Solvency II reform poses 20% risk of life insurance sector 'failure'

BoE governor Andrew Bailey sounds warning on life sector

John Brazier
clock • 2 min read

The Bank of England (BoE) has issued a warning that the risk of life insurance business failing under new Solvency II rules would increase by 20% in a given year.

In a letter dated 22 February and addressed to Harriett Baldwin MP, chair of the Treasury Committee, the BoE governor Andrew Bailey outlined the estimated impact on the UK insurance sector of the proposed changes to the Solvency II regime. Focusing on the life insurance sector to represent the risk to the wider insurance market, as "these are the firms most affected by these changes," Bailey outlined that based on BoE estimates there is "a relative increase in the probability of failure of around 20%." Announced by the government in November last year, the proposed reform package inco...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Reform for modern times: A fairer future for families

Reform for modern times: A fairer future for families

'Could reshape the legal and financial consequences of relationship breakdown'

Julia Peake
clock 17 June 2026 • 4 min read
Carla Brown: PFS will reassert itself as voice of the profession in 2026

Carla Brown: PFS will reassert itself as voice of the profession in 2026

PFS president and chair on building trust

Carla Brown
clock 16 June 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers need 'robust' scam protections as investment fraud losses hit £221m

Advisers need 'robust' scam protections as investment fraud losses hit £221m

Investment fraud up 40% year-on-year

Sophia Panayi
clock 15 June 2026 • 2 min read