Asa Gibson

UK's 'underwhelming' MA reform proposals turn thoughts to post-Brexit possibilities

The lack of significant change in the UK's proposals to reform the Solvency II matching adjustment has led stakeholders to question the country's ability to act on industry feedback while under Eiopa's jurisdiction. Asa Gibson reports

L&G shuffles leadership of LGC and LGR

Eiopa observes 'search-for-yield' behaviour

L&G expands UK retirement home portfolio with £51m acquisition

Legal & General (L&G) has acquired retirement home provider Renaissance Villages (RV) for £51m ($67m) from UK property developer Helical.

Manulife outlines green bond framework for sustainable investment

Canadian insurance group Manulife has published a green bond framework outlining its strategy to raise funds through the issuance of green bonds for the purpose of investing in sustainable assets.

PRA issues guidance on calculating SCR relief from MA portfolios using internal models

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has issued its second consultation paper (CP) on the matching adjustment (MA) in as many weeks, setting out what it expects of internal model firms applying the mechanism to calculate their solvency capital requirements (SCR).

Sompo Japan's hunt for yield takes it to US corporate debt

Sompo Japan Nipponkoa will increase its exposure to US corporate bonds in a bid to improve investment returns, which have been hamstrung by the persistently low yields on Japanese and other government bonds.

UK's interest rate rise: the reaction

Last week's interest rate hike by the Bank of England was highly anticipated, but the Bank's longer-term strategy has come under scrutiny in light of Brexit and rising inflation. Practitioners share their take on what UK insurers can expect. Asa Gibson reports

Net investment losses at MetLife fail to dim optimism after Brighthouse spin-off

US insurer MetLife posted net investment losses of $606m during the third quarter, sharply down on the gains of $231m it posted a year ago, as it battles on without its $220bn retail asset management business Brighthouse Financial.

Eiopa's advice on standard formula change offers promise for insurers' investments

The European authority published its recommendations to the European Commission on changing the standard formula, with positives to be found on the scope of look-through, regional government bonds and internal credit assessment.