Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market - Xuber Survey Report
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Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market Executive summary By Chris Baker, Managing Director, Xuber ‘‘ Bermuda considers itself to be ‘the world’s risk capital’ and its reinsurance market has always been renowned for its innovation, always developing new and smarter risk management products. With the traditional reinsurance model under pressure from third-party capital and an ongoing soft market, the need for innovation has never been greater. To take the temperature of the current Bermuda reinsurance market, Xuber contacted some of the most senior players in the industry. Speaking only to executive level professionals, we canvassed the opinions of industry veterans on the impact of alternative capital from insurance-linked securities (ILS) such as catastrophe bonds, how ILS investors might react in the face of major capital-draining catastrophes, regulatory challenges, the current business environment, mergers and acquisitions, and business priorities for 2015. Insurance and reinsurance are the mainstays of the Bermuda economy, with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) members employing more than 1500 people on the island. ABIR’s latest economic impact survey showed its members contributed $886.8 million dollars to the local economy in 2013 – nearly $70 million more than in 20121. The phenomenal growth of ILS has been the biggest challenge the traditional reinsurance model has faced in recent years. The threat has also created opportunity, and Bermuda has been quick to embrace the changing economic landscape. By the first quarter of 2014, Bermuda was the jurisdiction of choice for 60 percent of the ILS listed globally2, and in May the value of ILS listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange reached an all-time high of $12.43 billion3. Most executives we surveyed believe this new capital is ‘sticky’ and would remain after a major catastrophe, and although the model may evolve, hedge funds are likely to remain committed to backing reinsurance firms in the longer run. Bermuda was overwhelmingly seen as a friendly place to do business, an island that is well-regulated and leading the field in the fast-growing ILS sector. As a technology firm, it was heartening to find that IT was the top business priority for Bermuda’s reinsurers in 2015. Our first survey of the Bermuda reinsurance market has produced some fascinating insights from leading players. It has revealed that despite the many challenges the reinsurance industry faces, Bermuda is as adaptive and forward-thinking as it ever has been. ‘‘ Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the Bermuda-based executives from insurers, reinsurers, law firms, ILS investors and fund managers who generously gave their time to complete our survey.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market Contents 1. Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) – here for the long run 2. Alternative capital – is it being deployed sensibly? 3. Bermuda – an easy place to do business 4. Big data and analytics – at the heart of reinsurers’ success 5. Mergers and acquisitions – “everyone is talking to everyone else” 6. Business priorities – the smart money is on technology 7 . Summary – a catalyst for change 8. Index
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 1. Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) – here for the long run The huge inflows of alternative capital into insurance-linked securities (ILS) such as catastrophe bonds has undoubtedly been the biggest factor to disrupt and help reshape the global reinsurance market in recent years – and Bermuda has been at the heart of the changes. The traditional reinsurance pricing cycle means that the industry suffers some years of heavy losses after major natural catastrophes such as hurricanes and earthquakes, followed by a spike in profitability as the market hardens. Reinsurers understand they will face enormous losses in some years and build their business around this possibility. But ILS is a different form of insurance capacity and the industry is divided about whether these alternative capital providers, such as hedge funds and pension funds, are here for the long run or whether they would be frightened off by a big catastrophe that drained significant sums of money out of the market – potentially wiping out their investment. Our survey found most executives (77 percent) feel the capital is ‘sticky’ and would remain after a large catastrophe, with 11.5 percent disagreeing, and 11.5 percent unsure. 11.5% disagree 11.5% unsure 77% feel the capital is ‘sticky’ While catastrophe bonds are deemed high risk investments, so far it has been rare for investors to lose all their money. Only six deals issued since 1996 have been triggered by natural catastrophes from a cumulative issuance total of $61.243 billion, according to risk transfer site Artemis4. Of this figure, only three experienced a total loss – one from the Tohoku earthquake in Japan in 2011 and two from the 2011 U.S. tornado season, according to Artemis’ figures. Rather than seeing alternative capital as just a direct challenge to their business, a “The ILS sector has been making number of traditional reinsurers in Bermuda have embraced the change and set up extraordinary returns. In order to get a big return on ILS, you have to take a big risk.” funds for third parties to invest in catastrophe risk. Bermuda is a long-standing risk innovator and it has been deeply involved in this new capital surge. According to the island’s regulator, the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), by the first quarter of 2014, Bermuda was the jurisdiction of choice for more than 60 percent of ILS issued globally5. The Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) reported that in July this year, $12.43 billion of catastrophe bonds were listed on the exchange6.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market The billions of extra capital coming into the market means the reinsurance industry is in a state of flux. Swiss Re in its July Insurance-Linked Securities Market Update7 found that issuance for the second quarter of this year was $4.49 billion, larger than any previous half year issuance on record. ILS issuance for the first half of 2014 stands at $5.9 billion, 35% ahead of the record $4.34 billion achieved in the first half of 2007, and the outstanding issuance for the cat bond market is now at a new height of $22 billion, according to Swiss Re’s figures. Although most executives we surveyed agree the alternative capital is here to stay, opinions are still divided. “The ILS sector has been making extraordinary returns. In order to get a big return on ILS, you have to take a big risk.” said one leading executive. “Even though we have not had the big test, investors are still coming back to the market.” Some thought that investors not only would stay, but would also invest further if the possible returns on investment had increased due to market dislocation. “If there were a significant market event or an annual poor loss ratio – i.e., a series of medium losses – I believe the alternative capital would not only still be there, but would ‘double down’ to take advantage of rate increases,” said one executive. Another said that if a major cat event wiped out the entire capital and surplus of the “I’m sure plenty of brain power is out there reinsurance industry, “highly sophisticated” pension and fund managers would increase trying to determine the best way in to other their investment in ILS because of the price increases that would follow. asset classes.” ILS investment to date has been almost exclusively confined to natural catastrophes with smaller amounts invested in other asset classes, such as longevity and health risk. Our survey, however, found that a clear majority, 77 percent, believe this alternative capital will soon start flowing into other classes, such as casualty, while eight percent disagreed, and 15 percent remained unsure. 15% unsure 8% disagreed 77% believe alternative capital will soon start flowing into other classes
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market One executive said he expected ILS capital to be deployed covering large corporate “Brokers and others have been working risks business interruption, or product coverage for pharmaceuticals, chemicals and on an ILS product for the casualty sector accountants. for some time, so it is inevitable that such a product will emerge, perhaps combined In response to the ILS threat, reinsurers are seeking to spread their portfolio beyond with short tail – i.e., natural cat exposures,” catastrophe. To remain competitive, they will need to be able to accommodate change said one. “We also expect large corporate quickly and those that have an ambitious business strategy, closely backed and enabled risks will access ILS players for particularly by strong technology capabilities, will take the lead. massive exposures, especially complex coverages such as business interruption, Summary or product coverage for pharmaceuticals, The ILS sector has not yet been hit by a massive natural catastrophe that has wiped out chemicals, and accountants.” large sums of capital, but the consensus among most in our survey is that the majority of these investors would remain in the market, even after a ‘big one.’
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 2. Alternative capital – is it being deployed sensibly? Much of the new capital that is challenging traditional reinsurance has come from hedge “By their nature, hedge funds are funds, and some even set up their own reinsurance companies. Hedge funds are opportunistic and ‘traders.’ They will not normally viewed as opportunistic profit-hunters, and our survey found opinions vary on remain long unless they have high returns in their long-term commitment to the sector and their investment strategy. the short term.” Six out of ten participants thought the alternative capital was being deployed responsibly and with as much care and expertise as traditional reinsurance capital, while 27 percent did not, and 11 percent were unsure. One executive said that while hedge-fund-backed reinsurers had highly-qualified and experienced staff, their business plans were “opaque.” Stating that two major ratings agencies have different views on this concept, the executive added: “Time will separate which agency has the more accurate prospective, and which companies will have the continuing support of the shareholders”. Another said: “While the initial new hedge fund-backed reinsurers have been able to attract underwriting talent and act responsibly, it is likely that as the model evolves and traditional reinsurance market conditions continue to deteriorate, there will be companies getting into trouble because they will start to take more underwriting risk than they should, given their asset risk.” One respondent said hedge-fund backed reinsurers have “completely different” “It is likely that as the model evolves and strategies from reinsurers and were looking for different results, but added, “so long as traditional reinsurance market conditions they end up paying claims as they are contracted to, at the end of the day that is all that continue to deteriorate, there will be companies getting into trouble because they matters.” will start to take more underwriting risk than Another said: “Hedge funds or their investors want returns, diversification and certainty they should, given their asset risk.” on liquidity, even if it takes 12 months. As long as the investment objectives are still being met, allocations will increase.”
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market One participant quoted investment guru When asked if hedge funds had a long-term commitment to reinsurance companies, Warren Buffett’s famous observation, that 69 percent said yes, with 31 percent disagreeing. a hedge fund is a “compensation scheme masquerading as an asset class.” 69% YES YES YES YES YES YES YES 31% NO NO NO Opinions vary on the long-term commitment of hedge funds to reinsurance companies, “As long as the returns in reinsurance but a number of respondents said they thought the business model would evolve. outpace the overall market opportunities in the investment universe, they will be in the One noted: “I believe the established hedge-fund-backed reinsurers are committed to the business.” industry and their business models will evolve over time; however I do not believe that we will see a rush on more of these sole hedge fund-backed structures come to market.” Another added: “Hedge funds are a welcome addition to the reinsurance market which needs to continue to evolve and grow in sophistication, in with its history. Reinsurance by its very nature brings together risk and capital - reducing one in return for the other. Hedge funds are a key component of the capital markets, and therefore will have a long-term role in the reinsurance market.” Summary Hedge funds are usually seen as short-term profit-seekers, but most believe the reinsurance firms they are backing are deploying their capital responsibly and that hedge funds will back these reinsurers for the long-run.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 3. Bermuda – an easy place to do business Insurance and reinsurance is the lynchpin of Bermuda’s economy, with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers’ (ABIR) members directly contributing $886.8 million to the island’s economy in 2013 – an increase of $70 million compared to the previous year1. Despite facing tough competition from other jurisdictions to attract international business our survey showed most Bermuda executives believe the territory is well regulated and a good place to do business. Some 73 percent believe the current regulatory and political framework makes it an easy place to do business, with 23 percent disagreeing and 4 percent declining to comment. 4% declining to comment 23% disagreed 73% believe it’s an easy place to do business “Bermuda is an easy place to do business and it is improving daily,” said one executive. Another said: “Bermuda has a reputation as a global insurance market, with a robust yet flexible regulatory framework, compliant with international standards that allow domiciled insurers to conduct their business without unnecessary operational or reporting burden. The current government has repeatedly stressed their interest in attracting more international business to the island and has committed their support through several legislative changes.” Our survey found many believe Bermuda is leading the field when it comes to the quickly growing insurance-linked securities (ILS) sector. “Bermuda is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of ILS development because of the following: regulatory environment; access to business; underwriting and analytical talent; favorable tax structure,” said one. Another executive added: “Bermuda has reestablished its position as the leading location for ILS, exemplified by the fact that nearly all the new cat bond issuers over the past four years having been Bermuda vehicles. In addition, Bermuda has seen the establishment of numerous ILS funds and several reinsurance companies setting up ILS platforms.” Another opinion revealed: “I think that as long as Bermuda remains stable, has good regulation and governance, the business will continue to expand. It’s easy. The structure is in place. While it will mean only a few extra jobs in Bermuda, being receptive to ILS forward-thinking will reveal Bermuda to be the home of other innovative financial products.”
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market One of the most important regulatory changes affecting the reinsurance industry will be the Solvency II (SII) capital requirements for reinsurers operating within the European Union. Solvency II is scheduled to take effect on January 1 2016, and Bermuda has been making good progress towards achieving Solvency II equivalence. It is perhaps because the Bermuda Monetary Authority is so well respected that executives were split about whether the island’s reputation would be damaged if it did not achieve Solvency II equivalence. Some 62 percent thought the island’s reputation would be damaged if it did not achieve SII equivalence, while 38 percent thought it would not. 62% 38% “It is absolutely essential that we achieve equivalence – not to do so would pose a huge “Bermuda has proven over the last 15 years threat to our insurance sector,” said one. Another countered: “I do not think Solvency II is to be a sensitive and intelligent regulator. mandatory for Bermuda’s future success. We’ve been discussing this for so long it’s Long may it continue.” frankly getting tiresome.” Another agreed that failing to get SII equivalency would not damage the island’s reputation. “Bermuda has a good regulatory body and you have to give them credit for it. They have a lot at stake and the regulatory authority has operated well. One of the concerns is that there will be too much regulation.” “No regulatory environment is easy to do business in; however, Bermuda’s is the best,” said one respondent. One executive noted that Bermuda has established itself as the third-largest reinsurance “I think Solvency II has been a positive thing center in the world. “Bermuda understands that with this comes fiscal and regulatory for Bermuda as it has given it something to responsibility, and by meeting international standards of regulation and market oversight, work towards to prove to the world once and Bermuda is illustrating its commitment to being an industry leader in this space.” for all that Bermuda stands with the world class markets from a regulatory standpoint.” Summary Bermuda is seen as an innovative jurisdiction and a good place to do business: the market leader for the ILS sector with the right regulatory balance.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 4. Big data and analytics – at the heart of reinsurers’ success There is a wide acceptance that top class technology will be critical to the success of reinsurers in future years, and our survey found that IT was one of the main investment priorities for firms in Bermuda. A study by Celent found that data analytics is evolving and that those insurers and reinsurers that best leverage their internal and external data will be leaders by 20209. Celent advised: “Over the last decade, insurers spent millions – large insurers spent tens “Future trends in underwriting and of millions – on data mastery programs with little or no realized business value. The developing new models and new risks will missing ingredient in their efforts was clear vision and direction of how these programs be heavily dependent on big data.” aligned with their business strategy, goals and objectives. Insurers are flooded with data: smaller insurers have or are approaching terabytes of data internally, and larger insurers have or are approaching petabytes of data. With the addition of telematics, external industry data, and social media data, many carriers will soon have exabytes of data at their disposal, with zettabytes around the corner (within the next three to five years)9.” Our survey found 38 percent of firms in Bermuda have a big data program, and 38 percent did not. The figures are skewed by the fact that not all respondents were underwriters, with 20 percent saying the question did not apply, and four percent did not know. Almost half (46 percent) provided underwriting assistance to insurers through analytics, 31 percent did not. The question was not applicable to 19 percent, and 4 percent didn’t know. 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 38% have 38% do not 20% does 4% do a big data have a big not apply not know program data program 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 46% provided 31% do not 19% does 4% do underwriting provide not apply not know assistance via assistance analytics
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market “Future trends in underwriting and developing new models and new risks will be heavily “It is critical to get your data correct before dependent on big data,” said one executive. “While larger commercial companies have you analyze it. Most older, larger companies their own databases to collate and analyze their client base, big data from brokerage face data quality issues before they can get houses will be valuable and have a much broader view of the market.” into the analysis stage.” One executive said: “With margins becoming very tight, analytics is even more important. Being able to share information with insurers helps with being relevant.” This was supported by further commentary: “We, and many other companies, have invested very large sums of money on IT. This is for both ensuring data quality, and for data mining purposes. Anyone with a serious commitment to business will be doing the same.” Summary Bermuda’s reinsurers are forward thinking and realize that investing properly in IT facilities will be absolutely crucial to their future success in an evolving market environment.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 5. Mergers and acquisitions – “everyone is talking to everyone else” The ongoing soft market and continued pressure from third party capital has led many to predict that mergers and acquisitions activity will increase in the reinsurance sector. M&A is always a sensitive subject, but the survey suggested lots of discussions have been taking place behind the scenes that could lead to mergers, with one executive predicting two or three Bermuda firms will merge in the next 12 months. Our survey found 35 percent of Bermuda firms are considering an acquisition in the next two years and 35 percent are not. When asked if they had been approached with a buyout offer, 12 percent said yes and 54 percent said no 35% of Bermuda firms are considering an acquisition in the next two years of Bermuda firms are not considering 35% an acquisition in the next two years “Very quietly, everyone is talking to everyone else, either aggressively or defensively,” said one. “Loss ratios and expense ratios are increasingly bunched within very narrow bands across those with similar books or strategies, so it is increasingly difficult to differentiate or break ahead of the pack. Sheer size will become more and more of a factor.” “Right now, the market is encountering severe pricing pressure from alternative capital “Business will be looking at opportunities capacity, which is in effect creating an evolution in the market. It is more likely that these for M&A in an environment where organic changes will result in M&A consolidation than new startups,” another responded. growth is difficult to achieve so it is likely to be a constant discussion for the foreseeable One executive described the M&A environment, especially in London and the US, as: future.” “Somewhat overheated. It is not clear how the valuations could support some of the prices being paid. Some decisions clearly seem to be made more for long term strategic, rather than purely financial reasons. Some of these mergers may, however, end in separations or in departures of some of the key players.” Summary Bermuda’s reinsurers are facing ongoing soft market conditions and continuing pressure from third party capital, suggesting mergers and acquisitions are likely in the next 12 months.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 6. Business priorities – the smart money is on technology In a tough business environment with an ongoing soft market, Bermuda’s insurers and “Our priorities are to find an attractive reinsurers see investing in technology as their top priority to remain competitive. alternative market and to continue to Change in the insurance industry is inevitable. The factors determining whether improve our investment and underwriting companies will be in business five years from now are how quickly they can adapt to analytics. We want to generate double digit returns in single investment environment.” change, and their success investing in the right IT tools. The Bermuda market is clearly a forward-thinking sector that recognizes the value of technology. When asked to cite their top three business priorities for 2015, they ranked technology top (19 percent) followed by searching for attractive yields and results (12 percent) and talent (11.5 percent). Innovation, preserving capital and short duration investing in assets such as fixed income were each named as the top priority by eight percent of respondents, while each of the following were identified by four percent: growth, business development, enhancement of enterprise risk management practices ERM, investing in alternative markets, and becoming more cost-efficient. 4% Becoming more cost efficient 4% Joint Ventures 4% Invest in alternative markets 19% Technology 4% Enhancement of ERM practices 4% Business development 12% Searching 8% Short for attractive duration yields and returns investing 8% Underwriting 11.5%Talent diversification 8% Preservation of capital 8% Innovation 8% Growth One executive summarized their business priorities as: “Preservation of capital, absolute “Improving technology and reporting returns, and stay short on duration.” Another cited: “Remain diversified with underweight infrastructure as regulations change/ in fixed income and overweight in global equities and fund of hedge funds.” increase is a top priority.” Summary Facing a range of challenges - from third party capital competition to new regulation – Bermuda’s reinsurers recognize that investing in technology will be essential for them to keep ahead of the field.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 7. Summary – a catalyst for change The reinsurance market in Bermuda is clearly facing a series of major challenges that “Whatever the challenges, having first class are reshaping the way reinsurers do business. From the ongoing soft market to pressure technology was seen as critical to charting from alternative capital, possible mergers and acquisitions to impending regulatory a successful course in the coming years reform, the dynamics of the reinsurance market are changing. with executives identifying IT as their top business priority for 2015.” Whatever the challenges, having first class technology was seen as critical to charting a successful course in the coming years with executives identifying IT as their top business priority for 2015. The new capital from hedge funds and longer-term institutional investors that is pouring into insurance-linked securities has not yet been tested by a major catastrophe draining billions out of the market. While opinions varied, our survey found most (77 percent) believe ILS investors would remain in the market even after such an event, and the same number think ILS will start moving into other traditional reinsurance classes beyond catastrophe, such as casualty. Questions have been asked about whether the alternative capital is being deployed as responsibly and with as much expertise as traditional reinsurance capital. 62 percent believe it is, although 11 percent were unsure. Most (69 percent) also believe hedge funds have a long-term commitment to reinsurance companies. Bermuda was overwhelmingly viewed as a good place to do business, regarded as a well-regulated jurisdiction that is leading the field in ILS. The island is currently moving towards equivalency with the European Union’s Solvency II regime, which is due to come into force in January 2016. Our survey found that 62 percent thought the island’s reputation would be damaged if it did not become Solvency II complaint, although 38 percent did not. Feedback from executives suggests that analytics and big data will play a growing role in the success of their business, echoing the findings of the Celent report that by 2020, the leading insurers and reinsurers will be those that best leverage their internal and external data. Due to tough market conditions, talk of mergers and acquisitions will be on the agendas of many reinsurers in the coming year. Any M&A activity will bring with it immense organizational and IT challenges. Successful integration of two companies is never easy, and it will be essential for reinsurers’ IT executives to be involved at the very heart of any organization changes to ensure that the integration process is as smooth as possible. When it comes to business priorities in this evolving economic landscape, it was encouraging to see that our executives identified technology as their top priority. Bermuda’s reinsurance market is facing multiple catalysts for change, and by investing heavily in technology, these firms are giving themselves the best possible chance to emerge from these challenging conditions in healthy shape.
Xuber Survey Report Challenges and New Choices: Catalysts for Change in the Bermuda Reinsurance Market 8. Index: 1 http://abir.bm/latest-news/abir-member-survey-shows-886-8-million-contribution-to- bermuda/ 2 http://www.europeanceo.com/finance/2014/08/bermuda-a-world-leader-in-the- insurance-linked-securities-market/ 3 http://www.artemis.bm/blog/2014/05/27/bermuda-stock-exchange-listings-of-cat- bonds-ils-hits-12-43-billion/ 4 www.artemis.bm 5 http://www.europeanceo.com/finance/2014/08/bermuda-a-world-leader-in-the- insurance-linked-securities-market/ 6 http://www.artemis.bm/blog/2014/05/27/bermuda-stock-exchange-listings-of-cat- bonds-ils-hits-12-43-billion/ 7 http://media.swissre.com/documents/ILS_Market_Update_July2014.pdf 8 http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2014/august/prudential-regulation-authority- updates-insurers-on-its-plans-for-solvency-ii-implementation/ 9 Data Mastery Spectrum Overview, Celent, July 2012. ©Xchanging 2014 Xuber USA Xuber UK Xuber India Xuber Malaysia 200 W. Adams, Suite 1175, Headquarters 270 Udyog Vihar, Phase-II, Level 9, Tower 3, Avenue 7, Chicago, IL 60606, USA The Walbrook Building, Gurgaon-122016, India The Horizon, Bangsar South City, +1 877 288-3333 25 Walbrook, +91 (0)78382 43333 No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, team@xuber.com London, EC4N 8AQ, UK team@xuber.com 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia +44 (0)20 3604 3333 team@xuber.com team@xuber.com
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