Qianhai Reinsurance Secures Strong A- Rating from AM Best

Qianhai Reinsurance Co., Ltd. Receives Strong Ratings

AM Best has recently affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) for Qianhai Reinsurance Co., Ltd. (QHR). These ratings carry a stable outlook, reflecting the company's robust market position and operational stability.

Financial Strength and Balance Sheet Assessment

The ratings bestowed by AM Best spotlight QHR’s very strong balance sheet strength, underpinned by its adequate operating performance and effective enterprise risk management processes. These ratings are crucial as they highlight the insurer's ability to manage risk while maintaining strong financial health.

Growth in Capital and Surplus

At the end of 2023, QHR's risk-adjusted capitalization, as gauged by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), remained at its peak level. The company experienced a notable 4.3% growth in capital and surplus, reaching RMB 3.5 billion (USD 500 million). This positive trend continued into the first three quarters of 2024, with a further increase of 6.2%, largely driven by the retention of net profit. AM Best anticipates that QHR will maintain strong financial backing from its major shareholders while exploring avenues in capital markets to enhance its capital framework.

Diversified Investment Portfolio

QHR boasts a well-diversified investment portfolio, primarily focusing on cash and fixed-income instruments. The company strategically manages exposure to alternative debt-type investments, permitting a balanced risk approach which supports its overall investment performance. Over the last eight years, interest income from deposits and returns from financial products have significantly contributed to QHR’s investment results.

Profitability and Underwriting Performance

In terms of profitability, QHR has reported a commendable five-year average return-on-equity of 4.3% from 2019 to 2023. A notable occurrence in 2023 was a remarkable 77% increase in net profit year-on-year, attributed to a resurgence in capital markets and improved investment valuations. This trend of profitability has extended into the first nine months of 2024.

Strategic Focus in Life Reinsurance

The life reinsurance sector remains a significant contributor to QHR’s underwriting results. The company diligently invests in building strong business connections with local insurers and distribution partners, unlocking potential growth avenues in traditional protection products. Additionally, QHR is prudently expanding its savings products while addressing challenges related to asset-liability matching and making necessary adjustments within its financial reinsurance operations based on evolving regulations and market demands.

Diversifying Non-life Reinsurance portfolio

QHR has diversified its non-life reinsurance portfolio across various product lines. The strategy is to focus on non-catastrophe risks within China while systematically rebalancing its overseas reinsurance book to elevate overall business quality. The non-life segment recorded a slight increase in the combined ratio in 2023, largely due to rising commission ratios, which were partly offset by a decline in the loss ratio.

Market Role and Future Outlook

Controlled by three Chinese state-owned enterprises, QHR plays a pivotal role in fortifying the framework of the Qianhai Free Trade Zone. The company has consistently aimed to fortify its market presence while adhering to a profit-driven underwriting philosophy. Moving forward, AM Best has issued a cautionary note that negative rating actions could arise if there’s a significant decline in QHR’s risk-adjusted capitalization or a sustained adverse degradation in operational performance.

Potential for Positive Rating Actions

Conversely, positive rating actions may be prompted by sustained and favorable operating results across its domestic and international underwriting portfolios, provided that QHR retains its formidable balance sheet strength. The forward-looking aspect of QHR’s operational performance will be key in determining its future credit ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ratings has Qianhai Reinsurance received from AM Best?

Qianhai Reinsurance has received a Financial Strength Rating of A- and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” both with a stable outlook.

How has QHR's capital grown recently?

QHR's capital and surplus increased by 4.3% to RMB 3.5 billion in 2023 and grew by an additional 6.2% in the first three quarters of 2024.

What role does QHR play in the Qianhai Free Trade Zone?

QHR is a composite reinsurer controlled by state-owned enterprises and plays a strategic role in the development of the Qianhai Free Trade Zone.

What factors could lead to negative rating actions for QHR?

Negative rating actions could occur if QHR sees significant declines in capital or sustained deterioration in its operating performance.

What would trigger positive rating actions for QHR?

Positive actions could occur if QHR shows favorable operating results that strengthen its performance while maintaining its balance sheet strength.

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