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How Do Life Insurers Respond to a Prolonged Low Interest Rate Environment? A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Wilaiporn Suwanmalai

    (College of Management, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand)

  • Simon Zaby

    (College of Management, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand)

Abstract

Life insurers, whose contractual liabilities include providing minimum guaranteed interest rates to policyholders, are significantly affected by persistently low interest rates. Hence, this study reviews the literature on the prolonged low interest rate environment and its impact on the life insurance industry, incorporating multiple perspectives and practices in different countries. The effect of low interest rates on life insurance products depends on the sensitivity of the interest rate of each product type and the level of minimum interest rate guarantee. In addition, their impacts on the valuation of life insurance companies depend on shifts in the valuation interest rate, which is used to discount the present value of future benefits, as well as the financial and solvency issues faced by insurers. Overall, the literature suggests that insurers need both short- and long-term solutions to respond to a prolonged low interest rate environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilaiporn Suwanmalai & Simon Zaby, 2022. "How Do Life Insurers Respond to a Prolonged Low Interest Rate Environment? A Literature Review," Risks, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jrisks:v:10:y:2022:i:8:p:155-:d:878152
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shiu, Elias S. W., 1988. "Immunization of multiple liabilities," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 7(4), pages 219-224, December.
    2. Thomas Niedrig, 2015. "Optimal Asset Allocation for Interconnected Life Insurers in the Low Interest Rate Environment under Solvency Regulation," Journal of Insurance Issues, Western Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 38(1), pages 31-71.
    3. Bohnert, Alexander & Gatzert, Nadine & Jørgensen, Peter Løchte, 2015. "On the management of life insurance company risk by strategic choice of product mix, investment strategy and surplus appropriation schemes," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 83-97.
    4. Jan H Holsboer, 2000. "The Impact of Low Interest Rates on Insurers," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 25(1), pages 38-58, January.
    5. Grosen, Anders & Lochte Jorgensen, Peter, 2000. "Fair valuation of life insurance liabilities: The impact of interest rate guarantees, surrender options, and bonus policies," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 37-57, February.
    6. Pablo Antolin & Sebastian Schich & Juan Yermo, 2011. "The Economic Impact of Protracted Low Interest Rates on Pension Funds and Insurance Companies," OECD Journal: Financial Market Trends, OECD Publishing, vol. 2011(1), pages 237-256.
    7. Niedrig, Tobias, 2015. "Optimal asset allocation for interconnected life insurers in the low interest rate environment under solvency regulation," SAFE Working Paper Series 97, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE.
    8. Hato Schmeiser & Joël Wagner, 2015. "A Proposal on How the Regulator Should Set Minimum Interest Rate Guarantees in Participating Life Insurance Contracts," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 82(3), pages 659-686, September.
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