Browsing: Commentary
Opinion and observations from life risk industry insiders, academics and policy makers
Given the importance of systemic risks such as climate change in determining the long-term stability of the insurance regime, insurers’ climate change approach should be considered as part of the scheme trustee’s selection process in the bulk purchase annuity market.
The International Capital Standard (ICS) introduces a new approach to discounting illiquid liabilities — one that includes an explicit credit risk premium. But how does it compare to Solvency II’s Fundamental Spread? And what might it mean for UK insurers already familiar with the Matching Adjustment?
As our population ages, the significance and frequency of falls increases. This affects life expectancy as well as morbidity and mortality.
Many firms maintain a longevity risk capital model, making sure the methodology remains relevant and proportionate to the risk. We shine a spotlight on these models here, considering how they may evolve with post-pandemic data and Solvency II reforms.
The ‘buyer’ of a bulk annuity contact is the scheme’s trustees, who are required to take formal advice as part of the process. However, the views of the sponsor are important for any bulk annuity purchase, and they should be involved from the outset, particularly if additional funds need to be paid into the scheme.
The third of our reviews of the Life Insurers Fact Book 2024 focusses on how factors that could impact the life settlement market are developing. Key amongst these are the surrender volumes, which help indicate the volumes of policies that could be available to trade, and the rate of new life insurance business which will provide the fuel for the market in future
The outlook for metastatic melanoma continues to improve, driven by advancements in therapeutic strategies and ongoing research.
As was the case last year, the overall message here is one of consistency. As counterparties for longevity and mortality risk investors, US life insurers remain strong.
The Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) is refining its mission and vision for the future and to develop an actionable plan to achieve those goals.
Arguably, the US life insurance industry had a strong 2023 from a balance sheet perspective. Asset growth outpaced liability growth, and policy reserves grew as well and the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic would appear to be diminishing.