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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONDON - DECEMBER 03, 2019 12:47 PM (EST)
AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” to Insurance House P.S.C. (IH) (United Arab Emirates). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings reflect IH’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management (ERM).
IH’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). In addition, the company has a panel of financially strong reinsurers and a good level of liquidity. In 2019, IH was the first company in the UAE to issue perpetual subordinated bonds, increasing its regulatory capital base by AED 15 million (approximately USD 4.1 million) to bring it in line with all local solvency requirements. Offsetting factors include the company’s small overall capital base and material exposure to higher risk asset classes.
IH’s historical operating performance has been volatile due to material underwriting losses. However, following a change in senior management in 2016, IH embarked on strategic initiatives to stabilise its operations, adopting stricter underwriting controls and tighter claims management. Successful execution of these remedial measures has supported a reduction in the combined ratio over the past two years to 96.7% in 2018 (2016: 122.5%). As a result, overall earnings also have improved considerably, reaching AED 10.6 million in 2018. Additionally, the company’s investment portfolio continues to contribute positively to the overall profitability, producing an investment yield (including gains) of 2.5% in 2018. Results for the nine months to September 2019 demonstrate continued improvement in the company’s technical and overall profits.
IH holds a modest share of the UAE non-life market, writing AED 210.8 million in gross written premiums in 2018. In line with peers operating in the UAE, the company writes predominantly motor and medical insurance business. AM Best expects IH to continue to grow in line with its ambitious business plan, although market conditions remain challenging given the high level of competition.
AM Best views IH’s ERM as marginal. In recent months, the company has begun formalising its risk management framework, more closely aligning its controls and procedures to its risk profile. AM Best expects management to make meaningful enhancements to the ERM framework as it continues with its strategic transformation of the company.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data provider specialising in the insurance industry. The company does business in more than 100 countries. Headquartered in Oldwick, NJ, AM Best has offices in cities around the world, including London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.