BMA: Foreign Portfolio Holdings Increase In Value
The value of Bermuda’s foreign portfolio investment assets increased by 8% in 2016 as a result of growth in the insurance sector’s total assets according to the latest Coordinated Portfolio Investment Survey [CPIS] released by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
The CPIS is part of the International Monetary Fund’s [IMF] comprehensive international survey. It measures Bermuda’s holdings of foreign portfolio investment assets, which comprise tradable financial instruments – other than direct investments or reserve assets – issued by unrelated non-residents. Bermuda’s participation in the CPIS contributes to improved understanding of the jurisdiction as an international financial centre and its impact on global financial intermediation.
Summary highlights from the CPIS include:
- Bermuda’s foreign portfolio investment assets amounted to US$ 546,249 million as of 31 December 2016, representing an increase of 8% from 2015
- Debt securities comprised 82% of Bermuda’s foreign portfolio holdings, with 93% of them being long-term debt securities
- US holdings in the United States once again dominated Bermuda’s foreign portfolio investment assets accounting for 58%, an increase of 7% from 2015
- The insurance sector heavily dominated Bermuda’s foreign portfolio holdings with an ownership share of 84%, followed by investment funds accounting for 14% and banks with 2%.
The IMF has conducted the CPIS since 1997 with 82 countries currently participating. Bermuda has participated in the CPIS on a voluntary basis since 2001 but results were published for the first time in 2015.
To access the latest CPIS findings, including background details and methodology, click here or visit the ‘Publications’ section [see: BMA Surveys] on the Authority’s website at www.bma.bm.
