In recent years, some clients who bought life policies from their insurers enjoyed <3%pa returns (<2.3%pa in Singapore context). There are also some folks with matured policies parked with the same insurer and they are eligible to collect their accumulated bonus when they surrender their policies. In difficult times like this, some other individuals may also be forced to surrender their policies to pay for their housing loans or debts.
The recent sharp spike in interest rates will hurt insurers if they see a larger wave of redemption.
Illustration: You bought a $100K single-premium policy a few years ago, and you want to withdraw now. You may get your principle back + a little returns, but the insurer keeps your bonus (due to the early withdrawal). In the past, when interest rates are stable, the insurer will make extra money if you surrender early.
However, the insurer has parked your $100K in an ultra-safe PUB 2.9%pa ten-years bond which has not matured. Being ultra-safe, the yield is lower and a sharp spike in interest rate, makes the bond worth less in the resale market. Now, the insurer can only get $93K back (to cash out the PUB bond and repay the policyholder) and the insurer makes a lot less money or a loss.
If interest rates continues to go up by another 2% within a year, I fear that some life insurers will collapse
The recent sharp spike in interest rates will hurt insurers if they see a larger wave of redemption.
Illustration: You bought a $100K single-premium policy a few years ago, and you want to withdraw now. You may get your principle back + a little returns, but the insurer keeps your bonus (due to the early withdrawal). In the past, when interest rates are stable, the insurer will make extra money if you surrender early.
However, the insurer has parked your $100K in an ultra-safe PUB 2.9%pa ten-years bond which has not matured. Being ultra-safe, the yield is lower and a sharp spike in interest rate, makes the bond worth less in the resale market. Now, the insurer can only get $93K back (to cash out the PUB bond and repay the policyholder) and the insurer makes a lot less money or a loss.
If interest rates continues to go up by another 2% within a year, I fear that some life insurers will collapse