Gaining international share while losing the bank holding status should benefit MetLife.
Once Japan Post is fully privatized, it may choose to issue its own supplemental policies. This could affect Aflac's sales through Japan Post as well as its competitive position.Deregulation in Japan has allowed large life insurance companies to compete directly with Aflac in issuing supplemental
Principal's retirement-focused model sets the company apart in the insurance industry.
Prudential relies heavily on investment income to support its benefits and claims. Total investment return typically accounts for one third of revenue, which is higher than the industry average.Although Prudential has a head start in Asia, the company is likely to face increased competition from
High exposure to equity-sensitive products remains a concern in a prolonged low-interest-rate environment. While repricing of products and actively managing risk profiles can help, it will take years or even a decade to see the financial impact.A global economic slowdown is likely to put pressure
The U.S. Federal Reserve announced "Operation Twist" in September 2011, aiming to bring down long-term interest rates. This is not good for Manulife, as it will need to further increase its actuarial reserve for long-term insurance products, putting downward pressure on earnings and capital
The high unemployment rate and sluggish economy are likely to put pressure on both life and health insurance sales. We would expect lower response rates in the direct-response business. The Medicare supplement market has become more competitive as some major medical insurers have increased their
Despite the fact that life settlements are not treated as securities by the federal government, Life Partners has been sued by a number of states for offering securities without a license. Future legal entanglements are possible.Relatively high levels of fees should come down over time, hurting
Aegon has been making progress paying down government support extended in the financial crisis.
The life insurance business is fraught with uncertainty, and industry overcapacity is likely to lead to depressed pricing in any offers to buy ING's insurance operations.ING remains a highly leveraged enterprise and is also vulnerable to any renewed downturn in its investment and loan