French life‑insurance market reaches record €2.16 trillion in assets

In May 2026 French life‑insurance contracts held €2.162 trillion in assets, a 5.7 % increase over the previous year and the highest level on record. Net new contributions reached €4 billion in May, bringing the cumulative net collection for the year to €28.7 billion, up €7.3 billion from the same period in 2025.

The growth was driven mainly by unit‑linked funds, which added €2.8 billion to May’s net collection, while traditional euro‑funds contributed €1.2 billion. Total premiums for the month were €14 billion, with €9.14 billion flowing into euro‑funds and €4.86 billion into unit‑linked products. The shift follows a decline in the Livret A rate to 1.5 %, prompting savers to move cash into the higher‑yielding life‑insurance vehicles.

Industry observers note that the favourable tax regime and the flexibility of life‑insurance contracts continue to make them the preferred savings instrument for French households, supporting broader economic and investment goals.