Analysis

• The steady rise of factor-based investing

  08 June 2016

  In expectation of lower future returns, many insurers are embracing the factor-based approach either as an investment philosophy or a tool in the investment process. Benedicte Gravrand reports

• "Solvency II is the missing piece in the securitisation package"

  01 June 2016

  Paul Tang, rapporteur for the regulation on securitisations, urges the European Commission to ease the charges for insurers investing in simple, transparent and standardised (STS) securitisations, and rules out the introduction of compulsory third-party certification for such products demanded by the industry. He speaks to Hugo Coelho

• Emerging market debt a logical extension for insurers

  26 May 2016

  The key driver for investing in emerging markets is the search for additional yield, and the hard-currency version seems a better fit for insurers' portfolio. But beware of the sovereign risks associated to some countries. Benedicte Gravrand reports

• Stay sharp on infrastructure

  17 May 2016

  Infrastructure debt has superior credit fundamentals to the corporate bond sector, says Clara Yan, insurance asset liability management director at UK-based asset manager Schroders

• The global trends in insurance investment strategies

  11 May 2016

  Non-US insurers are seeking greater exposure to US securities, while US firms are leading the charge for re-risking, as Benedicte Gravrand reports

• Allianz resolute in Asian asset strategy despite South Korea sale

  04 May 2016

  Allianz's sale of its South Korean insurance and asset management businesses marked a significant retreat for the insurer. Yet, the company continues to target growth in the region. Sarfraz Thind reports

• Zurich looking for solutions to Asian investment jam

  27 April 2016

  Dealing with low interest rates is a global issue, but in Asia Pacific there are additional challenges facing insurers, as Zurich's regional investment manager Michael Vos explains to Sarfraz Thind

• Dipping toes in the high yield bond market

  19 April 2016

  There is a lot in favour of high yield bonds, but investments in such bonds need to be managed with great vigilance. Benedicte Gravrand reports

• Shift towards unit-linked products is an opportunity for asset managers

  12 April 2016

  As European insurers move away from guaranteed products and towards unit-linked and hybrids, there is space for asset managers to step in, according to Cerulli Associates. Benedicte Gravrand reports

• US insurers raise exposure to alternatives

  06 April 2016

  US insurers are increasing their exposure to alternative investments at the expense of allocations to non-performing fixed income portfolios, reports Benedicte Gravrand