There are various types of investments having their own advantages and disadvantages. Skill and sound judgment may influence the result. The suitability of some of the types of investments in insurance is discussed here.
Table of Contents
Types of Investments in Insurance
- Government Securities
- Industrial Securities
- Mortgages
- Real Estate
- Policy Loans
- Other Assets
1. Government Securities
Government Securities are deemed to be the safest securities in the sense that there are no substantial fluctuations in their values. Securities of Central government are safer than that of State Governments. The return on these securities may not be higher.
Foreign government securities are not much favorable due to fluctuations and political conditions. The social objective principle is also fulfilled by these securities because the stronger government can look after better its masses.
2. Industrial Securities
The shares and debentures of business and industrial units are included in this category. The rate of return on these securities is comparatively higher than the return on government securities but his safety principle is not so much applicable as in the latter case.
They are also desirable investments for fulfilling socio-economic purposes. Maximum diversification of investments industry-wise, nature-wise and sector-wise, etc. is very much possible.
Relative Importance of shares and debentures
Debentures and bonds offer a greater amount of security. THE preference shares are more secure than the equity shares.
The returns on debentures and preference shares being fixed are not more profitable than the return on equity shares. But, the return is more stable in the former case.
However, the rate of return depends largely on the normal rate of the concerns, size, and nature of the business and management of the unit. For example, the return on shares of a well-managed and sound concern will be better than that of financially unsound concerns.
Moreover, the equity shares will be more secured in the former case than the debentures of the latter concern. The investment department of the insurer must have constant vigilance over the princes of such securities, and securities of only those concerns should be selected that promise constant and regular income and lesser or no fluctuations in their price.
From a return point of view, the equity shares of sound concerns are a better investment. Some experts are of the opinion that the equity shares do not form proper investment because it tempts to secure full control of the business units, which is beyond the purview of the insurance business.
The government has also laid down various regulations of investment in shares. The investment of a very large proportion of the funds of life insurance is undoubtedly objectionable but is not necessary to prohibit such investments altogether.
Preference shares give a lower yield but the return is more assured while ordinary stocks involve more speculation about the return. Debentures rank high in order security and are placed next to government securities. Debenture-holders are creditors and as the such prior right to both interests as well as capital over shareholders of a particular unit.
3. Mortgages
Loans are, generally, granted on the mortgage of buildings and land. Usually, loans are given to a lower amount than the value of property to provide sufficient margin for safety.
An adequate rate of return is observed on such loans and there are sufficient scopes of diversification. Moreover, these loans are relatively expensive to initiate and service. The marketability of such loans is also doubtful.
But a mortgage loan carrying a provision of amortization whereby the loan is entirely paid off in a particular period is perfectly satisfactory. Mortgages are a specified form of investment and, as such, need skill and experience in their management.
4. Real Estate
The purchase of land and buildings is included in under-investment in real estate. This is not a proper investment for insurers because there are huge fluctuations in the prices of real estate.
Moreover, real estate does not guarantee a constant and higher-income apart from the lesser marketability.
Therefore, the insurer has only as much real estate as needed for his own requirements, i.e., for opening offices. Investment for its management.
5. Policy Loans
Policy loans are given to the policyholders against the security of the surrender value of the policy. The amount of loan and interest thereon will not be more than the surrender value of the policy. The loan, if not paid, can be taken over from the amount of surrender.
The liquidity factor is not bright because the unpaid loans cannot be treated as unpaid until the duration of the policy. The rate of expenses in handling such loans is very high.
However, this is an important investment as it improves business and customer relationships and provides facilities to the policyholders.
6. Other Assets
The funds of the life insurer may be invested in the business itself in the shape of cash, machine, furniture, properties, etc. These principles vary according to the nature and size of the business.
Bases for Formulation of Investment Policy by a life Insure
1. Basic Principles
Safety, profitability, liquidity diversification, and aid to business are guiding principles for formulating investment policies. These principles vary according to the nature and size of the business. However, basically, these principles have to be, applied for proper investment policy.
2. The Outlook of Management
Apart from the basic principles, the investment portfolio is affected by the attitude of the management of the concern. If the management wishes to earn maximum profit, the investment will be made in high-yielding securities rather than in safe securities. Sound effective management will always try to invest in safe and constant securities.
3. The present composition of the investment portfolio
Where the present composition of the investment portfolio shows a heavy concentration on government securities, a fresh investment may be made in industrial securities. Effective investment policy will have to establish a proper balance between all types of investment channels.
4. The present position of the Insurer
The investment of the insurer is affected most by the size, age, capital, and progress rate of the business. For example, a new insurer must see safety to the maximum level while the established concern may invest in high-yielding security.
5. Availability of suitable securities
When the most suitable securities are not available, the investment will have to be confined to the next suitable investment. the requirement. The requirement of time may also bound the investment portfolio, e.g., during the war period, government securities are considerably used.
6. Adequacy of funds
If there is an adequate fund with the insurer investment may be made in high-yielding securities and if funds are insufficient, the safety principle is the most considerable factor.
7. Socio-Economic Needs
Bailey also suggested that investments must be made according to the social and economic requirements of society. It has been discussed earlier that for meeting social objectives, investment, sometimes, is made even in low-yielding securities.
The environment of the country
The political and economical environment of the country also affects the investment portfolio. International and national relationships are also taken into account while investing in the funds.
- Limitation of Investment
Investment of funds is subject to two limitations:-
- Legal; and
- Self-imposed.
a) Legal Limitations
It can be of two types:-
- Quantitative; and
- Qualitative
I) Quantitative limitation
The quantitative aspects of investment regulations stem from the specification of eligible type s of investment and the minimum quality criteria for individual investments within the eligible categories.
iii) Quantitative
Limitations may be imposed on the amounts that can be placed in eligible investments. For example, in India, at least 50 percent of the controlled funds should be invested in government securities.
b) Self-Imposed Limitations
Life insurers also place limitations on their investments which is determined by the traditions and outlook of management. These limitations maybe change from time to time.
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