Swiss Re sigma study on Solvency II: an integrated risk approach for European insurers
20 Jun 2006
Zurich, 20 June 2006 –The Solvency II Directive will strengthen European insurers’ focus on risk/return. According to Swiss Re’s latest sigma study, Solvency II will reinforce risk-adequate pricing. An improved supervision framework will benefit both policyholders and insurers.
The existing solvency regulation for insurers in the EU, Solvency I, is out of date: it is based on rules that do not properly reflect the economic value of insurers’ assets and liabilities. It does not take sufficient account of underwriting and investment risks, and it fails to give adequate credit for risk mitigation instruments.
An integrated risk approach
The Solvency II project, launched by the EU Commission, aims to enhance the supervisory framework of insurance companies. The draft Directive is likely to be adopted in mid-2007, and implementation should be completed by 2010. Solvency II will be based on the Basel-type three-pillar approach used in banking: Pillar 1 sets out rules for financial resources, Pillar 2 defines the principles of the supervisory review process and risk management, and Pillar 3 is designed to increase disclosure and transparency to reinforce market mechanisms.
Assets and liabilities will most probably be valued on a market- consistent basis for solvency calculation purposes. Insurers may calculate their solvency requirements either by using the standard model provided by the supervisory authorities or by applying their internal models, which reflect the company’s specific risk profile.
Solvency and capital charges
Solvency II will lead to a more complete picture of an insurer’s solvency situation and create greater transparency. One of the main changes will be the introduction of risk-related capital charges for both underwriting and investment risks, which should result in more stringent capital requirements for products with a high claims volatility (eg certain property covers), long-term products and products with guarantee and option features. Capital charges for investment risks will reflect the relative riskiness of different investment strategies.
Risk-adequate pricing and diversification
Solvency II will reinforce risk-adequate pricing. Furthermore, insurers should be more adequately rewarded for diversification and for using risk mitigation tools which are key ingredients of risk management.
No major undercapitalisation of the industry
One of the greatest concerns voiced about Solvency II is that it could reveal major undercapitalisation in the insurance industry. But empirical evidence has shown that this should not be the case. Only insurers that have not taken adequate account of the risks in their portfolio could be challenged. This may be the case in life insurance, where traditional actuarial practice has often resulted in insufficent pricing of product guarantee and option features. However, insurers with advanced risk management should welcome the improved supervision framework.
Notes to editors
Swiss Re is the world’s leading and most diversified global reinsurer. The company operates through offices in over 30 countries. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1863, Swiss Re offers financial services products that enable risk-taking essential to enterprise and progress. The company’s traditional reinsurance products and related services for property and casualty, as well as the life and health business are complemented by insurance-based corporate finance solutions and supplementary services for comprehensive risk management. Swiss Re is rated “AA–” by Standard & Poor’s, “Aa2” by Moody’s and “A+” by A.M. Best.
Contact regarding this news release
Patrizia Baur, Zurich
Telephone +41 43 285 3153
Thomas Holzheu, New York
Telephone +1 212 317 5190
Clarence Wong, Hong Kong
Telephone +852 2582 5644
Media Relations, Zurich
Telephone +41 43 285 7171
How to obtain a copy of this sigma study:
The English, German, French, Italian and Spanish versions of the sigma study "Solvency II: an integrated risk approach for European insurers" are available electronically on our sigma section:
Printed editions of sigma No 4/2006 can now be ordered: English and German versions are now available, those in French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese will be available soon. Please send your orders, complete with your full postal address, to:
Contact
| sigma@swissre.com |
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| Zurich: | tel + 41 43 285 25 51 | fax +41 43 285 4749 |
| New York: | tel +1 212 317 5135 | fax +12 12 317 5455 |
| Hong Kong: | tel +852 25 82 5695 | fax +852 25 11 6603 |
This media release is also distributed by e-mail. To receive your copy, please contact sigma@swissre.com
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