What do you call false or maliciously critical statements about the financial condition of any insurer?

The term that refers to false or maliciously critical statements about the financial condition of an insurer is defamation. Defamation involves making statements that can harm the reputation of an individual or organization, and in this case, it specifically pertains to the insurer's financial state. Such statements can lead to mistrust among consumers and may have severe implications for the insurer’s business operations and market standing. It is important for professionals in the insurance industry to understand the impact of defamation, as it can not only affect the insurer but also diminish public confidence in the insurance sector as a whole.

The other terms listed, while related to the broader context of liability and reputation, do not fully capture the specific nature of false statements about financial conditions. Slander refers to spoken false statements, liability pertains to legal responsibilities, and false claims generally refer to untrue assertions made in insurance contexts, but do not specifically target the financial assessment of insurers. Thus, defamation is the correct term to use in this context.