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Requirements that insurers demonstrate robust risk-management processes to take advantage of the lower charges are unlikely to be a significant hurdle for most firms as these systems are likely to be already in place.
The proposal is part of the technical advice on infrastructure investment risk provided to the European Commission on Tuesday by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority's (EIOPA). It would cut the risk charge for 'BBB'-rated infrastructure debt by around 30% compared to the original plan, under which charges on infrastructure were the same as on corporate bonds.
Fitch discussions with insurers suggest there is broad appetite to increase infrastructure investment, but this has been slow to take off for reasons that include uncertainty about capital requirements and political risk. EIOPA's recognition that these assets might merit lower charges could therefore increase demand. But Fitch expect infrastructure will remain a relatively small proportion of overall assets and believe the pace of investment will not accelerate rapidly as insurers will want to build their expertise in the sector.
EIOPA had previously proposed a moderate reduction in charges to reflect the high recovery rates of infrastructure debt and the illiquid nature of these investments, but the latest proposals go further, following feedback from insurers. Many life insurers are well placed to invest in infrastructure as they can hold the assets to maturity to match their long illiquid liabilities, such as annuities. By doing this, insurers can access the extra yield available to compensate for the lack of liquidity, which can limit the attractiveness for other investors.