2011 catastrophe bond and insurance-linked security issuance by peril

Reinsurer Swiss Re published some interesting data insights into the catastrophe bond and insurance-linked security market in their recent ILS market update, which we covered in more detail here. One of the interesting graphs in the report shows the mix of perils that were issued in ILS or cat bond transactions during 2011.

The graph below shows that the 2011 cat bond market was again dominated by U.S. wind risks as most of the multi-peril bonds contained that peril. It also shows that no cat bonds were issued that contained solely Japanese risks, understandable after the events last March.

2012 looks busy, with five cat bonds and ILS already in the marketplace, and it will be interesting to see if the market becomes more diversified this year as there is a definite need for a broader spread of perils, and geographies, in the market to satisfy investors diversification needs.

2011 Catastrophe Bond and Insurance-Linked Security Issuance by Peril - Source: Swiss Re Capital Markets (data as of 31 Dec 2011)