A.M. Best Ratings Services - Industry Research

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Industry Research

Best's Special Reports and Best's Briefings provide valuable information and insights on current trends and issues within the insurance industry and incorporate A.M. Best's exclusive research and analysis.

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Most Recent

Special Report: Cyber Line Expected to be One of the Leading P/C Growth Areas
Demand for coverage increases after every reported breach, but the overarching question is: Will this demand be sustained?
June 22, 2017 - 6 Pages Access Report (Spreadsheet Data Available)

ComplimentaryBriefing: Solvency II Disclosures Demonstrate Strong Capital Positions for European Captives
On May 20, 2017, single entity (solo) risk carriers in Europe were required to disclose publicly a Solvency and Financial Condition Report (SFCR) as part of the Solvency II regime.
June 20, 2017- 4 Pages Access Report

Special Report: U.S. Health Insurance Industry Earnings Up in 2016
Two segments showed the greatest improvement, driven mainly by higher rates and a lower administrative expense ratio.
June 14, 2017 - 5 Pages Access Report (Spreadsheet Data Available)

ComplimentarySpecial Report: CAIR 2017 – Improved Operations Offset Decline in Investment Income
As a group, the insurance industry in the Caribbean region remains profitable, according to the seventh annual survey of insurance regulators, conducted by A.M. Best. Overall, premiums are up but so is the combined ratio for insurers in the region.
June 14, 2017- 12 Pages Access Report

ComplimentaryBriefing: Opposition Continues Despite Initial Implementation of DOL Fiduciary Rule
The delayed initial compliance deadline of June 9 for the Department of Labor (DOL) fiduciary rule has now come and gone with minimal fanfare, following a previous 60-day delay to the original initial compliance deadline of April 10, 2017.
June 14, 2017- 2 Pages Access Report

Special Report: Fraternals Face Challenges, But Earnings Are Stable
A.M. Best's fraternal population reported flat to marginally declining net premiums written in the past six years. That followed three years of fairly substantial growth.
June 13, 2017 - 8 Pages Access Report (Spreadsheet Data Available)

ComplimentaryBriefing: Lack of Commitment for Cost Sharing Reduction Subsidy Funding Creates a Cloud of Uncertainty
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides considerable financial assistance to low and moderate income people who purchase individual insurance through the exchange marketplaces.
June 13, 2017- 5 Pages Access Report

ComplimentaryBriefing: Geopolitical Tensions Create Short-Term Volatility in Qatar
Qatar's insurance market is dominated by national insurers, most with limited overseas exposure. Other insurers in the Gulf Cooperation Council region have limited exposure to Qatar. Recent geopolitical tensions have highlighted risks to Qatar's stock and real estate markets.
June 12, 2017- 3 Pages Access Report

Special Report: Insurers Continue to Increase Private Placement Holdings
Insurers are increasing investments in private placement and 144a bonds to help mitigate the runoff of higher portfolio returns.
June 08, 2017 - 7 Pages Access Report (Spreadsheet Data Available)

Special Report: Growing Pains as More Providers Set Up Their Own Health Plans
Because of changes to the U.S. health sector, including the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and uncertainty about its future, health systems and health providers have been setting up provider-owned health plans. A majority of provider-owned plans reported an underwriting loss in 2016.
June 08, 2017 - 10 Pages Access Report (Spreadsheet Data Available)

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