Special Reports » OTHER REPORTS » MANAGING INSURANCE ASSETS

— Derek McLean, F&C Asset Management

Can life insurers truly pull in good enough returns across a wide range of investments using their in-house teams? The answer, it seems, is ‘no’ as more are turning to outsourcing, says Christine Senior.

— Amanda Forsyth,Standard Life

Traditionally, life insurance companies have kept their asset management capabilities in-house, but with a new focus on making investment portfolios work harder, outsourcing might help meet client expectations, Paula Garrido reports.

Over the last few years, the life insurance sector has been criticised for failing to meet clients’ expectations. Changes in regulation and poor investment returns at the beginning of the decade have resulted in many life companies rethinking their strategies for the future, with the outsourcing of asset management capabilities one of the options being considered.

— Lawrence: funds can improve diversification

Adrian Lawrence, of Henderson Global Investors, examines the various methods by which with-profits insurers can beat the strict guarantee and the pitfalls they face in securing some upside.

— Madeline Forrester

The new UK regulatory environment for insurance capital seeks to change the nature of the business, raise more capital and reduce risk in investment portfolios, writes Madeline Forrester.

— Paul Bourdon

The effects of the new FSA regulations will have a broad-sweeping, yet laudable effect as they encourage insurers to manage assets and liabilities to deliver promises, writes Paul Bourdon.