Top 10 Risks for Insurers: Report

As insurers adjust to a new environment of lower asset returns and stricter regulation, macroeconomic trends and a slow growth rate top the industry’s risk agenda, according to a new report released by Ernst & Young, “Business Pulse: Exploring the dual perspectives of the top risks and opportunities in 2013 and beyond.”

The research is based on a survey of executives at over 65 insurance companies across the globe, who shared their insights and perspectives on the factors driving the industry over the next five years. The study identified the top 10 most important risks facing the industry, along with the opportunities insurers can capitalize on.

“In their search for growth and revenue, insurers need to optimize capital and asset liability strategies, remain cost competitive, while not losing sight of their customers’ needs. Adapting to evolving market and regulatory change will be a challenge that requires employing new technologies and building flexibility into all aspects of our business,” says Shaun Crawford, Ernst & Young’s global insurance sector leader.

The top 10 risks identified by the research are:

According to the report, there are many opportunities for insurers to improve their business, enhance revenue and focus on the customer. Improved distribution and product development dominates the list of this year’s opportunities and is expected to remain high in the rankings by 2015.

“Today’s insurers are enabling advances in product development through new metrics and social media tools, promoting the advantages of insurance to a younger audience and better interacting with customers approaching retirement,”said Paul Clark, Asia Pacific insurance leader.

The full report can be accessed at www.ey.com/insurance.

Source: Ernst & Young