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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK - FEBRUARY 16, 2024 02:06 PM (EST)
AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to C- (Weak) from B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “ccc-” (Weak) from “bb” (Fair) of 777 Re. Ltd. (Hamilton, Bermuda). Concurrently, AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status for these Credit Ratings (ratings).
The ratings reflect 777 Re. Ltd.’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very weak, as well as its marginal operating performance, very limited business profile and weak enterprise risk management.
The rating action reflects a revision in 777 Re. Ltd.’s balance sheet strength assessment to very weak, due to a significant exposure to less liquid affiliated investments. Additionally, AM Best’s view of the company’s operating performance and business profile were adjusted downward reflecting its diminished ability to write new business while simultaneously planning to address existing liabilities.
The company is working with the Bermuda Monetary Authority to reduce its exposure to affiliated assets, which is the primary driver of the material decline in its risk-adjusted capitalization. Finally, the company’s risk management controls have shown some weakness, including the significant year-over-year increase in affiliated assets, which the company needs to address in the near term. The ratings will remain under review with negative implications until the company successfully executes on its plan to reposition its asset portfolio and bring its risk management practices in line with AM Best’s expectations.
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 Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.