Opinion on the solvency position of insurance and reinsurance undertakings in light of the withdrawal of the UK from EU

EIOPA issued an opinion on the solvency position of (re)insurance undertakings, in light of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

https://eiopa.europa.eu/Publications/Opinions/EIOPA-BoS-18-2018_opinion_on_solvency_and_Brexit.pdf

Summary

  • EIOPA reiterates that, for the purposes of applying Solvency II, the UK will become a third country once it exits the EU.
  • In this context, national supervisory authorities are urged to ensure that (re)insurance undertakings identify, measure, monitor, manage and report the risks arising from the UK becoming a third country.
  • The opinion identifies 14 key areas of regulatory risk that could emerge post-Brexit, including the potential impact on derivatives and on credit ratings issued by UK-based agencies.
  • EIOPA also notes that the own funds and capital requirements of UK (re)insurance undertakings can be expected to change, as Solvency II will no longer apply to them.
  • At the same time, the own funds and capital requirements of EU27 (re)insurance undertakings are also expected to change due to the UK’s departure.

Next steps

  • EIOPA, in conjunction with NCAs, will monitor the risks for the solvency position of (re)insurance undertakings arising from the UK becoming a third country on an ongoing basis.