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Life Bancassurance in Europe: Investment-Related Life Insurance and Retirement Savings

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary

Introduction

European Overview

List of Graphics / Tables

 

 

 

0.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The market value across the 20 countries amounted to around EUR 635.9 billion in 2010 

Growth rates and levels of contribution per capita vary enormously by country 

Bancassurance is almost totally dominant as a channel for these products in Finland and Portugal 

Nearly a half of entities surveyed have a partnership for one or both of these products... 

... rising to well over a half if specialised lenders are excluded from the analysis 

The Spanish market is distinguished by the prevalence of joint venture underwriters 

Five of the eight leading providers of these products across Europe as a whole are bank-owned... 

... with CNP Assurances and Crédit Agricole the market leaders by weighted share of partnerships 

 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

What is this report about?

Distribution partnerships with banks and other lending institutions constitute the focus of this report 

Rationale 

Nearly half of banking organisations surveyed sell at least one type of the products covered by this report 

Methodology 

Survey of banks and other lending institutions 

Market data 

Definitions 

Investment-related life insurance 

Retirement savings 

Weighted provider share of partnerships 

Operating models 

Abbreviations and exchange rates 

Finaccord 

 

2.0 EUROPEAN OVERVIEW 

Introduction 

Market analysis – investment-related life insurance and retirement savings 

Contributions to retirement savings policies are gaining ground on investment-related life insurance 

Compound annual growth rates exceeded 10% in five countries between 2006 and 2010 

Finland has the highest level of savings per capita, using these types of policy 

Market analysis – investment-related life insurance 

Over EUR 360 billion were paid into investment-related life insurance policies in 2010 

This market tends to be largest where retirement savings vehicles are under-developed 

Market analysis – retirement savings 

Retirement savings policies attracted EUR 275 billion of premiums and equivalent revenue in 2010 

The UK market makes up nearly 40% of the European total... 

...though three other countries recorded higher premiums per capita in 2010 

The value of contributions in six developing markets doubled between 2006 and 2010 

Bancassurance analysis 

Provision rates and operating models for investment-related life insurance

The provision rate for investment-related life insurance through banks is highest in Spain 

Use of a single, external product provider constitutes the most regularly used operating model... 

...though captives are preferred in several countries 

Financial advice can be provided without needing multiple insurance partners 

The captive model is most common on a weighted basis... 

... simply because larger institutions are more likely to have established captive insurance providers 

Provision rates and operating models for retirement savings 

The average provision rate for retirement savings is higher than that for investment-related life insurance 

As with investment-related life insurance, single external product providers are used most often 

Captive providers are again more prominent on a weighted basis 

Distribution share of bancassurance for investment-related life and retirement savings 

Finaccord’s analysis illustrates the influence of bancassurance on a standardised basis 

The bancassurance channel accounts for more than 80% of business in two countries... 

...but less than 20% in five others 

Pan-European bancassurance groups 

Six of the eight leading bancassurance groups in Europe for these product classes originate from France... 

The weakness of bancassurance as a channel in the UK means that UK-only providers miss the top tier 

The strength of CNP Assurances in France is boosted by its joint ventures in Italy, Portugal and Spain 

 

3.0 AUSTRIA

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

The banking system can be divided according to how banks operate at the national, regional and local level 

Austrian banks are expected to raise EUR 2.9 billion to meet new capital requirements 

Insurance market size and growth 

Austria’s market delivered little growth between 2006 and 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

More than two in three banks offer investment-related life insurance in Austria 

Erste Bank’s bancassurance partnership was renewed for another 15 years in 2008 

The Raiffeisen Bankengruppe has also entered into a long-term strategic relationship 

Both ERGO and Generali have bought majority stakes in major bancassurance providers in recent years 

Excluding captive brokers, around 16 competitors work with banks in this market segment 

Retirement savings 

The provision rate among banking institutions for retirement savings is slightly lower... 

... although the operating models and partnerships are largely the same 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

On a combined basis, bancassurers increased their share of total life insurance between 2006 and 2010 

 

4.0 BELGIUM

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Structurally, Belgium’s banking and insurance sectors are very closely linked 

Dexia’s banking and insurance operations were nationalised in October 2011 

Insurance market size and growth 

Falling sales of individual unit-linked policies and capitalisation bonds cause the overall market to stagnate 

Distribution share of banks 

Banks are dominant in individual life insurance, especially for single premium contracts 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

All of Belgium’s mainstream retail banks offer investment-related life insurance... 

…and around half of those do so in conjunction with a captive or joint venture provider 

The leading providers of investment-related life insurance include AG Insurance and ING… 

…and AXA operates with a number of external banking partners as well as with AXA Bank itself 

Many providers are active in this area, but several are limited to having just one distributor bank 

Retirement savings 

The provision of retirement savings is virtually identical to that of investment-related life cover… 

…although three banks make use of different insurance providers for this type of cover… 

…and Crédit Mutuel subsidiary BKCP partners with a mix of captive and external underwriters 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

On a combined basis, the market share in total life insurance of key Belgian bancassurers has plateaued 

 

5.0 CZECH REPUBLIC

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

The Czech banking sector has remained stable during and in the aftermath of recent financial crises... 

...albeit the rate of foreign ownership could lead to significant restructuring 

Insurance market size and growth 

Rapidly increasing demand for unit-linked insurance has buoyed the Czech life insurance sector 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

A half of the 32 banks and other lending institutions researched offer investment-related life insurance 

Product providers include external underwriters, captive underwriters and a single joint venture 

Aviva possesses an important relationship with UniCredit Bank in this field 

Banking entities not selling investment-related life insurance are mainly specialised lending institutions 

Two major relationships are determined by international bancassurance agreements 

Retirement savings 

Captive pension funds belonging to the two largest banks are most prominent in this market... 

...albeit AXA has established useful partnerships for retirement savings with four entities 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Among bancassurers, Komerční pojišťovna has grown most rapidly in total life insurance 

 

6.0 DENMARK

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Seven of the largest ten banking institutions are indigenous to Denmark 

The Danish banking sector has changed significantly as a result of the financial crisis... 

...and the number of lending institutions is expected to decrease further 

However, the four largest Danish banks remain comparatively healthy 

Insurance market size and growth 

The popularity of unit-linked policies has underpinned the Danish life insurance and pensions market 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Danish banks focus on selling pension products rather than investment-related life insurance... 

Retirement savings 

Entities with no arrangement in this arena are mainly specialised lenders, rather than banks 

PFA benefits from distribution relationships with at least ten sizeable banking institutions 

Two important captive underwriters are ranked second and third by weighted share of partnerships 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

The market share of total life insurance of Danica Pension fell sharply in 2009 and 2010 

 

7.0 FINLAND

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Finland’s banking sector is relatively concentrated and dominated by OP-Pohjola and Nordea... 

... albeit with competition from a range of other foreign-owned and co-operative / savings banks... 

... plus S-Pankki, the banking arms of the S-Group retailing co-operative 

The Finnish banking system has a very low exposure to troubles elsewhere in Europe 

Insurance market size and growth 

Statutory pension insurance accounted for over two thirds of the total market in 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Investment-related life policies are offered mainly through captive insurance companies... 

...although in the context of its use by Sampo Pankki, Mandatum Life is a non-captive 

Retirement savings 

Retirement savings products are widely offered by the larger banking institutions in Finland... 

... usually by means of the same product providers used for investment-related life insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

The combined market share of competitors with a strong exposure to bancassurance is increasing 

OP Henkivakuutus has grown very rapidly in the non-statutory pensions market 

 

8.0 FRANCE

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Insurance market size and growth 

The French market for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings is Europe’s largest... 

.... in spite of the fact that contributions to unit-linked policies have fallen sharply in recent years 

Distribution share of banks 

French banks remain dominant in life insurance in spite of a slight fall in their distribution share since 2006 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

All major retail banks, and even some consumer finance specialists, offer these types of policy... 

…with nearly half of all provision being organised through captive providers 

As the leading external provider, CNP Assurances benefits from its links with two major banks… 

…with captive partners, such as Predica, Cardif and ACM, also prominent in this market 

Three banking entities offer products sourced from more than one provider 

AXA distributes investment-related life cover through Banque Palatine and Carrefour Bank 

Retirement savings 

Captive partners are also prominent for retirement savings products… 

…albeit external provider CNP Assurances holds the largest weighted share of partnerships 

Many distribution partnerships in this field mirror those of investment-related life cover… 

…and two small entities boost the presence of BPCE’s captive retirement planning subsidiary 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

The leading three bank-owned insurers all expanded their share of the total life insurance market in 2010 

 

9.0 GERMANY

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

In spite of some consolidation, Germany’s banking sector remains comparatively fragmented 

Many of the regional public sector banks have suffered during the financial crisis... 

... although the savings banks are largely perceived by consumers to be safe institutions 

Taken as a whole, the co-operative banks possess the most retail branches in Germany 

Insurance market size and growth 

Riester and basic pension contracts fuel strong growth in the market for retirement savings products 

‘Kapitalversicherung’ policies constitute a popular form of saving for many households 

Rürup pension contracts are targeted most of all at self-employed customers 

Distribution share of banks 

Recent evidence suggests the distribution share of banks in investment and pension policies is rising 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Investment-related life insurance policies are offered quite widely by banking institutions in Germany 

Talanx bought out Postbank’s equity holding in PB Lebensversicherung in 2007 

Commerzbank switched its bancassurance partner after buying Dresdner Bank from Allianz in 2008 

Deutsche Bank and Santander Consumer Bank both took steps to extend their deals during 2011 

Including all types of provider, over 30 competitors hold relationships with banks in this sector... 

... and several significant banking institutions are not distributors of investment-related life insurance 

Retirement savings 

Retirement savings products of one sort or another are available from over 50% of banks investigated 

Partnerships with major banks determine the ranking by weighted share of product providers 

Thanks to a previous deal with SEB, AXA is used as one of two providers by Santander Consumer Bank 

Some links in place for retirement savings replicate those verified for investment-related life insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

The bancassurance-focused subsidiaries of Talanx ceded market share between 2006 and 2010 

 

10.0 IRELAND 

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Six major Irish banks have been reduced to three by the financial crisis... 

... with foreign-owned banks making up the field 

The Irish League of Credit Unions has the largest customer base, spread across 400 entities 

Insurance market size and growth 

Ireland’s retirement savings market has been bolstered by sales of pension plans for the self-employed 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Three insurance companies offer investment bonds through the bancassurance channel 

Retirement savings 

All full-service banks offer retirement savings... 

... with partnerships distributed across five providers 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Key bancassurance underwriters account for a very significant share of total life and pensions... 

 

11.0 ITALY

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Four, or arguably five, retail banking groups lay claim to a genuinely nationwide network… 

… although these are being challenged by an array of ambitious regional competitors… 

… including the banche di credito cooperative and casse Raiffeisen… 

… as well as several insurer-owned banks and banks falling under foreign ownership 

Italy also plays host to a considerable number of specialised lending institutions 

Italy’s banking groups typically encapsulate a number of local or regional banking brands 

Insurance market size and growth 

The market for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings hit its highest ever level in 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

Banks are most dominant as distributors in the market for unit-linked life insurance 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

A comparatively high proportion of banking institutions work with one more than product provider 

Both Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit have re-configured their bancassurance activities in recent years 

In total, around 12 providers of investment-related life insurance are classifiable as captive providers... 

... and 11 as joint ventures 

Other providers with a significant presence include Arca, Assimoco, Eurovita, UNIQA and Zurich 

Unipol has owned over 60% of the equity capital of Arca since June 2010 

Several firms are only ever used as one of a panel of providers of investment-related life policies 

Most institutions with no involvement in this area are classifiable as specialised lenders 

Retirement savings 

Providers of retirement savings include both insurance companies and investment management firms... 

... with the latter including Pioneer, in the case of UniCredit 

Once again, product providers include a significant number of captive and joint venture entities... 

... although over 20 external companies possess at least one exclusive partnership in this domain 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Over 30 bank-owned captive or joint venture underwriters are active in the Italian life insurance market... 

... although fewer compete in the pension funds sector 

 

12.0 NETHERLANDS

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

The Dutch state exerts a greater influence on the retail banking sector than foreign institutions... 

…and is likely to continue to do so until 2014 at least 

ING has reshaped itself greatly in recent years 

Several lending institutions have closed to new business 

Insurance market size and growth 

The Dutch market for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings is relatively large but mature 

Distribution share of banks 

The share of banks in the retirement savings market fell back slightly between 2008 and 2010 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Captive and joint venture underwriters are almost completely dominant in this market... 

... albeit Friesland Bank utilises a captive broker as opposed to a captive underwriter

Banking entities not selling investment-related life insurance are mainly specialised lending institutions 

Retirement savings 

Arrangements for retirement savings very similar to those for investment-related life insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Underwriters owned wholly or in part by banks account for over one third of total life insurance 

 

13.0 NORWAY

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Four, or arguably five of the ten lending institutions are owned by foreign parents 

Two savings banks groups play an important role in Norway’s banking sector 

International financial crises have had a limited impact on Norway’s banking market 

Insurance market size and growth 

Norway’s retirement savings market is composed primarily of group pension insurance 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Norwegian banks favour marketing retirement savings products over investment-related life insurance 

Retirement savings 

Captive providers within the large financial groups dominate the bancassurance sector... 

... albeit Frende Forsikring is used by several independent savings banks... 

... and Gjensidige Pensjonsforsikring by two others 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Key bancassurers hold a combined market share of over 50% in individual endowment insurance... 

... and over 90% in individual pension insurance... 

... but are pegged back at around one third of the market in group pension insurance 

 

14.0 POLAND

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Eight of the top ten banking institutions by number of retail customers are owned by foreign parents... 

... and the Polish government maintains a significant stake in the largest bank, PKO Bank Polski 

Poland’s banking sector is characterised by significant merger and acquisition activity... 

... with further changes in market structure likely to occur in future years 

While comparatively strong, Poland’s banks are not immune to factors in the wider eurozone 

Insurance market size and growth 

The value of investment-related life insurance hit a five-year high in 2008 

Distribution share of banks 

A rising share of sales of group life insurance policies has brought bancassurers to the fore 

The latest data indicates that, by value, investment-related policies are the largest bancassurance product 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Investment-related life policies are available from 20 of the banking institutions investigated 

By weighted share of partnerships, Allianz is the leading non-captive provider... 

... and ING Życie the most prominent captive 

Five banks make use of more than one provider for investment-related life insurance 

Bank Zachodni WBK’s joint venture with Aviva was established in 2008 

At least one distribution relationship is determined by an international bancassurance alliance 

Europa’s gross written premiums expanded rapidly between 2006 and 2010 

Several sizeable banking institutions do not market any form of investment-related life insurance 

Retirement savings 

Often, the retirement savings products offered by banks are either OFEs or IKEs 

Poland’s largest bank has established two joint ventures in this domain 

mBank collaborates with four product providers for retirement savings 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Europa and Nordea Życie increased their market share most significantly between 2006 and 2010 

 

15.0 PORTUGAL

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Insurance market size and growth 

Investment-related life insurance is composed primarily of deferred capital insurance policies 

The market for PPR and PPR/E contracts expanded rapidly between 2006 and 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

Banks are almost completely dominant in the distribution of life insurance in Portugal 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance

Captive and joint venture underwriters dominate bancassurance distribution of this type of policy...

... with other types of product provider limited to relatively small partnerships 

Banking entities not selling investment-related life insurance are mainly specialised lending institutions 

Crédit Agricole entered into its bancassurance joint venture with Banco Espírito Santo in 2006 

The final cost to CNP of its deal with Barclays will play out over 12 years following its commencement

Retirement savings

Arrangements for retirement savings are largely the same as those for investment-related life insurance... 

... albeit CajaDuero offers the latter product class but not the former

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Fidelidade Mundial and Ocidental Vida have achieved consistent growth in their market share

 

16.0 ROMANIA 

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector

Insurance market size and growth 

Investment-related life insurance and retirement savings have advanced rapidly in recent years 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Comparatively few banking institutions in Romania sell investment-related life insurance 

BCR Asigurari, owned by Vienna Insurance Group, benefits from its tie with Banca Comerciala Romana 

Many sizeable banking institutions do not market investment-related life insurance 

AEGON’s link with Banca Transilvania dates back to an agreement forged in 2007 

Citibank began marketing ING’s Academica and Regal policies in 2010 

Retirement savings 

Arrangements for retirement savings are largely the same as those for investment-related life insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

BCR Asigurari de Viata closed the gap on the market leader, ING Asigurari de Viata, in 2010 

 

17.0 RUSSIA

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector

Banks owned ultimately by the state continue to exert a strong influence on Russia’s banking sector...

... with several foreign banks having decided to exit the market

Russia’s banking sector has changed very significantly in recent years... 

... with a new wave of merger and acquisition activity in evidence since 2008...

... and with further changes in the market structure likely to occur 

In spite of its problems, there is plenty of scope for the Russian retail banking market to grow 

Insurance market size and growth

Most of the market is likely to be composed of contributions to non-state pension funds (NPFs) 

Distribution share of banks 

The primary bancassurance focus of Russian banks lies on creditor and motor insurance

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Few banking entities promote any form of investment-related life insurance 

The bancassurance strategy of Sberbank is likely to evolve in future 

Retirement savings 

Around a quarter of major banking institutions promote non-state pension funds... 

... in many cases through their own captive vehicles 

In total, a dozen NPFs possess bank distribution partnerships... 

... although a number of significant banking institutions have not yet entered this market 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Most ‘life insurance’ distributed by banks is actually creditor insurance 

 

18.0 SPAIN

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

The end of the decade saw a raft of mergers amid general economic uncertainty…

…with more mergers and state take-overs expected 

Insurance market size and growth 

Investment-related life insurance is composed primarily of endowments and unit-linked policies 

The market for PPA contracts expanded rapidly between 2006 and 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

While still dominant, the share of banks in total life insurance has retreated slightly in recent years...

... although they remain powerful in the market for individual single premium policies

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

By weighted share of partnerships, the three leading providers are all insurers owned outright by banks... 

…while MAPFRE is the most prominent external provider of this type of insurance... 

…followed by Zurich, to which four significant bancassurance relationships were attributable 

The Spanish market is also populated by a large number of smaller captive insurance providers... 

... and numerous joint ventures... 

…although Spain’s evolving banking market means that the future of many of these is uncertain 

Retirement savings 

Arrangements for retirement savings are virtually the same as those for investment-related life insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Key bancassurance underwriters control over one third of the total insurance market in Spain 

 

19.0 SWEDEN

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

In 2011, SBAB received permission to commence banking operations 

Swedbank either owns or co-operates closely with the majority of local savings banks 

Sweden’s banking sector remains in relatively good health

Insurance market size and growth 

Contributions to traditional and unit-linked capital insurance policies have caused the market to grow

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Captive subsidiaries of the large banks are dominant in the bancassurance sector... 

... with only two product providers acting as non-captive partners 

Banking entities with no involvement in this sector are mainly specialised lending institutions 

Retirement savings 

The partnerships for retirement savings are nearly identical to those for investment-related life insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

On a combined basis, bancassurers hold over 40% of Sweden’s total life insurance market 

 

20.0 SWITZERLAND

Banks and other lending institutions covered

Introduction to the banking sector 

The Swiss banking system can be segmented into four broad categories 

Perceived as ‘safe havens’, the cantonal banks have increased their market share in recent years 

The Clientis and Raiffeisen groupings are also significant in Swiss retail banking 

Postfinance is allowed to operate without a regular banking licence 

Insurance market size and growth 

The total value of the Swiss market grew modestly between 2006 and 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

External underwriters dominate bancassurance distribution of this type of policy in Switzerland 

Schweizerische Mobiliar has established relationships with several cantonal and savings banks 

Zurich launched a major new bancassurance partnership with Credit Suisse in October 2010 

Several quite sizeable banking institutions do not offer investment-related life insurance 

Retirement savings 

Swiss Life has access to the largest number of banking customers for retirement savings products 

Four other product providers are reasonably significant in this sphere... 

... and the potential exists for further relationships with banks currently lacking a partner 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

 

21.0 TURKEY

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Insurance market size and growth 

Contributions to individual pension contracts have grown rapidly since their introduction in 2003 

Distribution share of banks 

While already dominant, Turkish banks extended their distribution share in life insurance in 2010 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

Comparatively few Turkish banks distribute investment products in a life insurance ‘wrapper’ 

Vakif Emeklilik holds a distribution partnership with Tekstil Bank in addition to its parent Vakifbank 

Banks with no arrangement for investment-related life insurance include several significant institutions 

Retirement savings 

More banks offer retirement savings products than investment-related life insurance 

Several bank-owned pension companies also act as non-captive providers to separate banks... 

... including Garanti Emeklilik ve Hayat as well as Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik and Vakif Emeklilik 

Banks with no retirement savings proposition are generally smaller institutions 

MetLife has entered into a 15-year distribution partnership with Denizbank 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Bank-owned captives and joint ventures accounted for over 80% of total life insurance in 2010 

 

22.0 UNITED KINGDOM

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector

The crisis of 2007 onwards forced many institutions to close, merge or be nationalised... 

... with Santander as the only bank to emerge much stronger from the turmoil... 

... while the Nationwide and the Yorkshire rescued several building societies in trouble 

New entrants are appearing, with 700 branches scheduled to change hands at the time of publication 

Insurance market size and growth 

In aggregate, the UK’s investment-related life insurance and retirement savings market peaked in 2007

Distribution share of banks

The distribution share of banks and building societies in life insurance appears to be stable...

... although for personal and stakeholder pensions, it has fallen back to the margins in recent years 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Investment-related life insurance 

In the UK, the sale of investment bonds requires financial advice... 

...which means that some leading banks do not believe that they can support this product 

The captives of Lloyds Banking Group and HSBC have the largest weighted share of partnerships... 

... followed by Aviva, AXA Wealth and Legal & General among external underwriters 

Smaller partnerships are scattered across a dozen independent financial advisers 

Retirement savings 

Pension products sold by banks polarise between high-value SIPPs and low-value stakeholder pensions 

Over a quarter of banks and other institutions offer some form of pension 

AJ Bell, a specialist provider of SIPPs, holds partnerships with three major banking networks 

Legal & General’s major relationship is limited to stakeholder pensions only 

In 2010, Bank of Scotland and Halifax stopped marketing stakeholder pensions 

Skipton Financial Services is used by two external building societies as well as by the Skipton itself

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Bank-owned insurance providers account for a very low combined share of total life insurance 

 

LIST OF GRAPHICS / TABLES 

0.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Expenditure allocated to retirement savings products has grown slightly more quickly than that for investment-related life insurance 

In eight countries, banks hold a distribution share of more than 60% for these two product categories combined 

Five of the eight leading product providers by weighted share of partnerships are bank-owned and six originate from France 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

Banks and other lending institutions contacted by Finaccord, segmented by country and type 

2.0 EUROPEAN OVERVIEW

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Europe, 2006-2010 

Provision rates for investment-related life insurance through bancassurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for investment-related life insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for investment-related life insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Operating models (weighted) used for investment-related life insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (weighted) used for investment-related life insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Provision rates for retirement savings through bancassurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for retirement savings in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for retirement savings in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Operating models (weighted) used for retirement savings in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (weighted) used for retirement savings in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Distribution share of bancassurance for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Europe, 2011 

Weighted group share of bancassurance partnerships for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings, re-weighted by country bancassurance market size, Europe, 2010 

3.0 AUSTRIA

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Austria, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Austria, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Austria, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Austria, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Austria, 2006-2010 (data) 

4.0 BELGIUM

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Belgium, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Belgium, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in total life, individual life and group life insurance in Belgium, 2006-2009 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Belgium, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Belgium, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Belgium, 2006-2010 (data) 

5.0 CZECH REPUBLIC

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in the Czech Republic, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in the Czech Republic, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in the Czech Republic, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in the Czech Republic, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in the Czech Republic, 2006-2010 (data) 

6.0 DENMARK

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Denmark, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Denmark, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Denmark, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Denmark, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Denmark, 2006-2010 (data) 

7.0 FINLAND

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Finland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Finland, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Finland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Finland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Finland, 2006-2010 (data) 

Market share in total non-statutory pensions of key bancassurance underwriters in Finland, 2006-2010 (data) 

8.0 FRANCE 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in France, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in France, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in total life insurance in France, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in France, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in France, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in France, 2009-2010 (data) 

9.0 GERMANY

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Germany, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Germany, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Germany, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Germany, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Germany, 2006-2010 (data) 

10.0 IRELAND

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Ireland, 2006-2010

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Ireland, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Ireland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Ireland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance and pensions of key bancassurance underwriters in Ireland, 2006-2009 (data)

11.0 ITALY

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Italy, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Italy, 2006-2010 (data)

Distribution share of bancassurance total life, 'class 1' life and unit-linked life insurance, and capitalisation bonds and pension funds in Italy, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Italy, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Italy, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Italy, 2006-2010 (data) 

Market share in pension funds of key bancassurance underwriters in Italy 2006-2010 (data) 

12.0 NETHERLANDS 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in the Netherlands, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in the Netherlands, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in total individual life and pension insurance in the Netherlands, 2008 and 2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in the Netherlands, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in the Netherlands, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in the Netherlands, 2006-2009 (data) 

13.0 NORWAY

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Norway, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Norway, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Norway, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Norway, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in individual endowment insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Norway, 2006-2010 (data) 

Market share in individual pension insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Norway, 2006-2010 (data) 

Market share in group pension insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Norway, 2006-2010 (data)

14.0 POLAND 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Poland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Poland, 2006-2010 (data)

Distribution share of banks in total life insurance and assorted segments in Poland, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Poland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Poland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Poland, 2006-2010 (data) 

15.0 PORTUGAL

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Portugal, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Portugal, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in total life insurance in Portugal, 2008-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Portugal, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Portugal, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters, 2006-2009 (data) 

16.0 ROMANIA

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Romania, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Romania, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Romania, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Romania, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Romania, 2006-2010 (data) 

17.0 RUSSIA 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Russia, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Russia, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Russia, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Russia, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Russia, 2006-2010 (data) 

18.0 SPAIN 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Spain, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Spain, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in total life insurance in Spain, 2006-2009 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in individual and group investment-related life insurance in Spain, 2006-2009 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Spain, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Spain, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life and non-life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters still active and mentioned / covered by the research in in Spain, 2008-2010 (data) 

Market share in total life and non-life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters no longer active and / or not mentioned / covered by the research in in Spain, 2008-2010 (data) 

19.0 SWEDEN

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Sweden, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Sweden, 2006-2010 (data)

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Sweden, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Sweden, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Sweden, 2006-2010 (data)

20.0 SWITZERLAND

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Switzerland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Switzerland, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Switzerland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Switzerland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

21.0 TURKEY

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Turkey, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in Turkey, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in life insurance and pensions in Turkey, 2009 and 2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in Turkey, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in Turkey, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in Turkey, 2006-2010 (data)

22.0 UNITED KINGDOM 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in the UK, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for investment-related life insurance and retirement savings in the UK, 2006-2010 (data)

Distribution share of banks in life insurance and personal / stakeholder pensions in the UK, 2005, 2007 and 2009 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of investment-related life insurance in the UK, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of retirement savings in the UK, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Market share in total life insurance of key bancassurance underwriters in the UK, 2006-2010 (data)

 


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