AM Best Assigns Ratings To Somerset Life Re
AM Best has assigned Somerset Life Reinsurance Ltd. [Bermuda] a Financial Strength Rating of A [Excellent] and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” [Excellent], both with a stable outlook.
The ratings agency said, “The ratings reflect Somerset Life Re’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
“Somerset Life Re is a startup Bermuda domiciled reinsurance company with section 953[d] U.S. taxpayer status and is a subsidiary of Somerset Reinsurance Ltd. [Somerset Re Ltd.] [Bermuda]. The U.S. taxpayer status allows Somerset Life Re flexibility to reach a broader client base. Somerset Life Re is expected to rely on its parent for services as it expands its business profile.
“The management team has deep industry expertise and is expected to leverage its use of direct channels, brokers and strategic relationships to fuel new business. Planned growth is moderately aggressive as the company is expected to seek reinsurance opportunities for products with low to moderate risk. The company is expecting earnings strain from acquired business in the short-term; however, over the medium-term earnings are projected to contribute measurably toward overall enterprise earnings. Additionally, AM Best anticipates that the parent company will aid in maintaining the risk-adjusted capital of Somerset Life Re if needed.
“The ratings are afforded two notches of lift off of Somerset Re Ltd. The addition of Somerset Life Re enhances Somerset Re Group’s ability to offer reinsurance solutions to offshore insurance entities that desire to transact with a U.S. taxpayer. Furthermore, Somerset Life Re’s operating capabilities are fully integrated and co-sourced with its parent company for external functions.
“The stable outlooks reflect AM Best’s expectation that Somerset Life Re will grow risk-based capital to support its growth-oriented business plan, as it builds operational synergies through the sharing of services with its parent, Somerset Re Ltd.”
