Annuities are financial products designed to provide a steady income stream to individuals during retirement. However, managing annuity risks is often a complex task for insurance companies. To mitigate these risks, some US insurers have started transferring annuity risks to reinsurers based in Bermuda. In this short article, we will explore the reasons behind this practice and how it benefits both parties involved.

Annuity risks encompass various factors that insurance companies need to consider. For instance, insurers face longevity risk, which refers to the uncertainty surrounding how long annuity policyholders will live. This risk exposes insurance companies to potentially higher-than-expected payments if policyholders live longer than anticipated. Additionally, insurers must navigate investment risks tied to the performance of the underlying assets supporting the annuity contracts.

So let’s pose the first question: Why would US entities transfer annuity risks to Bermuda?

#1. Capital requirements

Different jurisdictions use different accounting standards, which translate into different ways of calculating an insurer’s liabilities, assessing the riskiness of its assets, and determining the amount of excess assets (surplus) it needs to hold as a buffer against either a jump in liabilities or a crash in the value of its assets. In the US, state regulators require domestic life insurers to use Statutory Account Principles (SAP); whereas in certain states or offshore jurisdictions (such as Bermuda or Cayman), reinsurers can use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Just as it can be cheaper to manufacture offshore, it can be cheaper to insure annuity liabilities in a state or country where GAAP can be used to price liabilities instead of SAP. SAP is more conservative, requiring high ‘statutory reserves’ — enough to weather a financial crisis. GAAP requires only ‘economic reserves’— enough for the most likely business environment.

Transferring annuity risks to Bermuda allows US insurers to free up capital through such regulatory arbitrage and improve their balance sheets. In the United States, stringent capital requirements for annuity products can tie up substantial amounts of capital, limiting insurers’ flexibility. And so, by ceding annuity risks to Bermuda-based reinsurers, insurers can reduce their risk exposure and satisfy regulatory requirements more efficiently.

#2. Regulatory environment

Bermuda possesses a favourable regulatory environment for insurance and reinsurance companies. It has established robust regulatory frameworks that provide flexibility and transparency. Insurers can operate with greater efficiency and manage risks more effectively, thanks to Bermuda’s sophisticated regulatory structure.

3. Reinsurance expertise

Bermuda has established itself as a global hub for reinsurance companies. It boasts a highly skilled workforce with expertise in risk management and underwriting. This concentration of reinsurance expertise enables US insurers to leverage the specialized knowledge and experience of Bermuda-based reinsurers to manage annuity risks more effectively.

And our second question is: what are the benefits for Bermuda?

While transferring annuity risks from the USA to Bermuda provides advantages for US insurers, it also benefits the island nation in several ways:

#1. Economic impact

The transference of annuity risks to Bermuda contributes to the growth of its insurance and reinsurance industry, fostering job creation and economic development. Reinsurers based in Bermuda generate revenue from the premiums they receive, which in turn stimulates the local economy and creates additional employment opportunities.

#2. Diversification

Managing annuity risks diversifies Bermuda’s reinsurance portfolio, reducing its exposure to concentrated risks in other lines of business. This risk diversification enhances the stability of the island’s insurance sector, making it more resilient to market volatility and economic fluctuations.

Conclusion

The transfer of annuity risks from the USA to Bermuda benefits both parties involved. US insurers can offload risks, enhance their capital positions, and tap into Bermuda’s reinsurance expertise. Bermuda, on the other hand, experiences economic growth and risk diversification, strengthening its position as a leading reinsurance hub.

It is essential to note that each annuity risk transfer arrangement is unique and requires careful evaluation of legal, financial, and regulatory considerations. Insurers must collaborate closely with reinsurers and regulators to ensure appropriate risk management strategies aligned with their business objectives.

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