Capital rule for insurers

Global regulators have written the first global capital rule for insurers, marking a key milestone in efforts since the 2007-09 financial crisis to reinforce supervision of the sector.

The aim is to make sure big insurers hold enough capital at all times to meet commitments to policyholders and withstand the ups and downs in markets.

While insurers did not play a central role in the crisis and US insurer AIG’s $182.3bn (€144bn) bailout is considered an exception, the bruising experience for taxpayers in rescuing banks left regulators determined to tighten their grip on all parts of the financial system.