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Dutch insurers tread the MA minefield
24 March 2015The Dutch regulator is poised to publish guidance for insurers on use of the matching adjustment. Repackaging of mortgage loans is one bone of contention, another is the treatment of pension contracts. Hugo Coelho reports
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Insurers feel the pull of longevity swaps
13 March 2015Three years after Aegon started the market, index-based longevity swaps could become a trend across Europe as insurers seek to optimise their capital under Solvency II. Hugo Coelho reports
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The curious case of the Swedish curve
10 March 2015Eiopa has cut of the convergence period for the Swedish risk-free rate curve to 10 years from 50, citing the particular characteristics of the bond market. The change will reduce interest rate sensitivity, but increase the risk that insurers under-reserve. Hugo Coelho reports
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Emerging risk steps out of the shadows
04 March 2015Insurers are gradually dispelling the scepticism around the subject of emerging risk, and are getting better at considering the potential impacts and opportunities, according to Oric International. Christopher Cundy reports
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Low rates usher an era of 'new traditional' products
24 February 2015Austrian insurer Uniqa has replaced its traditional guaranteed product with a 'new traditional' product that comes with a 0% guarantee and bonus at maturity. It is just the latest insurer to adjust its product portfolio in response to the twin threats of low rates and Solvency II. Hugo Coelho reports
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Tough battle ahead for global capital standards
19 February 2015The response of US state insurance regulators to the IAIS consultation on the insurance capital standard sheds light over hurdles on the way of a global compromise. Hugo Coelho reports
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An alternative to the three lines of defence
17 February 2015Limitations to the 'three lines of defence' model of risk management have been exposed through its use in financial services businesses. Clive Martin, Paul Willman, Roy Boukens and Oliver Rockley suggest an alternative way of describing risk management responsibility.
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Hong Kong: on the road to RBC
12 February 2015It is early days for the development of Hong Kong's risk-based capital regime, but insurers already fear it will bring substantial changes to their businesses. Hugo Coelho reports
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QE reveals the deception of the Solvency II curve
10 February 2015The Solvency II discount curve is masking the impact of tumbling interest rates and artificially increasing levels of available capital, but firms and supervisors are already seeking to gauge the true vulnerability of businesses. Hugo Coelho reports
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Solvency II equivalence under threat
06 February 2015Europe's politicians are demanding a greater say in which countries can be deemed equivalent to Solvency II, amid fears that the European Commission is not moving fast enough with decisions that are crucial to insurers worldwide. Sarfraz Thind reports