InsuranceERM today.
Solvency blow out
The market moves have taken a toll on some firms’ solvency ratios. Aviva estimated its coverage ratio at 175%, based on the closing market position on 13 March – down from 206% at the year-end and the lowest the ratio has been since 2016, but within its 160%-180% working range.
Dean Buckner, former technical expert at the Bank of England, fears the balance sheets of some annuity underwriters will be dangerously exposed if the crisis persists.
“Investment grade spreads have exploded as a result of the crisis, from 100 basis points at the end of last year, to nearly 250bps. At the same time, safe asset yields (such as gilts) have declined,” says Buckner.
If the pandemic continues until the end of 2020, he says some firms will be declaring “absolutely massive” losses and in some cases see their entire capital wiped out.
“It all depends on how quickly the government can give the notion they’re going to knock this crisis on the head. If they short-change on the measures, it’s going to last a very long time and spreads are going to be widening more and more and the markets are going to fall further and further.”