and an ongoing shift towards automated processes, the industry continues to struggle with substantial staffing shortages. These shortages are especially acute within life insurance claims divisions. The report emphasises that such roles remain challenging to fill because assessment of claims requires a sensitive and nuanced human touch. Decisions often depend on personal judgement and discretion, particularly as the volume and complexity of claims continue to rise. Although technology has helped streamline routine administrative work, it has not replaced the indispensable need for human oversight in evaluating claims fairly and accurately.
The hiring landscape also reveals a gradual move away from permanent back-office recruitment. Instead, insurers are increasingly adopting contract-based and flexible employment models covering claims operations, customer service and policy administration. Randstad notes that this hybrid staffing approach enables companies to respond swiftly to fluctuating workloads and the growing sophistication of customer needs. Contract workers are being deployed more frequently to reinforce claims and underwriting teams, ensuring that organisations remain resilient during periods of heightened demand.
Looking ahead, the report suggests that Hong Kong’s financial job market will reward organisations that manage to balance rigorous operational discipline with an appetite for ongoing innovation. Firms that continue to invest strategically in their workforce while maintaining strong fiscal control are expected to remain competitive in what is becoming a more dynamic global environment.
For job seekers, remuneration expectations vary widely depending on seniority and speciality. Entry-level officers in administration, customer service and claims roles can expect a starting monthly salary of around $2,340 (HK$18,000). Mid-career professionals typically receive between $6,500 (HK$50,000) and $11,700 (HK$90,000), contingent upon their experience and specific responsibilities. Meanwhile, specialist positions—such as actuarial science, underwriting, product development and transformation—command considerably higher pay, ranging from $15,600 (HK$120,000) to $39,000 (HK$300,000).
The highest-earning position identified in the insurance sector is the Chief Actuary, whose monthly compensation ranges from $23,400 (HK$180,000) to $39,000 (HK$300,000). This underscores how crucial actuarial expertise remains in shaping strategic decisions and safeguarding the financial stability of insurance operations.