capital markets News

Insurers Fume at Proposal That May Crimp Private Investments

Representatives of the multitrillion-dollar insurance industry are hurling criticism at a proposal that could make it harder to invest in deals sold in fast-growing private markets that offer higher yields but often bring added risks. The proposal by a unit …

World Bank Catastrophe Bonds to Provide Mexico with Disaster Cover of $360M

The World Bank Group issued its largest catastrophe bond, providing Mexico with financial protection of as much as $360 million against losses from tropical cyclones and earthquakes. Mexico is among the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters, the bank said …

Validus ILS Unit AlphaCat Names AQR’s Van der Stichele as Portfolio Manager

AlphaCat Managers Ltd., the Bermuda-based subsidiary of Validus Holdings Ltd., announced the appointment of Bernard Van der Stichele to the position of portfolio manager for AlphaCat. In this new role, Van der Stichele will report to Lixin Zeng, chief executive …

ILS Market Continues Growth Trend in Q1 2017: Willis Towers Watson

Non-life insurance-linked securities (ILS) capital grew again in Q1 2017, continuing the trend from 2016, according to the latest ILS Market Update from Willis Towers Watson Securities, the investment banking business of Willis Towers Watson. Following a strong Q4 2016, …

April 1 Renewals Saw ‘Disciplined Softening’ with Ample Capacity: Aon & Willis Re

With abundant capacity, aggressive capital market competition and acceptable returns for global reinsurers, it’s no wonder that the elusive bottom of soft market pricing was not evident at the April 1 renewals. During 2016, global reinsurers generated “an acceptable, though …

Cat Bond Issuance in 2017 Could Approach Record Levels: Aon Report

Total catastrophe bond issuance for calendar year 2016 reached US$5.8 billion – a decrease from US$6.9 billion in 2015 – principally due to ongoing competitive re/insurance market conditions, according to an Aon report. The first quarter of 2016 saw a …

Is Soft Market Bottoming? A.M. Best Points to Some Promising Signs

Some observers believe the bottom of the reinsurance market may be in sight because brokers are having greater difficulty filling out underpriced programs and further concessions in terms are difficult to obtain, according to a report published by A.M. Best. …

BRIT Renews, Expands Bermuda-Based SPV Versutus

London-based Brit Ltd. said it has renewed and expanded the collateralized reinsurance capacity provided by the Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurer, Versutus Ltd., in support of Brit’s property treaty portfolio for 2017. The special purpose insurer will be capitalised at …

Reinsurers Can Expect Another Difficult Year, Seeking Price Stabilization: Willis Re

Despite a 50 percent increase in insured losses from natural catastrophes during 2016, the global reinsurance industry achieved profitable results for the third quarter and remains on track to close out another profitable full year, according to a report published …

Non-Life Cat Bond Issuance Hits $2.8B During 1H 2016: Willis Towers Watson Report

Total non-life catastrophe bond market issuance for the first half of 2016 rose to $2.8 billion, according to the latest ILS market update from Willis Capital Markets & Advisory (WCMA), the investment banking business of Willis Towers Watson. After starting …