Background

In the UK, financial advisers are required to consider the financial strength of organisations with whom they deal. Analysts and others also need information on which to assess life assurance companies.

AKG's Offshore Profile & Financial Strength Reports are designed to meet the information needs of advisers and analysts alike. The reports cover a range of offshore long term insurers, with particular emphasis on those operating in the UK intermediary market.

Two different styles of report are included:

• For each of the leading firms in the market, which sponsor the production of the reports, and once sufficient information is received, a FULL report is included, containing detailed analysis of all relevant aspects of its long-term business operations, together with a comprehensive set of AKG ratings - Financial Strength Ratings at an Overall level and also separately for Non Profit, Unit Linked and With Profits business; together with Supporting Ratings for the key areas of Image and Strategy, Service and Annual Review. Each firm also has the opportunity to include detailed company comments to supplement AKG's analysis in key areas. Full reports also contain an abbreviated analysis (including an Overall Financial Strength Rating) in respect of each other relevant long-term insurer within the group.
• For each remaining firm, a SHORT report is included, containing an abbreviated analysis of the major aspects of its long-term business operations, together with an Overall Financial Strength Rating.

Each report collates relevant information from the range of sources available, which may include a company's regulatory returns, its report & accounts and material provided by the companies themselves, and incorporates expert independent assessment. For sponsoring companies the process is augmented by regular meetings and other communications with AKG.