The Value of Curiosity
Liane Hirner, CFRO of VIG, has a strong belief in the merits of listening. It is a trait that has helped her navigate the shifts seen in life insurance in recent years, including macro volatility and the advent of trends
What is the current status of life reinsurance, including asset intensive reinsurance and longevity risk transfer, in Switzerland. Is this something insurers are considering?
Swiss market participants are active in the life reinsurance business. Some reinsurers also provide longevity risk transfer. The involvement of Swiss reinsurers in asset intensive reinsurance transactions was mostly limited to the biometric risk part of these transactions.
Switzerland saw a €300m asset intensive reinsurance (fullrisk co-insurance) deal last year. Could this signal increased acceptance and continued momentum for similar opportunities in the future?
An asset intensive reinsurance transaction involving a Swiss insurer was announced and completed in 2025. How the benefits of this contract compare to its risks is a matter for the parties involved to assess. The responsibility lies with the parties. FINMA required adequate safeguards to ensure the protection of Swiss policyholders, and we would expect similar safeguards to be implemented should additional transactions of this type be brought forward.
Do you see any specific areas of concern with regards to private equity firms becoming involving in insurance?
The IAIS has published several papers addressing the involvement of private equity in the insurance sector. In our view, these publications describe the relevant areas of concern and outline the supervisory approaches used to address them.
Is there any contentiousness to the transfer of local insurance liabilities offshore? Is that a risk you would consider allowing?
Such potential transfers would be evaluated individually, if they are material. There is no incentive for insurers to follow this approach due to the “tied assets” regime which requires Swiss primary insurers to hold gross life insurance reserves locally, removing the capital incentive to transfer liabilities offshore.
What are your key priorities on regulating Swiss life insurers at the moment?
Switzerland has a robust reserving and solvency regime. Our current priorities are particularly transparency and conduct with respect to customers.
Any other key challenges you see on the horizon for Swiss or European life insurers right now that you might be looking at?
The broader macroeconomic environment is challenging for all asset holders, including life insurers, irrespective of their geographical location.
