This was the third session of Prospectus 2021, a new annual reinsurance and insurance-linked securities (ILS) conference brought to you by Artemis in collaboration with sister title Reinsurance News in November 2020. 

Attendees were treated to an expert panel focused on what really matters for Chief Investment Officers (CIOs) going into 2021. 

It’s no secret that interest rates have been dangerously low for some time now, and with the lower for longer environment expected to persist for the foreseeable future, insurers and reinsurers are once again increasingly focused on underwriting discipline and profitability. 

In light of the challenges on the asset side of the balance sheet, session moderator Van Hesser, Chief Strategist at Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), questioned panellists on the impact COVID-19 is having on the investment landscape, and whether the introduction of a global pandemic has led to any changes in the investment philosophy. 

Panellists discussed the trends affecting insurance and reinsurance company investment strategies and what their CIO's need to consider as the market moves into 2021, still under the shadow of the pandemic, low rates and financial volatility. 

Also participating in this session were: Vincent DeLucia, CIO, New England Asset Management, Inc.; Jason Pratt, Head of Insurance Fixed Income at Neuberger Berman; and Paul Norris, Managing Director, Head of Structured Products, Conning.