A Stochastic Forward-Looking Model to Assess the Profitability and Solvency of European Insurers

78 Pages Posted: 22 May 2016 Last revised: 21 Nov 2016

See all articles by Elia Berdin

Elia Berdin

Generali & International Center for Insurance Regulation; Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan

Cosimo Pancaro

European Central Bank (ECB)

Christoffer Kok

European Central Bank (ECB)

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: November 1, 2016

Abstract

In this paper, we develop an analytical framework for conducting forward-looking assessments of profitability and solvency of the main euro area insurance sectors. We model the balance sheet of an insurance company encompassing both life and non-life business and we calibrate it using country level data to make it representative of the major euro area insurance markets. Then, we project this representative balance sheet forward under stochastic capital markets, stochastic mortality developments and stochastic claims. The model highlights the potential threats to insurers solvency and profitability stemming from a sustained period of low interest rates particularly in those markets which are largely exposed to reinvestment risks due to the relatively high guarantees and generous profit participation schemes. The model also proves how the resilience of insurers to adverse financial developments heavily depends on the diversification of their business mix. Finally, the model identifies potential negative spillovers between life and non-life business through the redistribution of capital within groups.

Keywords: Financial Stability, Insurance, Interest Rate Risk, Stress Test

JEL Classification: G20, G22, G23

Suggested Citation

Berdin, Elia and Pancaro, Cosimo and Kok, Christoffer, A Stochastic Forward-Looking Model to Assess the Profitability and Solvency of European Insurers (November 1, 2016). SAFE Working Paper No. 137, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2782333 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2782333

Elia Berdin (Contact Author)

Generali & International Center for Insurance Regulation ( email )

Milan
Italy

HOME PAGE: http://www.icir.de

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan ( email )

Largo Gemelli, 1
Via Necchi 9
Milan, MI 20123
Italy

HOME PAGE: http://https://docenti.unicatt.it/ppd2/en/docenti/77739/elia-berdin/didattica

Cosimo Pancaro

European Central Bank (ECB) ( email )

Sonnemannstrasse 22
Frankfurt am Main, 60314
Germany

Christoffer Kok

European Central Bank (ECB) ( email )

Sonnemannstrasse 22
Frankfurt am Main, 60314
Germany

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