Life Insurers Rethink Strategies for Sustainable Growth in the Competitive, Prevailing Economic Environment, says Ernst & Young

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2013, in spite of such factors as demographic, macroeconomic and regulatory pressures, life insurers are responding by transforming their strategies, products and services, according to Ernst & Young's new Global Insurance Center US Outlook.

"Successful players are introducing or re-positioning product offerings that are attractive to consumers and profitable to insurers," according to Doug French, Principal, Financial Services and Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young LLP. "Insurers are reexamining and strengthening the customer value proposition by leveraging technology to improve business models and gain a competitive advantage. By restructuring operations to respond to the converging forces of demographics, consumer needs and product distribution, they can communicate and engage with customers on their terms." 

Ernst & Young has identified five market forces that are of key importance to U.S. life and annuity insurance companies in 2013:

1. Rethink business strategy for a sustainable competitive advantage: As the competitive landscape changes, new players are entering the market, the largest carriers are gaining market share and distributors are consolidating. To obtain a sustainable advantage, carriers are evaluating books of business in terms of their ability to generate profits and diversify risks, regardless of the macroeconomic environment. Meanwhile, regulators are evaluating suitability standards that could alter distributor and insurer sales practices. The goal for many companies is a balanced product portfolio, in which no single line dominates the business.
2. Respond to consumer needs and changing distribution to grow: The average household expenditure for life insurance has declined 50 percent in the last decade; therefore, insurers should consider new offerings of simpler products, such as term and whole life insurance, to younger consumers through digital marketing and mobile distribution strategies.  Insurers need to reexamine the value proposition to consumers, addressing the converging forces of demographics, consumer needs and product distribution. Greater attention must be accorded the risk transfer and savings needs of young people, while continuing to build a case for retirees and pre-retirees. The investment in these areas will present significant growth opportunities in 2013.
3. Transform products to adapt to economic challenges: In the face of unrelenting interest-rate pressure, business strategy needs to change. Many life insurers have responded by de-risking and redesigning products, writing down certain lines of business and increasing reserves on a fair-value basis. A renewed focus on asset management and wealth management, rather than on costly and risky guarantees, also seems likely; and improving capital and risk management still remains a priority.
4. Harness "Big Data" for sustainable advantage: Business and regulatory demands – and the need for fundamental long-term process changes – are driving investments in IT infrastructure, digitization, predictive modeling and consumer analytics. Sophisticated modeling techniques will require investing in talent to deliver these capabilities, at a time when demand for this talent is high. The Chief Information Officer can be a strategic partner helping prioritize resource allocation for maximum competitive impact.
5. Position the business for tax, regulatory and accounting change: Insurers need to stay attentive to tax changes as the government seeks new sources of revenue. As regulatory forces challenge the industry, there is potential for increased regulation by the Federal Reserve to improve risk management and possible action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to expand its scope of review from banking to insurance products. Proposed U.S. and international accounting standards will have a significant impact on life insurance business models. Organizations must review their policies, processes and controls to ensure that systems, IT capabilities, data and people are capable of implementing the new requirements.

For a copy of the US Life Insurance Industry 2012 Outlook report, visit www.ey.com/insurance.

About Ernst & Young's Global Insurance Center
Insurers must increasingly address more complex and converging regulatory issues that challenge their risk management approaches, operations and financial reporting practices. Ernst & Young's Global Insurance Center brings together a worldwide team of professionals to help you achieve your potential — a team with deep technical experience in providing assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The Center works to anticipate market trends, identify the implications and develop points of view on relevant industry issues. Ultimately it enables us to help you meet your goals and compete more effectively. It's how Ernst & Young makes a difference.

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 167,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For more information, please visit www.ey.com

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a US client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

SOURCE Ernst & Young