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Life Bancassurance in Europe: Protection-Related Life Insurance

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary

Introduction

European Overview

List of Graphics / Tables


 

0.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In recent years, the total market value has grown at a compound annual average of 4.0% 

Non-creditor business makes up more than half the market in seven countries out of 20 

Growth rates in excess of 3% a year are being recorded even in the most mature markets 

Bancassurers’ share of protection-related life insurance does not exceed 80% in any country 

Nearly a half of entities surveyed have a partnership for at least one type of protection-related life policy

Larger distributors are more likely to have captive or joint venture insurance partners 

Six of the eight leading providers of these products across Europe as a whole are French... 

... and six of the top eight are bank-owned 

 

1.0 INTRODUCTION

What is this report about? 

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

Rationale 

Nearly a 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 

Protection-related life insurance 

Risk life insurance 

Critical illness insurance 

Income protection insurance 

Weighted provider share of partnerships 

Operating models

Abbreviations and exchange rates 

Finaccord 

 

2.0 EUROPEAN OVERVIEW

Introduction 

Market analysis – protection-related life insurance 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance have grown in each year since 2006... 

...with the French market boosted by provident institutions and health mutuals in addition to insurers 

Gross written premiums have risen in all but two of the 20 countries investigated 

Non-creditor insurance makes up more than half of total protection-related life insurance across Europe... 

...mainly because of the sheer size of the French non-creditor market 

Per capita premiums for protection-related life insurance in France are more than 125 times those in Russia 

Bancassurance analysis 

Provision rates and operating models for risk life insurance 

No banking entity in the Czech Republic was found to offer stand-alone risk life insurance 

A half of all partnerships operate with a single external underwriter... 

...though captives are preferred in several countries 

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 critical illness insurance 

The provision rate for stand-alone critical illness insurance is highest in Norway 

More than 10% of banks use a broker for critical illness insurance, compared to 5.8% for risk life 

Captive providers are again more prominent on a weighted basis 

Provision rates and operating models for income protection insurance 

On average, just over one in five of the institutions surveyed offer income protection insurance 

A majority of partnerships are built around captive underwriters when measured on a weighted basis 

Distribution share of bancassurance for protection-related life insurance 

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

The highest share attributable to the bancassurance channel is between 60% and 80% 

Pan-European bancassurance groups 

French captive bancassurance groups dominate the European market by size... 

... and only two non-captives rank in the top tier 

 

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 for protection-related life insurance is delivering very little growth 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Risk life insurance is most commonly offered through external or joint venture underwriters 

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

Oberösterreichische Versicherung acts both as an external and joint venture underwriter 

Critical illness insurance 

In conjunction with ACE, American Express markets a critical illness policy focused on cancer 

Income protection inurance 

Income protection insurance is quite commonly available from banks in Austria... 

... with Raiffeisen Versicherung prominent in terms of its weighted share of partnerships 

Cardif is unique in having introduced short-term income protection cover 

A few banks offer income protection insurance in co-operation with joint venture underwriters 

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 

Growth in protection-related life insurance in Belgium derives primarily from group business 

Distribution share of banks 

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

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Around one quarter of relevant banking entities in Belgium offer this type of cover 

AG Insurance acts as a joint venture underwriter for two key distributors… 

…whereas many leading (and often captive) insurers maintain just one partnership 

Critical illness insurance 

Only one specialist bank is found to be offering this type of protection-related life cover… 

…and this instance may simply be the result of its clients’ particular insurance-related needs 

Income protection insurance 

All of the major Belgian retail banks offer stand-alone income protection policies… 

…and distribution partnerships for this type of cover mirror those used for risk life insurance 

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 

The market for protection-related life insurance has enjoyed relatively strong growth in recent years 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life, critical illness and income protection insurance 

No lending institution was found to offer protection-related life insurance 

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 

Consistent if modest growth characterises protection-related life insurance in Denmark 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Excluding specialised lenders, most banking entities are active in this field 

By weighted share of partnerships, PFA is the market leader... 

... followed by NyKredit Livsforsikring and three captive underwriters 

PFA has developed an insurance policy with the specific focus of protecting children 

Critical illness insurance 

The main partnerships are similar to those for risk life insurance 

Income protection insurance 

The provision rate for this form of cover is almost the same as that for critical illness insurance 

In a number of cases, stand-alone unemployment insurance is available 

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 

Growth in Finland’s protection-related life insurance market plateaued somewhat in 2009 and 2010 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Risk life insurance is marketed by a handful of banking institutions in Finland... 

... with captive underwriters used in a majority of cases 

Critical illness insurance 

The policies marketed by banks are mainly restricted to cover for cancer 

Income protection insurance 

Just one bank is active in this domain 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

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

 

8.0 FRANCE

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Insurance market size and growth 

France’s market for protection-related life insurance is both large and multi-faceted 

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 

Risk life insurance 

More than half of bancassurance partnerships for this type of cover involve a captive underwriter... 

…with Predica, Cardif and ACM prominent in the wake of CNP Assurances, the sector leader 

Carrefour Bank and La Banque Postale each make use of joint venture insurers 

Critical illness insurance 

Bank distribution of critical illness cover is virtually absent from the French market… 

…and the ‘Plan Triple Sécurité’ distributed by American Express is underwritten by ACE 

Income protection insurance 

The vast majority of French banks offering this cover do so via a captive underwriter… 

…although external providers Generali and Intériale Mutuelle are also active in this market 

Captive insurers with multiple vendors include ACM, Assurances Banque Populaire Vie, Cardif and Predica 

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 

Protection-related life insurance is composed primarily of the risk life and work incapacity segments 

Reforms to the pension system have resulted in growing demand for work incapacity insurance 

Distribution share of banks 

Recent evidence suggests the distribution share of banks in protection-related policies is rising 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Around a half of banking institutions researched in Germany are distributors of risk life insurance 

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

Zurich’s strategic partnership with Deutsche Bank has been running for over ten years 

Rheinland Versicherungen extended its relationship with Santander Consumer Bank in early 2011 

Several private sector insurers have established partnerships with public sector savings banks 

ERGO Direkt (formerly KarstadtQuelle Versicherungen) is used by Valovis Bank 

Building societies generally distribute the policies of their parent insurance companies 

Six banks utilise captive brokers for risk life insurance 

Several significant banking institutions are not distributors of stand-alone risk life insurance 

Critical illness insurance 

Critical illness insurance is not widely marketed by banking institutions in Germany 

Income protection insurance 

Provision rates and partnerships largely resemble those for risk life insurance... 

... although some are unique to this form of cover... 

... including relationships involving American Express and National Bank 

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 market for protection-related life insurance is likely to have declined since 2007 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Mortgage specialists do not offer stand-alone risk life insurance 

Critical illness insurance 

All banks offering stand-alone risk life insurance also offer stand-alone critical illness cover 

Income protection insurance 

EBS distributes income protection cover but not risk life or critical illness insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

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

... although this share fell to a four year low in 2009 for life insurance, in particular 

 

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 cooperativo 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 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance peaked at EUR 2.13 billion in 2008 

Distribution share of banks 

Banks took the lion’s share of sales of life insurance in every year from 2006 to 2010 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Two major banking groups each hold stakes in a pair of joint venture bancassurance entities 

Some captive and joint venture firms have been successful in creating partnerships with external banks 

Recent years have seen both the creation and winding down of joint venture underwriters 

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

A number of major banking entities ignore risk life insurance in favour of creditor policies 

Critical illness insurance 

Just three banking institutions offer policies with a significant critical illness component 

Income protection insurance 

Three major banking networks distribute income protection insurance 

Assimoco is used as one of two providers by the Gruppo Bancario Raiffeisen as well as by ten local banks 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

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

 

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 

Different forms of income protection insurance are significant within the overall market 

Distribution share of banks 

Banks increased their share of the individual life insurance market between 2008 and 2010 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Eight captive underwriters and three joint venture underwriters are active in this market 

Where risk life insurance is not offered, there is usually a logical reason why this is the case 

Critical illness insurance 

No bancassurance policy in the Netherlands fits the definition of critical illness insurance 

Income protection insurance 

Dutch income protection plans are designed for medium-term disability, not unemployment 

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 

Growth in the protection-related life insurance market has slowed since 2008 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Captive underwriters belonging to the three major financial groups are dominant in this market 

Four independent savings banks founded Frende Forsikring as a joint venture in 2007 

Several independent savings banks have chosen to co-operate with Gjensidige 

Critical illness insurance 

Norway’s three major financial groups also occupy a strong position in this bancassurance sector 

Income protection insurance 

The partnerships in this market are mainly the same as those for critical illness insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

Vital Forsikring has enjoyed particularly rapid growth in the group life insurance market 

 

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 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance have risen consistently in recent years 

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 

Risk life insurance 

Risk life insurance is promoted by a minority of banking institutions surveyed... 

... although one of these is PKO Bank Polski, the largest retail bank in Poland 

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

Several sizeable banking institutions do not market risk life insurance 

Critical illness insurance

Just one banking entity was found to offer critical illness insurance in Poland 

Income protection insurance 

Income protection insurance has not yet been introduced as a bancassurance product 

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 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance peaked at around EUR 1.12 billion in 2009 

Distribution share of banks 

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

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Nine captive underwriters and three joint venture underwriters are active in this market... 

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

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 

Critical illness insurance 

A cancer insurance policy specifically for females is available from two banking institutions 

Income protection insurance 

Three banking institutions have introduced short-term income protection insurance policies 

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 

Between 2006 and 2010, protection-related life insurance is likely to have grown by around three quarters 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Three captive underwriters are apparent in the market for risk life cover sold by banks 

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

No non-captive underwriter holds more than two bancassurance relationships in this arena 

Several sizeable banking institutions do not market risk life insurance 

ERGO’s link with UniCredit Ţiriac Bank is part of a wider multi-country bancassurance agreement 

Critical illness insurance and income protection insurance 

Neither policy has been introduced as a bancassurance product in Romania 

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 

The value of the market for protection-related life insurance has fluctuated up and down in recent years 

Distribution share of banks 

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

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Stand-alone risk life insurance is rarely marketed by Russian banks 

The bancassurance strategy of Sberbank is likely to evolve in future 

Critical illness and income protection insurance 

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 

The market size is boosted by the substantial value of funeral expenses insurance 

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 risk life insurance 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Risk life insurance policies are sold by close to three quarters of institutions investigated... 

…and captive underwriters claim four of the top eight places by weighted share of partnerships 

The most prominent non-captive underwriter in this sphere is MAPFRE 

Well over 20 banks utilise joint venture underwriters for risk life insurance... 

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

In addition to its co-ownership of BanSabadell Vida, Zurich also holds four other distribution deals 

…while a significant number of banks still maintain captive underwriters 

Critical illness insurance 

Very few banks in Spain offer critical illness insurance... 

Income protection insurance 

... and the rate of provision of income protection insurance is only slightly higher 

Short-term policies are offered by six relatively minor banking institutions 

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

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance have declined consistently in recent years 

A small but growing market exists for critical illness and income protection insurance 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships

Risk life insurance 

Swedbank Försäkring is used as an exclusive provider by the majority of local savings banks... 

... in a bancassurance market that is largely dominated by captive underwriters... 

... albeit with one deal attributable to each of four non-captive competitors 

Critical illness insurance 

Only one banking institution markets any form of critical illness insurance

Income protection insurance 

Provision rates for income protection insurance are almost as high as those for risk life cover 

Cardif Nordic benefits from partnerships with Swedbank and most local savings banks 

Most policies provide long-term cover paying up to 90% of the customer’s income in case of illness 

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 Swiss market for protection-related life insurance is largely mature 

Distribution share of banks 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

A substantial proportion of Swiss banks offer risk life insurance 

AXA Winterthur and Swiss Life hold relationships with some of the largest banks in Switzerland 

The Raiffeisen banking group has proved to be an effective distribution channel for life insurance 

Schweizerische Mobiliar is also a significant product provider in this field 

Some banks offer investment-related life insurance policies that incorporate a protection element 

Critical illness insurance 

Swiss banks are not active in the distribution of stand-alone critical illness insurance 

Income protection insurance 

Helvetia’s relationship with the Raiffeisen banking group also extends to income protection insurance 

Performance of key bancassurance underwriters 

 

21.0 TURKEY

Banks and other lending institutions covered 

Introduction to the banking sector 

Insurance market size and growth 

The value of Turkish protection-related life insurance is set to exceed EUR 1 billion in 2011 

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

Risk life insurance 

Apart from Aviva, the most prominent underwriters for this product mainly act in a captive capacity 

Banks with no arrangement for risk life insurance are mainly smaller institutions 

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

Critical illness insurance 

Over a third of banks and other lending institutions promote critical illness insurance 

Income protection insurance 

Comparatively few Turkish banking institutions distribute income protection insurance 

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 

The UK’s market for protection-related life insurance is multi-faceted but mature 

Distribution share of banks 

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

... although for critical illness insurance, it has fallen back quite significantly in recent years 

Bancassurance provision rates, operating models and partnerships 

Risk life insurance 

Operating models are limited to brokers (IFAs) or a single underwriter 

Aviva is the leading non-captive partner for risk life insurance in the UK... 

... followed by Legal & General 

Friends Life expanded its market share through Resolution’s acquisition of AXA’s protection business 

HSBC Life (UK) is used by HSBC itself but not the banking group’s other UK subsidiaries 

Captive or external independent financial advisers are used by 13 other banks and building societies 

Critical illness insurance 

Most bancassurance distributors offer stand-alone critical illness cover as well as risk life insurance... 

...with the notable exception of Aviva 

Chartis’s WellWoman Plan distributed by Barclays is unique among bancassurers 

Income protection insurance 

Both long-term and short-term policies are distributed by bancassurers... 

...with HSBC and the Nationwide verified as the largest institutions that offer both types of policy 

Pinnacle Insurance and CUNA Mutual are the leading external underwriters for short-term policies... 

... with the latter having established deals with several smaller building societies as well as credit unions 

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 

Bancassurance is comfortably the main channel for protection-related life insurance in six countries 

Aviva and Santander are the leading non-French bancassurers in non-creditor protection-related life insurance in Europe 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

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

2.0 EUROPEAN OVERVIEW

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Europe, 2006-2010

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

Operating models (unweighted) used for risk life insurance in Europe, 2011 

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

Operating models (weighted) used for risk life insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (weighted) used for risk life insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Provision rates for critical illness insurance through bancassurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for critical illness insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for critical illness insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Operating models (weighted) used for critical illness insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (weighted) used for critical illness insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Provision rates for income protection insurance through bancassurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for income protection insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (unweighted) used for income protection insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Operating models (weighted) used for income protection insurance in Europe, 2011 

Operating models (weighted) used for income protection insurance in Europe, 2011 (data) 

Distribution share of bancassurance for protection-related life insurance in Europe, 2011 

Weighted group share of bancassurance partnerships for protection-related life insurance, re-weighted by country bancassurance market size, in Europe 

3.0 AUSTRIA 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Austria, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Austria, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Austria, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Belgium, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance 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 risk life insurance in Belgium, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Belgium, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in the Czech Republic, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in the Czech Republic, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

6.0 DENMARK 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Denmark, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Denmark, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Denmark, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Finland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Finland, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Finland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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) 

8.0 FRANCE 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in France, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in France, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in France, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Germany, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Germany, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Germany, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Ireland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Ireland, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of risk life and critical illness insurance in Ireland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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) 

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

11.0 ITALY 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Italy, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Italy, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of bancassurance in total life and 'class 1' life insurance in Italy, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Italy, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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) 

12.0 NETHERLANDS 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in the Netherlands, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in the Netherlands, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in total individual life, mortgage-related life and funeral expenses insurance in the Netherlands, 2008 and 2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Norway, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Norway, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Norway, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance in Norway, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

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

14.0 POLAND 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Poland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Poland, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Portugal, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Portugal, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Portugal, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance in Portugal, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

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

16.0 ROMANIA 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Romania, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Romania, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of risk life insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Russia, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Russia, 2006-2010 (data) 

Bancassurance provision of risk life insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Spain, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance 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 risk life insurance in Spain, 2006-2009 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Spain, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 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 Spain, 2008-2010 (data) 

19.0 SWEDEN 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Sweden, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Sweden, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Sweden, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in Switzerland, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Switzerland, 2006-2010 (data)

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

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance in Switzerland, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

21.0 TURKEY 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Turkey, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in Turkey, 2006-2010 (data) 

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

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in Turkey, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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 protection-related life insurance in the UK, 2006-2010 

Gross written premiums for protection-related life insurance in the UK, 2006-2010 (data) 

Distribution share of banks in critical illness and life insurance in the UK, 2005, 2007 and 2009 (data) 

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

Bancassurance provision of critical illness insurance in the UK, 2011: provision rate, operating models and weighted provider share of partnerships 

Bancassurance provision of income protection insurance 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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