As Japan's life insurers finally see higher interest rates, China's life sector faces the same "negative spread" challenge Japan used to, say Swiss Re economists.
The mainland Chinese insurance industry chalked up a cumulative insurance premium income of CNY2.95tn ($406bn) in the first five months of this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.6%, according to the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA).
Taikang Life Insurance Co, one of China's biggest unlisted life insurers, has maintained a robust profitability track record, with its five-year average return on capital (ROC) above 20%, thanks to its consistent premium growth, profitable product mix and strong investment performance, notes Moody's Ratings.
Emirates Insurance Co (EIC) will maintain its competitive position, premium growth trend, and positive underwriting performance, says S&P Global Ratings (S&P).
Korean insurers are expected to sustain their profitability through continued growth in new contractual service margin (CSM), says Fitch Ratings.
Lockton, the world's largest independent and privately held insurance brokerage, reported global revenue of $3.55bn for its fiscal year ended 30 April 2024 (FY2024), compared to $3.09bn in FY2023.
Societe Tunisienne de Reassurance's (Tunis Re) earnings are strong, underpinned by solid underwriting performance, said Fitch Ratings.
With a rise in credit risk, the Omani insurance industry faces increasing challenges due to the enhanced impact of Expected Credit Losses (ECL), says the Dubai-headquartered international actuarial consulting company, Badri Management Consultancy.
The earnings of Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Company (QGIRC) have been supported by a track record of adequate underwriting profitability, with the company generally reporting positive technical results, says AM Best.
Cathay Life Insurance, Taiwan's biggest life insurer, has been issuing debt to strengthen its regulatory capital buffer in preparation for the implementation of the Taiwan Insurance Capital Standard in 2026, notes Fitch Ratings.