The growing presence of the capital markets, over capacity in most lines and territories, and the ongoing rationalization of buying strategies are not only influencing market dynamics, but also the continuing evolution of the broker into a capital and risk advisor. This is according to the panel of speakers at the seventh annual press briefing held at the Reinsurance Rendez-Vous 2014 in Monte Carlo by Guy Carpenter & Company, the leading global risk and reinsurance specialist, and wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies.
The briefing was led by Alex Moczarski, President and Chief Executive Officer, Guy Carpenter & Company, and Chairman, Marsh & McLennan Companies International. He was joined by David Priebe, Vice Chairman and Head of GC Securities; Nick Frankland, CEO of EMEA operations; and James Nash, CEO of Asia-Pacific operations.
Mr. Moczarski opened the briefing by providing a concise overview of the current state of the reinsurance sector. He said: "Market conditions continue to be driven by limited catastrophe losses and new capital continuing to enter from alternative sources," stating that, "almost all lines of business and geographies have been affected directly or indirectly by the surplus capacity and weak market."
Focusing on the continuing supply of capacity from new sources, Mr. Priebe said: "Guy Carpenter estimates that the global property catastrophe limit exceeds US$300bn, with non-traditional reinsurance in the form of catastrophe bonds, collateralized reinsurance and industry loss warranties increasing from 14 percent last year to an estimated 16 percent this year. This is double the 8 percent of 2008." Investor interest in such structures, he added, remained high during the period. "Strong investor demand meant placements were routinely over-subscribed, often by multiples of the targeted size."
Turning to developments in EMEA, where newer capital is yet to have a significant impact, Mr. Frankland described the region as "a mature, stable market saturated with existing capacity and clients tending towards buying less reinsurance". This approach to purchasing he said reflected the continuing centralization of the buying process. "Groups are taking a longer-term and more strategic rather than short-term tactical approach," he stated. "This in turn has seen a smaller number of reinsurers selected as long-term strategic partners." Opportunities for growth in such an environment however still remain, he said. "Future growth for a reinsurance broker demands a thoughtful, strategic, analytical and intellectual value offering above and beyond traditional structuring and placing."
Continuing the territorial focus, Mr. Nash considered the potential that existed in Asia-Pacific. "It is a blend of mature and emerging markets," he said, "full of opportunities and challenges, and it requires all market participants to have a broad and diverse set of skills and offerings." He continued: "As regulation develops across the region, and insurers are open to a wider array of modelling options by vendor and peril, we are seeing an increase in the understanding and quantification of the catastrophe risk in the region. This in turn leads to more transparent risk and capital management decision-making," but, "at this stage the majority of alternative capital activity remains in the mature markets of Japan and Australia."
In his concluding comments, Mr. Moczarski said: "The focus for many in the industry continues to be on the deflationary effect of excess capital. This can lead to negative introspection or just waiting for the 'big one' to strike. Such passivity won't do. We must take the initiative. For a broker, this means constant innovation, anticipation of clients' needs and delivering the best solutions."
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Introduction by Alex Moczarski, President and Chief Executive Officer, Guy Carpenter & Company, and Chairman, Marsh & McLennan Companies International
Alex Moczarski: Introduction, Guy Carpenter Monte Carlo Press Briefing, 2014 from Guy Carpenter on Vimeo.
David Priebe, Vice Chairman, Guy Carpenter and Head of GC Securities
David Priebe: Guy Carpenter Monte Carlo Press Briefing, 2014 from Guy Carpenter on Vimeo.
View the accompanying slides >> Nick Frankland, CEO of EMEA Operations, Guy Carpenter
Nick Frankland: Guy Carpenter Monte Carlo Press Briefing, 2014 from Guy Carpenter on Vimeo.
View the accompanying slides >> James Nash, CEO of Asia-Pacific Operations, Guy Carpenter
James Nash: Guy Carpenter Monte Carlo Press Briefing, 2014 from Guy Carpenter on Vimeo.
Conclusion by by Alex Moczarski, President and Chief Executive Officer, Guy Carpenter & Company, and Chairman, Marsh & McLennan Companies International
Alex Moczarski: Conclusion, Guy Carpenter Monte Carlo Press Briefing, 2014 from Guy Carpenter on Vimeo.
View the accompanying slides >>