Moved aimed at boosting London’s global insurance credentials

ILS

The government has launched a consultation for a new regulatory and tax framework to make the UK a home for insurance-linked securities (ILS).

The consultation was announced in the Autumn Statement. The government first outlined its ILS intentions for the UK in the 2015 Budget.

Alongside the government consultation, the PRA and FCA will consult on their approach to authorising the special purpose vehicles that are used in ILS transactions.

The government consultation will run until 18 January. The government plans to place final regulations before parliament in spring 2017.

ILS are a mechanism to transfer insurance risk to the capital markets. They act as an alternative or complement to traditional reinsurance.

The most common type of ILS are catastrophe bonds, which are used particularly heavily for US hurricane risks.

The special purpose vehicles used in ILS transactions to issue bonds are typically based in tax havens such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, but the government is planning to make the UK a home for ILS vehicles.

It hopes the move will maintain London’s position as “the most important global hub” for reinsurance business.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.