What is making an oral or written statement that is false or maliciously critical of the financial condition of any insurer called?

The term that describes making an oral or written statement that is false or maliciously critical of the financial condition of any insurer is known as defamation. Defamation is a broad legal concept that encompasses both slander and libel, which are both specific forms of defamation.

When we refer to defamation, we are discussing the general act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements. In the context of an insurer, defaming their financial condition could lead to significant harm, both to the insurer's reputation and its ability to operate effectively in the market.

Slander pertains specifically to defamatory statements that are spoken, while libel refers to defamatory statements that are published in a fixed medium, such as writing or images. Since the question mentions both oral and written statements, defamation is the encompassing term that correctly applies to both scenarios.

Fraud, on the other hand, involves deceitful practices for personal gain, which is not the focus of this question. Thus, defamation is the correct response as it accurately identifies the act of making false or malicious statements about an insurer's financial status.