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Reinsurance versus sub debt: which is best for solvency capital?
15 April 2015Reinsurance or sub debt alone is unlikely to provide the best solution to meeting solvency capital requirements; instead, a blended approach should be considered, say Matthew Day and Ross Milburn
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A new breed of casualty cat models
07 April 2015Modelling of a casualty or liability catastrophe has traditionally lacked the sophistication seen in the property cat world, despite its potential for harming insurers. The industry and regulators are waking up to this threat and new solutions are being developed. Christopher Cundy reports
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Reinsurance is flexible and cost-effective for Solvency II capital needs
02 April 2015There are other advantages, too, over equity and hybrid capital, which are more complex to issue, as Peter Bärnreuther and Norbert Kuschel describe
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The future of appraisal valuations
31 March 2015The contents of actuarial appraisal valuations in M&A situations are set to evolve with the arrival of Solvency II and updated accounting standards. Fergal O'Shea discusses the likely changes and considers how the appraisal reports will remain relevant.
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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