AM Best continues to hold a negative market segment outlook on the insurance markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Factors supporting the outlook include COVID-19-driven uncertainty and the risk that further oil price volatility will maintain economic pressure across the region. In addition, there is concern over price adequacy amid intensely competitive conditions. Financial market fluctuations and depressed real estate valuations, as well as the expectation of liquidity pressures and increased delays in cash collection, also weigh on the outlook.
A new Best’s Market Segment Outlook, titled, “Market Segment Outlook: Gulf Cooperation Council Insurance,” notes these factors are partially offset by tightening regulatory oversight and control, and easing regional geopolitical tensions.
The report recognises that there are opportunities for market consolidation, with merger and acquisition activity on the rise, and notes that regional insurers’ generally well-capitalised balance sheets have generally proven resilient to shock scenarios. However, with uncertainty set to persist through 2021, testing conditions will continue to leave carriers exposed to capital volatility and shrinking profit margins.
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AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
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