Reconstruction in the ILS market continues, with ongoing concerns about investor sentiment, capacity growth and the impact of retro rates

Reinsurance conditions began moving in investors’ favour in mid-year 2019, marking a delayed reaction to 2017-2018 losses.

This year’s award winners have taken their moment in the spotlight at a turbulent time in the ILS market’s history, making their recognition all the more valuable.

The past two years challenged the catastrophe (re)insurance market more than any period since the Hurricane Katrina era in 2004-2005 – but it is far from clear what the outcome will be this time around.

What’s in a promise to pay? That was one of the questions that was circulating at this year’s Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous.

The ILS market has quickly stabilised after last year’s catastrophe losses – but the fallout from Hurricane Irma has continued to push claims higher.

Ten years ago, amid the turmoil of the global financial market crisis, the first Trading Risk awards ceremony was held.

It was a rough 2017 for investors in ILS, as hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria swept through the Atlantic. But 2018 has offered some uplift to yields from the sector.