Singapore

This video of the fourth session of the day at our recent Artemis ILS Asia 2023 conference, held in Singapore on July 13th 2023, features a panel discussion about insurance-linked securities (ILS) related developments in Singapore, with its ILS regulatory regime and the future opportunity there.

Delivering a welcome speech this morning at the Artemis ILS Asia 2023 conference in Singapore, Cheng Khai Lim, Executive Director, Financial Markets Development Department, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), highlighted the need for greater structuring and deal capabilities in Asia, as Singapore continues to streamline its insurance-linked securities (ILS) regulatory regime.

The insurance-linked securities (ILS) grant scheme in Singapore has been a significant help in the country attracting catastrophe bonds and other ILS activity and it has now been extended by a further three years, to run until the end of 2025.

Insurance-linked securities (ILS) deal flow in Singapore has been increasing, showing that the market is gaining in confidence in Singapore’s ILS regime, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Board Member Alvin Tan has said, also explaining that expansions to the ILS regulations are coming.

The government of Singapore continues to look to the capital markets to push the boundaries in developing its insurance and reinsurance market, with an ambition to further develop the ability of the sector to tap capital market appetite for risk.

As Asia’s insurance-linked securities (ILS) market continues to expand, Singapore is eager to build on the positive momentum, anchor capabilities and enhance its offering for investors and sponsors, according to Gillian Tan, Assistant Managing Director (Development & International), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

In emerging Asia, there are opportunities for insurance-linked securities (ILS), despite the perception that reinsurance markets across the region remain in a developing phase, according to William Ho, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MS Amlin Asia Pacific, and Head of Reinsurance for Asia, MS Amlin.

After several years of rate and term improvements, notably in the property catastrophe arena, there are signs the market is levelling off. But generally, returns in the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market remain attractive, according to industry experts.

While the Hong Kong regulator’s insurance-linked securities (ILS) grant scheme is expected to attract sponsors to the region, the new regime must show its competitiveness against existing and established ILS domiciles, say industry experts.

With Singapore now an active hub for catastrophe bonds and insurance-linked securities (ILS) and with Hong Kong primed to issue its first deal this year, regional sponsor participation can help to ensure their sustainability as ILS domiciles, according to Paul Schultz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aon Securities.