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The Evolution from Life Insurance to Financial Engineering

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  • Koijen, Ralph
  • Yogo, Motohiro

Abstract

Since the mid-1980s, the share of household net worth intermediated by US financial institutions has shifted from defined benefit plans to life insurers and defined contribution plans. Life insurers have primarily grown through variable annuities, which are mutual funds with longevity insurance, minimum return guarantees, and a potential tax advantage. Through the minimum return guarantees, the primary function of life insurers has changed from traditional insurance to financial engineering. Variable annuity insurers are exposed to interest and equity risk mismatch and suffered especially low stock returns during the COVID-19 crisis. We suggest ways to improve upon the current regulation through more detailed financial disclosure and standardized stress tests.

Suggested Citation

  • Koijen, Ralph & Yogo, Motohiro, 2021. "The Evolution from Life Insurance to Financial Engineering," CEPR Discussion Papers 16348, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16348
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ralph S. J. Koijen & Motohiro Yogo, 2015. "The Cost of Financial Frictions for Life Insurers," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105(1), pages 445-475, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kristy Jansen & Sven Klingler & Angelo Ranaldo & Patty Duijm, 2024. "Pension Liquidity Risk," Working Papers 801, DNB.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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