Best’s News & Research Service - December 12, 2019 10:29 AM (EST)
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of AXA Global Re
- December 12, 2019 10:29 AM (EST)
Amsterdam //BestWire// - AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “aa-” of AXA Global Re (AGRe) (France). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings reflect AGRe’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and very strong enterprise risk management (ERM). The ratings also reflect AGRe’s strategic importance to AXA S.A. (AXA), with AGRe benefiting from rating enhancement as a result.
AGRe’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by a strong risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), after adjustments are made for the credit risk stemming from the company’s role as AXA’s main purchaser of external reinsurance. The assessment also considers the company’s high quality capital base and its liquid and conservative investment portfolio. Offsetting factors include AGRe’s high dependence on reinsurance, which exposes AGRe to significant counterparty risk, although this is somewhat moderated by the high quality of AGRe’s reinsurance panel, as well as the expectation that AXA would promptly support AGRe in the event of a counterparty default.
AGRe’s adequate operating performance assessment is supported by a track record of stable and positive technical performance, with a weighted average non-life combined ratio of 94.3% for the five-year period ending in 2018.
AGRe’s neutral business profile assessment is supported by its key role as AXA’s captive reinsurance vehicle. While the company writes no third party business, its role is considered integral to AXA’s risk management framework as a tool to optimise its capital resources through internal risk transfer and securing external reinsurance placements for all business segments.
AGRe’s ERM is assessed as very strong, reflecting its deep integration within AXA’s ERM framework.
AGRe’s ratings benefit from its importance to AXA. This assessment is supported by the company’s strategic role and its deep level of integration within the group’s risk management framework. Given the company’s strategic importance, AM Best expects prompt and sufficient support from the parent should the need arise.
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.