Mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity in the insurance industry has surged in the last few years, and there's no sign that M&A activity will slow down. There were 490 announced agency M&A during the first three quarters of 2019. It was the highest nine-month total ever, beating the 481 deals announced in 2018, according to OPTIS Partners' M&A database. The economy is one reason that M&A activity is flourishing. Specifically, corporations have increased cash, in part due to tax reform, and M&A remains one of the desired ways to use this abundance of capital. But other factors like the upcoming presidential election also factor in, among others, making M&A activity a closely watched metric. On Oct. 15-16 2019, S&P Global Market Intelligence held its 10th Annual Insurance M&A Symposium in New York City. In its 10th year, the event aims to engage leaders in the insurance and capital markets communities on critical M&A and investment themes. "We launched this conference nine years ago to provide a forum for insurers, reinsurers, advisors, investors, regulators and counselors to discuss the headwinds and tailwinds facing the insurance industry from the perspective of the buyers, the sellers and those on the sideline," Angie Bradshaw, executive producer at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said in her opening remarks. With this in mind, explore our slideshow for a recap of what leaders in the insurance and capital markets communities have to say on the world of mergers and acquisitions. Related:

• Insurance M&A activity continues at record pace
• Insurance mergers and acquisitions in first half of 2019 break record
• Cybersecurity issues are threatening M&A deals