ECONOMYNEXT – The outlook of Sri Lanka’s National Insurance Trust Fund, a fully state-owned insurer which also re-insures some domestic risks has been cut to negative from stable by Fitch, as dividend payments the higher claims hit its capital ratio.

NITF’s risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, had fallen t 180 percent in the third quarter of 2019 from 257 percent last year.

“The fall in the insurer’s regulatory capital position was caused by higher claims in its inward reinsurance business, which exceeded the net retention of LKR1 billion under NITF’s reinsurance arrangements, as well as large dividend payments to the state,” Fitch Ratings said.

“The higher claims have increased claim liability provisions, which in turn have increased the regulatory capital requirement.”

The full statement is reproduced below:

Fitch Revises Outlook on National Insurance Trust Fund to Negative; Affirms at ‘AA-(lka)’

17 DEC 2019 01:29 AM ET

Fitch Ratings – Colombo/Sydney – 17 December 2019:

Fitch Ratings Lanka has revised the Outlook on Sri Lanka-based National Insurance Trust Fund Board (NITF) to Negative from Stable and has affirmed the insurer’s National Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating at ‘AA-(lka)’.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

The Outlook revision reflects the increased volatility in NITF’s capitalisation, measured by the regulatory risk-based capital (RBC) ratio, which fell to 180% in 9M19 (2018: 257%). The affirmation reflects NITF’s ‘Favourable’ business profile, financial performance that is better than that of the industry and conservative investment mix.

The fall in the insurer’s regulatory capital position was caused by higher claims in its inward reinsurance business, which exceeded the net retention of LKR1 billion under NITF’s reinsurance arrangements, as well as large dividend payments to the state. The higher claims have increased claim liability provisions, which in turn have increased the regulatory capital requirement.

We expect the provisions to reduce gradually as claims are settled, improving the RBC ratio, although the insurer’s capital position may come under further pressure if it continues to pay high dividends, especially during periods of large losses. NITF’s dividend pay-out averaged over 100% in the last three years.

NITF’s combined ratio rose to 94% in Q319, from 86% in 2018, following large claims in the inward reinsurance class. Despite this, its combined ratio was below industry average, supported by modest claims from the Strike, Riot, Civil Commotion and Terrorism programme and NITF’s low-cost operating model.

However, we think profitability could be pressured if the proposed LKR1 billion premium contribution increase from the government for the Natural Disaster Insurance Scheme does not materialise.

Fitch ranks NITF’s business profile as ‘Favourable’ compared with other domestic non-life insurers due to its substantive business franchise, supported by its full government ownership and role in implementing state policies. NITF is the only domestic reinsurer and a state mandate requires all domestic non-life operators to cede 30% of their reinsurance to NITF.

NITF’s unique product mix, with minimal claim history in some of its business lines, is offset by high exposure to the risk of losses from catastrophe events and its reinsurance business.

NITF’s investment policy is conservative. It is only permitted to invest in government securities and the equity of hospital projects under its legislation. The insurer mostly invests in short-term government securities to maintain sufficient liquidity.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

Downgrade Rating Sensitivities:

– Deterioration in the RBC ratio to below 250% for a sustained period.

– Deterioration in the combined ratio to above 100% for a sustained period.

– Significant weakening in NITF’s business profile, such as a large
reduction in government-related business.

Rating sensitivities that could result in an Outlook revision to Stable:

– An improvement in the RBC ratio to consistently above 250% while maintaining a ‘Favourable’ business profile and the combined ratio remaining below 100%.