Solvency

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has formally approved the certification in the European Union of Kroll Bond Rating Agency Inc. (KBRA) under Article 16 of the CRA Regulation. The certification takes effect from 20 March 2013.

Some of the banks that qualify for a potential split under draft legislation agreed by the German government last week may choose to stop the restricted activities rather than incur the costs of separation, as the affected businesses make relatively small contributions to earnings, Fitch Ratings says.

Insurers are likely to re-examine their allocations to fixed income assets in 2013 as continued low interest rates challenge business models and profitability, according to BlackRock’s global insurance industry outlook, “2013: The Year Ahead.”

Swiss Re Capital Markets has successfully structured and placed USD 270 million of notes issued by Lakeside Re III Ltd., covering North American earthquake risk on behalf of Zurich Insurance Group ("Zurich").

Swiss Re’s latest sigma research publication "Insurance accounting reform: a glass half empty or half full?" takes a fresh look at the long-running debate over upgrading and harmonising insurance accounting practices.