Aon plc has launched the latest edition of its Reinsurance Aggregate study, which tracks the reported 2020 financial results of 23 of the world’s leading reinsurance firms.
Aon’s Reinsurance Aggregate (ARA) reveals that, despite the combined effects of around $25 billion of pandemic- and natural catastrophe-related losses and a compromised investment return, the ARA group of reinsurers reported positive earnings for the year and an increased capital base, aided by demonstrated access to new funding.
COVID-19 dominated the headlines in 2020, creating unprecedented and unexpected challenges for reinsurers on both sides of the balance sheet. The year also featured a record number of named storm formations in the Atlantic hurricane season, as well as a continued high frequency of losses from less well-modelled secondary perils, maintaining the focus on the impact of climate change.
Mike Van Slooten, Head of Business Intelligence for Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions, said: “Reinsurers generally performed well in very tough circumstances in 2020 and capital remains strong. Headline results have been poor in three of the last four years, but the underlying picture is now improving as recent adjustments to pricing and other terms and conditions feed through.”
Key highlights of the ARA reinsurers’ collective financial performance in 2020 include:
The ARA study forecasts that COVID-19 will continue to be a headwind to earnings in 2021 and uncertainty over the ultimate extent and distribution of related losses will be a factor in maintaining underwriting discipline, alongside deteriorating trends in casualty reserving, the impact of climate change and low interest rates.
Aon’s Reinsurance Aggregate study is available at the following link: http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/ARA_FY_20210415.pdf
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