Willis Re: New capital is a threat to reinsurers
02 April 2013
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.
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.
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:
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Sluggish growth in mature markets is not yet being offset by growth in emerging markets
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Changes in primary market distribution models are effectively concentrating premium into the hands of fewer larger reinsurers
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Access to risk to drive growth aspirations.
Other points of note include:
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Overall pricing is flat to slightly down on loss-free lines of business
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Major Japanese reinsurance buyers have recognised 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
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Early indications of the June 1st 2013 Florida market renewals indicates more aggressive pricing.
Press release
Full report
© Willis Group Holdings
