News & Initiatives

Following the insurance losses from catastrophic events worldwide in 2017 and 2018, the Standards Board for Alternative Investments (SBAI), whose members include both managers and institutional investors in alternative investments, has published “Valuation of Insurance-Linked Funds”, a document that provides guidance for investors conducting due diligence on funds that invest in (re)insurance-linked investments (“ILS Funds”). The document, developed by a working group of institutional investors, investment managers, and investment consultants – including Albourne Partners – is the first in a series of Toolbox Memos on ILS Funds to be published by the SBAI.

Michael Hamer, Partner and Senior Analyst at Albourne Partners, said: “The process for valuing reinsurance investments is a very important aspect of due diligence, given the high levels of uncertainty that can arise after large loss events. Investors also need to understand the differing ways in which funds deal with this uncertainty, including the use of side pockets and other mechanisms that may reduce the risk of unintentional value transfers between investors. We look forward to contributing to the SBAI’s future work in this important area of investment.”

Members of the SBAI ILS Working Group include representatives from Aberdeen Standard Investments, Albourne Partners, CPPIB, Elementum Advisors, Future Fund, Hiscox Re-insurance Linked Strategies, Nephila Capital, PGGM, PIMCO and Varma. The Toolbox Memo can be accessed here.