Willis: New Capital “A Threat To Reinsurers”
Many traditional reinsurers now see the flow of capital coming into the reinsurance market as a direct threat to their existing portfolios, according to Willis Re, the reinsurance broking arm of Willis Group Holdings.
Will Re has a substantial Bermuda presence and Willis Group Holdings deputy CEO Steven Hearn recently described the island as “a very, very important jurisdiction for us — has been historically, continues to be, and we believe will be in the future.”
Issued earlier this month, the Willis Re 1st View April Renewals Report — entitled “Capital Overflow” — notes there is currently around $35 billion of capital that has entered the reinsurance market from a variety of sources. The volume of capital entering the market is also increasing.
In the report’s opening letter, Peter Hearn [pictured], chairman of Willis Re, writes: “While some reinsurers are considering how to respond, others are moving ahead with the development of third party capital management propositions to offer their own skills and platforms as fund managers.”
This influx of new capital could also have a significant impact on the post-event response from the global reinsurance market.
Historically, following a major loss, new reinsurance companies have been formed through the creation of permanent capital structures, whereas today new capital flows into the market, in a more fungible manner.
The report also notes that overall global reinsurance premium volume is being squeezed by a combination of M&A activity and higher retentions by larger insurers.
Other areas of concern for reinsurers include:
- Sluggish growth in mature markets is not yet being offset by growth in emerging markets
- Changes in primary market distribution models are effectively concentrating premium into the hands of fewer larger reinsurers
- Access to risk to drive growth aspirations
Mr. Hearn commented: “Against this background, the outlook for many traditional reinsurers is challenging, with profit margins coming under pressure during 2013.”
Other points of note include:
- Overall pricing is flat to slightly down on loss-free lines of business
- Major Japanese reinsurance buyers have recognized the support they obtained from their reinsurers over the difficult renewals of 2011 and 2012. As a result, they have been rewarded with significant levels of additional capacity. Pricing was either risk-adjusted flat or down across all lines
- Early indications of the June 1st 2013 Florida market renewals indicates more aggressive pricing
- Click here to access the full report.
With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 17,000 employees in over 400 offices.
