Archive

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

    17 November 2017

    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

  • UK's interest rate rise: the reaction

    07 November 2017

    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

  • Brexit the great infrastructure unknown

    18 October 2017

    With huge competition and a small pool of opportunities, infrastructure investment is not easy in the UK. And things are likely to be even less stable post-Brexit. But could the divorce from the EU actually be a boon for insurance investors? Sarfraz Thind reports

  • Hard Brexit and time for Trump

    19 January 2017

    The uncertainties that flowed into 2017 as a result of the unexpected events of 2016 are beginning to become clearer, and insurers can begin to adjust their asset allocation accordingly. Asa Gibson reports

  • The 2017 investment agenda

    30 December 2016

    With 2016 drawing to a close, investors on behalf of insurers can look back on what was a particularly challenging year. They will be keen to steady the ship and step up investment performance in 2017. Asa Gibson reports

  • Industry turns up the heat on MA reform

    05 December 2016

    The industry's opportunity to recommend changes to EU regulation in a post-Brexit world has delivered a comprehensive criticism of the MA. David Walker and Asa Gibson report.

  • Equities and treasuries pumped on Trump

    01 December 2016

    As the dust settles after Donald Trump's surprise election win, investors and economists assess the likely consequences of his administration on financial markets. Asa Gibson reports

  • Going back to normal

    28 November 2016

    Scor Global Investments' chief executive François de Varenne explains to Asa Gibson how the group's asset management policy has moved away from its conservative, post-crisis stance.

  • Negative equity threatens lifetime mortgage assets

    26 October 2016

    The potential for falling house prices after Brexit threatens the stability of lifetime mortgage returns. Firms are modelling worst case scenarios and testing the limits of an otherwise attractive asset. Callum Tanner reports.

  • Quasi-government loans: an elusive illiquid

    17 August 2016

    Supply of much-wanted government-backed loans is short, but the UK's referendum may change that to the benefit of life insurers. Asa Gibson reports.