Baloise reports stable earnings in occupational pension business in 2021

Basel, 24 May 2022. Baloise Switzerland has once again achieved stable earnings in its occupational pension business. The profit of CHF 40.2 million is on a par with the prior-year figure. With regard to the partially autonomous solution Perspectiva, Baloise achieved an important milestone by reaching CHF 1 billion in managed retirement assets. In addition, interest rates above the minimum rate stipulated by the Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors’ and Disability Pension Plans (BVG) provide the basis for a successful future. Pension provision continues to face huge challenges and the pressure on political decision-makers is mounting. In spite of the difficult conditions, Baloise offers a variety of provision models, including a comprehensive insurance model, in order to cover customer needs in this segment in the best possible way. 

The COVID-19 pandemic remained a dominant factor in 2021. Measures imposed in response to the pandemic, such as border closures, the requirement to work from home, and closures of shops and restaurants – had a serious impact on companies. Baloise also saw this reflected in its occupational pension business. Reduced activity in the market meant that fewer new contracts were sold, but the number of contract terminations also declined. Against this backdrop, the growth recorded by the partially autonomous foundation Perspectiva is very encouraging.

Perspectiva reaches one billion

The partially autonomous foundation Perspectiva continued to grow, adding more than 600 new customers. It now has more than 3,600 participating companies and over CHF 1 billion in managed retirement assets. Thanks to the upturn in the financial markets, Perspectiva generated a return of 7.6 per cent. In 2021, an interest rate of 1.5 per cent was paid on retirement assets. This puts Baloise is an ideal position to continue offering its customers a strong pension solution that caters to their needs. 

Rising pressure on political decision-makers

Baloise regards the comprehensive insurance model as a solution that most effectively covers the needs of many customers. This model offers companies the necessary security in relation to occupational pension provision, because under a comprehensive model, the insurer bears the investment risk. The pension fund can thus never experience a cover shortfall, which allows the insured companies to concentrate entirely on their core business. The comprehensive solution is therefore a key component of the product offering. However, challenges in the occupational pension business persist, especially for comprehensive insurance models. The baby boomer generation is approaching retirement age, which throws the problem of inter-generational redistribution into sharp relief. This is one of the reasons why the pension system urgently needs to be reformed. Proposals for reforms that are currently being discussed in the political arena are going in the right direction. The lowering of the statutory minimum conversion rate to 6.0 per cent is a crucial element of the reform. It is paramount that the political process for a reform of the BVG be driven forward at pace and completed successfully.

All in all a positive year for occupational pension provision

For the economy and the stock markets, 2021 was a year of recovery. The shortages of materials and supply chain bottlenecks that resulted from surging demand pushed up inflation rates around the world. The debt markets responded with rising yields on long-dated paper. Although the environment remained challenging, Baloise’s occupational pension business generated premium income of CHF 2.3 billion and earnings of CHF 40.2 million in connection with more than 18,900 contracts. The net investment yield achieved in the occupational pension business was a solid 1.69 per cent. The payout rate, which comprises claims, reserves and surpluses, was on a par with the previous year at 93.2 per cent. Once again, a significant proportion of the payout rate was attributable to the recognition of reserves in light of rising life expectancy, low interest rates and, consequently, excessively high conversion rates. Nonetheless, the company was able to allocate CHF 35 million to the surplus fund. Interest on retirement assets was paid at a rate of 1.00 per cent for the compulsory portion and 0.75 per cent for the portion above the income threshold (Überobligatorium). 

Contact

Baloise Group, Aeschengraben 21, CH-4002 Basel

Website: www.baloise.com

E-Mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

Media Relations: Tel: +41 58 285 76 09

Investor Relations: Tel: +41 58 285 81 81

The Baloise Group is more than just a traditional insurance company. The changing security, safety and service needs of society in the digital age lie at the heart of its business activities. The 7,900 or so employees of Baloise therefore focus on the wishes of their customers. The best possible customer service, combined with innovative products and services, makes Baloise the first choice for people who want to feel ‘simply safe’. Located at the heart of Europe, with its head office in Basel, the Baloise Group is a provider of prevention, pension, assistance and insurance solutions. Its core markets are Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. In Switzerland, the Group also operates as a specialised financial services provider, offering a combination of insurance and banking services. The Group offers innovative pension products to retail customers throughout Europe from its competence centre in Luxembourg. Bâloise Holding Ltd shares are listed in the main segment of the SIX Swiss Exchange.