Fixed income strategies of insurance companies and pension funds

Abstract

Insurance companies and pension funds are at the intersection of major developments. Having weathered the financial crisis, they now face important changes in international regulation and accounting standards. At the same time, their business models and balance sheets remain exposed to the low-interest rate environment.

Against this backdrop, the present report examines how life insurance companies and pension funds might alter their investment strategies and asset allocations, and assesses the likely consequences for market functioning and funding of various economic sectors arising from such changes.