Analysis

  • IFRS 17 & 9 series: Asset allocation considerations

    22 November 2018

    In the second of a three parts series on the impact of the international financial reporting standards (Ifrs) on insurers' financial reporting, Vincent Huck looks at the potential impact of the new accounting standards, Ifrs 17 and 9, on asset allocation.

  • IFRS 17 & 9 series: Drivers of profitability - underwriting vs investments

    14 November 2018

    In the first of a three-part series on the international financial reporting standards (Ifrs) impacting insurers’ financial reporting, Vincent Huck explores how the new accounting standards Ifrs 17 and 9 bind both sides of the balance sheet together.

  • Q&A: EC's proposals on reduced capital charge for qualifying unrated debt

    12 November 2018

    The European Commission has published for consultation a draft delegated act on amendments to the implementing rules on solvency applicable to insurers. The proposals aim to facilitate investments in private debt amongst others. Jegor Tokarevich from Substance Over Form and Frank Dornseifer from Bundesverband Alternative Investments summarise the key points for Solvency II investors.

  • Q&A with Mohamed El Erian, chief economic advisor at Allianz

    09 November 2018

    What to make of the current insurance investment markets? How should insurers approach the issue of market liquidity? What kind of volatility might one expect in the next twelve months? IAR's US editor Sarfraz Thind asks Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at Allianz.

  • Tensions flare between Exxon and its shareholders over climate disclosures

    01 November 2018

    A decade of shareholder engagement at Exxon seem to have gone down the drain as the company now faces a lawsuit for misleading investors. While insurers were quick to broadcast their role in exercising shareholder powers, they are now found coy to comment. Adam Leach reports

  • African insurance - a premium led business

    30 October 2018

    Hurdles remain to generate investment returns in Africa for insurers, panellists tell the audience at a London event held under the Chatham House rule and attended by Vincent Huck.

  • US not changing on climate

    25 October 2018

    New York, US. The US insurance industry has been a laggard when it comes to embracing investments to mitigate climate change. Many insurers remain suspicious of the need for it unlike their European counterparts. It is a deeply divisive, political issue, according to professionals. Sarfraz Thind reports

  • The evolution of real estate and real assets investment by insurers

    22 October 2018

    Low yields, compressed spreads, relative pricing advantage and regulatory incentives are key factors auguring an exponential growth of the real estate market in the coming years, Gerard-Jan van Berckel writes.

  • European asset management mandates revealed by Insurance Risk Data

    18 October 2018

    Greater transparency among EEA underwriters offer a unique glimpse into what and to whom insurers outsource their asset portfolio to, the only missing piece is the how much. David Walker reports

  • Aviva gets real on illiquid assets

    16 October 2018

    Five months into Aviva Investors’ strategy to merge its real assets teams under one leadership, Mark Versey and Iain Forrester discuss the new strategy and how it fits with the firm’s approach to servicing third-party insurers. By Vincent Huck