Diversification and Solvency II: the capital effect of portfolio swaps on non-life insurers

Abstract

Diversification plays a pivotal role under the risk-based capital regime of Solvency II. The new rules reward large and well-diversified insurance companies with relatively low capital requirements compared to those of small and specialised nature. To enhance diversification, insurance companies can adjust their strategy by engaging in mergers and acquisitions or new market entries. Alternatively, insurers can accept higher Solvency II capital requirements, displaying a competitive disadvantage and impeding future growth. This research proposes a Solvency II portfolio swap as a new diversification solution that allows small and specialised insurance companies to improve their diversification, and thus, mitigate their diversification disadvantage. The effect of such swaps is demonstrated through the use of two hypothetical insurance companies by swapping 20% of their portfolio over four different scenarios. The swap allowed for a 6% reduction in the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) and a maximum increase of the SCR coverage ratio of 17%. With Solvency II posited to stimulate further mergers and acquisitions within the European insurance market, this paper offers an alternative method for insurers to diversify their portfolio. Furthermore, it is suggested that the proposed alternative risk transfer method may improve insurance market competition within the EU by facilitating small and specialised insurers’ competitiveness.