Allianz SE

Founded on February 5, 1890, in Berlin, Allianz SE began as a merger of three local insurers before moving its base to Munich. Carl von Thieme and Wilhelm von Finck established the company, which has since grown into the world's largest insurer by revenue. The firm operates across more than 70 countries with a workforce exceeding 160,000 employees, serving as a cornerstone of the Euro Stoxx 50 index.

Allianz manages a vast portfolio spanning property-casualty insurance, life and health coverage, and asset management through subsidiaries like PIMCO. In late 2008, the company made a strategic pivot by selling its banking division, Dresdner Bank, to Commerzbank to focus exclusively on insurance and investment services. This move allowed Allianz to concentrate on its core strengths while navigating complex global markets.

The brand carries a significant historical legacy regarding its involvement during the Nazi era and the subsequent restitution efforts for Jewish-owned assets. Today, Allianz continues to evolve, recently reporting record operating profits in August 2026 driven by strong performance in asset management. The company also secured a deal to insure Waymo's driverless taxis in Europe, positioning itself at the forefront of autonomous vehicle coverage despite industry skepticism about full autonomy timelines. [edit]