During a two-day conference held by the CFA Institute, European investors discussed the geopolitical risks they face, divergences between asset owners and asset managers, and the rise of sustainability in the investment processes. Vincent Huck reports
Despite a lot of negative headlines in the summer, emerging markets are still a strategically important asset class for insurers, Sanjay Yodh and Kevin Daly of Aberdeen Standard Investments tell Vincent Huck. But the asset class is tainted by prejudices.
The same day a report highlighting investors’ shortcomings in coal investment policies was published, investors with a combined $32trn in assets demanded governments increase action on climate change. Vincent Huck tries to reconcile the news
In the final part of this series on the impact of the international financial reporting standards (Ifrs) on insurers' financial reporting, Vincent Huck looks at the potential impact of the standards on risk appetite, and why insurers want to postpone implementing them.
The European Commission has published for consultation a draft delegated act on amendments to the implementing rules on solvency applicable to insurers. The proposals aim to facilitate investments in private debt amongst others. Jegor Tokarevich from Substance Over Form and Frank Dornseifer from Bundesverband Alternative Investments summarise the key points for Solvency II investors.
What to make of the current insurance investment markets? How should insurers approach the issue of market liquidity? What kind of volatility might one expect in the next twelve months? IAR's US editor Sarfraz Thind asks Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at Allianz.
A decade of shareholder engagement at Exxon seem to have gone down the drain as the company now faces a lawsuit for misleading investors. While insurers were quick to broadcast their role in exercising shareholder powers, they are now found coy to comment. Adam Leach reports
Hurdles remain to generate investment returns in Africa for insurers, panellists tell the audience at a London event held under the Chatham House rule and attended by Vincent Huck.
New York, US. The US insurance industry has been a laggard when it comes to embracing investments to mitigate climate change. Many insurers remain suspicious of the need for it unlike their European counterparts. It is a deeply divisive, political issue, according to professionals. Sarfraz Thind reports
Low yields, compressed spreads, relative pricing advantage and regulatory incentives are key factors auguring an exponential growth of the real estate market in the coming years, Gerard-Jan van Berckel writes.