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Lar España Real Estate SOCIMI

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FY2020 Annual Report · Lar España Real Estate SOCIMI
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Holdings Limited

OUR FUTURE

Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our purpose is to…
Deliver bespoke risk solutions that protect our 
clients and support economies, businesses and 
communities in the face of uncertain loss events;
Manage our risk exposures and capital resources 
to generate returns for our investors; and
Support our people and work with our 
stakeholders, fostering a positive, sustainable 
and open business culture to the benefit 
of society.

Board of Directors

Governance
62
64 Corporate governance report
67
82 Directors’ Remuneration Report
105 Directors’ report
109 Statement of Directors’  

Committee reports

responsibilities

Financial statements
110 Independent auditor’s report
120 Consolidated primary statements
124 Accounting policies
131 Risk disclosures
153 Notes to the accounts

Additional information
178 Shareholder information
179 Glossary
184 Alternative performance measures
186 Contact information

Strategic report
Overview
1
8
9
10
12

Lancashire Group at a glance
Our investment case
2020 highlights
Chairman’s statement
Business model

Strategy
14
16 Our strategy

Chief Executive’s review

Financial review
Key performance indicators

Performance
18
20
22 Underwriting review
Business review
25

Risk
30
34

Enterprise risk management
Principal risks

Environment & social reporting 
42

Chairman’s introduction to the 
environment & social reporting 
and governance sections

44 UN Principals for 

47
48
58

Sustainable Insurance
Engagement and sustainability
Section 172 statement
Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures 

OUR FUTURE
based on strong 
foundations,  
to unlock exciting  
new opportunities  
and create growth

www.lancashiregroup.com

1

OverviewBUILDING ON STRONG

The talents of our people set us apart  
from our competitors

25 YEARS

average industry experience among senior underwriters

2

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

GROSS PREMIUM WRITTEN BY SEGMENT

Our focus is on short-tail, specialty (re)insurance risks within four general segments: 
Property, Aviation, Energy and Marine

Gross premium  
written  
by segment

Total: $814.1m

Property: $426.9m

Aviation: $151.0m

Energy: $144.7m

Marine: $91.5m

WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING OUR TEAMS   
TO STRENGTHEN OUR CAPABILITIES

“Having the right team allows us to offer  
tailor-made, bespoke risk solutions, while our 
significant experience helps generate returns. 
We believe that maintaining the right balance 
between discipline and creativity is key to our 
success, coupled with a strong focus on 
profitability and risk selection.”

Paul Gregory – Group Chief Underwriting Officer

www.lancashiregroup.com

3

OverviewBUILDING ON

We are responding to the improving  
market opportunity

CUMULATIVE RPI CHANGES SINCE 2015

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Property: 107%

Aviation: 128%

Energy: 106%

Marine: 114%

Total: 112%

4

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

“We have witnessed double-digit percentage rate 
increases in many of our lines of business, and 
accelerated rating dislocation in the catastrophe-
exposed reinsurance lines. Current market 
conditions present an attractive opportunity for 
growth, consistent with our strategy of deploying 
capital in line with the insurance market cycle.”

Alex Maloney – Group Chief Executive Officer

www.lancashiregroup.com

5

OverviewBUILDING FOR

We’re positioning the business for  
organic growth, opening new lines of 
business and retaining more risk

$340.3m

equity capital raised in 2020

6

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

ACTIVELY MANAGING EXPOSURE DEPENDENT ON 
MARKET CONDITIONS

1,000

800

600

400

200

)

m
$
(

W
P
G

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

)

m
$
(

i

s
s
o
L
m
u
m
x
a
M
e
l
b
a
b
o
r
P

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

GPW ($m)

1-in-100 GoM hurricane 31 December PML ($m)

OUR PLAN FOR 2021

Consistent strategy

Our long-term 
strategy remains 
consistent: deploy 
more capital into a 
‘hardening’ market, 
contract in a 
‘softening’ market.

Attractive 2021 
opportunity

Building blocks in 
place to take 
advantage of 
an attractive 
opportunity in 2021 
to grow our revenues.

Being there for our 
clients

Our three market-
leading platforms 
drive our long-term 
success: Lancashire 
Insurance companies, 
Lancashire Syndicates 
and Lancashire 
Capital Management.

Strong risk 
selection

Our daily 
underwriting call, 
strategic overview of 
risk and active 
management of 
exposures have 
proven they lead to 
long-term success.

Superior risk/return 
profile

Focus on delivering 
superior Change in 
FCBVS (previously 
termed RoE) above 
peer averages and a 
resultant strong total 
shareholder return.

Active capital 
management

We aim to carry the 
right level of capital 
to match attractive 
underwriting 
opportunities, 
utilising an optimal 
mix of capital tools.

www.lancashiregroup.com

7

Overview 
 
 
 
O U R   I N V E S T M E N T   C A S E

Focusing on managing risk and  
generating investor returns
To generate meaningful returns for our investors across the insurance cycle.

Producing a solid performance across the insurance cycle

Active use of capital management further helps deliver shareholder returns

)
)

m
m
$
$
(
(

500

400

300

200

100

100

200

300

11
11

12
12

13
13

14
14

15
15

16
16

17
17

18
18

19
19

20
20

300

250

(
(

%
%

)
)

200

150

100

Share repurchases
Percentage of IPO capital returned

Special dividends

Ordinary dividends

Debt issuance

Equity raise

Delivering across the cycle
Since our inception, we have a history of delivering shareholder returns across the cycle.

Total shareholder return

350

300

250

)
£
(

200

150

100

50

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Lancashire Holdings

FTSE 250 Index

Experienced underwriters producing higher returns
Group management and our underwriters have decades of experience in rated companies, Lloyd’s and collateralised markets.

Combined ratio

125

100

75

50

25

)

%

(
o
i
t
a
r
d
e
n
b
m
o
C

i

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Lancashire
Sector2 average

Lancashire – 10-year average1

Sector average – 10-year average1

1.  Ten-year average based on 2011-2020 reporting periods. Sector ratios are weighted by net premiums earned.
2.  Sector includes Arch, Argo, Axis, Beazley, Everest, Greenlight, Hanover, Hiscox, Renaissance Re and Third Point Re. 

The 2020 results for Argo, Greenlight, Hiscox and Third Point Re are not available at the time of the report.

Source: Company reports

8

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
2 0 2 0   H I G H L I G H T S

Delivering resilience for shareholders

Total  
investment  
return

3.9%

2019: 4.9%

Profit  
after tax

$4.2m

2019: $117.9m

Change in  
FCBVS (previously 
termed ‘RoE’)

10.2%

2019: 14.1%

Combined  
ratio

107.8%

2019: 80.9%

For APMs refer to page 184.

Total  
shareholder  
return

-1.4%

2019: 34.3%

Gross premiums written 
under management

$1.1b

2019: $934.8m

www.lancashiregroup.com

9

OverviewC H A I R M A N ’ S   S T A T E M E N T

Planning for sustainable growth

The best buildings sit on solid foundations. 
In recent years, through the softer part of the 
market cycle, our Board and management team 
have focused on the fundamental strategic 
buildings blocks of strong underwriting and 
technical skills, a core client base, rigorous risk 
and capital management, engaged shareholders, 
nimble governance, good regulatory 
relationships and a healthy corporate culture. 
We have made the necessary preparations to 
build our business in what we expect to be a 
better priced and more sustainable market.

How did the business perform in 2020?
This last year has posed exceptional challenges in the areas of health 
and stability to individuals, societies and to the global economy and 
commerce. Our thoughts go out to those whose lives and livelihoods 
have been impacted and to those key workers whose service has 
helped sustain us all. Much of the Board’s focus has been on 
monitoring the operational and strategic impacts of the pandemic 
on our business. I would like to thank Alex and all our team for the 
resilience demonstrated by the Group’s operation and performance. 
The Group has faced a number of challenges this year. These related 
not only to the COVID-19 pandemic but also included a run of natural 
catastrophe losses, that were broadly in line with our expectations for 
such events, and a series of medium-sized risk losses above our usual 
expectations for attritional losses. The combined ratio of 107.8% 
represents the Group’s strong risk management in this exceptional 
year. Lancashire has generated a positive Change in FCBVS of 10.2% 
for 2020, which is a reflection of the Group’s active and strategic 
capital management, operational performance and the contribution 
of the June 2020 equity raise, which places the business in a strong 
capital position to take full advantage of the improvements in the 
pricing environment.

What were the strategic priorities for the Board 
during the year?
The single most important area of focus for the Board has been 
discussion with the management team around the strategic 
commercial opportunities that started to develop compellingly as 
insurance market pricing strengthened during the year. This has 
shaped our capital management decisions, and in particular our 
engagement with our shareholders which resulted in our decision 
to launch our equity placing in June 2020.

The business has actively developed improved and new opportunities 
both in growing our existing lines of business and in adding new lines, 
as Alex and Paul discuss elsewhere in this Annual Report and Accounts. 
The decision to develop a greater level of casualty underwriting 
expertise marks a strategic development for Lancashire, which has 
traditionally had a focus on shorter-tail property and specialty lines. 
The Board is comfortable with the plans to develop casualty capability 
and expertise within the business.

“As we enter 2021, our capital 
resources and risk appetites are 
matched to the current exciting 
market opportunity.”

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

Equity capital raised in 2020

$340.3m 

10

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

What were the other principal areas of Board focus 
during the year?
Our Board has discussed issues of sustainability, in particular 
concerning the understanding and management of climate change 
risks. Our business has always had a strong and purposeful focus on 
its insurance liability exposures to weather-related events, such as 
windstorms, floods and wildfires, which are sensitive to climate 
change trends. The Board and management team have taken steps 
to broaden the formal oversight, strategic understanding, risk 
management and forward-looking scenario testing of climate change 
risk and opportunity. We have taken further steps on the journey to 
implement the recommendations of the TCFD, in particular in starting 
to utilise tools for the understanding of climate change risk on the 
Group’s investment portfolio. We have also debated societal changes, 
including the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, and we 
reaffirm the Group’s commitment to building a business which will 
continue to encourage and reap the benefits of an open, honest and 
diverse culture. For the second year running we will be reporting by 
reference to the United Nations Principles for Sustainable Development.

How have the capital requirements of the 
business changed?
The Board reviews the capital requirements of the business on a 
quarterly basis and considers the Group’s capital headroom under 
several measures. Natalie Kershaw, who became our Group CFO 
in March 2020, has helped the Board deepen and develop its 
understanding of the capital requirements of the business and has also 
reformulated and refreshed the Group’s business planning processes.

In early 2020, we were comfortable that our capital at that point was 
well matched to the Group’s underwriting exposures. However, 
management’s view of the rapidly improving underwriting 
environment prompted our decision in June to initiate a dialogue 
with our major shareholders and we subsequently raised fresh equity 
capital. This initiative was not driven by the need to ‘fill a balance 
sheet hole’, but instead to take advantage of the exciting underwriting 
opportunities which management and the Board believe will develop 
during 2021 and beyond. The Board paid close regard to the guidance 
issued by the Pre-Emption Group and the Lancashire shares issued in 
June 2020 were priced at a level which both maximised participation 
from our existing shareholders and raised the capital needed for the 
growth opportunities which we believe lie ahead. We would like to 
thank our investors for their support in this exercise and in providing 
the risk capital necessary to develop the exciting strategic 
market opportunity.

How has the Group changed the reporting measures 
used in the Annual Report and Accounts?
In previous years we have used the term RoE to describe the Group’s 
growth in fully converted book value per share adjusted for dividends. 
This has been, and remains, one of the key measures of our overall 
financial performance, as well as being reflective of our capital 
management strategy. Further to constructive discussion with our 
auditors, KPMG LLP, on the use of Alternative Performance Measures 
(APMs) used in our financial reporting, and on recommendation from 
Natalie Kershaw, we have decided that the use of the term ‘Change in 
FCBVS’ to describe this key performance measure will aid clarity. Our 
finance team has also ensured that this report contains the necessary 
inputs and information for our stakeholders to understand this and our 
other APMs.

How did the Board and business address 
the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Following the 2019 year end meetings in February 2020, at which 
the Board discussed the potential impacts of COVID-19, the 
global pandemic developed rapidly causing a series of 
government directed restrictions on travel and national 
lockdowns. The Board closely monitored the operational and 
strategic impacts of the pandemic on our business and we were 
very impressed with the resilience shown by our operations in 
both London and Bermuda, which adeptly moved to a 
combination of home and office-based working during the year. 
A true reflection of our ‘nimble’ culture was the ability of the 
business to grow its top-line premium income in a strengthening 
market, even whilst adapting to a new way of working. The 
Group did not need to use furlough or other government relief 
schemes and there was measured net growth in headcount to 
equip the business to meet the growth opportunity.

The Board also focused on COVID-19 as a liability issue for the 
business and we monitored the rigorous reserving process which 
was conducted at an early stage of the pandemic and reviewed 
regularly throughout the year. As we report later, our COVID-19 
reserve has been established on a prudent basis and has not 
deteriorated materially throughout the year. Whilst the 
pandemic is ongoing and its full effects remain uncertain, we are 
comfortable that the Group has strong processes in place to 
monitor potential exposures. This sense of assurance also relates 
to the series of natural catastrophe and risk losses which 
impacted the markets in the third and fourth quarters of 2020, 
where the Board has engaged constructively with our 
management and is satisfied that the Group’s exposures to these 
losses have been well understood and reserved for.

In terms of the operation of our governance, we acted quickly to 
facilitate the virtual operation of our 2020 AGM and the Board 
itself has used a combination of virtual and in-person meetings 
during the course of the year.

How has the Board’s dividend strategy changed?
Our dividend and capital management strategy has not changed. The 
Group paid its usual interim dividend during 2020 and proposes to 
make a final ordinary dividend distribution subject to a shareholder 
vote at the April 2021 AGM. Details are set out in the Notice of the 
AGM. In view of the expected improvement in (re)insurance pricing 
the Board has decided to retain most of the Group’s current capital in 
order to develop this opportunity. Accordingly, the Board has decided 
not to declare a special dividend in respect of the 2020 financial year.

Assuming shareholder approval, the aggregate of all dividends for the 
2020 year will amount to $0.15 per common share. Lancashire’s 
nimble capital management and dividend strategy is well understood 
by our shareholders and the dividend policy is set out on page 105 of 
this Annual Report and Accounts.

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

www.lancashiregroup.com

11

OverviewB U S I N E S S   M O D E L

A model for success

OUR STRENGTHS

Customer focus
•  Long-term established relationships with  

clients and brokers

•  Continuous support across the cycle
•  Prompt payment of valid claims

Expert people
•  Experienced management team and skilled 

operational teams with proven ability

•  A lean business operation allows us to remain 

nimble and make decisions efficiently
•  Highly specialised multi-class products  

with barriers to entry in terms of data and 
modelling expertise

Disciplined risk and capital 
management
•  Rigorous systems for risk monitoring  

and management

•  Strong record of capital management
•  Manage volatility by optimising capital and the 

underwriting portfolio through the market cycles

A diverse offering
•  Three established platforms: Lancashire insurance 
companies, Lancashire Syndicates and Lancashire  
Capital Management

•  Access to multiple markets providing clients  
with versatile solutions and ourselves with  
underwriting opportunities

•  A stable core book of business and  

disciplined underwriting

We combine our deep 
underwriting and insurance 
expertise with efficient 
management of risk and capital 
resources across all our 
underwriting platforms to 
provide our clients and brokers 
with bespoke solutions for 
their insurance and 
reinsurance needs.

We focus closely on the  
risk-adjusted return.

12

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

OUR STRATEGY

THE VALUE WE CREATE FOR…

Our people

91%

of our employees considered they were 
treated with fairness and respect based on 
a recent staff survey

Our policyholders

$297.2m

gross losses paid in 2020

Our shareholders

10.2%

Change in FCBVS (previously termed ‘RoE’)

Society and the environment

£159,000

provided by the Lancashire Foundation to UK 
and Bermuda charities directly related to 
COVID-19 relief

Underwriting 
comes first

Effectively  
balance risk 
and return 

Operate 
nimbly through 
the cycle 

Find out more on page 16.

Our responsibility
We recognise that our responsibility as a company and as individuals 
reaches wider than our shareholders and our clients. We strive to be  
a good employer, a good corporate citizen and a responsible preserver 
of resources. Through the Lancashire Foundation, we make financial 
contributions and provide human support to a number of good causes 
in the places we operate around the world (for further details see 
pages 55 to 56).

www.lancashiregroup.com

13

OverviewC H I E F   E X E C U T I V E ’ S   R E V I E W

Building on strong foundations

In a challenging year we have both strengthened 
and broadened our underwriting teams and our 
client and investor relationships.

How did the business perform in 2020?
The fundamental requirement for any good building is a strong 
foundation. So, despite the challenges we have faced during the year, 
I am pleased and excited at the progress we have made to optimise 
the underwriting opportunity which now lies ahead. The Group’s 
combined ratio of 107.8% and profit after tax of $4.2 million represent 
a resilient outcome in an exceptional year in which we faced the 
challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a series of natural 
catastrophe and specialty risk losses that have challenged our 
profitability. However, in this context, the positive Change in the 
Group’s FCBVS of 10.2% for 2020 demonstrates how we have grown 
our capital base to build out our business in anticipation of a 
materially better pricing environment.

What were the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic 
on the Group?
As the first lockdown began in March 2020, we were obliged to require 
all our colleagues to work from home. It is a credit to all our workforce 
that we were able to adapt so quickly to the changed working 
environment. Particular thanks must go to our IT team, who dealt 
rapidly and responsively with the changed requirements to ensure 
that we were all well-supported working from our homes. It is also 
testament to the strength of communication between our 
underwriters and our brokers that we were not only able to carry 
on servicing the needs of our clients as usual, but also to grow our 
revenues and underwriting footprint. Whilst the full impacts of the 
pandemic remain uncertain, there is now cause for hope of a return to 
a more usual level of ‘normality’ through the various vaccination and 
testing initiatives which are now gaining traction. The London and 
international property and specialty markets are ‘people businesses’, 
and whilst the last year has shown us that remote engagement has 
been a workable solution for Lancashire, I look forward to the time 
when we can re-establish the face-to-face contact which helps 
reinforce the relationships of trust and good faith on which our 
market depends.

As Peter noted earlier, we have carried out a rigorous appraisal of the 
Group’s exposures to COVID-19 losses. The short-tail property and 
specialty policies which we typically underwrite tend to respond to 
first party physical damage. So, whilst we expect to have some 
peripheral exposures, we cautiously expect that we have not assumed 
material COVID-19 exposure through direct consumer, mortgage 
business and business interruption coverages. Whilst COVID-19 and its 
related losses are ongoing and a level of uncertainty remains, I have 
been pleased with the thoroughness of our reserving process and the 
relatively modest changes in our ultimate COVID-19 reserves as the 
year progressed.

How is the business positioned for the future?
Lancashire is entering a period of real opportunity. Since I became 
Group CEO, I have talked about my understanding of insurance as 
a cyclical business which is inherently subject to cycles of changing 
capital, supply and demand and pricing. During the recent years of the 

“We have laid robust foundations for 
an exciting period of growth as we 
enter a better priced ‘harder market’  
in 2021.”

Alex Maloney
Group Chief Executive Officer

Combined ratio

107.8% 

14

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

‘soft market cycle’, we saw a steady accumulation and inflow of new 
capital within the insurance space which led to year-on-year price 
reductions. Lancashire prioritised the discipline of insisting on the right 
technical price for risks and serving our core clients, which resulted in a 
managed reduction of our top line and the corresponding risk capital 
needed by our business. But we are now reaping the rewards of that 
discipline as we enter an improved part of the insurance cycle.

The last year has been an important transitional year in which we have 
built up our underwriting expertise in our existing classes and in new 
business lines. We have added and developed expertise in accident and 
health, specialty reinsurance and casualty reinsurance. On our existing 
underwriting portfolio, whilst we have seen variations in pricing 
improvements, we have seen a strongly improving pricing trend 
illustrated by the Group’s cross-class RPIs, which show a like-for-like 
improvement in insurance pricing of 112% for the full year, on a risk 
adjusted basis. I spend a lot of my time talking to our core investors 
about Lancashire’s strategy and management of the cycle. So, I was 
excited to have the opportunity to speak to many of them at the time 
of our equity placement in June 2020. We were able to raise $340.3 
million of new capital to fund future growth. That capital augments 
our already robust capital base and remains at our disposal to develop 
existing new underwriting opportunities as we enter 2021.

How has the Group’s risk appetite changed?
As Lancashire is able to underwrite better priced insurance and 
reinsurance risk on our inwards book of business, we have also seen 
a corresponding increase in the cost of our outwards reinsurance 
policies, which has led us to adjust the structure of the Group’s suite 
of reinsurance protections. In simple terms, we expect the anticipated 
increase in the Group’s premium income in 2021 to result in increased 
exposures. This is consistent with our long-term strategy of retaining 
more, better-priced, risk in the ‘harder’ part of the insurance cycle by 
putting more of our own risk capital to work on more favourable terms.

How do you ensure the sustainability of Lancashire’s 
business and strategy?
The issue of sustainability has always been a part of our business 
model and, as such, should not be over thought. Our core purpose and 
strategy are to provide risk solutions to our clients who face the 
challenges of an uncertain world. To do that sustainably over time we 
have operated a business and a culture with the skills and ability to 
manage our risk exposure, our pricing and our capital. We help our 
clients mutualise risk between themselves and with our investors and 
other capital providers, and that brings with it broader benefits and 
commercial resilience for the wider society.

Through the work of the Lancashire Foundation, we have a strong 
history of support for those in society who need our help, and a good 
record of personal staff commitment of both time and money across 
the Group. During 2020, the Foundation worked with several partner 
charities to alleviate the social disruption and harm caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic, as well as funding various programmes which 
support those less able to manage the catastrophic impacts of climate 
change. The Foundation’s activities included a ‘London to Bermuda 
exercise challenge’, which helped keep us all active and also raised 
money for good causes during the autumn. A more detailed report 
of the work of the Foundation can be found on page 55.

How does the business address the challenges of 
climate change?
Since Lancashire’s formation in 2005, we have monitored and 
controlled our exposures to a range of natural catastrophe and 
weather-related risks. There is now a strong scientific consensus that 
climate change is a risk factor which drives many of those catastrophe 
events that can impact our business. We have the underwriting and 
actuarial modelling skills to understand and price these risks. 
Moreover, we can usually adapt our view of exposure to these risks 
and price for them on a very nimble basis. We have also started to 
evaluate the resilience of our investment portfolio to climate change 
sensitivities; see the Investment Committee report on page 76 for 
details. So, whilst we are taking steps to enhance our climate change 
risk understanding and management and in addressing the 
requirements of the TCFD, on which we report on pages 58 to 61, we 
have a head start in having a long tradition of appraising, pricing and 
exposure management for weather-related natural catastrophe risks.

For many years Lancashire has been a risk partner of businesses 
operating in the energy sector across the world, including oil, gas, 
nuclear and other renewables. The risk solutions which we provide 
to the energy sector help deliver the wider social benefits of safer 
operations in a properly regulated environment with access to capital 
resources to quickly repair and remediate damage in the event of 
accidents or catastrophic failure. We share with our clients the journey 
required by the necessary transition away from carbon-based forms of 
energy. But there are no simple solutions to both meet global energy 
demand and reduce carbon emissions and we remain committed to 
supporting our clients across the energy sector as they address 
these challenges.

Why is Lancashire building an underwriting capability 
in the casualty reinsurance classes?
Our management team has debated for many years whether the 
Group should develop expertise in casualty. Although we have had 
over some years limited ancillary casualty exposures on several of our 
existing lines of business, such as energy and marine, the Group has 
traditionally underwritten a predominantly short-tail book of business. 
In 2020, we identified an opportunity to start underwriting casualty 
reinsurance as a new class within our Bermuda platform. Our initial 
plans are modest, and we expect the top-line contribution in the initial 
years to be small relative to our established books of business. Our 
new casualty reinsurance class, which is to be underwritten on a 
proportional and excess of loss basis, will strengthen and broaden our 
product offering and enable us to deepen relationships with some of 
our existing property and specialty reinsured clients, who may also be 
seeking casualty reinsurance protection. So, this should not be seen as 
a fundamental change of strategy or direction, but indicative of our 
intention to broaden our expertise and relationships and to develop a 
wider range of strategic opportunities whilst more favourable market 
conditions allow.

Alex Maloney
Group Chief Executive Officer

www.lancashiregroup.com

15

StrategyS T R A T E G Y

Our strategy

Our goal
Maximising risk-adjusted 
returns for shareholders

Our strategic priorities

Underwriting 
comes first
Maintaining the right balance 
between discipline and creativity  
is key for success, coupled  
with a strong focus  
on profitability and  
risk selection.

Delivering bespoke risk 
solutions in a sustainable 
framework

Effectively balance  
risk and return
Exploring opportunities for  
top-line growth only in markets  
where we believe the right 
opportunities exist and rigorously 
monitoring and managing  
our risk exposures.

Peak-zone PML limits 
of 25% of capital

Operate nimbly  
through the cycle
Our speed and agility in the 
way we manage volatility help  
us underwrite our core portfolio 
profitably through the challenges  
of the cycle, yet seize opportunities 
when they present themselves.

Maximise 
risk-adjusted returns

How we serve clients and brokers

Significant capacity 
across the cycle 
allowing us to provide 
consistent support 

A lean structure 
allowing resources to 
be refocused quickly 
when needed 

Strong processes  
and structures  
supply challenge  
and assurance

Our culture
The bedrock of our strategy is a culture of cooperation and respect based on open challenge

16

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Underwriting  
comes first

Description

Effectively balance  
risk and return

Operate nimbly  
through the cycle

We focus on maintaining our portfolio structure 
and our core clients, with the bulk of our 
exposures balanced towards significant events. 
We will grow in existing and new classes where 
favourable and improving market conditions exist. 
We use the principle of peer review throughout 
the Group, usually prior to underwriting business 
for LICL, LUK and LCM, the platforms that accept 
larger net exposures, and post-underwriting at 
LSL, with its smaller net exposures.

By bringing together all our disciplines – 
underwriting, actuarial, modelling, finance, 
treasury, risk and operations – at our fortnightly 
RRC meetings, we are able to look at how different 
parts of our operations are working together. We 
tailor our reinsurance programmes to manage our 
exposures and we stress test our business plans 
and gauge where we can be most effective 
without undue volatility. Management reports our 
risk exposures and mitigation to the Board.

As capital supply fluctuates in the (re)insurance 
market, the need to be nimble is more important 
than ever. This means being ready to deploy 
capital quickly when it is needed, and having  
the discipline to return it when it is not.

Achievements

We continue to add new expertise to the Group. 
In 2020, we added an Accident and Health team 
and hired a Casualty Reinsurance team that joined 
us early in 2021. We have increased the funds 
raised and capital deployed from LCM investors and 
grown LCM’s client base for the second 
consecutive year. LUK has decided to re-enter the 
D&F class of business.

Performance

Underwriting profit

$77.0m

Our underwriting profit demonstrates strong risk 
selection in an active loss environment across 
both our specialty and catastrophe lines, with 
exposures to COVID-19 related losses, a number 
of catastrophe events and accumulation of single 
risk losses. Despite these events our focus on high 
quality underwriting allowed us to generate an 
underwriting profit for the year.

Gross premiums written

$814.1m

With an improving rating environment in the 
majority of our classes, plus business generated by 
new teams, premiums have grown year on year. 
We maintain the discipline to decline or 
restructure our participation on under-priced  
or poorly performing business but are willing to 
accept more risk if the market opportunity allows.

Associated strategic risk

Strong risk selection remains the key risk for the 
Group. We mitigate this by maintaining our 
underwriting standards, whilst growing with the 
market opportunity. 

We have increased our underwriting footprint  
and optimised our portfolios in areas where rating 
has improved whilst adding new complementary 
classes of business as the market conditions  
are now improving.

In line with our active capital management 
strategy, the Group decided to raise capital in 
2020 to fund future organic growth. The Group 
also distributed regular dividends during 2020.

Change in FCBVS (previously termed ‘RoE’)

10.2%

The Change in FCBVS incorporates the capital 
actions taken by the Group during 2020, including 
the $340.3 million equity raise as well as the   
$24.3 million of comprehensive income the Group 
generated during the year. Our results were 
impacted by the active loss environment and  
COVID-19, offset by a solid investment return.

Percentage of comprehensive income  
returned to shareholders

132.9%

Lancashire continues to exercise the discipline 
of maintaining sufficient capital headroom to 
support underwriting operations and take 
advantage of new opportunities as they emerge 
or returning capital to shareholders it cannot 
profitably use.

Probable maximum loss

$166.5m*

We continued to match our exposure 
to key catastrophe perils to the market 
opportunity, demonstrating our discipline  
and nimbleness.

 * 1 in 100-year Gulf of Mexico hurricane expected 

net loss at 31 December 2020.

Equity capital raised in 2020

$340.3m

We were able to raise $340.3 million of new 
capital to fund future growth. The capital 
augments our already robust capital base and 
remains at our disposal to fund new underwriting 
opportunities in 2021.

The key issue for Lancashire is to continue to serve 
our clients and brokers with significant capacity, 
whilst ensuring that the portfolio is balanced. This 
means constantly reassessing our business mix 
and testing key risk assumptions.

Lancashire has developed an expectation among 
its shareholders that it will produce a consistent 
return and pay ordinary dividends with 
supplementary special dividends only when it 
makes sense to do so. We believe our shareholders 
understand that in harder markets Lancashire will 
retain, and potentially even raise, capital to take 
full advantage of underwriting opportunities.

www.lancashiregroup.com

17

StrategyF I N A N C I A L   R E V I E W

Supporting growth 

“Our successful capital raise during the 
year provides the platform on which 
we can continue to grow our business 
to take advantage of positive market 
opportunities in 2021.”

Natalie Kershaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Change in FCBVS (previously termed ‘RoE’)

(%)
30

20

10

0

-10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

18

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

What have been the highlights of your 
first year in the new role?

It has been a challenging first year, but one that I have relished! 
I have enjoyed being on the Group Executive Management 
Committee and impacting the strategic direction and 
management of the business. The new role has given me the 
opportunity to enhance my working relationships across the 
business and to work more closely with my exceptional finance 
team. A particular highlight for me was our ability to quickly 
raise capital in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. This is a 
reflection of the hard work and commitment of colleagues 
across the Group as well as the tremendous support given to 
us by our shareholders.

How has the Group performed through the 
COVID-19 crisis?
The Group has performed exceptionally well to produce a positive 
comprehensive income of $24.3 million for the year in the context of 
the active claims environment in 2020, including the COVID-19 losses 
as well as a high frequency of both natural catastrophe claims and 
single risk losses. Lancashire has always prided itself on having a 
nimble and positive ‘can do’ culture. This really helped us to quickly 
adapt to remote working during the COVID-19 crisis, which was 
remarkably seamless. All our teams have contributed to maintain a 
high level of performance across the Group and we have maintained 
high service standards for our insureds. Notwithstanding the impact of 
the pandemic and the move to remote working we have successfully 
‘on boarded’ a number of new staff in both the underwriting and the 
support functions as we look to grow the business in 2021.

How have you reserved for COVID-19 losses?
As we detail on page 26, the COVID-19 loss is unique for the market 
in that the event is ongoing and has impacts across multiple product 
lines. This makes it exceptionally difficult to reserve for and also 
means that any ultimate loss estimates are inherently uncertain. We 
have considerable experience in reserving for catastrophe events and 
used the same approach and philosophy to reserve for the Group’s 
COVID-19 claims. A team from across the Group, including 
underwriters, claims and actuarial personnel, as well as senior 
management, reviewed all lines of business to assess the likelihood of 
claims arising. Our approach has therefore been ‘bottom-up’ by 
contract and class rather than estimating a market share of an 
industry loss. Our COVID-19 losses are largely focused in the property 
classes. We do not have exposure to losses in insurance lines that have 
been heavily impacted by COVID-19, including travel insurance; trade 
credit; and long-term life and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not 
write Directors’ and Officers’ liability or medical malpractice. The 
Group underwrites a small number of event cancellation contracts 
and has minimal exposure through mortgage, accident and 
health business.

How do you feel about your capital position given 
the high frequency of natural catastrophe and single 
risk losses?
I am very comfortable with our capital position. We had retained more 
capital than usual coming in to 2020 to take advantage of any price 
improvements and to write more business during the year. This excess 
capital has enabled us to absorb all of 2020’s insurance losses, 
whether from COVID-19, natural catastrophe or single risk losses, as 
well as supporting our premium growth in the last year. The $340.3 
million of additional capital that was raised in June was not raised to 
cover losses and is fully available to support the increased business 
opportunities that we anticipate in 2021. As always, we will continue 
to match our capital to support the underwriting environment.

How do you anticipate returns will change with 
improved pricing? What level of growth can your 
current capital position support?
It appears that after many years we are finally entering a hardening 
market, and we are in a good position to take full advantage of that. 
With improved pricing we should see better returns than in recent 
years, absent the impact of any large loss events. Our current capital 
position can support growth both in the top line and also in the 
retention of risk, i.e. we may decide to buy less reinsurance cover for 
ourselves. It also allows us to grow across all three of our insurance 
platforms. The final permutation of how we grow net premiums across 
platform and between inwards and outwards business will depend on 
where we see the best opportunities in 2021.

How well positioned is your balance sheet to deal 
with the impact of climate change
A significant part of our business is the provision of insurance cover to 
clients to help them mitigate the risk of natural catastrophes. Climate 
change may increase the frequency and/or the severity of some types 
of natural catastrophe losses meaning that the insurance cover that 
we have the expertise to provide will become increasingly vital. Given 
our expertise in pricing and reserving for catastrophe events we are 
well placed to continue to provide insurance cover through the 
impacts of climate change. As a predominantly short-tail (re)insurer 
we have the ability to rapidly change the pricing for catastrophe risk 
given any change in likely frequency or severity. Our balance sheet is 
resilient, and our capital structure is designed to withstand significant 
catastrophe losses. We have strict tolerances in place to manage our 
overall exposures to natural catastrophe risk.

On the asset side approximately 90% of our investment portfolio is 
managed by UNPRI signatories. During 2020, we have benchmarked 
our investment portfolio against the MSCI’s ESG ratings and also 
scored the portfolio’s carbon intensity and MSCI’s carbon transition 
risk. We were pleased with how our investment portfolio scored on 
these measures, with no ‘red flags’ being raised from an ESG perspective.

Natalie Kershaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Financial highlights

Gross premiums written
Net underwriting profit (loss)
Profit (loss) after tax1
Comprehensive income (loss)1
Dividends2
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Fully converted book value per share
Change in FCBVS (previously termed ‘RoE’)
Combined ratio
Accident year loss ratio 
Total investment return

1.  Amounts are attributable to Lancashire and exclude non-controlling interest.
2.  Dividends are included in the financial statement year in which they were recorded.

2020  
$m
814.1
77.0
4.2
24.3
32.3
$0.02
$6.28
10.2%
107.8%
71.4%
3.9%

2019  
$m
706.7 
186.5 
117.9
145.7 
30.2 
$0.58 
$5.84
14.1% 
80.9% 
51.3% 
4.9% 

2018  
$m
638.5 
121.7 
37.5
24.7 
70.2 
$0.19 
$5.26
2.4% 
92.2% 
70.0% 
0.8% 

2017  
$m
591.6
(23.1)
(71.1)
(66.2)
29.9
($0.36)
$5.48
(5.9%)
124.9%
94.2%
2.5%

2016  
$m
633.9
213.5
153.8
157.9
178.9
$0.76
$5.96
13.5%
76.5%
46.2%
2.1%

www.lancashiregroup.com

19

Performance 
K E Y   P E R F O R M A N C E   I N D I C A T O R S

Change in FCBVS 
(previously termed ‘RoE’)

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

10.2%

The Change in FCBVS incorporates the capital 
actions taken by the Group during 2020, 
including the $340.3 million equity raise as well 
as the $24.3 million of comprehensive income 
the Group generated during the year. Our 
results were impacted by the active loss 
environment and COVID-19, offset by a 
solid investment return.

1
.
4
1

.

2
0
1

.

5
3
1

16

.

9
5
-

17

4
2

.

18

Combined ratio

Total investment return

107.8%

The combined ratio reflects the impact of 
an active loss environment across both our 
specialty and catastrophe lines, with exposures 
to COVID-19 related losses, a number of recent 
catastrophe events and accumulation of risk 
losses. Despite these events our focus on high 
quality underwriting allowed us to generate an 
underwriting profit for the year. 

.

9
4
2
1

.

5
6
7

.

8
7
0
1

.

2
2
9

.

9
0
8

3.9%

While 2020 was extremely volatile for 
investments, our portfolio generated a strong 
return of 3.9%. Following the first quarter of 
2020, the portfolio benefited from a decrease in 
interest rates and spreads. All asset classes 
performed very well, including risk assets held 
as a diversifier.

.

5
2

1
.
2

.

9
4

9
3

.

.

8
0

18

19

20

19

20

16

17

18

19

20

16

17

Total shareholder  

return

-1.4%

Comprehensive income  

returned to shareholders

Gross premiums written 

under management

132.9%

$1.1b

Whilst our shares outperformed a lot of our peer 

In line with our active capital management 

During the course of the year, and in light of a 

group, they were not immune to the broader 

strategy, the Group decided to raise capital in 

‘hardening’ pricing cycle, the Group was able to 

negative trends of UK listed assets.

2020 to fund future organic growth. The Group 

grow gross premiums written under 

distributed regular dividends during 2020.

management to $1.1 billion.

e
r
u
s
a
e
M

The Change in FCBVS is measured by 
management as the internal rate of return of the 
change in fully converted book value per share in 
the period, adjusted for dividends. For the year 
ended 31 December 2020, the Group has 
renamed return on equity ’RoE’ to Change in 
FCBVS. It should be noted that the methodology 
in calculating this metric has remained unchanged 
and has been consistently calculated over the 
reporting periods outlined in the chart above.

The combined ratio is the ratio of costs to net 
premiums earned and is a measure of an 
insurance company’s operating performance. 
It is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio, 
the net acquisition cost ratio and the expense 
ratio. These ratios are defined in our glossary.

Total investment return in percentage terms is 
calculated by dividing the total investment 
return excluding foreign exchange by the 
investment portfolio net asset value, including 
managed cash on a daily basis. These daily 
returns are then annualised through the 
geometric linking of daily returns.

m
A

i

The Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted 
returns for our shareholders across the cycle 
through a purposeful and sustainable 
business culture. 

The Group aims to price its business to ensure 
that the combined ratio across the cycle is less 
than 100%.

The Group’s primary investment objectives 
are to preserve capital and provide adequate 
liquidity to support the Group’s payment 
of claims and other obligations. Within this 
framework we aim for a degree of investment 
portfolio return. 

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m
k
s
i
R

The stated aim is a long-term goal, 
acknowledging that management expects both 
high and low results in the shorter term. The 
cyclicality and volatility of the insurance market 
is expected to be the largest driver of this 
pattern. We seek to align our variable 
remuneration to shareholders’ interests by 
having a strong link to Change in FCBVS.

Please refer to the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on page 82 for further details.

The Group’s underwriters assess likely losses 
using models, their experience and knowledge of 
past loss experience, industry trends and current 
circumstances. This allows them to estimate the 
premiums sufficient to meet likely losses and 
expenses. Peer reviews of risks are conducted 
through the daily underwriting call or other peer 
review processes, depending on risk impact, 
enabling the Group to ensure careful risk 
selection, limits on concentration and 
appropriate portfolio diversification. The RRC 
then monitors performance at a portfolio level.

The investment strategy places an emphasis on 
the preservation of invested assets and provision 
of sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of 
claims, in conjunction with providing a reasonably 
stable income stream. These objectives are 
reflected in the Group’s investment guidelines 
and its relatively conservative asset allocation. 
Management reviews the composition, duration 
and asset allocation of the investment portfolio 
on a regular basis in order to respond to changes 
in interest rates and other market conditions. 
Performance against guidelines and investment 
tolerances are reported to the Investment 
Committee on a quarterly basis.

20

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Total shareholder return is measured in terms 

The percentage of comprehensive income 

Gross premiums written under management 

of the increase/decrease in share price in the 

returned to shareholders equals the total capital 

equals the total of Lancashire’s consolidated 

period, measured on a total return basis, which 

returned to shareholders through dividends and 

gross premiums written plus the external Names 

assumes the reinvestment of dividends.

share repurchases paid in a given year, divided 

portion of the gross premiums written in 

by the Group’s comprehensive income.

Syndicate 2010 and the gross premiums written 

in LCM on behalf of Kinesis Re.

The Group’s aim is to maximise the Change in 

The Group aims to carry the right level of capital 

The Group’s aim is to operate nimbly through 

FCBVS over the longer term, and we would 

to match attractive underwriting opportunities, 

the cycle. We will grow in existing and new 

expect that to be reflected in our share price and 

utilising an optimal mix of capital tools. Over 

classes of business where favourable and 

multiple. This is a long-term goal, recognising 

time, through proactive and flexible capital 

improving market conditions exist, whilst 

that the cyclicality and volatility of both the 

management across the cycle, we aim to 

monitoring and managing our risk exposures. 

insurance market and the financial markets in 

maximise risk-adjusted returns for shareholders.

We do not seek top-line growth for the sake of 

it in markets where we do not believe the right 

opportunities exist.

general will impact management’s ability to 

maximise the Change in FCBVS in the 

immediate term.

The right behaviour is a key element in achieving 

A range of Board approved risk tolerances 

We use the principle of peer review throughout 

this KPI. The Lancashire values help drive the 

(including capital and insurance-risk related 

the Group, usually prior to underwriting business 

desired behaviour, whilst the remuneration 

tolerances) are set at a level that aims to 

for LICL, LUK and LCM, the platforms that 

structure and RSS ensure that staff are highly 

prevent the Group incurring losses that would 

accept larger net exposures, and post-

motivated and closely aligned to the Group’s 

impair its ability to operate. The Group’s key 

underwriting at LSL, with its smaller 

goals, and therefore with shareholders. 

capital measure is its A.M. Best rating, and a 

net exposures.

Permanent staff are all eligible to receive RSS 

minimum rating of A– is considered necessary to 

awards. The participation of employees in the 

attract business. In 2020, Lancashire maintained 

RSS ensures that there is a strong focus on 

sustainable long-term shareholder value.

its A rating.

Additionally, our underwriters are remunerated 

on the same basis as other staff. They do not 

have premium targets in order to drive the 

desired risk-based decision-making behaviour.

 * The Group made a comprehensive loss of $66.2 

million during 2017. We paid annual ordinary 

dividends of $0.15 per share. Due to 2017 being 

n/a, the average is calculated over four years.

 
Change in FCBVS 

(previously termed ‘RoE’)

Combined ratio

Total investment return

Total shareholder  
return

Comprehensive income  
returned to shareholders

Gross premiums written 
under management

y
e
K

KPI linked to Executive Directors’ remuneration.  
For more information see pages 82 to 104.

APMs refer to page 184.

5 year average

10.2%

107.8%

3.9%

The Change in FCBVS incorporates the capital 

The combined ratio reflects the impact of 

While 2020 was extremely volatile for 

actions taken by the Group during 2020, 

an active loss environment across both our 

investments, our portfolio generated a strong 

including the $340.3 million equity raise as well 

specialty and catastrophe lines, with exposures 

return of 3.9%. Following the first quarter of 

as the $24.3 million of comprehensive income 

to COVID-19 related losses, a number of recent 

2020, the portfolio benefited from a decrease in 

the Group generated during the year. Our 

catastrophe events and accumulation of risk 

interest rates and spreads. All asset classes 

results were impacted by the active loss 

environment and COVID-19, offset by a 

solid investment return.

losses. Despite these events our focus on high 

performed very well, including risk assets held 

quality underwriting allowed us to generate an 

as a diversifier.

underwriting profit for the year. 

The Change in FCBVS is measured by 

The combined ratio is the ratio of costs to net 

Total investment return in percentage terms is 

management as the internal rate of return of the 

premiums earned and is a measure of an 

calculated by dividing the total investment 

change in fully converted book value per share in 

insurance company’s operating performance. 

return excluding foreign exchange by the 

the period, adjusted for dividends. For the year 

It is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio, 

investment portfolio net asset value, including 

ended 31 December 2020, the Group has 

the net acquisition cost ratio and the expense 

managed cash on a daily basis. These daily 

renamed return on equity ’RoE’ to Change in 

ratio. These ratios are defined in our glossary.

returns are then annualised through the 

geometric linking of daily returns.

FCBVS. It should be noted that the methodology 

in calculating this metric has remained unchanged 

and has been consistently calculated over the 

reporting periods outlined in the chart above.

The Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted 

The Group aims to price its business to ensure 

The Group’s primary investment objectives 

returns for our shareholders across the cycle 

that the combined ratio across the cycle is less 

are to preserve capital and provide adequate 

through a purposeful and sustainable 

than 100%.

business culture. 

liquidity to support the Group’s payment 

of claims and other obligations. Within this 

framework we aim for a degree of investment 

portfolio return. 

The stated aim is a long-term goal, 

The Group’s underwriters assess likely losses 

The investment strategy places an emphasis on 

acknowledging that management expects both 

using models, their experience and knowledge of 

the preservation of invested assets and provision 

high and low results in the shorter term. The 

past loss experience, industry trends and current 

of sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of 

cyclicality and volatility of the insurance market 

circumstances. This allows them to estimate the 

claims, in conjunction with providing a reasonably 

is expected to be the largest driver of this 

pattern. We seek to align our variable 

premiums sufficient to meet likely losses and 

stable income stream. These objectives are 

expenses. Peer reviews of risks are conducted 

reflected in the Group’s investment guidelines 

remuneration to shareholders’ interests by 

through the daily underwriting call or other peer 

and its relatively conservative asset allocation. 

having a strong link to Change in FCBVS.

review processes, depending on risk impact, 

Management reviews the composition, duration 

Please refer to the Directors’ Remuneration 

Report on page 82 for further details.

enabling the Group to ensure careful risk 

selection, limits on concentration and 

and asset allocation of the investment portfolio 

on a regular basis in order to respond to changes 

appropriate portfolio diversification. The RRC 

in interest rates and other market conditions. 

then monitors performance at a portfolio level.

Performance against guidelines and investment 

tolerances are reported to the Investment 

Committee on a quarterly basis.

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

-1.4%

Whilst our shares outperformed a lot of our peer 
group, they were not immune to the broader 
negative trends of UK listed assets.

132.9%

In line with our active capital management 
strategy, the Group decided to raise capital in 
2020 to fund future organic growth. The Group 
distributed regular dividends during 2020.

$1.1b

During the course of the year, and in light of a 
‘hardening’ pricing cycle, the Group was able to 
grow gross premiums written under 
management to $1.1 billion.

.

3
4
3

19

4
9

.

17

.

7
2
1
-

18

4
2

.

16

.

2
4
8
2

18

.

9
2
3
1

20

.

7
0
2

19

.

3
4
0
8

.

6
7
7
7

.

8
4
3
9

1
.
2
4
8

1
.
7
6
0
,
1

16

17

18

19

20

4
.
1
-

20

.

3
3
1
1

16

a
/
n

17*

e
r
u
s
a
e
M

Total shareholder return is measured in terms 
of the increase/decrease in share price in the 
period, measured on a total return basis, which 
assumes the reinvestment of dividends.

The percentage of comprehensive income 
returned to shareholders equals the total capital 
returned to shareholders through dividends and 
share repurchases paid in a given year, divided 
by the Group’s comprehensive income.

Gross premiums written under management 
equals the total of Lancashire’s consolidated 
gross premiums written plus the external Names 
portion of the gross premiums written in 
Syndicate 2010 and the gross premiums written 
in LCM on behalf of Kinesis Re.

m
A

i

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m
k
s
i
R

The Group’s aim is to maximise the Change in 
FCBVS over the longer term, and we would 
expect that to be reflected in our share price and 
multiple. This is a long-term goal, recognising 
that the cyclicality and volatility of both the 
insurance market and the financial markets in 
general will impact management’s ability to 
maximise the Change in FCBVS in the 
immediate term.

The right behaviour is a key element in achieving 
this KPI. The Lancashire values help drive the 
desired behaviour, whilst the remuneration 
structure and RSS ensure that staff are highly 
motivated and closely aligned to the Group’s 
goals, and therefore with shareholders. 
Permanent staff are all eligible to receive RSS 
awards. The participation of employees in the 
RSS ensures that there is a strong focus on 
sustainable long-term shareholder value.

The Group aims to carry the right level of capital 
to match attractive underwriting opportunities, 
utilising an optimal mix of capital tools. Over 
time, through proactive and flexible capital 
management across the cycle, we aim to 
maximise risk-adjusted returns for shareholders.

The Group’s aim is to operate nimbly through 
the cycle. We will grow in existing and new 
classes of business where favourable and 
improving market conditions exist, whilst 
monitoring and managing our risk exposures. 
We do not seek top-line growth for the sake of 
it in markets where we do not believe the right 
opportunities exist.

A range of Board approved risk tolerances 
(including capital and insurance-risk related 
tolerances) are set at a level that aims to 
prevent the Group incurring losses that would 
impair its ability to operate. The Group’s key 
capital measure is its A.M. Best rating, and a 
minimum rating of A– is considered necessary to 
attract business. In 2020, Lancashire maintained 
its A rating.

 * The Group made a comprehensive loss of $66.2 
million during 2017. We paid annual ordinary 
dividends of $0.15 per share. Due to 2017 being 
n/a, the average is calculated over four years.

We use the principle of peer review throughout 
the Group, usually prior to underwriting business 
for LICL, LUK and LCM, the platforms that 
accept larger net exposures, and post-
underwriting at LSL, with its smaller 
net exposures.

Additionally, our underwriters are remunerated 
on the same basis as other staff. They do not 
have premium targets in order to drive the 
desired risk-based decision-making behaviour.

www.lancashiregroup.com

21

Performance 
U N D E R W R I T I N G   R E V I E W

Laying the foundations 

“2021 should be an exciting year. We 
can never predict when loss events 
will occur, but we do know when we 
are getting paid to assume more risk, 
and we have the platforms, people 
and capital base to embrace the 
market opportunity and really develop 
our underwriting footprint.”

Paul Gregory
Group Chief 
Underwriting Officer

Gross premiums written
$814.1m

RPI
112%

22

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Our underwriting philosophy centres around our belief that the (re)
insurance market is cyclical. During the depths of the soft cycle, many 
questioned if the cycle was dead after years of softening rates and no 
obvious sign that appetite and capital would shrink. However, we 
stuck to our belief that supply and demand always dictate our market 
and ultimately there will always be events and circumstances, often 
those that are completely unexpected, that tip the balance.

Given this belief, we ensured the foundations were laid during the 
softer part of the cycle to ensure the Group was primed to build when 
better market conditions returned. We believe that these market 
conditions are now here – looking forward to 2021 and beyond I am 
encouraged that the building blocks we put in place have put us in the 
ideal position as we look to grow our business in the future.

The green shoots of recovery started in 2018 following the numerous 
natural catastrophe events in 2017, the largest aggregate loss year on 
record for the (re)insurance industry. Then 2018 provided further 
catastrophe losses and challenges, including the first sight of reserving 
deficiencies in the long-tail casualty classes following the impacts of 
social inflation on loss costs. Momentum was building, and as we 
entered 2020 our outlook was positive. The biggest indication of this 
was our decision to retain our earnings from a profitable 2019 in order 
to grow the business – our capital actions are driven by our 
underwriting outlook.

Our disciplined underwriting actions in the soft cycle meant that we 
did not and still do not have legacy issues to resolve. We had reduced 
our risk appetite as the market softened, so when rates started to 
improve in 2018, we could start to grow market share as others 
retracted. We hadn’t expanded into other lines of business and didn’t 
have a long-tail casualty portfolio, so our balance sheet remained 
robust and unencumbered. We could simply look forward, legacy-free, 
to a better operating environment.

Market momentum further accelerated following events that few had 
foreseen. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world and 
every industry. It will undoubtedly be costly for the (re)insurance 
industry albeit the exact quantum will not be known for many years, 
given the complex nature of the recent events. The impacts will 
generate some of the most challenging losses our industry has ever 
faced. The cost and uncertainty it has brought to the market, at a time 
when the industry was grappling with sustainable profitability anyway, 
has been the catalyst for pricing, as well as terms and conditions of 
coverage, to shift gear.

It was this change of pace that strengthened our belief that the 
underwriting landscape would be better than we originally hoped for 
in 2020, and more importantly was sustainable into 2021 and beyond. 
Our strong capital position coming into 2020 gave us the luxury of 
waiting for evidence that the market had accelerated post COVID-19, 
and the second quarter renewals gave us this evidence. This led us to 
raise capital in June 2020; another building block in place to profitably 
grow the business and retain more units of risk in 2021 and beyond as 
the market outlook improves.

Our four business segments have all experienced different dynamics 
this year. The outlook for each segment and sub-segment is also 
different but the trend almost across the board is positive. 
Importantly, we have experienced and capable team members who 
will, I believe, help us successfully navigate through the individual 
business class dynamics.

Property

Aviation

Gross premiums written
RPI

2020
$m
426.9
108%

2019
$m
382.1
106%

Gross premiums written
RPI

2020
$m
151.0
121%

2019
$m
119.6
116%

Our aviation segment has been building out steadily in the past few 
years, growing our product offering as market conditions improve. 
Much like the marine market, capacity has continued to tighten with 
numerous capacity providers retracting from multiple product lines. 
We had the platforms and people to seize this opportunity to grow 
just when market conditions improved. As can be seen from our 
aviation RPI of 121%, market conditions have been favourable for 
growth in 2020.

The aviation industry has had one of its most challenging years in 
history with COVID-19 unexpectedly impacting global demand for air 
travel. Our clients have been severely tested, and they will continue to 
be tested in years to come. We aim to adapt where possible and 
support clients, whilst finding a balance that allows for underwriting 
profitability. The products we sell are often mandatory purchase 
products, and therefore there is some insulation from demand 
headwinds. In addition, as other capacity providers retract, we have 
grown our market share in a profitable market, stepping in to provide 
needed capacity.

As we look to 2021, whilst we anticipate continued rate improvement, 
there will be demand headwinds in a sector so badly impacted by 
COVID-19. Whilst we anticipate some form of industry recovery, it is 
likely to be slow. Overall, despite these challenges, our aim will be to 
further grow our aviation segment where possible.

Our property segment includes our property reinsurance lines, such as 
property catastrophe and retrocession, as well as property insurance 
and terrorism and political risks. Our property (re)insurance lines all 
contain high degrees of catastrophe risk and as such have seen pricing 
dislocation during 2020 leading to the property segment RPI of 108%. 
Catastrophe-exposed products are the most capital intensive within 
our portfolio. It is in these lines where we will use our robust capital 
position to enable further growth in 2021, where we see strong pricing 
dynamics. We underwrite these classes across all of our underwriting 
platforms and remain both product and platform agnostic as to where 
we grow. The building blocks for growth in the product lines have been 
cemented in place. The capital is available to support growth in an 
improving market and we expanded our underwriting teams and 
platform options when these positive signs first appeared. As always, 
the growth will be driven by the underwriting opportunity and we 
have the flexibility to adapt to the market conditions in each 
product line.

In the catastrophe-exposed classes, we remain very aware of the 
changing climate and the elevated risks this brings. Our strong risk 
management is supplemented with the use of vendor models that 
collate the latest available data on the frequency and severity of the 
principal catastrophe events such as windstorm, flood and earthquake. 
This information forms part of our underwriting process which helps 
us assess and price natural catastrophe risk. With the heightened 
awareness of climate change, demand for the products we sell 
increases and as the understanding of climate change improves so 
does our assessment of such risk. Natural catastrophe events are 
damaging to businesses and economies. The products our industry 
sells help people, businesses and economies to rebuild.

The terrorism and political risk products we sell do not currently 
benefit from the same market dynamics as our other products. Market 
conditions are stable but not improving. These classes have not 
experienced many loss events and appetite for these classes remains 
strong across the market. Consequently, the demand and supply 
dynamics are not pushing the rating environment forward. The 
terrorism risks we underwrite range from hotels in city centres to 
offshore windfarms, and our political and sovereign risk product 
supports investments in various industries and infrastructure projects 
across the globe. Given the link between the economy and our 
political and sovereign risk offering, demand for the product is 
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the economy recovers so 
should this demand. Our appetite for these products remains stable in 
line with market conditions and this segment of our business 
continues to generate healthy underwriting returns.

www.lancashiregroup.com

23

PerformanceU N D E R W R I T I N G   R E V I E W   C O N T I N U E D

Energy

Marine

Gross premiums written
RPI

2020
$m
144.7
113%

2019
$m
128.1
107%

Gross premiums written
RPI

2020
$m
91.5
116%

2019
$m
76.9
115%

Our energy portfolio continues to evolve, building upon foundations 
laid in recent years to diversify our product offering. Only a few years 
ago our portfolio was principally upstream assets and now we 
underwrite all parts of the energy industry including upstream energy, 
downstream energy, power and utilities and renewable energy.

Market conditions within the energy segment vary considerably. 
The 2020 energy RPI of 113% masks the different levels of pricing 
movement within each segment. Within upstream energy (which 
includes renewable energy) capacity for these products remains 
plentiful so, whilst rate momentum is positive, the rate of increase is 
less pronounced than within both downstream energy and power. 
In these two segments of the energy market supply of capacity has 
continued to retract following a high frequency of loss incidents, 
which has fuelled price momentum and allowed us to develop our 
underwriting footprint. Given the current economic environment, the 
energy sector is experiencing a difficult period with demand directly 
linked to the health of the global economy. In parts of the energy 
sector, such as upstream energy and to a lesser degree the 
downstream sector, these difficulties could create demand headwinds 
for insurance products in 2021. Power and utilities see far less impact 
and this demonstrates the value of having a more diversified product 
offering. Despite these challenges our clients still require insurance; in 
fact the value of insurance products is even more important at times 
of financial stress as they provide balance sheet protection and 
encourage active risk management.

Our portfolio will continue to evolve as our clients do. The energy 
industry itself is changing and will continue to do so in the future. As 
the world moves to a more sustainable future the assets our clients 
invest in will change to meet this goal and the products we sell will 
continue to adapt to support this changing client demand.

Our marine segment encompasses all aspects of the marine industry 
from cargo to cruise liners; we underwrite the marine class from both 
our Lloyd’s and Company platforms. The marine market has seen 
capacity withdrawals across all sub-segments for the past number of 
years. As a result, market pricing has been rising, demonstrated by our 
marine RPI of 116% in 2020. The year saw some high-profile marine 
incidents that generated losses to the sector, from which we were not 
immune. These losses further strengthen the marine market’s resolve 
to improve the profitability of the product.

Whilst everyone would prefer for these incidents not to occur, they 
demonstrate the value of our insurance products. Our insurance helps 
companies protect their balance sheets in difficult times and helps 
fund valuable clean-up operations protecting the environment and 
local economies.

Like many industries, discrete parts of the marine industry have been 
directly impacted by COVID-19. Demand from certain clients, for 
example cruise liner operators, has reduced significantly. The insurance 
industry has reacted and adapted insurance products as best it can to 
assist clients in these difficult times. Despite these demand headwinds, 
we have been able to grow our marine footprint during 2020 ahead of 
rate increases, which is extremely pleasing. We anticipate market 
conditions to continue to strengthen into 2021 and will be looking to 
grow and strengthen our marine segment further.

Market overview
From every angle 2020 has been challenging. We have seen loss 
events across all of our underwriting segments including COVID-19, 
which will generate some of the most complex losses our industry has 
ever faced. Our underwriting result reflects this challenging year. 
COVID-19 has added further challenges as the entire Company 
worked from home for large portions of the year. I am incredibly proud 
of the underwriting team, and everyone that supports them, for 
continuing to execute our underwriting strategy so seamlessly and 
successfully. During the year we have also added new underwriters – 
some to help grow existing product lines and some to develop new 
product lines as we continue to add building blocks to the 
underwriting function for future success.

2021 should be an exciting year for the Lancashire underwriting team. 
We can never predict when loss events will occur, but we do know 
when we are getting paid to assume more risk, and we have the 
platforms, people and capital base to embrace the market opportunity 
and really develop our underwriting footprint.

24

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

B U S I N E S S   R E V I E W

Growing opportunities

James Flude
Chief Underwriting Officer,  
LUK

James Irvine
Chief Underwriting Officer, 
LICL

Jon Barnes
Active Underwriter,  
Syndicate 2010

John Spence
Active Underwriter,  
Syndicate 3010

Underwriting results

Gross premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net loss ratio
Net acquisition cost ratio
Expense ratio
Combined ratio

Property 
$m
426.9
251.6
57.6%
20.7%
–
78.3%

2020
Energy 
$m
144.7
91.3
73.2%
29.4%
–

Aviation 
$m
151.0
70.4
45.6%
19.0%
–

Total 
$m
814.1
475.8
59.6%
24.2%
24.0%
64.6% 102.6% 100.4% 107.8%

Marine 
$m
91.5
62.5
64.2%
36.2%
–

Property 
$m
382.1
226.5
32.6%
22.5%
–
55.1%

Aviation 
$m
119.6
51.2
36.3%
18.8%
–
55.1%

2019
Energy 
$m
128.1
85.5
22.2%
29.9%
–
52.1%

Marine 
$m
76.9
58.5
31.5%
33.0%
–
64.5%

Total 
$m
706.7
421.7
30.8%
25.0%
25.1%
80.9%

Premiums
Gross premiums written increased by 15.2% in 2020 compared to 
2019. The Group’s four principal segments, and the key market factors 
impacting them, are discussed below.

Property
Property gross premiums written increased by 11.7% for the year ended 
31 December 2020 compared to the year ended 31 December 2019. 
Within the property segment, our (re)insurance lines contain a high 
degree of catastrophe risk and as such have seen pricing dislocation 
during 2020 leading to a property segment RPI of 108% for the year. 
As well as these rating trends in renewal business, we have seen an 
increase in new business flows, in particular within the property 
catastrophe class and the property direct and facultative classes. 
These positive trends were marginally offset by the property political 
risk and property terrorism classes, a good portion of which are, by 
their nature, non-renewing.

Aviation
Aviation gross premiums written increased by 26.3% for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 compared to the year ended 31 December 
2019. Our aviation segment has been building steadily in the past few 
years, growing our product offering as market conditions improve. The 
increase in aviation gross premiums written in 2020 was primarily due 
to new business and rate increases in the aviation deductible and the 
aviation hull and liability classes of business with strong support from 
the aviation reinsurance class.

Energy
Energy gross premiums written increased by 13.0% for the year ended 
31 December 2020 compared to the year ended 31 December 2019. 
Our energy portfolio continued to evolve during 2020. The increase in 
energy gross premiums written was primarily focused in the power 
and downstream energy classes where both rate increases and new 
business led to the premiums almost doubling relative to 2019. 
Upstream energy remained broadly stable, as modest rate increases 
were offset by small reductions in exposures.

Marine
Marine gross premiums written increased by 19.0% for the year ended 
31 December 2020 compared to the year ended 31 December 2019. 
Marine pricing has been rising, due to capacity withdrawals over a 
number of years, demonstrated by our RPI of 116% during 2020. The 
increase in marine gross premiums written was primarily due to new 
business growth in the marine cargo and the marine hull classes of 
business supported by rate and exposure increases across all lines of 
business. The marine segment also benefited from the favourable 
timing impact of multi-year policies renewing in 2020 compared 
to 2019.

Ceded
Ceded reinsurance premiums increased by $12.7 million, or 4.5%, in 
2020 compared to in 2019. The higher level of inwards gross 
premiums written has resulted in an increased level of outwards quota 
share reinsurance spend while the newer classes of business that the 
Group has started underwriting have also resulted in additional cover 
being purchased when compared to the prior year. These increases 
were somewhat offset by lower outwards reinstatement premiums 
compared to the prior year and a lower ceding percentage applied on 
some of the outwards quota share contracts purchased.

www.lancashiregroup.com

25

Performance 
B U S I N E S S   R E V I E W   C O N T I N U E D

Losses
The Group’s net loss ratio for 2020 was 59.6% compared to 30.8% in 
2019. The accident year loss ratio for 2020, including the impact of 
foreign exchange revaluations, was 71.4% compared to 51.3% in 2019.

During 2020, Lancashire experienced an active loss environment 
across both its specialty and catastrophe lines, with exposure to 
COVID-19 related losses and to a number of natural catastrophe 
events, including hurricanes Laura and Sally, the Midwest derecho 
storm and the wildfires in California. In addition, as noted in our third 
quarter trading update, risk losses were higher than our expectations 
and this continued into the fourth quarter of 2020, impacting all our 
segments. These loss events reflect the nature of the insurance 
products offered by the Group’s trading subsidiaries as part of their 
usual business and are within the Group’s risk tolerances.

Our net losses, excluding the impact of inwards and outwards 
reinstatement premiums, from COVID-19 related losses, natural 
catastrophe and large risk loss events, amounted to $149.5 million for 
the year ended 31 December 2020. Our COVID-19 loss primarily 
relates to exposures within our property segment. Given the ongoing 
nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain impact on the 
insurance industry, the Group’s actual ultimate loss may vary, perhaps 
materially, from the current estimate. The final settlement of all of 
these claims is likely to take place over a considerable period of time. 
The Group’s estimated ultimate net financial impact of COVID-19, 
including losses and reinstatement premiums, is consistent with that 
reported in July at approximately $42 million. In 2019, our net losses 
from catastrophe events, excluding the impact of inwards and 
outwards reinstatement premiums, were $52.1 million.

Excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations, the table 
below shows the impact of current accident year COVID-19 related 
losses and catastrophe loss events on the Group’s loss ratio for the 
year ended 31 December 2020:

a couple of marine claims in the 2017 and 2019 accident years, and 
adverse development on the 2010 New Zealand earthquake in the 
property segment. In the prior year, the Group benefited from 
favourable development on the 2017 catastrophe loss events partially 
offset by 2018 accident year claims in the energy segment.

The table below provides further detail of the prior year’s loss development 
by class, excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations:

Property
Aviation
Energy
Marine
Total

2020  
$m
46.6
3.3
17.2
(15.1)
52.0

2019  
$m
44.9
6.8
23.9
12.4
88.0

Note: Positive numbers denote favourable development.

Excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations, previous 
accident years’ ultimate losses developed as follows during 2020 
and 2019:

Ultimate loss development by accident year
2020  
$m
(1.8)
0.9
20.7
25.3
6.9
52.0

2015 accident year and prior
2016 accident year
2017 accident year
2018 accident year
2019 accident year
Total

2019  
$m
19.0
19.3
30.8
18.9
–
88.0

Note: Positive numbers denote favourable development.

The ratio of IBNR to total net loss reserves was 34.4% as at 
31 December 2020 compared to 30.9% as at 31 December 2019.

Reported at 31 December 2020
Absent catastrophe events noted above
Absent COVID-19 losses
Absent catastrophe and COVID-19 losses

Losses 
$m
283.8
216.8
244.1
177.1

Loss ratio  
%
59.6
45.5
51.0
36.9

Accident year loss ratios

Current accident year loss ratio
Initial accident year loss ratio
Change in loss ratio post-accident year

2020  
%
71.4
n/a
n/a

2019  
%
50.3
51.3
1.0

As reported in the Group’s results for the year ended 31 December 
2019 and excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations, the 
impact of natural catastrophe loss events on the Group’s 2019 loss 
ratio was as follows:

Reported at 31 December 2019
Absent all catastrophe events

Losses  
$m
129.8 
77.7 

Loss ratio 
%
30.8 
18.5

Prior year favourable development for 2020 was $52.0 million, 
compared to $88.0 million of favourable development in 2019. The 
favourable development in both 2020 and 2019 was primarily due to 
general IBNR releases across most lines of business due to a lack of 
reported claims. The second half of 2020 also included favourable 
development on the 2017 accident year, mainly from reserve releases 
on natural catastrophe loss events within the property segment. This 
was somewhat offset in the first half of the year by a number of late 
reported losses from the 2019 accident year, reserve deterioration on 

26

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Note: Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rates as at 
31 December 2020.

Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses were $114.4 million in 2020 compared to 
$106.0 million in 2019. The increase was primarily driven by higher 
employment costs due to an increase in the number of employees 
from 218 in the prior year to 255 in the current year. Non-employment 
costs increased slightly due to a number of project initiatives during 
the year which drove an increase in legal and external consulting fees. 
These increases were partly offset by reduced expenditure on travel 
and entertainment and promotional events.

The equity-based compensation expense was $12.3 million in 2020 
compared to $9.6 million in the same period last year. The equity-
based compensation charge was driven by anticipated vesting levels of 
active awards based on current performance expectations. Increased 
equity-based compensation charges were recorded in 2020 as higher 
performance targets were met.

Denise O’Donoghue
Group Chief 
Investment Officer

Investments, liquidity and cash flow
Since inception, the primary objectives for our investment portfolio 
have been capital preservation and liquidity. Those objectives remain 
unchanged, and are more important than ever in today’s volatile and 
reactive markets. As market volatility continues, we position our 
portfolio to limit down-side risk in the event of market shocks. 2020 
has been an extremely volatile year, but our investment portfolio has 
rebounded from the stress of the first quarter. In this environment of 
very low rates and a flat yield curve, it does not pay to increase 
duration. While any expectation of higher rates is at least a few years 
out, our focus will be on maintaining a defensive portfolio with short 
duration and high credit quality. We will use our risk budget to add to 
our portfolio some additional yield, however we will endeavour to add 
low volatility products. We continue to maintain a short duration fixed 
maturity portfolio and have been using our risk budget to add 
products to our portfolio to help diversify from interest rate volatility.

Our portfolio mix illustrates our conservative philosophy, as shown in 
the chart overleaf. With the composition regulated by the Group’s 
investment guidelines, we have three investment portfolio categories: 
‘core’, ‘core plus’ and ‘surplus’. The core and core plus portfolios 
contain at least enough funds required to meet near-term obligations 
and cash flow needs following an extreme event. Assets in excess of 
those required to be held in the core and core plus portfolios may be 
held in any of the three categories, which are discussed further on 
page 140.

The composition, duration and asset allocation of the investment 
portfolio are reviewed on a regular basis in order to respond to 
changes in interest rates and other market conditions. If certain asset 
classes are anticipated to produce a higher return within 
management’s risk tolerance, an adjustment in asset allocation may 
be made. Conversely, if the risk profile is expected to move outside of 
tolerance levels, adjustments may be made to reduce the risk in the 
portfolio. We try to be nimble in our investment strategy while putting 
our objective of capital preservation first and foremost.

We believe in the application of common sense, and do not place 
much reliance on ‘black box’ approaches to investment selection.

Investments are, however, inherently unpredictable and there are risks 
associated with any investment strategy decisions. Recent market 
history has been tumultuous, and we remain ever watchful. We will 
continue to monitor the economic environment closely.

Investment performance
Net investment income excluding realised and unrealised gains and 
losses was $29.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2020, a 
decrease of 23.1% compared to 2019. Total investment return, 
including net investment income, net realised gains and losses, 
impairments and net change in unrealised gains and losses, was 
$69.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2020 compared to 
$83.2 million for 2019.

In a year of significant volatility, the investment portfolio generated a 
strong total return of 3.9%, with positive returns generated from all 
asset classes. The returns were driven primarily by the fixed maturity 
portfolios, given the decline in treasury yields and the tightening of 
credit spreads during the year. The tighter spreads and stronger equity 
markets also drove significant returns in the hedge fund and private 
debt portfolios. All other asset classes also had positive returns on a 
year to date basis, similar to 2019.

Liquidity
The Group is a short-tail insurance and reinsurance group. As such, the 
investment portfolio must be liquid, short duration, and highly 
creditworthy. As noted earlier, the Group’s investment strategy places 
an emphasis on the preservation of invested assets and provision of 
sufficient liquidity for the prompt payment of claims in conjunction 
with providing a reasonably stable income stream.

Liquid securities will be maintained at an adequate level to more than 
meet expenses, including unanticipated claims payments. Only once 
safety, liquidity and investment income requirements are satisfied 
may additional yield in the investment portfolio be pursued.

Cash flow
The Group’s cash inflows are primarily derived from net premiums 
received, from losses recovered from reinsurers, from net investment 
income, including dividends and other returns from its associates, and 
any capital raising activities performed in a given year including the 
issuance of debt. Excess funds are invested in the investment portfolio, 
which primarily consists of high-quality, highly liquid fixed maturity 
securities of short duration. Other cash inflows result from the sale 
and redemption of investments.

The principal outflows for the Group are the settlement of claims, the 
payment of premiums for reinsurance cover, payment of general and 
administrative expenses, the servicing of debt, the purchase of 
investment products (including LCM) and the distribution of dividends.

www.lancashiregroup.com

27

PerformanceB U S I N E S S   R E V I E W   C O N T I N U E D

Conservative portfolio structure – quality

Asset allocation 
Total investment portfolio

Duration: 2.0 years

Credit quality 
Fixed maturities and  
managed cash

Corporate bonds: 35.0%

U.S. government bonds and agency debt: 19.0%

Cash and short-term securities: 13.0%

Agency structured products: 7.0%

Non agency structured products: 7.0%

Other government bonds and debt: 5.0%

Bank loans: 5.0%

Private debt: 5.0%

Hedge funds: 4.0%

AAA: 20.0%

AA: 35.0%

A: 23.0%

BBB: 16.0%

BB or below: 6.0%

Third-party capital management
The total contribution from third-party capital activities consists of 
the following items:

LCM underwriting fees
LCM profit commission
LSL fees & profit commission
Total other income
Share of profit of associate
Total third-party capital 
management income

2020  
$m
10.0
1.8
3.5
15.3
10.7

2019  
$m
7.9
1.0
2.5
11.4
5.9

26.0

17.3

The higher Lancashire Capital Management underwriting fees in 2020 
reflect the increased level of premiums under management compared 
to 2019. The amount of Lancashire Capital Management profit 
commission recognised is driven by the timing of loss experience, 
settlement of claims and collateral release and therefore varies year 
on year. The share of profit of associate reflects Lancashire’s equity 
interest in the Lancashire Capital Management managed vehicle.

Darren Redhead
Chief Executive Officer, LCM

28

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Capital management
Lancashire has built a reputation for being one of the best known and 
most active proponents of capital management in the industry. Capital 
management is our most important area of focus after underwriting 
and it is our firm belief that proactive and flexible capital management 
is crucial in helping to generate a superior risk-adjusted return over time. 
With our focus on maximising risk-adjusted shareholder returns over 
the long term we will return capital where this offers the best returns 
for our shareholders. We have returned 105.4% of comprehensive 
income generated via dividends or share repurchases since inception.

The Group actively reviews the level and composition of capital on an 
ongoing basis. Internal methods have been developed to review the 
profitability of classes of business and their estimated capital 
requirements plus the capital requirements of the combination of a 
wide range of other risk categories.

The key aim of the capital management process is to maintain a strong 
balance sheet, whilst:

•  maintaining sufficient capital for underwriting opportunities and to 

meet obligations to policyholders;

•  maximising the risk-adjusted return to shareholders within 

predetermined risk tolerances;

•  maintaining adequate financial strength ratings; and
•  meeting internal, regulatory and rating agency requirements.

The subsidiary operating entities also conduct capital requirement 
assessments under internal measures and in compliance with local 
regulatory and Lloyd’s requirements.

Capital raising can include debt or equity, and returns of capital may 
be made through dividends, share repurchases, a redemption of debt 
or any combination thereof. All capital actions require approval by the 
Board of Directors. The retention of earnings generated also leads to 
an increase in capital.

The composition of capital is driven by management’s appetite for 
leverage, amongst other factors, including the cost and availability of 
different types of capital. Maintaining a strong balance sheet will be 
the overriding factor in all capital management decisions.

Capital
On 10 June 2020 a total of 39,568,089 new common shares of $0.50 
each in Lancashire were placed at a price of 700 pence per share, 
raising proceeds of $340.3 million for the Company. The shares issued 
represented approximately 19.5% of the issued common share capital 
of Lancashire prior to the placing.

As at 31 December 2020, total capital available to the Group was 
$1.866 billion, comprising shareholders’ equity of $1.539 billion and 
$327.5 million of long-term debt. Tangible capital was $1.712 billion. 
Leverage was 17.6% on total capital and 19.1% on total tangible 
capital. Total capital and total tangible capital as at 31 December 2019 
were $1.517 billion and $1.363 billion respectively.

Dividends
During 2020, the Lancashire Board declared a final dividend of $0.10 
per common share in respect of the 2019 financial year and an interim 
dividend of $0.05 per common share in respect of 2020. The Board of 
Directors has declared a final dividend for 2020 of $0.10 per common 
share, subject to a shareholder vote of approval at the AGM to be held 
on 28 April 2021. On the basis that the final dividend of $0.10 per 
common share is approved by the shareholders at the 2021 AGM the 
total capital returns since inception amount to $2.9 billion or 291.8% 
of initial capital raised. The final dividend will be paid on 4 June 2021 
to shareholders of record on 7 May 2021.

Non pre-emptive issue of shares
As part of the Group’s flexible approach to capital management the 
Board has in recent years requested and received from shareholders 
authority to issue up to 15% of its shares on a non pre-emptive basis. 
Lancashire believes that this ability to raise capital quickly is important 
in securing first mover advantage in the catastrophe insurance and 
reinsurance business which it underwrites. The Board proposes to put 
a similar request for authority to shareholders in a resolution at the 
2021 AGM to be held on 28 April 2021.

Letters of credit
Lancashire has a syndicated LOC facility which in total amounts to 
$250.0 million, with a $50.0 million loan sub-limit available for 
general corporate purposes. Syndicate 2010 has a catastrophe facility 
in place to assist in paying claims and the gross funding of 
catastrophes. While up to $80.0 million in aggregate can be utilised by 
way of an LOC or an RCF to assist Syndicate 2010’s gross funding 
requirements, only $40.0 million of this amount can be utilised by way 
of an RCF. With effect from 1 January 2021, the RCF element has been 
removed and the facility now solely operates as an LOC facility, 
available up to a maximum amount of $60.0 million. Furthermore, a 
$95.0 million uncollateralised facility is available for utilisation by LICL 
and guaranteed by LHL for FAL purposes. A separate uncommitted 
overdraft facility will be made available to Syndicate 2010 of 
$20.0 million.

There was no outstanding debt under the above facilities at any 
reporting date. There are no off-balance sheet forms of capital.

www.lancashiregroup.com

29

PerformanceE N T E R P R I S E   R I S K   M A N A G E M E N T

Resilient risk management

“2020 was the year that put our risk 
management framework to the test 
in many different ways.”

Louise Wells
Group Chief Risk Officer

30

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Operational resilience has been key for the year, 
from invoking a full working from home 
environment across the Group, moving back into 
a COVID-19 secure workplace and then back to 
working from home again, whilst also ensuring 
the business remained adaptable, that all critical 
business services continued to operate as usual 
(internally and those involving third-party 
providers) and that we were able to provide a 
seamless service to all of our stakeholders.

One of the positive aspects of 2020 was the robustness of our 
business, our people and our relationships with our stakeholders. This 
did not occur without risk, and related risk scores were adjusted to 
reflect the necessary changes in the working environment. For 
example, cyber risk scores were increased due to the remote working 
situation. This risk was mitigated to an extent through the provision of 
IT equipment to staff to ensure the required level of security was met.

In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 also saw a large number 
of both catastrophe and risk loss events. Whilst that is the nature of 
the (re)insurance business we are in, the number was above our 10 
year average aggregate catastrophe losses. Adherence to risk appetite 
tolerances during the underwriting process meant that none of these 
events resulted in losses that were outside of expectations, 
demonstrating the alignment of the RMF with the Group’s business 
strategy. As we move into 2021 and seize the opportunities available 
to us, the RMF will be adapted and enhanced as necessary to ensure it 
remains aligned and appropriate for the growing business.

Culture
Remote working for such an extended period had the potential to 
negatively impact our culture, whilst also increasing our operational 
risk. However, the use of various conference technologies ensured key 
governance and risk management processes, such as the daily 
Underwriting and Marketing Conference Call, continued to operate as 
they would have done in the office. In terms of our culture, in 2019 the 
Group commissioned a comprehensive staff survey, the results of 
which were very positive. In 2020, this was followed up with a further 
survey focusing on diversity and inclusion. Risk culture has also been a 
focus, with the development of a risk culture framework to ensure the 
alignment between the Group’s organisational and risk cultures. We 
expect to develop this further in 2021 through the implementation of 
related risk metrics, which can be used to provide assurance to the 
Board. Our first risk culture survey was conducted in January 2021. 
These results are being used to direct focused risk training, in addition 
to the broader ERM training provided to all new permanent and 
fixed-term contract staff.

Climate change
As a (re)insurance group Lancashire is primarily affected by physical 
risk through its exposure to acute and chronic climate change. 
However, consideration must also be, and is, given to transition and 
climate-related litigation risks. In our underwriting operations, we 
manage this risk effectively by supplementing our internal know-how 
with external vendor models. We have clear tolerances and 

ERM & ORSA

•  Group CRO reports to 
Board and Executive 
Management Committee

•  Production of quarterly ORSA 
report for review and approval 
by the Board

•  Capital and liquidity 

management frameworks
•  Review of internal model 

policies, capital and 
solvency appetites
•  Full/proxy capital 

assessments
•  Rating agency 

capital assessments

•  Stress and scenario testing
•  Board quarterly review  

of capital needs,  
headroom  
and actions

Key elements of ORSA

Key activities

•  Review of business strategy with challenge from the Board
•  Annual approval of a business strategy paper by the Board

Strategy review  
& challenge

l ture &

u

C

Board

RRC

G

overn a n

c e

Risk 
solvency &  
assessment

Capital 
management

•  Quarterly risk and control affirmations
•  Quarterly emerging risk working group
•  Quarterly internal audit reports to the 
Audit Committee providing an update 
on work performed and analysis of root 
causes of audit findings

•  External audit reports to the 

Audit Committee

•  Audit Committee annual review of 

the effectiveness of financial controls

Risk 
identification  
& assessment

Risk appetite &  
tolerances

•  Review of risk strategy and ‘attitude 

to risk’

Risk & business  
management

Business  
planning

•  Review of risk appetite and limits
•  Review of Group risk tolerances
•  Management, Board and subsidiary 
board approval of risk tolerances

•  Review of risk 

management policies

•  Assessment of 

risk management 
framework maturity
•  Integrated assurance 

assessment

•  Emerging risk assessment

•  Review and approval of  

business plan by the Board
•  Stress and scenario testing 

(business plan)

•  Assessment of management actions
•  CRO review of business plan
•  Board business performance review
•  Board consideration of 

stakeholder engagement

Board sign off and embedding

Risks

Stress and scenario testing

Business strategy

Capital and solvency

www.lancashiregroup.com

31

RiskE N T E R P R I S E   R I S K   M A N A G E M E N T   C O N T I N U E D

preferences in place to actively manage risk exposures (including 
exposures associated with loss events which may be influenced by 
climate change trends), and the Board regularly monitors our PMLs 
(see table on page 133). Litigation risks are managed by monitoring 
publicised legal cases and understanding the potential ramifications 
for the Group based on our existing portfolio. The risks to the asset 
side of our balance sheet from exposure to climate change is mitigated 
in part through regular reviews of our third-party asset managers, our 
asset allocation, and the underlying securities within our portfolio. 
Management and the Investment Committee are working with our 
external portfolio managers to monitor the carbon and ESG profile of 
the Group’s investment portfolio (see pages 76 and 77 for further details).

Climate change, its related risks and opportunities and their potential 
financial impact, are a key focus of the Board at its quarterly meetings, 
and the Board continues to oversee the development of the ESG 
framework and the Group’s climate-related financial disclosures 
including the requirements of the TCFD. The stress and scenario tests 
performed as part of the business planning and ORSA processes 
included climate-related scenario(s), and these scenarios will continue 
to be refined and enhanced as more information becomes available. 
The Group has established a working party which will consider, inter 
alia, the appropriate methodology for future climate scenarios aligned 
to TCFD requirements. The work performed to date has not resulted in 
any material impact on business strategy or change to our 
understanding of the risks’ impacts to our business. See also pages 58 
to 61: TCFD Our journey. The Group monitors and offsets its own 
carbon emissions (see page 53 for further details).

Risk strategy
Our risk strategy is aligned to the business and capital strategy to 
ensure the capital resources held are matched to the risk profile of the 
Group and that the balance between risk and return is considered as 
part of all key business decisions.

The Group’s financial performance is exposed to risks from several 
sources. These include insurance risk, market risk, liquidity risk, credit 
risk, operational risk, and strategic risk, which are all discussed further 
in the risk disclosures on pages 132 to 153, as well as Group risk and 
regulatory and legal risk. The primary risk to the Group is insurance 
risk, which can be subdivided into the core risk of underwriting and the 
non-core risk of reserving and includes the Group’s risk exposures to 
natural catastrophes including wind storms, wildfires and other loss 
events linked to climate change trends.

The Board of Directors retains responsibility for all risk within the 
Group and is responsible for setting and monitoring the Group’s risk 
appetite and tolerances, whereas the individual entity boards of 
directors are responsible for setting and monitoring entity-level risk 
tolerances. Risk tolerances represent the maximum amount of capital, 
generally on a modelled basis, that the Group and its entities are 
prepared to expose to certain risks. The Group’s appetite for risk will 
vary marginally from time-to-time to reflect the potential risks and 
returns that present themselves. However, protecting the Group’s 
capital and maximising risk-adjusted returns for investors over the 
long term are constants. All risk tolerances are subject to at least an 
annual review and consideration by the respective boards of directors. 
The Board and individual entity boards of directors review actual risk 
levels versus tolerances, emerging risks and any risk learning events at 

32

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

least quarterly. In addition, on at least a monthly basis, management 
assesses our modelled potential losses against risk tolerances to 
ensure that risk levels are managed in accordance with them.

Risk management framework
The Group subscribes to a ‘three lines of defence’ model, the front-line 
being risk ownership by business managers. Responsibility for the 
management of individual risks has been assigned to, and may form 
part of, the performance objectives of the risk owners within the 
business. Risk owners ensure that these risks and the controls that 
mitigate against these risks are consistent with their day-to-day 
processes and the entries made in the respective risk registers, which 
are a direct input into the subsidiary capital models. The second line 
comprises the risk management team, which is responsible for risk 
oversight and the RRC. Within this, the Group CRO provides regular 
reports to the business outlining the status of the Group’s ERM 
activities and strategy, as well as formal reports to the Board and the 
boards of the individual operating entities. The Group CRO ultimately 
has the right to report directly to the Group and entity regulators if 
she feels that management is not appropriately addressing areas of 
concern regarding the Group as a whole or any of the individual 
operating entities. LSL’s CRO provides formal reports to the LSL Board 
and its Risk, Capital and Compliance Committee (‘RCCC’). The third 
line of defence is the internal audit function, whose work 
complements that of risk management by independently assessing the 
operating effectiveness of controls and also appraising the culture.

We continue to perform a quarterly risk and control affirmation 
process whereby the operation of all key controls is affirmed by the 
control operators and then reviewed and signed off by the risk owners. 
In addition, the risk owners are required to affirm that their risks 
remain appropriately documented and scored. The risks are scored on 
both a gross basis (i.e. inherent risk pre-controls) and a net basis (i.e. 
residual risk post the application of controls). The output from this 
process is reported to the RRC and the Group and operating subsidiary 
audit and risk committees or boards of directors as appropriate.

As at 31 December 2020, all Group entities were operating within 
their board-approved risk tolerances.

The quarterly ORSA reports prepared by the Group CRO to the Group 
and subsidiary boards provide a timely analysis of current and 
potential or emerging risks, compared against risk tolerances, along 
with their associated capital requirements.

The 2021 annual ORSA report will be presented to the Board for 
review, challenge and approval at the Q1 2021 Board meeting. The 
equivalent reports for the operating subsidiaries will also be presented 
to their boards for review, challenge and approval during Q1 2021. As a 
Lloyd’s managing agent, LSL falls within the Society of Lloyd’s for 
Solvency II reporting, preparing ORSA reports for each syndicate. LSL 
has its own ERM framework to ensure adherence to Lloyd’s 
minimum standards.

The diagram on the previous page illustrates how we balance our ERM 
and ORSA activities. Our risk culture is driven from the ‘top down’ via 
the Board and executive management to the business, with the RRC 
central to these processes. Risk culture is also driven from the ‘bottom 
up’ through the risk and control affirmation process. The primary role 
of the Group CRO is to facilitate the effective operation of ERM and 
the ORSA processes throughout the Group at all levels. 

The role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

•  overall management of the risk management system;
•  to drive ERM culture, ownership and execution on three levels: 

Board, executive management and operational within the business;

•  to facilitate the identification, assessment, evaluation and 

management of existing and emerging risks by management and 
the Board, including the articulation of risk preferences and the 
adoption of formal risk tolerances;

•  to ensure that these risks are given due consideration and are 

embedded within management’s and the Board’s oversight and 
decision-making process;

•  to be consulted, and opine, on policy in areas such as, but not 

limited to, underwriting, claims, investments, operations and capital 
management; and

•  to provide timely, accurate, reliable, factual, objective and 

accessible information and analysis to guide, coach and support 
decision making.

RRC
The RRC, under the chairmanship of the Group CEO, is the key 
management tool for monitoring and challenging the assessment of 
risk on a regular basis. It seeks to optimise risk-adjusted returns and 
facilitate the appropriate use of the Group’s internal models, including 
considering their effectiveness. It ensures that all key areas of risk are 
discussed according to a schedule that covers fortnightly, monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual and annual reviews. The RRC meets fortnightly 
and is responsible for coordinating and overseeing ERM activities 
within the risk profile, appetites and tolerances set by the Group and 
individual entity boards of directors. The RRC includes the Group CEO, 
members from the finance, actuarial, modelling, operations, treasury 
and underwriting functions and both the Group CRO and LSL CRO. 
The Group CRO reports on the RRC’s activities to the Group and 
individual entity boards of directors and via the LSL CRO to the RCCC 
of LSL. Through the Group CRO the RRC considers recommendations 
to the Board and its Committees with regard to the adoption of formal 
risk tolerances. Examples of specific items considered by the RRC 
during 2020 include: the Group strategy and business plan, risk 
appetite statements, capital and solvency appetite, ERM framework, 
stress and scenario tests and the results of the quarterly affirmation 
process and related controls testing.

Capital models
We continue to challenge the assumptions used in the individual 
capital models and make changes where appropriate.

Changes in risk
From an insurance risk perspective, our Board-approved tolerances 
have remained static during the year but for the second year running 
we have seen an increase in the gross written premium compared to 
the prior year. This increase reflects an increased appetite to write 
business as we have seen improving rates across most of our classes of 
business. Our insurance risk tolerances will remain the same for 2021 
but our expectation is that we will write more business, retain more 
risk, and therefore have reduced headroom between tolerance and 
actual exposure as we deploy our capital according to the 
market conditions.

As is the case every year, our underwriters have reviewed and refined 
our purchasing of reinsurance cover. This is designed to ensure our 

reinsurance buying is aligned to our latest strategy and is targeted to 
be as responsive as possible, thereby helping to reduce net insurance 
risk exposures or enabling additional risk taking.

From an operational risk perspective, and primarily as a result of the 
pandemic, there have been a number of important risk and control 
changes during the year given the remote working environment. The 
strength of the control environment remains unchanged, as does the 
governance process around such changes.

Emerging risk
The identification and assessment of emerging risk occurs throughout 
the Group from individual departments to management and executive 
committees, to the boards of directors and sub-committees of the 
boards. The risk function maintains an emerging risk register, which is 
provided to the executive committees, Board and entity boards of 
directors each quarter, and is therefore subject to an iterative process 
of review and oversight. Emerging risks, by their nature, are difficult to 
quantify, however, during 2020, the Group strove to foresee potential 
areas of new risk, or developments in existing risks, and to assess how 
those risks could impact the Group. Whilst much of the focus in 2020 
was on the ongoing pandemic, the risk function also monitored the 
development of previously reported emerging risks including ESG, 
Brexit, operational resilience, the Future at Lloyd’s and global tax 
reform. Climate change risk remains at the top of many political 
agendas internationally and is an area of risk monitoring and 
management for us at both management and Board level. The threat 
which catastrophic weather events pose to individuals, communities 
and businesses illustrates the social and economic value which our risk 
management products generate. This is therefore a key area both of 
strategic opportunity for our business and one of the key drivers of our 
underwriting risk exposure management. In particular, management 
and the Board set tolerances for, and monitor, the Group’s probable 
maximum losses for major catastrophe events and in particular 
weather-related exposures. Please see page 133 for a list of the 
Group’s current PML risk exposures. Climate change risk also informs 
the way we manage our investment portfolio and associated risk. 
During 2020, the Group once again participated in the Carbon 
Disclosure Project, which is aligned with the recommendations of the 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, which are 
promoted by the Financial Stability Board and the Bank of England. 
See also the section titled TCFD Our journey on pages 58 to 61 for 
more information.

Risk universe
We continue to classify risks in three broad classes: (a) Intrinsic risk: 
‘Risk that stems from the inherent randomness and uncertainty that 
exists in the universe in which we operate and that is therefore 
fundamental to how we manage our business’. This can be core 
(represents the potential to generate a return as well as a loss) or 
non-core (offers no direct potential for return); (b) Operational risk: 
which can be independent or correlated; and (c) Other risk: the 
non-financial category of risks which cannot necessarily be mitigated 
by holding capital since such risks may not have direct balance sheet 
implications.

The Board evaluated the risks disclosed, alongside other factors, in the 
assessment of the Group’s viability and prospects as set out in the 
going concern and viability statement in the Directors’ report at 
page 108.

www.lancashiregroup.com

33

RiskP R I N C I P A L   R I S K S

Risk universe
Type Category

Description

Underwriting 
Investment

e
r
o
C
c
i
s
n
i
r
t
n

I

Intrinsic risks representing the potential to generate a return as well as a loss.

In these areas, the Group promotes informed risk taking that considers the risk and return equation in all major decisions, 
with the intention of maximising risk-adjusted returns.

We recognise that by insuring fortuitous events we can suffer losses and that within our investment portfolio we can see 
the value of investments fall. We cannot avoid these risks, so we focus on the correlated operational risks and seek to 
mitigate them. For example, we know that by insuring the risk of natural perils we are exposed to the risk that losses 
exceed our plan. We model our portfolio using stochastic modelling to review actual and planned exposures to ensure 
they remain within tolerances. The correlated risks are that we might fail to design or maintain effective tolerances and 
limits, and fail to maintain exposures within such limits; or that we fail to keep accurate and timely records of our 
exposures. We then devise systems and processes to mitigate these risks, such as PML reconciliations and RDS sign offs, 
with review by the RRC and regular ORSA reports to the Board, which also considers and approves formal risk tolerances.

c
i
s
n
i
r
t
n

I

e Reserving 
r
o
c
-
n
o
N

(Re)Insurance 
counterparty 
Liquidity

l Operational
a
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
p
O

Intrinsic risks to which we are inevitably exposed as a result of conducting our day-to-day business operations, yet offer 
no direct potential for return.

They are quantified insofar as practicable for the purposes of capital and risk management and avoided or minimised 
insofar as is economically justifiable.

These are risks arising as a result of inadequate or failed internal processes, personnel, systems or (non-insurance) 
external events.

They have the potential either to magnify the adverse impacts of intrinsic risks, for example increased reinsurer default 
losses arising through the use of non-approved counterparties; or to crystallise separately in their own right, for example 
losses arising through the imposition of fines as a result of a regulatory breach, so unrelated to our core functions.

r Strategic 
e
h
t
O

Group 
Emerging

These are risks for which quantitative assessment is difficult but for which a structured approach is still required to 
ensure that their potential impact is considered and mitigated insofar as is practicable. These are included within the risk 
register and are assessed and mitigated through scenario and stress testing.

34

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
Our strong risk culture is the foundation on which 
we build our strategy
As described under our review of the risk universe on 
page 34, our classification of risks as Intrinsic Core and 
Intrinsic Non-core, Operational and Other helps us to 
focus on our management and mitigation of those risks.

Further details concerning these risks can be 
found on pages 36 to 41. Within the capital 
models, insurance risk accounts for over 80% 
of the allocated risk capital, so this is clearly 
the principal area where we stringently apply 
controls and reviews. For example, we place 
a large number of controls around 
monitoring risk levels across the business. 
However, we understand that even risks that 
do not generate a capital charge under an 
economic capital model can pose serious 
threats to the execution of the business plan 
and strategy, and therefore need to be 
monitored and tested. For example, we 
spend a lot of time looking at the 
implications of new capital entering the 
market and the evolution of the market 
cycle. In addition, the Group continues to 
consider and adapt to the risks and 
opportunities arising from climate change 
through the analysis of the associated 
physical, transitional and liability risks. As 
part of our overall risk mitigation strategy we 
perform detailed stress and scenario testing 
to stress the financial stability of the Group. 
This process is aligned to our business 
planning, ORSA processes and time horizons. 
The selected tests are aligned to our key risk 
areas and include capital (rating agency and 
regulatory), underwriting and investment-
related stress tests, at a minimum.

Key risks

Intrinsic Core

Intrinsic Non-core

Operational

Other

www.lancashiregroup.com

35

RiskHow the Board reviews this risk
Unsurprisingly, the Board views underwriting 
as the Group’s key risk. As such, the Board 
continues to focus on underwriting expertise 
and discipline to effectively balance the 
equation of risk and return, and operate 
nimbly through the cycle. The Board is 
actively engaged in the development and 
implementation of the Group’s underwriting 
strategy, including consideration of potential 
risks to the strategy such as climate-related 
physical, transition and litigation risks. The 
Board is also involved in the articulation of, 
and adherence to, formal underwriting risk 
tolerances. Quarterly risk data on this is both 
received and reviewed by the Board’s UURC 
to ensure that good risk selection and 
disciplined underwriting remain at the core 
of the Group’s underwriting strategy. The 
UURC and Board also review and approve the 
structure of the Group’s outwards 
reinsurance programme. During the year the 
Board was involved in reviewing and 
approving a range of proposals to enter 
additional classes of business.

P R I N C I P A L   R I S K S   C O N T I N U E D

Intrinsic risk: Core

Underwriting: Losses in our classes are hard 
to predict, in particular as to the specifics of 
timing and quantum of catastrophe loss 
events. Additionally, we write lines of 
business that are subject to accumulations, 
including accumulations of individual risk 
losses arising from a single event such as 
several property catastrophe excess of loss 
programmes being affected by a windstorm 
or earthquake, and accumulations between 
business lines such as a 9/11 type event 
impacting both the terrorism and AV52 
portfolios. Losses can also exceed 
expectations in terms of both frequency and 
severity. We recognise that through climate 
change trends, and other influencing factors, 
weather-related incidences or other actual 
catastrophe loss events may increase losses 
in frequency, severity and clustering so, 
although we model losses, for example when 
using the RMS and AIR stochastic models, we 
know that these projections can and will be 
wrong in many instances.

Link to strategy

  Underwriting comes first

Trend

Impact

Appetite

Opportunities
As market dynamics change so too do the 
opportunities available to the Group. We 
remain creative in being able to provide 
tailored insurance and reinsurance products 
and solutions to our core clients across the 
three platforms of our business. 2020 saw 
further opportunity for organic growth as we 
both increased business written in our 
existing classes of business and added 
additional classes of business to our 
portfolio. 2021 looks to be equally positive.

Mitigation
Modelling: We apply loads to, and stress 
test, stochastic models and develop 
alternative views of losses using exposure 
damage ratios. We review our assumptions 
periodically to ensure they remain 
appropriate. We also back test our portfolio 
against historic events to assess potential 
losses.

RRC: The RRC considers accumulations, 
clashes and parameterisation of losses 
and models.

Governance: Board and capital 
management: We set our internal capital 
requirements at a level that allows for 
buffers above accumulations of extreme 
events and, further to recommendations, the 
Board approves risk tolerances at least 
annually and considers capital requirements 
on at least a quarterly basis.

Reinsurance: We buy reinsurance to manage 
our exposure and protect our balance sheet. 
The structure of our programme is reviewed 
each year to ensure it remains aligned to our 
strategy and risk profile.

y
e
K

Risk trend key:

Risk impact key:

Risk appetite key:

Increased

Stable

High

Acceptable

Moderate

Reassess

Decreased

Low

Unacceptable

36

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Intrinsic risk: Core (continued)

Investment: We need to hold sufficient 
assets in readiness to pay claims, but the 
markets and products in which we invest 
can suffer volatility and losses. As a 
predominantly short-tail insurer, we are able 
to hold the majority of assets in low-duration 
securities such as fixed maturities. We model 
our investment portfolios and use various 
stress scenarios to manage the extent and 
source of losses we could expect under a 
range of outcomes associated with credit 
interest rate and liquidity risks. The 
Investment Committee adopts a strategy 
which has a low exposure to the effects of 
climate change transitional risk over the 
various asset classes.

Link to strategy

  Effectively balance risk and return

Trend

Impact

Appetite

Opportunities
The primary objectives for our investment 
portfolio remain capital preservation and 
liquidity. Our conservative approach limits 
our downside risk but means we are unlikely 
to equal the returns of peers taking on more 
investment risk.

Mitigation
Governance: Board and investment 
strategy: Our strategy is that investment 
income is not expected to be a significant 
driver of our returns. Our primary focus 
remains on underwriting as the engine of 
profits. Investment strategy, including 
investment risk tolerances, is approved 
annually and monitored on a quarterly basis 
by the Investment Committee and Board. A 
detailed strategic asset allocation study is 
performed biannually.

IRRC: The IRRC forms an integral part of our 
risk management framework, meeting at 
least quarterly and reporting to the RRC.

External advisers: Lancashire’s Board and 
management recognise that the Group’s 
principal expertise lies in underwriting so we 
use the services of internationally recognised 
investment managers who are experts in 
their fields. The Group’s principal investment 
managers are signatories to the UN Principles 
for Responsible Investment.

How the Board reviews this risk
The Investment Committee receives and 
reviews investment strategies, guidelines and 
policies, risk appetite and associated risk 
tolerances, and makes recommendations to 
the Board in this regard. The Committee also 
monitors performance of the investment 
strategies within the risk framework and 
compliance with investment operating 
guidelines. In addition, the quarterly ORSA 
report from the Group CRO includes 
statements regarding performance against 
investment risk tolerances. During 2020 the 
Investment Committee received the results 
of the strategic asset allocation study and a 
paper on ESG and carbon pricing sensitivity, 
including the results of an exercise whereby 
our investment managers reviewed our 
portfolio against the MSCI ESG Index. This 
work will be further developed in 2021 to 
define some climate-related 
investment metrics.

www.lancashiregroup.com

37

RiskHow the Board reviews this risk
The Board reviews this risk in detail on a 
quarterly basis through the Audit 
Committee, which focuses on the 
appropriateness of the overall reserve  
levels, informed by management’s quarterly 
update, the external actuary’s independent 
review of reserve adequacy performed at 
half-year and year-end and the work 
performed by the external auditor; and 
through the UURC, which receives quarterly 
updates from management on individual 
large losses. The review includes detailed 
analysis on major losses including climate-
related natural catastrophe losses and 
pandemic losses.

The Board focused on COVID-19 as a liability 
issue for the business and monitored the 
rigorous reserving process conducted by 
management at an early stage of the 
pandemic and regularly throughout the year.

P R I N C I P A L   R I S K S   C O N T I N U E D

Intrinsic risk: Non-core

Reserving: Because we do not know the 
amount of losses we are going to incur at the 
outset of a contract, we have to make 
estimates of the reserves we need to hold to 
pay claims. If these reserves are inadequate 
and claims exceed them, this may have an 
impact on earnings, or indeed capital. 
Independent reserve reviews by external 
actuaries look at the overall levels of 
expected losses, as well as individual large 
events, including benchmarking analyses 
to provide assurance over the level of 
reserves booked.

As mentioned in earlier sections of the report 
COVID-19 is a unique loss event given its 
ongoing nature and impact across multiple 
product lines. These factors make it 
exceptionally difficult to reserve for and also 
means that any ultimate losses are 
inherently uncertain. This has led us to 
change the trend for this risk to increased 
from stable.

Link to strategy

  Effectively balance risk and return

Trend

Impact

Appetite

38

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Opportunities
Whilst our focus is on short-tail lines of 
business, uncertainty still exists on the 
eventual ultimate losses as loss information 
can take some time to obtain. As additional 
information emerges, the Group’s actual 
ultimate loss may vary, perhaps materially, 
from those initially reported. This may result 
in reserve releases or a required 
strengthening of reserves.

Mitigation
Short-tail business: Lancashire’s focus is on 
short-tail lines of business where losses are 
usually known within, or shortly after, the 
policy period with a reasonable degree 
of certainty.

Experience data: We have access to a lot of 
data, both our own and from the industry as 
a whole, about losses and loss trends. 
Actuarial and statistical data are used to set 
estimates of future losses, and these are 
reviewed by underwriters, claims staff and 
actuaries to ensure that they reflect the 
actual experience of the business.

Governance: Reserves are reviewed and 
approved by the Reserve Committee whose 
members include representation from 
finance, actuarial and claims; there are 
additional attendees from finance, actuarial, 
underwriting, legal and risk. A reserve report 
is presented and reviewed on a quarterly 
basis by the Audit Committee.

External review: Insurers typically facilitate 
an independent review by external actuaries 
of their loss reserves. Lancashire retains the 
services of one of the leading industry 
experts and our appetite is defined so as to 
set reserves within a range of reasonable 
estimates based on both internal and 
external review. The Audit Committee 
receives and considers quarterly reports from 
management and the Group Chief Actuary. 
In addition, the Audit Committee receives 
and considers reports on reserve adequacy 
from the external actuary on a six 
monthly basis.

Intrinsic risk: Non-core (continued)

(Re)Insurance and intermediary counterparty: 
Almost all the insurance policies which we 
write are brought to us by brokers, who act 
as intermediaries between us and our clients, 
and handle the transaction of payments of 
claims and premiums on our behalf. This 
exposes us to the risk of mishandling by, or 
failure of, the broker concerned. In order to 
make our portfolio as efficient as possible, 
we buy reinsurance to protect against 
severity, frequency and accumulation of 
losses. Again, this exposes us to the risk that 
our counterparties may have the inability or 
unwillingness to pay us in the event of a loss.

Link to strategy

  Underwriting comes first

  Effectively balance risk and return

  Operate nimbly through the cycle

Opportunities
As both a purchaser and seller of reinsurance, 
opportunities exist throughout the insurance 
cycle. Until relatively recently, with rates 
suppressed, the quantum of reinsurance 
coverage purchased has increased and 
therefore so has counterparty exposure. This 
is mitigated through established governance 
processes to manage the aggregate exposure 
and credit control processes to ensure 
monies due are received. As always, it is the 
case of balancing the risk we are taking with 
the expected return; reinsurance purchasing 
is one way of balancing this. As market 
conditions change, we may choose to retain 
more risk or may be unable to purchase the 
same level of reinsurance as in previous 
years resulting in a reduction in 
counterparty exposure.

Trend

Impact

Appetite

Liquidity: In order to satisfy claims 
payments, we need to ensure that sufficient 
assets are held in a readily realisable form. 
This includes holding liquid assets for the 
modelled payout of loss reserves, as well as 
ensuring that we can meet claims payments 
in relatively extreme events.

Link to strategy

  Effectively balance risk and return

Trend

Impact

Appetite

Opportunities
As previously noted, liquidity is a primary 
objective of our investment portfolio. It is 
important we balance the need for liquidity 
and being able to pay our clients’ claims on a 
timely basis with the opportunity for return 
from our investments. We do this through 
different investment portfolio categories.

Mitigation
Portfolio management: The Group 
maintains liquidity in excess of the Board-
agreed tolerances. This is achieved through 
the maintenance of a highly liquid portfolio 
with short duration and high creditworthiness. 
We monitor this through the use of stress 
tests and mitigate risks through the quality 
of the investments themselves.

Mitigation
Counterparty credit limits: The Broker 
Vetting Committee is responsible for the 
broker vetting approval process and 
monitoring credit risk in relation to brokers. 
In addition, the Group conducts broker 
business using non-risk transfer TOBAs. This 
mitigates the risk due to non-payment by 
brokers and intermediaries as monies are 
held in separated client money accounts. We 
use counterparty credit limits, seek to deal 
with reputable reinsurers that meet our 
minimum rating standards, and use collateral 
agreements where appropriate. The 
operating entities of the Group that contract 
for reinsurance separately maintain and 
report their own counterparty credit limits at 
the entity level. The RSC is responsible for 
approving counterparties and monitoring 
first loss and aggregate limits.

How the Board reviews this risk
The quarterly ORSA report to the Board 
includes the top five reinsurance 
counterparty exposures versus the Board-
agreed tolerances. These tolerances are 
reviewed and approved on an annual basis by 
the Board and considered as part of the 
annual strategy review. Amounts owed to 
intermediary counterparties are included in 
the underwriting information provided to the 
UURC on a quarterly basis.

How the Board reviews this risk
Liquidity risk is reviewed by the Investment 
Committee which regularly receives and 
reviews reports detailing asset allocation and 
compliance with pre-defined guidelines and 
tolerances.

www.lancashiregroup.com

39

RiskP R I N C I P A L   R I S K S   C O N T I N U E D

Operational

These are risks arising as a result of 
inadequate or failed internal processes, 
personnel, systems or (non-insurance) 
external events. The Group is also subject to 
regulatory supervision and oversight, as well 
as legislation and tax requirements across a 
number of jurisdictions (see page 152 for 
more information). Operational risks have 
the potential either to magnify the adverse 
impacts of intrinsic risks or crystallise 
separately in their own right. This can 
encompass IT availability, where the failure 
of an IT system, such as our underwriting 
system, could impact our ability to maintain 
accurate and up-to-date records of our 
exposures. If correlated with an insurance 
loss this could cause us to breach insurance 
risk tolerances. It could also encompass IT 
integrity, where an unauthorised intruder 
could alter data in our systems, or introduce 
a bug that would corrupt the system. 
Furthermore, unauthorised access to IT 
systems as a result of a breach or failure 
could result in data loss, including personal 
data, which may have regulatory and/or 
reputational risk implications. During 2020, 
the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and 
the resultant transition to home working 
have been monitored as a ’real world’ 
operational risk challenge. As part of this, the 
IT security and cyber risk score was increased 
to reflect the change in working environment.

Link to strategy

  Effectively balance risk and return

  Operate nimbly through the cycle

Trend

Impact

Appetite

40

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Although the Group holds limited personal 
data, it has a suite of policies and processes, 
including penetration testing procedures, 
around data protection which facilitate 
compliance with the General Data Protection 
Regulation (GDPR), the UK Data Protection 
Act and UK-implemented GDPR and the 
Bermuda equivalent of the GDPR, the 
Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

How the Board reviews this risk
The Audit Committee receives quarterly 
reports from the Group CRO summarising 
the results from the quarterly risk and 
control affirmation process and detailed 
control testing. The Audit Committee 
reviews this alongside the quarterly updates 
from the internal audit team regarding their 
programme of work and opinion on the 
effectiveness of controls. In addition, the 
quarterly ORSA report from the Group CRO 
to the Board includes details of any risk 
events and near misses and changes to the 
risk register, and the drivers for such change. 
The Board reviews the culture aspect of 
operational risk through the Audit 
Committee, which receives an update in each 
internal audit report as well as through 
internal audit’s analysis of the root causes of 
the audit findings. COVID-19 was discussed 
at each meeting of the Board during 2020, 
with a particular focus on the operational 
resilience of the Group and ensuring the 
Group could continue to service its 
policyholders. In addition, a diversity and 
inclusion survey was performed late in 2020, 
and a risk culture survey in January 2021, the 
results of which were presented to the Board 
in February 2021. The Board is also provided 
with regular updates on the change 
management portfolio of work. This has been 
an area of focus in 2020 with the recruitment 
of a Head of Change.

Opportunities
A risk-based approach is followed to 
determine which areas require strongly 
controlled processes and procedures (i.e. the 
key risk areas) and those areas where a more 
proportionate approach is appropriate (those 
areas assessed as low risk).

Mitigation
Capacity: We mitigate IT availability risk by 
adding redundancy to the capacity we need 
and using backups of data, including off-site 
storage that we test regularly. Additionally, 
the Group has both Disaster Recovery and 
Business Continuity Plans in place that are 
tested annually and which are designed, in 
particular, to help minimise the risk posed by 
Bermuda hurricane events or disruptive 
political or terrorism events in London. The 
business follows strict tax and regulatory 
operating guidelines, which are periodically 
reviewed and approved by the Board. The 
executive management team has monitored 
the unfolding operational impacts of 
COVID-19, both formally and informally, 
often on a daily basis. The Board has received 
regular reports on COVID-19 operational 
impacts at its quarterly meetings (see page 
41 for more detail).

Testing and access: We mitigate the 
integrity risk by using independent external 
penetration tests, and by restricting access to 
key systems to only those people who are 
qualified and need to use them. We also have 
a Cyber Incident Response Plan to guide 
management should a third party be discovered 
to have gained access to our systems.

Personnel: We mitigate the risks associated 
with staff recruitment and retention and 
key-man risk through a combination of 
resource planning processes and controls. 
Examples include targeted retention 
packages, documented position descriptions 
and employment contracts, resource 
monitoring and the provision of appropriate 
compensation and training schemes. In 
addition, the Group has core values, which all 
employees subscribe to and which reflect the 
culture described in our staff engagement 
survey. The Board regularly reviews 
succession planning arrangements and 
remuneration structures.

How the Board reviews this risk
Both COVID-19 and climate change have 
been topics of discussion at each Board 
meeting this year. The quarterly ORSA report 
from the CRO to the Board includes an ESG 
section providing an update on related work 
during the period. In addition, the stress and 
scenario testing performed as part of the 
annual business planning process and 
regulatory reporting process includes both a 
pandemic risk scenario and a climate 
change-related scenario looking at both 
transitional and physical risks. The Board 
concluded that the results of these scenario 
tests did not represent a material risk to 
the Group. The Board has reviewed the TCFD 
report in the Annual Report and Accounts 
(see pages 58 to 61).

Other – climate change and COVID-19

These are risks for which quantitative 
assessment is difficult but for which a 
structured approach is still required to ensure 
that their potential impact is considered and 
mitigated insofar as practicable. They include 
categories such as strategic, Group, 
regulatory and emerging risks.

Whilst we view climate change as a factor 
relevant principally to our underwriting and 
investment risks (see previous), the Board 
and business continue to monitor the effects 
of climate change risk perceptions as a driver 
of global economic, political and 
regulatory change.

The regulatory requirements around 
companies’ climate-related financial 
disclosures are increasing and failure to 
address these requirements sufficiently may 
result in the risk of reputational damage or 
increased regulatory oversight.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact 
through the imposition of a remote working 
environment and the fact it continues to be 
an ongoing insurance risk event. 
Operationally the Group has managed the 
pandemic well with minimal impact to our 
control environment. Our staff have shown 
their resilience whilst working remotely, 
returning to the office and then having to 
return to a remote working environment.

Link to strategy

  Effectively balance risk and return

Trend

Impact

Appetite

Opportunities
Operational resilience and climate change 
risk factors are examples of other risks the 
Group considers and monitors.

Climate change and the trend of increased 
frequency and severity of weather-related 
loss events illustrate the value of our 
insurance and reinsurance products to our 
clients. Whilst we already insure many clients 
in the renewable energy sector, as the world 
transitions to non-carbon forms of energy 
the opportunities within this sector will grow.

2020 has proven to be a year for 
demonstrating resilience, including that of 
our staff, our operations, our technology, our 
third-party service providers and our 
facilities. All of which are required to be 
operationally resilient to effectively service 
our clients.

Mitigation
Qualitative approach: These risks require a 
qualitative approach, engaging staff in 
appropriate discussions about sources of risk, 
and then thinking about possible outcomes. 
The Group Executive Management 
Committee and the RRC consider these 
issues, and the quarterly ORSA reports made 
by the Group CRO to the Board include 
standing items on these risk areas.

ESG: An ESG working group has been 
established under the leadership of the CRO 
to drive the necessary work to be in 
compliance with the TCFD requirements 
prior to the end of 2021.

COVID-19: The increased cyber risk was 
mitigated through the provision of hardware 
to staff for use when working remotely to 
ensure appropriate security was in place. In 
addition, a cyber security incident response 
plan has been developed and a desktop 
exercise performed to test the plan.

www.lancashiregroup.com

41

RiskC H A I R M A N ’ S   I N T R O D U C T I O N   T O   T H E   E N V I R O N M E N T   &   S O C I A L   R E P O R T I N G   A N D 
G O V E R N A N C E   S E C T I O N S

Building on clear communication 
and strong governance

In my opening statement, I discussed the Board’s oversight of 
performance, strategy, risk and capital management during 2020. The 
following sections focus first on the work carried out in the areas of 
the Company’s environment & social responsibilities, including the 
Company’s progress in advancing the UNEP FI Principles for 
Sustainable Insurance, stakeholder engagement, the Board’s Section 
172 responsibilities and progress in our engagement with climate 
change risk and the recommendations of the TCFD. The following 
Governance section describes the work carried out by the Board and 
each of its Committees in providing challenge and support to the 
management team and in engaging with the wider business to oversee 
the development and delivery of an effective strategy.

What priorities inform the governance arrangements 
for the Group and its broader social and 
environmental responsibilities?
Lancashire is a premium-listed company on the LSE, which measures 
its corporate governance compliance against the requirements of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code published by the UK FRC. The FCA 
requires each company with a premium listing to ‘comply or explain’ 
against the Code (i.e. to disclose how it has complied with Code 
provisions or, if the Code provisions have not been complied with, 
provide an explanation for the non-compliance). The Group monitors 
its compliance with the Code on at least a quarterly basis through the 
work of our Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability 
Committee (see page 72 for the Committee report).

Throughout this Annual Report and Accounts for the 2020 financial 
year, areas of corporate governance compliance are explained by 
reference to the Code. The Company also monitors its compliance 
with applicable corporate governance requirements under Bermuda 
law and regulations. The Company is subject to group supervision by 
the Bermuda Monetary Authority, which also regulates LICL, the 
Group’s Bermuda incorporated (re)insurance entity. The Group’s UK 
insurance entities are regulated by the PRA and the FCA, and Lloyd’s in 
the case of LSL and Syndicates 2010 and 3010.

The Board is alive to the increased focus under the Code on the 
sustainability of businesses, not only with regard to the operation of 
formal governance arrangements, but increasingly social and 
environmental impacts. The Code specifically stresses the importance 
of the Section 172 responsibilities of boards under the UK Companies 
Act 2006, and whilst the Company is incorporated in Bermuda and not 
formally subject to Section 172 as a matter of law, our Board has for 
many years operated a strong culture of proactive and constructive 
stakeholder engagement. During 2020, the Board enhanced its formal 
consideration of questions of sustainability by renaming the 
Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee and 
revising that Committee’s Terms of Reference, which are posted on 
the Company’s website.

On pages 44 to 46 of this report we have included a summary of the 
principal areas of focus for the year under the ‘Principles for 
Sustainable Insurance’, promoted by the United Nations Environment 
Programme Finance Initiative. This is the second reporting year since 
the Board and business became signatories to the UN Principles. As 
both Alex and I mentioned in our introductory remarks, the Board and 
business have progressed the business’s strategy and planning in the 
area of climate change and the attendant risks and opportunities. In 
our Investment Committee report, Rob Lusardi reports on some of the 

“Clear and direct communication and 
information flows, a sense of 
accountability and an open and honest 
culture of engagement, debate and 
challenge are the pillars of an effective 
governance framework and a 
sustainable business model at 
Lancashire. They give the business a 
strong sense of purpose and a clear 
strategic focus.”

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

42

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

preliminary work carried out to measure the sensitivity of the Group’s 
investment portfolio to a range of carbon pricing scenarios. Louise 
Wells, our Chief Risk Officer, addresses how we manage the risks and 
opportunities associated with climate change in her Enterprise Risk 
Management report (see pages 30 to 33) and this Annual Report and 
Accounts summarises the steps taken so far by the Board and the 
business in ‘Our journey’ to embed the principles of the TCFD through 
our governance, strategy, risk management and scenario testing (see 
pages 58 to 61).

Readers will also note our account of the way in which the Company 
engages with its stakeholders in the engagement and sustainability 
section of this report on pages 47 to 57. This includes the Board’s 
statement in respect of matters covered by Section 172 which can be 
found on page 48.

I am pleased to report that, in the judgement of the Board, the 
Company has complied with the principles and provisions as set out in 
the Code throughout the year ended 31 December 2020. The formal 
consideration of governance and regulatory requirements are used by 
the Board and the business as practical working tools to monitor and 
promote a purposeful, diverse and successful business culture.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic how did the 
Board engage with the workforce?
The Board has for many years had a strong culture of ‘workforce’ 
engagement. We have the great advantage of having an employee 
headcount of around 250 people, so all our employees are known 
personally by our Group CEO or the other members of the Group’s 
executive management team. 2020 presented practical challenges for 
face-to-face engagement, as our staff in London and Bermuda were 
required to work from home for several months during the year. We 
addressed this challenge in several ways including the use of video 
conferencing. The management team and Board also used a staff pulse 
survey, which helped develop a picture of the challenges faced and 
requirements of staff following the lockdowns.

As has been his practice for several years, Alex Maloney has led on a 
quarterly basis ‘town hall’ meetings with all our staff, which during 
2020 moved to a virtual environment and were very well attended by 
our staff in both our UK and Bermuda offices. At each of these 
meetings one of our Non-Executive Directors participated on a 
rotating basis to talk about their perspective on the work of the Board 
and the priorities for the business and to take questions from 
members of staff. Alex also produced regular newsletters for staff over 
the period of lockdown, which as well as giving an update on the 
business included other, more social information, to enhance 
staff morale.

We were able to organise meetings in Bermuda in February 2020 and 
in France during July 2020 at which our Non-Executive Directors had 
opportunities to meet members of staff both as part of the formal 
business of the Board and informally outside Board meetings. We also 
held an informal buffet lunch In Bermuda in February where our 
Directors had the opportunity to meet staff members.

There were several training and discussion sessions presented by 
members of staff to Directors, which helped facilitate engagement.

Our internal audit team has now embedded a focus upon business 
culture at a business unit level and reports its findings to the Audit 
Committee as another tool to help monitor the health of the Group’s 
business culture.

The Board and business continue to support the work of the Lancashire 
Foundation, which continues its strong tradition of staff engagement 
and activism.

In summary, despite the exceptional challenges faced in 2020, the 
Board was able to engage with the workforce and monitor the Group’s 
business culture through several channels. Whilst there will always be 
areas of friction and scope for improvement and innovation, the Board 
is pleased that we operate an open, respectful and successful business 
culture and that we have the practical tools to ensure strong and 
effective two-way communication and engagement between the 
workforce and our Board.

For further discussion of the work of the business, the Board and its 
Committees in the areas of culture and engagement please refer to 
the engagement and sustainability report (pages 47 to 57), the report 
from the Audit Committee (pages 67 to 71) and the report from the 
Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee 
(pages 72 to 75).

How has Board membership and succession planning 
evolved during the year?
As we noted in last year’s Annual Report and Accounts, following an 
announcement in December 2019, Natalie Kershaw was appointed to 
the role of Group CFO and as an Executive Director of LHL with effect 
from 1 March 2020 and Natalie has proved a welcome addition to our 
Board. Other than that, the Board composition has not changed, 
although we do expect to make further appointments to the Board 
during 2021 to help ensure managed succession planning.

Are the Board and its Committees operating 
effectively?
Following last year’s 2019 Board performance evaluation, we tracked 
several actions and enhancements during the year. Towards the year 
end our Board once again carried out a review of its effectiveness, 
which was facilitated internally by Chris Head, our Group Company 
Secretary. A summary report was discussed by the full Board and the 
exercise has again helped us identify certain topics for training or 
specific focus during the coming year, as well as other enhancements 
to our Board and Committee reporting and operational processes. 
Throughout 2020, I have continued to meet regularly with the chairs 
of each of our principal subsidiary boards and our performance 
evaluation concluded that the relationship between the main 
Lancashire Board and the subsidiary boards continues to operate 
effectively. We concluded that the Board, its members and each of its 
Committees have a balance of experience and talents that serve the 
Group well and have the competencies and operational culture 
necessary to meet the strategic challenges of the business effectively 
(see page 65 for further details).

I would like to thank all our Directors, our management team and all 
our employees for their hard work during the year.

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

www.lancashiregroup.com

43

Environment & social reportingT H E   U N I T E D   N A T I O N S   E N V I R O N M E N T   P R O G R A M M E   F I N A N C E   I N I T I A T I V E   ( U N E P   F I )

Principles for Sustainable Insurance

The UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance (‘the Principles’) 
serve as a global framework for the insurance industry to address ESG 
risks and opportunities. The Principles are directed at achieving a 
better understanding of environmental, social and governance risks, 
with a view to promoting the prevention and reduction of harm and 
enhancing opportunities for effective risk protection and reporting.

The Board has reported against the Principles since 2019 and seeks to 
monitor and embed the Principles in the delivery of its strategy. This 
table summarises how the business applied the Principles during 2020 
and directs readers to where the relevant activities of the Board and 
business in embedding the Principles are discussed in more detail 
within this Annual Report and Accounts.

Principle 1
We will embed in our decision making environmental, social and governance  
issues relevant to our insurance business.

Company strategy

We embed ESG issues within our Board and management’s strategic and business planning 
processes to foster a strong, purposeful and profitable culture of sustainable governance. The 
business is led by a strong management team accountable to an independent, diverse and effective 
Board and Committee structure.

Our principal strategic purpose is to deliver bespoke risk solutions that protect our clients and 
support economies, businesses and communities in the face of uncertain loss events, including those 
influenced by the effects of climate change. During 2020, the Group has taken further steps to 
implement the recommendations of the TCFD in developing greater formality around the 
understanding of the impacts of climate change risk and implementing an appropriate governance 
framework for climate change management. We formally monitor our climate exposures and build 
this into our risk management and strategic planning, both as a risk and opportunity for the 
business. We are also starting to develop a picture of the likely impacts of a range of climate change 
scenarios on the Group’s insurance operations and its investment portfolio. We are committed to 
monitoring and offsetting the Group’s own carbon emissions.

Management and the Board actively support the work of the Lancashire Foundation, which 
promotes engagement of our staff with a range of charitable and social projects, including a record 
of assistance to disadvantaged communities blighted by catastrophic events including the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

We value our people and the strategic benefits of a healthy business culture. Our management 
team and Board promote an active programme of engagement and we operate a robust, yet flexible, 
programme of staff training and opportunities for career development.

We offer attractive remuneration and employee benefits packages and have a planned approach to 
succession, staff retention and employee satisfaction. 

There is regular engagement with our shareholders and other stakeholders by management, the 
Board and the business, touching upon a range of strategic and business issues, including the Group’s 
approach to a range of ESG matters.

For more information 
please see:

Purpose statement (inside cover)

Engagement and sustainability – 
Section 172 (page 48)

Governance report (pages 64 to 66)

Purpose statement (inside cover)

Chief Executive’s review  
(pages 14 to 15)

Underwriting review  
(pages 22 to 24)

Climate change and TCFD strategic 
planning, risk management and 
resilience testing (Enterprise risk 
management section pages 30 to 33) 
and our TCFD journey (pages 58 
to 61)

Environmental impacts and 
offsetting (pages 53 to 54)

Investment Committee report – 
carbon pricing, portfolio sensitivity 
analysis (page 77)

Communities, including the 
Lancashire Foundation  
(pages 54 to 56)

Succession planning  
(page 51)

Engagement and people  
(page 52)

Workforce engagement  
and culture (page 50)

Employees/Health and  
safety (page 107)

Purpose statement (inside cover)

Strategic report (pages 16 to 17)

Chairman’s introduction – ESG 
implementation (pages 42 to 43)

Governance report (pages 64 to 66)

Investment Committee report – 
work on portfolio ESG management 
(page 77)

44

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Principle 1 continued
We will embed in our decision making environmental, social and governance  
issues relevant to our insurance business.

Risk management and underwriting
There is a strong culture of underwriting discipline and risk management within the Group, which 
values professionalism and embeds risk monitoring and control processes in our underwriting 
activities. Environmental risk exposures, including assumptions related to climate change, are 
embedded into our risk management, underwriting processes and capital management.

Management and the Board agree and monitor performance against formal risk tolerances, in 
particular with regard to the Group’s exposures to natural catastrophe loss events, including 
weather events impacted by climate change. 

Product and service development
Our (re)insurance products and services help our clients manage the threats they face from climate 
catastrophe risks and other unpredictable perils, contributing towards the resilience of businesses 
and communities faced with the threat of climate and other natural catastrophes. 

The Board and management foster a nimble underwriting and business culture to respond to the risk 
requirements of clients in a changing world. Included within the Group’s energy underwriting 
business is an established portfolio of renewable energy products and clients. 

Claims management
Our experienced team of claims specialists is well-equipped with specific knowledge of our diverse 
product lines. We have high levels of expertise that allow us to effectively manage and thoroughly 
investigate any loss our clients may sustain. Our goal is to ensure timely and equitable claims 
resolution for our clients. 

Sales and marketing
We are fully committed to supporting a ‘broker market’ and to maintaining a strong working 
relationship with the largest global broking firms, as well as with independent brokers, who 
distribute our products. We seek to engage with our clients and their brokers to provide relevant and 
targeted risk solutions based on a sustainable strategy and business model.

For more information 
please see:

Chief Executive’s review  
(pages 14 to 15)

Enterprise risk management and 
principal risks (pages 30 to 41)

Risk disclosures (pages 131 to 152)

Risk disclosures – peak zone 
elemental loss exposures (page 133)

Purpose statement (inside cover)

Underwriting review  
(pages 22 to 24)

Chief Executive’s review  
(pages 14 to 15)

Underwriting review (pages 22 to 24)

Business review – losses  
(page 26)

Engagement and sustainability – 
our policyholders (page 52)

Purpose statement (inside cover)

Engagement and sustainability – 
brokers (page 52)

Investment management
We actively manage our climate change transitional risk, with sensitivity to, and promotion of, ESG 
responsible investment. Our principal investment managers are signatories to the world’s leading 
proponent of responsible investment, the UN-supported ‘Principles for Responsible Investment’. We 
have also started to formally monitor the sensitivity of the Group’s investment portfolio to the 
impacts of different carbon pricing regimes and to develop a better understanding of the resilience of 
the investment portfolio to carbon transition risk.

Principal risks – investment risk 
management (page 37)

Investment Committee report 
(pages 76 to 77)

Our TCFD journey (pages 58 to 61)

www.lancashiregroup.com

45

Environment & social reportingT H E   U N I T E D   N A T I O N S   E N V I R O N M E N T   P R O G R A M M E   F I N A N C E   I N I T I A T I V E   ( U N E P   F I ) 
C O N T I N U E D

Principle 2
We will work together with our clients and business partners to raise awareness 
of environmental, social and governance issues, manage risk and develop solutions.

Clients and suppliers
We engage constructively with our clients, brokers and other suppliers to address environmental, 
social and governance issues relevant to the operation of our business and to address our clients’ 
needs for risk management solutions across a range of specialty and property lines.

Insurers, reinsurers and intermediaries
We engage with industry bodies to develop and promote awareness of market issues  
(including environmental factors).

 For more information 
please see:

Purpose statement (inside cover)

Chief Executive’s review  
(pages 14 to 15)

Underwriting review (pages 22 to 24)

Chairman’s introduction  
(pages 42 to 43)

Investment Committee report  
(pages 76 to 77)

Chief Executive’s review/comments 
on climate change impacts and 
actions (page 15)

Engagement and sustainability – 
(page 52)

Chairman’s introduction (page 42)

Principle 3
We will work together with governments, regulators and other key stakeholders to promote 
widespread action across society on environmental, social and governance issues.

 For more information 
please see:

Governments, regulators and other policymakers
Our Board and business operate constructively within a highly regulated insurance and financial 
services environment in the UK, Bermuda and internationally. Our Bermuda and UK entities have 
engaged during the year with their respective national regulators in relation to the management of 
climate change risk and the progress made in implementing the TCFD recommendations and in the 
monitoring of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic both operationally and strategically. As a listed 
company, LHL systematically monitors, records and reports its compliance with the Code.

Chief Executive’s review  
(pages 14 to 15)

Chairman’s introduction – 
sustainability, governance and 
regulation (pages 42 to 43)

The Board and business monitor and comply with relevant law and regulation. Examples include the 
Board’s clearly articulated position regarding slavery and human trafficking, pursuant to the provisions 
and requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our Board has also regularly discussed the 
recommendations of both the Hampton-Alexander and the Parker Reviews regarding gender and 
ethnic diversity. 

The Board oversees the Company’s annual submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The 
Group and its regulated subsidiaries are working to implement the recommendations of the TCFD. 

Principle 4
We will demonstrate accountability and transparency in regularly disclosing publicly our 
progress in implementing the Principles.

We offer clear and transparent ESG reporting through multiple channels, including our Annual Report 
and Accounts, our website and our work with the CDP. 

We are committed to being transparent and accountable, by publicly disclosing the business’s 
implementation of the Principles. 

Nomination Corporate Governance 
and Sustainability Committee 
report (pages 72 to 75)

Our TCFD journey (pages 58 to 61)

See also: LHL’s responses on the 
CDP website

 For more information 
please see:

www.lancashiregroup.com

See also: LHL’s responses on the 
CDP website

Chairman’s introduction  
(pages 42 to 43)

Chief Executive’s review  
(pages 14 to 15)

46

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

E N G A G E M E N T   A N D   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

The very foundations to our 
strategy and success as a 
business are the solid pillars of 
engagement that we have built 
with our people, our 
stakeholders and society, and 
the creation of a healthy and 
sustainable corporate culture.

Since its foundation in 2005, 
the Group has focused on 
fostering relations with a broad 
range of stakeholders.

Our stakeholders

Lancashire
Foundation

Brokers

Society 
and the 
environment

Our  
policyholders

Communities

Government  
and regulators

Board Engagement  
and Decision Making

Our 
shareholders

Our 
people

Rating 
agencies

Service 
providers

Lenders

Our people
We believe the talents of our 
people and our distinctive 
culture continue to set us apart 
from our competitors.

Our employees are the lifeblood 
of the organisation and the 
Group therefore strives to 
attract and retain excellent 
individuals who share our drive 
and appetite to outperform.

See page 50 for  
further details.

Our policyholders
We place the highest value on 
the relationships we have built 
over the years with our existing 
policyholders and work hard at 
creating a lasting impression 
with new ones.

Policyholders are central to  
our business, so understanding 
and serving their commercial 
requirements is at the forefront 
of everything we do. Through 
our range of underwriting 
platforms, we strive to offer 
clear, fairly priced and  
useful products.

See page 52 for  
further details.

Our shareholders
Lancashire values the views of 
all of its shareholders and 
maintains open and 
transparent communication 
channels with them.

As a premium-listed company 
on the LSE, LHL understands the 
importance of its obligations to 
shareholders. We work hard to 
foster good investor relations 
and pride ourselves on having  
an active programme of 
engagement with our diverse  
shareholder community.

See page 53 for  
further details.

Society and the 
environment
Through the Lancashire 
Foundation, we utilise the 
talent and energy of our  
staff in helping others, 
positively impacting  
society and creating a more 
sustainable environment.

Our insurance products deliver 
social benefits in helping 
businesses and communities 
manage and mitigate the risks 
they face. Lancashire is strongly 
committed to giving back to the 
communities within which it 
operates and also further afield. 
The business seeks to help those 
who are in distress or at a 
disadvantage, through continued 
support of local initiatives and 
activities, volunteering days, 
mentoring opportunities and 
fundraising events.

See page 53 for  
further details.

www.lancashiregroup.com

47

Building with purposeEnvironment & social reportingE N G A G E M E N T   A N D   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y   C O N T I N U E D

The Board and Section 172 responsibilities
The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code requires formal disclosure 
around the interests of and engagement with stakeholders, and the 
duties falling upon boards under Section 172 of the UK Companies Act 
2006. Although the Company is incorporated in Bermuda and 
therefore not subject to the UK Companies Act requirements, the 
Board continues to pay close attention to developments in English law 
and governance best practice.

In this 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, we give an overview of how 
both the Board and the business have factored in the needs of our 
stakeholders in their discussions and decision making. To that end, this 
engagement and sustainability segment should be considered together 
with the rest of this report as the Company’s comprehensive account 
of its Directors’ compliance with their Section 172 duties. The table 
below directs readers to some illustrative examples of where the 
Board and business have addressed these duties:

Board decision making in action
2020 equity placing

In June 2020, the Company issued an additional 19.5% of its 
then-existing issued share capital pursuant to an equity placing. 
In reaching its decision to launch the placing, the LHL Board and 
the executive management team had regard to a number of 
stakeholder factors, including: policyholder demand and 
requirements; the growth and underwriting opportunities 
expected to develop from the improving pricing environment; 
the Group’s rating agency and regulatory capital headroom 
requirements and the need to maintain a strong capital position 
to allow the business to take advantage of such opportunities; 
and the constructive consultation exercise conducted with the 
Company’s major shareholders, which included discussion of 
the rationale for the placing, immediately prior to its launch.

In allocating the new shares, the LHL Board and the executive 
management team paid close attention to the Pre-Emption 
Group’s Statement of Principles. A balance was struck in 
achieving strong pricing for the share placement and in 
respecting the percentage holdings of the Company’s major 
shareholders, so as to allocate, where reasonably possible, 
shares in accordance with their existing holdings.

Overall, the LHL Board considered it in the best interests of the 
Company, all its shareholders, as well as the wider stakeholders 
of the Lancashire Group, to approve and proceed with the placing.

Section 
172(1):

Duty to promote the success  
of the company, with regard to:

For further details, see:

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

The likely consequences of any 
decision in the long term;

•  The Group’s statement of purpose – inside cover
•  The Group’s business model for success – pages 12 to 13
•  The Group’s strategic goal and three priorities: that underwriting comes first; to effectively balance risk and return; and to 

operate nimbly through the cycle – pages 16 to 17

•  The Board’s assessment of the Group’s viability and prospects as set out in the going concern and viability statement – 

page 108

The interests of the company’s 
employees;

•  The importance of our people, and the business’s focus on Lancashire’s values, culture, diversity & inclusion, training & 
development and workforce engagement (for example, our ‘Engagement in action’) – pages 49 to 52 and 73 to 75

The need to foster the company’s 
business relationships with 
suppliers, customers and others;

•  Our business depends upon the strong business relationships that we build and maintain with our core and broader 
stakeholders. All Board members attend the quarterly UURC and, during 2020, gave close consideration to business 
development opportunities as summarised in the Committee’s report – pages 57 and 78 to 79

The impact of the company’s 
operations on the community and 
the environment;

•  Society and the environment form part of our ‘core’ set of stakeholders. The Board is engaged with the impact of the 

Company’s operations through its oversight of the Lancashire Foundation, the Group’s submission to the Carbon Disclosure 
Project, the annual offsetting of our GHG emissions, and more recently the commitments to report against the UNEP FI 
Principles for Sustainable Insurance and address the requirements of the TCFD – pages 44 to 46 and 58 to 61

The desirability of the company 
maintaining a reputation for high 
standards of business conduct; and

•  Through its compliance with the FRC’s UK Corporate Governance Code, the Company strives to operate in line with high 
standards of governance expectation and business conduct. A healthy and sustainable corporate culture is embedded 
throughout the business, which is assessed by the Board through various channels – pages 42 to 43, 47 to 57 and 72 to 75

•  The Audit Committee oversees the Group’s implementation of whistleblowing arrangements, and other systems and 

controls for the prevention of fraud, bribery and money laundering – page 70

The need to act fairly as between 
members of the company.

•  The Board is committed to treating the Company’s shareholders fairly, and engaging with them through a broad programme 

of investor relation activities, meetings (including the AGM), and targeted consultations; be that with our substantial 
shareholders, the Company’s own employees, private individuals, or via shareholder advisory groups – see in this regard 
‘Board decision making in action’, as well as pages 47 to 57 and 85

•  Capital management/actions and dividend policy – in particular, the Board’s consideration of the balance between 

underwriting opportunities and the payment of dividends – pages 10 to 11, 29 and 105

48

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Our approach to stakeholder engagement
The Group has always positively engaged with a broad range of 
stakeholders. Our ‘core’ stakeholders are shown at the heart of the 
diagram on page 47, namely our shareholders and our people (who 
support our business), as well as our policyholders who rely on the (re)
insurance products we sell. Through our purpose as a business we aim 
to contribute to society and benefit the environment. The value of 
these relationships and the responsibilities they entail are recognised 
throughout the Group, ranging from Board-level decision making 
through to the day-to-day business activities of our workforce.

The Group’s relationship with its broader stakeholders can, of course, 
at any one time also be of key importance. The Board and the business 
prioritise underwriting excellence and nimble capital management to 
serve the best interests of core stakeholders, and ultimately benefit a 
broader group of stakeholders. It is the fluidity of these relationships 
which enables the business to deliver on its purpose and strategy.

Key findings and feedback: 

Employee participation

Engagement in action
2020 diversity and inclusion survey 
Lancashire is committed to promoting an open, honest and inclusive 
working environment. In December 2020, the Group conducted an 
employee survey with a focus on diversity and inclusion. The survey was 
undertaken with the purpose of helping the business obtain a better 
understanding of its employees’ views on diversity and inclusion at 
Lancashire, a more complete picture of the business’s culture and to gain 
valuable feedback on areas for potential improvement across the Group. 
The survey also sought information from employees on a non-attributable 
basis in relation to such matters as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and 
religion. Whilst responses were not mandatory, participation was 
encouraged across the Group.

The survey was coordinated by an independent company to guarantee the 
anonymity and confidentiality of individuals’ responses. The summary of 
responses to the survey were presented by the Group Head of HR to the 
LHL Board, subsidiary boards and executive teams to help inform strategy 
across the business and to identify new initiatives to help build on areas of 
the Group’s culture. In particular, the business will continue to consider and 
engage with its employees on matters of diversity and inclusion.

Employees responding that they are 
treated with fairness and respect

81%

91%

Company Alignment – encouraging a diverse and 
inclusive culture at Lancashire

79%

My Manager – fostering a culture of inclusion
87%

Personal Growth – providing equal opportunities

Recognition – of employees’ contribution

72%

84%

Wellbeing – be yourself at work/support

Satisfaction – fairness and respect, and feeling valued at work

xxx

xxx

74%

xx%

xx%

xxx

xxx

88%

xx%

xx%

www.lancashiregroup.com

49

Environment & social reporting 
 
E N G A G E M E N T   A N D   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y   C O N T I N U E D

Our people
Culture

Our employees are the lifeblood of the organisation and the Group 
therefore strives to attract and retain excellent individuals who share 
our drive and appetite to outperform. Matching the skills, aspirations 
and values of new recruits to those of the business remains a key 
priority. We believe the talents of our people and our distinctive 
culture continue to set us apart from our competitors.

2020 has demonstrated, more than ever, the nimble ‘can do’ attitude 
of our people. The resilience, commitment and professionalism 
displayed throughout the Group, in what have proven to be challenging 
and unprecedented times, has enabled the business to continue to 
operate both smoothly and efficiently and to serve the interests of 
its stakeholders.

Lancashire offers a rewarding environment within which to work, both 
in terms of the support and opportunities given to employees to 
enable them to excel in their role and the competitive and attractive 
compensation and reward structures. To further enhance the link 
between our people and the performance of the business, all of our 
permanent employees are eligible to receive RSS awards, therefore 
giving them the opportunity to share in the growth and success of the 
Group and ultimately to become shareholders.

The Lancashire values

Leadership, exhibiting passion and 
commitment in all aspects of Lancashire life 
and inspiring others to do the same, we are…

Aspirational, aspiring to deliver a superior 
service for our clients, ourselves and our 
business partners, we are…

Nimble in our decisions, actions and business 
processes, we are…

Collaborative, valuing teamwork and a 
diversity of skills and experience and sharing 
in our success, and we are…

Straightforward in conducting our business 
in an accountable, open, honest and 
sustainable way.

2020*
255
38.8%
37.5%
50.0%
50.0%
12
6.9%
6.8%
56.9%
100%
Yes

2019*
218
38.5%
37.5%
50.0%
38.1%
12
8.0%
13.8%
69.3%
100.0%
Yes

Number of employees (UK and Bermuda)
Percentage of female employees
Percentage of women on the LHL Board
Percentage of women on the Group executive committee
Percentage of women in senior management positions 
Number of different nationalities represented by our employees
Percentage of the workforce composed of third-party contractors
Group employee turnover (annual)
Percentage of employees who undertook training during the year 
Percentage of permanent employees eligible for RSS awards
Accredited London Living Wage employer

 * Unless otherwise stated above all figures are as at 31 December.

50

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
“The Group promotes an inclusive, collegiate 
and positive environment that recognises 
and values diversity as key to enhancing 
individual development and maximising 
business effectiveness.”

Number of employees

255

Percentage of women on the 
Group executive committee

50.0%

Diversity and inclusion

Training and development

The Group promotes an inclusive, collegiate and positive environment 
that recognises and values diversity as key to enhancing individual 
development and maximising business effectiveness (see in this regard 
‘Engagement in action’ on page 49 and the Nomination Corporate 
Governance and Sustainability Committee report on pages 72 to 75). 
As an equal opportunities employer, we do not tolerate discrimination 
of any kind in any aspect of employment. For example, all decisions 
relating to recruitment, assessment and promotion are based on the 
ability of the individual to do the job, without consideration to race, 
age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, beliefs, background (except 
as may be pertinent to the requirements of a role, such as educational 
qualifications or prior employment experience) or nationality. Our 
workforce is represented by employees of at least 12 different 
nationalities and the gender split of males to females (see page 75) is 
61.2%/38.8% respectively. The Group is also committed to providing 
a working environment that is free from any form of bullying 
or harassment.

We expect our staff to conduct themselves in a professional manner 
which is reflective of the Group’s core values (see page 50 for further 
details). All new employees are required to attend our 
Communications Etiquette/Equality, Diversity & Inclusion training 
sessions as part of their induction. The training sessions aim to 
highlight employees’ responsibilities in ensuring that there is no 
discrimination in the workplace and in fostering a positive and 
productive working environment.

Lancashire respects, supports and complies with all relevant local 
Bermudian and UK legal requirements to which it is subject, in 
particular with respect to rights of freedom of association, collective 
bargaining and working time regulations.

The Group encourages continuous personal and professional 
development for all of its employees, through internal and external 
training, professional qualifications, internships and secondments, 
performance coaching, and ‘lunch and learn’ sessions. During 2020, 
approximately 56.9% of our employees undertook some form of 
training supported by the Group that encompassed training delivered 
by an external provider and/or ongoing professional qualifications/
continuing professional development. As ever, we encourage all our 
employees to take advantage of the training opportunities offered. 
Individual training and personal development needs are discussed on a 
regular and ongoing basis by managers and their team members, and 
are assessed as part of the formal appraisal process, where principally 
each employee’s success is measured through the attainment of 
personal performance metrics as well as performance within the 
Group’s values framework. During the year 9% of our employees were 
promoted within the Group, supported by the training and 
development opportunities afforded to them.

The Group also delivers compulsory training to all new permanent 
staff and fixed-term contract staff which covers a range of important 
topics, including: Tax/Regulatory Operating Guidelines, Disclosure 
(including the requirements of the Market Abuse Regulation 2016), 
Inspections, Financial Crime, ERM, Communications Etiquette/
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, GDPR and Conduct Rules. Other 
training may be held on an ad hoc, one-off or refresher basis according 
to an individual’s requirements. The training is designed to ensure that 
all personnel who are employed by the Group are provided with the 
skills, knowledge and expertise appropriate to their role and 
responsibilities within the business. There is an expectation that all 
new staff members will have completed their compulsory training 
during the first three months of joining the business. Quarterly 
updates regarding attendance at these compulsory training sessions 
are provided to the Board for information purposes.

www.lancashiregroup.com

51

Environment & social reportingE N G A G E M E N T   A N D   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y   C O N T I N U E D

Engagement

The Group benefits from having a relatively small headcount, 255 
employees globally, which allows its staff members to interact easily 
between departments and to access members of the senior 
management team, including the CEOs at both Group and subsidiary 
level. Lancashire also encourages a high level of engagement between 
its workforce and the Board. There are regular opportunities for each 
of the Directors and staff members to interact (both in person and 
virtually) at all levels across the organisation in a particular year, and 
such engagement is encouraged both at the level of the Group’s 
subsidiary boards and the main Board of the Company. This typically 
occurs at board dinners (to which UK and Bermuda staff members are 
routinely invited), interaction with senior employees as part of 
quarterly activities, semi-formal lunches, ‘town hall’ quarterly update 
meetings (attended by a designated Non-Executive Director), periodic 
attendance at the daily underwriting call and annual attendance at the 
AGM. Furthermore, both Simon Fraser and Samantha Hoe-Richardson 
are Non-Executive Directors on the subsidiary boards of LSL and LUK, 
respectively, and in that capacity each has the opportunity to meet 
and engage with a range of staff members within those businesses. 
Stakeholder engagement mechanisms are kept under review by the 
Board to ensure they remain appropriate and effective. In the face of 
the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior 
management team and the Board adapted, where possible, during 
2020 the Group’s workforce engagement activities and 
communications to staff accordingly. Please see page 43 of the 
Chairman’s introduction for a fuller account of the Board’s 
engagement with the workforce in 2020 and its plans for 2021.

Our programme of employee surveys (as conducted in 2019 and 2020) 
gives our staff members the opportunity to provide their feedback to 
peers, senior management, departmental heads and the Board on their 
experience working for the Lancashire Group. In April 2020, the Group 
conducted an employee survey: ‘Responding to the Coronavirus 
outbreak’, to help senior management understand how well the 
business had responded to managing the challenges of the COVID-19 
pandemic, with a request for feedback on: personal wellbeing, the 
adaptation of working practices and communications to staff on 
business developments. The survey received high participation 
amongst staff and the survey results were discussed at the April 2020 
Board meeting. For an account of the Group’s 2020 diversity and 
inclusion survey, including the key findings and feedback arising, see 
our ‘Engagement in action’ section on page 49.

Our employees also continue to contribute towards the development 
of our marketplace through their involvement with market 
committees, boards and working groups. During 2020, our employees 
actively participated, albeit mostly digitally, in industry conferences, 
investor days and symposia, and market education programmes. We 
also donate to many of the causes supported by our industry partners 
through the Lancashire Foundation.

Our policyholders
Policyholders are central to our business, so understanding and serving 
their commercial requirements is at the forefront of everything we do. 
Through our range of underwriting platforms, we strive to offer clear, 
fairly-priced and useful products that continue to meet our 
policyholders’ insurance and reinsurance needs across the cycle. In the 
event of a loss occurring, we remain responsive in order to provide our 
policyholders with ongoing support and seek to pay their claims as 
expeditiously as possible, knowing the importance of providing an 
excellent service. We place the highest value on the relationships we 
have built over the years with our existing policyholders and work hard 
at creating a lasting impression with new ones. To this end, and to the 
extent we are permitted to do so in current circumstances, we are 
happy to welcome both our policyholders and their brokers to our 
offices, but we also travel to see them and their businesses around 
the world.

A more detailed account of the work we do in meeting the needs of 
our policyholders can be found in the underwriting review and 
business review sections of this Annual Report and Accounts on pages 
22 to 24 and pages 25 to 29, respectively.

Brokers

We are fully committed to supporting a ‘broker market’ and to 
maintaining a strong working relationship with the largest global 
broking firms, as well as independent brokers. The Group depends on 
brokers to distribute its products and actively assesses these 
relationships to ensure that it continues to be viewed as a trusted 
partner and provider of solutions for their clients’ (re)insurance needs.

Notwithstanding the shift to a home-working model across both our 
London and Bermuda offices for the large part of 2020 and the 
consequential need to adapt traditional face-to-face working practices 
due to COVID-19, our underwriters and other members of staff have 
continued to maintain effective and productive trading relationships, 
albeit largely digitally, with the Group’s brokers and clients.

52

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Our shareholders
As a premium-listed company on the LSE, Lancashire understands the 
importance of its obligations to shareholders. We work hard to foster 
good investor relations and pride ourselves on having an active 
programme of engagement with our diverse shareholder community 
around the world.

Lancashire values the views of all of its shareholders and maintains 
open and transparent communication channels with them and certain 
of the leading shareholder advisory services. This is led by our Group 
Head of Investor Relations, in collaboration with members of the 
Board and the executive team, and is achieved through a structured 
programme of meetings, presentations and periodic consultation 
initiatives (with both shareholders and industry analysts). These can 
cover a range of topics including the Group’s financial performance 
and business strategy; capital initiatives (see in this regard ‘Board 
decision making in action’ on page 48); ESG matters; and the executive 
Remuneration Policy.

The Board meets regularly with the Group’s corporate brokers to seek 
their feedback on investor priorities as well as Lancashire’s 
performance and perception amongst investors within the broader 
insurance sector. To learn more about the Board’s engagement and 
relationship with its shareholders, please see page 66 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts.

Society and the environment
Environmental impact and offsetting

The Group is committed to managing the environmental impact of its 
business. We continue to measure our carbon footprint with a view to 
minimising its negative impact through mitigation strategies and by 
offsetting 100% of our GHG emissions, as reported in the table below, 
to remain carbon neutral. The Group also recognises the challenges 
posed by climate change and considers its impact as part of the risk 
management and strategic planning process (please refer to the 
Chairman’s statement on page 10 and the section on principal risks 
from pages 34 to 41 for further details). The Group CRO and the Board 
oversee the Company’s annual submission to the Carbon Disclosure 
Project. The information which is requested as part of the reporting 
process is aligned with the recommendations of the TCFD and during 
the year the business, led by Group CRO, has progressed in its journey 
in broadening its understanding and addressing the requirements 
of the TCFD. Please see pages 58-61 for more information on our 
TCFD journey.

Emissions are collated over a 12-month period from 1 January 2020 to 
31 December 2020 and are calculated by converting consumption 
data into tonnes of carbon equivalent (tCO2e) using the UK’s 
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) 2019 
factors. For the first time, Lancashire has also calculated its Scope 2 
market-based emissions, which we disclose adjacent to our previous 
location-based figure, in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s 
guidance on dual reporting1.

Types of emissions
Direct (Scope 1)

Indirect Energy (Scope 2) (location-based)
Indirect Energy (Scope 2) (market-based)
Indirect Other (Scope 3)

Activity
Gas (measured in kWh)
Refrigerant (measured in kg)
Electricity (measured in kWh)
Electricity (measured in kWh)
Business Travel (measured in miles and spend)

Additional Upstream Activities (measured in kWh, litres, miles and spend)
Water (measured in m3)
Waste (measured in kg)
Paper (measured in reams)
Hotels (measured in hotel nights)

Gross emissions (tCO2e) (location-based)
Gross emissions per FTE (tCO2e/FTE)
Gross emissions (tCO2e) (market-based)
Carbon credits
Total net emissions after offset (tCO2e)

2020 
tCO2e
67.0
0.0
253.5
228.8
118.2

87.4
19.4
4.6
2.4
6.1
558.6
2.2
533.9
534
0.0

2019 
tCO2e
126.9
0.0
294.1
n/a2
1,925.9

297.1
14.2
6.1
4.4
26.8
2,695.5
12.4
n/a2
2,696
0.0

Please note: all numbers quoted have been rounded to one decimal place.

Additional Upstream Activities include Well-to-Tank and Transmission & Distribution emissions. These are emissions associated with the upstream processes of extracting, 
refining and transporting raw fuel and the emissions associated with the electrical energy lost during transmission to our business.

1.  https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/Scope%202%20Guidance_Final_Sept26.pdf
2.  2020 is the first year that Lancashire has reported Scope 2 market-based emissions.

www.lancashiregroup.com

53

Environment & social reportingE N G A G E M E N T   A N D   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y   C O N T I N U E D

With operations in London and Bermuda, and with clients and brokers 
around the globe, the Lancashire Group has typically incurred the bulk 
of its carbon footprint as a result of airline travel. However, due to the 
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, our business travel 
emissions have decreased by 93.9%.

We have procured 100% renewable electricity for our London 
operations and have applied an appropriate residual grid factor for our 
operations in Bermuda. Lancashire did not implement any energy 
efficiency measures in the business during 2020 due to limited control 
of its sites. However, our London office is already well optimised with 
20 Fenchurch Street achieving a BREEAM ‘excellent’ environment 
performance rating.

Using an operational control approach, Lancashire has assessed its 
boundaries to identify all the activities and facilities for which it is 
responsible. Subsequently, we have reported 100% of our Scope 1 and 
2 footprint, along with areas of our Scope 3 footprint with high levels 
of operational control, as detailed below. Calculations performed 
follow the ISO 14064-1:2018 standard, giving absolute and intensity 
factors for the Group’s emissions. Lancashire uses the number of FTEs 
as its intensity metric. Where data was not available for 2020, values 
have been extrapolated by using available data or calculated using 
industry benchmarks. Lancashire does not own company-owned 
vehicles; thus business travel emissions fall entirely in Scope 3 and 
vehicle energy is not included in numbers below.

Total emissions for 2020 have decreased by 79.3% compared to 2019. 
As FTEs have increased year on year, emissions per FTE have also 
decreased by 82.3%. The table on page 53 sets out the Group’s carbon 
footprint for the current and prior reporting period, broken down by 
emission source.

Results show that location-based GHG emissions in the year were 
558.6 tCO2e, comprised of direct emissions (Scope 1) amounting to 
67.0 tCO2e, and indirect location-based emissions (Scope 2) 
amounting to 253.5 tCO2e. The source of other indirect emissions 
(Scope 3) comprised 238.1 tCO2e. Scope 1 emissions have decreased 
by 47.2% mostly due to our London site’s closure during the UK 
COVID-19 lockdowns. Scope 2 emissions have decreased by 13.8% 
compared with 2019, again, primarily due to impacts of COVID-19 
lockdowns. Scope 3 emissions have also decreased compared with 
2019 due, primarily, to travel restrictions in 2020 resulting in 
significant reductions in business travel and hotel stays.

Under the market-based methodology, Lancashire Group’s Scope 2 
emissions are 228.8 tCO2e. This results in total market-based 
emissions of 533.9 tCO2e. Our market-based emissions are lower than 
our location-based as the Group sources 44.7% of electricity via a 
renewable tariff, backed up by associated Renewable Energy 
Guarantees of Origin (REGOs).

The Group has fully offset its 2020 GHG market-based emissions 
through an organised programme with EcoAct by purchasing credits in 
the Gandhi India Wind Project, which generates renewable electricity 
in various states across India that have traditionally been reliant on 
fossil fuel generated energy. These offsetting proposals were discussed 
and agreed with the Group CEO.

The Board will continue to monitor and offset the Group’s emissions, 
mindful of the Group’s strategic and business operational requirements.

Communities, including the Lancashire Foundation

Lancashire is strongly committed to giving back to the communities 
within which it operates, both locally in the UK and Bermuda and also 
further afield. The business seeks to help those who are in distress or 
at a disadvantage, through continued support of local initiatives and 
activities, volunteering days, mentoring opportunities and fundraising 
events, to name a few. We utilise the talent and energy of our staff in 
helping others, positively impacting society and creating a more 
sustainable environment. In turn, this stimulates a positive culture 
amongst staff and promotes Lancashire as an ethical and 
compassionate employer. These goals are primarily achieved through 
the work of the Lancashire Foundation. Read further on to learn more 
about the work of the Lancashire Foundation during 2020, including 
its dedicated COVID-19 emergency appeal funding initiative, and the 
charities it has and continues to support.

The Group and the Foundation have jointly sponsored an internship 
programme for Bermuda resident college graduates since 2014. These 
graduates are afforded the opportunity to work and learn about 
insurance in the Group’s London office. Due to the restrictions in place 
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no new graduate 
intake for the 2020 year.

The Board keeps itself informed of the activities of the Lancashire 
Foundation through regular reporting and meetings with the 
Foundation’s trustees. The Board also sets the policy for donations to 
the Lancashire Foundation.

Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting disclosure – January 2020 to December 2020

Emissions from the combustion of fuel or the operation of any facility 
including fugitive emissions from refrigerants use/tCO2e
Emissions resulting from the purchase of electricity, heat, steam or 
cooling by the Company for its own use (location-based)/tCO2e
Gross emissions (location-based) (Scope 1, 2)/tCO2e
Energy consumption used to calculate above emissions/kWh 
Total gross emissions (Scope 1, 2 location-based, 3)/tCO2e
tCO2e per FTE

54

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Current reporting year

Previous reporting year

(UK & offshore)

UK only (UK & offshore)

UK only

67.0

67.0

126.9

126.9

253.5
320.5
1,450,033.6

113.4
180.4
849,398.9

294.1
421.0
1,840,889.8

140.3
267.2
1,239,278.8

558.6
2.2

2,695.5
12.4

 
The Lancashire Foundation

The Lancashire Foundation, our charitable grant-making body, is the 
cornerstone of our community activity and support, and a key 
component of our corporate persona.

The Foundation is funded by regular donations from the Company and 
also retains a shareholding in the Company, therefore benefiting from 
any dividends paid. This creates a direct link between the success of 
the Company and the resources available to the Foundation. Greater 
resources enable the Foundation to support more of the causes that 
are suggested by employees, serving as an additional motivation for 
our people. This alignment between the Foundation and the 
Lancashire Group is important in enabling the Foundation to support 
causes and communities to deliver maximum positive impact in line 
with its mandate and the concerns of the staff body.

The year 2020 will be synonymous with the worldwide COVID-19 
pandemic. Charities have been significantly impacted at precisely the 
time when their services are needed the most, threatening delivery 
and the vulnerable communities that they support. In reaction, the 
Lancashire Foundation implemented an emergency funding initiative 
directed towards a number of charities in both the UK and Bermuda. 
Amongst the notes of thanks received from these charities, outlining 
the impact that these donations had, was one from Thames Reach, a 
charity dealing with the vulnerable living on the streets in London.

A further consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 is that 
our staff have not been able to support charities ’in kind’, typically 
done through charity volunteer days, nor have they had the 
opportunity to participate in various fundraising events for which the 
Foundation would ordinarily provide matching donations. The 
Lancashire Foundation therefore introduced staff challenge initiatives 
across both the UK and Bermuda offices. These encouraged staff to 
get involved remotely in activities to provide much needed funding to 
nominated charities. One of these initiatives challenged staff to 
collectively attempt to ’virtually’ cover the distance from the UK to 
Bermuda, and back again, over the course of a week using non-
vehicular means only. This proved a great success, as a result of 
widespread collaborative efforts across the Group.

“I am writing to thank you and the Lancashire 
Foundation for your kind donation to 
Thames Reach. You will be aware that, in 
common with others, this has been a very 
busy and challenging time for us. We are 
really pleased that, despite the very trying 
circumstances of recent weeks, we have 
been successful in maintaining our services 
to a very vulnerable group of people, while 
opening up additional buildings and services 
to make sure that people who were on the 
streets can safely isolate.

  Your donation will be particularly helpful as 
we begin to consider the next steps for 
people living in this accommodation. We’re 
keen that they don’t return to the streets, 
and this will help us help them by removing 
the barriers to future accommodation, for 
example by helping with housing deposits. 
I and all of us at Thames Reach are very 
grateful, and you can be assured that your 
donation is needed and will be put to 
good use.”

Bill Tidnam
CEO of Thames Reach

www.lancashiregroup.com

55

Environment & social reporting“I would like to offer my deepest thanks on 
behalf of International Care Ministries to the 
Lancashire Foundation for your longstanding 
partnership. Lancashire has donated over 
£1.0 million to the ultra-poor in the 
Philippines since our partnership began in 
2010! The Lancashire Foundation has been 
an incredible partner; committing both 
funding and volunteers consistently for a 
decade. We are incredibly grateful. Thanks to 
your partnership, we estimate that close to 
100,000 people have been impacted through 
the Transform programme, and experience 
167% income increase, 18% reduction in 
illness, and 88% of malnutrition cured!”

David Sutherland
Chair of ICM Board, CEO of International Care Ministries

E N G A G E M E N T   A N D   S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y   C O N T I N U E D

In addition to the dedicated COVID-19 emergency funding initiatives, 
the Foundation also engaged with its existing charities to ensure that 
donations continued to have a positive impact, and also to understand 
the charities’ operational and financial challenges in the face of the 
pandemic. In this way the Foundation has been able to work flexibly 
with the charities to help them meet their most pressing demands and 
identify areas where additional support has been needed; this remains 
an ongoing process. One such example is the Victor Scott school in 
Bermuda. The Foundation makes a donation to the school to help fund 
the provision of fruit to pupils who would otherwise go without. As a 
result of COVID-19, the Foundation explored the possibility of 
redirecting some of these funds towards providing resources to enable 
remote learning for pupils who have no internet access or other 
necessary materials.

Another charity supported by the Foundation is Medical Detection 
Dogs, a charity that trains dogs to help detect and monitor conditions 
such as diabetes and certain cancers. These dogs are placed with 
families and act as an effective early warning system to adverse 
developments, particularly with the vulnerable and with children who 
are perhaps less well equipped to identify or communicate symptoms. 
During the pandemic the charity developed a programme in 
conjunction with the UK government to explore whether these dogs 
could also be used to detect coronavirus as part of a wider 
testing strategy.

Major donations, such as those made to Médecins Sans Frontières 
(MSF), which operates in crisis relief around the world, and 
International Care Ministries (ICM), which works with the ultra-poor 
in the Philippines, complement Lancashire’s own insurance and 
reinsurance business. Lancashire provides coverage for weather and 
conflict-related events and these organisations seek to directly 
support communities impacted by such events or in extreme poverty 
in areas where there is often no insurance to protect people and their 
property, including vulnerability to climate change risks.

Other charities supported by the Lancashire Foundation during 
2020 include:

•  Action on Addiction
•  Cancer Research UK
•  Care for Children
•  Family Centre
•  Kiva Microfunds
•  Knowledge Quest
•  London Air Ambulance
•  Mission Aviation Fellowship
•  Tomorrow’s Voices
•  Warwick Academy
•  Windreach Bermuda
•  Vauxhall City Farm

56

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Our broader stakeholders
Government and regulators

In an industry that is subject to strict regulatory supervision and 
oversight, we recognise the need to work closely and openly with all 
relevant regulatory bodies. We place great importance on the 
relationships we have with our regulators and engage actively with 
them, whether that is through meetings, reporting or routine 
regulatory reviews. The Board is also kept apprised of communications 
with regulators and supervisors and, together with management, 
monitors changes in regulatory and supervisory requirements closely.

During the year, our principal insurance subsidiaries engaged regularly 
and as required with their respective regulatory and supervisory bodies 
to provide updates (aligned with general market reporting 
requirements) in relation to the Group’s estimated (re)insurance 
exposures to COVID-19, as well as details of the business’s 
contingency arrangements and its management of the operational 
challenges presented by the pandemic.

In addition, the Group maintains proactive relationships with relevant 
tax authorities in order to achieve compliance with all its tax 
obligations. This requires us to keep abreast of developments in tax 
legislation and to work with the tax authorities to manage our tax risk.

Rating agencies

Lancashire maintains a positive relationship with three major rating 
agencies: A.M. Best, S&P and Moody’s. These rating agencies assess 
and rate the creditworthiness and claims-paying ability of the Group’s 
insurance subsidiaries, LICL and LUK, based upon established criteria. 
The syndicates benefit from Lloyd’s current ratings. We are proud of 
the ratings which we have been assigned by each of these rating 
agencies and we engage with them on the following bases: annually, 
for our rating review; quarterly, to discuss our results for the period; 
and on an ad hoc basis as events dictate including after significant 
industry loss events or a series of loss events. These ratings allow the 
Group to write business successfully in all major global insurance 
markets and to comply with reinsurance contracts under which the 
Group is reinsured, as well as its credit facilities which support 
underwriting obligations.

Service providers, including suppliers and contractors

The Group contracts with a number of third parties for the provision of 
important services to help run its business. Having developed excellent 
relationships with its service providers, Lancashire is able to work 
collaboratively with them. This helps us to respond to technological 
advances and to develop internal systems and infrastructure to 
operate efficiently.

For all employers within the ancillary services and limited supply 
chains used by the Group, Lancashire seeks to receive assurance that 
its service providers pay a living wage. In particular, the Group’s UK 
operation is an accredited Living Wage employer by the Living 
Wage Foundation.

The Group operates a policy of paying its service providers in 
accordance with the individual payment terms agreed. The Group’s UK 
subsidiary, LUK, complies with its statutory reporting duty for 
payment practices and performance in relation to qualifying contracts 
on a half-yearly basis.

As a service provider in our own right, Lancashire has its own 
responsibilities to those within its limited supply chain. Any concerns 
arising over the ethical practices and human rights records of insureds 
and potential clients would be considered as part of the 
underwriting process.

Lenders

The Group has in place a number of long-term debt and financing 
arrangements with lenders which help to support and fund its 
underwriting operations and to comply with regulatory capital 
requirements. The Group’s solid relationships with its lenders allow it 
the flexibility to respond to changing business and economic 
conditions and to raise capital, when required, to execute its strategy. 
We routinely publish financial information for the benefit of all our 
capital providers, including our lenders.

Further details of our long-term debt and financing arrangements are 
set out in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements from page 
170 to 172.

www.lancashiregroup.com

57

Environment & social reportingT A S K   F O R C E   O N   C L I M A T E - R E L A T E D   F I N A N C I A L   D I S C L O S U R E S   ( ‘ T C F D ’ )

Our TCFD journey

The Financial Stability Board created the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to 
improve and increase reporting of climate-related financial information. The TCFD comprises four pillars, 
under which sit 11 recommendations for disclosure. Lancashire supports the aims of the TCFD, and we have 
detailed below our progress against both the pillars and the recommendations.

Governance

Disclose the organisation’s governance around climate-related risks and opportunities

Describe the Board’s oversight of climate-related risks 
and opportunities.

Describe management’s role in assessing and managing  
climate-related risks and opportunities.

As part of the approval process for our underwriting strategy, the 
Board approves and monitors performance against probable maximum 
losses (’PMLs’) and Realistic Disaster Scenarios (’RDS’). Both of these 
include modelling of the Group’s underwriting exposures to climate-
related catastrophic loss events and quantify our risk appetite with 
respect to how much capital the Group is willing to risk for a specific 
event – be it a natural catastrophe (in particular climate-related events 
such as hurricanes, windstorms, typhoons and floods) or a non-
elemental event. More information on this can be found on page 134.

The current PML and RDS levels are reported to the Board on a 
quarterly basis as part of the Group CRO’s quarterly ORSA report to 
the Board. Please see page 32 for more information on this assessment 
process. The Group CUO and CRO regularly review current and 
emerging risks. Directors are apprised of any development of business 
strategy, including the monitoring and effective control of PMLs for 
climate-related catastrophic weather events.

The actual business underwritten within the Group is monitored 
against the strategic plan and the Board-approved risk tolerances 
(including those linked to climate-related catastrophe loss events) are 
reported to the Board quarterly. Please see page 32 for more information.

The Investment Committee oversees the management and 
performance of the Group’s investment portfolio including investment 
risk parameters. During 2020, the Investment Committee reviewed an 
analysis of the Group’s investment portfolio’s exposure to a range of 
carbon pricing scenarios and will continue to develop analytical tools 
for the understanding of the impacts of climate change risk, including 
transitional risk, on the Group’s investment portfolio. Please see pages 
76 to 77 for more information.

The CRO is responsible for the overall management of the risk 
management framework, which includes facilitating the identification, 
assessment, evaluation and management of existing and emerging 
risks by management and the Board; ensuring these risks are given due 
consideration and are embedded within management’s and the 
Board’s oversight and decision-making process.

The Group’s modelled underwriting PML and RDS risk exposures are 
presented against the Group’s tolerance levels to the management 
Risk and Return Committee (’RRC’) on a monthly basis as well as to 
the Board each quarter as part of the CRO’s ORSA report. Lancashire 
underwrites predominantly short-tail business, with loss exposures 
usually crystallising within a policy period of 12 months. As a result, 
with PML levels updated monthly and shared internally, we ensure we 
closely track the market conditions. Please see page 36 for 
more information.

The management investment risk and return committee (‘IRRC’) is 
increasingly alive to the potential impacts of climate change related 
transitional risk on assets within the Group’s investment portfolio. The 
CRO has convened a climate change working group, which will work 
on areas for enhancement in the assessment and management of 
climate change risk and related opportunity over the coming year to 
inform the work of the IRRC and the Investment Committee.

y
e
K

Recommended 
disclosure

58

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Strategy

Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the 
organisation’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning where such information is material

Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the 
organisation has identified over the short, medium, and 
long term.

Lancashire underwrites predominantly short-tail business, and so the 
principal impact is on short-term strategy. We recognise that climate 
change does also impact the longer-term strategy in terms of 
emerging risk and as such management works with some of the 
leading external catastrophe model providers to understand the 
science supporting developments in the short and long-term 
assumptions in their stochastic models. These developments are 
included in the Group’s management and Board approved annual 
three-year strategy document. More information can be found on 
page 41 of this report.

The Board also regularly discusses cycles and trends within the 
insurance sector as well as within the natural, commercial and political 
environment to which the Group’s business is subject. We also 
recognised the potential impacts of transitional climate change risk on 
the Group’s investment portfolio and investment strategy. Whilst 
detailed strategic planning is based on short to medium-term horizons 
(over a period of three to four years) the Board’s strategic discussions 
are informed by consideration of potential future trends in the longer 
term such as the make-up of global energy demand (which may be 
influenced by climate-related factors) or the potential for political 
instability (for example over a period of up to 10 to 15 years). During 
2021 work will continue in this area with a broader focus on 
transitional risks and articulating what transitioning to net zero means 
for the Group.

Describe the impact of climate-related risks and 
opportunities on the organisation’s businesses, strategy, 
and financial planning.

Lancashire’s purpose is to sell bespoke risk solutions which help our 
clients manage the threats they face, including those presented by 
climate change. We monitor our assumed risk, manage our capital and 
we track and mitigate our own environmental impacts, fostering an 
engaged, sustainable and open business culture. Please see page 32 for 
more information.

As a (re)insurer Lancashire is affected by the severity and frequency of 
weather-related losses which may be influenced by climate change. 
Data is collected using the stochastic models from third-party vendors 
which are adapted based upon our views and our clients’ exposure 
data, to create aggregate loss scenarios. This data is closely monitored 
by executive management and the Board on a quarterly basis as part 
of strategic risk and capital management, with the testing of these 
leading to changes in risk levels, reinsurance purchasing and 
structuring strategy as required.

As a business with an office in Bermuda we recognise that this is an 
area of the world that is vulnerable to catastrophic windstorm events 
and may be affected by any future climate change trends. Both 
Lancashire offices have disaster recovery and business continuity plans 
(BCP) in place. Specifically, the Bermuda management team and Board 
consider hurricane and tsunami risk within the Bermuda office’s BCP. 
Please see page 40 for more information.

As Alex notes in his CEO’s review on page 15, Lancashire has been a 
risk partner of businesses operating in the energy sector across the 
world, including oil, gas, nuclear and other renewables, for many years. 
The risk solutions which we provide to the energy sector help deliver 
the wider social benefits of safer operations in a properly regulated 
environment with access to capital resources to quickly repair and 
remediate damage in the event of accidents or catastrophic failure. 
We share with our clients the journey required by the necessary 
transition away from carbon-based forms of energy to a net zero 
state. But there are no simple solutions to both meet global energy 
demand and reduce carbon emissions and we remain committed to 
supporting our clients across the energy sector as they address 
these challenges.

We also recognise the potential impacts of climate-related risks and 
opportunities upon the Group’s investment portfolio, in particular the 
potential impacts of the transition away from a carbon intensive 
economy. Although our current analysis suggests that there is a good 
level of resilience within the investment portfolio to these risks, we 
will be developing tools for the identification, measurement and 
management of these risks and opportunities through the work of the 
climate change working party, the RRC and the Investment Committee.

Describe the resilience of the organisation’s strategy, 
taking into consideration different climate-related 
scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.

Stress and scenario tests and reverse stress tests are performed as part 
of the business planning process and the annual ORSA reporting 
process. More information on these processes can be found on page 
32 of this report. The capital impacts from a range of scenarios, 
including climate-related risks and opportunities, are presented to the 
RRC and Board for review and discussion.

One of Lancashire’s key operating principles, which supports the 
Group’s strategy to produce an attractive risk-adjusted total return to 
shareholders over the long term, is to ‘Operate nimbly through the 
cycle’. Climate change may influence the severity and frequency of 
losses that impact our policyholders and Lancashire’s quick response 
to such post-loss situations can therefore be seen as a competitive 
advantage. A similarly ‘nimble’ approach to the management of 
climate change transition risk helps inform asset allocation and 
investment portfolio management.

The Group CRO has established a climate change working group, 
which will, inter alia, discuss and agree a methodology for analysing a 
range of future climate scenarios. The Group expects to report in more 
detail on likely scenario impacts in future years. Nonetheless, given 
the Group’s ability to model the geographical and economic impacts 
of climate risk on the insurance products it sells and to price insurance 
premiums on the basis of a flexible and fluid risk analysis, the Board 
and management consider that there is an intrinsic resilience in both 
the Group’s underwriting and investment strategy and its business 
model to the challenges of increased frequency and severity of 
physical damage and the effects of transition risk, as a result of 
climate change risk.

www.lancashiregroup.com

59

Environment & social reportingT A S K   F O R C E   O N   C L I M A T E - R E L A T E D   F I N A N C I A L   D I S C L O S U R E S   ( ‘ T C F D ’ )   C O N T I N U E D

Risk management

Disclose how the organisation identifies, assesses, and manages climate-related risks

Describe the organisation’s processes for identifying and 
assessing climate-related risks.

Describe the organisation’s processes for managing  
climate-related risks.

We recognise the potential environmental effects of carbon emissions 
and in a global commercial and political environment which currently 
remains reliant on carbon-based forms of energy production, we will 
work with our clients through a period of global energy transition to 
help manage their operational and catastrophe-exposure risks in a 
controlled and responsible way.

Nonetheless, climate-related risks (and opportunities) are a 
constituent part of the Group’s underwriting risk. Such risks are 
managed in the same way as other risks: they are identified, 
monitored, mitigated and reported upon against tolerance as 
appropriate. Opportunities are monitored and taken advantage of 
where it makes sense to do so. More information can be found on page 
41 of this report.

Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and 
managing climate-related risks are integrated into the 
organisation’s overall risk management.

The RRC considers all aspects of risk for the Group at a management 
level and reports through the CRO to the Board. The Board of 
Directors is responsible for setting and monitoring the Group’s 
risk appetite and tolerances, whereas the individual entity boards 
of directors are responsible for setting and monitoring entity level 
risk tolerances. All risk tolerances are subject to at least an annual 
review and consideration by the respective boards of directors.

The Board considers the capital requirements of the business on at 
least a quarterly basis. The Group’s exposures to natural catastrophe 
risks are one of the key drivers of the capital held by the Group to 
support its underwriting activities.

The management IRRC is alive to the potential impacts of climate 
change related transitional risk on the Group’s assets within the 
Group’s investment portfolio and its work is reported to the Board 
level Investment Committee. During 2021, we expect to build on our 
early climate sensitivity analysis work to further develop tools for the 
understanding of the impacts of climate change and transition risk on 
the investment portfolio as well as potential opportunities.

Coronavirus and the subsequent and ongoing pandemic spread of 
COVID-19 (whilst not directly attributable to climate change) does 
demonstrate both the nimbleness and the resilience of the Group 
during a market moving event. Its response to this ongoing pandemic 
is as a result of effective and efficient business continuity planning, 
which was quickly deployed and has resulted in very little impact upon 
the business operations. This event has also influenced the Group’s 
disaster recovery planning and has helped illustrate the use and 
resilience of a home working model in the management of disaster 
recovery scenarios. More information on our response to the pandemic 
spread of COVID-19 can be found on page 41.

60

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Metrics and targets

Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and 
opportunities where such information is material

Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess 
climate-related risks and opportunities in line with its 
strategy and risk management process.

Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and if appropriate  
Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and 
the related risks.

We define our risk appetite for underwriting risks as a percentage of 
capital we are willing to lose in a specific event, and we set a capital 
loss tolerance for and track the Company’s modelled PMLs to 
weather-related hurricane perils. We note on page 133 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts that at 31 December 2020 the actual largest 1 in 
100 year modelled exposure to a Gulf of Mexico hurricane stood at 
$166.5 million, or about 9.7% of capital.

Similarly, with respect to our investments, we have taken steps in 
2020 to advance the previous approach for assessing our portfolio’s 
exposure to climate-related risks. Our portfolio at 31 December 2020 
consisted of the following:

Fixed maturity securities 
Managed cash
Private investment funds
Hedge funds
Total:

82.8%
8.5%
4.7%
4.0%
100.0%

As shown in the table above, we have 91.3% allocated to managed 
cash and fixed maturities. The majority of the fixed maturities consist 
of government-related securities: U.S. government treasuries, 
non-U.S. government sovereign debt, U.S. agency debt and U.S. 
agency mortgage-backed securities. In addition, we have 33.5% 
allocated to corporate debt, of which we have a small amount of 
exposure to climate-related risks. The Group itself does not hold any 
equities (although we have exposure to a small number of equities in 
the hedge fund portfolio).

As noted in the principal risks section on page 37, during 2020, we 
performed a review of our investment portfolio against the MSCI ESG 
Index. The Investment Committee has carried out a carbon pricing 
sensitivity analysis of the Group’s investment portfolio on the basis of 
three scenarios. This ESG and climate change work will be further 
developed in 2021 to define some climate change related 
investment metrics.

The Group is committed to managing the environmental impact of its 
business. We measure our carbon footprint to minimise its negative 
impact through mitigation strategies and by offsetting 100% of our 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in order to remain carbon neutral. 
Please see page 53 of this Annual Report and Accounts where we 
report our Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions. The Group also recognises 
the challenges posed by climate change and considers its impact as 
part of the risk management and strategic planning processes, as 
discussed above. The Group CRO and the Board oversee the 
Company’s annual submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project and 
note that the information which is requested as part of that reporting 
process is aligned with the recommendations of the TCFD.

With operations in London and Bermuda, and with clients and brokers 
around the globe, the Lancashire Group has (prior to the COVID-19 
pandemic) incurred the bulk of its carbon footprint as a result of airline 
travel. We utilise a number of technologies to reduce inter-office 
travel, including full video and telephone conferencing facilities in all 
of our offices and our meeting and boardrooms. The use of such 
technological solutions has greatly increased in 2020 to address the 
communication challenges posed by COVID-19. However, we 
acknowledge the benefits of physical meetings and will expect to 
return to a more normal pattern of travel when possible during 2021, 
should it be safe for our employees to do so.

Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage 
climate-related risks and opportunities and performance 
against targets.

In terms of an emissions target, we have established a travel policy to 
reduce our impact on the environment whilst balancing the needs of 
our staff and Directors. Our target is to not ordinarily book a business 
class airline ticket, if the duration of the flight is less than five hours 
long. This is intended to assist the Group in managing one of its 
climate-related risks, with a measurable target. The Group also 
commits to continue to offset 100% of its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, 
in order to remain carbon neutral as well as to source and utilise 100% 
renewable electrical energy for its London offices. Please see page 54 
for more information.

www.lancashiregroup.com

61

Environment & social reportingB O A R D   O F   D I R E C T O R S

A balanced Board

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

Alex Maloney
Group Chief Executive Officer

Natalie Kershaw
Group Chief Financial Officer

Michael Dawson
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment to the Board:  
9 June 2014

Date of appointment to the Board:  
5 November 2010

Date of appointment to the Board:  
1 March 2020

Date of appointment to the Board:  
3 November 2016

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Board meeting attendance: 4/4

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Alex Maloney joined Lancashire in 
December 2005 and was appointed 
Group Chief Executive Officer in April 
2014. On joining, Mr Maloney was 
responsible for establishing and 
building the energy underwriting team 
and account and, in May 2009, was 
appointed Group Chief Underwriting 
Officer. Since November 2010, Mr 
Maloney has served as a member of 
the Board. Mr Maloney has also been 
closely involved in the development  
of the Group’s Lloyd’s strategy. 
Mr Maloney has over 20 years’ 
underwriting experience and has 
also worked in the New York 
and Bermuda markets.

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Natalie Kershaw joined Lancashire in 
December 2009 as the Group 
Financial Controller and has also held 
the positions of Chief Financial Officer 
of Lancashire Insurance Company 
Limited and Group Chief Accounting 
Officer. She has 20 years’ experience 
of the insurance/reinsurance sector 
with previous roles at Swiss Re, ALAS 
(Bermuda) Ltd and PwC. Ms Kershaw  
graduated from Jesus College, Oxford 
in 1996 with a first class degree in 
Geography and is a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales.

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Michael Dawson has more than 35 
years’ experience in the insurance 
industry, having started his career 
at Lloyd’s in 1979. He joined Cox 
Insurance in 1986 where he was the 
Chief Executive from 1995 to 2002.  
In 1991, Mr Dawson formed and 
became the underwriter of Cox’s  
and subsequently Chaucer’s specialist 
nuclear syndicate 1176. Between 2005 
and 2008, Mr Dawson was appointed 
Chief Executive of Goshawk Insurance 
Holdings PLC and its subsidiary 
Rosemont Re, a Bermuda reinsurer. 
Mr Dawson served on the Council  
of Lloyd’s from 1998 to 2001 and  
on the Lloyd’s Market Board from 
1998 to 2002.

External appointments/Other roles: 
Mr Dawson is Deputy Chairman of the 
Management Committee of Nuclear 
Risk Insurers Limited. He is also a 
director of Knoll Investments Limited, 
a private family investment company.

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Peter Clarke was Group Chief 
Executive of Man Group plc between 
April 2007 and February 2013. In 1993, 
Mr Clarke joined Man Group plc, a 
leading global provider of alternative 
investment products and solutions  
as well as one of the world’s largest 
futures brokers. He was appointed  
to the board in 1997 and served in  
a variety of roles, including Head  
of Corporate Finance and Corporate 
Affairs and Group Company Secretary, 
before becoming the Group Finance 
Director in 2000. During this period,  
he was responsible for investing in  
and developing one of the leading 
providers of third-party capital 
insurance and reinsurance products.  
In November 2005, he was given 
the additional title of Group Deputy 
CEO. Mr Clarke has previously served 
as the Chairman of the National 
Teaching Awards Trust. Mr Clarke  
took a first in Law at Queens’ College, 
Cambridge and is a qualified solicitor, 
having practised at Slaughter and May, 
and has experience in the investment 
banking industry, working at 
Morgan Grenfell and Citibank.

External appointments/Other roles: 
Mr Clarke is currently a Non-Executive 
Director of RWC Partners Limited, 
Lombard Odier Asset Management 
and Sainsbury’s Bank plc. He is a 
member of the Treasury Committee of 
King’s College London.

y
e
K

Chair

Board of 
Directors

Audit  
Committee

Investment  
Committee

Nomination  
Corporate Governance 
and Sustainability 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee 

Underwriting and 
Underwriting 
Risk Committee

62

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Simon Fraser
Senior Independent Non-
Executive Director

Date of appointment to the Board:   
5 November 2013

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Simon Fraser was Head of Corporate 
Broking at Merrill Lynch and 
subsequently Bank of America Merrill 
Lynch until his retirement in 2011. He 
began his career in the City  
in 1986 with BZW and joined Merrill 
Lynch in 1997. He led initial public 
offerings, rights issues, placings, 
demergers and mergers and 
acquisitions transactions during his  
career and advised many 
UK companies on stock market and 
LSE issues. Mr Fraser has an MA degree  
in Modern History from the University 
of St Andrews.

External appointments/Other roles: 
Mr Fraser is a Non-Executive Director 
of Legal and General Investment 
Management (Holdings) Limited 
and Senior Independent Director of 
Derwent London plc, where he sits on 
the Remuneration, Audit and 
Nominations Committees. Mr Fraser 
also serves as a Non-Executive 
Director of LSL.

Samantha Hoe-Richardson
Non-Executive Director

Robert Lusardi
Non-Executive Director

Sally Williams
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment to the Board: 
20 February 2013

Date of appointment to the Board:   
8 July 2016

Date of appointment to the Board: 
14 January 2019

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Board meeting attendance: 5/5

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Samantha Hoe-Richardson since 2014 
has been Chair of the Audit 
Committee. Prior to this, she was 
Head of Environment & Sustainability 
for Network Rail and formerly Head of 
Environment for Anglo American plc, 
one of the world’s leading mining and 
natural resources companies. She was 
also a director and founder of Anglo 
American Zimele Green Fund (Pty) 
Ltd, which supports entrepreneurs in 
South Africa. Prior to her role with 
Anglo American, Ms Hoe-Richardson 
worked in investment banking and 
audit and she holds a master’s degree 
in Nuclear and Electrical Engineering 
from the University of Cambridge. She 
also has a Chartered Accountancy 
qualification.

External appointments/Other roles: 
Ms Hoe-Richardson is a Non-Executive 
Director for 3i Infrastructure plc and a 
Non-Executive Director of Assured 
Guaranty (Europe) plc and a 
Non-Executive Director of LUK.

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Robert Lusardi spent the first phase of 
his career as a senior investment 
banker specialising in the insurance 
and asset management industries. 
From 1998 until 2005 he was a 
member of the Executive Management 
Board of XL Group plc, first as Group 
CFO then as a segment CEO; from 
2005 until 2010 he was an EVP 
of White Mountains (an insurance 
merchant bank) and CEO of certain 
subsidiaries; and from 2010 to 2015 he 
was CEO of PremieRe Holdings LLC 
(a private insurance entity). He has 
been a director of ten insurance-
related entities. He received his 
BA and MA degrees in Engineering and 
Economics from Oxford University 
and his MBA from Harvard University.

External appointments/Other roles: 
Mr Lusardi is currently a private 
investor and has spent his career as a 
senior executive in the financial 
services industry. He is also on the 
boards of Symetra Financial Holdings, 
Inc., a life insurer, and Oxford 
University’s 501(c)3 charitable 
organisation.

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Sally Williams has more than 30 years’ 
experience in the financial services 
sector, with extensive risk, compliance 
and governance experience, having 
held senior positions with Marsh, 
National Australia Bank and Aviva. Ms 
Williams is a chartered accountant and 
spent the first 15 years of her career 
with PwC, where she was a director 
specialising in financial services risk 
management and regulatory 
relationships. She also undertook a 
two-year secondment from PwC to 
the Supervision and Surveillance 
Department at the Bank of England.

External appointments/Other roles: 
Ms Williams is a Non-Executive 
Director of Family Assurance Friendly 
Society Limited (OneFamily), where 
she is chair of their Audit Committee 
and a member of the Risk, 
Nominations, Member and Customer 
and With Profits Committees. Ms 
Williams is also a Non-Executive 
Director of Close Brothers Group plc 
and Close Brothers Limited, where she 
is a member of their Audit and 
Risk Committees. 

Christopher Head
Company Secretary

Board meeting attendance: N/A

Skills, experience and qualifications: 
Christopher Head joined Lancashire in September 2010. He was appointed Company Secretary of LHL in 2012 and advises 
on issues of corporate governance and generally on legal affairs for the Group. He also advises on the structuring of 
Lancashire’s third-party capital underwriting initiatives, which have included the Accordion and Kinesis facilities. Prior to 
joining Lancashire, he was in-house Counsel with the Imagine Insurance Group, advising specifically on the structuring of 
reinsurance transactions. He transferred to Max at Lloyd’s in 2008 as Lloyd’s and London Counsel. Between 1998 
and 2006, Mr Head was Legal Counsel at KWELM Management Services Limited, where he managed an intensive 
programme of reinsurance arbitration and litigation for insolvent members of the HS Weavers underwriting pool. Mr Head 
is a qualified solicitor having worked until 1998 at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert in the Reinsurance and International Risk Team. 
Mr Head has a History MA and legal qualification from Cambridge University.

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63

GovernanceC O R P O R A T E   G O V E R N A N C E   R E P O R T

Board Committees

Board and Committee administration
The Board of Directors is responsible for the leadership, strategy and 
control and the long-term success and sustainability of Lancashire’s 
business. The Board has reserved a number of matters for its decision, 
including responsibility for setting the Group’s values and standards, 
and approval of the Group’s strategic aims and objectives. The Board 
has delegated certain matters to Committees of the Board, as 
described below. Copies of the Schedule of Board-Reserved Matters 
and Terms of Reference of the Board Committees are available on the 
Company’s website at www.lancashiregroup.com.

The Board has approved and adopted a formal division of 
responsibilities between the Chairman and the Group CEO. The 
Chairman is responsible for the leadership and management of the 
Board and for providing appropriate support and advice to the Group 
CEO. The Group CEO is responsible for the management of the 
Group’s business and for the development of the Group’s strategy and 
commercial objectives. The Group CEO is responsible, along with the 
executive team, for implementing the Board’s decisions.

The Board and its Committees meet on at least a quarterly basis. At 
the regular quarterly Board meetings, the Directors review all areas of 
the Group’s business, strategy and risk management and receive 
reports from management on underwriting, reserving, finance, 
investments, capital management, internal audit, risk, legal and 
regulatory developments, compliance, climate change risk and  
sustainability and other matters affecting the Group. Management 
provides the Board with the information necessary for it to fulfil its 
responsibilities. In addition, presentations are made by external 
advisers such as the independent actuary, the investment managers, 
the external auditors, the remuneration consultants and the corporate 
brokers. The Board Committees are authorised to seek independent 
professional advice at the Company’s expense.

The Board also meets to discuss strategic planning matters in addition 
to the customary schedule of quarterly meetings. The Board dedicated 
additional time to strategic opportunity and capital planning discussions 
in the period prior to its decision to raise additional risk capital by way of 
an equity placing, which took place in June 2020.

The Chair holds regular meetings with the Non-Executive Directors, 
without the Executive Directors present, to discuss a broad range of 
matters affecting the Group. The Chairman also holds regular 
meetings with the Chairs of the Group’s principal operating 
subsidiaries: LICL, LUK, LSL and LCM.

The Directors
Appointments to the Board are made on merit, against objective 
criteria, and with due regard to the right balance of skills, experience, 
knowledge, independence and diversity required for the Board to 
operate effectively as a whole. The Board considers all the Non-
Executive Directors to be independent within the meaning of the 
Code. Michael Dawson, Simon Fraser, Samantha Hoe-Richardson, 
Robert Lusardi and Sally Williams are independent, as each is 
independent in character and judgement and has no relationship or 
circumstance likely to affect his or her independence. Peter Clarke was 
independent upon his appointment as Chairman on 4 May 2016.

64

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

During 2020, Samantha Hoe-Richardson accepted an appointment to 
the board of Assured Guaranty (Europe) PLC, being a UK-based entity. 
In accordance with her LHL letter of appointment, the proposed 
appointment was discussed with the Chairman, including an indication 
of the time involved and any possible conflicts arising, prior to 
her acceptance.

At the Board meeting held on 9 February 2021, further to a 
recommendation by the Nomination Corporate Governance and 
Sustainability Committee, the Board affirmed its judgement that five 
of the eight members of the Board are independent Non-Executive 
Directors. Therefore, in the Board’s judgement, the Board’s 
composition complies with the Code requirement that at least half the 
Board, excluding the Chairman, should comprise Non-Executive 
Directors determined by the Board to be independent.

In accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Bye-laws and 
the Code, all the Directors are subject to re-election annually at 
each AGM.

Information and training
On appointment, the Directors receive written information regarding 
their responsibilities as Directors and information about the Group. An 
induction process is tailored for each new Director in the light of his or 
her existing skill set and knowledge of the Group and includes 
meetings with senior management and visiting the Group’s operations. 
Information and advice regarding the Company’s official listing, legal 
and regulatory obligations and on the Group’s compliance with the 
requirements of the Code is also provided on a regular basis. An 
analysis of the Group’s compliance with the Code is collated and 
summarised in quarterly reports together with a more general 
summary of corporate governance developments, which are prepared 
by the Group’s legal and compliance department for consideration by 
the Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee. 
The Directors have access to the Company Secretary who is 
responsible for advising the Board on all legal and governance matters. 

The Directors also have access to the Group General Counsel and 
independent professional advice as required. Regular sessions are held 
between the Board and management as part of the Company’s 
quarterly Board meetings, during which in-depth presentations 
covering areas of the Group’s business are made. During these 
presentations the Directors have the opportunity to consider, 
challenge and help shape the Group’s commercial strategy. The 
Directors are also encouraged to seek supplementary know-how 
training suitable to their roles offered by the many external providers 
of training pertinent to governance, in particular the roles of Non-
Executive Directors, and to consider their training needs and priorities 
as part of the year-end performance evaluation for the Board and 
its Committees.

Board performance evaluation
A formal performance evaluation of the Board, its Committees and 
individual Directors is undertaken on an annual basis and the process 
is initiated by the Nomination Corporate Governance and 
Sustainability Committee. The aim of this work is to assess the 
effectiveness of the Board and its Committees in terms of 
performance and risk oversight, strategic development, composition, 
skills set, supporting processes and management of the Group. The 
evaluation is forward-looking in terms of identifying the strategic 
priorities and actions as well as considering performance, training and 
development needs for the Directors within the context of the work 
of each Committee and that of the Board. The 2018 evaluation was 
conducted externally by Lintstock Limited, a London-based corporate 
advisory firm with no other connection to the Group. The 2019 and 
the 2020 evaluations were conducted internally, facilitated by the 
Company Secretary and the Chairman.

The 2020 evaluation process involved each Director as well as the 
Company Secretary, the Group CRO, Group General Counsel and 
other Committee members and members of senior management 
completing a questionnaire designed by the Chairman and the 
Company Secretary, with input from the Chairs of each of the 
relevant Committees. Responses to the completed questionnaires 
were collated and emerging themes explored. A suite of anonymised 
summary reports was prepared, and these were discussed in draft with 
the Board Chairman and Committee Chairs before being distributed 
to each of the Directors.

In February 2021, the performance evaluation reports were discussed 
at meetings of the Nomination Corporate Governance and 
Sustainability Committee and the Board, and each of the other 
Committees discussed the report pertinent to its own operation and 
performance. The Board discussions were led by the Chairman and 
focused on such matters as: the improving commercial insurance 
pricing environment; strategic planning and oversight and related 
succession planning; risk management; operational risk in the face of 
the current COVID-19 pandemic and related issues of liability; risk 
exposure management; capital planning and composition; climate 
change risk and sustainability matters; and Board composition, 
training and priorities for 2021.

In summary, in its consideration of the 2020 performance evaluation 
reports, the Board concluded that it operates effectively and has a 
good blend of insurance, financial and regulatory expertise. All 
Non-Executive Directors are committed to the continued success of 
the Group and to making the Board and its Committees work 
effectively. Attendance at Board meetings was found to be good. The 
Group CEO and the Group CFO, the Company’s Executive Directors, 
were also found to be operating effectively.

Appropriate infrastructure, processes and governance mechanisms are 
in place to support the effective performance of the Board and its 
Committees. The Board is also considered to manage risk effectively. 
Furthermore, the number of Directors on the Board is considered to 
be appropriate.

It was noted in the evaluation process that Board and Committee 
oversight of strategy, risk tolerances and controls had operated 
effectively and within expectations. Engagement between the Board 
and the workforce was considered to be generally strong and 
beneficial to the operation of the business. However, the COVID-19 
pandemic had diminished the opportunities for face-to-face meetings 
and necessitated the use of virtual meeting forums during the year to 
facilitate such dialogue. Notwithstanding these challenges, workforce 
engagement, in accordance with the expectations of the Code, had 
been constructive and effective during the year. For further 
information on workforce engagement, please see Peter Clarke’s 
introduction to the environment & social reporting and governance 
sections of this report on pages 42 to 43 and the report from the 
Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee 
on pages 72 to 75.

The strategic priorities identified for the year ahead included ensuring 
the maintenance of a robust capital base for the Group capable of 
supporting the strategic growth plans for the business and to position 
the business as a leading provider of (re)insurance products. The Board 
plans to keep under review the Group’s capital structures. The Board is 
also committed to maintaining a close focus on recruitment, skills, 
employee retention and training to further strengthen and build a 
workforce equipped to deliver the current underwriting growth 
opportunity.

The Board also plans to address Board succession planning 
requirements during 2021.

The reports also highlighted a number of themes which will inform the 
business to be addressed by the Board during 2021, including:

•  Monitoring the Group’s investment portfolio and positioning in light 
of changes to the underwriting and exposure profile of the Group 
and changes in the global investment markets;

•  Monitoring the ongoing project to refresh and enhance the Group’s 

IT functionality;

•  To keep under review the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on 

the business and its operation; and

•  To oversee implementation of the TCFD recommendations across 

the business in the management of climate change risk 
and opportunity.

The Board identified a number of areas for training and specific themes 
for monitoring over the coming year, including the following:

•  Preparedness for implementation of the IFRS 17 accounting 

requirements; and

•  Proposals for audit reform.

The Board will continue to review its procedures, training 
requirements, effectiveness and development during 2021.

The Chairman’s performance appraisal was conducted by the Senior 
Independent Director, who consulted with the Non-Executive 
Directors with input from the Executive Directors during July 2020. 
The discussion and feedback were positive regarding the Chairman’s 
performance. Particular reference was made to the Chairman’s work in 
facilitating clear communication across the business and with the 
Group’s shareholders and in shaping constructive strategic discussion, 
in particular during May and June 2020 when the Board was 
considering the developing strategic opportunities for the Group and 
the related capital requirements, which resulted in the Board’s 

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65

GovernanceC O R P O R A T E   G O V E R N A N C E   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D

decision to proceed with the June 2020 equity placing of 
Lancashire shares.

Following the year end, the Chair met with the Group CEO, and the 
Group CEO met with the Group CFO, to conduct a performance 
appraisal in respect of 2020 and to set targets for 2021. The results of 
these performance evaluations were discussed by the Chairman and 
the Non-Executive Directors and are reported in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report commencing on page 82.

Relations with shareholders
During 2020, the Group’s Head of Investor Relations, usually 
accompanied by one or more of the Group CEO, the Group CUO, the 
Group CFO, the Chair or a senior member of the underwriting team, 
made presentations to major shareholders, analysts and the investor 
community. Formal reports of these meetings were provided to the 
Board on at least a quarterly basis.

In early 2020, Simon Fraser, the Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee, conducted a consultation with the Company’s significant 
shareholders concerning planned changes to the shareholder-
approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which was approved at the 
2020 AGM with 88% support. Mr Fraser subsequently engaged with 
certain of the Group’s shareholders who had not supported the Policy 
vote in order to receive their further feedback. See the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on page 82 for further details.

During the course of the June 2020 equity placing of Lancashire shares 
and at the direction of a specially-appointed Board sub-committee, 
facilitated by the Group’s banking advisers, Morgan Stanley and 
Citibank, there was a period of intensive discussion with the Group’s 
principal shareholders with regard to the developing strategic 
opportunity and the plans to raise new equity capital. As part of this 
process, the Board paid close attention to the Pre-Emption Group 
guidance and both the allocation of shares and pricing of the placing 
were agreed at a level which balanced the need to raise the required 
strategic risk capital for the business and to recognise the rights of the 
Group’s existing principal shareholders.

Conference calls with shareholders and analysts hosted by senior 
management are held quarterly following the announcement of the 
Company’s quarterly financial results or trading statements. The 
Group CEO, Group CUO and Group CFO are generally available to 
answer questions at these presentations.

Shareholders are invited to request meetings with the Chair, the 
Senior Independent Director and/or the other Non-Executive Directors 
by contacting the Group Head of Investor Relations. All of the 
Directors are expected to be available to meet virtually with 
shareholders at the Company’s 2021 AGM.

The Company commissions regular independent shareholder analysis 
reports, together with research on feedback from shareholders and 
analysts, following the announcement of the Company’s 
quarterly results.

Enterprise risk management
The Board is responsible for setting the Group’s risk appetites, defining 
its risk tolerances, and setting and monitoring the Company’s risk 
management and internal control systems, including compliance with 
risk tolerances. During 2020, the Board carried out a robust 
assessment of the emerging and principal risks affecting the Group’s 
business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity and the 
operation of internal control systems.

Further discussion of the emerging and principal risks affecting the 
Group, as well as the procedures in place to identify and manage 
them, can be found in the ERM section of this report on pages 30 to 33 
and in the risk disclosures section on pages 131 to 152.

Each of the Committees is responsible for various elements of risk (see 
the various Committee reports from pages 67 to 81 for further detail). 
The Group CRO reports directly to the Group and subsidiary boards 
and facilitates the identification, evaluation, quantification and control 
of risks at a Group and subsidiary level. The Group CRO provides 
regular reports to the Group and subsidiary boards covering, amongst 
other things, actual risk levels against tolerances, emerging risks, any 
lessons learned from risk events and assurance provided over key risks. 
Areas of particular focus during 2020 have been the risks associated 
with the COVID-19 pandemic, risk exposure and capital considerations 
associated with the improving (re)insurance market opportunity,  
climate change risk management and the implementation of the TCFD 
recommendations. The Board considers that a supportive ERM culture, 
established at the Board and embedded throughout the business, is of 
key importance. The facilitating and embedding of ERM and helping 
the Group to improve its ERM practices are a major responsibility 
assigned to the Group CRO. The Group CRO’s remuneration is subject 
to annual review by the Remuneration Committee. The Board is 
satisfied that the Company’s risk management and internal control 
systems have operated effectively for the year under review. In this 
regard please see the Audit Committee report on pages 67 to 71.

Committees
The Board has established Audit, Investment, Nomination Corporate 
Governance and Sustainability, Remuneration, and Underwriting and 
Underwriting Risk Committees. Each of the Committees has written 
Terms of Reference, which are reviewed regularly and are available on 
the Company’s website. The Committees’ Terms of Reference were 
reviewed and revised by the Board during 2020 and considered again 
as part of the year-end performance evaluation process. The 
Committees’ Terms of Reference are considered to be in line with 
current best practice. The Committees are generally scheduled to 
meet quarterly, although additional meetings and information updates 
are arranged as business requirements dictate. Director attendance at 
the 2020 Board meetings is set out on pages 62 to 63. A report from 
each of the Committees, which covers Committee attendance, is set 
out from page 67 to page 81.

66

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T S

Audit Committee

“The maintenance of effective and robust risk 
management processes and operational 
controls, and the appropriate oversight 
thereof, are critical to the functioning of 
a viable and successful business.”

Samantha Hoe-Richardson
Chair of the Audit Committee

During 2020, the Committee focused on 
COVID-19 and its potential impact on significant 
estimates and judgements applied in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements; the 
adequacy of loss reserves; the effectiveness of 
the business’s control environment; the 
continued integrity of external financial 
reporting; and the progress of the Group’s 
implementation plans for the IFRS 9 (‘Financial 
Instruments’) and IFRS 17 (‘Insurance Contracts’) 
accounting standards.

Committee membership
The Audit Committee comprises four independent Non-Executive 
Directors and is chaired by Samantha Hoe-Richardson, a qualified 
Chartered Accountant. The Board considers that the four independent 
Non-Executive Directors all have recent and relevant financial 
experience. The Audit Committee as a whole has competence in the 
specialty insurance and reinsurance sectors. The internal and external 
auditors have the right of direct access to the Audit Committee. The 
Audit Committee’s detailed Terms of Reference are available on the 
Group’s website.

Samantha Hoe-Richardson (Chair)
Simon Fraser
Robert Lusardi*
Sally Williams

Meetings attended
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

 * Robert Lusardi is resident in the U.S. and was unable to travel outside of the U.S. 
post March 2020 for the remaining 2020 Board and Committee meetings due to 
restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was able to attend 
proceedings of the Audit Committee via video conference. However, pursuant to 
the Group’s strict tax and regulatory operating guidelines, he did not participate in 
certain of the meetings for quorum and voting purposes.

Principal responsibilities of the Committee
•  Financial and narrative reporting;
•  External audit oversight;
•  Internal audit oversight; and
•  Internal controls and risk management systems.

Specific details of the Committee’s responsibilities and activities in 
these four principal areas during the year are set out in the table on 
the following pages. 

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67

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How the Committee discharged its responsibilities
Financial and narrative reporting

Committee responsibility
Monitors the integrity of the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements, 
including its annual and half-yearly 
reports, annual reporting arising under 
applicable supervisory rules, interim 
management statements, preliminary 
announcements and any other formal 
statements relating to the Group’s 
financial performance. Reviews and 
reports to the Board on significant 
financial reporting issues and 
judgements contained in the 
consolidated financial statements.

Committee activities
At each quarterly meeting the Committee reviews the Group’s quarterly consolidated financial 
statements for the purposes of recommending their approval by the Board. The Group’s annual 
regulatory reports, prepared in accordance with the BMA’s reporting requirements, were reviewed in 
April 2020 at the Audit Committee meeting prior to the recommendation of their approval by the 
Board. The Committee also monitors the activities of the Group’s Disclosure Committee and reviews 
the Group’s financial press releases (prepared in respect of the second and fourth quarters) and trading 
statements (prepared in respect of the first and third quarters), which it recommends to the Board for 
approval. The Committee receives regular and ad hoc reports from management on:

•  loss reserving (see page 166 for further details);
•  developments in accounting and financial reporting requirements;
•  the quarterly activities of the Group finance team, with a particular focus during the year on the 

operational impacts presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effect on the finance team and 
the successful management thereof;

•  any new and/or significant accounting treatments/transactions (including related party transactions) 

in the quarter;

•  the assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern (see page 108 for further 

details) which, for 2020, included detailed consideration of the operational liabilities and strategic 
assumptions of the Group in the face of COVID-19;

•  the progress of the Group’s IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 implementation project and the related ongoing 

enhancements to the Group’s finance IT framework;

•  the quarterly activities of LHL’s subsidiary companies, including consideration of any risk issues; and
•  the Committee also receives quarterly reports on the consolidated financial statements from the 
external auditors, including an interim review report and a year-end audit results report. These 
reports are discussed with the external auditors at the Committee meetings.

The Committee discussed enhanced disclosure and reconciliation around the Group’s APMs and the 
renaming of the Group’s RoE KPI (see APM disclosures on page 184 and pages 20 and 21 for further 
detail of the Group’s retitled KPI – Change in FCBVS (previously termed ‘RoE’)). The Committee also 
attended training sessions delivered by the management team to the Board on the topics of IFRS 17 
(refresher training), the A.M. Best BCAR model and the Group’s reserving process. In addition, the Audit 
Committee focused on constructive engagement with the new Group CFO to ensure maintenance of 
high standards of financial controls and reporting.

Judgements and estimation in the consolidated financial statements
The Committee gives detailed consideration to the significant judgements and estimations applied in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements. See the summary on the areas of judgement and 
estimation and the related processes applied by management on page 71.

Reviews the content of the Annual 
Report and Accounts and advises the 
Board on whether, taken as a whole, it 
is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s 
performance, business model 
and strategy.

The Chair of the Committee reviewed the early drafts of the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts in 
order to keep apprised of its key themes and messages. During this review, the Committee carefully 
considered the clarity of disclosures made in respect of the impact of COVID-19. The Committee 
reviewed the final draft of the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts at the February 2021 Audit 
Committee meeting, together with the external auditor’s report. The Committee advised the Board 
that, in its view, the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

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External audit

Committee responsibility
Oversees the relationship with the 
Group’s external auditors, approves 
their remuneration and terms of 
engagement, and assesses annually 
their independence and objectivity 
taking into account relevant legal, 
regulatory and professional 
requirements and the Group’s 
relationship with the external auditors 
as a whole. This includes an annual 
assessment of the qualifications, 
expertise and resources, and 
independence of the external auditors 
and the effectiveness of the external 
audit process.

The development and implementation 
of a formal policy on the provision of 
non-audit services by the external 
auditors, taking into consideration any 
threats to the independence and 
objectivity of the external auditors.

Makes a recommendation to the Board, to 
be put to shareholders for approval at the 
AGM, in relation to the appointment, 
re-appointment or removal of the Group’s 
external auditors. 

Committee activities
The Committee approves the annual external audit plan and receives reports from the external 
auditors at each quarterly Committee meeting, including an ongoing assessment of the effective 
performance of the audit compared to the plan.

Following the year-end audit, the Committee performs an assessment of the effectiveness of the 
external audit process. This assessment was last conducted, and enhanced in line with good practice 
guidance, at the April 2020 Audit Committee meeting and it was concluded that the external audit 
process was operating effectively, both with respect to the service provided by KPMG LLP and 
management’s support of the audit process.

The Committee also formally reviews the independence of the external auditors, in particular at the 
half-year and year-end meetings, taking into account any non-audit services provided. The Committee 
considers that KPMG LLP remain independent.

The Committee Chair conducts informal meetings with the external auditors and the Group CFO prior 
to, during, and after the review of the quarterly results. The Committee meets quarterly in executive 
session with the external auditors to discuss any issues arising from the audit, and with management to 
obtain feedback on the audit process. 

The Committee has approved and adopted a formal non-audit services policy that is reviewed on an 
annual basis. The policy was last reviewed and revised in April 2020 in light of the Revised Ethical 
Standard published by the FRC in December 2019, and subsequently approved by the Committee at its 
first quarter meeting. The policy, which stipulates the approvals required for various types of non-audit 
services that may be provided by the external auditors, as well as those from which the external 
auditors are excluded, is on the Group’s website. During 2020, KPMG LLP provided $0.3 million of 
non-audit services to the Group relating to the half-year reporting review, as well as Solvency II and 
Lloyd’s regulatory returns. The Committee gave careful consideration to the nature of the non-audit 
services provided and the level of fees charged and has determined that they do not affect the 
independence and objectivity of KPMG LLP as auditors.

Following a competitive external audit tender process undertaken during 2016, the appointment of 
KPMG LLP as external auditors was first approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM and has been 
approved at subsequent AGMs thereafter. The 2020 financial year was the fourth financial year in 
which KPMG LLP acted as the Group’s external auditors. The lead audit partner is Rees Aronson. The 
external audit fee arrangements across the Group were originally agreed in 2016 as part of the audit 
tender process, with amounts fixed for the 2017-2019 year-end audits. During the year, the Audit 
Committee discussed and agreed with KPMG LLP, with input from management, the fee structure for 
the 2020 and 2021 year-end audits.

The Committee and the Board are recommending the re-appointment of KPMG as external auditors at 
the 2021 AGM. Rees Aronson will have completed his fifth year as the Group’s lead audit partner 
following the 2021 year-end audit and, in line with the guidance of the UK Ethical Standard, the 
Committee will oversee the requirements for the provision of external audit services, which may 
include arrangements for the orderly rotation of the lead audit partner.

The Committee continues to monitor the developments, recommendations and legislative proposals 
arising from the Independent Review of the FRC, led by Sir John Kingman, the final report published by 
the UK Competition and Markets Authority on the statutory audit services market, and Sir Donald 
Brydon’s report setting out his views on the quality and effectiveness of audit.

www.lancashiregroup.com

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Internal audit

Committee responsibility
Monitors and assesses the role and 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
audit function in the overall context of 
the Group’s risk management system, 
ensuring it has unrestricted scope, and 
the necessary resources and access to 
information to enable it to fulfil its 
mandate in accordance with 
appropriate professional standards.

Committee activities
The Group’s internal audit function reports directly to the Committee. The Committee meets regularly in 
executive session with the Group Head of Internal Audit usually on a quarterly basis. Each year, the Group 
Head of Internal Audit presents an annual internal audit strategy and plan to the Committee for consideration 
and approval. In general, the most significant business risks and controls are considered for audit annually, 
whilst less critical risks are audited periodically as part of a flexible multi-year programme. The findings of 
each internal audit are reported to the Committee at the quarterly meetings and the Committee reviews the 
actions taken by management to implement the recommendations of internal audit. Consideration is also 
given to the assessment of the Group’s culture for each audit undertaken and an overall summary of 
observations identified in respect of the Group’s culture is presented to the Committee on a quarterly basis. 
Latterly, this assessment has factored in consideration of the potential impacts of the transition to a remote 
working environment for the large part of 2020, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of these 
challenges, the internal audit function was satisfied that there remained an effective, responsive and resilient 
business culture within the Group.

During 2020, the Committee reviewed and approved the Internal Audit Charter. This can be viewed on the 
Group’s website. The Committee assessed the level of internal audit resource and the appropriateness of the 
skills and resources of the internal audit function. The Group CRO undertook an annual review of the 
implementation of the internal audit programme during 2020 to ensure its continued efficiency and 
appropriate standing within the Group and the effectiveness of the internal audit function in the overall 
context of the Group’s risk management system. The Committee discussed the report and its findings with 
the Group CRO and the Group Head of Internal Audit and concluded that the internal audit function is 
operating effectively in the overall context of the Group’s risk management system.

Internal controls and risk management systems 

Committee responsibility
Reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of 
the Group’s internal financial controls 
systems that identify, assess, manage and 
monitor financial risks, and other internal 
control and risk management systems; 
and reviews and approves the statements 
to be included in the Annual Report and 
Accounts concerning internal control, risk 
management, including the assessment of 
principal risks and emerging risks and the 
viability statement.

Reviews for adequacy and security the 
Group’s compliance, ‘speaking-up’ and 
fraud controls.

Committee activities
The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the maintenance by the Group of a robust 
framework of internal control and risk management systems and has delegated the monitoring and 
review of these systems to the Committee. The system of internal controls is designed to manage 
rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable 
and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Committee received from the 
Group CRO periodic reports detailing results of the quarterly risk and control affirmation review and 
testing work. The Committee also received additional reports from the Group CRO and Group Head of 
Internal Audit on the ongoing effective operation of key controls during the change in the operating 
environment from office to home working, and again over health and safety controls covering the 
return to office working later in the year. For further detail of the emerging and principal risks affecting 
the Group, including those matters that have informed the Board’s assessment of the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, as well as the risk mitigation procedures in place to identify and manage 
them, see pages 34 to 41 of this Annual Report and Accounts. The Committee received from the Group 
Head of Internal Audit an annual assessment of the Group’s governance, risk and control framework, 
together with an analysis of themes and trends from the internal audit work performed and their 
impact on the Group’s risk profile. In 2020, the Committee and Board were satisfied that the 
governance, risk and control framework continue to remain both effective and appropriate for 
the Group.

During 2020, the Committee conducted an annual review of the Group’s policies and procedures 
relevant to financial controls and recommended the adoption by the Board of updated policies and 
procedures in respect of anti-money laundering, bribery and financial crime (including fraud), conflicts 
of interest and whistleblowing. There were no suspicious transactions or whistleblowing reports made 
during the year (whether arising from suspected money laundering activity or knowledge of, suspicion 
or concern relating to suspected acts of bribery or any other type of financial crime, dishonesty or 
impropriety). The Committee also keeps under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s 
legal and compliance function and receives regular updates on compliance training delivered to staff 
across the Group (see page 51 for further details).

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Significant areas of judgement and estimation
An annual paper is presented by management to the Committee that 
details the areas of judgement and estimation in the preparation of 
the consolidated financial statements and a semi-annual going 
concern assessment is also presented to the Committee.

Going concern basis of accounting

During the year, and in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Committee focused more specifically on the Group’s going concern, 
covering discussions on:

•  reviewing and challenging the going concern assessment prepared 

by management, with particular consideration of the business plan, 
rating agency and regulatory capital, ultimate loss estimates, 
liquidity, credit quality and valuation of the investment portfolio;
•  consulting with the external auditors on the requirements of the 
revised auditing standard for Going Concern (ISA UK 570); and
•  enhancing disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

Having reviewed and challenged these areas, the Committee 
concurred with management’s going concern assessment and the 
relevant disclosures around going concern in the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements (see page 124).

The valuation of loss reserves and expenses

The most significant area of judgement and estimation considered by 
the Committee during 2020 was the valuation of loss reserves.

As detailed on pages 125 to 126 of the consolidated financial 
statements, the valuation of loss reserves is a complex actuarial 
process that incorporates a significant amount of judgement. The 
Committee considers the adequacy of the Group’s loss reserves at 
each Audit Committee meeting, for which purpose it receives quarterly 
reports from the Group’s Chief Actuary. KPMG LLP conducts a detailed 
re-projection of the Group’s loss reserves as part of the half-year 
review and full-year audit. The Committee also receives independent 
estimates of the Group’s loss reserves from an external actuary and 
compares these third-party estimates to those of the Group at its 
second and fourth quarter Audit Committee meetings. The Committee 
also meets in executive session with the Group’s Chief Actuary twice a 
year (at half year and year end) to discuss the operation and effectiveness 
of the actuarial function and the reserving process. During 2020, the 
Committee focused its discussions around the Group’s loss reserves on:

•  the range of reasonable actuarial estimates, in particular regarding 
the process conducted for deriving ultimate loss estimates for 
COVID-19 pandemic-related liabilities and the adequacy of those 
estimates, acknowledging that its effects on the insurance and 
reinsurance markets remain both ongoing and uncertain;

•  the reserving for natural catastrophe loss events and larger risk loss 

events which occurred during the year;

•  the difference between the Group’s estimates and the independent 
review from external actuaries (these differences being viewed by 
management, the external third parties and the Committee to be 
within a reasonable range);

•  prior year loss development, including ‘back-testing’ of the Group’s 

prior year reserves; and

•  reserving for each insurance operating subsidiary.

Having reviewed and challenged these areas, the Committee 
concurred with management’s valuation of the Group’s loss reserves 
and the relevant disclosures around loss reserving in the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements.

The fair value of financial instruments

Less significant estimates are made in determining the estimated fair 
value of certain financial instruments and management judgement is 
applied in determining impairment charges. The investment portfolio 
is of a high credit quality and highly liquid and the Audit Committee 
obtains comfort from the impairment policy being applied consistently 
over time. The estimation of the fair value, specifically ‘Level (iii)’ 
investments, is discussed on pages 126 and 128 and in note 11.

The valuation of intangible assets

The Group’s indefinite life intangible assets comprise syndicate 
participation rights and goodwill, which are tested annually for 
impairment. Some of the key inputs into the impairment review are 
based on management judgement and estimation. The Audit 
Committee considered management’s qualitative considerations and 
also the underlying assumptions and methodology applied when 
performing the quantitative impairment analysis. The Committee 
focused its discussions on the cash flow assumptions, the inputs used 
to calculate the discount rate and the sensitivity, stress and scenario 
testing performed by management. The valuation of intangible assets 
is discussed further in note 17 on page 169.

As part of the annual review of significant areas of judgement and 
estimation, management considers the views of the external auditors 
on the consolidated financial statements. KPMG LLP’s 2020 year-end 
audit report identifies revenue recognition through the estimation of 
premium revenues as a key audit matter. The Audit Committee 
considered this and concluded that, whilst some premiums are subject 
to estimation, revenues are unlikely to be materially different from 
initial estimates, particularly on a consolidated Group basis. The Audit 
Committee will review this position as part of its ongoing monitoring 
in 2021.

Implementation plans for IFRS 9 and IFRS 17
During 2020, the Committee monitored on a quarterly basis the 
preparation by the Group for the implementation of IFRS 9 and IFRS 
17. This project encompasses changes to the Group’s finance IT 
framework and general ledger, as well as the presentation of the 
Group’s consolidated financial statements on an IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 
basis. The deferral of the implementation date for these new 
accounting standards to 1 January 2023 has not had a significant 
impact on the Group’s implementation project timetable.

Priorities for 2021
The Committee’s key priorities for 2021 are:

•  To ensure the continued effectiveness of the Group’s control 

environment, the operation of the business’s financial reporting 
systems and the integrity of external financial reporting;
•  To continue to monitor the preparation by the Group for the 

implementation of IFRS 9 and IFRS 17;

•  To continue to monitor and embed aspects of positive business 

culture in quarterly reporting, in particular regarding the Group’s 
financial and risk control environment;

•  To consider the requirements for the provision of external audit 
services to the Group in light of formal independence and audit 
partner rotation requirements; and

•  To continue to monitor developments and recommendations with 

regard to audit practice, including areas of potential change 
and reform.

www.lancashiregroup.com

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Nomination Corporate Governance and 
Sustainability Committee

Committee membership
The majority of the Nomination Corporate Governance and 
Sustainability Committee members are independent Non-Executive 
Directors. The Committee Chairman is Peter Clarke, who is the 
Chairman of the Board.

Peter Clarke (Chair)
Michael Dawson
Samantha Hoe-Richardson
Sally Williams

Meetings attended
3/3
3/3
3/3
3/3

Principal responsibilities of the Committee
•  Reviews the structure, size and composition (including the skills, 
knowledge, independence, experience and diversity) of the Board;

•  Considers succession planning for the Directors and other 

senior executives;

•  Nominates candidates to fill Board vacancies;
•  Makes recommendations to the Board concerning Non-Executive 
Director independence, membership of Committees, suitable 
candidates for the role of Senior Independent Director, and the 
re-election of Directors by shareholders;

•  Reviews the Company’s corporate governance arrangements and 

compliance with the Code;

•  Monitors and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the 

environmental, social and governance responsibilities of the 
Company; and

•  Makes recommendations to the Board concerning the charitable 
and corporate social responsibility activities of the Company and 
donations to the Lancashire Foundation.

“The Committee oversees a systematic review 
of the Group’s compliance with the 
requirements of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. It also has a practical 
focus on assessing the skills required for the 
Board and considers the effective operation 
and oversight of the business.”

Peter Clarke
Chair of the Nomination Corporate Governance and 
Sustainability Committee

In 2020, the Committee focused on the 
governance and operational impacts of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. We also broadened the 
Terms of Reference for the Committee to reflect 
the work of the Committee in monitoring issues 
of sustainability, including developments in 
climate change risk management and reporting.

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How the Committee discharged its responsibilities
Corporate governance

Board composition  
and effectiveness

In accordance with the provisions of the Code, all of the Directors are subject to annual (re)election by 
shareholders. With the exception of Elaine Whelan, who stood down as a Director on 28 February 2020, all of 
the Directors were elected or re-elected by shareholders at the 2020 AGM.

The Committee also reviewed the composition of the Board at its November 2020 meeting and it considered 
that the balance of skills, knowledge, independence, experience and diversity continues to be appropriate for 
the Group’s business to meet its strategic objectives. The Committee also regularly discussed in its meetings 
whether any additional skills and experience were needed to complement those already on the Board. The 
Committee oversaw the process for the year-end review of the effectiveness of the Board, the Committees 
and each of the Directors, which was internally facilitated by the Company Secretary. The Committee and the 
Board were satisfied that the Board and each of its Committees were operating effectively. Further details of 
the performance evaluation process can be found on page 65. 

UK Code compliance

The Committee keeps under review the Company’s corporate governance arrangements, particularly the 
Company’s compliance with the FRC’s UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’). The Committee reviewed 
the Company Secretariat’s checklist record of the Company’s compliance with the Code on a quarterly basis.

Governance documentation

Appointments and 
succession planning

Workforce engagement

Audit reform

Brexit

The Committee reviewed and recommended to the Board revised Terms of Reference for the Audit 
Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability 
Committee. The Committee also reviewed and recommended to the Board revisions to the Board’s Schedule 
of Reserved Matters, to accurately reflect the Board’s oversight responsibilities for ESG matters. In July 2020, 
the Committee carried out a review and revision of the document describing the division of responsibilities 
between the Group CEO and the Chairman.

The Committee reviewed and recommended the approval and adoption by the Board of the Company’s 
succession plan and talent management and development programme for the 2020/2021 year. The business 
has the objective of fostering a diverse workforce to meet the needs of the business. The Committee reviewed 
training and development proposals for a number of key employees across the Group as part of the 
succession planning process.

During 2020, the Company continued the practice of the Group CEO holding ‘town hall’ meetings with 
employees following the announcement of the Company’s quarterly results. In order to further enhance 
arrangements for engagement between the Non-Executive Directors and members of the workforce, the 
Committee arranged for these ‘town hall’ meetings to be periodically attended by the Chairman of the Board 
or another Non-Executive Director. Peter Clarke attended the ‘town hall’ meeting in Bermuda in February 
2020, Michael Dawson attended a virtual ‘town hall’ meeting in August 2020 and Simon Fraser attended a 
virtual ‘town hall’ meeting in November 2020. The Board and Committee also received the results of a staff 
engagement survey in April 2020, which focused on the operational resilience of the business and the home 
working and wellbeing requirements of the workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee 
considered these and other tools for workforce engagement at its November 2020 meeting and discussed 
arrangements for workforce engagement during 2021. The Committee considers that workforce engagement 
and feedback have an appropriately high profile and this, in turn, informs debate within the relevant 
Committees and the Board. The Committee and Board intend for these effective arrangements to continue 
in 2021.

The Committee has monitored developments in the area of audit market reform, regulation and practice 
during 2020, including proposals for UK legislative change as a result of the Kingman Review, the Brydon 
Report and the recommendations of the UK Competition and Markets Authority.

The Committee and Board have considered the impact of Brexit on both the Company and its business. The 
Board is satisfied that measures adopted within the business will help mitigate certain of the potential 
adverse impacts of Brexit. 

Subsidiary boards

The Committee and Board monitored the composition and recommended appointments and changes to the 
Group’s subsidiary boards during 2020.

www.lancashiregroup.com

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Sustainability

Sustainability and 
ESG reporting

Environment

Social responsibility

Diversity

The Lancashire Foundation

UK Modern Slavery Act 2015

At its July 2020 meeting, the Committee reviewed and revised its Terms of Reference in order to articulate 
more formally those areas in which it monitors the environmental, social and governance responsibilities of 
the Company. Upon the recommendation of the Committee, the Board agreed to rename the Committee the 
‘Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee.’ The Committee and Board have also 
approved the use in this Annual Report and Accounts of the UN sponsored Principles for Sustainable 
Insurance as a framework for our ESG reporting. Please see pages 44 to 46 for further details.

The Committee also periodically reviews developments in the areas of environmental sustainability and 
climate change, and the management of related risks and opportunities. At its July 2020 meeting, the 
Committee discussed the management and reporting of climate change risk and recommended that 
developments in the use of TCFD scenario testing, as well as the operation and monitoring of a climate 
change risk, strategic and governance framework, be covered within the ORSA report from the Group CRO to 
the Board. For more information on these matters, please see the Group CRO’s report on page 30 and the 
principal risks report on pages 34 to 41. 

The Committee considered statistics relevant to the gender composition of the Board, Group senior 
management (excluding LHL Non-Executive Directors), direct reports to Group senior management and 
overall Group employees. These statistics are shown opposite and illustrate the progress made in relation to 
the obtainment of the Company’s stated goals with regard to diversity. The Committee also reviewed 2020 
comparative pay data by gender within the Lancashire Group. The Committee discussed recent social 
developments and, in particular, the increased prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement. The 
Committee recommended approval by the Board of an updated diversity policy, which is posted on the 
Company’s website. The Committee and Board agreed with the management team to gather workforce data 
on diversity, inclusion and company culture by means of a staff survey, which was collated during 
December 2020. 

The Committee is responsible for monitoring and making recommendations to the Board in relation to the 
Company’s charitable giving policy and the operation of, and reporting requirements for, the Lancashire 
Foundation. During 2020, the Committee received a report on the Foundation, including its objectives, 
governance, approach to funding for 2021 and beyond, investment strategy, donations policy and charitable 
activities, and considered the ways in which the Foundation engages with employees throughout the Group. 
The Committee made a recommendation to the Board that the Company make a donation to the Foundation 
of 0.75% of full-year Group profits (subject to a cap of $750,000 and a $250,000 collar), conditional on the 
determination of financial performance for the full year.

During 2020, the Committee recommended the approval by the Board of an updated anti-slavery and human 
trafficking statement, a copy of which is posted on the Company’s website. The Committee also discussed 
options for the use of online resources to help enhance staff training in the area of modern slavery risk and 
its management.

Priorities for 2021
The Committee’s key priorities for 2021 are:

•  To ensure that the Company is able to discharge effectively its governance responsibilities under the Code;
•  To continue to develop the succession plans for Directors and senior executives, in line with the Group’s strategic objectives, and to support 

management in the development of the talent pipeline;

•  To review developments with regards to the Company’s sustainability and, in particular, to monitor effective management of climate change 

risk and the implementation of the recommendations of the TCFD; and

•  To monitor the Company’s progress on gender diversity and other diversity metrics.

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Gender diversity

LHL Board  
members

Overall Group  
employees

Male: 5 (62.5%)

Female: 3 (37.5%)

Male: 156 (61.2%)

Female: 99 (38.8%)

Group senior  
management

(excluding LHL  
Non-Executive  
Directors)

Direct reports to  
senior management 

Male: 8 (50%)

Female: 8 (50%)

Male: 34 (69.4%)

Female: 15 (30.6%)

All gender composition data is shown as at 31 December 2020.

www.lancashiregroup.com

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Investment Committee

“The Committee was pleased with the 
resilience of the Group’s investment 
portfolio in the face of the challenges posed 
by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board’s 
investment philosophy continues to be 
conservative in nature, and in a year of 
dislocation in global markets this approach 
has demonstrably provided the stability in 
our capital base necessary to support the 
Group’s underwriting strategy and to provide 
appropriate liquidity to match the Group’s 
risk exposures.”

Robert Lusardi
Chair of the Investment Committee

Committee membership
The Terms of Reference of the Investment Committee provide that 
the Committee shall comprise at least two Non-Executive Directors 
(one of whom may be the Chairman of the Board) and the Group CFO 
and/or the Group CIO. Any Executive Director may also serve on 
the Committee.

The Investment Committee comprises one independent Non-
Executive Director, the Chairman of the Board, one Executive Director 
(the Group CFO) and the Group CIO (who is not a Director). Natalie 
Kershaw, Lancashire’s new Group CFO and Executive Director, joined 
the Board and the Committee with effect from 1 March 2020, 
replacing Elaine Whelan, who stepped down from the Committee and 
the Board as of 28 February 2020.

Robert Lusardi (Chair)
Peter Clarke
Natalie Kershaw
Denise O’Donoghue
Elaine Whelan 

Meetings attended
4/4
4/4
3/3
4/4
1/1

Principal responsibilities of the Committee
•  Recommends investment strategies, guidelines and policies to the 

Board and other Group entities to approve;

•  Recommends and sets risk asset definitions and investment risk 

tolerance levels;

•  Recommends to the relevant boards the appointment of investment 

managers to manage the Group’s investments;

•  Monitors the performance of investment strategies within the risk 

framework; and

•  Establishes and monitors compliance with investment 

operating guidelines.

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How the Committee discharged its responsibilities
The Committee focused on the consequences of the global COVID-19 
pandemic, continuing U.S.-China trade friction and U.S. economic and 
political changes during the year and their impact on the Federal 
Reserve’s interest rate policy. The Committee continued to review 
Brexit developments between the UK and EU, with a particular focus 
on resultant exchange rate volatility. The Committee regularly 
reviewed these and other macro-economic, capital markets and global 
political developments during the year, often in discussion with our 
professional investment managers.

The Committee considered regular reports on the performance of the 
Group’s investment portfolios, including asset allocation and 
compliance with pre-defined guidelines and tolerances; and 
recommended amendments to portfolio investment guidelines to the 
Board and operating boards of LICL, LUK and LSL.

The Committee works to articulate and support the Board’s 
investment philosophy, which continues to be conservative in nature, 
and is intended to help support the Group’s underwriting strategy to 
provide appropriate liquidity to match the Group’s risk exposures and 
to contribute to the Group’s growth in FCBVS.

The Committee focused earlier in the year on the impacts of the 
COVID-19 pandemic volatility in capital markets and its effects on the 
Company’s investment portfolio. The Committee discussed 
throughout the year the movement in the annual 1-in-100 value at risk 
metric used by the Group (’VaR’) (including internal FX hedges) and 
recommended to the Board a strategy to monitor and respond flexibly 
to changes in volatility in the management of the investment portfolio.

The Committee establishes and monitors a number of investment risk 
metrics, including certain ‘Black Swan’ scenarios, which might impair 
the Group’s investment portfolio. In conjunction with this, the 
Committee has also recently begun to review the potential impacts of 
climate change transitional risk to the Group’s portfolio. For the first 
time, the Committee received an assessment of the Group’s 
investment portfolio’s exposure to three ‘carbon pricing scenarios’ 
ranging from little change in the current pricing regime through to a 
rapid increase in carbon pricing. The Committee was reassured that 
the Group’s current investment portfolio demonstrated a resilient 
return profile in all three carbon pricing transitional scenarios. 
Although it is early days in the development of the industry standards 
relating to the understanding and measuring of climate change risks as 
it relates to investments, particularly pooled investments, the 
Committee intends to build on this work over the coming years to 
assist with the Group’s resilience and scenario testing which are 
required under the TCFD reporting regime. In 2020, the Committee 
and Investment team performed its biennial asset allocation review.

The Committee considers the Group’s responsibility to act as a 
responsible investor. To that end, the Group’s principal investment 
managers representing approximately 90% of the portfolio (with the 
exception of some of the Group’s smaller investments with hedge 
fund managers) are signatories to the Principles for Responsible 
Investment, with a commitment to incorporate the governing six 
principles into the investment analysis and decision-making processes 
for the Group’s portfolio. The Committee has started to evaluate the 
ESG profile of the Group’s portfolio and expects to develop a more 
robust analytical and reporting framework for ESG factors in the 
future as relevant analytics develop and evolve in the markets.

Robert Lusardi reflects on the Group’s 
investment performance and strategy
How did the investment portfolio contribute to the 
Group’s performance in 2020 in the face of the  
COVID-19 pandemic?

Lancashire experienced another solid investment performance 
in 2020 with the investment portfolio returning 3.9% and 
making a significant positive contribution to the Group’s 
operating income. Our duration remained at or below two years 
and the Committee focused on the monitoring and control of 
volatility within the portfolio. More details of the Group’s 
investment performance can be found on page 27.

How does the business think about the strategic  
balance between investment and underwriting risks  
and opportunities?

In 2020, the Group completed the biennial strategic asset 
allocation study which modelled a range of assumptions 
regarding the risk/return expectations of our various asset 
classes, current underwriting strategy and anticipated insurance 
market conditions including related capital requirements, and 
potential liquidity and claims needs. Our principal objective was 
to determine potential adjustments to the current asset 
allocation that could achieve a better return for the same levels 
of risk. Although we currently expect improvement in 
underwriting conditions, we have essentially maintained our 
overall investment risk appetites and remain relatively short in 
duration. The bulk of our investment portfolio remains invested 
in U.S. dollar fixed income instruments, although we do invest a 
smaller proportion of the portfolio in risk assets, including some 
hedge fund allocations. Although still in the early stages, we 
have started this year to work with our investment managers to 
establish an understanding of the ESG and climate change 
profile of our investment portfolio. Our principal investment 
managers are signatories to the UN Principles for 
Responsible Investment.

Priorities for 2021
The Committee’s key priorities for 2021 are:

•  To maintain a continued focus on a diversified and sustainable 

portfolio, continuation of its contribution to the Group’s operating 
income and FCBVS, the preservation of capital, the maintenance 
of liquidity and the management of interest rate and other 
investment risks;

•  To focus on the implication of macro-economic trends, in particular 

the hardening of the insurance markets, the U.S. domestic and 
international political environment, the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic and trade developments between the UK and the EU; and

•  To develop the analysis of the climate change risk sensitivity and 

ESG profile of the Group’s investment portfolio to further enhance 
the levels of assurance and reporting on issues of sustainability.

www.lancashiregroup.com

77

GovernanceC O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T S   C O N T I N U E D

Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee

Committee membership
During 2020, the Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee 
comprised one Executive Director (the Group CEO) and one Non-
Executive Director, together with the Group CUO, the CUO of LICL, 
the CUO of LUK, the Active Underwriters for Syndicates 2010 and 
3010, the LICL CEO and the Group Chief Actuary (who are not 
Directors). James Flude assumed the role of LUK CUO and was 
appointed to the Committee on 28 April 2020, succeeding Hayley 
Johnston who assumed the role of LICL CEO during the year and 
remains a member of the Committee.

Alex Maloney (Chair)
Jon Barnes
Michael Dawson
James Flude
Paul Gregory
James Irvine
Hayley Johnston
Ben Readdy
John Spence

Meetings attended
4/4
4/4
4/4
3/3
4/4
3/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

Principal responsibilities of the Committee
•  Reviews Group underwriting strategy, including consideration of 

new lines of business;

•  Oversees the development of, and adherence to, underwriting 

guidelines by operating company CUOs;

•  Reviews underwriting performance;
•  Reviews significant changes in underwriting rules and policies;
•  Establishes, reviews and maintains strict underwriting criteria and 

limits; and

•  Monitors underwriting risk and its consistency with the Group’s risk 

profile and risk appetite.

“The Committee is responsible for the 
oversight of the Group’s underwriting 
strategy. As insurance market pricing 
improved over the last year, the 
Committee’s focus on the development 
and implementation of underwriting 
strategy has increasingly involved practical 
strategic planning.”

Alex Maloney
Group CEO and Chair of the Underwriting  
and Underwriting Risk Committee

The Group has both strengthened underwriting 
skills in its existing lines and added new lines of 
business and has worked with the Board and the 
Group’s investors to raise new risk capital for the 
opportunities which lie ahead.

78

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

How the Committee discharged its responsibilities
The two principal themes for the Committee during 2020 were those 
of risk (in particular relating to the COVID-19 pandemic) and opportunity.

The Committee closely tracked the COVID-19 pandemic and its 
impacts, both operationally and as a (re)insurance loss event/events. 
The Committee monitored the business as it moved to a remote home 
working environment during the spring and summer periods and a 
mixed operating model thereafter. In this context, the 15.2% growth 
in premium income due to a mix of pricing improvements and new 
opportunities was a very practical illustration of the operational 
resilience of the Group’s risk trading platforms. The Committee 
received a claims update on a quarterly basis and monitored the 
claims and reserving processes for the COVID-19 pandemic and the 
other material natural catastrophe and risk losses as they developed 
during the year. Whilst it is acknowledged that the COVID-19 
pandemic is ongoing and that material uncertainties exist with regard 
to issues of coverage, liability and exposure, the Committee took 
comfort from the rigour of the Group’s major loss reserving exercise 
for the COVID-19 losses and the relative stability of the reserves as 
the year progressed.

The Committee monitored an improving pricing trend as the year 
developed, which is illustrated by the increase in pricing on like-for-
like contracts measured by the Group’s RPI. This represented a positive 
trend of 112% for the full year. Against this background of rapid price 
improvement, the Committee discussed growth opportunities and 
plans, both within existing lines of business and in new lines. The 
Committee approved plans for new underwriting lines in accident and 
health, and casualty reinsurance as well as a plan to further build out 
the Group’s specialty reinsurance lines. The improving market and 
related strategic growth plans reviewed and approved by the 
Committee helped to inform the debate between the management 
team and Board with regard to the future strategic opportunity, 
exposure developments and capital requirements. In light of these 
developments the Board engaged the Group’s principal investors to 
discuss the capital requirements for the developing opportunity, and in 
June 2020 Lancashire issued new common shares by way of an equity 
placing, which raised $340.3 million of new capital for the 
development of the Group’s strategic underwriting plans. See page 15 
for Alex Maloney’s discussion of the June 2020 equity placing and the 
related market opportunity.

The Committee has been actively engaged during 2020 in the 
development and implementation of the Group’s underwriting 
strategy. It considers the articulation of, and adherence to, formal 
underwriting risk tolerances, which are approved and monitored by 
the Committee and the Board. Underwriting risk is the key risk faced 
by the business. Specifically, the Committee receives quarterly risk 
data, tracking movements in the Group’s exposures to modelled PMLs 
and RDSs.

The Committee monitors underwriting performance on a quarterly 
basis to ensure that good risk selection and disciplined underwriting 
remain at the core of the Group’s underwriting strategy. This is 
facilitated through regular update reports from the Active 
Underwriters of Syndicates 2010 and 3010, the CUOs for LUK and LICL 
and the CEO of LCM. The Committee also receives quarterly reports of 
significant claims and related developments.

The Group’s outwards programme of reinsurance protections is a core 
underwriting risk and exposure management tool. The Committee 
reviewed the structure, pricing and operation of the outwards 
reinsurance programmes and regularly discussed management reports 
covering outwards reinsurance developments.

Within the context of climate change risk, the Committee continued 
to monitor exposures to a range of natural catastrophe risks, including 
regional windstorm and hurricane exposures, and the articulation of an 
appropriate underwriting and risk management strategy and 
management preference for these and other risk exposures. The 
Committee considered loss information and developing trends in the 
frequency and severity of weather-related and other loss events and 
was satisfied that the Group’s underwriting strategy and reinsurance 
and risk management programmes are appropriate for the 
management of underwriting risk relating to these factors. For more 
detail, please see the ERM report on page 30 and the Group’s PML 
exposures on page 133.

Regarding business development opportunities, the Committee:

•  Considered proposals for, and recommended to the Board, the 

adoption of risk tolerances for a new line of accident and health 
reinsurance underwritten within the Group’s Lloyd’s platform;

•  Reviewed and approved the strategic plans for the recruitment of a 

new specialty reinsurance underwriter in Bermuda;

•  Considered and approved a business plan and risk tolerances for the 
recruitment and establishment of a casualty reinsurance specialism 
in Bermuda; and

•  Received management reports on the progress and approval by 
Lloyd’s of the business plans for Syndicates 2010 and 3010.

The Committee reviewed developments in the third-party reinsurance 
capital markets and the progress of LCM, which (on behalf of KRL) 
underwrote reinsured limits in excess of $500 million during 2020.

During 2020, the Committee meetings were open to attendance by all 
Board members. The Committee and Board seek to match the 
Company’s capital to the underwriting requirements of the business in 
all parts of the underwriting cycle.

A more detailed analysis of the Group’s underwriting performance 
appears in the business review section of this Annual Report and 
Accounts on pages 25 to 29.

Priorities for 2021
The Committee’s key priorities for 2021 are:

•  To continue to monitor the development and implementation of a 
forward-looking and disciplined underwriting strategy appropriate 
for the Group’s underwriting platforms, within a framework of 
appropriate risk tolerances;

•  To work actively with management in the identification, analysis 
and consideration of new underwriting opportunities, including 
potential new lines of business and opportunities for the managed 
‘organic’ growth in the Group’s specialty and catastrophe lines;
•  To monitor developments in what is expected to be an improving 

and better priced underwriting environment and the corresponding 
opportunities within, and constraints under, the Group’s outwards 
reinsurance programmes and resultant net exposures; and
•  To continue to foster a nimble, sustainable and responsive 

underwriting culture, capable of responding to the needs of clients, 
investors, employees and other stakeholders.

www.lancashiregroup.com

79

GovernanceCommittee membership
The Remuneration Committee comprises three independent Non-
Executive Directors and the Chair of the Board.

Simon Fraser (Chair)
Peter Clarke
Michael Dawson
Robert Lusardi

Meetings attended
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

Principal responsibilities of the Committee
•  Sets the Remuneration Policy for, and determines the total 

individual remuneration packages, including pension arrangements 
of, the Company’s Chair, the Executive Directors, Company 
Secretary and other designated senior executives, to deliver 
long-term benefits to the Group;

•  Agrees personal objectives for each Executive Director and the 
related performance and pay-out metrics for the performance 
element of the annual bonus;

•  Determines each year whether awards will be made under the 
Group’s RSS and, if so, the overall amount of such awards, the 
individual awards to Executive Directors and other designated 
senior executives, and the performance targets to be used;

•  Ensures that contractual terms on termination or retirement, and 

any payments subsequently made, are fair to the individual and the 
Company; and

•  Oversees any major changes in employee benefit structures 

throughout the Group.

C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T S   C O N T I N U E D

Remuneration Committee

“The strategic objective of building the 
business in line with the developing market 
opportunity is facilitated by remuneration 
structures which incentivise, reward and 
retain talented underwriters and other staff 
across the business, within an appropriate 
framework of risk management.”

Simon Fraser
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

The Committee’s work helps ensure that we 
have clear and consistent remuneration 
structures under which outcomes are aligned to 
the performance of the business and our 
employees. We also aim to embed the Group’s 
healthy and sustainable corporate culture, 
consistent with the Group’s purpose, values and 
strategy, which will help deliver sustainable 
performance across the insurance cycle.

80

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

How the Committee discharged its responsibilities
Faced with COVID-19, the Committee kept under review the impacts 
of the pandemic on the Group’s performance and remuneration 
structures and outcomes planning. The Committee is satisfied that the 
2020 remuneration outcomes for Executive Directors and the wider 
workforce are an appropriate reflection of the Group’s resilient 
performance and strategic planning. In particular, when considering 
the level of the 2021 RSS long-term performance awards, the 
Committee is satisfied that the Company’s share price movement over 
the year has been within a reasonable range and has not been 
materially adversely impacted so as to result in the potential for 
future ‘windfall’ benefits. For further discussion of the linkage between 
performance and remuneration outcomes, please see Simon Fraser’s 
introduction to the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 82.

More generally during 2020, the Committee reviewed the Group’s 
incentive packages to ensure that remuneration is structured 
appropriately in order to promote the long-term success of the 
Company. The Committee also reviewed the RSS structures for 
Executive Directors to ensure that the performance metrics continue 
to align the interests of the Company with its investors and executive 
management. The Committee considered the salary and bonus awards 
for the Executive Directors, as well as other designated senior 
executives, and in this context had regard to remuneration levels and 
practices across the workforce. The Committee also approved the 
grant of long-term incentivisation awards under the Company’s RSS.

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy has a three-year term following its 
approval by shareholders at the 2020 AGM, with a majority of 88% of 
votes cast. The Committee discussed with the Chair feedback from 
certain of the Group’s shareholders which had not supported the 
Policy (see the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 82 for further 
discussion) and has concluded that the Policy remains fit for purpose. 
No Policy changes are being proposed for the coming year.

The Committee held discussions throughout the year on areas of 
developing best practice, regulation and investor expectation. The 
Committee also considered developments in guidance from several of 
the leading shareholder advisory groups.

During 2020, the Committee reviewed Executive Directors’ 
shareholdings in the context of the Company’s share ownership 
guidelines for senior/key executives. Share ownership targets have 
either been met, or progress made in accordance with 
guideline requirements.

The Committee continued to monitor progress made during the year 
on the alignment of remuneration practices across the Group and 
reviewed the operation of the Group’s remuneration policy. The 
Committee also considered a number of proposals relating to the 
treatment of RSS awards held by departing employees.

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the Annual Report on 
Remuneration, for which the Committee is responsible, can be found 
on pages 82 to 104. The Committee considers the remuneration 
practices across the Group and the internal and external measures 
used to be appropriate and aligned with Group strategy and risk 
management. In particular, the Committee considers that the Group’s 
remuneration practices, as set out in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report, are clear and transparent, and appropriately simple in their 
structure and operation.

Priorities for 2021
The Committee’s key priorities for 2021 are:

•  To review the ongoing appropriateness and relevance of the Group’s 

remuneration structures, ensuring that they are in line with the 
Group’s business strategy, risk profile, objectives, risk management 
practices and long-term interests;

•  To ensure that remuneration across the wider Group meets the 
skills and staffing needs and staff retention requirements of the 
business; and

•  To work with the Group’s independent remuneration advisers to 

keep abreast of compensation levels amongst the Group’s London, 
Bermudian and other international peers, and the latest 
remuneration-related regulations, guidance and market practices.

www.lancashiregroup.com

81

GovernanceD I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T  

Annual statement 

Dear Shareholder, 

I am pleased to present the 2020 Directors’ Remuneration Report  
to shareholders. 

Shareholder engagement and Remuneration 
Policy review  
During the latter part of 2019 and early 2020 I led a shareholder 
consultation process which we reported on in the 2019 Annual Report, 
the feedback from which was discussed in the Remuneration Committee. 
I am pleased to note that the revised Lancashire Group Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy was approved by 88% of shareholders voting at the 
April 2020 AGM. The Committee discussed shareholder feedback and 
following the vote I initiated further dialogue with certain of our 
shareholders who had not supported the Policy vote to understand their 
perspective. It is clear from these discussions that there are divergent 
views as to the detail and implementation of remuneration policies, but 
having discussed feedback within the Committee we have noted the 
Policy support from a strong majority of shareholders and on balance we 
consider that the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2020 
remains appropriate to the Group’s strategy and business model and as 
such fit for purpose. Accordingly no further Policy changes are 
recommended for the coming year. Full details of the votes for and 
against the Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM can be found at the 
end of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 104. The Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy is set out on pages 84 to 91.  

Remuneration and strategy 
The Committee has once again reviewed and discussed the remuneration 
structures to be used in 2021 in some detail and we have decided to 
follow the same structure for the remuneration of our Executive Directors 
as was used in 2020. 

The Group’s goal continues to be to reward its employees fairly  
and responsibly by providing an appropriate balance between fixed 
remuneration and variable remuneration linked to the achievement  
of suitably challenging Group and individual performance measures.  

There is a strong link between the Remuneration Policy and the business 
strategy. As highlighted elsewhere in this Annual Report and Accounts, 
our strategy focuses on the effective operation of the business necessary 
to deliver superior total shareholder returns on a risk-adjusted basis over 
the course of the insurance cycle. Our Remuneration Policy and the way 
it is implemented are closely aligned to this strategy. 

The Board and management continue to believe that the insurance 
industry is cyclical in its fundamental characteristics. The Board’s strategic 
objective is to achieve attractive returns appropriate to overall risk levels 
across the (re)insurance market cycle.  

Transition in the Group CFO role 
It is to be noted that during the year, Elaine Whelan stepped down from 
her role as an Executive Director for LHL with effect from 28 February 
2020 and Natalie Kershaw was appointed as her successor, assuming the 
role with effect from 1 March 2020. Elaine remained within the Group 
until the end of August 2020 in order to assist with the managed 
transition in the Group’s finance function. We would like to thank Elaine 
for her work over many years and in helping to deliver a managed 
succession plan. Details of Elaine’s remuneration during the year are also 
included in this report. Natalie Kershaw has made a very strong start in 
her new role as Group CFO and the Board has been pleased with the 
further enhancements to integration across the Group finance function 
and in the strengthening of the Group’s capital position through the 
successful capital raise which have been achieved during the year under 
Natalie’s leadership of the finance function. 

Performance outcomes for 2020 – managing risk and 
building opportunity 
As we set out at the front of this report, 2020 has been a year of 
exceptional challenges – the most severe of which has been the COVID-
19 pandemic. On top of this we have witnessed somewhat above average 
natural catastrophes and a greater frequency of risk losses. The business 
has successfully faced these challenges, displaying operational resilience 
and strategic foresight. Despite the dampening effect of (re)insurance 
losses on profitability for the year, the decision to seek equity capital 
from our shareholders in June 2020 has resulted in growth in fully 
converted book value per share. This has placed the Group in a strong 
position to maximise attractive underwriting opportunities in an 
improving pricing environment which we expect to materialise 
throughout the course of 2021. Against this background our total Group 
CEO remuneration has increased by 35.5% (see the comparison table for 
single figure remuneration on page 95). The Group CFO remuneration 
change rate was not calculated for 2020 given the transition of the role 
between individuals and that the current Group CFO was not an 
Executive Director in the prior financial year.  

The Board and Committee considered that, in light of the exceptional 
challenges posed during 2020, this performance represents a resilient 
outcome for the Group for the year, in that it positions the business 
strongly to develop underwriting opportunities in the stronger pricing 
environment which is expected over the next few years. 

Our business expects to see stronger opportunities for organic growth, 
whilst continuing to ensure a rigorous focus on the balanced 
management of risk and reward. 

82 
82

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T  

Annual statement 

I am pleased to present the 2020 Directors’ Remuneration Report  

It is to be noted that during the year, Elaine Whelan stepped down from 

Dear Shareholder, 

to shareholders. 

Policy review  

Shareholder engagement and Remuneration 

Transition in the Group CFO role 

her role as an Executive Director for LHL with effect from 28 February 

2020 and Natalie Kershaw was appointed as her successor, assuming the 

role with effect from 1 March 2020. Elaine remained within the Group 

until the end of August 2020 in order to assist with the managed 

During the latter part of 2019 and early 2020 I led a shareholder 

transition in the Group’s finance function. We would like to thank Elaine 

consultation process which we reported on in the 2019 Annual Report, 

for her work over many years and in helping to deliver a managed 

the feedback from which was discussed in the Remuneration Committee. 

succession plan. Details of Elaine’s remuneration during the year are also 

I am pleased to note that the revised Lancashire Group Directors’ 

included in this report. Natalie Kershaw has made a very strong start in 

Remuneration Policy was approved by 88% of shareholders voting at the 

her new role as Group CFO and the Board has been pleased with the 

April 2020 AGM. The Committee discussed shareholder feedback and 

further enhancements to integration across the Group finance function 

following the vote I initiated further dialogue with certain of our 

and in the strengthening of the Group’s capital position through the 

shareholders who had not supported the Policy vote to understand their 

successful capital raise which have been achieved during the year under 

perspective. It is clear from these discussions that there are divergent 

Natalie’s leadership of the finance function. 

views as to the detail and implementation of remuneration policies, but 

having discussed feedback within the Committee we have noted the 

Policy support from a strong majority of shareholders and on balance we 

Performance outcomes for 2020 – managing risk and 

building opportunity 

consider that the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders in 2020 

As we set out at the front of this report, 2020 has been a year of 

remains appropriate to the Group’s strategy and business model and as 

exceptional challenges – the most severe of which has been the COVID-

such fit for purpose. Accordingly no further Policy changes are 

19 pandemic. On top of this we have witnessed somewhat above average 

recommended for the coming year. Full details of the votes for and 

natural catastrophes and a greater frequency of risk losses. The business 

against the Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM can be found at the 

has successfully faced these challenges, displaying operational resilience 

end of the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 104. The Directors’ 

and strategic foresight. Despite the dampening effect of (re)insurance 

Remuneration Policy is set out on pages 84 to 91.  

Remuneration and strategy 

The Committee has once again reviewed and discussed the remuneration 

structures to be used in 2021 in some detail and we have decided to 

follow the same structure for the remuneration of our Executive Directors 

as was used in 2020. 

The Group’s goal continues to be to reward its employees fairly  

and responsibly by providing an appropriate balance between fixed 

remuneration and variable remuneration linked to the achievement  

of suitably challenging Group and individual performance measures.  

There is a strong link between the Remuneration Policy and the business 

strategy. As highlighted elsewhere in this Annual Report and Accounts, 

our strategy focuses on the effective operation of the business necessary 

to deliver superior total shareholder returns on a risk-adjusted basis over 

the course of the insurance cycle. Our Remuneration Policy and the way 

it is implemented are closely aligned to this strategy. 

The Board and management continue to believe that the insurance 

industry is cyclical in its fundamental characteristics. The Board’s strategic 

objective is to achieve attractive returns appropriate to overall risk levels 

across the (re)insurance market cycle.  

losses on profitability for the year, the decision to seek equity capital 

from our shareholders in June 2020 has resulted in growth in fully 

converted book value per share. This has placed the Group in a strong 

position to maximise attractive underwriting opportunities in an 

improving pricing environment which we expect to materialise 

throughout the course of 2021. Against this background our total Group 

CEO remuneration has increased by 35.5% (see the comparison table for 

single figure remuneration on page 95). The Group CFO remuneration 

change rate was not calculated for 2020 given the transition of the role 

between individuals and that the current Group CFO was not an 

Executive Director in the prior financial year.  

The Board and Committee considered that, in light of the exceptional 

challenges posed during 2020, this performance represents a resilient 

outcome for the Group for the year, in that it positions the business 

strongly to develop underwriting opportunities in the stronger pricing 

environment which is expected over the next few years. 

Our business expects to see stronger opportunities for organic growth, 

whilst continuing to ensure a rigorous focus on the balanced 

management of risk and reward. 

The Committee believes in setting challenging performance criteria and 
having a significant proportion of the overall package linked to Company 
performance. Furthermore, the Committee also continues to recognise 
the need to ensure that Executive Directors are appropriately 
remunerated and incentivised even in the more challenging phases of the 
insurance cycle, or at times of exceptional financial shocks as at present. 
It is also important that the Committee and the Board ensure that 
Executive Director compensation is structured in such a way as to 
discourage excessive risk to the business.  

Overall, in light of the annual and three-year performance delivered,  
the Committee notes the 48.2% vesting of the 2018 RSS and is satisfied 
that there has been sufficient linkage between performance and reward 
for Executive Directors; as a result no discretion was applied to the 
formulaic outcome. The Committee will continue to work towards 
ensuring that there is appropriate alignment between executive 
remuneration and Company performance in line with the Group’s cross-
cycle return expectations. 

Application of Remuneration Policy for 2021 
The Annual Report on Remuneration provides detailed disclosure on how 
the Policy will be implemented for 2021 and how Directors have been 
paid in relation to 2020.  

The Board has decided to apply the targets for the annual bonus to  
be used in 2021 and to implement the three-year RSS awards for 
Executive Directors on the same basis as agreed for 2020.  

The disclosures provide our shareholders with the information necessary 
to form a judgement as to the link between Company performance and 
how the Executive Directors are paid. This Annual Statement, together 
with the Annual Report on Remuneration, will be subject to an advisory 
vote, and I hope that you will be able to support this resolution at the 
forthcoming AGM. The Committee is committed to maintaining an open 
and constructive dialogue with our shareholders on remuneration  
matters and I welcome any feedback you may have.  

Simon Fraser 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

The Executive Directors’ annual bonus performance targets set at the 
beginning of 2020 for financial and personal performance were 
stretching. The financial element which made up 75% of the annual 
bonus opportunity resulted in a bonus payout at 111% of target for that 
element given the Company’s Change in FCBVS per share in 2020 is 
above the threshold in what was a challenging loss environment. The 
Board also considered that the Executive Directors had performed 
strongly in managing risk within the business. Of further note was the 
delivery of strong operational resilience in the face of the COVID-19 
pandemic without the use of government-backed furlough schemes or 
other forms of business support. The management team also delivered on 
the strategic objectives of recruiting underwriting expertise in both 
existing and new lines of business, in particular in accident and health and 
casualty, and in strengthening other supporting business functions in 
preparation for an expected period of growth in premium income. As 
Peter Clarke notes in his discussion of the developing capital 
requirements of the business, the Board also noted the dynamic action of 
management in identifying the need to raise additional equity capital 
from existing shareholders in order to provide the capital necessary to 
develop the future strategic opportunities which are expected to unroll 
over the coming year in a markedly improved pricing environment. So, in 
the face of what was a challenging year the Board considered that our 
Executive Directors had provided both strong leadership and a nimble and 
proactive approach to risk and capital management with a strong sense of 
the evolving insurance market cycle and the associated opportunity. In 
light of these achievements a bonus at 150% of target for the Group CEO 
and 200% of target for the Group CFO were awarded for the personal 
component in respect of 2020 performance. The Committee believes the 
financial and personal element outcomes are reflective of the Company’s 
performance and therefore no discretion was applied to the final 
calculation of the 2020 annual bonus. In summary, annual bonuses for 
our Executive Directors were achieved above target level at 60% of 
maximum bonus for the Group CEO and 66% of maximum bonus for the 
Group CFO (see pages 96 and 97 for further details).  

In relation to long-term incentives for Executive Directors and other 
senior management, the 2018 Performance Restricted Share Scheme 
(RSS) awards were 85% based on annual Change in FCBVS targets and 
15% on compound annual growth TSR targets over the three-year period 
to 31 December 2020. The Company’s TSR (calculated in U.S. dollars) for 
the performance period resulted in a compound annual growth rate of 
2.9%, resulting in 0% vesting for the TSR component.  

The Change in FCBVS performance over the three-year performance 
period was assessed based on the change for each of the separate 
financial years as disclosed on page 98, resulting in 56.7% of this 
component of the 2018 Performance RSS awards vesting. Therefore 
overall, the 2018 Performance RSS awards vested at 48.2%. This 
compared with the 0% vesting of the 2017 Performance RSS awards, 
which we reported last year. The Committee and Board moved to the 
annual measurement of each year of the three-year performance awards 
at the beginning of 2018, principally to avoid the vesting levels of awards 
being dragged down on account of one or more years of exceptional loss 
activity. We therefore consider the RSS vesting levels for 2018 RSS 
awards demonstrate the advantages of this approach in delivering a more 
balanced outcome in the vesting of longer-term equity awards which are 
less prone to volatility. We consider that this approach is demonstrably 
better at achieving alignment between the interests of our executive 
team and our shareholders. 

82 

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

83 
83

Governance 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Directors’ Remuneration Policy section 

As a company incorporated in Bermuda, LHL is not bound by UK law  
or regulation in the area of directors’ remuneration to the same extent 
that it applies to UK incorporated companies. However, by virtue of the 
Company’s premium listing on the LSE, and for the purposes of explaining 
its compliance against the requirements of the Code, the Board is 
committed to providing full information on Directors’ remuneration 
to shareholders.  

The Company’s Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at 
the 2020 AGM, which is effective for a period of three years. The 2020 
Remuneration Policy was developed taking into account the principles of 
the Code and the views of our major shareholders.  

The 2020 Remuneration Policy contains details of the Company’s policy 
to govern future payments that will be made to Directors. The Annual 
Report on Remuneration also details the remuneration paid to Directors 
in respect of the 2020 financial year in accordance with the shareholder-
approved Policy. The shareholder-approved 2020 Remuneration Policy 
table is set out on pages 77 to 80 of the 2019 Annual Report and 
Accounts which can be found on the Company’s website. 

The Remuneration Policy set out below contains minor wording changes 
to the ‘How the views of employees are taken into account’ section, 
updates to bonus and LTIP metrics, and to reflect the appointment of the 
new Group CFO. 

The Remuneration Policy addresses the following principles as set out in 
the Code: 

•  Clarity – the Committee regularly engages with shareholders to take 
into account shareholder feedback, as it did in developing the current 
Policy, to ensure there is transparency on the Remuneration Policy and 
its implementation. The Remuneration Policy has a clear objective: to 
enable the Group to attract, retain and motivate Executive Directors of 
the highest calibre to further the Company’s interests and to optimise 
long-term shareholder value creation, within appropriate risk 
parameters. 

•  Simplicity – the Remuneration Policy is designed such that the 

arrangements are considered easy to communicate to all stakeholders. 
This includes variable pay which operates as an annual bonus plan and 
a single LTIP. The objective and rationale for each element of the 
Remuneration Policy is clearly explained in the Policy table.  

•  Risk – the Committee considers that the structure of remuneration 

does not encourage inappropriate risk-taking. The performance metrics 
used ensure remuneration aligns to the Board’s strategic objective 
which is to achieve attractive returns appropriate to overall risk levels 
across the (re)insurance market cycle. There is a mixture of short-term 
and long-term performance metrics with an appropriate mix of 
performance conditions. Clawback provisions are in place across all 
incentive plans and the Committee has the ability to use its discretion 
to override formulaic outcomes. The Committee receives a report from 
the Group CRO with regard to risk management developments which 
may be relevant to remuneration outcomes, and also makes inquiry 
with the Group’s external auditors. 

•  Predictability – the range of possible reward outcomes is shown in the 
‘Illustrations of annual application of Remuneration Policy’ (see page 
90 for full details), which demonstrates the potential threshold, on-
target and maximum scenarios of performance and the resulting pay 
outcomes which could be expected.  

•  Proportionality – a significant proportion of pay is delivered through 

variable remuneration. No variable remuneration will be delivered for 
below threshold performance with incentives only paying out if strong 
performance has been delivered by the Executive Directors. The 
Committee has the discretion to override outcomes if they are deemed 
inappropriate to ensure a robust link between reward and performance. 

•  Alignment to culture – the Policy has been designed to support the 
delivery of the Group’s long-term strategy, and the interests of its 
shareholders and employees. Annual bonus performance metrics 
include an assessment of whether each Executive Director’s 
contribution aligns to the Group values. The Policy seeks to 
appropriately motivate Executive Directors to deliver long-term, 
sustainable performance which benefits all stakeholders. 

Governance and approach 
The Company’s Remuneration Policy is geared towards providing a  
level of remuneration which attracts, retains and motivates Executive 
Directors of the highest calibre to further the Company’s interests and  
to optimise long-term shareholder value creation, within appropriate risk 
parameters. The Remuneration Policy also seeks to ensure that Executive 
Directors are provided with appropriate incentives to drive individual 
performance and to reward them fairly for their contribution to the 
successful performance of the Company. 

The Remuneration Committee and the Board have again considered 
whether any element of the Remuneration Policy could conceivably 
encourage Executive Directors to take inappropriate risks and have 
concluded that this is not the case, given the following: 

•  there is an appropriate balance between fixed and variable pay, and 
therefore Executive Directors are not required to earn performance-
related pay to meet their day-to-day living expenses; 

•  there is a blend of short-term and long-term performance metrics  
with an appropriate mix of performance conditions, meaning that 
there is no undue focus on any one particular metric; 

•  in the case of Alex Maloney, the Group CEO, there is a high level of 

share ownership, and in the case of Natalie Kershaw, who assumed the 
role of Group CFO and Executive Director during 2020, there is an 
appropriate opportunity to acquire a longer-term equity holding on a 
measured basis, meaning that there is a strong focus on sustainable 
long-term shareholder value; and 

•  the Company has the power to claw back bonuses (including the 
deferred element of the annual bonus) and long-term incentive 
payments made to Executive Directors in the event of material 
misstatements in the Group’s consolidated financial statements,  
errors in the calculation of any performance condition, corporate 
failure and material damage to the Group’s business or reputation  
or the Executive Director ceasing to be a Director and/or employee  
due to gross misconduct (see page 87 for the full Policy details). 

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy section 

•  Predictability – the range of possible reward outcomes is shown in the 

‘Illustrations of annual application of Remuneration Policy’ (see page 

As a company incorporated in Bermuda, LHL is not bound by UK law  

90 for full details), which demonstrates the potential threshold, on-

or regulation in the area of directors’ remuneration to the same extent 

target and maximum scenarios of performance and the resulting pay 

that it applies to UK incorporated companies. However, by virtue of the 

outcomes which could be expected.  

Company’s premium listing on the LSE, and for the purposes of explaining 

its compliance against the requirements of the Code, the Board is 

committed to providing full information on Directors’ remuneration 

to shareholders.  

The Company’s Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at 

the 2020 AGM, which is effective for a period of three years. The 2020 

Remuneration Policy was developed taking into account the principles of 

the Code and the views of our major shareholders.  

The 2020 Remuneration Policy contains details of the Company’s policy 

to govern future payments that will be made to Directors. The Annual 

Report on Remuneration also details the remuneration paid to Directors 

in respect of the 2020 financial year in accordance with the shareholder-

approved Policy. The shareholder-approved 2020 Remuneration Policy 

table is set out on pages 77 to 80 of the 2019 Annual Report and 

Accounts which can be found on the Company’s website. 

•  Proportionality – a significant proportion of pay is delivered through 

variable remuneration. No variable remuneration will be delivered for 

below threshold performance with incentives only paying out if strong 

performance has been delivered by the Executive Directors. The 

Committee has the discretion to override outcomes if they are deemed 

inappropriate to ensure a robust link between reward and performance. 

•  Alignment to culture – the Policy has been designed to support the 

delivery of the Group’s long-term strategy, and the interests of its 

shareholders and employees. Annual bonus performance metrics 

include an assessment of whether each Executive Director’s 

contribution aligns to the Group values. The Policy seeks to 

appropriately motivate Executive Directors to deliver long-term, 

sustainable performance which benefits all stakeholders. 

Governance and approach 

The Company’s Remuneration Policy is geared towards providing a  

The Remuneration Policy set out below contains minor wording changes 

level of remuneration which attracts, retains and motivates Executive 

to the ‘How the views of employees are taken into account’ section, 

Directors of the highest calibre to further the Company’s interests and  

updates to bonus and LTIP metrics, and to reflect the appointment of the 

to optimise long-term shareholder value creation, within appropriate risk 

new Group CFO. 

the Code: 

The Remuneration Policy addresses the following principles as set out in 

•  Clarity – the Committee regularly engages with shareholders to take 

into account shareholder feedback, as it did in developing the current 

Policy, to ensure there is transparency on the Remuneration Policy and 

its implementation. The Remuneration Policy has a clear objective: to 

enable the Group to attract, retain and motivate Executive Directors of 

parameters. The Remuneration Policy also seeks to ensure that Executive 

Directors are provided with appropriate incentives to drive individual 

performance and to reward them fairly for their contribution to the 

successful performance of the Company. 

The Remuneration Committee and the Board have again considered 

whether any element of the Remuneration Policy could conceivably 

encourage Executive Directors to take inappropriate risks and have 

concluded that this is not the case, given the following: 

the highest calibre to further the Company’s interests and to optimise 

•  there is an appropriate balance between fixed and variable pay, and 

long-term shareholder value creation, within appropriate risk 

therefore Executive Directors are not required to earn performance-

parameters. 

related pay to meet their day-to-day living expenses; 

•  Simplicity – the Remuneration Policy is designed such that the 

•  there is a blend of short-term and long-term performance metrics  

arrangements are considered easy to communicate to all stakeholders. 

with an appropriate mix of performance conditions, meaning that 

This includes variable pay which operates as an annual bonus plan and 

there is no undue focus on any one particular metric; 

a single LTIP. The objective and rationale for each element of the 

Remuneration Policy is clearly explained in the Policy table.  

•  in the case of Alex Maloney, the Group CEO, there is a high level of 

share ownership, and in the case of Natalie Kershaw, who assumed the 

•  Risk – the Committee considers that the structure of remuneration 

role of Group CFO and Executive Director during 2020, there is an 

does not encourage inappropriate risk-taking. The performance metrics 

appropriate opportunity to acquire a longer-term equity holding on a 

used ensure remuneration aligns to the Board’s strategic objective 

measured basis, meaning that there is a strong focus on sustainable 

which is to achieve attractive returns appropriate to overall risk levels 

long-term shareholder value; and 

across the (re)insurance market cycle. There is a mixture of short-term 

•  the Company has the power to claw back bonuses (including the 

and long-term performance metrics with an appropriate mix of 

performance conditions. Clawback provisions are in place across all 

incentive plans and the Committee has the ability to use its discretion 

to override formulaic outcomes. The Committee receives a report from 

the Group CRO with regard to risk management developments which 

may be relevant to remuneration outcomes, and also makes inquiry 

with the Group’s external auditors. 

deferred element of the annual bonus) and long-term incentive 

payments made to Executive Directors in the event of material 

misstatements in the Group’s consolidated financial statements,  

errors in the calculation of any performance condition, corporate 

failure and material damage to the Group’s business or reputation  

or the Executive Director ceasing to be a Director and/or employee  

due to gross misconduct (see page 87 for the full Policy details). 

How the views of shareholders are taken into account 
The Committee Chairman and, where appropriate, the Company 
Chairman consult with major investors and representative bodies on  
any significant remuneration proposal relating to Executive Directors. 
Views of shareholders at the AGM, and feedback received at other times, 
will be considered by the Committee.  

How the views of employees are taken into account 
The Remuneration Committee takes into account levels of pay elsewhere 
in the Group when determining the pay levels for Executive Directors.  
The Remuneration Policy for all staff is, in principle, broadly the same  
as that for Executive Directors in that any of the Group’s employees  
may be offered similarly structured packages, with participation in  
annual bonus and long-term incentive plans, although award types 
(restricted cash, restricted stock or performance shares) and size may 
vary between different categories of staff. For Executive Directors, with 
higher remuneration levels, a higher proportion of the compensation 
package is subject to performance pay, share-based remuneration and 
deferral. This ensures that there is a strong link between remuneration, 
Company performance and the interests of shareholders. 

Reflecting good practice in this area, Executive Directors’ pension 
provision is the same as the standard pension contributions made  
to employees in the Group (in percentage of salary terms). 

Whilst the Company does not expressly consult with employees on 
Executive Directors’ remuneration, the Board and Committee, through 
the structured arrangements for regular workforce engagement, do 
receive employee feedback, including where relevant to matters of 
remuneration. As noted above, the Committee is made aware of  
pay structures across the wider Group when setting the Remuneration 
Policy for Executive Directors. The Committee also reviews and approves 
the size of any annual bonus pot to be distributed amongst the staff 
population and the allocation of RSS awards, and its practice in this 
regard is well aligned with the expectations in the Code. 

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Remuneration Policy table 

Fixed pay 

Base salary 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Helps recruit, motivate and retain high-calibre Executive Directors by offering salaries at market competitive levels. 
Reflects individual experience and role. 

Operation 
Normally reviewed annually and fixed for 12 months, typically effective from 1 January. Positioning and annual increases influenced by: 
•  role, experience and performance; 
•  change in broader workforce salary; 
•  changes to the size and complexity of the business; and 
•  changes in responsibility or position. 
Salaries are benchmarked periodically against insurance company peers in the UK, U.S. and Bermuda. 

Opportunity 
No maximum. 

Benefits 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Market competitive structure to support recruitment and retention.  
Medical cover aims to ensure minimal business interruption as a result of illness. 

Operation 
Executive Directors’ benefits may include healthcare, dental, vision, gym membership and life insurance. Other additional benefits may be offered 
from time to time that the Committee considers appropriate based on the Executive Director’s circumstances.  
Executive Directors who are expatriates or are required to relocate may be eligible for a housing allowance or other relocation-related expenses. 
Any reasonable business-related expense can be reimbursed, including any personal tax thereon if such expense is determined to be a taxable benefit. 

Opportunity 
No maximum. 

Pension 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Contribution towards funding post-retirement lifestyle. 

Operation 
The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme (via outsourced pension providers) or cash-in-lieu of pension. 
There is a salary sacrifice structure in the UK. 
There is the opportunity for additional voluntary contributions to be made by individuals, if elected. 

Opportunity 
Company contribution is currently 10% of base salary. The maximum pension payable to both existing and new Executive Directors will be at a rate 
not greater than that which is available to the majority of the Group workforce. 

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Remuneration Policy table 

Fixed pay 

Base salary 

Purpose and link to strategy 

Reflects individual experience and role. 

Operation 

Helps recruit, motivate and retain high-calibre Executive Directors by offering salaries at market competitive levels. 

Normally reviewed annually and fixed for 12 months, typically effective from 1 January. Positioning and annual increases influenced by: 

•  role, experience and performance; 

•  change in broader workforce salary; 

•  changes to the size and complexity of the business; and 

•  changes in responsibility or position. 

Salaries are benchmarked periodically against insurance company peers in the UK, U.S. and Bermuda. 

Opportunity 

No maximum. 

Benefits 

Operation 

Opportunity 

No maximum. 

Pension 

Operation 

Opportunity 

Purpose and link to strategy 

Market competitive structure to support recruitment and retention.  

Medical cover aims to ensure minimal business interruption as a result of illness. 

Executive Directors’ benefits may include healthcare, dental, vision, gym membership and life insurance. Other additional benefits may be offered 

from time to time that the Committee considers appropriate based on the Executive Director’s circumstances.  

Executive Directors who are expatriates or are required to relocate may be eligible for a housing allowance or other relocation-related expenses. 

Any reasonable business-related expense can be reimbursed, including any personal tax thereon if such expense is determined to be a taxable benefit. 

Purpose and link to strategy 

Contribution towards funding post-retirement lifestyle. 

The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme (via outsourced pension providers) or cash-in-lieu of pension. 

There is a salary sacrifice structure in the UK. 

There is the opportunity for additional voluntary contributions to be made by individuals, if elected. 

Company contribution is currently 10% of base salary. The maximum pension payable to both existing and new Executive Directors will be at a rate 

not greater than that which is available to the majority of the Group workforce. 

Annual bonus1,2 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Rewards the achievement of financial and personal targets. 

Operation 
The annual bonus is based on financial and personal performance. 
The precise weightings may differ each year, although there will be a greater focus on financial as opposed to personal performance. 
The Committee will have the ability to override the bonus outcome by either increasing or decreasing the amount payable (subject to the cap) to 
ensure a robust link between reward and performance. 
At least 25% of each Executive Director’s bonus is automatically deferred into shares as nil-cost options or conditional awards over three years, with 
one-third vesting each subsequent year. 
A dividend equivalence provision operates enabling dividends to be accrued (in cash or shares) on unvested deferred bonus shares in the form of nil-
cost options up to the point of exercise. 
The bonus is subject to clawback if: 
(i) the financial statements of the Company were materially misstated or an error occurred in assessing the performance conditions of the bonus;  
(ii) the Company has suffered an instance of corporate failure which has resulted in the appointment of a liquidator or administrator or resulted in the 
Company reaching a compromise arrangement with its creditors; 
(iii) the Company or the relevant business unit for which the participant works suffers damage to its business or reputation which, in the 
determination of the Committee, is at least partly due to a breach of corporate risk policies/tolerances and to a failure in the management of the 
Company or relevant business unit and to which the participant made a material contribution; and/or 
(iv) the Executive ceased to be a Director or employee due to gross misconduct. 

Opportunity 
The maximum bonus for Executive Directors for achieving the target level of performance as a percentage of salary is 200% of salary. Maximum 
opportunity is two times target. 
Note: The Committee may set bonus opportunities less than the amounts set out above – see Implementation of Remuneration Policy section of the 
Annual Report on Remuneration. 

Performance metrics 
The weightings that apply to the bonus measures and the degree of stretch in objectives may vary each year depending on the business aims and the 
broader economic or industry environment at the start of the relevant year. For Executive Directors, the financial component will be at least 75% of 
the overall opportunity, and no more than 25% will be based on personal or strategic objectives. 

Financial performance 
The financial component is based on the Company’s key financial measures of performance. For any year, these may include the Change in FCBVS, 
growth in BVS, profit, comprehensive income, combined ratio, investment return or any other financial KPI3. 
Typically, a sliding scale of targets applies for financial performance targets. Bonus is earned on an incremental basis once a predetermined threshold 
level is achieved. Up to 25% of the total bonus opportunity is payable for achieving threshold/median, rising to maximum bonus for stretch/upper 
quartile performance. 
The degree of stretch in targets may vary each year depending on the business aims and the broader economic or industry environment at the start 
of the relevant year. 

Personal performance 
Personal performance is based upon achievement of clearly articulated objectives. A performance rating is attributed to participating Executive 
Directors, which determines the payout for this part of the bonus. 

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Remuneration Policy table continued 

Long Term Incentives (LTI) 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Rewards Executive Directors for achieving superior returns for shareholders over a longer time frame. 
Enables Executive Directors to build a meaningful shareholding over time and align goals with shareholders. 

Operation2,3 
RSS awards are normally made annually in the form of nil-cost options (or conditional awards) with vesting dependent on the achievement of 
performance conditions over at least three financial years, commencing with the year of grant. This three-year period is longer than the typical 
pattern of loss reserve development on the Group’s insurance business, which is approximately two years. 
The number of awards will normally be determined by reference to the share price around the time of grant unless the Committee, at its discretion, 
determines otherwise. 
The Committee considers carefully the quantum of awards each year to ensure that they are competitive in light of peer practice and the targets set. 
Awards are subject to clawback if there is a material misstatement in the Company’s financial statements, an error in the calculation of any 
performance conditions, the Company has suffered an incident of corporate failure, material damage to the Group’s business or reputation or if the 
Executive Director ceases to be a Director or employee due to gross misconduct. 
A dividend equivalence provision operates enabling dividends to be accrued (in cash or shares) on RSS awards up to the point of exercise. 
The Committee has the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to settle an award made to Executive Directors in cash. 
The Committee has the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to scale back RSS vesting outcomes or to impose additional vesting conditions. 
The use of such discretion should be limited to exceptional circumstances, such as a downturn in the performance of the individual or the Company 
or Group. 
A two-year post-vesting holding period applies to awards made to Executive Directors since 2016 (see page 94). 

Opportunity 
Award levels are determined primarily by seniority. A maximum individual grant limit of 350% of salary applies.  
Note: The Committee may set the normal level of award at less than the percentage set out above – see Implementation of Remuneration Policy 
section of the Annual Report on Remuneration. 

Performance metrics 
Awards vest at the end of a three-year performance period based on performance measures reflecting the long-term strategy of the business at the 
time of grant.  
These may include measures such as TSR, the Change in FCBVS, growth in BVS, Company profitability or any other relevant financial measures. 
If more than one measure is used, the Committee will review the weightings between the measures chosen and the target ranges prior to each LTI 
grant to ensure that the overall balance and level of stretch remain appropriate. 
A sliding scale of targets applies for financial metrics with no more than 25% vesting for threshold performance. 
For TSR, none of this part of the award will vest below median ranking or achievement of an index. No more than 25% of this part of the award will 
vest for achieving median or index. 

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Remuneration Policy table continued 

Long Term Incentives (LTI) 

Purpose and link to strategy 

Rewards Executive Directors for achieving superior returns for shareholders over a longer time frame. 

Enables Executive Directors to build a meaningful shareholding over time and align goals with shareholders. 

Operation2,3 

determines otherwise. 

RSS awards are normally made annually in the form of nil-cost options (or conditional awards) with vesting dependent on the achievement of 

performance conditions over at least three financial years, commencing with the year of grant. This three-year period is longer than the typical 

pattern of loss reserve development on the Group’s insurance business, which is approximately two years. 

The number of awards will normally be determined by reference to the share price around the time of grant unless the Committee, at its discretion, 

The Committee considers carefully the quantum of awards each year to ensure that they are competitive in light of peer practice and the targets set. 

Awards are subject to clawback if there is a material misstatement in the Company’s financial statements, an error in the calculation of any 

performance conditions, the Company has suffered an incident of corporate failure, material damage to the Group’s business or reputation or if the 

Executive Director ceases to be a Director or employee due to gross misconduct. 

A dividend equivalence provision operates enabling dividends to be accrued (in cash or shares) on RSS awards up to the point of exercise. 

The Committee has the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to settle an award made to Executive Directors in cash. 

The Committee has the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to scale back RSS vesting outcomes or to impose additional vesting conditions. 

The use of such discretion should be limited to exceptional circumstances, such as a downturn in the performance of the individual or the Company 

A two-year post-vesting holding period applies to awards made to Executive Directors since 2016 (see page 94). 

or Group. 

Opportunity 

Performance metrics 

time of grant.  

Award levels are determined primarily by seniority. A maximum individual grant limit of 350% of salary applies.  

Note: The Committee may set the normal level of award at less than the percentage set out above – see Implementation of Remuneration Policy 

section of the Annual Report on Remuneration. 

Awards vest at the end of a three-year performance period based on performance measures reflecting the long-term strategy of the business at the 

These may include measures such as TSR, the Change in FCBVS, growth in BVS, Company profitability or any other relevant financial measures. 

If more than one measure is used, the Committee will review the weightings between the measures chosen and the target ranges prior to each LTI 

grant to ensure that the overall balance and level of stretch remain appropriate. 

A sliding scale of targets applies for financial metrics with no more than 25% vesting for threshold performance. 

For TSR, none of this part of the award will vest below median ranking or achievement of an index. No more than 25% of this part of the award will 

vest for achieving median or index. 

Share ownership guidelines and requirements4 
Under the guidelines, Executive Directors are expected to maintain an interest equivalent in value to no less than two times salary over time. Until 
such time as the guideline threshold is achieved Executive Directors are required to retain no less than 50% of the net of tax value of awards that vest 
under the RSS.  
In respect of performance RSS and deferred bonus RSS awards made after 1 January 2020 there is a requirement on each Executive Director to retain 
50% of the net of tax shares resulting on exercise in order to hold an interest equivalent in value of up to two times salary for a period of two years 
(or such other period or amount as the Committee may in future determine) following the date of termination of employment of the relevant 
Executive Director. 
A nominee account may be established into which shares acquired under RSS awards (i.e. on exercise of (nil cost) options) will ordinarily be directed 
for the purposes of enforcing the guidelines and requirements. The Remuneration Committee shall retain a discretion to waive the requirements, in 
whole or in part, in exceptional circumstances such as death, critical illness or personal financial hardship. 
In the event of a change of control (takeover) of LHL the guidelines and requirements shall cease to apply on the date of such change of control. 

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Helps recruit, motivate and retain a Chairman and Non-Executive Directors of a high calibre by offering a market competitive fee level. 

Operation 
The Chairman is paid a single fee for his responsibilities as Chairman. The level of these fees is reviewed periodically by the Committee and the Group 
CEO by reference to broadly comparable businesses in terms of size and operations. 
In general, the Non-Executive Directors are paid a single fee for all responsibilities, although supplemental fees may be payable where additional 
responsibilities are undertaken, including a Non-Executive Director role on a subsidiary board. 
Any reasonable business-related expenses (including any personal tax payable) can be reimbursed. 

Opportunity 
No maximum. 

1.  The Committee operates the annual bonus plan and RSS according to their respective rules and in accordance with the Listing Rules. The Committee, consistent with normal market 

practice, retains discretion over a number of areas relating to the operation and administration of these plans and this discretion forms part of this Policy. 

2.  All historic awards that were granted under any current or previous share scheme operated by the Company that remain outstanding remain eligible to vest based on their original 

award terms and this provision forms part of the Policy. 

3.  Performance measures: these may include the KPIs shown on pages 20 and 21 or others described within the Annual Report and Accounts Glossary commencing on page 179 or any 

other measure that supports the achievement of the Company’s short to long-term objectives. 

4.  Share ownership interest equivalent is defined as wholly-owned shares or the net of tax value of RSS awards which have vested but are unexercised and the net of tax value of deferred 

bonus RSS awards. Shares include those owned by persons closely associated with the relevant Executive Director. 

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Illustrations of annual application of Remuneration Policy 
The charts below show the potential total remuneration opportunities for the Executive Directors in 2021 at different levels of performance under  
the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. 

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

)

m
£
(
n
o
i
t
a
s
n
e
p
m
o
c

l
a
t
o
T

6.03

17%

35%

4.99

42%

42%

35%

16%

13%

2.88

36%

36%

28%

0.79

100%

Fixed pay

On-target

Maximum

CEO

Maximum +50% 
growth in shares

1.56

34%
38%
28%
On-target

0.44
100%
Fixed pay

2.68

40%

44%

3.22

17%

33%

36%

16%
Maximum

14%
Maximum +50% 
growth in shares

CFO

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

LTI awards (RSS)

LTI awards (RSS) + 50% share price growth

Fixed pay = 2021 Salary + Actual Value of 2020 Benefits + 2021 Pension Contribution. 
On-target = Fixed Pay + Target Bonus (being half the Maximum Bonus Opportunity) + Target Value of 2021 RSS grant (assuming 50% vesting with  
the face values of grant).  

Maximum = Fixed Pay + Maximum Bonus Opportunity + Maximum Value of 2021 RSS grant (assuming 100% vesting with the face values of grant). 

Maximum + 50% growth over performance period = Fixed Pay + Maximum Bonus Opportunity + Maximum Value of 2021 RSS grant + 50% share  
price appreciation (assuming 100% vesting with the face values of grant). 

For an internal Executive Director appointment, any variable pay element 
awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out according 
to its terms, adjusted as relevant to take into account the appointment.  
In addition, any other ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior  
to appointment may continue.  

The Committee may agree that the Company will meet certain relocation 
expenses as appropriate and is able to provide expatriate benefits 
including housing, a relocation allowance, assignment-related costs  
or tax equalisation. 

Service contracts and loss of office payment policy 
for Executive Directors 
Executive Directors have service contracts with six-month notice periods. 
In the event of termination, the Executive Directors’ contracts provide  
for compensation up to a maximum of base salary plus the value of 
benefits to which the Executive Directors are contractually entitled  
for the unexpired portion of the notice period. The Company may pay 
statutory claims. No Executive Director has a contractual right in their 
employment terms to a bonus for any period of notice not worked.  

The service contract for a new appointment will be on similar terms as 
existing Executive Directors, with the facility to include a notice period  
of no more than 12 months from either party. 

Approach to recruitment remuneration 
The remuneration package for a new Executive Director would be set  
in accordance with the terms of the Company’s prevailing approved 
Remuneration Policy at the time of appointment and would take into 
account the skills and experience of the individual, the market rate  
for a candidate of that experience and the importance of securing  
the relevant individual. 

Salary would be provided at such a level as is required to attract the most 
appropriate candidate. The Committee retains the flexibility to set base 
salary for a newly appointed Executive Director below the mid-market 
level and allow them to progress quickly to or around mid-market level 
once expertise and performance have been proven. This decision would 
take into account all relevant factors noted above. 

The annual bonus and LTI potential would be in line with the Policy. 
Depending on the timing of the appointment, the Committee may  
deem it appropriate to set different bonus performance measures for  
the performance year during which he or she became an Executive 
Director. The Committee may grant an LTI award to an Executive Director  
shortly after joining, up to the plan limits set out in the Remuneration 
Policy table (assuming the Company is not in a closed period). 

In addition, the Committee may offer additional cash and/or share-based 
elements to replace deferred or incentive pay forfeited by an Executive 
Director leaving a previous employer. It would seek to ensure, where 
possible, that these awards would be consistent with awards forfeited in 
terms of vesting periods (which may be less than three years), expected 
value and performance conditions. 

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Illustrations of annual application of Remuneration Policy 

The charts below show the potential total remuneration opportunities for the Executive Directors in 2021 at different levels of performance under  

the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. 

Fixed pay = 2021 Salary + Actual Value of 2020 Benefits + 2021 Pension Contribution. 

On-target = Fixed Pay + Target Bonus (being half the Maximum Bonus Opportunity) + Target Value of 2021 RSS grant (assuming 50% vesting with  

the face values of grant).  

Maximum = Fixed Pay + Maximum Bonus Opportunity + Maximum Value of 2021 RSS grant (assuming 100% vesting with the face values of grant). 

Maximum + 50% growth over performance period = Fixed Pay + Maximum Bonus Opportunity + Maximum Value of 2021 RSS grant + 50% share  

price appreciation (assuming 100% vesting with the face values of grant). 

Approach to recruitment remuneration 

The remuneration package for a new Executive Director would be set  

in accordance with the terms of the Company’s prevailing approved 

Remuneration Policy at the time of appointment and would take into 

account the skills and experience of the individual, the market rate  

For an internal Executive Director appointment, any variable pay element 

awarded in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out according 

to its terms, adjusted as relevant to take into account the appointment.  

In addition, any other ongoing remuneration obligations existing prior  

to appointment may continue.  

for a candidate of that experience and the importance of securing  

The Committee may agree that the Company will meet certain relocation 

expenses as appropriate and is able to provide expatriate benefits 

including housing, a relocation allowance, assignment-related costs  

or tax equalisation. 

Service contracts and loss of office payment policy 

for Executive Directors 

Executive Directors have service contracts with six-month notice periods. 

In the event of termination, the Executive Directors’ contracts provide  

for compensation up to a maximum of base salary plus the value of 

benefits to which the Executive Directors are contractually entitled  

for the unexpired portion of the notice period. The Company may pay 

statutory claims. No Executive Director has a contractual right in their 

employment terms to a bonus for any period of notice not worked.  

The service contract for a new appointment will be on similar terms as 

existing Executive Directors, with the facility to include a notice period  

of no more than 12 months from either party. 

the relevant individual. 

Salary would be provided at such a level as is required to attract the most 

appropriate candidate. The Committee retains the flexibility to set base 

salary for a newly appointed Executive Director below the mid-market 

level and allow them to progress quickly to or around mid-market level 

once expertise and performance have been proven. This decision would 

take into account all relevant factors noted above. 

The annual bonus and LTI potential would be in line with the Policy. 

Depending on the timing of the appointment, the Committee may  

deem it appropriate to set different bonus performance measures for  

the performance year during which he or she became an Executive 

Director. The Committee may grant an LTI award to an Executive Director  

shortly after joining, up to the plan limits set out in the Remuneration 

Policy table (assuming the Company is not in a closed period). 

In addition, the Committee may offer additional cash and/or share-based 

elements to replace deferred or incentive pay forfeited by an Executive 

Director leaving a previous employer. It would seek to ensure, where 

possible, that these awards would be consistent with awards forfeited in 

terms of vesting periods (which may be less than three years), expected 

value and performance conditions. 

90 

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Terms of appointment for Non-Executive Directors  
The Non-Executive Directors serve subject to the Company’s Bye-laws 
and under letters of appointment. They are appointed subject to  
re-election at the AGM and are also terminable by either party on six 
months’ notice except in the event of earlier termination in accordance 
with the Bye-laws. The Non-Executive Directors are typically expected  
to serve for up to six years, although the Board may invite a Non-
Executive Director to serve for an additional period. Their letters of 
appointment are available for inspection at the Company’s registered 
office and at each AGM.  

In accordance with best practice under the Code, the Board ordinarily 
submits the Directors individually for re-election by the shareholders  
at each AGM.  

Legacy arrangements  
In approving the Policy, authority is given to the Company for the 
duration of the Policy to honour commitments paid, promised to be  
paid or awarded to: (i) current or former Directors prior to the date of  
this Policy being approved (provided that such payments or promises 
were consistent with any Remuneration Policy of the Company, which 
was approved by shareholders and was in effect at the time they were 
made); or (ii) to an individual (who subsequently is appointed as a 
Director of the Company) at a time when the relevant individual was  
not a Director of the Company and, in the opinion of the Committee,  
was not paid, promised to be paid or awarded as financial consideration 
of that individual becoming a Director of the Company, even where such 
commitments are inconsistent with the provisions of the revised Policy. 

For the avoidance of doubt, this includes all awards granted under the 
2008 RSS rules in accordance with the Policy approved at the 2014  
AGM and the current Policy which was approved by shareholders at  
the 2020 AGM, and to employees of the Company who are not Directors 
at the date of grant. Outstanding RSS awards that remain unvested or 
unexercised at the date of this Annual Report and Accounts (including for 
current Executive Directors as detailed on pages 99 and 100 of the Annual 
Report on Remuneration) remain eligible for vesting or exercise based on 
their original award terms. 

The Company seeks to apply the principle of mitigation in the payment of 
compensation on the termination of the service contract of any Executive 
Director. There are no special provisions in the service contracts for 
payments to Executive Directors on a change of control of the Company. 

In the event of an exit of an Executive Director, the overriding principle 
will be to honour contractual remuneration entitlements and determine, 
on an equitable basis, the appropriate treatment of deferred and 
performance-linked elements of the package, taking account of the 
circumstances. Failure will not be rewarded.  

Depending on the leaver classification, an Executive Director may be 
eligible for certain payments or benefits continuation after cessation  
of employment. 

If an Executive Director resigns or is summarily dismissed, salary, pension 
and benefits will cease on the last day of employment and there will be 
no further payments. 

Leaver on arranged terms or good leaver 
If an Executive Director leaves on agreed terms, including compassionate 
circumstances, there may be payments after cessation of employment. 
Salary, pension and benefits will be paid up to the length of the agreed 
notice period or agreed period of garden leave.  

Subject to performance, a bonus may be payable at the discretion of  
the Committee pro-rata for the portion of the financial year worked.  

Vested but unexercised deferred bonus RSS awards will remain 
exercisable. Unvested deferred bonus RSS awards will ordinarily  
vest in full, relative to the normal vesting period. All such vested  
awards must be exercised within 12 months of the vesting date or 
12 months after the required post-vesting holding period required 
(see page 94).  

Vested but unexercised RSS awards may remain exercisable for 12 
months. Unvested awards may vest on the normal vesting date unless  
the Committee determines that such awards shall instead vest at the 
time of cessation. Unvested awards will only vest to the extent that the 
performance conditions have been satisfied (over the full or curtailed 
period as relevant). A pro-rata reduction in the size of awards may apply, 
based upon the period of time after the grant date and ending on the  
date of cessation of employment relative to the three-year or other 
relevant vesting period.  

The Committee has discretion to permit unvested RSS awards to vest 
early rather than continue on the normal vesting timetable and also 
retains discretion as to whether or not to apply (or to apply to a lesser 
extent) the pro-rata reduction to the RSS awards where it feels the 
reduction would be inappropriate. 

In respect of RSS awards made to Executive Directors after 1 January 
2020, there is a requirement on each Executive Director to retain 50% of 
the net of tax shares resulting on exercise in order to hold an interest 
equivalent in value of up to two times salary for a period of two years (or 
such other period or amount as the Committee may in future determine) 
following the date of termination of employment of the relevant 
Executive Director, see page 94. 

Depending upon circumstances, the Committee may consider other 
payments in respect of any claims in connection with a termination of 
employment where deemed appropriate, including an unfair dismissal 
award, outplacement support and assistance with legal fees. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Annual Report on Remuneration  

This Annual Report on Remuneration together with the Chairman’s statement, as detailed on pages 82 and 83, will be subject to an advisory vote  
at the 2021 AGM. The following sections in respect of Directors’ emoluments have been audited by KPMG LLP: 

•  Single figure of remuneration. 
•  Non-Executive Director fees. 
•  2021 annual bonus payments in respect of 2020 performance. 
•  Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2018 RSS awards. 
•  Scheme interests awarded during the year. 
•  Loss of office payments. 
•  Performance and deferred bonus awards under the RSS. 
•  Directors’ shareholdings and share interests. 

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2021 

Base salary and fees 
Executive Directors 
The Remuneration Committee decided at its meeting held on 3 November 2020 to convert the currency of remuneration of the Executive Directors 
from U.S. Dollars to GBP due to the fact that since the appointment of Natalie Kershaw as the Group CFO both Executive Directors have been located in 
the UK. For the purpose of currency conversions a rate of 1.2800 was used, being the average rate for the 2020 year.  

There have been no salary increases for the Executive Directors for the 2021 year. 

Salaries effective from 1 January 2021 are set out below: 

•  CEO – £699,644, a USD equivalent of $895,544, a 0% increase. 
•  CFO – £390,625, a USD equivalent of $500,000, a 0% increase. 
•  The standard salary increase for Group employees for 2021 is 1.5%. 

Non-Executive Directors 
The Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ fees are as follows for 2021: 

•  The fee for the Chairman (Peter Clarke) will remain at $350,000 per annum.  
•  The Non-Executive Director fee will remain at $175,000 per annum.  

Other fees 
•  Samantha Hoe-Richardson is a Non-Executive Director of LUK in which capacity she will continue to receive a fee of £50,000 per annum. 
•  Simon Fraser is a Non-Executive Director of LSL in which capacity he will continue to receive a fee of $80,000 per annum. 

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Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
This Annual Report on Remuneration together with the Chairman’s statement, as detailed on pages 82 and 83, will be subject to an advisory vote  

at the 2021 AGM. The following sections in respect of Directors’ emoluments have been audited by KPMG LLP: 

D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Annual Report on Remuneration  

•  Single figure of remuneration. 

•  Non-Executive Director fees. 

•  2021 annual bonus payments in respect of 2020 performance. 

•  Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2018 RSS awards. 

•  Scheme interests awarded during the year. 

•  Loss of office payments. 

•  Performance and deferred bonus awards under the RSS. 

•  Directors’ shareholdings and share interests. 

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2021 

Base salary and fees 

Executive Directors 

There have been no salary increases for the Executive Directors for the 2021 year. 

Salaries effective from 1 January 2021 are set out below: 

•  CEO – £699,644, a USD equivalent of $895,544, a 0% increase. 

•  CFO – £390,625, a USD equivalent of $500,000, a 0% increase. 

•  The standard salary increase for Group employees for 2021 is 1.5%. 

Non-Executive Directors 

The Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ fees are as follows for 2021: 

•  The fee for the Chairman (Peter Clarke) will remain at $350,000 per annum.  

•  The Non-Executive Director fee will remain at $175,000 per annum.  

Other fees 

The Remuneration Committee decided at its meeting held on 3 November 2020 to convert the currency of remuneration of the Executive Directors 

from U.S. Dollars to GBP due to the fact that since the appointment of Natalie Kershaw as the Group CFO both Executive Directors have been located in 

the UK. For the purpose of currency conversions a rate of 1.2800 was used, being the average rate for the 2020 year.  

•  Samantha Hoe-Richardson is a Non-Executive Director of LUK in which capacity she will continue to receive a fee of £50,000 per annum. 

•  Simon Fraser is a Non-Executive Director of LSL in which capacity he will continue to receive a fee of $80,000 per annum. 

Annual bonus 
For 2021, the Group CEO and the Group CFO will have a target bonus of 150% of salary and, therefore, a maximum opportunity of 300% of salary. This 
is within the approved policy limit and is in line with last year’s opportunity and represents a maximum bonus opportunity which is 100% of salary less 
than the set policy limit.  

The financial and personal portions of the annual bonus will remain unchanged with 75% on financial performance and 25% on personal performance.  

Financial performance (75%) 
The Company’s most important financial KPI is the Change in FCBVS, which is the core indicator of the delivery of its strategic priorities of ensuring 
underwriting comes first, effectively balancing risk and return and managing capital nimbly through the insurance cycle (see the strategic overview on 
pages 16 and 17 of this Annual Report and Accounts). For 2021, the financial component for the annual bonus is again to be based on the performance of 
the Group’s Change in FCBVS. 

A sliding scale range of the Change in FCBVS targets has been set by reference to the Risk Free Rate of Return as follows: 

•  25% of target bonus shall be payable at a threshold level of the Change in FCBVS equal to RFRoR + 6% (0% will be payable below this threshold).  
•  50% of target bonus shall be payable at a level of the Change in FCBVS equal to RFRoR + 7%.  
•  100% of target bonus shall be payable at a level of the Change in FCBVS equal to RFRoR + 8%.  
•  200% of target bonus shall be payable at a level of the Change in FCBVS equal to RFRoR + 14%.  

There shall be linear interpolation between these points. The Board considers that these target ranges are appropriately challenging, given the current 
insurance market conditions, and will help to ensure a strong link between remuneration for the Executive Directors and the Company’s financial 
performance, the strategy and risk profile of the business and the investment return environment, without encouraging excessive risk-taking.  

Personal performance (25%) 
This element of the bonus plan is based upon the individual achievement of clearly articulated objectives created at the beginning of each year.  
The table below sets out a broad summary of the 2021 personal objectives for each Executive Director. 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 

Natalie Kershaw 

Personal performance 

Effective leadership and management of the senior executive team and Group. 
Development of the general business strategy. 
Contribution aligned to the Lancashire Group values characterised by engagement and a healthy 
sustainable culture. 

Effective management of the finance function and participation in Group management and the Board. 
Overall responsibility for the IT, Change and Data functions. 
Innovative contribution to strategic planning with particular focus on capital and business planning processes.
Contribution aligned to the Lancashire Group values characterised by engagement and a healthy 
sustainable culture. 

The personal targets are broadly common among the Executive Directors, with variances being attributable to the specifics of their respective roles. 
Specific granular areas for personal development within the set broad personal objectives are discussed between the Chairman and the Executive 
Directors and agreed by the Committee. As part of the 2021 annual performance reviews, each Executive Director will receive a performance rating 
which will determine the level of personal performance bonus payout for which each Executive Director will be eligible. 

92 

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Restricted Share Scheme 
Performance conditions 

For Executive Directors, 2021 RSS awards are subject to a range of performance conditions based on (i) annual Change in FCBVS; and (ii) absolute 
compound annual growth in TSR, both measured by reference to a period ending on 31 December 2023. These metrics aim to provide an appropriate 
focus on the Company’s underlying financial performance and cycle management, and in the case of absolute TSR to provide an objective reward for 
delivering value to shareholders. 

Weighting  
For 2021, the weighting is 85% on annual Change in FCBVS and 15% on absolute compound annual growth in TSR. 

Target ranges  
The annual Change in FCBVS target range for 2021 awards is: 

•  threshold – 6%; and 
•  maximum – 13%. 

Within the three-year performance period each of the separate financial years will be treated as a separate element, each one contributing one-third to 
the overall outcome of the vesting of this element of the RSS award. In each year, performance will be measured against the target range to determine 
the ultimate level of vesting in respect of one-third of the RSS award. Vesting will only occur after completion of the full three-year performance period, 
and continued employment of the Executive Director at the time of vesting.  

The relevant element of the RSS award will not vest if annual Change in FCBVS is below threshold, 25% of the relevant element of the RSS award will 
vest at threshold, and 100% of the relevant element of the RSS award will vest at maximum. Performance between threshold and maximum is 
determined on a straight-line basis. 

The TSR target range for 2021 awards is: 

•  threshold – 8% compound annual growth; and 
•  maximum – 12% compound annual growth. 

Absolute TSR will be measured over the full three-year performance period rather than looking at each year separately. 

None of the relevant element of the award will vest if compound annual growth in TSR is below threshold, 25% of the award will vest at threshold, and 
100% of the award will vest at maximum. Performance between threshold and maximum is determined on a straight-line basis. 

Overriding downwards discretion 
If any year produces a return that the Committee believes is significantly worse than competitors and reflects poor management decisions,  
the Remuneration Committee will use its discretion to determine the extent to which any relevant element of the RSS award shall vest fully (or to a 
lesser extent) based on the performance over the full three-year period. 

Award levels 

2021 RSS award levels are as follows: 

•  Group CEO – RSS awards in respect of shares to the value of £2,098,932 (being 300% of salary) 
•  Group CFO – RSS awards in respect of shares to the value of £1,074,219 (being 275% of salary) 

The number of RSS awards in respect of shares which are awarded shall be determined based on the closing average share price for a period of  
five trading days immediately prior to the date of the award.  

Post-vesting holding period 

It is a term of RSS awards granted to Executive Directors that they are expected to hold vested RSS awards (or the resultant net of tax shares),  
which had a performance period of at least three years, for a further period of not less than two years following vesting. 

Post-employment holding requirements 

In respect of RSS awards made after 1 January 2020, there is a requirement on each Executive Director to retain 50% of the net of  
tax shares resulting on exercise in order to hold an interest equivalent in value of up to two times salary for a period of two years (or such other  
period or amount as the Committee may in future determine) following the date of termination of employment of the relevant Executive Director. 

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Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Restricted Share Scheme 

Performance conditions 

delivering value to shareholders. 

Weighting  

Target ranges  

•  threshold – 6%; and 

•  maximum – 13%. 

For Executive Directors, 2021 RSS awards are subject to a range of performance conditions based on (i) annual Change in FCBVS; and (ii) absolute 

compound annual growth in TSR, both measured by reference to a period ending on 31 December 2023. These metrics aim to provide an appropriate 

focus on the Company’s underlying financial performance and cycle management, and in the case of absolute TSR to provide an objective reward for 

For 2021, the weighting is 85% on annual Change in FCBVS and 15% on absolute compound annual growth in TSR. 

The annual Change in FCBVS target range for 2021 awards is: 

Within the three-year performance period each of the separate financial years will be treated as a separate element, each one contributing one-third to 

the overall outcome of the vesting of this element of the RSS award. In each year, performance will be measured against the target range to determine 

the ultimate level of vesting in respect of one-third of the RSS award. Vesting will only occur after completion of the full three-year performance period, 

and continued employment of the Executive Director at the time of vesting.  

The relevant element of the RSS award will not vest if annual Change in FCBVS is below threshold, 25% of the relevant element of the RSS award will 

vest at threshold, and 100% of the relevant element of the RSS award will vest at maximum. Performance between threshold and maximum is 

determined on a straight-line basis. 

The TSR target range for 2021 awards is: 

•  threshold – 8% compound annual growth; and 

•  maximum – 12% compound annual growth. 

Absolute TSR will be measured over the full three-year performance period rather than looking at each year separately. 

None of the relevant element of the award will vest if compound annual growth in TSR is below threshold, 25% of the award will vest at threshold, and 

100% of the award will vest at maximum. Performance between threshold and maximum is determined on a straight-line basis. 

Overriding downwards discretion 

If any year produces a return that the Committee believes is significantly worse than competitors and reflects poor management decisions,  

the Remuneration Committee will use its discretion to determine the extent to which any relevant element of the RSS award shall vest fully (or to a 

lesser extent) based on the performance over the full three-year period. 

Award levels 

2021 RSS award levels are as follows: 

•  Group CEO – RSS awards in respect of shares to the value of £2,098,932 (being 300% of salary) 

•  Group CFO – RSS awards in respect of shares to the value of £1,074,219 (being 275% of salary) 

The number of RSS awards in respect of shares which are awarded shall be determined based on the closing average share price for a period of  

five trading days immediately prior to the date of the award.  

Post-vesting holding period 

It is a term of RSS awards granted to Executive Directors that they are expected to hold vested RSS awards (or the resultant net of tax shares),  

which had a performance period of at least three years, for a further period of not less than two years following vesting. 

Post-employment holding requirements 

In respect of RSS awards made after 1 January 2020, there is a requirement on each Executive Director to retain 50% of the net of  

tax shares resulting on exercise in order to hold an interest equivalent in value of up to two times salary for a period of two years (or such other  

period or amount as the Committee may in future determine) following the date of termination of employment of the relevant Executive Director. 

Single figure of remuneration 
The following table presents the Executive Directors’ emoluments in U.S. dollars in respect of the years ended 31 December 2020 and  
31 December 2019 for time served as an Executive Director. Commencing with the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts, these figures will be reported in 
GBP in line with the remuneration of Executive Directors being set in GBP. 

Executive Directors5 

Alex Maloney, CEO 

Natalie Kershaw6, CFO 

Former Executive Director  

Elaine Whelan7, Former CFO 

2020 
2019 
2020 
2019 

2020 

2019 

Salary 
$ 

895,556 
867,361 
418,133 
– 

Pension
$

89,097
86,736
47,561
–

Taxable 
benefits4
$ 

19,507
21,921
8,587
–

Total 
Fixed pay
$

1,004,160
976,018
474,281
–

Annual bonus1 
$ 

1,624,472
2,077,754
1,000,725
–

Long-term  
 incentives  
 (RSS)2,3 
$  

1,508,275 
– 
– 
– 

Total 
Variable pay
$

3,132,747
2,077,754
1,000,725
–

Total
$ 

4,136,907
3,053,772
1,475,006
–

Salary 
$ 

99,505 

Pension
$

9,951

Taxable 
benefits4
$ 

Total 
Fixed pay
$

Annual bonus
$ 

Long-term  
 incentives  
 (RSS)2,3 
$  

Total 
Variable pay
$

Total5
$ 

24,018

133,474

123,941

949,377 

1,073,318

1,206,792

597,030 

59,703

152,112

808,845

1,426,726

– 

1,426,726

2,235,571

The following charts set out the above disclosed 2020 total remuneration received by serving Executive Directors as a percentage of their total 
2020 remuneration. 

Alex Maloney

Natalie Kershaw

Fixed pay: 24%

Annual bonus: 39%

LTI awards (RSS): 37%

Fixed pay: 32%

Annual bonus: 68%

LTI awards (RSS): 0%

1.  Bonus targets were set at the beginning of 2020 and are based on a clear split between Company financial performance and personal performance on a 75:25 basis. Company financial 

performance is based on absolute financial performance against the RFRoR. The Company financial performance component paid out at 111% of target as the change in FCBVS for 2020 
was 10.2% against a target level of RFRoR +8%. The final bonus payout to Executive Directors will be 60% of the maximum for the CEO, 66% of the maximum for the CFO and 60% of 
the maximum for the Former CFO. For full details of Executive Directors’ bonuses and the associated performance delivered see pages 96 and 97. 25% of the serving Executive 
Directors’ annual bonus is deferred into RSS awards without performance conditions, vesting at 33.3% per year over a three-year period. 

2.  For 2020, the long-term incentive values are based on the 2018 Performance RSS awards which vested at 48.2% and are based on a three-year performance period that ended on 

31 December 2020. The values above are based on the average share price for the final quarter of 2020, being $9.26, and includes the value of dividends accrued on vested shares. The 
increase in share price between the date of grant, being $8.02, and the final 2020 quarterly average share price of $9.26 was an increase of 15.5%. Natalie Kershaw was not granted 
2018 Performance RSS awards, as she was not a serving Executive Director at the time. 

3.  For 2019, the long-term incentive values are based on the 2017 RSS awards which vested at 0%, based on the three-year performance period that ended on 31 December 2019.  
4.  Benefits comprise Bermuda payroll taxes, social insurance, medical, dental and vision coverage and housing and other allowances paid by the Company for expatriates (as is the case for 

the Former CFO), but exclude UK National Insurance contributions.  

5.  Some amounts were paid in GBP and converted at the average exchange rate of 1.2777 for the year for 2020 and 1.2738 for 2019 as they are set in U.S. dollars. 
6.  Natalie Kershaw was appointed as an Executive Director effective 1 March 2020 and therefore 2019 figures for when she did not provide qualifying services have not been reported. The 
reported pension figure includes additional salary sacrifice paid into pension during the year. Figures reported for 2020 are for the 10 months Ms Kershaw supplied qualifying services as 
an Executive Director for the Company, with the exception of the annual bonus which is reported for the full year per Ms Kershaw’s Service Agreement. 

7.  Elaine Whelan stood down from the Board on 28 February 2020 and retired from the Group on 31 August 2020. Mrs Whelan was afforded good leaver status and all RSS award 

interests were agreed to vest upon their scheduled vest date and the performance RSS awards will be time pro-rated appropriately. Any deferred bonus RSS awards will vest upon their 
scheduled vest date. The amounts in the table above reflect only the awards vesting during her tenure as a Director, any awards that will vest at a future date are not reflected here. 
Figures reported for 2020 are for the two months Mrs Whelan supplied qualifying services as an Executive Director of the Company. Further particulars of Mrs Whelan’s leaving 
arrangements can be found on page 98. 

94 

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Current Non-Executive Directors 

Peter Clarke 

Michael Dawson 

Simon Fraser1 

Samantha Hoe-Richardson2 

Robert Lusardi 

Sally Williams3 

Fee  
$ 

Other 
$

Total 
$

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

350,000 

350,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

168,884 

–

–

–

–

80,000

80,000

64,531

63,644

–

–

–

–

350,000

350,000

175,000

175,000

255,000

255,000

239,531

238,644

175,000

175,000

175,000

168,884

1.  Simon Fraser’s LSL fees are paid in USD. 
2.  Samantha Hoe-Richardson’s LUK fees are paid in GBP and converted at the average exchange rate at the time of payment. 
3.  Sally Williams was appointed on 10 July 2018 as a Non-Executive Director and her appointment took effect on 14 January 2019. Her 2019 fees were proportionally pro-rated  

for the year. 

2021 annual bonus payments in respect of 2020 performance 
As detailed in the Remuneration Policy, each Executive Director participates in the annual bonus plan, under which performance is measured  
over a single financial year.  

Bonus targets were set at the beginning of 2020 and based on a clear split between Company financial performance and personal performance on a 
75:25 basis. The target value of bonus was 150% of salary for the Group CEO and Group CFO respectively, and the maximum payable was two times the  
target value.  

Financial performance 
75% of the 2020 bonus was based on Company performance conditions and the extent to which these were achieved is as follows:  

Performance measure 

Change in FCBVS 

Financial performance weighting  
(of total bonus) 
% 

75 

Threshold
%

RFRoR 
+6%

Target
%

Max
%

Actual 
performance
%

% payout

 RFRoR 
+8%

 RFRoR 
+14%

10.2

111% of target payable in 
respect of Company performance

In 2020, financial returns were slightly above the target levels. The Company financial performance component paid out at 111% of target (being 55.5% 
of the maximum) as the Change in FCBVS was 10.2% against a target level of RFRoR +8% and a threshold of RFRoR +6%. 

96 
96

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Current Non-Executive Directors 

Peter Clarke 

Michael Dawson 

Simon Fraser1 

Samantha Hoe-Richardson2 

Robert Lusardi 

Sally Williams3 

Fee  

$ 

Other 

Total 

$

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

80,000

80,000

64,531

63,644

350,000

350,000

175,000

175,000

255,000

255,000

239,531

238,644

175,000

175,000

175,000

168,884

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

350,000 

350,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

168,884 

1.  Simon Fraser’s LSL fees are paid in USD. 

for the year. 

2.  Samantha Hoe-Richardson’s LUK fees are paid in GBP and converted at the average exchange rate at the time of payment. 

3.  Sally Williams was appointed on 10 July 2018 as a Non-Executive Director and her appointment took effect on 14 January 2019. Her 2019 fees were proportionally pro-rated  

2021 annual bonus payments in respect of 2020 performance 

As detailed in the Remuneration Policy, each Executive Director participates in the annual bonus plan, under which performance is measured  

Bonus targets were set at the beginning of 2020 and based on a clear split between Company financial performance and personal performance on a 

75:25 basis. The target value of bonus was 150% of salary for the Group CEO and Group CFO respectively, and the maximum payable was two times the  

over a single financial year.  

target value.  

Financial performance 

75% of the 2020 bonus was based on Company performance conditions and the extent to which these were achieved is as follows:  

Performance measure 

Change in FCBVS 

% 

75 

Financial performance weighting  

(of total bonus) 

Threshold

%

Target

%

Max

%

Actual 

performance

%

10.2

RFRoR 

 RFRoR 

 RFRoR 

+6%

+8%

+14%

111% of target payable in 

respect of Company performance

In 2020, financial returns were slightly above the target levels. The Company financial performance component paid out at 111% of target (being 55.5% 

of the maximum) as the Change in FCBVS was 10.2% against a target level of RFRoR +8% and a threshold of RFRoR +6%. 

96 

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Personal performance 
25% of the 2020 bonus was based on performance against clearly defined personal objectives set at the start of the year.  

The table below sets out a summary of the 2020 personal objectives for each Executive Director. 

Executive Director 

Personal performance 

Factors relevant to the Board’s determination for the 2020 performance year 

Alex Maloney 

Effective leadership and management 
of the senior executive team and 
the Group. 
Development of the general 
business strategy. 
Contribution aligned to the 
Lancashire Group values. 

Delivering a team of employees with strong professional skills at all levels 
throughout the Group and providing strong executive leadership to ensure 
operational resilience across all areas of the business in the face of the COVID-19 
global pandemic (see pages 8 to 15 for further details).  
Achieving planned premium growth across multiple business lines during the year 
and adding new business lines (see pages 22 to 25 for further details). 
Leading the strategic project to raise equity capital for the business in June 2020 
(see pages 11 and 48).  
Taking a strong lead in the area of employee engagement through the staff town 
hall meetings and a programme of regular personal communication with all staff, 
thereby ensuring a healthy corporate culture within the business (see page 43 and 
pages 49 to 52 for further details). 

Natalie Kershaw  Effective transition planning and 
implementation. 
Effective management of the finance 
function and participation in Group 
management and the Board. 
Innovative contribution to strategic 
planning with particular focus on capital 
and business planning processes. 
Contribution aligned to the 
Lancashire Group values. 

Rapidly assuming management for all areas of Group finance and delivering 
innovative change to both executive management and Board financial and 
strategic reporting. Leading the development of the Group IT function within the 
Group executive committee. 
Delivering a team of employees with enhanced professional skills across the Group 
finance function.  
Supporting the strategic project to raise equity capital for the business in June 2020 
(see pages 11 and 48).  
Material progress made on the IFRS 17 implementation project (see page 71 for 
further details). 

Elaine Whelan  Effective transition of responsibilities 
to incoming CFO and incoming CEO 
for the LICL office. 
Contribution aligned to the 
Lancashire Group values. 

Leading the Finance function in the delivery of the 2020 year-end results and 
assisting in the transition to the new Group CFO and the new LICL CEO and 
providing ongoing support and advice (see page 82).  

% payout

The personal targets were tailored to each of the Executive Directors, according to their respective roles and areas of personal development. 

During the 2020 annual performance reviews of each Executive Director, a performance rating was assigned to determine the level of bonus payout for 
which each Executive Director was eligible for the personal performance element of bonus. The performance rating of Elaine Whelan as the outgoing 
Group CFO was also reviewed and approved by the Remuneration Committee and Board further to input from the Group CEO and Chair. 

For the 2020 performance against personal objectives, the ratings were determined following a process for the evaluation of performance of the 
Executive Directors against the agreed personal targets and discussion and agreement of the outcomes with the Chair and members of the Board with 
particular focus on those factors identified as pertinent to 2020 performance. As a result of the 2020 personal performance evaluation process for the 
Executive Directors, a bonus at 150% of target (being 75% of the maximum personal element) for the Group CEO and 200% of target (being 100% of 
the maximum personal element) for the Group CFO were awarded for the personal component. The overall 2020 bonus outcomes are expressed as a 
percentage of the maximum award as illustrated in the table below. The Board considers the business to be well positioned for the business 
opportunities and challenges which lie ahead.  

A table of performance measures and total 2020 bonus achievement is set out below:  

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney1 
Natalie Kershaw1 
Elaine Whelan2 

Financial 
performance
 (max % of
 total bonus)
%

Personal 
performance 
(max % of 
total bonus)
%

Bonus
% of maximum 
awarded 
%

75
75
75

25
25
25

60
66
60

Total 
bonus value  
$  

1,624,472 
1,000,725 
743,348 

Value of bonus 
paid in cash
 (75% of 
total bonus)
$

Value of bonus 
 deferred into RSS 
awards (25% of 
total bonus)1
$ 

1,218,354
750,544
743,348

406,118
250,181
0

1.  For the serving Executive Directors, 25% of total bonus award will be deferred into RSS awards with one-third vesting annually, each year, over a three-year period with the first third 

becoming exercisable in February 2022, subject to the Company not being in a closed period. These awards vest on the relevant dates subject to continued employment.  

2.  For the Former CFO, a bonus outcome of $123,941 as disclosed on page 95 is pro-rated to reflect the time served on the Board, and in accordance with her good leaver status, Mrs 

Whelan received the additional $619,407 for the period 1 March 2020 to her retirement from the Company on 31 August 2020, which was calculated on the same basis per the policy 
above for the total 2020 performance bonus of $743,348 disclosed above.  

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2018 RSS awards 
The 2018 RSS awards were based on a three-year performance period ending on 31 December 2020 and vest following the determination of financial 
results by the Board. The tables below set out the achievement against the performance conditions attached to the award, resulting in aggregate vesting 
of 48.2%. 

Performance level 

Below threshold 
Threshold 
Stretch or above 
Actual achieved 

Absolute compound annual growth in TSR  
(relevant to 15% of the 2018 RSS awards) 

Annual Change in FCBVS 
(within the three-year performance period) 
(relevant to 85% of the 2018 RSS awards) 

Performance required (%)

% vesting

Performance required (%)

% vesting

Below 8
8
12 or above
2.9

0
25
100
0

Below 6
6
13 or above
8.9

0
25
100
56.7

Details of the vesting for each serving Executive Director, based on the above, are shown in the table below: 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney2 
Natalie Kershaw3 

Number of 
shares at grant

Number of
 shares to lapse

Number of  
shares to vest 

Dividend accrual 
on vested shares 
value1 
$ 

Value of shares 
 including dividend 
 accrual
$ 

315,762
–

163,565
–

152,197 
– 

98,928
–

1,508,275
–

1.  Dividends accrue on awards at the record date of a dividend payment and upon exercise the cash value of the accrued dividends is paid to the employee on the number of vested  

awards net of tax required. 

2.  The value of Alex Maloney’s vested shares is based on the 2018 RSS awards which vest at 48.2% and are based on a three-year performance period that ended on 31 December 2020. 

The average share price and FX rate for the final quarter of 2020 is used for this calculation. There is a two-year post-vesting holding requirement for the 2018 RSS awards for 
Executive Directors. 

3.  Natalie Kershaw was not granted 2018 Performance RSS awards as she was not a serving Executive Director at the time of the award.  

Scheme interests awarded during the year 
The table below sets out the performance RSS awards that were granted to the serving Executive Directors as nil-cost options on 21 February 2020.  

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 
Natalie Kershaw 

Number of awards  
granted during  
the year 

260,292 
133,216 

Grant date2

21-Feb-20
21-Feb-20

Face value 
of awards 
 granted during 
the year1,3
$ 

2,686,557
1,374,965

% vesting 
at threshold 
performance

25
25

1.  The awards were based on the five-day average closing share price prior to the award date, being £7.956 (a share price of $10.32 based on the exchange rate of 1.2973) and the awards 

were granted as nil-cost options. 

2.  These awards are due to vest subject to performance conditions being met at the end of the performance period ending 31 December 2022 and becoming exercisable in the  

first open period following the release of the Company’s 2022 year-end results after the meeting of the Board in February 2023.  
3.  The exercise share price is determined once an award has vested on the basis of the share price on the date an award is exercised. 

Loss of office payments 
RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELAINE WHELAN 

Elaine Whelan was an Executive Director in 2020 until she stood down as a Director on 28 February 2020; she then retired from the Group on 31 August 
2020, having assisted with transitional arrangements. Mrs Whelan continued to receive salary and benefits up until 31 August 2020, however was not 
granted a 2020 RSS performance award. As a result of her retirement, the Board and Remuneration Committee determined that it was appropriate to 
afford her ‘good leaver’ status for all vested and unvested RSS awards given that she had met all requirements for delivering an effective transition of the 
Group CFO role. All unvested performance RSS awards will vest on the usual vesting date with pro-rata calculations applied. Performance RSS awards 
remain subject to performance conditions. Any deferred bonus RSS awards will vest upon their scheduled vest date. Mrs Whelan was eligible for an 
annual bonus in respect of 2020, reflecting the portion of the year worked prior to her retirement. Mrs Whelan’s relevant 2020 compensation for the 
time she was serving as an Executive Director is disclosed within the single figure of remuneration table on page 95 in respect of her time on the Board. 
Further disclosures related to Mrs Whelan’s 2020 performance bonus from 1 March 2020 to her retirement date, as per her retirement agreement, can 
be found on page 97. 

98 
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Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2018 RSS awards 

The 2018 RSS awards were based on a three-year performance period ending on 31 December 2020 and vest following the determination of financial 

results by the Board. The tables below set out the achievement against the performance conditions attached to the award, resulting in aggregate vesting 

Details of all outstanding share awards 
In addition to awards made during the 2020 financial year, the table below sets out details of all outstanding RSS awards held by Executive Directors. 

Performance and deferred bonus awards under the RSS 

of 48.2%. 

Performance level 

Below threshold 

Threshold 

Stretch or above 

Actual achieved 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney2 

Natalie Kershaw3 

awards net of tax required. 

Executive Directors. 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 

Natalie Kershaw 

were granted as nil-cost options. 

Details of the vesting for each serving Executive Director, based on the above, are shown in the table below: 

Absolute compound annual growth in TSR  

(relevant to 15% of the 2018 RSS awards) 

Annual Change in FCBVS 

(within the three-year performance period) 

(relevant to 85% of the 2018 RSS awards) 

Performance required (%)

% vesting

Performance required (%)

% vesting

Below 8

12 or above

8

2.9

0

25

100

0

Below 6

13 or above

6

8.9

Number of 

Number of

shares at grant

 shares to lapse

Number of  

shares to vest 

315,762

163,565

152,197 

98,928

1,508,275

–

–

– 

$ 

–

Dividend accrual 

Value of shares 

on vested shares 

 including dividend 

value1 

 accrual

0

25

100

56.7

$ 

–

Alex Maloney, 
Group CEO 

Total 

Natalie Kershaw, 
Group CFO6 

1.  Dividends accrue on awards at the record date of a dividend payment and upon exercise the cash value of the accrued dividends is paid to the employee on the number of vested  

2.  The value of Alex Maloney’s vested shares is based on the 2018 RSS awards which vest at 48.2% and are based on a three-year performance period that ended on 31 December 2020. 

The average share price and FX rate for the final quarter of 2020 is used for this calculation. There is a two-year post-vesting holding requirement for the 2018 RSS awards for 

3.  Natalie Kershaw was not granted 2018 Performance RSS awards as she was not a serving Executive Director at the time of the award.  

Scheme interests awarded during the year 

The table below sets out the performance RSS awards that were granted to the serving Executive Directors as nil-cost options on 21 February 2020.  

Number of awards  

 granted during 

granted during  

the year 

Face value 

of awards 

the year1,3

$ 

260,292 

133,216 

2,686,557

1,374,965

Grant date2

21-Feb-20

21-Feb-20

% vesting 

at threshold 

performance

25

25

Total 

1.  The awards were based on the five-day average closing share price prior to the award date, being £7.956 (a share price of $10.32 based on the exchange rate of 1.2973) and the awards 

2.  These awards are due to vest subject to performance conditions being met at the end of the performance period ending 31 December 2022 and becoming exercisable in the  

first open period following the release of the Company’s 2022 year-end results after the meeting of the Board in February 2023.  

3.  The exercise share price is determined once an award has vested on the basis of the share price on the date an award is exercised. 

Loss of office payments 

RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELAINE WHELAN 

Elaine Whelan was an Executive Director in 2020 until she stood down as a Director on 28 February 2020; she then retired from the Group on 31 August 

2020, having assisted with transitional arrangements. Mrs Whelan continued to receive salary and benefits up until 31 August 2020, however was not 

granted a 2020 RSS performance award. As a result of her retirement, the Board and Remuneration Committee determined that it was appropriate to 

afford her ‘good leaver’ status for all vested and unvested RSS awards given that she had met all requirements for delivering an effective transition of the 

Group CFO role. All unvested performance RSS awards will vest on the usual vesting date with pro-rata calculations applied. Performance RSS awards 

remain subject to performance conditions. Any deferred bonus RSS awards will vest upon their scheduled vest date. Mrs Whelan was eligible for an 

annual bonus in respect of 2020, reflecting the portion of the year worked prior to her retirement. Mrs Whelan’s relevant 2020 compensation for the 

time she was serving as an Executive Director is disclosed within the single figure of remuneration table on page 95 in respect of her time on the Board. 

Further disclosures related to Mrs Whelan’s 2020 performance bonus from 1 March 2020 to her retirement date, as per her retirement agreement, can 

be found on page 97. 

Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 

Grant date1 

14-Mar-17

14-Mar-17

23-Feb-18

23-Feb-18

22-Feb-19

22-Feb-19

21-Feb-20

21-Feb-20

19-Feb-14

28-Feb-13

19-Feb-14

12-Feb-15

19-Mar-13

Performance RSS3 
Performance RSS3 
Performance RSS3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
12-Feb-15
Non-Performance RSS7  18-Feb-16
Non-Performance RSS7  26-Feb-17
Non-Performance RSS7  16-Feb-18
Non-Performance RSS7  15-Feb-19
Performance RSS3,5 
21-Feb-20
Deferred Bonus RSS4 

21-Feb-20

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Exercise 
price

Awards 
held at 
1-Jan-20

Awards 
granted during 
the year

Awards 
vested 
during the year

Awards  
lapsed  
during the year 

Awards 
exercised 
during the year  

Awards
 held at 
31-Dec-20

End of 
performance 
period

286,666

17,738

315,762

8,727

306,915

13,968

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

260,292

50,326

–

286,666 

17,738

–

4,364

–

4,656

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

17,738 

– 31-Dec-19

–

– 

315,762 31-Dec-20

4,364 

4,363

– 

306,915 31-Dec-21

4,656 

9,312

– 

– 

260,292 31-Dec-22

50,326

949,776

310,618

26,758

286,666 

26,758 

946,970

 – 

 – 

 –  

 –  

11,772  31-Dec-15

11,772 

3,750 

10,888 

1,351 

4,267 

2,468 

11,036 

9,590 

12,075 

12,075 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 – 

 – 

133,216 

–

79,272

133,216

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3,750  31-Dec-15

10,888  31-Dec-16

1,351 

4,267  31-Dec-17

2,468 

11,036  31-Dec-18

9,590  31-Dec-19

12,075  31-Dec-20

12,075  31-Dec-21

133,216  31-Dec-22

–

212,488

98 

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Performance and deferred bonus awards under the RSS continued 
Awards 
granted during 
the year

Awards 
held at 
1-Jan-20

Exercise 
price

Grant date1 

Elaine Whelan, 
Former Group 
CFO & LICL 
CEO8 

Total 

Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 

14-Mar-17 

14-Mar-17 

23-Feb-18 

23-Feb-18 

22-Feb-19 

22-Feb-19 

21-Feb-20 

21-Feb-20 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

180,441

12,180

198,755

6,442

193,186

9,592

–

–

600,596

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

34,557

34,557

Awards 
vested 
during the year

Awards 
lapsed 
during the year

Awards 
exercised 
during the year  

Awards
 held at 
31-Dec-20

End of 
performance 
period

–

180,441

– 

– 31-Dec-19

12,180

–

12,180 

–

–

30,243

– 

168,512 31-Dec-20

3,222

–

3,222 

3,220

–

94,734

– 

98,452 31-Dec-21

3,197

–

–

–

–

–

3,197 

6,395

– 

– 

– 31-Dec-22

34,557

18,599

305,418

18,599 

311,136

1.  The market values of the common shares on the dates of grant were: 

5.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

•  28 February 2013 £8.99 
•  12 February 2015 £6.36  
•  14 March 2017 £7.02 
•  15 February 2019 £6.37  

•  19 March 2013 £8.21 
•  18 February 2016 £6.17 
•  16 February 2018 £5.70  
•  22 February 2019 £6.54 

•  19 February 2014 £7.34 
•  26 February 2017 £6.81 
•  23 February 2018 £5.69  
•  21 February 2020 £7.61 

2.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

conditions which were disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts.  

3.  The vesting dates of the RSS performance awards are subject to being out of a closed 

period and are as follows: 

•  2018 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2020 year-end results; 
•  2019 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2021 year-end results; and 
•  2020 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2022 year-end results. 

4.  The vesting dates of the RSS deferred bonus awards are subject to being  
out of a closed period and, for the 2018 to 2020 deferred bonus awards,  
are as follows: 

•  2018 – vest 33.33% per year over a three-year period at the first open period following the release  

of the Company’s year-end results for 2018, 2019 and 2020;  

•  2019 – vest 33.33% per year over a three-year period at the first open period following the release  

of the Company’s year-end results for 2019, 2020, and 2021; and 

•  2020 – vest 33.33% per year over a three-year period at the first open period following the release  

of the Company’s year-end results for 2020, 2021, and 2022. 

conditions as follows:  

•  15% of each award is subject to a performance condition measuring the absolute compound annual 
growth in TSR performance of the Company over a three-year performance period. 25% of this part 
of the award vests for threshold performance (8% compound annual growth) by the Company, 
rising to 100% vesting of this part of the award for maximum performance (12% compound annual 
growth) by the Company or better. Performance between threshold and maximum is determined 
on a straight-line basis. 

•  The other 85% of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the Change in FCBVS 
over a three-year performance period. 25% of this part of the award will vest if Change in FCBVS 
over the performance period exceeds the criteria set out in the table on page 101, whilst all of this 
part of the award will vest if the Company’s Change in FCBVS is equal to the more stringent criteria 
set out in the table on page 101. Between these two points vesting will take place on a straight-line 
basis. Within the three-year performance period each of the separate financial years will be treated 
as a separate element, each one contributing one-third to the overall outcome of the vesting of this 
element of the RSS award. Details of this calculation method were disclosed on page 79 of the 2018 
Annual Report and Accounts. 

6.  Natalie Kershaw became an Executive Director effective 1 March 2020 after Elaine 

Whelan stepped-down from her role of Group CFO. All RSS awards have an expiry date 
of 10 years from the date on which they vested. 

7.  These RSS awards were granted to staff with no performance conditions attached. The 
awards were granted to Natalie Kershaw prior to becoming an Executive Director. 

8.  Elaine Whelan stood down from the Board on 28 February and retired from the Group 

on 31 August 2020. As a result of her retirement, the Board and Remuneration 
Committee determined it was appropriate to afford her ‘good leaver’ status for all 
vested and unvested RSS awards. All unvested performance RSS awards will vest on 
the usual vesting date with pro-rata lapse calculations applied. Performance RSS 
awards remain subject to the above performance conditions. Any deferred bonus RSS 
awards will vest upon their scheduled vest date. 

100  
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Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Elaine Whelan, 

Performance RSS2,3 

14-Mar-17 

180,441

– 31-Dec-19

Grant date1 

Exercise 

price

Awards 

Awards 

held at 

granted during 

Awards 

vested 

Awards 

lapsed 

Awards 

exercised 

Awards

 held at 

End of 

performance 

1-Jan-20

the year

during the year

during the year

during the year  

31-Dec-20

period

Former Group 

CFO & LICL 

CEO8 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

14-Mar-17 

Performance RSS3,5 

23-Feb-18 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

23-Feb-18 

Performance RSS3,5 

22-Feb-19 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

22-Feb-19 

Performance RSS3,5 

21-Feb-20 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

21-Feb-20 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

180,441

12,180

198,755

6,442

193,186

9,592

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

34,557

34,557

–

–

–

–

–

3,222

3,197

12,180

12,180 

–

30,243

– 

168,512 31-Dec-20

94,734

98,452 31-Dec-21

3,222 

3,220

3,197 

6,395

– 31-Dec-22

34,557

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

1.  The market values of the common shares on the dates of grant were: 

5.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

•  28 February 2013 £8.99 

•  12 February 2015 £6.36  

•  14 March 2017 £7.02 

•  15 February 2019 £6.37  

•  19 March 2013 £8.21 

•  19 February 2014 £7.34 

•  18 February 2016 £6.17 

•  26 February 2017 £6.81 

•  16 February 2018 £5.70  

•  23 February 2018 £5.69  

•  22 February 2019 £6.54 

•  21 February 2020 £7.61 

2.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

conditions which were disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts.  

3.  The vesting dates of the RSS performance awards are subject to being out of a closed 

period and are as follows: 

•  2018 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2020 year-end results; 

•  2019 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2021 year-end results; and 

•  2020 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2022 year-end results. 

4.  The vesting dates of the RSS deferred bonus awards are subject to being  

out of a closed period and, for the 2018 to 2020 deferred bonus awards,  

are as follows: 

•  2018 – vest 33.33% per year over a three-year period at the first open period following the release  

of the Company’s year-end results for 2018, 2019 and 2020;  

•  2019 – vest 33.33% per year over a three-year period at the first open period following the release  

of the Company’s year-end results for 2019, 2020, and 2021; and 

•  2020 – vest 33.33% per year over a three-year period at the first open period following the release  

of the Company’s year-end results for 2020, 2021, and 2022. 

conditions as follows:  

•  15% of each award is subject to a performance condition measuring the absolute compound annual 

growth in TSR performance of the Company over a three-year performance period. 25% of this part 

of the award vests for threshold performance (8% compound annual growth) by the Company, 

rising to 100% vesting of this part of the award for maximum performance (12% compound annual 

growth) by the Company or better. Performance between threshold and maximum is determined 

on a straight-line basis. 

•  The other 85% of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the Change in FCBVS 

over a three-year performance period. 25% of this part of the award will vest if Change in FCBVS 

over the performance period exceeds the criteria set out in the table on page 101, whilst all of this 

part of the award will vest if the Company’s Change in FCBVS is equal to the more stringent criteria 

set out in the table on page 101. Between these two points vesting will take place on a straight-line 

basis. Within the three-year performance period each of the separate financial years will be treated 

as a separate element, each one contributing one-third to the overall outcome of the vesting of this 

element of the RSS award. Details of this calculation method were disclosed on page 79 of the 2018 

Annual Report and Accounts. 

6.  Natalie Kershaw became an Executive Director effective 1 March 2020 after Elaine 

Whelan stepped-down from her role of Group CFO. All RSS awards have an expiry date 

of 10 years from the date on which they vested. 

7.  These RSS awards were granted to staff with no performance conditions attached. The 

awards were granted to Natalie Kershaw prior to becoming an Executive Director. 

8.  Elaine Whelan stood down from the Board on 28 February and retired from the Group 

on 31 August 2020. As a result of her retirement, the Board and Remuneration 

Committee determined it was appropriate to afford her ‘good leaver’ status for all 

vested and unvested RSS awards. All unvested performance RSS awards will vest on 

the usual vesting date with pro-rata lapse calculations applied. Performance RSS 

awards remain subject to the above performance conditions. Any deferred bonus RSS 

awards will vest upon their scheduled vest date. 

Performance and deferred bonus awards under the RSS continued 

Absolute compound annual growth in TSR targets for RSS (15% weighting)* 

100% 

25% 
Nil 

2018

12%
 8% 
< 8% 

2019

12%

8%
< 8%

Annual internal rate of return of the Change in FCBVS targets for RSS (85% weighting)* 

100% 

25% 
Nil 

2018

13%
 6% 
< 6% 

2019

13%

6%
< 6%

2020 

12% 

8% 
<8% 

2020 

13% 

6% 
<6% 

2021

12%

8%
<8%

2021

13%

6%
<6%

Total 

600,596

18,599

305,418

18,599 

311,136

*  See page 94 for the vesting methodology to be applied for the RSS awards. 

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests 
Formal shareholding guidelines were first introduced in 2012 and have subsequently been modified. The guidelines require the Group CEO and Group 
CFO to build and maintain a shareholding in the Company worth two times annual salary as set out in the Policy Report.  

Details of the Directors’ interests in shares are shown in the table below.  

Total as at 
1 January 2020 

1,629,084 
0 
1,254,702 

60,000 
15,000 
1,000 
5,356 
8,000 
1,422 

Number of common shares 

As at 31 December 2020 

Legally owned

693,445
0
671,977

Subject to 
performance 
conditions 
under the RSS

Unvested and 
not subject to 
performance 
conditions under 
the RSS 

Vested but 
unexercised 
awards under 
other share- 
based plans 

Subject to deferral 
under the RSS

Shareholding
guideline
achieved?

Total

64,001
0
44,172

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

882,969
133,216
391,941

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

0 
24,150 
0 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

55,122 

N/A  1,640,415
212,488
N/A  1,108,090

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Yes
No
Yes

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Directors 

Alex Maloney 
Natalie Kershaw 
Elaine Whelan 

Peter Clarke 
Michael Dawson 
Simon Fraser 
Samantha Hoe-Richardson  
Robert Lusardi 
Sally Williams 

Note: Share ownership interest equivalent is defined as wholly owned shares or the net of taxes value of RSS awards which have vested but are unexercised and the net of tax value  
of deferred bonus and/or non-performance RSS awards. Shares include those owned by persons closely associated with the relevant Executive Director.  

Elaine Whelan stood down from the Board on 28 February and retired from the Group on 31 August 2020. As a result of being an Executive Director prior 
to her retirement, Elaine is still bound by certain shareholding obligations. The above shareholdings disclosed for Elaine reflect her total shareholdings, 
both at the time of stepping down from the Board on 28 February 2020 and at 31 December 2020. 

The Committee has noted the shareholdings maintained by Natalie Kershaw during her first year as an Executive Director and considers that progress in 
establishing a shareholding has been made in accordance with guideline requirements. 

100  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

101 
101

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Performance graph and total remuneration history for Group CEO 
The following graph shows the Company’s performance, measured by TSR, compared with the performance of the FTSE 250 Index.  
The Company’s common shares commenced trading on the main market of the LSE on 16 March 2009 and the Company joined the FTSE 250 Index  
on 22 June 2009 and is currently a constituent of this. 

£

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Lancashire Holdings

FTSE 250 Index

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters)

This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2020, of £100 invested in LHL on 31 December 2010 compared with the value of £100 invested in the  
FTSE 250 Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends.  

The table below sets out the total single figure of remuneration for the CEOs over the last 10 years with the annual bonus paid as a percentage  
of the maximum and the percentage of long-term share awards vesting in each year. 

Total remuneration ($000s) 

9,623 

10,460 

10,175

10,072 

2011 

2012 

2013

20141

20142

2,405 

2015

3,853

2016

3,800

2017 

2018 

2019

1,943 

1,431 

3,054

Annual bonus  
(% of maximum) 
LTI vesting (%) 

73 
100 

73 
99 

80
100

80 
611

73 
50 

72
75

76
67

17 
22.5 

19 
0 

80
0

2020

4,137

60
48.2

1.  Richard Brindle was the Group CEO from 2005 until he retired from the Group and as a Director on 30 April 2014. Mr Brindle was afforded good leaver status and all RSS award 

interests were vested upon his departure, using estimated TSR and RoE values (as then defined) at the time of his retirement. The amounts in the table above reflect all awards which 
vested in 2014. Further particulars of the vesting were reported in the Group’s 2014 Annual Report and Accounts. 

2.  Alex Maloney was appointed Group CEO effective 1 May 2014, after the retirement of Mr Brindle. For the purposes of this table his numbers have been pro-rated to account for only  

his time in office as CEO for 2014.  

The table above shows the total remuneration figure for the former Group CEO during each of the relevant financial years; figures for the current Group 
CEO are shown since his appointment to the position on 1 May 2014. The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus and LTI awards which 
vested based on performance in those years. The annual bonus and LTI percentages show the payout for each year as a percentage of the maximum. 

102  
102

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Performance graph and total remuneration history for Group CEO 

The following graph shows the Company’s performance, measured by TSR, compared with the performance of the FTSE 250 Index.  

The Company’s common shares commenced trading on the main market of the LSE on 16 March 2009 and the Company joined the FTSE 250 Index  

on 22 June 2009 and is currently a constituent of this. 

Percentage change in Directors’ remuneration 
The following table sets out the percentage change in the aggregate value of salary, benefits and bonus for the Directors from the preceding year and the 
average percentage change in respect of the employees of the Group taken as a whole. 

This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2020, of £100 invested in LHL on 31 December 2010 compared with the value of £100 invested in the  

FTSE 250 Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends.  

The table below sets out the total single figure of remuneration for the CEOs over the last 10 years with the annual bonus paid as a percentage  

of the maximum and the percentage of long-term share awards vesting in each year. 

Total remuneration ($000s) 

9,623 

10,460 

10,175

10,072 

2011 

2012 

2013

20141

20142

2,405 

2015

3,853

2016

3,800

2017 

2018 

2019

1,943 

1,431 

3,054

Annual bonus  

(% of maximum) 

LTI vesting (%) 

73 

100 

73 

99 

80

100

80 

611

73 

50 

72

75

76

67

17 

22.5 

19 

0 

80

0

2020

4,137

60

48.2

1.  Richard Brindle was the Group CEO from 2005 until he retired from the Group and as a Director on 30 April 2014. Mr Brindle was afforded good leaver status and all RSS award 

interests were vested upon his departure, using estimated TSR and RoE values (as then defined) at the time of his retirement. The amounts in the table above reflect all awards which 

vested in 2014. Further particulars of the vesting were reported in the Group’s 2014 Annual Report and Accounts. 

2.  Alex Maloney was appointed Group CEO effective 1 May 2014, after the retirement of Mr Brindle. For the purposes of this table his numbers have been pro-rated to account for only  

his time in office as CEO for 2014.  

The table above shows the total remuneration figure for the former Group CEO during each of the relevant financial years; figures for the current Group 

CEO are shown since his appointment to the position on 1 May 2014. The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus and LTI awards which 

vested based on performance in those years. The annual bonus and LTI percentages show the payout for each year as a percentage of the maximum. 

Executive Directors 
Alex Maloney3 
Natalie Kershaw4 
Elaine Whelan5 

Non-Executive Directors  

Peter Clarke 

Michael Dawson 

Simon Fraser 

Samantha Hoe-Richardson  

Robert Lusardi 

Sally Williams 
Employees of the parent company6 
Employees of the Group7 

Base salary/ 

Fees 

Benefits1

Bonus2

3.1 
N/A 

N/A 

0

N/A

N/A

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

0

0

0

0

0

N/A 

8.7 

N/A

17.5

-27.9

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

4.3

1.  Benefits include pension and all taxable benefits as reported on page 95 in the single figure of remuneration table. 
2.  The year-on-year bonus decrease reflects the more active loss environment and the lower performance year observed in 2020 compared to the prior 2019 year. 
3.  The underlying salary increase from 2019 to 2020 for the Group CEO was 3%. However amounts were paid in Sterling and converted at the average exchange rate of 1.2777 for the 

year, which has resulted in the overall 3.1% base salary year-on-year change above. 

4.  Natalie Kershaw was appointed as an Executive Director effective 1 March 2020 and therefore 2019 figures for when she did not provide qualifying services have not been reported. 
5.  Elaine Whelan stepped down as a Director on 28 February 2020 therefore her compensation for 2020 is pro-rated and not comparable to the full-year 2019 data. 
6.  As the parent company does not have any employees, it is not possible to provide a percentage change in their pay and therefore the comparison is to the Group as a whole. 
7.  The underlying salary increase from 2019 to 2020 for Group employees was a standard 3%. The 8.7% increase reflects headcount increases across all locations, staff promotions and 

other adjustments made during the year. 

Relative importance of the spend on pay 
The following table sets out the percentage change in dividends and overall spend on pay in the year ended 31 December 2020 compared with the year 
ended 31 December 2019.  

Employee remuneration costs 
Dividends 

2020 
$m 

86.6 
32.3 

2019
$m

78.5
30.2

Percentage change
%

10.3
7.0

The principal factor influencing the year-on-year increase in employee remuneration costs reflects headcount increases across all locations, staff 
promotions and other adjustments made during the year. The Group has not utilised any COVID-19 related government grants or financial support 
programme and no employees have been furloughed during the year ended 31 December 2020. 

CEO pay ratio 
The Group has fewer than 250 UK employees and is not subject to the UK regulations governing CEO pay ratio reporting. 

Committee members, attendees and advice 
For Remuneration Committee membership and attendance at meetings through 2020, please refer to page 80 of this Annual Report and Accounts.  
The Remuneration Committee’s responsibilities are contained in its Terms of Reference, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website.  
These responsibilities include determining the framework for the remuneration, including pension arrangements, for all Executive Directors, the 
Chairman and senior executives. The Committee is also responsible for approving employment contracts for senior executives. 

102  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

103 
www.lancashiregroup.com 103

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E M U N E R A T I O N   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D  

Remuneration Committee adviser 
The Remuneration Committee is advised by the Executive Compensation practice at Alvarez & Marsal Taxand UK LLP (‘A&M’). A&M was appointed by 
the Remuneration Committee during 2020 following the departure of the lead adviser from Aon plc (‘Aon’). A&M has discussions with the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman regularly on Committee processes and topics which are of particular relevance to the Company.  

The primary role of A&M (and previously Aon) is to provide independent and objective advice and support to the Committee’s Chairman and members. 
The Committee is satisfied that the advice that it receives is objective and independent. A&M (and previously Aon) is also a signatory to the 
Remuneration Consultants Group (‘RCG’) Code of Conduct which sets out guidelines for managing conflicts of interest, and has confirmed to the 
Committee its compliance with the RCG Code.  

The total fees paid to Aon in respect of its services to the Committee for the year ended 31 December 2020 were $19,148 and to A&M in respect of its 
services to the Committee for the year ended 31 December 2020 were $6,798, for a combined total of $25,946 in fees in respect of 2020 (2019 – 
$81,643 to Aon alone). Fees are predominantly charged on a ‘time spent’ basis. The Committee intends to run a tender process for remuneration 
advisory services during 2021. 

Engagement with shareholders 
Details of votes cast for and against the resolution to approve last year’s Remuneration Report are shown below along with the votes to approve the 
2020 Remuneration Policy; any matters discussed with shareholders during the year are provided in the Annual Statement for 2020 starting on page 82.  

Vote to approve 2019 Annual Report  
on Remuneration (at the 2020 AGM) 

Vote to approve 2020-2022 
Remuneration Policy (at the 2020 AGM) 

Total number 
of votes

% of 
 votes cast 

Total number 
of votes

141,112,616
13,096,400

154,209,016
4,427,849

91.5 
8.5 

100.0 

139,296,316
18,944,612

158,240,928
395,937

% of
 votes cast

88.0
12.0

100.0

For  
Against 

Total 
Abstentions 

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board. 

Simon Fraser 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

9 February 2021 

104  
104

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E P O R T

Overview of the Group
LHL is a Bermuda incorporated company (Registered Company No. 37415) with operating subsidiaries in Bermuda and London, and two syndicates 
at Lloyd’s.

The Company’s common shares were admitted to trading on AIM in December 2005 and were subsequently moved up to the Official List and to 
trading on the main market of the LSE on 16 March 2009. The shares have been included in the FTSE 250 Index since 22 June 2009 and have a 
premium listing on the LSE.

Principal activities
The Company’s principal activity, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the provision of global specialty insurance and reinsurance products. 
On 7 November 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of CCL, the holding company of LSL, and in June 2013 established LCM, a third-
party capital and underwriting management facility, to complement the Group’s longstanding specialty insurance activities. An analysis of the 
Group’s business performance can be found in the business review on pages 25 to 29.

Dividends
During the year ended 31 December 2020, the following dividends were declared:

•  a final dividend of $0.10 per common share was declared on 12 February 2020 subject to shareholder approval, which was received at the 2020 
AGM. The final dividend was paid on 5 June 2020 in pounds sterling at the pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.23195 or £0.08117 per common 
share; and

•  an interim dividend of $0.05 per common share was declared on 28 July 2020 and paid on 11 September 2020 in pounds sterling at the 

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.31045 or £0.03815 per common share.

Dividend policy
The Group intends to maintain a strong balance sheet at all times, while generating an attractive risk-adjusted total return for shareholders. We 
actively manage capital to achieve those aims. Capital management is expected to include the payment of a sustainable annual (interim and final) 
ordinary dividend, supplemented by special dividends from time-to-time. Dividends will be linked to past performance and future prospects.

Under most scenarios, the annual ordinary dividend is not expected to reduce from one year to the next. Special dividends are expected to vary 
substantially in size and in timing. The Board may cancel the payment of any dividend between declaration and payment for purposes of 
compliance with regulatory requirements or for exceptional business reasons.

Current Directors
•  Peter Clarke (Non-Executive Chairman)
•  Alex Maloney (Chief Executive Officer)
•  Natalie Kershaw (Chief Financial Officer)
•  Michael Dawson (Non-Executive Director)
•  Simon Fraser (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director)
•  Samantha Hoe-Richardson (Non-Executive Director)
•  Robert Lusardi (Non-Executive Director)
•  Sally Williams (Non-Executive Director)

www.lancashiregroup.com 105

GovernanceD I R E C T O R S ’   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D

Directors’ interests
The Directors’ beneficial interests in the Company’s common shares as at 31 December 2020 and 2019, including interests held by family 
members, were as follows:

Directors
Peter Clarke
Michael Dawson
Simon Fraser
Samantha Hoe-Richardson
Natalie Kershaw1
Robert Lusardi
Alex Maloney2
Elaine Whelan3
Sally Williams

Common 
shares  
held as at  
31 December 
2020
60,000
15,000
1,000
5,356
–
8,000
693,445
671,997
1,422

Common 
shares  
held as at  
31 December 
2019
60,000
15,000
1,000
5,356
N/A
8,000
679,308
654,106
1,422

There have been no changes in Directors’ shareholdings between the end of the financial year and the date of this Annual Report and Accounts.

1.  Natalie Kershaw was appointed to the Board with effect from 1 March 2020.
2.  Includes 155,722 shares owned by his spouse, Amanda Maloney. Alex Maloney conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2020:

•  26 February 2020 – exercise of 17,738 deferred bonus RSS awards and related sale of 12,621 shares to cover tax liabilities, at a price of £7.64 realising £96,487.54.

3.  Elaine Whelan ceased being a Director on 28 February 2020. Includes 11,590 shares owned by her spouse, Kilian Whelan. Elaine Whelan conducted the following transactions 

in the Company’s shares during 2020:
•  19 February 2020 – exercise of 18,599 deferred bonus RSS awards and related sale of 728 shares to cover tax liabilities, at a price of £7.98 realising £5,813.08.

Transactions in own shares
The Company did not repurchase any of its own common shares during 2020 or 2019.

The Company’s current repurchase programme has 20,294,192 common shares remaining to be purchased as at 31 December 2020 
(approximately $200.1 million at the 31 December 2020 share price). Further details of the share repurchase authority and programme are set out 
in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements on page 172. The repurchase programme is subject to renewal at the 2021 AGM for an amount 
of up to 10% of the then issued common share capital.

Directors’ remuneration
Details of the Directors’ remuneration are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 82 to 104.

106

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Substantial shareholders
As at 9 February 2021, the Company was aware of the following interests of 3% or more in the Company’s issued share capital:

Name
Setanta Asset Management Limited
Baillie Gifford
BlackRock, Inc.
Troy Asset Management Limited
Wellington Management
Vanguard Group
Polar Capital
GLG Partners
Frank W Cawood & Associates
Invesco

Number of 
shares as at  
9 February 
2021
22,687,173
17,337,051
16,020,519
13,688,024
11,879,139
11,444,676
11,247,392
9,467,643
9,302,300
7,932,821

% of shares  
in issue
9.30
7.11
6.57
5.61
4.87
4.69
4.61
3.88
3.81
3.25

Corporate governance – compliance statement
The Company’s compliance with the Code is detailed in the environment & social reporting and governance sections of this Annual Report and 
Accounts on pages 42 to 66 and more particularly in Peter Clarke’s introduction to those sections on page 42.

The Board considers, and the Company confirms, in accordance with the principle of ‘comply or explain’ that the Company has applied the principles 
and complied with the provisions and guidance set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code throughout the year ended 31 December 2020.

Health and safety
The Group considers the health and safety of its employees to be a management responsibility equal to that of any other function.

The Group operates in compliance with health and safety legislative requirements in Bermuda and the UK.

Greenhouse gas emissions
The Group’s greenhouse gas emissions are detailed in the engagement and sustainability section of this Annual Report and Accounts on page 53.

Employees
The Group is an equal opportunities employer and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in any area of employment or corporate life. The 
Group believes that education and training for employees is a continuous process and employees are encouraged to discuss training needs with 
their managers. The Group’s health and safety, equal opportunities, training and other employment policies are available to all employees in the 
staff handbook which is located on the Group’s intranet.

Creditor payment policy
The Group aims to pay all creditors promptly and in accordance with contractual and legal obligations.

Financial instruments and risk exposures
Information regarding the Group’s risk exposures is included in the ERM report on pages 30 to 33 and in the risk disclosures section on pages 131 
to 152 of the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s use of derivative financial instruments can be found on pages 128 to 129.

Accounting standards
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. Where IFRS is 
silent, as it is in respect of certain aspects relating to the measurement of insurance products, the IFRS framework allows reference to another 
comprehensive body of accounting principles. In such instances, the Group’s management determines appropriate measurement bases, to provide 
the most useful information to users of the consolidated financial statements, using their judgement and considering U.S. GAAP.

www.lancashiregroup.com

107

GovernanceD I R E C T O R S ’   R E P O R T   C O N T I N U E D

Annual General Meeting
The Notice of the 2021 AGM, to be held on 28 April 2021 at the Company’s head office, Power House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, 
Bermuda, is contained in a separate circular to shareholders which is made available to shareholders at the same time as this Annual Report and 
Accounts. The Notice of the AGM is also available on the Company’s website.

Electronic and website communications
Provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 enable companies to communicate with shareholders by electronic and/or website 
communications. The Company will notify shareholders (either in writing or by other permitted means) when a relevant document or other 
information is placed on the website and a shareholder may request a hard copy version of the document or information.

Going concern and viability statement 
The business review section on pages 25 to 29 sets out details of the Group’s financial performance, capital management, business environment 
and outlook. In addition, further discussion of the principal risks and material uncertainties affecting the Group can be found on pages 34 to 41. 
Starting on page 131, the risk disclosures section of the consolidated financial statements sets out the principal risks to which the Group is 
exposed, including insurance, climate change, pandemic, market, liquidity, credit, operational and strategic, together with the Group’s policies for 
monitoring, managing and mitigating its exposures to these risks. The Board considers annually and on a rolling basis a three-year strategic plan 
for the business which the Company progressively implements. A three-year plan period aligns to the short-tail nature of the Group’s liabilities 
and the agility in the business model, allowing the Group to adapt capital and solvency quickly in response to market cycles, events and 
opportunities. This is consistent with the outlook period in the Group’s ORSA report. The three-year strategic plan was last approved by the Board 
on 28 July 2020. The Board receives quarterly reports from the Group CRO and sets, approves and monitors risk tolerances for the business.

During 2020, the Board carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business 
model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. As part of this assessment the business plan was stressed for a number of severe but plausible 
scenarios and the impact on capital evaluated. As we note in the Audit Committee report on page 67 and throughout this Annual Report and 
Accounts, the Board had a particular focus on the impacts of COVID-19, as a liability event impacting the policies underwritten by the Group, as a 
shock to the global investment markets, as an operational risk to the business and in terms of the strategic risks and opportunities posed. The 
Audit Committee also considered a formal and thorough ‘going concern’ analysis from management at both its July 2020 and February 2021 
meetings (for further details see page 71 in the Audit Committee report). The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its 
business risks successfully, having taken into account the current economic outlook. Accordingly, the Board believes that, taking into account the 
Group’s current position, and subject to the principal risks faced by the business, the Group will be able to continue in operation and to meet its 
liabilities as they fall due for the period up to 31 December 2023, being the period considered under the Group’s current three-year strategic plan.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over 
the period to 31 December 2023. Accordingly, the Board has adopted and continues to consider appropriate the going concern basis in preparing 
the Annual Report and Accounts.

Auditors
Resolutions will be proposed at the Company’s 2021 AGM to re-appoint KPMG LLP as the Company’s auditors and to authorise the Directors to 
set the auditors’ remuneration.

Disclosure of information to the auditors
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of this Annual Report and Accounts confirms that:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and
•  the Director has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant 

audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board.

Christopher Head
Company Secretary

9 February 2021

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S T A T E M E N T   O F   D I R E C T O R S ’   R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts and the Group’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of 
the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that year. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 
as adopted by the EU. Where IFRS, as adopted by the EU, is silent, as it is in respect of certain aspects relating to the measurement of insurance 
products, the IFRS framework allows reference to another comprehensive body of accounting principles. In such instances, the Group’s 
management determines appropriate measurement bases to provide the most useful information to users of the consolidated financial 
statements, using their judgement and considering U.S. GAAP. Further detail on the basis of preparation is described in the consolidated financial 
statements.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable;
•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU;
•  state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Group’s 

consolidated financial statements;

•  provide additional disclosures where compliance with the specific requirements of IFRS as adopted by the EU are considered to be insufficient to 

enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, events and conditions on the financial position and performance;

•  assess the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and
•  use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations or have no realistic alternative 

but to do so.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group, and enable them to ensure that the consolidated financial 
statements comply with applicable laws and regulations. They are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and also 
have general responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the Group, and hence for taking reasonable steps for prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

Directors’ responsibility statement
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

•  the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 

financial position and profit of the Group;

•  the Board considers the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 

necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy; and

•  the strategy and the business review sections of this Annual Report and Accounts include a fair review of the development and performance of 

the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Group faces.

Legislation in Bermuda governing the preparation and dissemination of the consolidated financial statements may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. In addition, the rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from those for shareholders of companies incorporated in 
other jurisdictions.

By order of the Board

9 February 2021

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T O   T H E   M E M B E R S   O F   L A N C A S H I R E   H O L D I N G S   L I M I T E D  

1.  Our opinion is unmodified 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Lancashire Holdings Limited (“the Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2020 which 
comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ 
equity, the statement of consolidated cash flows, and the related notes, including the accounting policies on pages 124 to 130. 

In our opinion the consolidated financial statements: 

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of its profit for the year then ended; and 
•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are described 
below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our 
report to the Audit Committee.  

We were first appointed as auditor by the shareholders on 3 May 2017. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the four financial years 
ended 31 December 2020. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical 
requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard 
were provided.  

2.  Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements 
and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had the 
greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. We summarise 
below the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to 
address those matters and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results 
are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, 
and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Valuation of insurance contract liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a gross basis and net of 
outwards reinsurance 
(2020: $952.8 million gross, $614.1 million net of outwards reinsurance, of which incurred but not reported represented $422.7 million gross, $211.1 
million net of outwards reinsurance; 2019: $874.5 million gross, $547.0 million net of outwards reinsurance, of which incurred but not reported 
represented $383.7 million gross, $168.2 million net of outwards reinsurance) 

Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 127 and 128 (accounting policy) and pages 166 to 168 (financial disclosures) 

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T O   T H E   M E M B E R S   O F   L A N C A S H I R E   H O L D I N G S   L I M I T E D  

1.  Our opinion is unmodified 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Lancashire Holdings Limited (“the Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2020 which 

comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ 

equity, the statement of consolidated cash flows, and the related notes, including the accounting policies on pages 124 to 130. 

In our opinion the consolidated financial statements: 

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of its profit for the year then ended; and 

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. 

Basis for opinion 

report to the Audit Committee.  

were provided.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are described 

below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our 

We were first appointed as auditor by the shareholders on 3 May 2017. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the four financial years 

ended 31 December 2020. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical 

requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard 

2.  Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements 

and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had the 

greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. We summarise 

below the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to 

address those matters and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results 

are based on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, 

and in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Valuation of insurance contract liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a gross basis and net of 

outwards reinsurance 

(2020: $952.8 million gross, $614.1 million net of outwards reinsurance, of which incurred but not reported represented $422.7 million gross, $211.1 

million net of outwards reinsurance; 2019: $874.5 million gross, $547.0 million net of outwards reinsurance, of which incurred but not reported 

represented $383.7 million gross, $168.2 million net of outwards reinsurance) 

Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 127 and 128 (accounting policy) and pages 166 to 168 (financial disclosures) 

Risk vs 2019: ◄ ► 

Risk 

The Group maintains insurance contract liabilities to cover the estimated 
ultimate cost of settling all losses and loss adjustment expenses arising 
from events, including any arising from the COVID-19 global pandemic 
which have occurred up to the balance sheet date, regardless of whether 
those losses have been reported to the Group. 

Subjective valuation: 

Insurance contract liabilities represent the single largest liability for the 
Group. Valuation of these liabilities is highly judgemental because it 
requires a number of assumptions to be made with high estimation 
uncertainty such as initial expected loss ratios, estimates of ultimate 
premium, claim development patterns and rate changes. The 
determination and application of the methodology and performance of 
the calculations are also complex. 

These judgemental and complex calculations for insurance 
contract liabilities are also used to derive the valuation of the 
related reinsurance assets. 

In setting the provision for insurance contract liabilities, an allowance is 
made for specific risks. The determination of the allowance is a subjective 
judgement based on the perceived uncertainty and potential for volatility 
in the underlying claims. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that valuation of gross and net insurance contract liabilities 
for losses and loss adjustment expenses has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than 
our materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and 
possibly many times that amount. The consolidated financial statements 
(note 13) discloses the sensitivity estimated by the Group. 

Completeness and accuracy of data: 

For the 2020 year end audit the completeness and accuracy of data no 
longer forms part of our key audit matter. Whilst the valuation of 
insurance liabilities depends on complete and accurate data over the 
volume, amount and pattern of current and historical claims we no longer 
view this to be part of our key audit matter. Specifically, we note that the 
data involved is of low complexity and subjectivity and has low estimation 
uncertainty. There is also no manual manipulation of data within the 
process. This view is aligned across all the components in the Group. 

Response 

  We have used our own actuarial specialists to assist us in performing our 

procedures in this area. 

Our procedures included: 

•  Control operation 
Evaluating and testing the design and implementation of key controls 
around the review and approval of reserves.  

Due to the nature of this balance we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through detailed substantive procedures as outlined 
below. As such, the work over the operation of controls is used to support 
our conclusions to the extent that the necessary evidence around key 
controls could be obtained. 

•  Assessment of assumptions and methodology 
Assessing and challenging the reserving assumptions and methodology 
(on a gross basis and net of outwards reinsurance) for reasonableness and 
consistency year on year based on our knowledge and understanding of 
the reserving policy within the Group. This has also involved comparing 
the Group’s reserving methodology with industry practice and 
understanding the rationale for any key differences. 

•  Historical experience 
Challenging the quality of the Group’s historical reserving estimates by 
monitoring the development of losses against initial estimates. 

•  Independent re-projections 
Applying our own assumptions, across all attritional classes of business, to 
perform re-projections on the insurance contract liabilities on both a gross 
and net basis and comparing these to the Group’s projected results 
including any allowance for specific risks. Where there were significant 
variances in the results, we have challenged the Group’s assumptions. 

•  Sector experience and benchmarking of large losses 
Assessing and challenging the reserving assumptions by comparing the 
Group’s loss experience to peers in the market, on a gross and net basis, 
including on a contract by contract basis for large loss and catastrophe 
events. A large loss is defined as a single loss or event greater than $5m 
on a gross ultimate basis. 

In addition to the procedures above, the audit team performed the 
following procedures: 

•  Assessing transparency 
Considering the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of the 
valuation of insurance liabilities. 

Our Results 

We found the valuation of the gross and net insurance contract 
liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses to be acceptable 
(2019 result: acceptable). 

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Valuation of premiums receivable from insureds and cedants which are estimated  
(2020: $371.9 million, 2019: $350.5 million) included within inwards premiums receivable from insureds and cedants 

Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 127 (accounting policy) and page 168 (financial disclosures) 

Risk vs 2019: ◄ ► 

Risk 

Subjective valuation: 

Response 

  Our procedures included: 

There is a material proportion of premiums written through the syndicates 
and UK insurer, pricing for which is based on a best estimate of ultimate 
premiums. Judgement is involved in determining the ultimate estimates in 
order to establish the appropriate premium value and, ultimately, the cash 
to be received. As updated information is received over the life of the 
contract, adjustments are made to the premium recognised with inwards 
premiums receivable from insureds and cedants recorded on the 
consolidated balance sheet at the year end. 

Adjustments are made to gross premiums written to reflect the underlying 
adjustment to ultimate premium estimates such as declarations received 
on binding authority contracts, reinstatement premiums on reinsurance 
contracts and other routine adjustments to premium income due to 
policy amendments. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that the valuation of inwards premiums receivable from 
insureds and cedants at the year-end has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than 
our materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and 
possibly many times that amount. 

It should however be noted that it is only a portion of the inwards 
premiums receivable from insureds and cedants balance (and of total 
gross premiums written in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income) that is subject to this valuation risk. 

•  Control operation 
Evaluating and testing the design and implementation of key controls over 
the periodic review of premium estimates booked.  

Due to the nature of this balance we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through detailed substantive procedures as outlined 
below. As such, the work over the operation of controls is used to support 
our conclusions to the extent that the necessary evidence around key 
controls could be obtained. 

•  Methodology assessment 
Assessing estimated premium balances for a sample of policies, including 
consideration of the basis of estimation, and consistency in estimation 
methodology over time.  

•  Retrospective analysis 
Assessing the Group’s past expertise in making premium estimates 
by comparing the estimates and actuals for prior years. 

•  Assessing transparency 
Considering the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of the 
valuation of premiums which are estimated. 

Our Results 

We found the valuation of premium estimates to be acceptable (2019 
result: acceptable). 

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Valuation of premiums receivable from insureds and cedants which are estimated  

(2020: $371.9 million, 2019: $350.5 million) included within inwards premiums receivable from insureds and cedants 

Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 127 (accounting policy) and page 168 (financial disclosures) 

Risk vs 2019: ◄ ► 

Risk 

Subjective valuation: 

Response 

  Our procedures included: 

There is a material proportion of premiums written through the syndicates 

•  Control operation 

and UK insurer, pricing for which is based on a best estimate of ultimate 

premiums. Judgement is involved in determining the ultimate estimates in 

order to establish the appropriate premium value and, ultimately, the cash 

to be received. As updated information is received over the life of the 

contract, adjustments are made to the premium recognised with inwards 

premiums receivable from insureds and cedants recorded on the 

consolidated balance sheet at the year end. 

Adjustments are made to gross premiums written to reflect the underlying 

adjustment to ultimate premium estimates such as declarations received 

on binding authority contracts, reinstatement premiums on reinsurance 

contracts and other routine adjustments to premium income due to 

policy amendments. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we 

determined that the valuation of inwards premiums receivable from 

insureds and cedants at the year-end has a high degree of estimation 

uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater than 

our materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and 

possibly many times that amount. 

Evaluating and testing the design and implementation of key controls over 

the periodic review of premium estimates booked.  

Due to the nature of this balance we would expect to obtain audit 

evidence primarily through detailed substantive procedures as outlined 

below. As such, the work over the operation of controls is used to support 

our conclusions to the extent that the necessary evidence around key 

controls could be obtained. 

•  Methodology assessment 

methodology over time.  

•  Retrospective analysis 

Assessing estimated premium balances for a sample of policies, including 

consideration of the basis of estimation, and consistency in estimation 

Assessing the Group’s past expertise in making premium estimates 

by comparing the estimates and actuals for prior years. 

•  Assessing transparency 

Considering the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of the 

valuation of premiums which are estimated. 

It should however be noted that it is only a portion of the inwards 

premiums receivable from insureds and cedants balance (and of total 

gross premiums written in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income) that is subject to this valuation risk. 

Our Results 

result: acceptable). 

We found the valuation of premium estimates to be acceptable (2019 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets  
(2020: $154.5 million, 2019: $154.5 million) comprised of syndicate participation rights (2020: $83.3 million, 2019: $83.3 million) and goodwill  
(2020: $71.2 million, 2019: $71.2 million) 

Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 126 (accounting policy) and pages 169 and 170 (financial disclosures) 

New risk  

Risk 

Forecast-based assessment:  

The impairment of goodwill and intangible assets has been elevated to a 
significant risk area for the 2020 audit. Goodwill and intangible assets are 
significant and at risk of irrecoverability due to the current global 
economic conditions as well as the historical financial performance. The 
estimated recoverable amount, based on a value in use calculation, is 
subjective due to the inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting and 
discounting future cash flows. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, 
we determined that the value in use of goodwill and intangible assets has 
a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of 
reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the consolidated 
financial statements as a whole. 

Response 

  Our procedures included: 

•  Control operation 
Evaluating and testing the design and implementation of key controls over 
the Group’s business planning procedures upon which the cash flow 
forecasts are based.  

Due to the nature of this balance we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through detailed substantive procedures as outlined 
below. As such, the work over the operation of controls is used to support 
our conclusions to the extent that the necessary evidence around key 
controls could be obtained. 

•  Sector experience 
Evaluating assumptions used, in particular those relating to expected 
future market conditions, gross written premium growth rates, outwards 
reinsurance expenditure, projected loss ratios and investment returns. 

•  Methodology assessment 
Assessing and challenging both the value in use model used by the Group 
and the inputs to that calculation including the key assumptions 
noted above. 

•  Retrospective analysis 
Assessing the Group’s past expertise in forecasting cash flows by 
comparing forecasts to actuals for prior years.  

•  Benchmarking assumptions 
Comparing the Group’s assumptions to externally derived data in relation 
to key inputs such as projected economic growth, rating environment, and 
discount rates. 

•  Sensitivity analysis 
Performing sensitivity analysis over all the inputs into the value in use 
model and determining the impact on headroom. The analysis also 
included consideration of reasonably probable changes in the inputs 
noted above 

•  Assessing transparency 
Assessing whether the Group’s disclosures about the sensitivity of the 
outcome of the impairment assessment to changes in key assumptions 
reflected the risks inherent in the valuation of goodwill and 
intangible assets. 

Our Results 

We found the Group’s conclusion that there is no impairment of goodwill 
and intangible assets to be acceptable (2019 result: acceptable).  

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T O   T H E   M E M B E R S   O F   L A N C A S H I R E   H O L D I N G S   L I M I T E D   C O N T I N U E D  

Valuation of level 3 investments 
(2020: $178.1 million, 2019: $165.5 million) 

Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 128 (accounting policy) and pages 161 to 164 (financial disclosures) 

Risk vs 2019: ◄ ► 

Risk 

Subjective valuation: 

Response 

  Our procedures included: 

A proportion of the Group’s invested assets comprise holdings in hedge 
and private investment funds which are classified as level 3 investments. 
During the year, the Group has reduced its hedge fund portfolio, and 
increased its holding in private investment funds.  

The valuation of these investments are based on fund manager’s valuation 
reports. These assets are inherently harder to value due to the inability to 
obtain a market price of these assets as at the balance sheet date.  

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we 
determined that valuation of level 3 investments has a high degree of 
estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes 
greater than our materiality for the consolidated financial statements as 
a whole, and possibly many times that amount. 

•  Control operation 
Evaluating and testing the design and implementation of the controls 
associated with the valuation of level 3 investments.  

Due to the nature of this balance we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through detailed substantive procedures as outlined 
below. As such, the work over the operation of controls is used to support 
our conclusions to the extent that the necessary evidence around key 
controls could be obtained. 

•  Comparing valuations 
Obtaining the fund manager’s valuation reports and comparing the 
valuations recorded by the Group to assess for any material 
valuation differences. 

•  Benchmarking hedge funds & private debt funds 
Understanding the strategy for each investment fund held by the Group to 
identify relevant comparable indices and comparing their valuations with 
the hedge and private investment funds held by the Group. Where this 
benchmarking identifies a material difference we investigate the possible 
reasons for differences and assess if any adjustment is required at 
the year-end. 

•  Historical accuracy 
Retrospectively assessing the historical accuracy of the valuations used by 
the Group by comparing interim fund manager valuation reports to the 
final year-end reports for prior periods. Where this identifies a material 
difference we investigate the possible reasons for differences and assess if 
any adjustment is required at the year-end. 

•  Assessing transparency 
Considering the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of the 
valuation of level 3 investments. 

Our Results 

We found the valuation of Level 3 investments to be acceptable (2019 
result: acceptable). 

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Refer to page 71 (Audit Committee report), page 128 (accounting policy) and pages 161 to 164 (financial disclosures) 

Valuation of level 3 investments 

(2020: $178.1 million, 2019: $165.5 million) 

Risk vs 2019: ◄ ► 

Risk 

Subjective valuation: 

A proportion of the Group’s invested assets comprise holdings in hedge 

and private investment funds which are classified as level 3 investments. 

During the year, the Group has reduced its hedge fund portfolio, and 

increased its holding in private investment funds.  

The valuation of these investments are based on fund manager’s valuation 

reports. These assets are inherently harder to value due to the inability to 

obtain a market price of these assets as at the balance sheet date.  

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk assessment, we 

determined that valuation of level 3 investments has a high degree of 

estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable outcomes 

greater than our materiality for the consolidated financial statements as 

a whole, and possibly many times that amount. 

Response 

  Our procedures included: 

•  Control operation 

Evaluating and testing the design and implementation of the controls 

associated with the valuation of level 3 investments.  

Due to the nature of this balance we would expect to obtain audit 

evidence primarily through detailed substantive procedures as outlined 

below. As such, the work over the operation of controls is used to support 

our conclusions to the extent that the necessary evidence around key 

controls could be obtained. 

•  Comparing valuations 

Obtaining the fund manager’s valuation reports and comparing the 

valuations recorded by the Group to assess for any material 

valuation differences. 

•  Benchmarking hedge funds & private debt funds 

Understanding the strategy for each investment fund held by the Group to 

identify relevant comparable indices and comparing their valuations with 

the hedge and private investment funds held by the Group. Where this 

benchmarking identifies a material difference we investigate the possible 

reasons for differences and assess if any adjustment is required at 

the year-end. 

•  Historical accuracy 

Retrospectively assessing the historical accuracy of the valuations used by 

the Group by comparing interim fund manager valuation reports to the 

final year-end reports for prior periods. Where this identifies a material 

difference we investigate the possible reasons for differences and assess if 

any adjustment is required at the year-end. 

•  Assessing transparency 

Considering the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in respect of the 

valuation of level 3 investments. 

Our Results 

result: acceptable). 

We found the valuation of Level 3 investments to be acceptable (2019 

3.  Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit 
Materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole was set at $7.3 million (2019: $6.3 million), determined with reference to a benchmark of 
gross premiums written (2019: gross premiums written), of which it represents 0.9% (2019: 0.9%). We consider gross premiums written to be the most 
appropriate benchmark given the size and complexity of the business and as it provides a stable measure year on year. We also compared our materiality 
against other relevant benchmarks (total assets, net assets and profit before tax) to ensure the materiality selected was appropriate for our audit. 

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on individual account balances and disclosures were performed to a lower threshold, performance 
materiality, so as to reduce to an acceptable level the risk that individually immaterial misstatements in individual account balances add up to a material 
amount across the consolidated financial statements as a whole.  

Performance materiality for the Group was set at 75% (2019: 75%) of materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole, which equates to 
$5.4 million (2019: $4.8million). We applied this percentage in our determination of performance materiality because we did not identify any factors 
indicating an elevated level of risk. 

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding $0.3 million (2019: $0.3 million), 
in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Of the Group’s nine (2019: nine) reporting components we subjected five (2019: five) to full scope audits for Group purposes which were the parent 
company, UK insurance company, Bermudan insurance company, UK service entity and the Group’s participation in Lloyd’s Syndicate 2010 and 3010. 
Including the audit of the consolidation adjustments our scope covered 100% (2019: 100%) of gross premiums written, total assets and total liabilities. 

The four (2019: four) components out of scope were not individually financially significant enough to require a full scope audit for Group purposes nor did 
they present specific individual risks that needed to be addressed. However, as part of our planning and completion procedures we did conduct analytical 
reviews of financial information.  

The Group team instructed component auditors as to the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed above and the information 
to be reported back.  

The Group team approved the component materialities, which ranged from $2.1 million to $7.2 million (2019: $1.1 million to $6.2 million), having regard 
to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components.  

The work on four of the five full scope components (2019: four of the five components) was performed by component auditors with the audit of the 
parent company performed by the Group team.  

As a result of global travel restrictions during 2020 the Group team were unable to visit the component location in Bermuda. However, video and 
telephone conference meetings were held with all component auditors throughout the year. At these meetings, the findings reported to the Group team 
were discussed in more detail, and any further work required by the Group team was then performed by the component auditor. 

4.  Going concern 
The Directors have prepared the consolidated financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Group or to cease its 
operations, and as they have concluded that the Group’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material 
uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over its ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the 
consolidated financial statements (“the going concern period”).  

We used our knowledge of the Group, its industry, and the general economic environment to identify the inherent risks to its business model and 
analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period. The risk that we 
considered most likely to adversely affect the Group’s available financial resources over this period was the valuation of insurance contract liabilities given 
the estimation and judgement involved in setting these reserves. 

We also considered less predictable but realistic second order impacts that could affect demand in the Group’s markets, such as the impact of COVID-19 
on the Group’s results and operations, the failure of counterparties who transact with the Group (such as policyholders and reinsurers), the performance 
of the investment portfolio, credit ratings for key insurance subsidiaries, solvency and capital adequacy. 

We considered whether these risks could plausibly affect the liquidity and solvency in the going concern period by comparing severe, but plausible 
downside scenarios and the degree of downside assumptions that, individually and collectively, could result in a liquidity and solvency issue (a reverse 
stress test), taking into account the Company’s current and projected financial resources. 

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We considered whether the going concern disclosure on page 108 of the consolidated financial statements gives a full and accurate description of the 
Directors’ assessment of going concern, including the identified risks and, dependencies. 

Our conclusions based on this work: 

•  we consider that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements is appropriate; 
•  we have not identified, and concur with the Directors’ assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty related to events or conditions that, 

individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for the going concern period;  

•  we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement on page 109 of the consolidated financial statements on 
the use of the going concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt over the Group’s use of that basis for 
the going concern period, and we found the going concern disclosure on page 108 to be acceptable. 

However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements 
that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the Group will continue in operation.  

5. Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – ability to detect 
Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud 
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to 
commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: 

•  Enquiring of Directors, the Audit Committee, Internal Audit, the Risk function, Head of Group legal, the Company Secretary and inspection of policy 

documentation as to the Group’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, including the internal audit function, and the Group’s 
channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. 

•  Reading Board and Audit Committee minutes. 
•  Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance conditions for management remuneration which includes the annual change in fully 

converted book value per share and absolute total shareholder return. 

•  Using analytical procedures to identify any usual or unexpected relationships. 
We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit. This included 
communication from the group to full scope component audit teams of relevant fraud risks identified at the Group level and request to full scope 
component audit teams to report to the Group audit team any instances of fraud that could give rise to a material misstatement at the Group level. 

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account possible pressures to meet profit targets, recent revisions to guidance and our overall 
knowledge of the control environment, we perform procedures to address the risk of management override of controls and the risk of fraudulent revenue 
recognition, in particular the risk that revenue is recorded in the wrong period, the risk that management may be in a position to make inappropriate 
accounting entries and the risk of bias in accounting estimates and judgements such as the portion of premium which is estimated. 

We also identified a fraud risk in relation to the following areas: 

•  The valuation of insurance contract liabilities due to the estimation required in setting these liabilities and the ability for changes in the valuation to be 

used to impact profit. 

•  Management compensation schemes and debt covenants due to the pressure these place on management to deliver results. 

In determining the audit procedures we took into account the results of our evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness of some of the Group-
wide fraud risk management controls. In order to address the risk of fraud specifically as it relates to the valuation of insurance contract liabilities, we 
involved actuarial specialists to assist in our challenge of management. We challenged management in relation to the selection of assumptions and the 
consistency of those assumptions both year on year and across different aspects of the financial reporting process.  

With respect to the valuation of premiums which are estimated we evaluated and tested the design and implementation of key controls over the periodic 
review of premium estimates booked and assessed estimated premium balances for a sample of policies, including consideration of the basis of 
estimation, and consistency in estimation methodology over time.  

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We considered whether the going concern disclosure on page 108 of the consolidated financial statements gives a full and accurate description of the 

Directors’ assessment of going concern, including the identified risks and, dependencies. 

Our conclusions based on this work: 

•  we consider that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements is appropriate; 

•  we have not identified, and concur with the Directors’ assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty related to events or conditions that, 

individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for the going concern period;  

•  we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement on page 109 of the consolidated financial statements on 

the use of the going concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt over the Group’s use of that basis for 

the going concern period, and we found the going concern disclosure on page 108 to be acceptable. 

However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements 

that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the Group will continue in operation.  

5. Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – ability to detect 

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud 

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to 

commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: 

•  Enquiring of Directors, the Audit Committee, Internal Audit, the Risk function, Head of Group legal, the Company Secretary and inspection of policy 

documentation as to the Group’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, including the internal audit function, and the Group’s 

channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. 

•  Reading Board and Audit Committee minutes. 

•  Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance conditions for management remuneration which includes the annual change in fully 

converted book value per share and absolute total shareholder return. 

•  Using analytical procedures to identify any usual or unexpected relationships. 

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit. This included 

communication from the group to full scope component audit teams of relevant fraud risks identified at the Group level and request to full scope 

component audit teams to report to the Group audit team any instances of fraud that could give rise to a material misstatement at the Group level. 

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account possible pressures to meet profit targets, recent revisions to guidance and our overall 

knowledge of the control environment, we perform procedures to address the risk of management override of controls and the risk of fraudulent revenue 

recognition, in particular the risk that revenue is recorded in the wrong period, the risk that management may be in a position to make inappropriate 

accounting entries and the risk of bias in accounting estimates and judgements such as the portion of premium which is estimated. 

We also identified a fraud risk in relation to the following areas: 

•  The valuation of insurance contract liabilities due to the estimation required in setting these liabilities and the ability for changes in the valuation to be 

used to impact profit. 

•  Management compensation schemes and debt covenants due to the pressure these place on management to deliver results. 

In determining the audit procedures we took into account the results of our evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness of some of the Group-

wide fraud risk management controls. In order to address the risk of fraud specifically as it relates to the valuation of insurance contract liabilities, we 

involved actuarial specialists to assist in our challenge of management. We challenged management in relation to the selection of assumptions and the 

consistency of those assumptions both year on year and across different aspects of the financial reporting process.  

With respect to the valuation of premiums which are estimated we evaluated and tested the design and implementation of key controls over the periodic 

review of premium estimates booked and assessed estimated premium balances for a sample of policies, including consideration of the basis of 

estimation, and consistency in estimation methodology over time.  

Further detail in respect of our procedures around the valuation of insurance contract liabilities and the valuation of premiums which are estimated is set 
out in the key audit matter disclosures in section 2 of this report. The Audit Committee report on page 70 also references the entity level controls in 
operation across the Group. 

To address the pervasive risk as it relates to management override, we also performed the following procedures including:  

•  Identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test for all full scope components based on risk criteria and comparing the identified entries to 
supporting documentation. These included those posted by senior finance management or individuals who do not frequently post journals, those 
posted with descriptions containing key words or phrases, those posted to unusual accounts including those related to cash, consolidation journals and 
post-closing journals meeting certain criteria.  

•  Evaluated the business purpose of significant unusual transactions 
•  Assessing significant accounting estimates for bias. 

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations 
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements from 
our general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the directors and other management (as required by auditing standards), from 
inspection of the Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the directors and other management the policies and procedures 
regarding compliance with laws and regulations.  

As the Group is regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including the entity’s procedures for 
complying with regulatory requirements. This was achieved through the procedures noted above.  

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. 
This included communication from the group to full-scope component audit teams of relevant laws and regulations identified at the Group level, and a 
request for full scope component auditors to report to the group team any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that could give rise to 
a material misstatement at the Group level. 

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the consolidated financial statements varies considerably. 

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the consolidated financial statements including financial reporting legislation 
(including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation, taxation legislation and regulatory capital, solvency and liquidity regulations and 
we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.  

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts 
or disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines, litigation or loss of regulatory approval to write 
insurance contracts. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: anti-bribery and certain aspects of company legislation 
recognising the financial and regulated nature of the Group’s activities and its legal form. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to 
identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal 
correspondence, if any. Therefore, if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not 
detect that breach. 

We discussed with the Audit Committee and those charged with governance matters related to actual or suspected breaches of laws or regulations, for 
which disclosure is not necessary, and considered any implications for our audit. 

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation 
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the 
consolidated financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, 
the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the 
less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.  

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are not responsible for 
preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.  

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
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6.  We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report and Accounts 
The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report and Accounts together with the consolidated financial 
statements. Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit 
opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our consolidated financial statements audit work, the 
information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work 
we have not identified material misstatements in the other information. 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 
In addition to our audit of the consolidated financial statements, the Directors have engaged us to audit the information in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report that is described as having been audited, which the Directors have decided to prepare as if the Company was required to comply with the 
requirements of Schedule 8 to The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008 No. 410) made 
under the UK Companies Act 2006. 

In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006, 
as if those requirements applied to the Company. 

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability 
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ disclosures in respect of emerging and 
principal risks and the viability statement, and the consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge.  

Based on those procedures, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

•  the Directors’ confirmation within the viability statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the 

Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity; 

•  the emerging and principal risks disclosures describing these risks, and how emerging risks are identified, and explaining how they are being managed 

and mitigated; and 

•  the Directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so and 

why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able 
to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention 
to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

Based on the above procedures, we have concluded that the above disclosures are materially consistent with the consolidated financial statements and 
our audit knowledge. 

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our consolidated financial statements audit. As we 
cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were 
reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s longer-term viability. 

Corporate governance disclosures 
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ corporate governance disclosures and 
the consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge. Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of the following is materially 
consistent with the consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge: 

•  the directors’ statement that they consider that the Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides 

the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy;  

•  the section of the Annual Report and Accounts describing the work of the Audit Committee, including the significant issues that the Audit Committee 

considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements, and how these issues were addressed; and 

•  the section of the Annual Report and Accounts that describes the review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal 

control systems. 

We are required to review the part of Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review 

We have nothing to report in this respect. 

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6.  We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report and Accounts 

The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report and Accounts together with the consolidated financial 

statements. Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit 

opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our consolidated financial statements audit work, the 

information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work 

we have not identified material misstatements in the other information. 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

In addition to our audit of the consolidated financial statements, the Directors have engaged us to audit the information in the Directors’ Remuneration 

Report that is described as having been audited, which the Directors have decided to prepare as if the Company was required to comply with the 

requirements of Schedule 8 to The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008 No. 410) made 

under the UK Companies Act 2006. 

In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006, 

as if those requirements applied to the Company. 

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability 

We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ disclosures in respect of emerging and 

principal risks and the viability statement, and the consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge.  

Based on those procedures, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

•  the Directors’ confirmation within the viability statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the 

Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity; 

•  the emerging and principal risks disclosures describing these risks, and how emerging risks are identified, and explaining how they are being managed 

and mitigated; and 

•  the Directors’ explanation in the viability statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so and 

why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able 

to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention 

to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

our audit knowledge. 

Based on the above procedures, we have concluded that the above disclosures are materially consistent with the consolidated financial statements and 

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our consolidated financial statements audit. As we 

cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were 

reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s longer-term viability. 

Corporate governance disclosures 

We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ corporate governance disclosures and 

the consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge. Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of the following is materially 

consistent with the consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge: 

•  the directors’ statement that they consider that the Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides 

the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy;  

•  the section of the Annual Report and Accounts describing the work of the Audit Committee, including the significant issues that the Audit Committee 

considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements, and how these issues were addressed; and 

•  the section of the Annual Report and Accounts that describes the review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal 

control systems. 

We are required to review the part of Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 

Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review 

We have nothing to report in this respect. 

7.  Respective responsibilities 
Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 109, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of consolidated financial statements that 
give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have 
no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s responsibilities 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee 
that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 
error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on 
the basis of the consolidated financial statements.  

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  

8.  The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities 
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 90 of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 and the terms of our 
engagement. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in 
an auditor’s report and the further matters we are required to state to them in accordance with the terms agreed with the Company and for no other 
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s 
members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Rees Aronson 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants  

15 Canada Square London, E14 5GL 

9 February 2021 

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F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Gross premiums written 
Outwards reinsurance premiums 
Net premiums written 
Change in unearned premiums 
Change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 
Net premiums earned 
Net investment income 
Net other investment income  
Net realised gains (losses) and impairments 
Share of profit of associate 
Other income 
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)  
Total net revenue 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 
Net insurance losses 
Insurance acquisition expenses 
Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 
Equity based compensation 
Other operating expenses 
Total expenses 
Results of operating activities 
Financing costs 
Profit before tax 
Tax charge 
Profit for the year 
Profit for the year attributable to: 
Equity shareholders of LHL 
Non-controlling interests 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 
Net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 
Tax charge on net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 
Other comprehensive income  
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Total comprehensive income attributable to: 
Equity shareholders of LHL 
Non-controlling interests 
Total comprehensive income for the year 

Notes 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3 

3 

16 

5 

2, 13 

2, 13 

2, 4 

2, 4 

7 

6, 7, 21 

8 

9 

3, 11 

11 

2020 
 $m 
814.1 
(294.7)
519.4 
(51.5)
7.9 
475.8 
29.0 
6.5 
12.8 
10.7 
15.3 
1.4 
551.5 
363.6 
(79.8)
283.8 
139.0 
(24.0)
12.3 
114.4 
525.5 
26.0 
20.1 
5.9 
(1.4)
4.5 

4.2 
0.3 
4.5 

20.8 
(0.7)
20.1 
24.6 

24.3 
0.3 
24.6 

2019 
$m 
706.7 
(282.0)
424.7 
(35.8)
32.8 
421.7 
37.7 
8.0 
8.9 
5.9 
11.4 
(1.5)
492.1 
264.5 
(134.7)
129.8 
124.4 
(19.0)
9.6 
106.0 
350.8 
141.3 
21.8 
119.5 
(1.3)
118.2 

117.9 
0.3 
118.2 

28.6 
(0.8)
27.8 
146.0 

145.7 
0.3 
146.0 

Earnings per share 
Basic 
Diluted 

23 

23 

$0.02 
$0.02 

$0.59 
$0.58 

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Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Consolidated balance sheet 

As at 31 December 2020 

Notes 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3 

3 

16 

5 

2, 13 

2, 13 

2, 4 

2, 4 

7 

6, 7, 21 

8 

9 

3, 11 

11 

2020 

 $m 

814.1 

(294.7)

519.4 

(51.5)

7.9 

475.8 

29.0 

6.5 

12.8 

10.7 

15.3 

1.4 

551.5 

363.6 

(79.8)

283.8 

139.0 

(24.0)

12.3 

114.4 

525.5 

26.0 

20.1 

5.9 

(1.4)

4.5 

4.2 

0.3 

4.5 

20.8 

(0.7)

20.1 

24.6 

24.3 

0.3 

24.6 

2019 

$m 

706.7 

(282.0)

424.7 

(35.8)

32.8 

421.7 

37.7 

8.0 

8.9 

5.9 

11.4 

(1.5)

492.1 

264.5 

(134.7)

129.8 

124.4 

(19.0)

9.6 

106.0 

350.8 

141.3 

21.8 

119.5 

(1.3)

118.2 

117.9 

0.3 

118.2 

28.6 

(0.8)

27.8 

146.0 

145.7 

0.3 

146.0 

23 

23 

$0.02 

$0.02 

$0.59 

$0.58 

Gross premiums written 

Outwards reinsurance premiums 

Net premiums written 

Change in unearned premiums 

Change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 

Net premiums earned 

Net investment income 

Net other investment income  

Net realised gains (losses) and impairments 

Share of profit of associate 

Other income 

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)  

Total net revenue 

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 

Net insurance losses 

Insurance acquisition expenses 

Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 

Equity based compensation 

Other operating expenses 

Total expenses 

Results of operating activities 

Financing costs 

Profit before tax 

Tax charge 

Profit for the year 

Profit for the year attributable to: 

Equity shareholders of LHL 

Non-controlling interests 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income  

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 

Equity shareholders of LHL 

Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

120  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 

Net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 

Tax charge on net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accrued interest receivable 
Investments 
Inwards premiums receivable from insureds and cedants 
Reinsurance assets 
– Unearned premiums on premiums ceded 
– Reinsurance recoveries 
– Other receivables 
Other receivables 
Investment in associate 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Intangible assets 
Total assets 
Liabilities 
Insurance contracts 
– Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
– Unearned premiums 
– Other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Deferred acquisition costs ceded 
Other payables 
Corporation tax payable 
Deferred tax liability 
Interest rate swap 
Lease liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 
Share capital 
Own shares 
Other reserves 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  
Retained earnings 
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to equity shareholders of LHL 
Non-controlling interests 
Total shareholders’ equity 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

Notes 

10, 18 

11, 12, 18 

14 

13 

14 

14  

12, 16 

21 

17 

13 

15 

21 

18 

19 

19 

20 

11 

24 

2020 
 $m 

2019 
$m 

432.4 
8.0 
1,856.0 
371.9 

97.4 
338.7 
31.1 
27.3 
127.2 
0.7 
16.1 
89.0 
154.5 
3,550.3 

952.8 
457.9 
22.5 
151.7 
19.6 
46.1 
1.5 
10.9 
– 
20.9 
327.5 
2,011.4 

122.0 
(21.2)
1,221.6 
33.6 
182.5 
1,538.5 
0.4 
1,538.9 
3,550.3 

320.4 
7.2 
1,525.1 
350.5 

89.5 
327.5 
16.9 
51.7 
108.3 
1.2 
18.2 
81.7 
154.5 
3,052.7 

874.5 
406.4 
27.4 
126.6 
17.6 
47.5 
2.4 
9.6 
1.1 
21.9 
323.5 
1,858.5 

101.5 
(13.3)
881.3 
13.5 
210.6 
1,193.6 
0.6 
1,194.2 
3,052.7 

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 9 February 2021 and signed on its behalf by: 

Peter Clarke 
Director/Chairman 

Natalie Kershaw 
Director/CFO 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

121 
121

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

Consolidated statement of changes  
in shareholders’ equity 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Notes 

Share capital 
$m 
101.0 

Own 
 shares 
$m 
(9.4)

Other 
reserves 
$m 
869.0 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income 
$m 
(14.3)

Shareholders’ 
equity 
attributable 
to equity 
shareholders 
of LHL  
$m 

1,067.2   

Retained 
earnings 
$m 
120.9 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
$m 
0.3 

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity 
$m 
1,067.5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2.0 

2.0   

19, 20, 24 

19, 20 

19 

20 

19, 20 

19, 20, 24 

19, 20 

19 

24 

15 

20 

– 
0.5 
– 
– 
– 
101.5 

– 
19.8 
0.7 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
122.0 

– 
(9.3)
5.4 
– 
– 
(13.3)

– 
– 
(15.0)
7.1 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(21.2)

– 
8.8 
(6.7)
– 
10.2 
881.3 

– 
320.5 
14.3 
(7.9)
– 

– 
0.4 
13.0 
1,221.6 

27.8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
13.5 

20.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
33.6 

117.9 
– 
– 
(30.2)
– 
210.6 

4.2 
– 
– 
– 
(32.3)

– 
– 
– 
182.5 

145.7   
–   
(1.3)  
(30.2)  
10.2   
1,193.6   

24.3   
340.3   
–   
(0.8)  
(32.3)  

–   
0.4   
13.0   
1,538.5   

– 

0.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.6 

0.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2.0 

146.0 
– 
(1.3)
(30.2)
10.2 
1,194.2 

24.6 
340.3 
– 
(0.8)
(32.3)

(0.5)
– 
– 
0.4 

(0.5)
0.4 
13.0 
1,538.9 

Balance as at 31 December 2018 
Impact of adoption of IFRS 16 – 
Leases 
Total comprehensive income for  
the year 
Shares purchased by the Trust 
Distributed by the Trust 
Dividends on common shares 
Equity based compensation  
Balance as at 31 December 2019 
Total comprehensive income for  
the year 
Issue of common shares 
Shares purchased by the Trust 
Distributed by the Trust 
Dividends on common shares 
Dividends paid to minority interest 
holders 
Net deferred tax 
Equity based compensation 
Balance as at 31 December 2020 

122  
122 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

Consolidated statement of changes  

in shareholders’ equity 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Notes 

Share capital 

$m 

101.0 

Accumulated 

other 

Other 

comprehensive 

reserves 

$m 

869.0 

income 

$m 

(14.3)

Own 

 shares 

$m 

(9.4)

Balance as at 31 December 2018 

Impact of adoption of IFRS 16 – 

Leases 

the year 

Total comprehensive income for  

Shares purchased by the Trust 

Distributed by the Trust 

Dividends on common shares 

Equity based compensation  

Balance as at 31 December 2019 

Total comprehensive income for  

the year 

Issue of common shares 

Shares purchased by the Trust 

Distributed by the Trust 

Dividends on common shares 

Dividends paid to minority interest 

holders 

Net deferred tax 

Equity based compensation 

Balance as at 31 December 2020 

19, 20, 24 

19, 20 

19 

20 

19, 20 

19, 20, 24 

19, 20 

19 

24 

15 

20 

0.5 

(9.3)

5.4 

– 

19.8 

0.7 

(15.0)

7.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8.8 

(6.7)

– 

10.2 

881.3 

– 

320.5 

14.3 

(7.9)

– 

– 

0.4 

13.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Shareholders’ 

equity 

attributable 

to equity 

shareholders 

of LHL  

$m 

Retained 

earnings 

$m 

120.9 

1,067.2   

controlling 

shareholders’ 

Non-

interests 

$m 

0.3 

Total 

equity 

$m 

1,067.5 

2.0 

2.0   

2.0 

27.8 

117.9 

145.7   

0.3 

146.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(30.2)

(32.3)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–   

(1.3)  

(30.2)  

10.2   

24.3   

340.3   

–   

(0.8)  

(32.3)  

–   

0.4   

13.0   

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.5)

– 

(1.3)

(30.2)

10.2 

24.6 

340.3 

– 

(0.8)

(32.3)

(0.5)

0.4 

13.0 

101.5 

(13.3)

13.5 

210.6 

1,193.6   

0.6 

1,194.2 

20.1 

4.2 

0.3 

122.0 

(21.2)

1,221.6 

33.6 

182.5 

1,538.5   

0.4 

1,538.9 

Statement of consolidated cash flows 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax 
Tax paid 
Depreciation 
Interest expense on long-term debt 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Interest and dividend income 
Net amortisation of fixed maturity securities 
Equity based compensation 
Foreign exchange (gains) losses  
Share of profit of associate 
Net other investment income 
Net realised (gains) losses and impairments 
Net unrealised (gains) losses on interest rate swaps 
Changes in operational assets and liabilities 
– Insurance and reinsurance contracts 
– Other assets and liabilities 
Net cash flows from operating activities 
Cash flows (used in) from investing activities 
Interest and dividends received 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of underwriting capacity 
Investment in associate 
Purchase of investments 
Proceeds on sale of investments 
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities 
Interest paid 
Lease liabilities paid 
Proceeds from issue of common shares 
Dividends paid 
Dividends paid to minority interest holders 
Distributions by trust 
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Notes 

6, 21 

8 

21 

3  

7 

16 

3 

17 

24 

21 

19 

19 

24 

10 

2020 
 $m 

5.9 
(1.6)
3.3 
15.7 
1.3 
(36.9)
4.9 
12.3 
(3.2)
(10.7)
(7.4)
(12.8)
(1.1)

84.5 
26.7 
80.9 

39.9 
– 
– 
(8.2)
(1,129.7)
837.9 
(260.1)

(15.9)
(3.5)
340.3 
(32.3)
(0.5)
(0.8)
287.3 
108.1 
320.4 
3.9 
432.4 

2019 
$m 

119.5 
(2.1)
3.9 
18.5 
1.3 
(39.7)
(1.3)
9.6 
2.5 
(5.9)
(8.8)
(8.9)
0.7 

(46.0)
(8.8)
34.5 

41.1 
(1.1)
(0.7)
(35.3)
(948.3)
1,127.7 
183.4 

(18.5)
(3.6)
– 
(30.2)
– 
(1.3)
(53.6)
164.3 
154.6 
1.5 
320.4 

122  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

123 
123

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

Accounting policies 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The basis of preparation, use of judgements and estimates, consolidation principles and significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these 
consolidated financial statements are set out below.  

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
GOING CONCERN BASIS OF ACCOUNTING 
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. The Directors have performed 
an assessment of the Group‘s ability to continue as a going concern, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

On 12 March 2020, the World Health Organisation classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing situation 
making it exceptionally difficult to predict what the ultimate impact for the Group or the insurance industry will be and has heightened the inherent 
uncertainty in the Group’s going concern assessment. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group initiated its Post Loss Response process. The process reviewed and assessed the potential implications 
for each class of business that the Group underwrites, across all its platforms, with involvement from underwriting, exposure management, actuarial, 
claims, treasury and finance teams. The output of this review formed the basis of our loss reserving. The current best estimate financial impact of COVID-
19 is $42.2 million, net of reinsurance and including the impact of reinstatement premiums. This constitutes 6.9% of our total net loss reserves and 2.7% 
of our net assets and relates primarily to our property segment. 

The Group’s financial forecasts reflect the outcomes that the Directors consider most likely, based on the information available at the date of signing 
these consolidated financial statements. To assesses the Group’s going concern, resilience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial stability 
of the Group was modelled for a period of at least 12 months and a number of sensitivity, stress and scenario tests were applied. This included, among 
other analysis, a best estimate forecast with scenario analysis covering the impact of reserve releases, attritional, large and catastrophe loss events 
alongside optimistic and pessimistic investment return scenarios. To further stress the financial stability of the Group, additional scenario testing was 
performed. This included modelling the breakeven capital requirements of our regulators and rating agencies, the impact of potential management 
actions to reduce the Group’s exposure to climate change-related risks, the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2021 negatively 
impacting the economy, travel industry, global events and counterparty credit risk, the occurrence of a number of high severity loss events impacting all 
three of our underwriting platforms in 2021 and a reverse stress test scenario designed to render the business model unviable. The testing identified that 
even under the more severe but plausible stress scenarios, the Group had more than adequate liquidity and solvency headroom.  

In addition to the above, the following factors were also considered as part of our going concern assessment: 

•  the Group does not write the following lines of business: travel insurance; trade credit; and long-term life and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not 
write Directors’ and Officers’ liability or medical malpractice. The Group underwrites a small number of event cancellation contracts and has minimal 
exposure through mortgage, accident and health business. 

•  on 15 January 2021, the UK Supreme Court delivered its judgement on the FCA’s business interruption test case. The aim of the test case was to obtain 
clarity on insurance contract wording and determine whether certain business interruption clauses were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 
insurance industry, this means that in certain instances, policyholders will now have their COVID-19 related business interruption claims paid where 
previously these claims may have been denied. It may also impact the reinsurance industry as insurers will seek to recover from the reinsurance 
protection they have in place. In light of the UK Supreme Court ruling, the Group has performed a detailed review of the business interruption clauses 
in its insurance and reinsurance contracts and concluded that there is no material impact on the COVID-19 best estimate loss booked for the year 
ended 31 December 2020. 

•  the Group’s long-term strategy is to deploy more capital into a hardening market, in which pricing strengthens due to market capital constraints, and 
to lower the amount of capital deployed in a softer market, where pricing is weaker due to over-supply of risk capital. The COVID-19 pandemic has 
generated (re)insurance market losses both in terms of the claims environment and the impact on financial markets. In the face of these challenges 
there has been a retrenchment in (re)insurance markets risk capital and capacity. This in turn has led to continued rate increases in many of the Group’s 
core insurance segments and accelerated rating dislocation in the catastrophe exposed reinsurance lines. The Group expects the momentum of rising 
rates to continue in this and other classes of business across its portfolio throughout 2021 and beyond. The Group expects to take advantage of this 
rating improvement by writing increased levels of business at higher pricing levels. 

•  on 10 June 2020, the Group raised an additional $340.3 million of equity capital which will be used to fund organic growth and take advantage of the 

much improved market opportunities. As at 31 December 2020, the Group has total capital of $1,866.0 million available. 

•  the maintenance of financial strength ratings are a key factor impacting on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. A ratings 

downgrade to lower than A- could adversely impact on the ability of the Group to source and write new business, retain existing business or enter into 
new financing arrangements. A.M. Best has assigned LICL and LUK a financial strength rating of A (Excellent). This was reaffirmed on 22 September 
2020 and the outlook for all entities is stable. Lancashire syndicates 3010 and 2010 also benefit from an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) assigned to all 
Lloyd’s of London syndicates. This was reaffirmed on 15 July 2020 and the outlook is stable. 

•  as at 31 December 2020, the Group considers that it has more than adequate liquidity to pay its obligations as they fall due. The Group held cash and 
cash equivalents of $432.4 million and fixed maturity investments with maturity dates of less than one year of $276.0 million. In addition to the cash 
and investment portfolio, the Group also has access to a number of LOC and revolving credit facilities (see note 18). Additional liquidity risk disclosures 
are set out on pages 147 and 148.  

124  
124 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

Accounting policies 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

consolidated financial statements are set out below.  

BASIS OF PREPARATION 

GOING CONCERN BASIS OF ACCOUNTING 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The basis of preparation, use of judgements and estimates, consolidation principles and significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. The Directors have performed 

an assessment of the Group‘s ability to continue as a going concern, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

On 12 March 2020, the World Health Organisation classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing situation 

making it exceptionally difficult to predict what the ultimate impact for the Group or the insurance industry will be and has heightened the inherent 

uncertainty in the Group’s going concern assessment. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group initiated its Post Loss Response process. The process reviewed and assessed the potential implications 

for each class of business that the Group underwrites, across all its platforms, with involvement from underwriting, exposure management, actuarial, 

claims, treasury and finance teams. The output of this review formed the basis of our loss reserving. The current best estimate financial impact of COVID-

19 is $42.2 million, net of reinsurance and including the impact of reinstatement premiums. This constitutes 6.9% of our total net loss reserves and 2.7% 

of our net assets and relates primarily to our property segment. 

The Group’s financial forecasts reflect the outcomes that the Directors consider most likely, based on the information available at the date of signing 

these consolidated financial statements. To assesses the Group’s going concern, resilience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial stability 

of the Group was modelled for a period of at least 12 months and a number of sensitivity, stress and scenario tests were applied. This included, among 

other analysis, a best estimate forecast with scenario analysis covering the impact of reserve releases, attritional, large and catastrophe loss events 

alongside optimistic and pessimistic investment return scenarios. To further stress the financial stability of the Group, additional scenario testing was 

performed. This included modelling the breakeven capital requirements of our regulators and rating agencies, the impact of potential management 

actions to reduce the Group’s exposure to climate change-related risks, the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2021 negatively 

impacting the economy, travel industry, global events and counterparty credit risk, the occurrence of a number of high severity loss events impacting all 

three of our underwriting platforms in 2021 and a reverse stress test scenario designed to render the business model unviable. The testing identified that 

even under the more severe but plausible stress scenarios, the Group had more than adequate liquidity and solvency headroom.  

In addition to the above, the following factors were also considered as part of our going concern assessment: 

•  the Group does not write the following lines of business: travel insurance; trade credit; and long-term life and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not 

write Directors’ and Officers’ liability or medical malpractice. The Group underwrites a small number of event cancellation contracts and has minimal 

exposure through mortgage, accident and health business. 

•  on 15 January 2021, the UK Supreme Court delivered its judgement on the FCA’s business interruption test case. The aim of the test case was to obtain 

clarity on insurance contract wording and determine whether certain business interruption clauses were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 

insurance industry, this means that in certain instances, policyholders will now have their COVID-19 related business interruption claims paid where 

previously these claims may have been denied. It may also impact the reinsurance industry as insurers will seek to recover from the reinsurance 

protection they have in place. In light of the UK Supreme Court ruling, the Group has performed a detailed review of the business interruption clauses 

in its insurance and reinsurance contracts and concluded that there is no material impact on the COVID-19 best estimate loss booked for the year 

ended 31 December 2020. 

•  the Group’s long-term strategy is to deploy more capital into a hardening market, in which pricing strengthens due to market capital constraints, and 

to lower the amount of capital deployed in a softer market, where pricing is weaker due to over-supply of risk capital. The COVID-19 pandemic has 

generated (re)insurance market losses both in terms of the claims environment and the impact on financial markets. In the face of these challenges 

there has been a retrenchment in (re)insurance markets risk capital and capacity. This in turn has led to continued rate increases in many of the Group’s 

core insurance segments and accelerated rating dislocation in the catastrophe exposed reinsurance lines. The Group expects the momentum of rising 

rates to continue in this and other classes of business across its portfolio throughout 2021 and beyond. The Group expects to take advantage of this 

rating improvement by writing increased levels of business at higher pricing levels. 

•  on 10 June 2020, the Group raised an additional $340.3 million of equity capital which will be used to fund organic growth and take advantage of the 

much improved market opportunities. As at 31 December 2020, the Group has total capital of $1,866.0 million available. 

•  the maintenance of financial strength ratings are a key factor impacting on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. A ratings 

downgrade to lower than A- could adversely impact on the ability of the Group to source and write new business, retain existing business or enter into 

new financing arrangements. A.M. Best has assigned LICL and LUK a financial strength rating of A (Excellent). This was reaffirmed on 22 September 

2020 and the outlook for all entities is stable. Lancashire syndicates 3010 and 2010 also benefit from an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) assigned to all 

Lloyd’s of London syndicates. This was reaffirmed on 15 July 2020 and the outlook is stable. 

•  as at 31 December 2020, the Group considers that it has more than adequate liquidity to pay its obligations as they fall due. The Group held cash and 

cash equivalents of $432.4 million and fixed maturity investments with maturity dates of less than one year of $276.0 million. In addition to the cash 

and investment portfolio, the Group also has access to a number of LOC and revolving credit facilities (see note 18). Additional liquidity risk disclosures 

are set out on pages 147 and 148.  

124  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

•  as at 31 December 2020, the average credit quality of the fixed maturity portfolio was A+ (31 December 2019 – A+) and there has not been a change in 

our counterparty credit exposure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is an area we continue to monitor. Additional credit risk 
disclosures are set out on pages 149 and 150. 

•  the Group financing arrangements are disclosed in note 18. During the year-ended 31 December 2020, there has been no restructuring of the Group’s 

long-term debt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Group was in compliance with its financial covenants under each of its financing 
arrangements. In addition, no uncertainties have been identified around the ability to meet the interest payments of the Group’s long-term debt. 

•  whilst considering guidance from both regulatory and shareholder bodies in relation to the use of capital, including payments of dividends, the Group’s 
dividend policy has remained unchanged from prior years. The Board considers that the business is well capitalised to meet all of its obligations to our 
policyholders and to afford appropriate headroom for growth opportunities. In view of this, the Group paid its final ordinary dividend of $0.10 per 
common share in relation to the 2019 financial year and declared an interim dividend of $0.05 per common share during the year. There is currently no 
expectation to amend the Group’s dividend policy for the foreseeable future. 

•  the Group has not entered into any rent concessions or other lease modifications during the year ended 31 December 2020 as a result of the COVID-

19 pandemic and is not expected to enter into any rent concessions or modifications in the foreseeable future. 

•  the Group has not applied for, or received, any grants offered by the UK government to support businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic 

and is not expected to in the foreseeable future. None of our employees have been furloughed and we are not expected to furlough any employees in 
the foreseeable future. 

Based on the going concern assessment performed as at 31 December 2020, the Directors consider there to be no material uncertainties that may cast 
significant doubt over the Group’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern. The Directors have formed a judgement that there is a reasonable 
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence in the foreseeable future, a period of at least 12 months from the 
date of signing these consolidated financial statements. 

USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements and estimates that affect the reported 
amounts of revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities and the accompanying financial statement disclosures. In the course of preparing the consolidated 
financial statements no key judgements have been made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies that do not include a related element 
of estimation uncertainty. 

The key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertainty at 31 December 2020, that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment 
to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the next financial year, are described below. Assumptions and estimates are based on parameters 
available when the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may 
change or circumstances may arise that are beyond the control of the Group. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur. 

The most significant judgements and estimates made by management are in relation to losses and loss adjustment expenses, both gross and net of 
outwards reinsurance recoverable. These are discussed on page 127, within in the risk disclosures section from page 137 and within note 13 on page 168. 

Less significant estimates are made in determining the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments and judgement is applied in determining 
impairment charges. The estimation of the fair value, specifically ‘Level (iii)’ investments, is discussed on page 128 and in note 11. 

Whilst not significant, estimates are also utilised in the valuation of intangible assets. The fair value of intangible assets recognised on the acquisition of a 
subsidiary is largely based on the estimated expected cash flows of the business acquired and the contractual rights of that business. The assumptions 
made by management in performing annual impairment tests of intangible assets are subject to estimation uncertainty. Details of the key assumptions 
used in the estimation of the recoverable amounts of the CGU are contained in note 17.  

OTHER BASIS OF PREPARATION 
Where IFRS is silent, as it is in respect of certain aspects relating to the measurement of insurance products, the IFRS framework allows reference to 
another comprehensive body of accounting principles. In such instances, the Group’s management determines appropriate measurement bases, to 
provide the most useful information to users of the consolidated financial statements, using their judgement and considering U.S. GAAP.  

The consolidated balance sheet is presented in order of decreasing liquidity. All amounts, excluding share data or where otherwise stated, are in millions 
of U.S. dollars.  

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 
While a number of amended IFRS standards have become effective during the year ended 31 December 2020, none of these standards have had a 
material impact on the Group. 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES 
IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts, issued in May 2017, specifies the financial reporting for insurance contracts. In June 2020, the IASB published a number of 
amendments to the standard including a change to the effective date of the standard to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023. The 
standard includes a number of significant changes regarding the measurement and disclosure of insurance contracts both in terms of liability 
measurement and profit recognition. The Group will continue to assess the impact that the new standard will have on its results and its presentation and 
disclosure requirements. IFRS 17 has not yet been endorsed by the EU and will need separate assessment by the UK Endorsement Board, following Brexit. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The amendments to 
IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts, issued in 2016, provide a temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9. The Group continues to qualify for, and has elected to 
apply, the temporary exemption available to companies whose predominant activity is to issue insurance contracts. The exemption lasts until the 
implementation date of IFRS 17 and addresses the accounting consequences of applying IFRS 9 to insurers prior to the adoption of IFRS 17. IFRS 9 
introduces new classification and measurement requirements for financial instruments, an expected credit loss impairment model that replaces the IAS 
39 incurred loss model and new hedge accounting requirements. Applying the new requirements of IFRS 9, the Group currently anticipates that all 
investments held by the Group will be classified as at FVTPL mandatory, because they are managed on a fair value basis. As a result, all investments 
currently disclosed in note 11 as AFS will be reclassified as at FVTPL mandatory with changes in unrealised gains (losses) currently recorded within other 
comprehensive income to be reclassified and recorded within net investment income in profit or loss. The reclassification from AFS to FVTPL mandatory 
will not result in a change in the carrying value of the investments disclosed in note 11 of the consolidated financial statements. The change in 
classification from AFS to FVTPL mandatory will result in balances within accumulated other comprehensive income being reclassified to retained 
earnings on the date of transition. 

CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES 
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as at and for the year ended 31 December 
2020. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated 
until the date when such control ceases. Intercompany balances, profits and transactions are eliminated. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, 
or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary.  

The Group participates in two syndicates at Lloyd’s, which are managed by the Group’s managing agent subsidiary. In view of the several liability of 
underwriting members at Lloyd’s, the Group recognises its proportion of all the transactions undertaken by the syndicates in which it participates within 
its consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Similarly, the Group’s proportion of the syndicates’ assets and liabilities has been reflected in its 
consolidated balance sheet. This proportion is calculated by reference to the Group’s participation as a percentage of each syndicate’s total capacity for 
each year of account. 

Subsidiaries’ accounting policies are generally consistent with the Group’s accounting policies. Where they differ, adjustments are made on consolidation 
to bring accounting policies in line. 

ASSOCIATE 
Investments in which the Group has significant influence over the operational and financial policies of the investee are recognised at cost and thereafter 
accounted for using the equity method. Under this method, the Group records its proportionate share of income from such investments in its 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period. Adjustments are made to associate accounting policies, where necessary, in order to be 
consistent with the Group’s accounting policies. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY  
The functional currency, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which operations are conducted, for all Group entities is U.S. 
dollars. Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the functional currency. The consolidated financial 
statements are also presented in U.S. dollars. 

Foreign currency transactions are recorded in the functional currency for each entity using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions, 
or at the average rate for the period when this is a reasonable approximation. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
revalued at period end exchange rates. The resulting exchange differences on revaluation are recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income within net foreign exchange losses. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are carried at historic rates. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities carried at estimated fair value and denominated in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date the 
estimated fair value was determined. 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
The Group’s intangible assets comprise syndicate participation rights and goodwill. The cost of syndicate participation rights and goodwill acquired in a 
business combination is their fair value as at the date of acquisition. Additional syndicate participation rights may be purchased from time to time and are 
recorded as the cost at date of auction. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any 
accumulated impairment losses. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite depending on the nature of the asset. 
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over their useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the 
intangible asset may be impaired. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least annually at the CGU level by comparing 
the net present value of the future earnings stream of the CGU to the carrying value of the CGU and related intangible assets. Such intangible assets are 
not amortised. The useful life of an intangible asset with an indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life assessment 
continues to be supportable. 

Syndicate participation rights and goodwill are considered to have an indefinite life. 

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126 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

A C C O U N T I N G   P O L I C I E S   C O N T I N U E D  

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The amendments to 

IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts, issued in 2016, provide a temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9. The Group continues to qualify for, and has elected to 

apply, the temporary exemption available to companies whose predominant activity is to issue insurance contracts. The exemption lasts until the 

implementation date of IFRS 17 and addresses the accounting consequences of applying IFRS 9 to insurers prior to the adoption of IFRS 17. IFRS 9 

introduces new classification and measurement requirements for financial instruments, an expected credit loss impairment model that replaces the IAS 

39 incurred loss model and new hedge accounting requirements. Applying the new requirements of IFRS 9, the Group currently anticipates that all 

investments held by the Group will be classified as at FVTPL mandatory, because they are managed on a fair value basis. As a result, all investments 

currently disclosed in note 11 as AFS will be reclassified as at FVTPL mandatory with changes in unrealised gains (losses) currently recorded within other 

comprehensive income to be reclassified and recorded within net investment income in profit or loss. The reclassification from AFS to FVTPL mandatory 

will not result in a change in the carrying value of the investments disclosed in note 11 of the consolidated financial statements. The change in 

classification from AFS to FVTPL mandatory will result in balances within accumulated other comprehensive income being reclassified to retained 

earnings on the date of transition. 

CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES 

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as at and for the year ended 31 December 

2020. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated 

until the date when such control ceases. Intercompany balances, profits and transactions are eliminated. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, 

or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary.  

The Group participates in two syndicates at Lloyd’s, which are managed by the Group’s managing agent subsidiary. In view of the several liability of 

underwriting members at Lloyd’s, the Group recognises its proportion of all the transactions undertaken by the syndicates in which it participates within 

its consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Similarly, the Group’s proportion of the syndicates’ assets and liabilities has been reflected in its 

consolidated balance sheet. This proportion is calculated by reference to the Group’s participation as a percentage of each syndicate’s total capacity for 

Subsidiaries’ accounting policies are generally consistent with the Group’s accounting policies. Where they differ, adjustments are made on consolidation 

each year of account. 

to bring accounting policies in line. 

ASSOCIATE 

consistent with the Group’s accounting policies. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY  

statements are also presented in U.S. dollars. 

estimated fair value was determined. 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Investments in which the Group has significant influence over the operational and financial policies of the investee are recognised at cost and thereafter 

accounted for using the equity method. Under this method, the Group records its proportionate share of income from such investments in its 

consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period. Adjustments are made to associate accounting policies, where necessary, in order to be 

The functional currency, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which operations are conducted, for all Group entities is U.S. 

dollars. Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the functional currency. The consolidated financial 

Foreign currency transactions are recorded in the functional currency for each entity using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions, 

or at the average rate for the period when this is a reasonable approximation. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 

revalued at period end exchange rates. The resulting exchange differences on revaluation are recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income within net foreign exchange losses. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are carried at historic rates. Non-

monetary assets and liabilities carried at estimated fair value and denominated in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date the 

The Group’s intangible assets comprise syndicate participation rights and goodwill. The cost of syndicate participation rights and goodwill acquired in a 

business combination is their fair value as at the date of acquisition. Additional syndicate participation rights may be purchased from time to time and are 

recorded as the cost at date of auction. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any 

accumulated impairment losses. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite depending on the nature of the asset. 

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over their useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the 

intangible asset may be impaired. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least annually at the CGU level by comparing 

the net present value of the future earnings stream of the CGU to the carrying value of the CGU and related intangible assets. Such intangible assets are 

not amortised. The useful life of an intangible asset with an indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life assessment 

continues to be supportable. 

Syndicate participation rights and goodwill are considered to have an indefinite life. 

INSURANCE CONTRACTS 
CLASSIFICATION 
Insurance contracts are those contracts that transfer significant insurance risk at the inception of the contract. Contracts that do not transfer significant 
insurance risk are accounted for as investment contracts. Insurance risk is transferred when an insurer agrees to compensate a policyholder if a specified 
uncertain future event adversely affects the policyholder.  

PREMIUMS AND ACQUISITION COSTS 
Premiums are first recognised as written at the later of a contract’s binding or inception date. The Group writes both excess of loss and pro-rata 
(proportional) contracts. For the majority of excess of loss contracts, premiums written are recorded based on the minimum and deposit or flat premium, 
as defined in the contract. Subsequent adjustments to the minimum and deposit premium are recognised in the period in which they are determined. For 
pro-rata contracts and excess of loss contracts where no deposit is specified in the contract, premiums written are recognised based on estimates of 
ultimate premiums provided by the insureds or ceding companies. Initial estimates of premiums written are recognised in the period in which the contract 
incepts, or the period in which the contract is bound if later. Subsequent adjustments, based on reports of actual premium by the insureds or ceding 
companies, or revisions in estimates, are recorded in the period in which they are determined.  

Premiums written are earned evenly over the term of the underlying risk period of the insurance contract, except where the period of risk differs 
significantly from the contract period. In these circumstances, premiums are recognised over the period of risk in proportion to the amount of insurance 
protection provided. The portion of the premium related to the unexpired portion of the risk period is reflected in unearned premiums. 

Where contract terms require the reinstatement of coverage after an insured’s or ceding company’s loss, the estimated mandatory reinstatement 
premiums are recorded as premiums written when a specific loss event occurs. Reinstatement premiums are not recorded for losses included within the 
provision for IBNR that do not relate to a specific loss event. 

Inwards premiums receivable from insureds and cedants are recorded net of commissions, brokerage, premium taxes and other levies on premiums, 
unless the contract specifies otherwise. These balances are regularly reviewed for impairment, with any impairment loss recognised as an expense in the 
period in which it is determined.  

Acquisition costs represent commissions, brokerage, profit commissions and other variable costs that relate directly to the successful securing of new 
contracts and the renewing of existing contracts. They are generally deferred over the period in which the related premiums are earned to the extent they 
are recoverable out of expected future revenue margins. All other acquisition costs are recognised as an expense when incurred.  

OUTWARDS REINSURANCE  
Outwards reinsurance premiums comprise the cost of reinsurance contracts entered into. Outwards reinsurance premiums are accounted for in the 
period in which the contract incepts, or the period in which the contract is bound if later. The provision for the reinsurers’ share of unearned premiums 
represents that part of reinsurance premiums ceded which are estimated to be earned in future financial periods. Unearned reinsurance commissions are 
recognised as a liability using the same principles.  

Any amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated using the same methodology as for the underlying losses. The Group monitors the 
creditworthiness of its reinsurers on an ongoing basis and assesses any reinsurance assets for impairment, with any impairment loss recognised as an 
expense in the period in which it is determined.  

LOSSES 
Losses comprise losses and loss adjustment expenses paid in the period and changes in the provision for outstanding losses and ACR, including the 
provision for IBNR and related expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to profit or loss as they are incurred.  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated ultimate cost of settling all insurance claims arising from events which have occurred up to 
the balance sheet date, including a provision for IBNR. The Group does not discount its liabilities for unpaid losses. Outstanding losses are initially set on 
the basis of reported losses received from third parties. ACR are determined where management’s best estimate of the reported loss is greater than that 
reported. Estimated IBNR reserves may also consist of a provision for additional development in excess of losses reported by insureds or ceding 
companies, as well as a provision for losses which have occurred but which have not yet been reported by insureds or ceding companies. IBNR reserves 
are estimated by management using various actuarial methods as well as a combination of the Group’s own loss experience, historical insurance industry 
loss experience, underwriters’ experience, estimates of pricing adequacy trends and management’s professional judgement.  

A portion of the Group’s business is in classes with high attachment points of coverage, including property catastrophe excess of loss. Reserving for losses 
in such programmes is inherently complicated in that losses in excess of the attachment level of the Group’s policies are characterised by high severity 
and low frequency and other factors which could vary significantly as losses are settled. This limits the volume of industry loss experience available from 
which to reliably predict ultimate losses following a loss event.  

The estimation of the ultimate loss and loss adjustment expense liability is a complex process which incorporates a significant amount of judgement. It is 
reasonably possible that uncertainties inherent in the reserving process, delays in insureds or ceding companies reporting losses to the Group, together 
with the potential for unforeseen adverse developments, could lead to a material change in estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses.  

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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LIABILITY ADEQUACY TESTS 
At each balance sheet date, the Group performs a liability adequacy test to determine if there is an overall excess of expected claims over unearned 
premiums for the period of unexpired risk by using current best estimates of future cash outflows generated by its insurance contracts, plus any 
investment income thereon. If, as a result of these tests, the carrying amount of the Group’s insurance liabilities is found to be inadequate, the deficiency 
is charged to income for the period, initially by writing off deferred acquisition costs and subsequently by establishing a provision.  

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the consolidated balance sheet at amortised cost and include cash in hand, deposits held on call with banks and 
other short-term, highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Carrying amounts approximate fair value due 
to the short-term nature and high liquidity of the instruments.  

Interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents is recognised on the effective interest rate method. The carrying value of accrued interest income 
approximates estimated fair value due to its short-term nature and high liquidity. 

INVESTMENTS  
The Group’s fixed maturity and equity securities include quoted and unquoted investments that are classified as either AFS or at FVTPL and are carried at 
estimated fair value. The classification of the Group’s financial assets is determined at the time of initial purchase and depends on the nature of the 
investment. A financial asset is classified at FVTPL if it is managed and evaluated on a fair value basis or if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in 
the short term, or if it forms part of a portfolio of financial assets in which there is evidence of short-term profit taking. Equity securities classified as AFS 
are those that are neither classified as held for trading nor designated at FVTPL. Fixed maturity securities classified as AFS are those that are intended to 
be held for an indefinite period; the composition, duration and allocation of these investments are reviewed by management on a regular basis in order to 
respond to needs for liquidity, changes in interest rates and other market conditions.  

The Group has elected to designate certain fixed maturity securities and its private investment funds at FVTPL upon initial recognition. This category 
includes instruments in which the cash flows are linked to the performance of an underlying pool of securities. Presentation of these securities in the 
FVTPL category is consistent with how management monitors and evaluates the performance of these securities. 

The Group’s hedge funds are unquoted investments classified at FVTPL and are carried at estimated fair value. Estimated fair values are determined using 
a combination of the most recent NAVs provided by each fund’s independent administrator and the estimated performance provided by each hedge 
fund manager. 

Regular way purchases and sales of investments are recognised at estimated fair value including, in the case of investments not carried at FVTPL, 
transaction costs attributable to the acquisition of that investment on the trade date and are subsequently carried at estimated fair value. The estimated 
fair values of quoted and unquoted investments are determined based on bid prices from recognised exchanges, broker-dealers, recognised indices or 
pricing vendors. Unrealised gains and losses from changes in the estimated fair value of AFS investments are included in accumulated other 
comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Changes in estimated fair value of investments classified at FVTPL are recognised in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income within net other investment income. 

Investments are derecognised when the Group has transferred substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. On derecognition of an AFS 
investment, previously recorded unrealised gains and losses are recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and 
included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as a realised gain or loss within net realised gains (losses) and impairments. 

Amortisation and accretion of premiums and discounts on AFS fixed maturity securities are calculated using the effective interest rate method and are 
recognised in current period net investment income. Interest income is recognised on the effective interest rate method. The carrying value of accrued 
interest income approximates estimated fair value due to its short-term nature and high liquidity. Dividends on equity securities are recorded as income 
on the date the dividends become payable to the holders of record. 

The Group regularly reviews the carrying value of its AFS investments for evidence of impairment. Such evidence would include a prolonged decline in 
estimated fair value below cost or amortised cost, where other factors, such as expected cash flows, do not support a recovery in value. If an impairment 
is deemed appropriate, the difference between cost or amortised cost and estimated fair value is removed from accumulated other comprehensive 
income in shareholders’ equity and charged to current period profit or loss. Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities may be subsequently reversed 
through profit or loss while impairment losses on equity securities are not subsequently reversed through profit or loss. 

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Derivatives are classified as financial assets or liabilities at FVTPL. They are initially recognised at estimated fair value on the date a contract is entered 
into, the trade date, and are subsequently carried at estimated fair value. Derivative instruments with a positive estimated fair value are recorded as 
derivative financial assets and those with a negative estimated fair value are recorded as derivative financial liabilities.  

Derivative financial instruments include exchange-traded future and option contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, interest rate swaps, credit 
default swaps and interest rate swaptions. They derive their value from the underlying instrument and are subject to the same risks as that underlying 
instrument, including liquidity, credit and market risk. Estimated fair values are based on exchange or broker-dealer quotations, where available, or 
discounted cash flow models, which incorporate the pricing of the underlying instrument, yield curves and other factors. Changes in the estimated fair 
value of derivative instruments are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within net other investment income. 

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LIABILITY ADEQUACY TESTS 

At each balance sheet date, the Group performs a liability adequacy test to determine if there is an overall excess of expected claims over unearned 

premiums for the period of unexpired risk by using current best estimates of future cash outflows generated by its insurance contracts, plus any 

investment income thereon. If, as a result of these tests, the carrying amount of the Group’s insurance liabilities is found to be inadequate, the deficiency 

is charged to income for the period, initially by writing off deferred acquisition costs and subsequently by establishing a provision.  

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the consolidated balance sheet at amortised cost and include cash in hand, deposits held on call with banks and 

other short-term, highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Carrying amounts approximate fair value due 

to the short-term nature and high liquidity of the instruments.  

Interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents is recognised on the effective interest rate method. The carrying value of accrued interest income 

approximates estimated fair value due to its short-term nature and high liquidity. 

INVESTMENTS  

The Group’s fixed maturity and equity securities include quoted and unquoted investments that are classified as either AFS or at FVTPL and are carried at 

estimated fair value. The classification of the Group’s financial assets is determined at the time of initial purchase and depends on the nature of the 

investment. A financial asset is classified at FVTPL if it is managed and evaluated on a fair value basis or if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in 

the short term, or if it forms part of a portfolio of financial assets in which there is evidence of short-term profit taking. Equity securities classified as AFS 

are those that are neither classified as held for trading nor designated at FVTPL. Fixed maturity securities classified as AFS are those that are intended to 

be held for an indefinite period; the composition, duration and allocation of these investments are reviewed by management on a regular basis in order to 

respond to needs for liquidity, changes in interest rates and other market conditions.  

The Group has elected to designate certain fixed maturity securities and its private investment funds at FVTPL upon initial recognition. This category 

includes instruments in which the cash flows are linked to the performance of an underlying pool of securities. Presentation of these securities in the 

FVTPL category is consistent with how management monitors and evaluates the performance of these securities. 

The Group’s hedge funds are unquoted investments classified at FVTPL and are carried at estimated fair value. Estimated fair values are determined using 

a combination of the most recent NAVs provided by each fund’s independent administrator and the estimated performance provided by each hedge 

fund manager. 

Regular way purchases and sales of investments are recognised at estimated fair value including, in the case of investments not carried at FVTPL, 

transaction costs attributable to the acquisition of that investment on the trade date and are subsequently carried at estimated fair value. The estimated 

fair values of quoted and unquoted investments are determined based on bid prices from recognised exchanges, broker-dealers, recognised indices or 

pricing vendors. Unrealised gains and losses from changes in the estimated fair value of AFS investments are included in accumulated other 

comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Changes in estimated fair value of investments classified at FVTPL are recognised in the consolidated 

statement of comprehensive income within net other investment income. 

Investments are derecognised when the Group has transferred substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. On derecognition of an AFS 

investment, previously recorded unrealised gains and losses are recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and 

included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as a realised gain or loss within net realised gains (losses) and impairments. 

Amortisation and accretion of premiums and discounts on AFS fixed maturity securities are calculated using the effective interest rate method and are 

recognised in current period net investment income. Interest income is recognised on the effective interest rate method. The carrying value of accrued 

interest income approximates estimated fair value due to its short-term nature and high liquidity. Dividends on equity securities are recorded as income 

on the date the dividends become payable to the holders of record. 

The Group regularly reviews the carrying value of its AFS investments for evidence of impairment. Such evidence would include a prolonged decline in 

estimated fair value below cost or amortised cost, where other factors, such as expected cash flows, do not support a recovery in value. If an impairment 

is deemed appropriate, the difference between cost or amortised cost and estimated fair value is removed from accumulated other comprehensive 

income in shareholders’ equity and charged to current period profit or loss. Impairment losses on fixed maturity securities may be subsequently reversed 

through profit or loss while impairment losses on equity securities are not subsequently reversed through profit or loss. 

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Derivatives are classified as financial assets or liabilities at FVTPL. They are initially recognised at estimated fair value on the date a contract is entered 

into, the trade date, and are subsequently carried at estimated fair value. Derivative instruments with a positive estimated fair value are recorded as 

derivative financial assets and those with a negative estimated fair value are recorded as derivative financial liabilities.  

Derivative financial instruments include exchange-traded future and option contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, interest rate swaps, credit 

default swaps and interest rate swaptions. They derive their value from the underlying instrument and are subject to the same risks as that underlying 

instrument, including liquidity, credit and market risk. Estimated fair values are based on exchange or broker-dealer quotations, where available, or 

discounted cash flow models, which incorporate the pricing of the underlying instrument, yield curves and other factors. Changes in the estimated fair 

value of derivative instruments are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within net other investment income. 

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Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

The Group does not currently apply hedge accounting to any derivative contracts. For discounted cash flow techniques, estimated future cash flows are 
based on management’s best estimates and the discount rate used is an appropriate market rate. 

Derivative financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated balance sheet only to the extent there is a legally 
enforceable right of offset and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise the assets and liabilities simultaneously. Derivative financial 
assets and liabilities are derecognised when the Group has transferred substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership or the liability is discharged, 
cancelled or expired. 

OTHER INCOME 
Other income is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. 

NATURE OF SERVICES 
The table below details the type of services from which the Group derives its other income, which are within the scope of IFRS 15, Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers, and disclosed in note 5. 

Services 
LCM underwriting fees  The Group recognises underwriting fees over the underwriting cycle based on the underlying exposure of the 

Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligation and significant payment terms 

covered contracts. Underwriting fees are received by or before the collateral funding date, which is prior to 
commencement of the underwriting cycle. 

LCM profit commission  The Group recognises profit commission following the end of the underwriting cycle based on the underlying 

LSL consortium 
management fees 
LSL consortium  
profit commission 
LSL managing  
agency fees 
LSL managing agency 
profit commission 

performance of the covered contracts and as collateral is released. Profit commissions may only be received once 
the profit commission hurdle has been met. 
The Group recognises consortium fees over the risk period based on the underlying exposure of the covered 
contracts. Consortium fees are received quarterly. 
The Group recognises profit commission in line with the underlying performance of covered contracts once the 
year of account closes, which is also when the profit commissions are received. 
The Group recognises managing agency fees in line with services provided for each year of account. Managing 
agency fees are received quarterly. 
The Group recognises profit commission on open years of account when measurement is highly probable. Profit 
commissions are received once the year of account closes. 

LONG-TERM DEBT 
Long-term debt is recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Thereafter it is held at amortised cost, with the amortisation 
calculated using the effective interest rate method. Derecognition occurs when the obligation has been extinguished. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
Property, plant and equipment is carried at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Depreciation is calculated to write 
off the cost over the estimated useful economic life on a straight-line basis as follows: 

IT equipment 
Office furniture and equipment 20% to 33% per annum
Leasehold improvements 

20% per annum 

33% per annum 

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. 

An item of property, plant or equipment is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of 
the asset.  

Gains and losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset, and are 
included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss as incurred. 

LEASES 
The Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease at the inception of a contract for all contracts that have been entered into or modified on or 
after 1 January 2019. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in 
exchange for consideration. The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. Lease payments are 
discounted using the rate implicit in the lease, if readily determinable, or the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments included in the 
measurement of the lease liability comprise: 

•  Fixed lease payments; 
•  Variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date; or 
•  Payments in respect of purchase options, lease termination options or lease extension options that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
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The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the lease carrying amount to reflect the interest due on the lease liability using the effective 
interest rate method and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. 

The Group re-measures the lease liability and the related right-of-use asset whenever: 

•  The lease term changes as a result of the Group changing its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option, in 

which case the lease liability is re-measured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate; 

•  The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual value, in which case the 

lease liability is re-measured by discounting the revised lease payments using the initial discount rate; or 

•  A lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability is re-measured by 

discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate. 

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability adjusted for any lease 
payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of any costs to be incurred at expiration of 
the lease agreement.  

Right-of-use assets are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Straight-line depreciation is calculated 
from the commencement date of the lease to the earlier of either the end date of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset.  

Both the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are presented as separate financial statement line items on the consolidated balance sheet. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS 
The Group currently operates a RSS under which nil-cost options have been granted. The fair value of the equity instruments granted is estimated on the 
date of grant. The estimated fair value is recognised as an expense pro-rata over the vesting period of the instrument, adjusted for the impact of any non-
market vesting conditions. No adjustment to vesting assumptions is made in respect of market vesting conditions.  

At each balance sheet date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of RSS nil-cost options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises 
the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, as equity based compensation expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
and a corresponding adjustment is made to other reserves in shareholders’ equity over the remaining vesting period.  

On exercise, the differences between the expense charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the actual cost to the Group, if 
any, is transferred within the components of other reserves in shareholders’ equity.  

PENSIONS 
The Group operates a defined contribution plan. On payment of contributions to the plan there is no further obligation for the Group. Contributions are 
recognised as employee benefits in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period when the services are rendered. 

TAX 
Income tax represents the sum of tax currently payable and any deferred tax. The tax payable is calculated based on taxable profit for the period using tax 
rates and tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the year end reporting date and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of prior periods. Taxable 
profit for the period can differ from that reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income due to non-taxable income and certain items 
which are not tax deductible or which are deferred to subsequent periods.  

Deferred tax is recognised on all temporary differences between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and their 
tax base, except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are accounted for using the 
balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that realising the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is 
likely and are reassessed each year for recognition.  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the 
deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority.  

Where the current estimated fair value of equity based compensation awards differs from the estimated fair value at the time of grant, adjusted where 
applicable for dividends, the related corporation tax and deferred tax charge or credit is recognised directly in other reserves.  

The Group determines, based on its tax compliance and transfer pricing study, the probability/certainty of the tax treatments being accepted by the 
taxation authorities and accounts for these in line with its determination. 

OWN SHARES 
Own shares include shares repurchased under share repurchase authorisations and held in treasury, plus shares repurchased and held in trust, for the 
purposes of employee equity-based compensation schemes. Own shares are deducted from shareholders’ equity. No gain or loss is recognised on the 
purchase, sale, cancellation or issue of own shares and any consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity. 

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The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the lease carrying amount to reflect the interest due on the lease liability using the effective 

interest rate method and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. 

The Group re-measures the lease liability and the related right-of-use asset whenever: 

•  The lease term changes as a result of the Group changing its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option, in 

which case the lease liability is re-measured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate; 

•  The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual value, in which case the 

lease liability is re-measured by discounting the revised lease payments using the initial discount rate; or 

•  A lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability is re-measured by 

discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate. 

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability adjusted for any lease 

payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of any costs to be incurred at expiration of 

the lease agreement.  

Right-of-use assets are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Straight-line depreciation is calculated 

from the commencement date of the lease to the earlier of either the end date of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset.  

Both the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are presented as separate financial statement line items on the consolidated balance sheet. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS 

The Group currently operates a RSS under which nil-cost options have been granted. The fair value of the equity instruments granted is estimated on the 

date of grant. The estimated fair value is recognised as an expense pro-rata over the vesting period of the instrument, adjusted for the impact of any non-

market vesting conditions. No adjustment to vesting assumptions is made in respect of market vesting conditions.  

At each balance sheet date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of RSS nil-cost options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises 

the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, as equity based compensation expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 

and a corresponding adjustment is made to other reserves in shareholders’ equity over the remaining vesting period.  

On exercise, the differences between the expense charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the actual cost to the Group, if 

any, is transferred within the components of other reserves in shareholders’ equity.  

The Group operates a defined contribution plan. On payment of contributions to the plan there is no further obligation for the Group. Contributions are 

recognised as employee benefits in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period when the services are rendered. 

PENSIONS 

TAX 

Income tax represents the sum of tax currently payable and any deferred tax. The tax payable is calculated based on taxable profit for the period using tax 

rates and tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the year end reporting date and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of prior periods. Taxable 

profit for the period can differ from that reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income due to non-taxable income and certain items 

which are not tax deductible or which are deferred to subsequent periods.  

Deferred tax is recognised on all temporary differences between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and their 

tax base, except when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are accounted for using the 

balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that realising the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is 

likely and are reassessed each year for recognition.  

deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority.  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the 

Where the current estimated fair value of equity based compensation awards differs from the estimated fair value at the time of grant, adjusted where 

applicable for dividends, the related corporation tax and deferred tax charge or credit is recognised directly in other reserves.  

The Group determines, based on its tax compliance and transfer pricing study, the probability/certainty of the tax treatments being accepted by the 

taxation authorities and accounts for these in line with its determination. 

OWN SHARES 

Own shares include shares repurchased under share repurchase authorisations and held in treasury, plus shares repurchased and held in trust, for the 

purposes of employee equity-based compensation schemes. Own shares are deducted from shareholders’ equity. No gain or loss is recognised on the 

purchase, sale, cancellation or issue of own shares and any consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity. 

Risk disclosures 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

RISK DISCLOSURES: INTRODUCTION 
The Group is exposed to risks from several sources, classified into six primary risk categories. These are insurance risk, market risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, 
operational risk and strategic risk. The primary risk to the Group is insurance risk. The six primary risk categories are discussed in detail on pages 132 to 152. 

The primary objective of the Group’s ERM framework is to ensure that the capital resources held are matched to the risk profile of the Group and that the 
balance between risk and return is considered as part of all key business decisions. The Group has formulated, and keeps under review, a risk appetite 
which is set by the Board of Directors. The Group’s appetite for risk will vary from time to time to reflect the potential risks and returns that present 
themselves. However, protecting the Group’s capital and maximising risk-adjusted returns for investors over the long term are constants. The risk 
appetite of the Group is central to how the business is run and permeates into the risk appetites that the individual operating entity boards of directors 
have adopted. These risk appetites are expressed through detailed risk tolerances at both a Group and an operating entity level. Risk tolerances represent 
the maximum amount of capital, generally on a modelled basis, that the Group and its entities are prepared to expose to certain risks.  

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting and monitoring the Group’s risk appetite and tolerances, whereas the individual entity boards of directors 
are responsible for setting and monitoring entity level risk tolerances. All risk tolerances are subject to at least an annual review and consideration by the 
respective boards of directors. The LHL Board and individual entity boards of directors review actual risk levels versus tolerances, emerging risks and any 
risk learning events at least quarterly. In addition, on a monthly basis, management assesses the modelled potential catastrophe losses against the risk 
tolerances and ensures that risk levels are managed in accordance with them. 

CURRENT EVENTS 
COVID-19 
On 12 March 2020, the World Health Organisation classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant 
disruption in global financial markets and to worldwide economies. The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing situation making it exceptionally difficult to 
predict what the ultimate impact for the Group or the insurance industry will be. 

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our risk profile are discussed on pages 138 to 152. 

CLIMATE CHANGE 
The Group is exposed to both climate-related risk and opportunities. The two major categories of risk are transition and physical risk. Transition risks are 
those relating to the transition to a lower carbon economy and include risks such as policy and legal risk, technology risk, market risk and reputation risk. 
Physical risks are those relating to the physical impacts of climate change which can be acute (those from increased frequency and severity of climate-
related events) or chronic (due to longer-term shifts in climate patterns). As a (re)insurance group, Lancashire is more significantly affected by physical 
risk through its exposure to acute and chronic climate change. The potential financial impact from these climate-related risks is mitigated by the Group’s 
strategic and risk management decisions on managing these risks. The Group’s work in relation to climate change is discussed in more detail within the 
ESG section on pages 42 to 61. 

ECONOMIC CAPITAL MODELS 
The Group maintains economic capital models at the LICL, LUK and syndicate levels. These models are primarily focused on insurance risks, however they 
are also used to model other risks including market, credit and operational risks. The syndicate models are vetted by Lloyd’s as part of its own capital and 
solvency regulations. 

The economic capital models produce data in the form of stochastic distributions for all classes, including non-elemental classes. The distributions include 
the mean outcome and the result at various return periods, including very remote events. Projected financial outcomes for each insurance class are 
calculated, as well as the overall portfolio including diversification credit. Diversification credit arises as individual risks are generally not strongly 
correlated and are unlikely to all produce profits or losses at the same time.  

130  

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A. INSURANCE RISK 
The Group underwrites worldwide, predominantly short-tail, insurance and reinsurance contracts that transfer insurance risk, including risks exposed to 
both natural and man-made catastrophes. The Group’s exposure in connection with insurance contracts is, in the event of insured losses, whether 
premiums will be sufficient to cover the loss payments and expenses. Insurance and reinsurance markets are cyclical and premium rates and terms and 
conditions vary by line of business depending on market conditions and the stage of the cycle. Market conditions are impacted by capacity and recent loss 
events, and broader economic cycle impacts amongst other factors. The Group’s underwriters assess likely losses using their experience and knowledge of 
past loss experience, industry trends and current circumstances. This allows them to estimate the premiums sufficient to meet likely losses and expenses 
and desired levels of profitability. 

The Group considers insurance risk at an individual contract level, at a segment level, a geographic level and at an aggregate portfolio level. This ensures 
that careful risk selection, limits on concentration and appropriate portfolio diversification are accomplished. The four principal classes of business for the 
Group are Property, Aviation, Energy and Marine. These classes are deemed to be the Group’s four operating segments. The level of insurance risk 
tolerance per peril is set by the Board and the boards of directors at individual entity level. 

A number of controls are deployed to manage the amount of insurance exposure assumed: 

•  the Group has a rolling three-year strategic plan that helps establish the over-riding business goals that the Board of Directors aims to achieve; 
•  a detailed business plan is produced annually, which includes expected premiums and combined ratios by class and considers risk-adjusted profitability, 

capital usage and requirements. The plan is approved by the Board of Directors and is monitored, reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis; 

•  for LSL, the syndicates’ business forecasts and business plans are subject to review and approval by Lloyd’s; 
•  economic capital models are used to measure occurrence risks, aggregate risks and correlations between classes and other non-insurance risks; 
•  each authorised class has a predetermined normal maximum line structure; 
•  each underwriter has a clearly defined limit of underwriting authority; 
•  the Group and individual operating entities have predetermined tolerances on probabilistic and deterministic losses of capital for certain single events; 
•  risk levels versus tolerances are monitored on a regular basis; 
•  a daily underwriting call is held for LICL and LUK to peer review insurance proposals, opportunities and emerging risks;  
•  a daily post-binding review process with exception reporting to management based on underwriting authority operates at LSL; 
•  sophisticated pricing and aggregation models are utilised in certain areas of the underwriting process; 
•  a number of modelling tools are deployed to model catastrophes and resultant losses to the portfolio and the Group; and 
•  reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate both frequency and severity of losses on a facultative, excess of loss treaty or proportional treaty basis. 

Some of the Group’s business provides coverage for natural catastrophes (e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods) and is subject to potential 
seasonal variation and the effects of climate change. A proportion of the Group’s business is exposed to large catastrophe losses in North America, Europe 
and Japan as a result of windstorms. The level of windstorm activity, and landfall thereof, during the North American, European and Japanese wind 
seasons may materially impact the Group’s loss experience. The North American and Japanese wind seasons are typically June to November and the 
European wind season November to March. The Group also bears exposure to large losses arising from other non-seasonal natural catastrophes, such as 
earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, floods and tornadoes, from risk losses throughout the year and from war, terrorism and political risk and other events. 
The Group’s associate bears exposure to catastrophe losses and any significant loss event could potentially result in impairment in the value of the 
Group’s investment in associate. 

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A. INSURANCE RISK 

The Group underwrites worldwide, predominantly short-tail, insurance and reinsurance contracts that transfer insurance risk, including risks exposed to 

both natural and man-made catastrophes. The Group’s exposure in connection with insurance contracts is, in the event of insured losses, whether 

premiums will be sufficient to cover the loss payments and expenses. Insurance and reinsurance markets are cyclical and premium rates and terms and 

conditions vary by line of business depending on market conditions and the stage of the cycle. Market conditions are impacted by capacity and recent loss 

events, and broader economic cycle impacts amongst other factors. The Group’s underwriters assess likely losses using their experience and knowledge of 

past loss experience, industry trends and current circumstances. This allows them to estimate the premiums sufficient to meet likely losses and expenses 

and desired levels of profitability. 

The Group considers insurance risk at an individual contract level, at a segment level, a geographic level and at an aggregate portfolio level. This ensures 

that careful risk selection, limits on concentration and appropriate portfolio diversification are accomplished. The four principal classes of business for the 

Group are Property, Aviation, Energy and Marine. These classes are deemed to be the Group’s four operating segments. The level of insurance risk 

tolerance per peril is set by the Board and the boards of directors at individual entity level. 

A number of controls are deployed to manage the amount of insurance exposure assumed: 

•  the Group has a rolling three-year strategic plan that helps establish the over-riding business goals that the Board of Directors aims to achieve; 

•  a detailed business plan is produced annually, which includes expected premiums and combined ratios by class and considers risk-adjusted profitability, 

capital usage and requirements. The plan is approved by the Board of Directors and is monitored, reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis; 

•  for LSL, the syndicates’ business forecasts and business plans are subject to review and approval by Lloyd’s; 

•  economic capital models are used to measure occurrence risks, aggregate risks and correlations between classes and other non-insurance risks; 

•  each authorised class has a predetermined normal maximum line structure; 

•  each underwriter has a clearly defined limit of underwriting authority; 

•  the Group and individual operating entities have predetermined tolerances on probabilistic and deterministic losses of capital for certain single events; 

•  risk levels versus tolerances are monitored on a regular basis; 

•  a daily underwriting call is held for LICL and LUK to peer review insurance proposals, opportunities and emerging risks;  

•  a daily post-binding review process with exception reporting to management based on underwriting authority operates at LSL; 

•  sophisticated pricing and aggregation models are utilised in certain areas of the underwriting process; 

•  a number of modelling tools are deployed to model catastrophes and resultant losses to the portfolio and the Group; and 

•  reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate both frequency and severity of losses on a facultative, excess of loss treaty or proportional treaty basis. 

Some of the Group’s business provides coverage for natural catastrophes (e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods) and is subject to potential 

seasonal variation and the effects of climate change. A proportion of the Group’s business is exposed to large catastrophe losses in North America, Europe 

and Japan as a result of windstorms. The level of windstorm activity, and landfall thereof, during the North American, European and Japanese wind 

seasons may materially impact the Group’s loss experience. The North American and Japanese wind seasons are typically June to November and the 

European wind season November to March. The Group also bears exposure to large losses arising from other non-seasonal natural catastrophes, such as 

earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, floods and tornadoes, from risk losses throughout the year and from war, terrorism and political risk and other events. 

The Group’s associate bears exposure to catastrophe losses and any significant loss event could potentially result in impairment in the value of the 

Group’s investment in associate. 

CATASTROPHE MANAGEMENT 
The Group actively monitors risk levels and manages catastrophe risk accumulations using reinsurance and PML based risk tolerances. The Group’s 
exposures to certain peak zone elemental losses, as a percentage of tangible capital, including long-term debt, are shown below. Net loss estimates are 
before income tax and net of reinstatement premiums and outwards reinsurance on a first occurrence return period basis. The exposure to catastrophe 
losses that would result in an impairment to the investment in associate is included in the figures below. 

As at 31 December 2020 
Zones 
Gulf of Mexico1 
California 
Non-Gulf of Mexico – U.S. 
Pan-European 
Japan 
Japan 
Pacific North West 

1.  Landing hurricane from Florida to Texas. 

As at 31 December 2019 
Zones 
Gulf of Mexico1 
California 
Non-Gulf of Mexico – U.S. 
Pan-European 
Japan 
Japan 
Pacific North West 

1.  Landing hurricane from Florida to Texas. 

Perils 
Hurricane 
Earthquake 
Hurricane 
Windstorm 
Earthquake 
Typhoon 
Earthquake 

Perils 
Hurricane 
Earthquake 
Hurricane 
Windstorm 
Earthquake 
Typhoon 
Earthquake 

100 year return period  
estimated net loss 

250 year return period  
estimated net loss 

$m 

% of  
tangible capital 

$m 

% of 
tangible capital 

166.5 
111.9 
108.9 
71.8 
63.7 
60.4 
20.1 

9.7   
6.5   
6.4   
4.2   
3.7   
3.5   
1.2   

323.0 
151.2 
361.2 
85.7 
105.9 
71.7 
85.0 

18.9 
8.8 
21.1 
5.0 
6.2 
4.2 
5.0 

100 year return period  
estimated net loss 

250 year return period  
estimated net loss 

$m 

% of  
tangible capital 

$m 

% of 
tangible capital 

139.7 
85.2 
72.8 
59.8 
51.3 
26.8 
12.7 

10.3   
6.3   
5.3   
4.4   
3.8   
2.0   
0.9   

311.0 
161.1 
307.8 
88.1 
165.7 
36.4 
56.1 

22.8 
11.8 
22.6 
6.5 
12.2 
2.7 
4.1 

There can be no guarantee that the modelled assumptions and techniques deployed in calculating these figures are accurate. There could also be an 
unmodelled loss which exceeds these figures. In addition, the models contain loss scenarios which could cause a larger loss to capital than the modelled 
expectation from the above return periods. 

Details of annual gross premiums written by geographic area of risks insured are provided below:  

U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide – multi territory 
Europe 
Rest of world 
Total 

2020 

2019 

$m 
300.8 
284.5 
80.9 
147.9 
814.1 

% 
37.0   
34.9   
9.9   
18.2   
100.0   

$m 
226.2 
276.7 
72.7 
131.1 
706.7 

% 
32.0 
39.1 
10.3 
18.6 
100.0 

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Details of annual gross premiums written by business segment are provided below: 

Property 
Aviation 
Energy 
Marine 
Total 

2020 

2019 

$m 
426.9 
151.0 
144.7 
91.5 
814.1 

% 
52.4   
18.6   
17.8   
11.2   
100.0   

$m 
382.1 
119.6 
128.1 
76.9 
706.7 

Further details of the gross premiums written and the risks associated with each of these four principal business segments are described on the 
following pages. 

I. PROPERTY 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Property catastrophe excess of loss 
Property direct and facultative 
Terrorism 
Property risk excess of loss 
Property retrocession 
Property political risk 
Other property 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
200.1 
97.5 
34.7 
29.7 
23.6 
14.9 
26.4 
426.9 

% 
54.1 
16.9 
18.1 
10.9 
100.0 

2019 
$m 
171.3 
72.7 
39.9 
24.3 
26.1 
33.1 
14.7 
382.1 

Property catastrophe excess of loss covers elemental risks and is written on an excess of loss treaty basis. The property catastrophe excess of loss 
portfolio is written within the U.S. and also internationally. Cover is offered for specific perils and regions or countries.  

Property direct and facultative is a worldwide book of largely commercial property business, written both in the open market and under delegated 
authorities. The account spans small individual locations to Fortune 500 accounts but with a bias towards small to medium-sized risks. Policies are 
generally provided both for non-elemental and elemental perils, although not all risks include both elemental and non-elemental coverage. Coverage is 
generally written on a full value, primary or excess of loss basis, although the very largest accounts are currently seldom written at the primary level.  

Terrorism business can be written either ground-up or for primary or excess layers, with cover provided for U.S. and worldwide property risks, but 
typically excluding nuclear, chemical, biological and cyber coverage in most territories. Cover is generally provided to medium to large commercial and 
industrial enterprises. Policies are typically written for scheduled locations and exposure is controlled by setting limits on aggregate exposure within a 
‘blast zone’ radius. The term of these contracts is often multi-year reflecting the term of the underlying exposures. Some national pools are also written, 
which may include nuclear, chemical and biological coverage and may have an element of life coverage. 

Property risk excess of loss is written on an excess of loss basis through UNL treaty arrangements, predominantly covering fire and allied perils in addition 
to natural catastrophe exposure. The portfolio is written on a worldwide basis, with particular focus on the U.S. market. 

Property retrocession is written on an excess of loss basis through treaty arrangements and covers elemental risks. Cover may be on a worldwide or 
regional basis and may cover specific risks or all catastrophe perils. Coverage may be given on a UNL basis, meaning that loss payments are linked directly 
to the ceding company’s own loss, or on an ILW basis, meaning that loss payments are linked to the overall industry insured loss as measured by 
independent third-party loss index providers. 

Property political risk cover is written either ground-up or on an excess of loss basis. Coverage that the Group provides in the political risk book is split 
between confiscation perils coverage and sovereign/quasi-sovereign obligor coverage. Confiscation perils coverage protects against CEND and may be 
extended to include other perils. Sovereign/quasi-sovereign obligors coverage protects against the non-payment or non-honouring of an obligation by a 
sovereign or quasi-sovereign entity. Cover is provided to medium to large commercial and industrial clients as well as bank and commodity trading 
clients. The term of these contracts is often multi-year reflecting the term of the underlying exposures. The Group does not provide cover against purely 
private obligor credit risk. 

The Group is exposed to large natural catastrophe losses, such as windstorm and earthquake losses, primarily from assuming property catastrophe excess 
of loss and property retrocession portfolio risks. Exposure to such events is controlled and measured by setting limits on stochastic modelling exposures 
in certain classes per geographic zone and through loss modelling. The accuracy of the latter exposure analysis is limited by the quality of data and the 
effectiveness of the modelling. It is possible that a catastrophic event significantly exceeds the expected modelled event loss. The Group’s appetite and 
exposure guidelines for large losses are set out on pages 132 and 133. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate exposures to large natural catastrophe losses. Reinsurance may also be purchased to reduce the Group’s 
worldwide exposure to large risk losses. Reinsurance is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis, however ILWs or proportional treaty arrangements 
may be entered into. 

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134 Lancashire Holdings Limited

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Details of annual gross premiums written by business segment are provided below: 

Property 

Aviation 

Energy 

Marine 

Total 

following pages. 

I. PROPERTY 

Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Property catastrophe excess of loss 

Property direct and facultative 

Terrorism 

Property risk excess of loss 

Property retrocession 

Property political risk 

Other property 

Total 

Further details of the gross premiums written and the risks associated with each of these four principal business segments are described on the 

2020 

2019 

$m 

426.9 

151.0 

144.7 

91.5 

814.1 

% 

52.4   

18.6   

17.8   

11.2   

100.0   

$m 

382.1 

119.6 

128.1 

76.9 

706.7 

2020 

 $m 

200.1 

97.5 

34.7 

29.7 

23.6 

14.9 

26.4 

% 

54.1 

16.9 

18.1 

10.9 

100.0 

2019 

$m 

171.3 

72.7 

39.9 

24.3 

26.1 

33.1 

14.7 

II. AVIATION 
Gross premiums written, for the year:  

Aviation deductible 
Aviation hull and liability 
AV 52 
Aviation reinsurance 
Aviation war 
Other aviation 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
54.3 
42.3 
18.4 
17.4 
16.8 
1.8 
151.0 

2019 
$m 
51.4 
28.8 
16.1 
8.7 
13.4 
1.2 
119.6 

Aviation deductible business is a specialist area with small individual limits normally up to $1.0 million and covers the deductible the airline would 
normally have for each and every loss under the terms of their airline policy. 

Aviation hull and liability provides cover to the airlines directly and includes cover for the aircraft themselves as well as losses arising from passenger and 
third-party liability claims against airlines and/or manufacturers. 

AV52 is written on a risk-attaching excess of loss basis and provides coverage for third-party liability, excluding own passenger liability, resulting from  
acts of war or hijack of aircraft. Cover excludes countries whose governments provide a backstop coverage, but does include some U.S. commercial airlines. 

Aviation reinsurance provides excess of loss catastrophe cover to the insurers of the world’s major airlines and aircraft manufacturers and includes cover 
for the aircraft themselves as well as losses arising from passenger and third-party liability claims against airlines and/or manufacturers. 

Aviation war covers loss or damage to aviation assets from war, terrorism and similar causes. 

426.9 

382.1 

Reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate exposures to an AV52 event loss. Reinsurance is typically purchased on a treaty excess of loss basis. 
Proportional treaty reinsurance is typically used to reduce the Group’s exposure to aviation deductible and the aviation hull and liability business. 

Property catastrophe excess of loss covers elemental risks and is written on an excess of loss treaty basis. The property catastrophe excess of loss 

portfolio is written within the U.S. and also internationally. Cover is offered for specific perils and regions or countries.  

Property direct and facultative is a worldwide book of largely commercial property business, written both in the open market and under delegated 

authorities. The account spans small individual locations to Fortune 500 accounts but with a bias towards small to medium-sized risks. Policies are 

generally provided both for non-elemental and elemental perils, although not all risks include both elemental and non-elemental coverage. Coverage is 

generally written on a full value, primary or excess of loss basis, although the very largest accounts are currently seldom written at the primary level.  

Terrorism business can be written either ground-up or for primary or excess layers, with cover provided for U.S. and worldwide property risks, but 

typically excluding nuclear, chemical, biological and cyber coverage in most territories. Cover is generally provided to medium to large commercial and 

industrial enterprises. Policies are typically written for scheduled locations and exposure is controlled by setting limits on aggregate exposure within a 

‘blast zone’ radius. The term of these contracts is often multi-year reflecting the term of the underlying exposures. Some national pools are also written, 

which may include nuclear, chemical and biological coverage and may have an element of life coverage. 

Property risk excess of loss is written on an excess of loss basis through UNL treaty arrangements, predominantly covering fire and allied perils in addition 

to natural catastrophe exposure. The portfolio is written on a worldwide basis, with particular focus on the U.S. market. 

Property retrocession is written on an excess of loss basis through treaty arrangements and covers elemental risks. Cover may be on a worldwide or 

regional basis and may cover specific risks or all catastrophe perils. Coverage may be given on a UNL basis, meaning that loss payments are linked directly 

to the ceding company’s own loss, or on an ILW basis, meaning that loss payments are linked to the overall industry insured loss as measured by 

independent third-party loss index providers. 

Property political risk cover is written either ground-up or on an excess of loss basis. Coverage that the Group provides in the political risk book is split 

between confiscation perils coverage and sovereign/quasi-sovereign obligor coverage. Confiscation perils coverage protects against CEND and may be 

extended to include other perils. Sovereign/quasi-sovereign obligors coverage protects against the non-payment or non-honouring of an obligation by a 

sovereign or quasi-sovereign entity. Cover is provided to medium to large commercial and industrial clients as well as bank and commodity trading 

clients. The term of these contracts is often multi-year reflecting the term of the underlying exposures. The Group does not provide cover against purely 

private obligor credit risk. 

The Group is exposed to large natural catastrophe losses, such as windstorm and earthquake losses, primarily from assuming property catastrophe excess 

of loss and property retrocession portfolio risks. Exposure to such events is controlled and measured by setting limits on stochastic modelling exposures 

in certain classes per geographic zone and through loss modelling. The accuracy of the latter exposure analysis is limited by the quality of data and the 

effectiveness of the modelling. It is possible that a catastrophic event significantly exceeds the expected modelled event loss. The Group’s appetite and 

exposure guidelines for large losses are set out on pages 132 and 133. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate exposures to large natural catastrophe losses. Reinsurance may also be purchased to reduce the Group’s 

worldwide exposure to large risk losses. Reinsurance is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis, however ILWs or proportional treaty arrangements 

may be entered into. 

134  

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Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

III. ENERGY 
Gross premiums written, for the year:  

Upstream energy 
Downstream energy 
Power 
Energy liabilities 
Gulf of Mexico energy 
Construction energy upstream 
Other energy 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
67.9 
31.0 
26.8 
8.7 
5.5 
1.7 
3.1 
144.7 

2019 
$m 
67.3 
21.1 
15.7 
6.7 
6.3 
4.8 
6.2 
128.1 

Energy risks are written mostly on a direct basis and may be ground-up or for primary or excess layers on either a first loss or full value basis. Upstream 
energy policies are typically package policies which may include physical damage, business interruption and third-party liability sections. Coverage can 
include fire and explosion and elemental risks. Individual assets covered can be high value and are therefore mostly written on a subscription basis, 
meaning that coverage is placed with multiple risk carriers. 

Downstream energy risks are generally those with an operational hydrocarbon risk – either processing and/or storage and/or transmission – and may also 
include the production of chemicals and intermediates. Policies typically cover property for physical damage (including natural catastrophe) and 
machinery breakdown perils plus consequential business interruption exposure and may be written on a proportional or excess of loss basis, often with 
loss limits set at a level commensurate with a modelled estimated maximum loss scenario. The portfolio encompasses a global spread of accounts. 
Critical natural catastrophe coverage is usually sub-limited, with underwriting assessment employing industry-accepted modelling tools to assess this 
exposure where possible. The sector provides cover for operational assets, albeit some construction risk is covered where it is not deemed the policy’s 
primary exposure. Third-party liabilities are not covered except where required under legislation for small sub-limited property damage. 

Power generation and utility business can be written either ground-up or on a primary or excess basis. The core composition of the portfolio is operational 
conventional thermal power generation, renewable energy and associated transmission & distribution assets.  

The Group writes energy liability business on a stand-alone basis. Unlike the liability contained within the energy packages policies, stand-alone energy 
liability is written on an excess of loss basis only. Coverage is worldwide and provides for variety of damages and loss to third parties. Coverage is 
generally restricted to upstream and midstream assets. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
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Gulf of Mexico offshore energy programmes cover elemental and non-elemental risks. Most policies have sub-limits on coverage for elemental losses. 
These programmes are exposed to Gulf of Mexico windstorms. Exposure to such events is measured through loss modelling. The accuracy of this 
exposure analysis is limited by the quality of data and the effectiveness of the modelling. It is possible that a catastrophic event significantly exceeds the 
expected modelled event loss. The Group’s appetite and exposure guidelines to large losses are set out on pages 132 and 133. 

Construction energy upstream contracts generally cover all risks of platform and drilling units under construction at yards and offshore, during towing 
and installation. Onshore construction contracts are generally not written. 

Reinsurance protection may be purchased to protect a portion of loss from elemental and non-elemental energy claims, and from the accumulation of 
smaller, attritional losses. Reinsurance is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis but, from time to time, proportional treaty arrangements may be 
entered into. Reinsurance may be purchased on a facultative or treaty basis. 

IV. MARINE 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Marine cargo 
Marine hull and total loss 
Marine liability 
Marine builders’ risk 
Marine hull war 
Other marine 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
41.3 
23.0 
11.0 
10.6 
3.5 
2.1 
91.5 

2019 
$m 
35.8 
16.2 
9.3 
10.7 
3.6 
1.3 
76.9 

Marine cargo is an international account and is written either on a direct basis or by way of reinsurance. It covers the (re)insurance of commodities or 
goods in transit. Typically, transit cover is provided on an all-risks basis for marine perils for the full value of the goods concerned, although higher value or 
capacity business may be written on a layered basis. Static cover is also provided for losses to cargo, from both elemental and non-elemental causes, 
whilst static at points along its route. In addition, the cargo account can include specie and fine art, vault risks, artwork on exhibition and marine war 
business relating to cargo in transit.  

With the exception of marine liability, where excess layers are written, most policies are written on a ground-up basis. Marine hull and total loss is 
generally written on a direct basis and covers marine risks on a worldwide basis, primarily for physical damage. Marine liability is mostly the reinsurance of 
the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs and covers marine liabilities. Marine builders’ risk covers the building of ocean-going vessels in 
specialised yards worldwide and their testing and commissioning. Marine hull war is mostly direct insurance of the loss of vessels from war, piracy or 
terrorist attack, with a very limited amount of facultative reinsurance. Marine excess of loss is written on a treaty basis and covers ocean and inland 
marine risks.  

The largest expected exposure in the marine class is from physical loss rather than from elemental loss events, although there is exposure to elemental 
perils and to the costs for removal of wrecks. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to reduce the Group’s exposure to both large risk losses and an accumulation of smaller, attritional losses. Reinsurance is 
typically purchased on a treaty excess of loss basis. 

REINSURANCE 
The Group, in the normal course of business and in accordance with its risk management practices, seeks to reduce certain types of losses that may arise 
from events that could cause unfavourable underwriting results by entering into reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance does not relieve the Group of its 
obligations to policyholders. Under the Group’s reinsurance security policy, reinsurers are assessed and approved as appropriate security based on their 
financial strength ratings, amongst other factors. The RSC considers reinsurers that are not rated or do not fall within the predefined rating categories on 
a case-by-case basis, and may require collateral to be posted to support such obligations. There are specific guidelines for these collateralised contracts. 
The RSC monitors the Group’s reinsurers on an ongoing basis and formally reviews the Group’s reinsurance arrangements at least quarterly. Exposure to 
the Group’s reinsurance counterparties, compared to the Board-approved tolerances, is reported to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. 

Reinsurance protection is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis, however it may also include ILW covers or proportional treaty arrangements. The 
mix of reinsurance cover is dependent on the specific loss mitigation requirements, market conditions and available capacity. Reinsurance may also be 
purchased to optimise the risk-adjusted return of the underwriting portfolio. The structure varies between types of peril and sub-class. The Group 
regularly reviews its catastrophe and other exposures and may purchase reinsurance in order to reduce the Group’s net exposure to a large natural 
catastrophe loss and/or to reduce net exposures to other large losses. The Group can purchase both facultative and treaty reinsurance with varying cover 
and attachment points. The reinsurance coverage is not intended to be available to meet all potential loss circumstances. The Group will retain some 
losses, as the cover purchased is unlikely to transfer the totality of the Group’s exposure. Any loss amount which exceeds the reinsurance programme 
would be retained by the Group. Some parts of the reinsurance programme have limited reinstatements, therefore the number of claims which may be 
recovered from second or subsequent losses in those particular circumstances is limited.  

136  
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IV. MARINE 

Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Marine cargo 

Marine hull and total loss 

Marine liability 

Marine builders’ risk 

Marine hull war 

Other marine 

Total 

Gulf of Mexico offshore energy programmes cover elemental and non-elemental risks. Most policies have sub-limits on coverage for elemental losses. 

These programmes are exposed to Gulf of Mexico windstorms. Exposure to such events is measured through loss modelling. The accuracy of this 

exposure analysis is limited by the quality of data and the effectiveness of the modelling. It is possible that a catastrophic event significantly exceeds the 

expected modelled event loss. The Group’s appetite and exposure guidelines to large losses are set out on pages 132 and 133. 

Construction energy upstream contracts generally cover all risks of platform and drilling units under construction at yards and offshore, during towing 

and installation. Onshore construction contracts are generally not written. 

Reinsurance protection may be purchased to protect a portion of loss from elemental and non-elemental energy claims, and from the accumulation of 

smaller, attritional losses. Reinsurance is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis but, from time to time, proportional treaty arrangements may be 

entered into. Reinsurance may be purchased on a facultative or treaty basis. 

2020 

 $m 

41.3 

23.0 

11.0 

10.6 

3.5 

2.1 

91.5 

2019 

$m 

35.8 

16.2 

9.3 

10.7 

3.6 

1.3 

76.9 

Marine cargo is an international account and is written either on a direct basis or by way of reinsurance. It covers the (re)insurance of commodities or 

goods in transit. Typically, transit cover is provided on an all-risks basis for marine perils for the full value of the goods concerned, although higher value or 

capacity business may be written on a layered basis. Static cover is also provided for losses to cargo, from both elemental and non-elemental causes, 

whilst static at points along its route. In addition, the cargo account can include specie and fine art, vault risks, artwork on exhibition and marine war 

business relating to cargo in transit.  

With the exception of marine liability, where excess layers are written, most policies are written on a ground-up basis. Marine hull and total loss is 

generally written on a direct basis and covers marine risks on a worldwide basis, primarily for physical damage. Marine liability is mostly the reinsurance of 

the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs and covers marine liabilities. Marine builders’ risk covers the building of ocean-going vessels in 

specialised yards worldwide and their testing and commissioning. Marine hull war is mostly direct insurance of the loss of vessels from war, piracy or 

terrorist attack, with a very limited amount of facultative reinsurance. Marine excess of loss is written on a treaty basis and covers ocean and inland 

The largest expected exposure in the marine class is from physical loss rather than from elemental loss events, although there is exposure to elemental 

Reinsurance may be purchased to reduce the Group’s exposure to both large risk losses and an accumulation of smaller, attritional losses. Reinsurance is 

marine risks.  

perils and to the costs for removal of wrecks. 

typically purchased on a treaty excess of loss basis. 

REINSURANCE 

The Group, in the normal course of business and in accordance with its risk management practices, seeks to reduce certain types of losses that may arise 

from events that could cause unfavourable underwriting results by entering into reinsurance arrangements. Reinsurance does not relieve the Group of its 

obligations to policyholders. Under the Group’s reinsurance security policy, reinsurers are assessed and approved as appropriate security based on their 

financial strength ratings, amongst other factors. The RSC considers reinsurers that are not rated or do not fall within the predefined rating categories on 

a case-by-case basis, and may require collateral to be posted to support such obligations. There are specific guidelines for these collateralised contracts. 

The RSC monitors the Group’s reinsurers on an ongoing basis and formally reviews the Group’s reinsurance arrangements at least quarterly. Exposure to 

the Group’s reinsurance counterparties, compared to the Board-approved tolerances, is reported to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. 

Reinsurance protection is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis, however it may also include ILW covers or proportional treaty arrangements. The 

mix of reinsurance cover is dependent on the specific loss mitigation requirements, market conditions and available capacity. Reinsurance may also be 

purchased to optimise the risk-adjusted return of the underwriting portfolio. The structure varies between types of peril and sub-class. The Group 

regularly reviews its catastrophe and other exposures and may purchase reinsurance in order to reduce the Group’s net exposure to a large natural 

catastrophe loss and/or to reduce net exposures to other large losses. The Group can purchase both facultative and treaty reinsurance with varying cover 

and attachment points. The reinsurance coverage is not intended to be available to meet all potential loss circumstances. The Group will retain some 

losses, as the cover purchased is unlikely to transfer the totality of the Group’s exposure. Any loss amount which exceeds the reinsurance programme 

would be retained by the Group. Some parts of the reinsurance programme have limited reinstatements, therefore the number of claims which may be 

recovered from second or subsequent losses in those particular circumstances is limited.  

INSURANCE LIABILITIES 
For most insurance and reinsurance companies, the most significant judgement made by management is the estimation of losses and loss adjustment 
expenses. The estimation of the ultimate liability arising from claims made under insurance and reinsurance contracts is a critical estimate for the Group, 
particularly given the nature of the business written.  

Under GAAP, loss reserves are not permitted until the occurrence of an event which may give rise to a claim. As a result, only loss reserves applicable to 
losses incurred up to the reporting date are established, with no allowance for the provision of a contingency reserve to account for expected future 
losses or for the emergence of new types of latent claims. Claims arising from future events can be expected to require the establishment of substantial 
reserves from time to time. All of the Group’s reserves are reported on an undiscounted basis. 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses are maintained to cover the Group’s estimated liability for both reported and unreported claims. Reserving 
methodologies that calculate a point estimate for the ultimate losses are utilised. This represents management’s best estimate of ultimate loss and loss 
adjustment expenses. The Group’s internal actuaries review the reserving assumptions and methodologies on a quarterly basis with loss estimates being 
subject to a semi-annual independent review by external actuaries. The results of the independent review are presented to the Group’s Audit Committee. 
The Group has also established Reserve Committees at the operating entity level, which have responsibility for the review of large claims and IBNR levels, 
their development and any changes in reserving methodology and assumptions. 

The extent to which the reserving process relies on management’s judgement is dependent on a number of factors including whether the business is 
insurance or reinsurance, whether it is short-tail or long-tail and whether the business is written on an excess of loss or pro-rata basis. Generally, the 
Group writes most of its business on a direct excess of loss basis and the Group does not currently write a significant amount of long-tail business. 

INSURANCE VERSUS REINSURANCE 
Loss reserve calculations whether reserving for direct insurance business or for reinsurance classes are not precise in that they deal with the inherent 
uncertainty of assumptions regarding future reporting and development patterns, frequency and severity trends, claims settlement practices, potential 
changes in the legal environment and other factors, such as inflation. The estimates and judgements relied on in making loss reserve calculations are 
based on a number of factors and may be revised as additional experience or other data becomes available. 

Loss reserve calculations are also reviewed as new or improved methodologies are developed and as laws or regulations change. Furthermore, as a 
business operating within a broker market, management must rely on loss information reported to brokers by other insurers and their loss adjusters, who 
must estimate their own losses at the policy level, often based on incomplete and changing information. The information management receives varies by 
cedant and may include paid losses, estimated case reserves and an estimated provision for IBNR reserves. Additionally, reserving practices and the 
quality of data reporting may vary among ceding companies, which adds further uncertainty to management’s estimates of the ultimate losses. 

SHORT-TAIL VERSUS LONG-TAIL 
In general, claims relating to short-tail risks, such as the majority of risks underwritten by the Group, are reported more promptly than those relating to 
long-tail risks, including the majority of casualty risks. The timeliness of reporting can be affected by such factors as the nature of the event causing the 
loss, the location of the loss and whether the losses are from policies in force with insureds, primary insurers, reinsurers or vendor binding authorities. 

EXCESS OF LOSS VERSUS PROPORTIONAL 
For excess of loss contracts, which make up the majority of the Group’s business, management is aided by the fact that each policy has a defined limit of 
liability arising from one event. Once that limit has been reached, there is no further exposure to additional losses from that policy for the same event. For 
proportional business, an initial estimated loss and loss expense ratio is generally used. This is based upon information provided by the insured or ceding 
company and/or their broker and management’s historical experience of that treaty, if any, and the estimate is adjusted as actual experience 
becomes known. 

TIME LAGS 
There is a time lag inherent in reporting from the original claimant to the primary insurer or binding authority holder to the broker and then to the 
reinsurer. Also, the combination of low claims frequency and high severity across many of our classes makes the available data more volatile and less 
useful for predicting ultimate losses. In the case of proportional contracts, reliance is placed on an analysis of a contract’s historical experience, industry 
information, and the professional judgement of underwriters in estimating reserves for these contracts. In addition, if available, reliance is placed partially 
on ultimate loss ratio forecasts as reported by insureds or cedants, which are normally subject to a quarterly or six-month time lag. 

UNCERTAINTY 
As a result of the time lag described above, an estimate must be made of IBNR reserves, which consists of a provision for additional development in 
excess of the case reserves reported by insureds or ceding companies, as well as a provision for claims which have occurred but which have not yet been 
reported by insureds or ceding companies. Due to the degree of reliance that is necessarily placed on insureds or ceding companies for claims reporting, 
the associated time lag, the low frequency/high severity nature of much of the business that the Group underwrites, and the varying reserving practices 
among ceding companies, reserve estimates are highly dependent on management judgement and are therefore uncertain. During the loss settlement 
period, which may be years in duration, additional facts regarding individual claims and trends often will become known, and current laws and case law 
may change as well as regulatory directives, with a consequent impact on reserving. 

136  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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For certain catastrophic events there are greater uncertainties underlying the assumptions and associated estimated reserves for losses and loss 
adjustment expenses. Complexity resulting from problems such as policy coverage issues, multiple events affecting one geographic area and the resulting 
impact on claims adjusting (including the allocation of claims to the specific event and the effect of demand surge on the cost of building materials and 
labour) by, and communications from, insureds or ceding companies, can cause delays to the timing with which the Group is notified of changes to 
loss estimates.  

As at 31 December 2020, management’s estimates for IBNR represented $211.1 million or 34.4% of total net loss reserves (31 December 2019 – $168.2 
million or 30.9%). The majority of the estimate relates to catastrophe events from 2017-2020, in addition to potential claims on non-elemental risks 
where timing delays in insured or cedant reporting may mean losses could have occurred of which the Group was not made aware by the balance 
sheet date. 

B. MARKET RISK 
The Group is at risk of loss due to movements in market factors. The main risks include: 

I. 

II. 

Insurance risk;  

Investment risk;  

III.  Debt risk; and  

IV.  Currency risk.  

These risks, and the management thereof, are described below. 

I. INSURANCE RISK 
The Group is exposed to insurance market risk from several sources, including the following: 

•  the advent or continuation of a soft market, which may result in a stabilisation or decline in premium rates and/or terms and conditions for certain 

lines, or across all lines; 

•  the actions and reactions of key competitors, which may directly result in volatility in premium volumes and rates, fee levels and other input costs;  
•  market events, including unusual inflation in rates, may result in a limit in the availability of cover, causing political intervention or national remedies;  
•  failure to maintain broker, binding authority and client relationships, leading to a limited or substandard choice of risks inconsistent with the Group’s 

risk appetite;  

•  changes in regulation including capital, governance or licensing requirements; and 
•  changes in the geopolitical environment including the UK’s exit from the EU and the implications for the loss of business passporting within the EEA. 

The most important method to mitigate insurance market risk is to maintain strict underwriting standards. The Group manages insurance market risk in 
numerous ways, including the following: 

•  reviews and amends underwriting plans and outlook as necessary; 
•  reduces exposure to market sectors where conditions have reached unattractive levels; 
•  purchases appropriate, cost-effective reinsurance cover to mitigate exposures; 
•  closely monitors changes in rates and terms and conditions;  
•  ensures through continuous capital management that it does not allow surplus capital to drive underwriting appetite; 
•  holds a daily underwriting call for LICL and LUK to discuss, inter alia, market conditions and opportunities; 
•  reviews all new and renewal business post-underwriting for LSL; 
•  reviews outputs from the economic capital models to assess up-to-date profitability of classes and sectors;  
•  holds a fortnightly RRC meeting to discuss risk and reinsurance; 
•  holds a quarterly Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee meeting to review underwriting strategy; and 
•  holds regular meetings with regulators.  

Insurance contract liabilities are not directly sensitive to the level of market interest rates, as they are undiscounted and contractually non-interest bearing.  

From 2013 to 2017, the market for almost all of our products experienced a period of oversupply and relatively lower levels of catastrophe losses. This 
resulted in protracted ‘softer’ pricing conditions within the international (re)insurance markets. Since 2017, the market has faced three challenging years 
featuring a large number of catastrophe losses, following which the rating environment started to improve. At the beginning of 2020, the Group 
undertook the decision to retain most of its 2019 profits, by not paying a special dividend, in anticipation of continued improving market conditions, 
which were evidenced during the year ended 31 December 2020.  

In the face of these challenges there has been a retrenchment in re(insurance) market risk capital and capacity. This in turn has led to continued rate 
increases in many of the Group’s core insurance segments and accelerated rating dislocation in the catastrophe exposed reinsurance lines. The Group 
expects the momentum of rising rates to continue in this and other classes of business across its portfolio throughout 2021. The rapid increase in rates 
and dislocation in reinsurance and retrocession markets that are currently being witnessed imply a return to a traditional ‘hard’ market over the next year. 
The Group expects to take advantage of this rating improvement by writing increased levels of business at better pricing levels. 

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138 Lancashire Holdings Limited

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Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

For certain catastrophic events there are greater uncertainties underlying the assumptions and associated estimated reserves for losses and loss 

adjustment expenses. Complexity resulting from problems such as policy coverage issues, multiple events affecting one geographic area and the resulting 

impact on claims adjusting (including the allocation of claims to the specific event and the effect of demand surge on the cost of building materials and 

labour) by, and communications from, insureds or ceding companies, can cause delays to the timing with which the Group is notified of changes to 

As at 31 December 2020, management’s estimates for IBNR represented $211.1 million or 34.4% of total net loss reserves (31 December 2019 – $168.2 

million or 30.9%). The majority of the estimate relates to catastrophe events from 2017-2020, in addition to potential claims on non-elemental risks 

where timing delays in insured or cedant reporting may mean losses could have occurred of which the Group was not made aware by the balance 

The Group is at risk of loss due to movements in market factors. The main risks include: 

loss estimates.  

sheet date. 

B. MARKET RISK 

I. 

II. 

Insurance risk;  

Investment risk;  

III.  Debt risk; and  

IV.  Currency risk.  

I. INSURANCE RISK 

These risks, and the management thereof, are described below. 

The Group is exposed to insurance market risk from several sources, including the following: 

•  the advent or continuation of a soft market, which may result in a stabilisation or decline in premium rates and/or terms and conditions for certain 

lines, or across all lines; 

•  the actions and reactions of key competitors, which may directly result in volatility in premium volumes and rates, fee levels and other input costs;  

•  market events, including unusual inflation in rates, may result in a limit in the availability of cover, causing political intervention or national remedies;  

•  failure to maintain broker, binding authority and client relationships, leading to a limited or substandard choice of risks inconsistent with the Group’s 

risk appetite;  

•  changes in regulation including capital, governance or licensing requirements; and 

•  changes in the geopolitical environment including the UK’s exit from the EU and the implications for the loss of business passporting within the EEA. 

The most important method to mitigate insurance market risk is to maintain strict underwriting standards. The Group manages insurance market risk in 

numerous ways, including the following: 

•  reviews and amends underwriting plans and outlook as necessary; 

•  reduces exposure to market sectors where conditions have reached unattractive levels; 

•  purchases appropriate, cost-effective reinsurance cover to mitigate exposures; 

•  closely monitors changes in rates and terms and conditions;  

•  ensures through continuous capital management that it does not allow surplus capital to drive underwriting appetite; 

•  holds a daily underwriting call for LICL and LUK to discuss, inter alia, market conditions and opportunities; 

•  reviews all new and renewal business post-underwriting for LSL; 

•  reviews outputs from the economic capital models to assess up-to-date profitability of classes and sectors;  

•  holds a fortnightly RRC meeting to discuss risk and reinsurance; 

•  holds a quarterly Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee meeting to review underwriting strategy; and 

•  holds regular meetings with regulators.  

Insurance contract liabilities are not directly sensitive to the level of market interest rates, as they are undiscounted and contractually non-interest bearing.  

From 2013 to 2017, the market for almost all of our products experienced a period of oversupply and relatively lower levels of catastrophe losses. This 

resulted in protracted ‘softer’ pricing conditions within the international (re)insurance markets. Since 2017, the market has faced three challenging years 

featuring a large number of catastrophe losses, following which the rating environment started to improve. At the beginning of 2020, the Group 

undertook the decision to retain most of its 2019 profits, by not paying a special dividend, in anticipation of continued improving market conditions, 

which were evidenced during the year ended 31 December 2020.  

In the face of these challenges there has been a retrenchment in re(insurance) market risk capital and capacity. This in turn has led to continued rate 

increases in many of the Group’s core insurance segments and accelerated rating dislocation in the catastrophe exposed reinsurance lines. The Group 

expects the momentum of rising rates to continue in this and other classes of business across its portfolio throughout 2021. The rapid increase in rates 

and dislocation in reinsurance and retrocession markets that are currently being witnessed imply a return to a traditional ‘hard’ market over the next year. 

The Group expects to take advantage of this rating improvement by writing increased levels of business at better pricing levels. 

II. INVESTMENT RISK 
Movements in investments resulting from changes in interest and inflation rates and currency exchange rates, amongst other factors, may lead to an 
adverse impact on the value of the Group’s investment portfolio.  

Investment guidelines are established by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors to manage this risk. Investment guidelines set parameters 
within which the Group’s external investment managers must operate. All of the Group’s fixed income managers and private debt managers are 
signatories of the UNPRI, which approximates to 90.0% of the Group’s managed assets. Important parameters include guidelines on permissible asset 
classes, duration ranges, credit quality, currency, maturity, sectors, geographical, sovereign and issuer exposures. Compliance with guidelines is monitored 
on a monthly basis. Any adjustments to the investment guidelines are approved by the Investment Committee and the Board of Directors.  

The Group’s fixed maturity portfolios are managed by five external investment managers. The Group also has a diversified low volatility multi-strategy 
portfolio of hedge funds, credit funds, principal protected products and private investment funds. The performance of the managers is monitored on an 
ongoing basis. 

Within the Group’s investment guidelines are subsets of guidelines for the portion of funds required to meet near-term obligations and cash flow needs 
following an extreme event. These guidelines add a further degree of requirements, including fewer allowable asset classes, higher credit quality, shorter 
duration and higher liquidity. The primary objectives for this portion of assets are capital preservation and providing liquidity to meet insurance and other 
near-term obligations. In addition to cash managed internally, funds held in the investment portfolio to cover this potential liability are designated as the 
core and core plus portfolios and the portfolio duration is matched to the duration of the insurance liabilities, within an agreed range. The core and core 
plus portfolios are invested in fixed maturity securities, fixed maturity funds and cash and cash equivalents. The combined core and core plus portfolios 
may, at times, contain assets significantly in excess of those required to meet insurance liabilities or other defined funding needs.  

Assets in excess of those required to be held in the core and core plus portfolios are typically held in the surplus portfolio. The surplus portfolio is invested 
in fixed maturity securities, principal protected products, derivative instruments, cash and cash equivalents, private investment funds and hedge funds. In 
general, the duration of the surplus portfolio is slightly longer than the core or core plus portfolios. 

The Group reviews the composition, duration and asset allocation of its investment portfolio on a regular basis in order to respond to changes in interest 
rates and other market conditions. If certain asset classes are anticipated to produce a higher return within management’s risk tolerance, an adjustment in 
asset allocation may be made. Conversely, if the risk profile is expected to move outside of tolerance levels, adjustments may be made to reduce the risks 
in the portfolio. 

The investment portfolio is currently structured to perform similarly in risk-on and risk-off environments. The Group endeavours to limit losses in risk-on, 
risk-off and interest rate hike scenarios. The Group models various periods of significant stress in order to better understand the investment portfolio’s 
risks and exposures. The scenarios represent what could, and most likely will, occur (albeit not in the exact form of the scenarios, which are based on 
historic periods of volatility). The Group also monitors the portfolio impact of more severe disaster scenarios consisting of extreme shocks. 

Our investment portfolio has been impacted by the ongoing uncertainty and volatility in financial markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also 
subject to elevated credit risk as the COVID-19 pandemic increases the risk of defaults across many industries; this risk is particularly high in our bank loan 
portfolio. We continue to closely monitor the credit risk across the whole of our investment portfolio. The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with 
historically low interest rate levels, which are expected to remain low for the next two to three years. We continue to focus on the most significant risks 
in our investment portfolio: interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk, and have built our stress testing and risk analytics around these risks to ensure 
they remain within our tolerances and preferences, including specific pandemic related scenarios. 

The Investment Committee performs a strategic asset allocation study on a bi-annual basis, which assesses the Group’s overall strategy and to determine 
alternative asset allocations to achieve the best risk-adjusted return within our risk tolerances. The IRRC meets quarterly to ensure that the Group’s 
strategic and tactical investment actions are consistent with investment risk preferences, appetite, risk and return objectives and tolerances. The IRRC 
also helps further develop the risk tolerances to be incorporated into the ERM framework. 

138  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

139 
139

Financial statements 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The investment mix of the fixed maturity portfolios is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2020 
– Short-term investments  
– Fixed maturity funds 
– U.S. treasuries 
– Other government bonds 
– U.S. municipal bonds 
– U.S. government agency debt 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage  
backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage  
backed securities 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage  
backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds  
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Total fixed maturity securities 

As at 31 December 2019 
– Short-term investments  
– Fixed maturity funds 
– U.S. treasuries 
– Other government bonds 
– U.S. municipal bonds 
– U.S. government agency debt 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage  
backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage  
backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds  
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Total fixed maturity securities 

Core 

Core plus 

Surplus 

Total 

$m 
34.6 
16.4 
129.6 
16.1 
2.2 
4.2 
3.0 

13.9 
0.3 

– 

– 
– 
238.1 
458.4 
– 
458.4 

% 
2.1 
1.0 
7.7 
1.0 
0.1 
0.3 
0.2 

0.8 
– 

– 

– 
– 
14.2 
27.4 
– 
27.4 

$m 
51.3 
– 
146.7 
13.4 
7.3 
31.4 
62.2 

12.6 
8.3 

% 
3.1 
– 
8.7 
0.8 
0.4 
1.9 
3.7 

0.8 
0.5 

$m 
1.0 
– 
17.5 
36.4 
3.5 
66.5 
60.2 

105.3 
10.2 

% 
0.1   
–   
1.0   
2.2   
0.2   
4.0   
3.6   

6.2   
0.6   

$m 
86.9 
16.4 
293.8 
65.9 
13.0 
102.1 
125.4 

131.8 
18.8 

– 

– 

0.3 

–   

0.3 

– 
– 
374.6 
707.8 
– 
707.8 

– 
– 
22.3 
42.2 
– 
42.2 

5.8 
110.5 
65.9 
483.1 
29.3 
512.4 

5.8 
0.3   
110.5 
6.6   
678.6 
3.9   
28.7    1,649.3 
1.7   
29.3 
30.4    1,678.6 

Core 

Core plus 

Surplus 

Total 

$m 
37.7 
12.8 
80.1 
15.0 
2.2 
2.8 
3.5 

16.0 
0.1 

– 
– 
186.7 
356.9 
– 
356.9 

% 
2.8 
0.9 
5.9 
1.1 
0.2 
0.2 
0.3 

1.2 
– 

– 
– 
13.7 
26.3 
– 
26.3 

$m 
43.0 
– 
74.1 
23.3 
6.2 
37.5 
65.3 

17.2 
13.8 

1.2 
– 
371.2 
652.8 
– 
652.8 

% 
3.2 
– 
5.4 
1.7 
0.5 
2.8 
4.8 

1.3 
1.0 

0.1 
– 
27.3 
48.1 
– 
48.1 

$m 
4.1 
– 
7.4 
9.2 
– 
20.4 
56.2 

64.3 
1.5 

1.0 
101.7 
34.3 
300.1 
50.3 
350.4 

% 
0.3   
–   
0.5   
0.7   
–   
1.5   
4.1   

4.7   
0.1   

$m 
84.8 
12.8 
161.6 
47.5 
8.4 
60.7 
125.0 

97.5 
15.4 

2.2 
0.1   
101.7 
7.5   
2.5   
592.2 
22.0    1,309.8 
3.6   
50.3 
25.6    1,360.1 

% 
5.3 
1.0 
17.4 
4.0 
0.7 
6.2 
7.5 

7.8 
1.1 

– 

0.3 
6.6 
40.4 
98.3 
1.7 
100.0 

% 
6.3 
0.9 
11.8 
3.5 
0.7 
4.5 
9.2 

7.2 
1.1 

0.2 
7.5 
43.5 
96.4 
3.6 
100.0 

140  
140 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

As at 31 December 2020 

– Short-term investments  

– Fixed maturity funds 

– U.S. treasuries 

– Other government bonds 

– U.S. municipal bonds 

– U.S. government agency debt 

– Asset backed securities 

– U.S. government agency mortgage  

backed securities 

– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 

– Agency commercial mortgage  

backed securities 

– Non-agency commercial mortgage  

backed securities 

– Bank loans 

– Corporate bonds  

Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Total fixed maturity securities 

As at 31 December 2019 

– Short-term investments  

– Fixed maturity funds 

– U.S. treasuries 

– Other government bonds 

– U.S. municipal bonds 

– U.S. government agency debt 

– Asset backed securities 

– U.S. government agency mortgage  

backed securities 

– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 

– Agency commercial mortgage  

backed securities 

– Bank loans 

– Corporate bonds  

Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Total fixed maturity securities 

Core 

Core plus 

Surplus 

Total 

0.3 

–   

0.3 

$m 

34.6 

16.4 

129.6 

16.1 

2.2 

4.2 

3.0 

13.9 

0.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

238.1 

458.4 

458.4 

$m 

37.7 

12.8 

80.1 

15.0 

2.2 

2.8 

3.5 

16.0 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

186.7 

356.9 

356.9 

% 

2.1 

1.0 

7.7 

1.0 

0.1 

0.3 

0.2 

0.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

14.2 

27.4 

– 

27.4 

% 

2.8 

0.9 

5.9 

1.1 

0.2 

0.2 

0.3 

1.2 

– 

– 

– 

13.7 

26.3 

– 

26.3 

$m 

51.3 

– 

146.7 

13.4 

7.3 

31.4 

62.2 

12.6 

8.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

374.6 

707.8 

707.8 

$m 

43.0 

– 

74.1 

23.3 

6.2 

37.5 

65.3 

17.2 

13.8 

1.2 

– 

371.2 

652.8 

– 

652.8 

% 

3.1 

– 

8.7 

0.8 

0.4 

1.9 

3.7 

0.8 

0.5 

– 

– 

– 

22.3 

42.2 

– 

42.2 

% 

3.2 

– 

5.4 

1.7 

0.5 

2.8 

4.8 

1.3 

1.0 

0.1 

– 

27.3 

48.1 

– 

48.1 

$m 

1.0 

– 

17.5 

36.4 

3.5 

66.5 

60.2 

105.3 

10.2 

5.8 

110.5 

65.9 

483.1 

29.3 

512.4 

$m 

4.1 

– 

7.4 

9.2 

– 

20.4 

56.2 

64.3 

1.5 

1.0 

101.7 

34.3 

300.1 

50.3 

350.4 

% 

0.1   

–   

1.0   

2.2   

0.2   

4.0   

3.6   

6.2   

0.6   

$m 

86.9 

16.4 

293.8 

65.9 

13.0 

102.1 

125.4 

131.8 

18.8 

0.3   

6.6   

3.9   

5.8 

110.5 

678.6 

28.7    1,649.3 

1.7   

29.3 

% 

0.3   

–   

0.5   

0.7   

–   

1.5   

4.1   

4.7   

0.1   

0.1   

7.5   

2.5   

$m 

84.8 

12.8 

161.6 

47.5 

8.4 

60.7 

125.0 

97.5 

15.4 

2.2 

101.7 

592.2 

% 

5.3 

1.0 

17.4 

4.0 

0.7 

6.2 

7.5 

7.8 

1.1 

– 

0.3 

6.6 

40.4 

98.3 

1.7 

% 

6.3 

0.9 

11.8 

3.5 

0.7 

4.5 

9.2 

7.2 

1.1 

0.2 

7.5 

43.5 

96.4 

3.6 

22.0    1,309.8 

3.6   

50.3 

25.6    1,360.1 

100.0 

The investment mix of the fixed maturity portfolios is as follows: 

Bank loans, corporate bonds, fixed maturity securities at FVTPL and other government bonds by country are as follows: 

As at 31 December 2020 
United States 
United Kingdom 
Canada 
Japan 
France 
Switzerland 
Sweden 
Netherlands 
Germany 
Spain 
Australia 
Italy 
China 
United Arab Emirates 
Qatar 
Other 
Total 

Financials 
$m 
198.8 
26.6 
18.3 
14.9 
17.6 
9.7 
10.1 
7.8 
0.3 
10.2 
8.5 
4.9 
1.0 
2.5 
1.6 
11.2 
344.0 

Core 

Core plus 

Surplus 

Total 

30.4    1,678.6 

100.0 

1.  Includes bank loans, corporate bonds and fixed maturity securities at FVTPL. 
2.  Includes bank loans, corporate bonds, fixed maturity securities at FVTPL and other government bonds. 

As at 31 December 2019 
United States 
United Kingdom 
Canada 
France 
Japan 
Netherlands 
Switzerland 
Sweden 
Spain 
Germany 
Italy 
Australia 
Supranational 
Luxembourg 
China 
Other 
Total 

Financials 
$m 
185.9 
41.8 
17.3 
15.5 
10.7 
5.8 
9.6 
5.7 
9.4 
1.3 
4.7 
8.3 
7.2 
– 
1.7 
5.8 
330.7 

1.  Includes bank loans, corporate bonds and fixed maturity securities at FVTPL. 
2.  Includes bank loans, corporate bonds, fixed maturity securities at FVTPL and other government bonds. 

Other 
 industries 
 $m 
392.4 
20.4 
4.7 
12.3 
5.8 
3.7 
– 
5.7 
10.0 
– 
0.4 
4.0 
2.5 
1.5 
– 
11.0 
474.4 

Other 
 industries 
 $m 
325.6 
21.2 
8.7 
11.4 
13.4 
5.6 
5.5 
– 
– 
5.1 
3.8 
– 
– 
7.0 
1.2 
5.0 
413.5 

Total1  
$m  
591.2   
47.0   
23.0   
27.2   
23.4   
13.4   
10.1   
13.5   
10.3   
10.2   
8.9   
8.9   
3.5   
4.0   
1.6   
22.2   
818.4   

Total1  
$m  
511.5   
63.0   
26.0   
26.9   
24.1   
11.4   
15.1   
5.7   
9.4   
6.4   
8.5   
8.3   
7.2   
7.0   
2.9   
10.8   
744.2   

Other 
government 
 bonds 
$m 
– 
– 
18.7 
– 
0.8 
5.1 
4.2 
0.3 
0.8 
– 
– 
– 
3.9 
1.5 
2.9 
27.7 
65.9 

Other 
government 
 bonds 
$m 
– 
5.6 
20.6 
0.6 
– 
6.9 
– 
5.0 
– 
3.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1.2 
4.6 
47.5 

Total2 
$m 
591.2 
47.0 
41.7 
27.2 
24.2 
18.5 
14.3 
13.8 
11.1 
10.2 
8.9 
8.9 
7.4 
5.5 
4.5 
49.9 
884.3 

Total2 
$m 
511.5 
68.6 
46.6 
27.5 
24.1 
18.3 
15.1 
10.7 
9.4 
9.4 
8.5 
8.3 
7.2 
7.0 
4.1 
15.4 
791.7 

140  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

141 
141

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The sector allocation of bank loans, corporate bonds and fixed maturity securities at FVTPL is as follows: 

As at 31 December 
Industrial 
Financial 
Utility 
Supranationals 
Total 

2020 

2019 

$m 
437.7 
344.0 
36.7 
– 
818.4 

% 
53.5   
42.0   
4.5   
–   
100.0   

$m 
390.4  
323.5  
23.1  
7.2  
744.2  

% 
52.5 
43.5 
3.1 
0.9 
100.0 

The Group’s net asset value is directly impacted by movements in the fair value of investments held. Values can be impacted by movements in interest 
rates, credit ratings, exchange rates, the current economic environment and outlook.  

The Group’s investment portfolio is mainly comprised of fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity funds are overseas 
deposits held by the syndicates in trust for the benefit of the policyholders in those overseas jurisdictions. They consist of high quality, short duration 
fixed maturity securities. The Group also has a hedge fund portfolio as well as principal protected notes and has invested in private investment funds. The 
estimated fair value of the Group’s fixed maturity portfolio is generally inversely correlated to movements in market interest rates. If market interest 
rates fall, the fair value of the Group’s fixed maturity securities would tend to rise and vice versa.  

The sensitivity of the price of fixed maturity securities, and certain derivatives, to movements in interest rates is indicated by their duration. The greater a 
security’s duration, the greater its price volatility to movements in interest rates. The sensitivity of the Group’s fixed maturity and derivative investment 
portfolio to interest rate movements is detailed below, assuming linear movements in interest rates: 

As at 31 December 
Immediate shift in yield (basis points) 
100 
75 
50 
25 
(25) 
(50) 
(75) 
(100) 

2020 

$m 

(33.7)
(25.2)
(16.8)
(8.4)
8.6 
17.2 
25.9 
34.5 

% 

(2.0)  
(1.5)  
(1.0)  
(0.5)  
0.5   
1.0   
1.5   
2.1   

2019 

$m 

(26.8)
(20.1)
(13.4)
(6.7)
7.5 
15.0 
22.5 
29.9 

% 

(2.0)
(1.5)
(1.0)
(0.5)
0.5 
1.1 
1.6 
2.2 

The Group mitigates interest rate risk on the investment portfolio by establishing and monitoring duration ranges in its investment guidelines. The Group 
may manage duration through the use of interest rate futures and swaptions from time to time. The duration of the core portfolio is matched to the 
modelled duration of the insurance reserves, within a permitted range. The permitted duration range for the core plus portfolio is between zero and four 
years and for the surplus portfolio is between one and five years.  

The overall duration for fixed maturities, managed cash and cash equivalents and certain derivatives is 2.0 years (31 December 2019 – 1.8 years). 

In addition to duration management, the Group monitors VaR to measure potential losses in the estimated fair values of its cash and invested assets and 
to understand and monitor risk. The VaR calculation is performed using variance/covariance risk modelling to capture the cash flows and embedded 
optionality of the portfolio. Securities are valued individually using standard market pricing models. These security valuations serve as the input to many 
risk analytics, including full valuation risk analyses, as well as parametric methods that rely on option-adjusted risk sensitivities to approximate the risk 
and return profiles of the portfolio.  

The principal VaR measure that is produced is an annual VaR at the 99th percentile confidence level. Under normal conditions, the portfolio is not 
expected to lose more than the VaR metric listed in the table below, 99% of the time over a one-year time horizon. The appropriateness of this measure 
is considered by the Investment Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors on an annual basis. 

The Group’s annual VaR calculations are as follows: 

As at 31 December
99th percentile confidence level1 

1.  Including the impact of internal foreign exchange hedges. 

142  
142 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

2020 

2019 

% of 
shareholders’ 
equity 
3.7   

$m 
57.6 

% of 
shareholders’ 
equity 
2.7 

$m 
32.2 

 
 
 
 
 
The sector allocation of bank loans, corporate bonds and fixed maturity securities at FVTPL is as follows: 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

As at 31 December 

Industrial 

Financial 

Utility 

Supranationals 

Total 

The Group’s net asset value is directly impacted by movements in the fair value of investments held. Values can be impacted by movements in interest 

rates, credit ratings, exchange rates, the current economic environment and outlook.  

The Group’s investment portfolio is mainly comprised of fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity funds are overseas 

deposits held by the syndicates in trust for the benefit of the policyholders in those overseas jurisdictions. They consist of high quality, short duration 

fixed maturity securities. The Group also has a hedge fund portfolio as well as principal protected notes and has invested in private investment funds. The 

estimated fair value of the Group’s fixed maturity portfolio is generally inversely correlated to movements in market interest rates. If market interest 

rates fall, the fair value of the Group’s fixed maturity securities would tend to rise and vice versa.  

The sensitivity of the price of fixed maturity securities, and certain derivatives, to movements in interest rates is indicated by their duration. The greater a 

security’s duration, the greater its price volatility to movements in interest rates. The sensitivity of the Group’s fixed maturity and derivative investment 

portfolio to interest rate movements is detailed below, assuming linear movements in interest rates: 

As at 31 December 

Immediate shift in yield (basis points) 

100 

75 

50 

25 

(25) 

(50) 

(75) 

(100) 

2020 

$m 

2019 

$m 

% 

(2.0)  

(1.5)  

(1.0)  

(0.5)  

0.5   

1.0   

1.5   

2.1   

(26.8)

(20.1)

(13.4)

(6.7)

7.5 

15.0 

22.5 

29.9 

% 

(2.0)

(1.5)

(1.0)

(0.5)

0.5 

1.1 

1.6 

2.2 

(33.7)

(25.2)

(16.8)

(8.4)

8.6 

17.2 

25.9 

34.5 

The Group mitigates interest rate risk on the investment portfolio by establishing and monitoring duration ranges in its investment guidelines. The Group 

may manage duration through the use of interest rate futures and swaptions from time to time. The duration of the core portfolio is matched to the 

modelled duration of the insurance reserves, within a permitted range. The permitted duration range for the core plus portfolio is between zero and four 

years and for the surplus portfolio is between one and five years.  

The overall duration for fixed maturities, managed cash and cash equivalents and certain derivatives is 2.0 years (31 December 2019 – 1.8 years). 

In addition to duration management, the Group monitors VaR to measure potential losses in the estimated fair values of its cash and invested assets and 

to understand and monitor risk. The VaR calculation is performed using variance/covariance risk modelling to capture the cash flows and embedded 

optionality of the portfolio. Securities are valued individually using standard market pricing models. These security valuations serve as the input to many 

risk analytics, including full valuation risk analyses, as well as parametric methods that rely on option-adjusted risk sensitivities to approximate the risk 

and return profiles of the portfolio.  

The principal VaR measure that is produced is an annual VaR at the 99th percentile confidence level. Under normal conditions, the portfolio is not 

expected to lose more than the VaR metric listed in the table below, 99% of the time over a one-year time horizon. The appropriateness of this measure 

is considered by the Investment Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors on an annual basis. 

2020 

2019 

% of 

shareholders’ 

equity 

3.7   

$m 

57.6 

% of 

shareholders’ 

equity 

2.7 

$m 

32.2 

The Group’s annual VaR calculations are as follows: 

As at 31 December

99th percentile confidence level1 

1.  Including the impact of internal foreign exchange hedges. 

142  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

2020 

$m 

437.7 

344.0 

36.7 

– 

818.4 

% 

53.5   

42.0   

4.5   

–   

100.0   

2019 

$m 

390.4  

323.5  

23.1  

7.2  

744.2  

% 

52.5 

43.5 

3.1 

0.9 

100.0 

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The Group’s investment guidelines permit the investment managers to utilise exchange-traded futures and options contracts, and OTC instruments 
including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, interest rate swaptions and forward foreign currency contracts. Derivatives are used for yield 
enhancement, duration management, interest rate and foreign currency exposure management or to obtain an exposure to a particular financial market. 
These positions are monitored regularly. The Group may also use OTC or exchange-traded managed derivatives to mitigate interest rate risk and foreign 
currency exposures. The Group principally has exposure to derivatives related to the following types of risks: foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and 
credit risk. 

The Group currently invests in the following derivative financial instruments: 

a.  Futures;  

b.  Options; 

c.  Forward foreign currency contracts; and 

d.  Swaps. 

The net gains (losses) on the Group’s derivative financial instruments recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows: 

As at 31 December 2020 
Interest rate futures 
Forward foreign currency contracts 
Interest rate swaps  
Total 

As at 31 December 2019 
Interest rate futures 
Forward foreign currency contracts 
Interest rate swaps  
Total 

Net realised  
gains 
$m 
2.0   
–   
–   
2.0   

Net realised  
gains  
$m 
0.1   
–   
–   
0.1   

Net foreign 
exchange 
gains 
$m 
– 
0.3 
– 
0.3 

Net foreign 
exchange 
gains 
$m 
– 
0.4 
– 
0.4 

Financing 
losses 
$m 
– 
– 
(0.9)
(0.9)

Financing 
losses 
$m 
– 
– 
(1.0)
(1.0)

The estimated fair values of the Group’s derivative instruments are as follows: 

As at 31 December
Forward foreign currency contracts 
Interest rate swaps  
Total 

2020 

Other 
investments 
$m 
(0.7)
– 
(0.7)

Other 
receivables 
$m 
1.8 
– 
1.8 

Other 
payables 
$m 
(0.3)
– 
(0.3)

Interest 
rate swaps 
 $m 
– 
– 
– 

Other  
investments  
$m 
(0.5)  
–   
(0.5)  

2019 

Other  
receivables  
$m 
1.4   
–   
1.4   

Other 
payables 
$m 
(0.6)
– 
(0.6)

Interest 
rate swaps 
 $m 
– 
(1.1)
(1.1)

A. FUTURES 
The Group’s investment guidelines permit the use of futures which provide the Group with participation in market movements, determined by the 
underlying instrument on which the futures contract is based, without holding the instrument itself or the individual securities. This approach allows the 
Group more efficient and less costly access to the exposure than would be available by the exclusive use of individual fixed maturity and money market 
securities. Exchange-traded futures contracts may also be used as substitutes for ownership of the physical securities. 

All futures contracts are held on a non-leveraged basis. An initial margin is provided, which is a deposit of cash and/or securities in an amount equal to a 
prescribed percentage of the contract value. The fair value of futures contracts is estimated daily and the margin is adjusted accordingly with unrealised 
gains and/or losses settled daily in cash and/or securities. A realised gain or loss is recognised when the contract is closed. 

Futures contracts expose the Group to market risk to the extent that adverse changes occur in the estimated fair values of the underlying securities. 
Exchange-traded futures are, however, subject to a number of safeguards to ensure that obligations are met. These include the use of clearing houses 
(thus reducing counterparty credit risk), the posting of margins and the daily settlement of unrealised gains and losses. The amount of credit risk is 
therefore considered low. The investment guidelines restrict the maximum notional futures position as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s 
estimated fair value. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

143 
143

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The Group’s exposure to interest rate futures is as follows: 

As at 31 December 
Interest rate futures 
Total 

Notional 
long 
$m 
37.6 
37.6 

2020 

Notional 
short 
$m 
11.8 
11.8 

Net notional 
long (short) 
$m 
25.8 
25.8 

Notional  
long  
$m 
107.2   
107.2   

2019 

Notional 
 short 
 $m 
15.4 
15.4 

Net notional 
long (short) 
$m 
91.8 
91.8 

B. OPTIONS 
The Group’s investment guidelines permit the use of exchange-traded options on U.S. treasury futures and Euro dollar futures, which are used to manage 
exposure to interest rate risk and also to hedge duration. Exchange-traded options are held on a similar basis to futures and are subject to similar 
safeguards. Options are contractual arrangements that give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to either buy or sell an instrument at a specific 
set price at a predetermined future date. The Group may enter into option contracts that are secured by holdings in the underlying securities or by other 
means which permit immediate satisfaction of the Group’s obligations. The notional amount of options is $nil as at 31 December 2020 and 2019. 

The investment guidelines also restrict the maximum notional options exposure as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value. 

C. FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS 
A forward foreign currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date, at a defined rate. The Group may utilise 
forward foreign currency contracts to gain exposure to a certain currency or market rate or manage the impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies on the 
value of its foreign currency denominated investments, debt, insurance related currency exposures and/or expenses. 

Forward contracts expose the Group to credit, market and liquidity risks. Credit risk arises from the potential inability of counterparties to perform under 
the terms of the contract. The Group is exposed to market risk to the extent that adverse changes occur in the exchange rate of the underlying foreign 
currency. Liquidity risk represents the possibility that the Group may not be able to rapidly adjust the size of its forward positions at a reasonable price in 
times of high volatility and financial stress. These risks are mitigated by requiring a minimum counterparty credit quality, restricting the maximum 
notional exposure as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value and restricting exposures to foreign currencies, individually and in 
aggregate, as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value.  

The notional amount of a derivative contract is the underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are calculated. A long position is equivalent to 
buying the underlying currency whereas a short position is equivalent to having sold the underlying currency. 

The Group has the following open forward foreign currency contracts: 

As at 31 December 
Canadian Dollar 
Euro 
Australian Dollar 
Japanese Yen 
Swedish Krona 
Mexican Peso 
Malaysian Ringgit 
British Pound 
Total 

Notional 
long 
$m 
– 
18.2 
– 
6.7 
– 
– 
– 
58.9 
83.8 

2020 

2019 

Notional 
short 
$m 
24.6 
27.9 
11.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
7.6 
71.4 

Net notional 
long (short) 
$m 
(24.6)
(9.7)
(11.3)
6.7 
– 
– 
– 
51.3 
12.4 

Notional  
long  
$m 
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
0.4   
3.9   
69.2   
73.5   

Notional  
 short  
 $m 
20.7 
27.0 
5.1 
7.1 
2.7 
– 
– 
1.8 
64.4 

Net notional 
long (short) 
$m 
(20.7)
(27.0)
(5.1)
(7.1)
(2.7)
0.4 
3.9 
67.4 
9.1 

D. SWAPS 
The Group’s investment guidelines permit the use of interest rate swaps and credit default swaps which are traded primarily OTC.  

Interest rate swaps are used to manage interest rate exposure, portfolio duration or to capitalise on anticipated changes in interest rate volatility without 
investing directly in the underlying securities. Interest rate swap agreements entail the exchange of commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an 
exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments, with respect to a notional amount of principal. These agreements involve elements of credit 
and market risk. Such risks include the possibility that there may not be a liquid market, that the counterparty may default on its obligation to perform, or 
that there may be unfavourable movements in interest rates. These risks are mitigated through defining a minimum counterparty credit quality and a 
maximum notional exposure to interest rate swaps as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value. The notional amount of interest 
rate swaps held in the investment portfolio is not material as at 31 December 2020 and 2019. Through the use of interest rate swaps, the Group fixed the 
interest rate on Lancashire’s subordinated loan notes until 15 December 2020. Effective from 16 December 2020 the interest rate is floating. As at 31 
December 2020 the notional amount of interest rate swaps held for hedging purposes was $nil (31 December 2019 – $123.9 million). 

The Group may utilise credit default swaps to add or reduce credit risk to an individual issuer, or a basket of issuers, without investing directly in their 
securities. The Group did not hold any credit default swaps at 31 December 2020 or 31 December 2019. 

144  
144 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The Group’s exposure to interest rate futures is as follows: 

As at 31 December 

Interest rate futures 

Total 

B. OPTIONS 

2020 

Notional 

Notional 

long 

$m 

37.6 

37.6 

short 

$m 

11.8 

11.8 

Net notional 

long (short) 

$m 

25.8 

25.8 

Notional  

long  

$m 

107.2   

107.2   

2019 

Notional 

 short 

 $m 

15.4 

15.4 

Net notional 

long (short) 

$m 

91.8 

91.8 

The Group’s investment guidelines permit the use of exchange-traded options on U.S. treasury futures and Euro dollar futures, which are used to manage 

exposure to interest rate risk and also to hedge duration. Exchange-traded options are held on a similar basis to futures and are subject to similar 

safeguards. Options are contractual arrangements that give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to either buy or sell an instrument at a specific 

set price at a predetermined future date. The Group may enter into option contracts that are secured by holdings in the underlying securities or by other 

means which permit immediate satisfaction of the Group’s obligations. The notional amount of options is $nil as at 31 December 2020 and 2019. 

The investment guidelines also restrict the maximum notional options exposure as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value. 

C. FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS 

A forward foreign currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date, at a defined rate. The Group may utilise 

forward foreign currency contracts to gain exposure to a certain currency or market rate or manage the impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies on the 

value of its foreign currency denominated investments, debt, insurance related currency exposures and/or expenses. 

Forward contracts expose the Group to credit, market and liquidity risks. Credit risk arises from the potential inability of counterparties to perform under 

the terms of the contract. The Group is exposed to market risk to the extent that adverse changes occur in the exchange rate of the underlying foreign 

currency. Liquidity risk represents the possibility that the Group may not be able to rapidly adjust the size of its forward positions at a reasonable price in 

times of high volatility and financial stress. These risks are mitigated by requiring a minimum counterparty credit quality, restricting the maximum 

notional exposure as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value and restricting exposures to foreign currencies, individually and in 

aggregate, as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value.  

The notional amount of a derivative contract is the underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are calculated. A long position is equivalent to 

buying the underlying currency whereas a short position is equivalent to having sold the underlying currency. 

The Group has the following open forward foreign currency contracts: 

As at 31 December 

Canadian Dollar 

Euro 

Australian Dollar 

Japanese Yen 

Swedish Krona 

Mexican Peso 

Malaysian Ringgit 

British Pound 

Total 

D. SWAPS 

Notional 

long 

$m 

18.2 

6.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

58.9 

83.8 

2020 

Notional 

Net notional 

long (short) 

short 

$m 

24.6 

27.9 

11.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7.6 

71.4 

$m 

(24.6)

(9.7)

(11.3)

6.7 

– 

– 

– 

51.3 

12.4 

Notional  

long  

$m 

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

0.4   

3.9   

69.2   

73.5   

2019 

Notional  

 short  

 $m 

20.7 

27.0 

5.1 

7.1 

2.7 

– 

– 

1.8 

64.4 

Net notional 

long (short) 

$m 

(20.7)

(27.0)

(5.1)

(7.1)

(2.7)

0.4 

3.9 

67.4 

9.1 

The Group’s investment guidelines permit the use of interest rate swaps and credit default swaps which are traded primarily OTC.  

Interest rate swaps are used to manage interest rate exposure, portfolio duration or to capitalise on anticipated changes in interest rate volatility without 

investing directly in the underlying securities. Interest rate swap agreements entail the exchange of commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an 

exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments, with respect to a notional amount of principal. These agreements involve elements of credit 

and market risk. Such risks include the possibility that there may not be a liquid market, that the counterparty may default on its obligation to perform, or 

that there may be unfavourable movements in interest rates. These risks are mitigated through defining a minimum counterparty credit quality and a 

maximum notional exposure to interest rate swaps as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value. The notional amount of interest 

rate swaps held in the investment portfolio is not material as at 31 December 2020 and 2019. Through the use of interest rate swaps, the Group fixed the 

interest rate on Lancashire’s subordinated loan notes until 15 December 2020. Effective from 16 December 2020 the interest rate is floating. As at 31 

December 2020 the notional amount of interest rate swaps held for hedging purposes was $nil (31 December 2019 – $123.9 million). 

The Group may utilise credit default swaps to add or reduce credit risk to an individual issuer, or a basket of issuers, without investing directly in their 

securities. The Group did not hold any credit default swaps at 31 December 2020 or 31 December 2019. 

144  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

III. DEBT RISK 
The Group has issued long-term debt as described in note 18. The LHL subordinated loan notes due in 2035 bear interest at a floating rate that is reset on 
a quarterly basis, plus a fixed margin of 3.70%. The Group is subject to interest rate risk on the coupon payments of these subordinated loan notes.  

Subordinated loan notes $97.0 million 
Subordinated loan notes €24.0 million 

Maturity date 
15 December 2035 
15 June 2035 

Interest hedged 
100%
100%

The Group had a fixed interest rate of 5.80% on the LHL subordinated loan notes due in 2035 until 15 December 2020, when the interest rate swaps 
expired. Effective from 16 December 2020 the interest rate is floating. The Group did not extend or renew the interest rate swap on the long-term debt 
given the expected low rate environment for the next few years. This will be reviewed on a periodic basis. 

The senior unsecured notes maturing 1 October 2022 bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.70% and therefore the Group is not exposed to cash flow interest 
rate risk on this long-term debt. 

The Group is subject to interest rate risk on the coupon payments on CCHL’s long-term debt described in note 18. An increase of 100 basis points on the 
EURIBOR and LIBOR three-month deposit rates would result in an increase in the interest expense on long-term debt for the Group of approximately 
$3.3 million on an annual basis. 

The FCA has announced that it will no longer publish the LIBOR benchmark interest rate from 31 December 2021. LIBOR is used as a reference rate in 
some of the Group’s long-term debt and financing arrangements (see note 18). The long term debt agreements contain fall back language if the reference 
rate, LIBOR, is not available. Lancashire is working with the calculation agent in the agreements to ensure there is an agreed upon replacement reference 
rate after LIBOR ceases to be published. Note that on 30 November 2020, the administrator of LIBOR announced it will consult on its intention to extend 
the publication of certain U.S. dollar LIBOR tenors until 30 June 2023. This would include the three-month LIBOR which is included in the long term debt 
agreements. The consultation will be part of a broader consultation on cessation plans for GBP, EUR, CHF and JPY settings and is expected to be 
completed in January 2021. The Group has determined that it currently has limited exposure to the transition from LIBOR and will continue to monitor 
the risks and challenges of a potential replacement of LIBOR. 

IV. CURRENCY RISK 
The Group underwrites from two locations, Bermuda and London, although risks are assumed on a worldwide basis. Risks assumed are predominantly 
denominated in U.S. dollars.  

The Group is exposed to currency risk to the extent its assets are denominated in different currencies to its liabilities. The Group is also exposed to non-
retranslation risk on non-monetary assets such as unearned premiums and deferred acquisition costs. Exchange gains and losses can impact profit or loss. 

The Group hedges monetary non-U.S. dollar liabilities primarily with non-U.S. dollar assets, but may also use derivatives to mitigate foreign currency 
exposures. The Group’s main foreign currency exposure relates to its insurance obligations, cash holdings, investments, premiums receivable, dividends 
payable and the Euro-denominated subordinated loan notes discussed in note 18. The Group uses forward foreign currency contracts for the purposes of 
managing currency exposures. See page 144 for a listing of the Group’s open forward foreign currency contracts. 

The Group’s assets and liabilities, categorised by currency at their translated carrying amount, are as follows: 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accrued interest receivable 
Investments 
Inwards premiums receivable from insureds  
and cedants 
Reinsurance assets 
Other receivables 
Investment in associate 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Intangible assets 
Total assets as at 31 December 2020 

U.S.$ 
$m 
376.6 
7.8 
1,770.4 

280.6 
402.9 
14.3 
127.2 
0.3 
2.8 
62.6 
153.8 
3,199.3 

Sterling 
$m 
20.7 
0.1 
28.4 

25.0 
31.5 
12.8 
– 
0.4 
13.3 
5.6 
0.7 
138.5 

Euro 
$m 
13.2 
0.1 
39.1 

48.0 
27.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
14.6 
– 
142.2 

Japanese Yen  
$m 
3.9   
–   
–   

3.2   
2.4   
–   
–   
–   
–   
1.1   
–   
10.6   

Other 
$m 
18.0 
– 
18.1 

15.1 
3.2 
0.2 
– 
– 
– 
5.1 
– 
59.7 

Total 
$m 
432.4 
8.0 
1,856.0 

371.9 
467.2 
27.3 
127.2 
0.7 
16.1 
89.0 
154.5 
3,550.3 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

145 
145

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

Liabilities 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Unearned premiums 
Insurance contracts – other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Deferred acquisition costs ceded 
Other payables 
Corporation tax payable 
Deferred tax liability 
Lease liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities as at 31 December 2020 

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accrued interest receivable 
Investments 
Inwards premiums receivable from insureds and 
cedants 
Reinsurance assets 
Other receivables 
Investment in associate 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Intangible assets 
Total assets as at 31 December 2019 

Liabilities 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Unearned premiums 
Insurance contracts – other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Deferred acquisition costs ceded 
Other payables 
Corporation tax payable 
Deferred tax liability 
Interest rate swap 
Lease liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities as at 31 December 2019 

U.S.$ 
$m 
758.1 
340.5 
19.3 
108.4 
14.3 
16.3 
– 
9.0 
3.0 
284.4 
1,553.3 

U.S.$ 
$m 
242.9 
7.0 
1,415.3 

276.5 
362.8 
40.8 
108.3 
0.4 
3.6 
57.8 
153.8 
2,669.2 

U.S.$ 
$m 
670.7 
299.5 
22.1 
93.5 
12.3 
16.7 
– 
7.8 
0.4 
3.7 
284.4 
1,411.1 

Sterling 
$m 
81.3 
26.0 
1.8 
8.7 
0.2 
29.7 
1.5 
1.9 
17.9 
– 
169.0 

Sterling 
$m 
14.3 
0.1 
18.1 

22.4 
40.3 
10.7 
– 
0.8 
14.6 
5.2 
0.7 
127.2 

Sterling 
$m 
92.3 
22.9 
2.7 
10.2 
0.2 
30.7 
2.4 
1.8 
– 
18.2 
– 
181.4 

Euro 
$m 
56.7 
57.5 
0.5 
28.8 
4.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
43.1 
191.1 

Euro 
 $m 
29.4 
0.1 
60.5 

37.0 
26.0 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
13.2 
– 
166.3 

Euro 
$m 
54.7 
53.6 
1.2 
18.7 
4.6 
– 
– 
– 
0.7 
– 
39.1 
172.6 

Japanese Yen  
$m 
21.7   
9.7   
–   
2.4   
0.2   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
34.0   

Japanese Yen  
$m 
5.4   
–   
3.4   

2.0   
1.8   
–   
–   
–   
–   
1.0   
–   
13.6   

Japanese Yen  
$m 
22.8   
8.3   
–   
2.2   
0.1   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
33.4   

Other 
$m 
35.0 
24.2 
0.9 
3.4 
0.4 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
64.0 

Other 
$m 
28.4 
– 
27.8 

12.6 
3.0 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
4.5 
– 
76.4 

Other 
$m 
34.0 
22.1 
1.4 
2.0 
0.4 
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
60.0 

Total 
$m 
952.8 
457.9 
22.5 
151.7 
19.6 
46.1 
1.5 
10.9 
20.9 
327.5 
2,011.4 

Total 
$m 
320.4 
7.2 
1,525.1 

350.5 
433.9 
51.7 
108.3 
1.2 
18.2 
81.7 
154.5 
3,052.7 

Total 
$m 
874.5 
406.4 
27.4 
126.6 
17.6 
47.5 
2.4 
9.6 
1.1 
21.9 
323.5 
1,858.5 

The impact on net income of a proportional foreign exchange movement of 10.0% up and 10.0% down against the U.S. dollar at the year end spot rates 
would be an increase or decrease of $5.5 million (2019 – $0.6 million). 

146  
146 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

Liabilities 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Unearned premiums 

Insurance contracts – other payables 

Amounts payable to reinsurers 

Deferred acquisition costs ceded 

Other payables 

Corporation tax payable 

Deferred tax liability 

Lease liabilities 

Long-term debt 

Total liabilities as at 31 December 2020 

Inwards premiums receivable from insureds and 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

Accrued interest receivable 

Investments 

cedants 

Reinsurance assets 

Other receivables 

Investment in associate 

Property, plant and equipment 

Right-of-use assets 

Deferred acquisition costs 

Intangible assets 

Liabilities 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Unearned premiums 

Insurance contracts – other payables 

Amounts payable to reinsurers 

Deferred acquisition costs ceded 

Other payables 

Corporation tax payable 

Deferred tax liability 

Interest rate swap 

Lease liabilities 

Long-term debt 

34.0   

64.0 

Japanese Yen  

U.S.$ 

$m 

758.1 

340.5 

19.3 

108.4 

14.3 

16.3 

– 

9.0 

3.0 

284.4 

1,553.3 

U.S.$ 

$m 

242.9 

7.0 

1,415.3 

276.5 

362.8 

40.8 

108.3 

0.4 

3.6 

57.8 

153.8 

2,669.2 

U.S.$ 

$m 

670.7 

299.5 

22.1 

93.5 

12.3 

16.7 

– 

7.8 

0.4 

3.7 

284.4 

1,411.1 

Sterling 

$m 

81.3 

26.0 

1.8 

8.7 

0.2 

29.7 

1.5 

1.9 

17.9 

– 

169.0 

Sterling 

$m 

14.3 

0.1 

18.1 

22.4 

40.3 

10.7 

– 

0.8 

14.6 

5.2 

0.7 

Sterling 

$m 

92.3 

22.9 

2.7 

10.2 

0.2 

30.7 

2.4 

1.8 

18.2 

– 

– 

181.4 

Euro 

$m 

56.7 

57.5 

0.5 

28.8 

4.5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

43.1 

191.1 

Euro 

 $m 

29.4 

0.1 

60.5 

37.0 

26.0 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

13.2 

Euro 

$m 

54.7 

53.6 

1.2 

18.7 

4.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.7 

39.1 

172.6 

Japanese Yen  

$m 

21.7   

9.7   

–   

2.4   

0.2   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

$m 

5.4   

–   

3.4   

2.0   

1.8   

–   

–   

–   

–   

1.0   

–   

13.6   

$m 

22.8   

8.3   

–   

2.2   

0.1   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

Japanese Yen  

Other 

$m 

35.0 

24.2 

0.9 

3.4 

0.4 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Other 

$m 

28.4 

– 

27.8 

12.6 

3.0 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4.5 

76.4 

Other 

$m 

34.0 

22.1 

1.4 

2.0 

0.4 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total 

$m 

952.8 

457.9 

22.5 

151.7 

19.6 

46.1 

1.5 

10.9 

20.9 

327.5 

2,011.4 

Total 

$m 

320.4 

7.2 

1,525.1 

350.5 

433.9 

51.7 

108.3 

1.2 

18.2 

81.7 

154.5 

3,052.7 

Total 

$m 

874.5 

406.4 

27.4 

126.6 

17.6 

47.5 

2.4 

9.6 

1.1 

21.9 

323.5 

Total liabilities as at 31 December 2019 

33.4   

60.0 

1,858.5 

The impact on net income of a proportional foreign exchange movement of 10.0% up and 10.0% down against the U.S. dollar at the year end spot rates 

would be an increase or decrease of $5.5 million (2019 – $0.6 million). 

Total assets as at 31 December 2019 

127.2 

166.3 

C. LIQUIDITY RISK 
Liquidity risk is the risk that cash may not be available to pay obligations when they are due without incurring an unreasonable cost. The Group’s main 
exposures to liquidity risk are with respect to its insurance and investment activities. The Group is exposed if proceeds from financial assets are not 
sufficient to fund obligations arising from its insurance contracts. The Group can be exposed to daily calls on its available investment assets, principally to 
settle insurance claims and to fund trust accounts following a large catastrophe loss. 

Exposures in relation to insurance activities are as follows: 

•  large catastrophic events, or multiple medium-sized events in quick succession, resulting in a requirement to pay a large value of claims within a 

relatively short time frame or fund trust accounts; 

•  failure of insureds or cedants to meet their contractual obligations with respect to the payment of premiums in a timely manner; and 
•  failure of reinsurers to meet their contractual obligations with respect to the payment of claims in a timely manner.  

Exposures in relation to investment activities are as follows: 

•  adverse market movements and /or a duration mismatch to obligations, resulting in investments being disposed of at a significant realised loss; and 
•  an inability to liquidate investments due to market conditions. 

The maturity dates of the Group’s fixed maturity portfolio are as follows: 

As at 31 December 2020 
Less than one year 
Between one and two years 
Between two and three years 
Between three and four years 
Between four and five years 
Over five years 
Asset backed and mortgage backed securities 
Total fixed maturity securities 

As at 31 December 2019 
Less than one year 
Between one and two years 
Between two and three years 
Between three and four years 
Between four and five years 
Over five years 
Asset backed and mortgage backed securities 
Total fixed maturity securities 

Core 
$m 
100.2 
115.0 
115.3 
45.1 
53.7 
11.9 
17.2 
458.4 

Core 
 $m 
106.6 
81.4 
56.8 
42.8 
32.9 
16.8 
19.6 
356.9 

Core plus  
$m 
164.7   
167.0   
131.5   
74.7   
57.8   
29.0   
83.1   
707.8   

Core plus  
$m 
139.6   
113.3   
123.6   
74.7   
71.3   
32.8   
97.5   
652.8   

Surplus 
$m 
11.1 
12.9 
31.4 
41.4 
95.2 
138.6 
181.8 
512.4 

Surplus 
 $m 
35.4 
16.2 
15.1 
24.8 
28.7 
107.2 
123.0 
350.4 

Total 
$m 
276.0 
294.9 
278.2 
161.2 
206.7 
179.5 
282.1 
1,678.6 

Total 
$m 
281.6 
210.9 
195.5 
142.3 
132.9 
156.8 
240.1 
1,360.1 

146  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

147 
147

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The maturity profile of the insurance contracts and financial liabilities of the Group is as follows:  

As at 31 December 2020 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance contracts – other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Other payables 
Lease liabilities 
Long-term debt1 
Total 

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes interest. 

As at 31 December 2019 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance contracts – other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Other payables 
Interest rate swap 
Lease liabilities 
Long-term debt1 
Total 

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes interest. 

Balance sheet 
$m 
952.8 
22.5 
151.7 
46.1 
20.9 
327.5 
1,521.5 

Balance sheet 
$m 
874.5 
27.4 
126.6 
47.5 
1.1 
21.9 
323.5 
1,422.5 

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

Less than one 
$m 
496.1 
20.5 
151.7 
46.1 
3.8 
17.0 
735.2 

One to three 
$m 
326.3 
2.0 
– 
– 
7.5 
152.7 
488.5 

Three to five  
$m 
85.1   
–   
–   
–   
5.1   
15.9   
106.1   

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

Less than one 
$m 
467.8 
27.1 
126.6 
47.5 
1.1 
3.6 
14.6 
688.3 

One to three 
$m 
278.8 
0.3 
– 
– 
– 
7.0 
164.4 
450.5 

Three to five  
$m 
87.5   
–   
–   
–   
–   
6.0   
19.7   
113.2   

Over five 
$m 
45.3 
– 
– 
– 
8.7 
296.1 
350.1 

Over five 
$m 
40.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
10.7 
313.2 
364.3 

Total 
$m 
952.8 
22.5 
151.7 
46.1 
25.1 
481.7 
1,679.9 

Total 
$m 
874.5 
27.4 
126.6 
47.5 
1.1 
27.3 
511.9 
1,616.3 

Actual maturities of the above may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with 
or without call or prepayment penalties. While the estimation of the ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is complex and 
incorporates a significant amount of judgement, the timing of payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses is also uncertain and cannot be predicted 
as simply as for other financial liabilities. Actuarial and statistical techniques, past experience and management’s judgement have been used to determine 
a likely settlement pattern. 

As at 31 December 2020, cash and cash equivalents were $432.4 million (31 December 2019 – $320.4 million). The Group manages its liquidity risks via 
its investment strategy to hold high quality, liquid securities, sufficient to meet its insurance liabilities and other near-term liquidity requirements. The 
creation of the core and core plus portfolios with their subset of guidelines aims to ensure funds are readily available to meet potential insurance liabilities 
in an extreme event plus other near-term liquidity requirements. In addition, the Group has established asset allocation and maturity parameters within 
the investment guidelines such that the majority of the investments are in high quality assets which could be converted into cash promptly and at 
minimal expense. The Group monitors market changes and outlook and reallocates assets as it deems necessary. 

The Group has modelled a series of COVID-19 pandemic stress tests and assessed the potential impact on future cash flows and liquidity. As at 31 
December 2020, the Group considers that it has more than adequate liquidity to pay its obligations as they fall due.  

148  
148 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
The maturity profile of the insurance contracts and financial liabilities of the Group is as follows:  

Balance sheet 

Less than one 

One to three 

Three to five  

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

As at 31 December 2020 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Insurance contracts – other payables 

Amounts payable to reinsurers 

Other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Long-term debt1 

Total 

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes interest. 

As at 31 December 2019 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Insurance contracts – other payables 

Amounts payable to reinsurers 

Other payables 

Interest rate swap 

Lease liabilities 

Long-term debt1 

Total 

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes interest. 

$m 

952.8 

22.5 

151.7 

46.1 

20.9 

327.5 

1,521.5 

$m 

874.5 

27.4 

126.6 

47.5 

1.1 

21.9 

323.5 

1,422.5 

$m 

496.1 

20.5 

151.7 

46.1 

3.8 

17.0 

735.2 

$m 

467.8 

27.1 

126.6 

47.5 

1.1 

3.6 

14.6 

688.3 

$m 

326.3 

2.0 

– 

– 

7.5 

152.7 

488.5 

$m 

278.8 

0.3 

– 

– 

– 

7.0 

164.4 

450.5 

$m 

85.1   

–   

–   

–   

5.1   

15.9   

106.1   

$m 

87.5   

–   

–   

–   

–   

6.0   

19.7   

113.2   

Over five 

$m 

45.3 

– 

– 

– 

8.7 

296.1 

350.1 

Over five 

$m 

40.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10.7 

313.2 

364.3 

Total 

$m 

952.8 

22.5 

151.7 

46.1 

25.1 

481.7 

1,679.9 

Total 

$m 

874.5 

27.4 

126.6 

47.5 

1.1 

27.3 

511.9 

1,616.3 

Balance sheet 

Less than one 

One to three 

Three to five  

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

Actual maturities of the above may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with 

or without call or prepayment penalties. While the estimation of the ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses is complex and 

incorporates a significant amount of judgement, the timing of payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses is also uncertain and cannot be predicted 

as simply as for other financial liabilities. Actuarial and statistical techniques, past experience and management’s judgement have been used to determine 

a likely settlement pattern. 

As at 31 December 2020, cash and cash equivalents were $432.4 million (31 December 2019 – $320.4 million). The Group manages its liquidity risks via 

its investment strategy to hold high quality, liquid securities, sufficient to meet its insurance liabilities and other near-term liquidity requirements. The 

creation of the core and core plus portfolios with their subset of guidelines aims to ensure funds are readily available to meet potential insurance liabilities 

in an extreme event plus other near-term liquidity requirements. In addition, the Group has established asset allocation and maturity parameters within 

the investment guidelines such that the majority of the investments are in high quality assets which could be converted into cash promptly and at 

minimal expense. The Group monitors market changes and outlook and reallocates assets as it deems necessary. 

The Group has modelled a series of COVID-19 pandemic stress tests and assessed the potential impact on future cash flows and liquidity. As at 31 

December 2020, the Group considers that it has more than adequate liquidity to pay its obligations as they fall due.  

D. CREDIT RISK 
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty may fail to pay, or repay, a debt or obligation. The Group is exposed to credit risk on its fixed maturity 
investment portfolio and derivative instruments, its inwards premiums receivable from insureds and cedants, and on any amounts recoverable from 
reinsurers. Given the dislocation in the market, the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact on our ability to collect amounts due to the Group. 

Credit risk on the fixed maturity portfolio is mitigated through the Group’s policy to invest in instruments of high credit quality issuers and to limit the 
amounts of credit exposure with respect to particular ratings categories and any one issuer. Securities rated below an S&P or equivalent rating of BBB-
/Baa3 may comprise no more than 15.0% of shareholders’ equity. In addition, no one issuer, with the exception of U.S. government and agency securities, 
other G10 government guaranteed securities (excluding Italy) and Australian sovereign debt, should exceed 5.0% of shareholders’ equity. The Group is 
therefore not exposed to any significant credit concentration risk on its investment portfolio, except for fixed maturity securities issued by the U.S. 
government and government agencies and other highly-rated governments.  

Credit risk on exchange-traded derivative instruments is mitigated by the use of clearing houses to reduce counterparty credit risk, requiring the posting 
of margins and settling of unrealised gains and losses daily. Credit risk on OTC derivatives is mitigated by monitoring the creditworthiness of the 
counterparties and by requiring collateral amounts exceeding predetermined thresholds to be posted for positions which have accrued gains. 

Credit risk on inwards premiums receivable from insureds and cedants is managed by conducting business with reputable broking organisations, with 
whom the Group has established relationships, and by rigorous cash collection procedures. The Group also has a broker approval process in place. Binding 
authorities are subject to standard market controls including credit control. Credit risk from reinsurance recoverables is primarily managed by the review 
and approval of reinsurer security, as discussed on page 136. 

The table below presents an analysis of the Group’s major exposures to counterparty credit risk, based on their rating. The table includes amounts due 
from policyholders and unsettled investment trades. The quality of these receivables is not graded but, based on management’s historical experience, 
there is limited default risk associated with these amounts. 

As at 31 December 2020 
AAA 
AA+, AA, AA- 
A+, A, A- 
BBB+, BBB, BBB- 
Other1 
Total 

1.  Reinsurance recoveries classified as ‘other’ include $95.8 million of reserves that are fully collateralised. 

As at 31 December 2019 
AAA 
AA+, AA, AA- 
A+, A, A- 
BBB+, BBB, BBB- 
Other1 
Total 

Cash and fixed 
maturity 
securities  
 $m 
469.6   
650.8   
591.7   
291.8   
107.1   
2,111.0   

Inwards 
 premiums 
receivable and 
other receivables 
$m 
– 
0.4 
28.0 
– 
401.9 
430.3 

Cash and fixed 
maturity securities  
 $m 
409.6   
471.2   
509.6   
204.9   
85.2   
1,680.5   

Inwards 
premiums 
 receivable and 
other receivables 
$m 
– 
– 
133.2 
– 
285.9 
419.1 

Reinsurance 
recoveries 
$m 
– 
4.4 
229.0 
3.0 
102.3 
338.7 

Reinsurance 
 recoveries 
 $m 
– 
– 
200.3 
– 
127.2 
327.5 

1.  Reinsurance recoveries classified as ‘other’ include $111.6 million of reserves that are fully collateralised. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of defaults across many industries and we continue to monitor credit risk during this time of volatility. 
While interest rates are at all-time lows and expected to remain low, credit spreads will remain volatile in the near-term. As at 31 December 2020, the 
average credit quality of the fixed maturity portfolio was A+ (31 December 2019 – A+). 

148  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

149 
149

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The following table shows inwards premiums receivable that are past due but not impaired: 

Less than 90 days past due 
Between 91 and 180 days past due 
Over 180 days past due 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
37.0 
12.3 
7.9 
57.2 

2019 
$m 
13.2 
5.1 
2.9 
21.2 

As at 31 December 2020 there has been no change in our counterparty credit risk exposure, however, it is an area we continue to monitor given the 
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions of $5.6 million (31 December 2019 – $4.1 million) have been made for impaired or irrecoverable balances and 
$1.5 million (2019 – $1.2 million) was charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of bad debts.  

E. OPERATIONAL RISK 
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, personnel, systems or external events. The Group and its 
subsidiaries have identified and evaluated their key operational risks and these are incorporated in the risk registers and modelled within the subsidiaries’ 
capital models. The Group has also established, and monitors compliance with, internal operational risk tolerances. The RRC reviews operational risk on at 
least an annual basis and operational risk is covered in the Group CRO’s quarterly ORSA report to the LHL Board and entity boards and in the LSL RCCC 
reporting. 

In order to manage operational risks, the Group has implemented a robust governance framework. Policies and procedures are documented and identify 
the key risks and controls within processes. Key risk indicators have been established and are monitored on a regular basis. The Group’s internal audit 
function provides independent feedback with regard to the accuracy and completeness of key risks and controls, and independently verifies the effective 
operation of these through substantive testing. All higher risk areas are subject to an annual audit while compliance with tax operating guidelines is 
reviewed quarterly. Frequency of consideration for audit for all other areas varies from quarterly at the most frequent to a minimum of once every four 
years, on a rotational basis.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the robustness of the Group’s operational risk management framework. We are pleased with the Group’s 
operational resilience and the business continuity arrangements that have been successfully demonstrated in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 
majority of our employees have been working from home since March 2020 with no noticeable adverse impact on the Group’s operating effectiveness. 
The Group recognises that it may be exposed to an increased level of operational cyber risk as a result of all employees working from home. The risk is 
being managed through enhanced monitoring of network activity, targeted staff training, a quarterly risk and control affirmation process, annual testing 
of business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans and development of a cyber security incident response plan. 

F. STRATEGIC RISK 
The Group has identified several strategic risks. These include: 

•  the risks that either the poor execution of the business plan or an inappropriate business plan in itself results in a strategy that fails to adequately 

reflect the trading environment, resulting in an inability to optimise performance, including reputational risk;  

•  the risks of the failure to maintain adequate capital, accessing capital at an inflated cost or the inability to access capital. This includes unanticipated 
changes in vendor, regulatory and/or rating agency models that could result in an increase in capital requirements or a change in the type of capital 
required; and 

•  the risks of succession planning, staff retention and key man risks.  

I. BUSINESS PLAN RISK 
The Group addresses the risks associated with the planning and execution of the business plan through a combination of the following: 

•  an iterative annual forward-looking business planning process with cross departmental involvement; 
•  evaluation and approval of the annual business plan by the Board of Directors; 
•  regular monitoring of actual versus planned results;  
•  periodic review and re-forecasting as market conditions change;  
•  responding to current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the business; and 
•  evaluation of climate change and the potential long-term implications/considerations for the business. 

The forward-looking business planning process covers a three-year period from 2021 to 2023 and applies a number of sensitivity, stress and scenario 
tests. These tests include consideration of COVID-19 pandemic and climate change risks. The sensitivity and stress testing identified that even under the 
more extreme stress scenarios the Group had more than adequate liquidity and solvency headroom. 

150  
150 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

The following table shows inwards premiums receivable that are past due but not impaired: 

Less than 90 days past due 

Between 91 and 180 days past due 

Over 180 days past due 

Total 

2020 

 $m 

37.0 

12.3 

7.9 

57.2 

2019 

$m 

13.2 

5.1 

2.9 

21.2 

As at 31 December 2020 there has been no change in our counterparty credit risk exposure, however, it is an area we continue to monitor given the 

ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions of $5.6 million (31 December 2019 – $4.1 million) have been made for impaired or irrecoverable balances and 

$1.5 million (2019 – $1.2 million) was charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of bad debts.  

E. OPERATIONAL RISK 

Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, personnel, systems or external events. The Group and its 

subsidiaries have identified and evaluated their key operational risks and these are incorporated in the risk registers and modelled within the subsidiaries’ 

capital models. The Group has also established, and monitors compliance with, internal operational risk tolerances. The RRC reviews operational risk on at 

least an annual basis and operational risk is covered in the Group CRO’s quarterly ORSA report to the LHL Board and entity boards and in the LSL RCCC 

reporting. 

In order to manage operational risks, the Group has implemented a robust governance framework. Policies and procedures are documented and identify 

the key risks and controls within processes. Key risk indicators have been established and are monitored on a regular basis. The Group’s internal audit 

function provides independent feedback with regard to the accuracy and completeness of key risks and controls, and independently verifies the effective 

operation of these through substantive testing. All higher risk areas are subject to an annual audit while compliance with tax operating guidelines is 

reviewed quarterly. Frequency of consideration for audit for all other areas varies from quarterly at the most frequent to a minimum of once every four 

years, on a rotational basis.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the robustness of the Group’s operational risk management framework. We are pleased with the Group’s 

operational resilience and the business continuity arrangements that have been successfully demonstrated in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 

majority of our employees have been working from home since March 2020 with no noticeable adverse impact on the Group’s operating effectiveness. 

The Group recognises that it may be exposed to an increased level of operational cyber risk as a result of all employees working from home. The risk is 

being managed through enhanced monitoring of network activity, targeted staff training, a quarterly risk and control affirmation process, annual testing 

of business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans and development of a cyber security incident response plan. 

F. STRATEGIC RISK 

The Group has identified several strategic risks. These include: 

•  the risks that either the poor execution of the business plan or an inappropriate business plan in itself results in a strategy that fails to adequately 

reflect the trading environment, resulting in an inability to optimise performance, including reputational risk;  

•  the risks of the failure to maintain adequate capital, accessing capital at an inflated cost or the inability to access capital. This includes unanticipated 

changes in vendor, regulatory and/or rating agency models that could result in an increase in capital requirements or a change in the type of capital 

•  the risks of succession planning, staff retention and key man risks.  

required; and 

I. BUSINESS PLAN RISK 

The Group addresses the risks associated with the planning and execution of the business plan through a combination of the following: 

•  an iterative annual forward-looking business planning process with cross departmental involvement; 

•  evaluation and approval of the annual business plan by the Board of Directors; 

•  regular monitoring of actual versus planned results;  

•  periodic review and re-forecasting as market conditions change;  

•  responding to current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the business; and 

•  evaluation of climate change and the potential long-term implications/considerations for the business. 

The forward-looking business planning process covers a three-year period from 2021 to 2023 and applies a number of sensitivity, stress and scenario 

tests. These tests include consideration of COVID-19 pandemic and climate change risks. The sensitivity and stress testing identified that even under the 

more extreme stress scenarios the Group had more than adequate liquidity and solvency headroom. 

II. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT RISK  
The total capital of the Group is as follows: 

As at 31 December 
Shareholders’ equity 
Long-term debt 
Total capital 
Intangible assets 
Total tangible capital 

2020 
 $m 
1,538.5 
327.5 
1,866.0 
(154.5)
1,711.5 

2019 
$m 
1,193.6 
323.5 
1,517.1 
(154.5)
1,362.6 

Risks associated with the effectiveness of the Group’s capital management are mitigated as follows: 

•  regular monitoring of current and prospective regulatory and rating agency capital requirements; 
•  regular discussion with the LSL management team regarding Lloyd’s capital requirements;  
•  oversight of capital requirements by the Board of Directors;  
•  ability to purchase sufficient, cost-effective reinsurance; 
•  maintaining contact with vendors, regulators and rating agencies in order to stay abreast of upcoming developments; and  
•  participation in industry groups such as the International Underwriters Association, the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers and the Lloyd’s 

Market Association. 

The Group reviews the level and composition of capital on an ongoing basis with a view to: 

•  maintaining sufficient capital for underwriting opportunities and to meet obligations to policyholders; 
•  maximising the risk-adjusted return to shareholders within predetermined risk tolerances;  
•  maintaining adequate financial strength ratings; and  
•  meeting internal, rating agency and regulatory capital requirements. 

Capital is increased or returned as appropriate. The retention of earnings generated leads to an increase in capital. Capital raising can include debt or 
equity and returns of capital may be made through dividends, share repurchases, a redemption of debt or any combination thereof. Other capital 
management tools and products available to the Group may also be utilised. All capital actions require approval by the Board of Directors. 

Internal methods have been developed to review the profitability of classes of business and their estimated capital requirements plus the capital 
requirements of the combination of a wide range of other risk categories. These approaches are used by management in decision making.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant hardening in the market. On 10 June 2020, the Group raised an additional $340.3 million of 
equity capital which will be used to fund organic growth and take advantage of the improved market opportunities during 2021. The Group’s strategy is 
to maximise risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders across the long term by deploying more capital into a hardening market, in which pricing 
strengthens due to market capital constraints and to lower the amount of capital deployed in softer markets, where pricing is weaker due to oversupply. 
The return is generated within a broad framework of risk parameters.  

The return is measured by management in terms of the Change in FCBVS in the period. The Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted returns for our 
shareholders across the cycle through a purposeful and sustainable business culture. This aim is a long-term goal, acknowledging that management 
expects both higher and lower results in the shorter term. The cyclicality and volatility of the insurance market is expected to be the largest driver of this 
pattern. Management monitors these peaks and troughs by adjusting the Group’s portfolio to make the most effective use of available capital and 
seeking to maximise the risk-adjusted return. 

The Change in FCBVS achieved is as follows: 

31 December 2020 
31 December 2019 

The Change in FCBVS achieved in excess of the three-month treasury yield is as follows: 

31 December 2020 
31 December 2019 

Annual  
return  
% 
10.2   
14.1   

Annual  
return  
% 
9.9   
12.0   

Compound 
annual return 
% 
17.3 
17.4 

Compound 
annual return 
% 
16.2 
16.3 

Inception to 
date return 
 % 
988.9 
847.5 

Inception to 
date return 
% 
971.1 
830.0 

The primary source of capital used by the Group is equity shareholders’ funds and borrowings (note 18). As a holding company, LHL relies on dividends 
from its operating entities to provide the cash flow required for debt service and dividends to shareholders. The operating entities’ ability to pay dividends 
and make capital distributions is subject to the legal and regulatory restrictions of the jurisdictions in which they operate. 

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F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

Both the Group and LICL are regulated by the BMA and are required to monitor their enhanced capital requirement under the BMA’s regulatory 
framework, which has been assessed as equivalent to the EU’s Solvency II regime. The Group and LICL’s capital requirement are calculated using the BSCR 
standard formula model. For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, both the Group and LICL were more than adequately capitalised under the 
BMA’s regulatory regime.  

The Group’s UK regulated insurance companies are required to comply with the EU’s Solvency II regime and are regulated by the PRA and FCA. LSL is also 
regulated by Lloyd’s. Under Solvency II, the basis for assessing capital and solvency comprises a market-consistent economic balance sheet and an SCR, 
determined using either an internal model or the standard formula. 

LUK calculates its SCR using the standard formula. LUK’s Solvency II own funds are primarily comprised of Tier 1 items for the years ended 31 December 
2020 and 2019. Tier 1 capital is the highest quality capital under Solvency II with the greatest loss-absorbing capacity, comprising share capital and 
retained earnings. For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, LUK was more than adequately capitalised under the Solvency II regime. The Group 
is closely monitoring consultations and proposals related to changes to the UK Solvency regime post the UK’s departure from the EU on 31 December 
2020. The areas under review are not currently expected to have a material impact on the solvency position of any of the Group’s UK regulated entities. 

The Group’s underwriting capacity in its Lloyd’s syndicates must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or LOCs, which are 
referred to as FAL. The capital framework at Lloyd’s requires each managing agent to calculate the capital requirement for each syndicate they manage. 
Solvency II internal models are used to determine capital requirements for Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010 based on the uSCR. Lloyd’s has the 
discretion to take into account other factors at syndicate or member level to uplift the calculated uSCR. This may include perceived deficiencies in the 
internal model result as well as the need to maintain Lloyd’s overall security rating. Currently, as a minimum, Lloyd’s applies a 35.0% uplift to each 
syndicate’s uSCR to arrive at the ECA. 

Lloyd’s then uses each syndicate’s ECA as a basis for determining member level capital requirements, which is backed by FAL. For the 2021 calendar year 
the Group’s corporate member’s FAL requirement was set at 80.4% (2020 – 66.8%) of underwriting capacity supported. Further solvency adjustments 
are made to allow for open year profits and losses of the syndicates on which the corporate member participates. The Group has met its FAL requirement 
of £302.2 million as at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019 – £222.3 million).  

For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 the capital requirements of all the Group’s regulatory jurisdictions were met. 

III. RETENTION RISK 
Risks associated with succession planning, staff retention and key man risks are mitigated through a combination of resource planning processes and 
controls, including: 

•  the identification of key personnel with appropriate succession plans; 
•  the identification of key team profit generators and function holders with targeted retention packages;  
•  documented recruitment procedures, position descriptions and employment contracts;  
•  resource monitoring and the provision of appropriate compensation, including equity based compensation which vests over a defined time horizon; and  
•  training schemes. 

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F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

R I S K   D I S C L O S U R E S   C O N T I N U E D  

Both the Group and LICL are regulated by the BMA and are required to monitor their enhanced capital requirement under the BMA’s regulatory 

framework, which has been assessed as equivalent to the EU’s Solvency II regime. The Group and LICL’s capital requirement are calculated using the BSCR 

standard formula model. For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, both the Group and LICL were more than adequately capitalised under the 

BMA’s regulatory regime.  

The Group’s UK regulated insurance companies are required to comply with the EU’s Solvency II regime and are regulated by the PRA and FCA. LSL is also 

regulated by Lloyd’s. Under Solvency II, the basis for assessing capital and solvency comprises a market-consistent economic balance sheet and an SCR, 

determined using either an internal model or the standard formula. 

LUK calculates its SCR using the standard formula. LUK’s Solvency II own funds are primarily comprised of Tier 1 items for the years ended 31 December 

2020 and 2019. Tier 1 capital is the highest quality capital under Solvency II with the greatest loss-absorbing capacity, comprising share capital and 

retained earnings. For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, LUK was more than adequately capitalised under the Solvency II regime. The Group 

is closely monitoring consultations and proposals related to changes to the UK Solvency regime post the UK’s departure from the EU on 31 December 

2020. The areas under review are not currently expected to have a material impact on the solvency position of any of the Group’s UK regulated entities. 

The Group’s underwriting capacity in its Lloyd’s syndicates must be supported by providing a deposit in the form of cash, securities or LOCs, which are 

referred to as FAL. The capital framework at Lloyd’s requires each managing agent to calculate the capital requirement for each syndicate they manage. 

Solvency II internal models are used to determine capital requirements for Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010 based on the uSCR. Lloyd’s has the 

discretion to take into account other factors at syndicate or member level to uplift the calculated uSCR. This may include perceived deficiencies in the 

internal model result as well as the need to maintain Lloyd’s overall security rating. Currently, as a minimum, Lloyd’s applies a 35.0% uplift to each 

syndicate’s uSCR to arrive at the ECA. 

Lloyd’s then uses each syndicate’s ECA as a basis for determining member level capital requirements, which is backed by FAL. For the 2021 calendar year 

the Group’s corporate member’s FAL requirement was set at 80.4% (2020 – 66.8%) of underwriting capacity supported. Further solvency adjustments 

are made to allow for open year profits and losses of the syndicates on which the corporate member participates. The Group has met its FAL requirement 

of £302.2 million as at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019 – £222.3 million).  

For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 the capital requirements of all the Group’s regulatory jurisdictions were met. 

III. RETENTION RISK 

controls, including: 

•  training schemes. 

Risks associated with succession planning, staff retention and key man risks are mitigated through a combination of resource planning processes and 

•  the identification of key personnel with appropriate succession plans; 

•  the identification of key team profit generators and function holders with targeted retention packages;  

•  documented recruitment procedures, position descriptions and employment contracts;  

•  resource monitoring and the provision of appropriate compensation, including equity based compensation which vests over a defined time horizon; and  

Notes to the accounts 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 
The Group is a provider of global specialty insurance and reinsurance products with operations in London and Bermuda. LHL was incorporated under the 
laws of Bermuda on 12 October 2005. On 16 March 2009, LHL was added to the Official List and its common shares were admitted to trading on the 
main market of the LSE; previously LHL’s shares were listed on AIM, a subsidiary market of the LSE. Since 21 May 2007, LHL’s shares have had a secondary 
listing on the BSX. LHL’s head office and registered office is Power House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.  

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 include the Company’s subsidiary companies, the Company’s investment in 
associate, and the Group’s share of the syndicates’ assets and liabilities and income and expenses. A full listing of the Group’s related parties can be found 
in note 24. 

2. SEGMENTAL REPORTING 
Management and the Board of Directors review the Group’s business primarily by its four principal segments: Property, Aviation, Energy, and Marine. 
These segments are therefore deemed to be the Group’s operating segments for the purposes of segmental reporting. Further sub-classes of business are 
underwritten within each operating segment. The nature of these individual sub-classes is discussed further in the risk disclosures section on pages 134 to 
136. Operating segment performance is measured by the net underwriting profit or loss and the combined ratio.  

All amounts reported are transactions with external parties and associates. There are no significant inter-segmental transactions and there are no 
significant insurance or reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in Bermuda, the Group’s country of domicile.  

The Group’s operating segments for the purpose of segmental reporting have been revised in the current year. The revenue and expenses previously 
reported in the Lancashire Syndicates segment are now reported across the four principal operating segments. Comparative figures for the year ended 31 
December 2019 have been re-presented in conformity with the current year view. 

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Financial statements 
 
Property  
$m 

Aviation  
$m 

Energy  
$m 

250.4 
50.7 
46.3 
79.5 
426.9 
(157.9)
(15.7)
(1.7)
251.6 
(159.4)
14.6 
(62.3)
10.1 
54.6 

57.6% 
20.7% 
– 
78.3% 

10.9 
80.0 
19.4 
40.7 
151.0 
(71.3)
(18.1)
8.8 
70.4 
(79.6)
47.5 
(25.8)
12.4 
24.9 

45.6% 
19.0% 
– 
64.6% 

Marine  
$m 

6.3 
72.8 
6.1 
6.3 
91.5 
(17.8)
(11.0)
(0.2)
62.5 
(39.5)
(0.6)
(22.9)
0.3 
(0.2)

33.2   
81.0   
9.1   
21.4   
144.7   
(47.7)  
(6.7)  
1.0   
91.3   
(85.1)  
18.3   
(28.0)  
1.2   
(2.3)  

73.2%  
29.4%  
–   
102.6%  

64.2% 
36.2% 
– 
100.4% 

Total  
$m 

300.8 
284.5 
80.9 
147.9 
814.1 
(294.7)
(51.5)
7.9 
475.8 
(363.6)
79.8 
(139.0)
24.0 
77.0 
(71.1)
5.9 
59.6% 
24.2% 
24.0% 
107.8% 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

2. SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED 
REVENUE AND EXPENSE BY OPERATING SEGMENT 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 
Gross premiums written by geographic area 
U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide – multi territory 
Europe 
Rest of world 
Total 
Outwards reinsurance premiums 
Change in unearned premiums 
Change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 
Net premiums earned 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 
Insurance acquisition expenses 
Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 
Net underwriting profit (loss) 
Net unallocated income and expenses 
Profit before tax 
Net loss ratio 
Net acquisition cost ratio 
Expense ratio 
Combined ratio 

154  
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2. SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED 

REVENUE AND EXPENSE BY OPERATING SEGMENT 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Gross premiums written by geographic area 

U.S. and Canada 

Worldwide – multi territory 

Europe 

Rest of world 

Total 

Outwards reinsurance premiums 

Change in unearned premiums 

Change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 

Net premiums earned 

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 

Insurance acquisition expenses 

Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 

Net underwriting profit (loss) 

Net unallocated income and expenses 

Profit before tax 

Net loss ratio 

Net acquisition cost ratio 

Expense ratio 

Combined ratio 

Property  

$m 

Aviation  

$m 

Energy  

$m 

250.4 

50.7 

46.3 

79.5 

426.9 

(157.9)

(15.7)

(1.7)

251.6 

(159.4)

14.6 

(62.3)

10.1 

54.6 

10.9 

80.0 

19.4 

40.7 

151.0 

(71.3)

(18.1)

8.8 

70.4 

(79.6)

47.5 

(25.8)

12.4 

24.9 

33.2   

81.0   

9.1   

21.4   

144.7   

(47.7)  

(6.7)  

1.0   

91.3   

(85.1)  

18.3   

(28.0)  

1.2   

(2.3)  

Marine  

$m 

6.3 

72.8 

6.1 

6.3 

91.5 

(17.8)

(11.0)

(0.2)

62.5 

(39.5)

(0.6)

(22.9)

0.3 

(0.2)

57.6% 

20.7% 

– 

45.6% 

19.0% 

– 

73.2%  

29.4%  

–   

64.2% 

36.2% 

– 

78.3% 

64.6% 

102.6%  

100.4% 

107.8% 

Total  

$m 

300.8 

284.5 

80.9 

147.9 

814.1 

(294.7)

(51.5)

7.9 

475.8 

(363.6)

79.8 

(139.0)

24.0 

77.0 

(71.1)

5.9 

59.6% 

24.2% 

24.0% 

REVENUE AND EXPENSE BY OPERATING SEGMENT 

For the year ended 31 December 2019 
Gross premiums written by geographic area 
U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide – multi territory 
Europe 
Rest of world 
Total 
Outwards reinsurance premiums 
Change in unearned premiums 
Change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 
Net premiums earned 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 
Insurance acquisition expenses 
Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 
Net underwriting profit  
Net unallocated income and expenses 
Profit before tax 
Net loss ratio 
Net acquisition cost ratio 
Expense ratio 
Combined ratio 

Property  
$m 

194.6 
59.1 
44.7 
83.7 
382.1 
(167.0)
(3.0)
14.4 
226.5 
(185.3)
111.5 
(60.4)
9.5 
101.8 

32.6% 
22.5% 
– 
55.1% 

Aviation  
$m 

5.2 
68.1 
18.9 
27.4 
119.6 
(56.7)
(28.2)
16.5 
51.2 
(36.2)
17.6 
(17.5)
7.9 
23.0 

36.3% 
18.8% 
– 
55.1% 

Energy  
$m 

20.0   
89.4   
4.8   
13.9   
128.1   
(43.6)  
(0.3)  
1.3   
85.5   
(27.5)  
8.5   
(27.0)  
1.4   
40.9   

Marine  
 $m 

6.4 
60.1 
4.3 
6.1 
76.9 
(14.7)
(4.3)
0.6 
58.5 
(15.5)
(2.9)
(19.5)
0.2 
20.8 

22.2%  
29.9%  
–   
52.1%  

31.5% 
33.0% 
– 
64.5% 

Total  
$m 

226.2 
276.7 
72.7 
131.1 
706.7 
(282.0)
(35.8)
32.8 
421.7 
(264.5)
134.7 
(124.4)
19.0 
186.5 
(67.0)
119.5 
30.8% 
25.0% 
25.1% 
80.9% 

154  

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F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

3. INVESTMENT RETURN 
The total investment return for the Group is as follows: 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 
Fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Private investment funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total investment return 

Net investment 
income and net 
other investment 
income1 
$m 
26.8 
(0.3)
(1.0)
7.3 
0.5 
2.2 
35.5 

Net realised gains 
(losses) 
and impairments 
 $m 
2.0 
3.2 
5.7 
– 
1.9 
– 
12.8 

Net change 
in unrealised 
gains/losses on 
AFS2 
$m 
20.8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
20.8 

Total investment  
 return excluding  
 foreign exchange  
$m 
49.6   
2.9   
4.7   
7.3   
2.4   
2.2   
69.1   

Net foreign 
exchange gains 
 (losses) 
$m 
7.2 
– 
– 
– 
(0.1)
(2.2)
4.9 

Total investment 
return including 
foreign exchange 
$m 
56.8 
2.9 
4.7 
7.3 
2.3 
– 
74.0 

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 
2.  In 2023 when we apply IFRS 9,the net change in unrealised gains /(losses) on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

For the year ended 31 December 2019 
Fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Equity securities – AFS 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total investment return 

Net investment 
income and net 
other investment 
income1 
$m 
33.4 
3.9 
– 
1.8 
2.3 
4.3 
45.7 

Net realised gains 
(losses) 
 and impairments 
$m 
(0.3)
1.4 
6.5 
1.2 
0.1 
– 
8.9 

Net change 
in unrealised 
gains/losses on 
AFS2 
$m 
31.3 
– 
(2.7)
– 
– 
– 
28.6 

Total investment  
return excluding  
foreign exchange  
$m 
64.4   
5.3   
3.8   
3.0   
2.4   
4.3   
83.2   

Net foreign 
exchange gains 
 (losses) 
$m 
(0.5)
– 
– 
– 
0.3 
1.6 
1.4 

Total investment 
return including 
foreign exchange 
$m 
63.9 
5.3 
3.8 
3.0 
2.7 
5.9 
84.6 

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 
2.  In 2023 when we apply IFRS 9, the net change in unrealised gains /(losses) on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

Net investment income includes $36.9 million (2019 – $39.7 million) of interest income on our AFS investment portfolio and cash and cash equivalents. 
Net realised gains (losses) and impairments includes impairment losses of $0.7 million (2019 – $0.3 million) recognised on fixed maturity securities. 

Refer to pages 143 to 144 in the risk disclosures section for the estimated fair values of the Group’s derivative instruments. Realised gains and losses on 
futures and options contracts are included in net realised gains (losses) and impairments.  

Included in net investment income and net other investment income is $4.3 million (2019 – $4.4 million) of investment management, accounting and 
custodian fees. 

4. NET INSURANCE ACQUISITION EXPENSES 

For the year ended 31 December 
Insurance acquisition expenses 
Changes in deferred insurance acquisition expenses 
Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 
Changes in deferred insurance acquisition expenses ceded 
Total net insurance acquisition expenses 

2020 
 $m 
146.3 
(7.3)
(26.0)
2.0 
115.0 

2019 
$m 
131.9 
(7.5)
(29.5)
10.5 
105.4 

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F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

3. INVESTMENT RETURN 

The total investment return for the Group is as follows: 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 

Fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Hedge funds – at FVTPL 

Private investment funds – at FVTPL 

Other investments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total investment return 

For the year ended 31 December 2019 

Fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Equity securities – AFS 

Hedge funds – at FVTPL 

Other investments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total investment return 

Net investment 

income and net 

other investment 

Net change 

in unrealised 

(losses) 

gains/losses on 

Net realised gains 

and impairments 

Total investment  

 return excluding  

 foreign exchange  

Net foreign 

exchange gains 

 (losses) 

Total investment 

return including 

foreign exchange 

AFS2 

$m 

20.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

AFS2 

$m 

31.3 

(2.7)

– 

– 

– 

– 

 $m 

2.0 

3.2 

5.7 

1.9 

– 

– 

$m 

(0.3)

1.4 

6.5 

1.2 

0.1 

– 

8.9 

$m 

49.6   

2.9   

4.7   

7.3   

2.4   

2.2   

$m 

64.4   

5.3   

3.8   

3.0   

2.4   

4.3   

$m 

7.2 

– 

– 

– 

(0.1)

(2.2)

4.9 

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

1.6 

1.4 

$m 

56.8 

2.9 

4.7 

7.3 

2.3 

– 

74.0 

$m 

63.9 

5.3 

3.8 

3.0 

2.7 

5.9 

84.6 

Net investment 

income and net 

other investment 

Net change 

in unrealised 

(losses) 

gains/losses on 

Net realised gains 

 and impairments 

Total investment  

return excluding  

foreign exchange  

Total investment 

return including 

foreign exchange 

Net foreign 

exchange gains 

 (losses) 

$m 

(0.5)

income1 

$m 

26.8 

(0.3)

(1.0)

7.3 

0.5 

2.2 

35.5 

income1 

$m 

33.4 

3.9 

– 

1.8 

2.3 

4.3 

45.7 

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 

2.  In 2023 when we apply IFRS 9, the net change in unrealised gains /(losses) on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

Net investment income includes $36.9 million (2019 – $39.7 million) of interest income on our AFS investment portfolio and cash and cash equivalents. 

Net realised gains (losses) and impairments includes impairment losses of $0.7 million (2019 – $0.3 million) recognised on fixed maturity securities. 

Refer to pages 143 to 144 in the risk disclosures section for the estimated fair values of the Group’s derivative instruments. Realised gains and losses on 

futures and options contracts are included in net realised gains (losses) and impairments.  

Included in net investment income and net other investment income is $4.3 million (2019 – $4.4 million) of investment management, accounting and 

28.6 

83.2   

custodian fees. 

4. NET INSURANCE ACQUISITION EXPENSES 

For the year ended 31 December 

Insurance acquisition expenses 

Changes in deferred insurance acquisition expenses 

Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 

Changes in deferred insurance acquisition expenses ceded 

Total net insurance acquisition expenses 

5. OTHER INCOME 

For the year ended 31 December 
Lancashire Capital Management 
– underwriting fees  
– profit commission 
Lancashire Syndicates  
– managing agency fees 
– consortium fees 
– consortium profit commission 
Total other income 

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 

2.  In 2023 when we apply IFRS 9,the net change in unrealised gains /(losses) on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

12.8 

20.8 

69.1   

As at 31 December 2020, contract assets in relation to other income amounted to $1.8 million (31 December 2019 – $9.4 million). 

6. RESULTS OF OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Results of operating activities are stated after charging the following amounts: 

For the year ended 31 December 
Depreciation on owned assets 
Auditor’s remuneration 
– Group audit fees 
– Other services 
Total 

2020 
 $m 

10.0 
1.8 

1.0 
0.7 
1.8 
15.3 

2020 
 $m 
0.5 

1.9 
0.3 
2.7 

2019 
$m 

7.9 
1.0 

1.1 
0.7 
0.7 
11.4 

2019 
$m 
1.3 

1.2 
0.4 
2.9 

During 2020 and 2019, KPMG LLP provided non-audit services in relation to the Group’s half year reporting review, Solvency II and Lloyd’s reporting. Fees 
for non-audit services provided in 2020 totalled $0.3 million (2019 – $0.4 million). 

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

For the year ended 31 December 
Wages and salaries 
Pension costs 
Bonus and other benefits 
Total cash compensation 
RSS – performance 
RSS – ordinary 
RSS – bonus deferral 
Total equity based compensation 
Total employee benefits 

2020 
 $m 
42.7 
3.6 
28.0 
74.3 
4.9 
6.5 
0.9 
12.3 
86.6 

2019 
$m 
39.3 
3.2 
26.4 
68.9 
3.4 
5.7 
0.5 
9.6 
78.5 

2020 

 $m 

146.3 

(7.3)

(26.0)

2.0 

115.0 

2019 

$m 

131.9 

(7.5)

(29.5)

10.5 

105.4 

The Group has not utilised any COVID-19 related government grants or financial support programme and no employees have been furloughed during the 
year ended 31 December 2020.  

EQUITY BASED COMPENSATION 
The Group’s equity based compensation scheme is its RSS. All outstanding and future RSS grants have an exercise period of ten years from the grant date. 

The fair value of any TSR component of the nil-cost options is estimated using a stochastic model. For all other components the Black-Scholes model is 
used to estimate the fair value. 

There have been no amendments or curtailments of the Group’s equity based compensation scheme as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

156  

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

157 
157

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
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N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 
The following table lists the assumptions used in the stochastic model for the RSS awards granted during the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019: 

Assumptions 
Dividend yield 
Expected volatility1 
Risk-free interest rate2 
Expected average life of options 
Share price 

2020 
–  
22.4% 
0.5% 
3.0 years 
$10.46  

2019 
– 
24.3% 
0.7% 
3.0 years 
$8.39  

1.  The expected volatility of the LHL share price is calculated based on the movement in the share price over a period prior to the grant date, equal in length to the expected life of the award. 
2.  The risk-free interest rate is consistent with three–year UK government bond yields on the date of grant. 

The calculation of the equity based compensation expense assumes forfeitures due to employee turnover of 10.0% per annum prior to vesting, with 
subsequent adjustments to reflect actual experience. 

RSS – PERFORMANCE 
The vesting periods of the performance RSS options range from one to three years from the date of grant and are dependent on certain performance 
criteria. A maximum of 85.0% (2019 – 85.0%) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of a change in FCBVS in excess of a 
required amount. A maximum of 15.0% (2019 – 15.0%) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of an absolute TSR in excess of 
a required amount. An amount equivalent to the dividends paid between the grant date and the exercise date accrues and is paid at the time of exercise, 
pro-rata according to the number of RSS options that vest.  

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Lapsed 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2019 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Lapsed 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2019 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2020 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 
Weighted average fair value at date of grant during the year 
Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year 

Total number of 
restricted stock 
2,980,783 
978,331 
(81,137)
(113,828)
(811,957)
2,952,192 
859,344 
(20,910)
(124,977)
(916,253)
2,749,396 

145,658 
80,217 

2020 

2019 

Total 
restricted stock 
8.0 years 
$9.30 
$10.28 

Total 
restricted stock 
8.0 years 
$7.63 
$9.38 

RSS – ORDINARY 
The ordinary RSS options were issued for the first time in 2016 and vest three years from the date of grant and do not have associated performance 
criteria for vesting. An amount equivalent to the dividends paid between the grant date and the exercise date accrues and is paid at the time of exercise. 
The 2016 awards became exercisable in February 2019.  

158  
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7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 

The following table lists the assumptions used in the stochastic model for the RSS awards granted during the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019: 

1.  The expected volatility of the LHL share price is calculated based on the movement in the share price over a period prior to the grant date, equal in length to the expected life of the award. 

2.  The risk-free interest rate is consistent with three–year UK government bond yields on the date of grant. 

The calculation of the equity based compensation expense assumes forfeitures due to employee turnover of 10.0% per annum prior to vesting, with 

subsequent adjustments to reflect actual experience. 

RSS – PERFORMANCE 

The vesting periods of the performance RSS options range from one to three years from the date of grant and are dependent on certain performance 

criteria. A maximum of 85.0% (2019 – 85.0%) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of a change in FCBVS in excess of a 

required amount. A maximum of 15.0% (2019 – 15.0%) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of an absolute TSR in excess of 

a required amount. An amount equivalent to the dividends paid between the grant date and the exercise date accrues and is paid at the time of exercise, 

pro-rata according to the number of RSS options that vest.  

Assumptions 

Dividend yield 

Expected volatility1 

Risk-free interest rate2 

Expected average life of options 

Share price 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Lapsed 

Granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Lapsed 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2019 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2019 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2020 

2020 

–  

22.4% 

0.5% 

2019 

– 

24.3% 

0.7% 

3.0 years 

3.0 years 

$10.46  

$8.39  

Total number of 

restricted stock 

2,980,783 

978,331 

(81,137)

(113,828)

(811,957)

2,952,192 

859,344 

(20,910)

(124,977)

(916,253)

2,749,396 

145,658 

80,217 

2020 

Total 

2019 

Total 

restricted stock 

restricted stock 

8.0 years 

8.0 years 

$9.30 

$10.28 

$7.63 

$9.38 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 

Weighted average fair value at date of grant during the year 

Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year 

RSS – ORDINARY 

The ordinary RSS options were issued for the first time in 2016 and vest three years from the date of grant and do not have associated performance 

criteria for vesting. An amount equivalent to the dividends paid between the grant date and the exercise date accrues and is paid at the time of exercise. 

The 2016 awards became exercisable in February 2019.  

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 
Granted 
Exercised  
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2019 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2019 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2020 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 
Weighted average fair value at date of grant during the year 
Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year 

Total number of 
restricted stock 
2,100,197 
809,397 
(324,860)
(101,290)
2,483,444 
836,251 
(628,665)
(71,905)
2,619,125 

159,999 
265,329 

2020 

2019 

Total 
restricted stock 
7.9 years 
$10.35 
$10.20 

Total 
restricted stock 
8.1 years 
$8.44 
$8.59 

RSS – BONUS DEFERRAL 
The vesting periods of the bonus deferral RSS options range from one to three years from the date of grant and do not have associated performance 
criteria for vesting. An amount equivalent to the dividends paid between the grant date and the exercise date accrues and is paid at the time of exercise. 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2019 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2019 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2020 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 
Weighted average fair value at date of grant during the year 
Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year 

Total number of 
restricted stock 
340,589 
35,060 
(177,135)
(1,993)
196,521 
182,816 
(102,804)
(25,928)
250,605 

66,269 
59,698 

2020 

2019 

Total 
restricted stock 
8.1 years 
$10.46 
$10.19 

Total 
restricted stock 
7.3 years 
$8.39 
$8.73 

RSS – LANCASHIRE SYNDICATES LIMITED ACQUISITION 
The vesting periods of the LSL acquisition RSS options ranged from three to five years and were dependent on certain performance criteria. A maximum 
of 75.0% of the LSL acquisition RSS options vested on the achievement of a combined ratio for Cathedral Capital Limited, the ultimate holding company 
of LSL, below a required amount. A maximum of 25.0% of the LSL acquisition RSS options vested on the achievement of an LHL Change in FCBVS in 
excess of a required amount. An amount equivalent to the dividends paid between the grant date and the exercise date accrues and is paid at the time of 
exercise, pro-rata according to the number of RSS options that vested. 

158  

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

159 
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Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 
Exercised 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2019 
Exercised 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2019 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2020 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 
Weighted average fair value at date of grant 
Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year 

8. FINANCING COSTS

For the year ended 31 December 
Interest expense on long-term debt 
Net losses on interest rate swaps 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Other financing costs 
Total 

Total number of 
restricted stock 
168,258 
(61,016)
107,242 
(42,500)
64,742 

107,242 
64,742 

2019 
Total 
restricted stock 
3.9 years
$13.01 
$8.51 

2020 
Total 
restricted stock 
2.9 years
$13.01 
$10.35 

2020 
 $m 
15.7 
0.9 
1.3 
2.2 
20.1 

2019 
$m 
18.5 
1.0 
1.3 
1.0 
21.8 

Refer to note 18 for details of long-term debt and financing arrangements. 

9. TAX  
BERMUDA 
LHL, LICL, LUK and LCM have received an undertaking from the Bermuda government exempting them from all Bermuda local income, withholding and 
capital gains taxes until 31 March 2035. At the present time no such taxes are levied in Bermuda. 

UNITED KINGDOM  
The UK subsidiaries of LHL are subject to normal UK corporation tax on all their taxable profits. 

For the year ended 31 December 
Corporation tax charge for the period 
Adjustments in respect of prior period corporation tax 
Deferred tax credit for the period 
Adjustment in respect of prior period deferred tax 
Tax rate change adjustment 
Total tax charge  

Tax reconciliation1 
Profit before tax 
Tax calculated at the standard corporation tax rate applicable in Bermuda 0% 
Effect of income taxed at a higher rate 
Adjustments in respect of prior period 
Differences related to equity based compensation 
Other expense permanent differences 
Tax rate change adjustment 
Total tax charge  

1.  All tax reconciling balances have been classified as recurring items. 

160  
160 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

2020 
 $m 
0.5 
0.1 
(0.3)
(0.3)
1.4 
1.4 

2020 
 $m 
5.9 
– 
(0.9)
(0.2)
0.8 
0.3 
1.4 
1.4 

2019 
$m 
5.8 
(2.0)
(3.0)
0.5 
– 
1.3 

2019 
$m 
119.5 
– 
1.0 
(1.5)
(0.6)
2.4 
– 
1.3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONTINUED 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Exercised 

Exercised 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2019 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2019 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2020 

8. FINANCING COSTS

For the year ended 31 December 

Interest expense on long-term debt 

Net losses on interest rate swaps 

Interest expense on lease liabilities 

Other financing costs 

Total 

9. TAX  

BERMUDA 

UNITED KINGDOM  

Refer to note 18 for details of long-term debt and financing arrangements. 

For the year ended 31 December 

Corporation tax charge for the period 

Adjustments in respect of prior period corporation tax 

Deferred tax credit for the period 

Adjustment in respect of prior period deferred tax 

Tax rate change adjustment 

Total tax charge  

Tax reconciliation1 

Profit before tax 

Tax calculated at the standard corporation tax rate applicable in Bermuda 0% 

Effect of income taxed at a higher rate 

Adjustments in respect of prior period 

Differences related to equity based compensation 

Other expense permanent differences 

Tax rate change adjustment 

Total tax charge  

1.  All tax reconciling balances have been classified as recurring items. 

160  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Total number of 

restricted stock 

168,258 

(61,016)

107,242 

(42,500)

64,742 

107,242 

64,742 

2020 

Total 

2019 

Total 

restricted stock 

restricted stock 

2.9 years

3.9 years

$13.01 

$10.35 

$13.01 

$8.51 

2020 

 $m 

15.7 

0.9 

1.3 

2.2 

20.1 

2020 

 $m 

0.5 

0.1 

(0.3)

(0.3)

1.4 

1.4 

2020 

 $m 

5.9 

– 

(0.9)

(0.2)

0.8 

0.3 

1.4 

1.4 

2019 

$m 

18.5 

1.0 

1.3 

1.0 

21.8 

2019 

$m 

5.8 

(2.0)

(3.0)

0.5 

– 

1.3 

2019 

$m 

119.5 

– 

1.0 

(1.5)

(0.6)

2.4 

– 

1.3 

LHL, LICL, LUK and LCM have received an undertaking from the Bermuda government exempting them from all Bermuda local income, withholding and 

capital gains taxes until 31 March 2035. At the present time no such taxes are levied in Bermuda. 

The UK subsidiaries of LHL are subject to normal UK corporation tax on all their taxable profits. 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 

Weighted average fair value at date of grant 

Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year 

Cash equivalents have an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value. Refer to note 18 for 
the cash and cash equivalent balances on deposit as collateral. Cash and cash equivalents include managed cash of $170.2 million (31 December 2019 – 
$196.6 million).  

The current tax charge as a percentage of the Group’s profit before tax is 23.7% (2019 – 1.1%). Non-taxable income relates to profits of companies within 
the Group that are non-tax resident in the UK and the share of profit of associate.  

The previously announced reduction in the rate of UK corporation tax from 19% to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020 was rescinded in the 2020 UK 
budget. This has resulted in recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities at 19% at 31 December 2020 where lower rates were previously applied with 
a related tax expense of $1.4 million. 

Refer to note 11 for details of the tax expense related to the net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments that is included in accumulated other 
comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity.  

10. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

As at 31 December 
Cash at bank and in hand 
Cash equivalents 
Total cash and cash equivalents 

2020 
 $m 
226.9 
205.5 
432.4 

2019 
$m 
167.7 
152.7 
320.4 

11. INVESTMENTS 

As at 31 December 2020 
Fixed maturity securities – AFS 
– Short-term investments 
– Fixed maturity funds 
– U.S. treasuries 
– Other government bonds 
– U.S. municipal bonds 
– U.S. government agency debt 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Private investment funds – at FVTPL 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

Cost or 
amortised cost 
$m 

Unrealised  
gains  
$m 

Unrealised 
losses 
$m 

Estimated 
fair value1  
$m 

86.9 
16.4 
291.0 
64.4 
12.3 
98.7 
121.9 
128.9 
18.2 
0.4 
5.6 
110.6 
654.1 
1,609.4 
25.7 
91.7 
72.7 
– 
1,799.5 

–   
–   
2.9   
1.5   
0.7   
3.4   
4.0   
3.0   
0.6   
–   
0.2   
1.0   
24.6   
41.9   
3.6   
5.6   
13.4   
–   
64.5   

– 
– 
(0.1)
– 
– 
– 
(0.5)
(0.1)
– 
(0.1)
– 
(1.1)
(0.1)
(2.0)
– 
(1.2)
(4.1)
(0.7)
(8.0)

86.9 
16.4 
293.8 
65.9 
13.0 
102.1 
125.4 
131.8 
18.8 
0.3 
5.8 
110.5 
678.6 
1,649.3 
29.3 
96.1 
82.0 
(0.7)
1,856.0 

1.  When IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is implemented, all investments held above will be classified as at FVTPL (mandatory), with no resulting changes in 

the estimated fair value. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

161 
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11. INVESTMENTS CONTINUED 

As at 31 December 2019 
Fixed maturity securities – AFS 
– Short-term investments 
– Fixed maturity funds 
– U.S. treasuries 
– Other government bonds 
– U.S. municipal bonds 
– U.S. government agency debt 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Private investment funds – at FVTPL 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

Cost or 
amortised cost 
$m 

Unrealised  
gains  
$m 

Unrealised 
losses 
$m 

84.8 
12.8 
160.8 
47.1 
8.2 
59.5 
127.8 
96.8 
15.4 
2.2 
101.7 
581.2 
1,298.3 
45.7 
15.5 
140.6 
– 
1,500.1 

–   
–   
0.9   
0.5   
0.2   
1.3   
0.5   
1.1   
–   
–   
0.6   
11.4   
16.5   
4.6   
–   
14.5   
–   
35.6   

– 
– 
(0.1)
(0.1)
– 
(0.1)
(3.3)
(0.4)
– 
– 
(0.6)
(0.4)
(5.0)
– 
– 
(5.1)
(0.5)
(10.6)

Estimated 
 fair value1  
$m 

84.8 
12.8 
161.6 
47.5 
8.4 
60.7 
125.0 
97.5 
15.4 
2.2 
101.7 
592.2 
1,309.8 
50.3 
15.5 
150.0 
(0.5)
1,525.1 

1.  When IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is implemented, all investments held above will be classified as at FVTPL (mandatory), with no resulting changes in 

the estimated fair value. 

Accumulated other comprehensive income in relation to the Group’s AFS fixed maturity and equity securities is as follows: 

As at 31 December 
Unrealised gains 
Unrealised losses 
Net unrealised foreign exchange (gains) losses on fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Tax provision 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  

2020 
 $m 
41.9 
(2.0)
(5.0)
(1.3)
33.6 

2019 
$m 
16.5 
(5.0)
2.6 
(0.6)
13.5 

Fixed maturity securities are presented in the risk disclosures section on page 147. Refer to note 18 for financing arrangements.  

The Group determines the estimated fair value of each individual security utilising the highest-level inputs available. Prices for the Group’s investment 
portfolio are provided via a third-party investment accounting firm whose pricing processes and the controls thereon are subject to an annual audit on 
both the operation and the effectiveness of those controls. Various recognised reputable pricing sources are used including pricing vendors and broker-
dealers. The pricing sources use bid prices where available, otherwise indicative prices are quoted based on observable market trade data. The prices 
provided are compared to the investment managers’ pricing.  

The Group has not made any adjustments to any pricing provided by independent pricing services or its third-party investment managers for either year 
ending 31 December. 

The fair value of securities in the Group’s investment portfolio is estimated using the following techniques: 

LEVEL (I) 
Level (i) investments are securities with quoted prices in active markets. A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices 
are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service or regulatory agency and those prices represent actual 
and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis.  

162  
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11. INVESTMENTS CONTINUED 

As at 31 December 2019 

Fixed maturity securities – AFS 

– Short-term investments 

– Fixed maturity funds 

– U.S. treasuries 

– Other government bonds 

– U.S. municipal bonds 

– U.S. government agency debt 

– Asset backed securities 

– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 

– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 

– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 

– Bank loans 

– Corporate bonds 

Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Private investment funds – at FVTPL 

Hedge funds – at FVTPL 

Other investments 

Total investments 

the estimated fair value. 

Cost or 

amortised cost 

$m 

Unrealised  

Unrealised 

gains  

$m 

–   

–   

0.9   

0.5   

0.2   

1.3   

0.5   

1.1   

–   

–   

0.6   

11.4   

16.5   

4.6   

–   

14.5   

–   

35.6   

84.8 

12.8 

160.8 

47.1 

8.2 

59.5 

127.8 

96.8 

15.4 

2.2 

101.7 

581.2 

45.7 

15.5 

140.6 

– 

1,298.3 

1,500.1 

losses 

$m 

– 

– 

(0.1)

(0.1)

– 

(0.1)

(3.3)

(0.4)

(0.6)

(0.4)

(5.0)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(5.1)

(0.5)

(10.6)

2020 

 $m 

41.9 

(2.0)

(5.0)

(1.3)

33.6 

Estimated 

 fair value1  

$m 

84.8 

12.8 

161.6 

47.5 

8.4 

60.7 

125.0 

97.5 

15.4 

2.2 

101.7 

592.2 

1,309.8 

50.3 

15.5 

150.0 

(0.5)

1,525.1 

2019 

$m 

16.5 

(5.0)

2.6 

(0.6)

13.5 

1.  When IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is implemented, all investments held above will be classified as at FVTPL (mandatory), with no resulting changes in 

Accumulated other comprehensive income in relation to the Group’s AFS fixed maturity and equity securities is as follows: 

As at 31 December 

Unrealised gains 

Unrealised losses 

Tax provision 

Accumulated other comprehensive income  

Net unrealised foreign exchange (gains) losses on fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities are presented in the risk disclosures section on page 147. Refer to note 18 for financing arrangements.  

The Group determines the estimated fair value of each individual security utilising the highest-level inputs available. Prices for the Group’s investment 

portfolio are provided via a third-party investment accounting firm whose pricing processes and the controls thereon are subject to an annual audit on 

both the operation and the effectiveness of those controls. Various recognised reputable pricing sources are used including pricing vendors and broker-

dealers. The pricing sources use bid prices where available, otherwise indicative prices are quoted based on observable market trade data. The prices 

provided are compared to the investment managers’ pricing.  

The Group has not made any adjustments to any pricing provided by independent pricing services or its third-party investment managers for either year 

The fair value of securities in the Group’s investment portfolio is estimated using the following techniques: 

ending 31 December. 

LEVEL (I) 

Level (i) investments are securities with quoted prices in active markets. A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices 

are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service or regulatory agency and those prices represent actual 

and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis.  

LEVEL (II) 
Level (ii) investments are securities with quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities or securities valued using other valuation 
techniques for which all significant inputs are based on observable market data. Instruments included in Level (ii) are valued via independent external 
sources using directly observable inputs to models or other valuation methods. The valuation methods used are typically industry-accepted standards 
and include broker-dealer quotes and pricing models including present values and future cash flows with inputs such as yield curves, interest rates, 
prepayment speeds and default rates. 

LEVEL (III) 
Level (iii) investments are securities for which valuation techniques are not based on observable market data and require significant management 
judgement. The Group determines securities classified as Level (iii) to include hedge funds and private investment funds. 

The estimated fair values of the Group’s hedge funds are determined using a combination of the most recent NAVs provided by each fund’s independent 
administrator and the estimated performance provided by each hedge fund manager. Independent administrators provide monthly reported NAVs with 
up to a one-month delay in valuation. The most recent NAV available for each hedge fund is adjusted for the estimated performance, as provided by the 
fund manager, between the NAV date and the reporting date. Historically estimated fair values incorporating these performance estimates have not been 
significantly different from subsequent NAVs. Given the Group’s knowledge of the underlying investments and the size of the Group’s investment 
therein, we would not anticipate any material variance between estimated valuations and the final NAVs reported by the administrators. 

The estimated fair value of the Group’s private investment funds are determined using statements received from each fund’s investment managers on 
either a monthly or quarterly in arrears basis. In addition these valuations will be compared with benchmarks or other indices to assess the 
reasonableness of the estimated fair value of each fund. Given the Group’s knowledge of the underlying investments and the size of the Group’s 
investment therein, we would not anticipate any material variance between estimated valuations and the final NAVs reported by the investment 
managers. 

The Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels of the fair value hierarchy by re-assessing the categorisation at the end of each 
reporting period. Transfers between Level (i) to (ii) securities amounted to $86.4 million and transfers from Level (ii) to (i) securities amounted to $76.3 
million during the year ended 31 December 2020.  

The fair value hierarchy of the Group’s investment holdings is as follows:  

As at 31 December 2020 
Fixed maturity securities – AFS 
– Short-term investments 
– Fixed maturity funds 
– U.S. treasuries 
– Other government bonds 
– U.S. municipal bonds 
– U.S. government agency debt 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Private investment funds – at FVTPL 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

Level (i) 
$m 

83.7 
– 
293.8 
25.9 
– 
91.0 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
8.3 
262.1 
764.8 
– 
– 
– 
– 
764.8 

Level (ii)  
$m 

Level (iii) 
$m 

Total 
$m 

3.2   
16.4   
–   
40.0   
13.0   
11.1   
125.4   
131.8   
18.8   
0.3   
5.8   
102.2   
416.5   
884.5   
29.3   
–   
–   
(0.7)  
913.1   

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
96.1 
82.0 
– 
178.1 

86.9 
16.4 
293.8 
65.9 
13.0 
102.1 
125.4 
131.8 
18.8 
0.3 
5.8 
110.5 
678.6 
1,649.3 
29.3 
96.1 
82.0 
(0.7)
1,856.0 

162  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

163 
163

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N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

11. INVESTMENTS CONTINUED 

As at 31 December 2019 
Fixed maturity securities – AFS 
– Short-term investments 
– Fixed maturity funds 
– U.S. treasuries 
– Other government bonds 
– U.S. municipal bonds 
– U.S. government agency debt 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Private investment funds – at FVTPL 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

The table below analyses the movements in investments classified as Level (iii) investments: 

As at 31 December 2018 
Purchases 
Sales 
Total net realised and unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss 
As at 31 December 2019 
Purchases 
Sales 
Total net realised and unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss 
As at 31 December 2020 

Level (i) 
$m 

80.7 
– 
161.6 
13.2 
– 
50.6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.8 
225.4 
532.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
532.3 

Level (ii)  
$m 

Level (iii) 
$m 

Total 
$m 

4.1   
12.8   
–   
34.3   
8.4   
10.1   
125.0   
97.5   
15.4   
2.2   
100.9   
366.8   
777.5   
50.3   
–   
–   
(0.5)  
827.3   

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
15.5 
150.0 
– 
165.5 

Private 
investment funds 
$m 
–   
15.5   
–   
–   
15.5   
82.2   
(6.0)  
4.4   
96.1   

Hedge funds 
$m 
149.2 
17.7 
(21.3)
4.4 
150.0 
5.8 
(79.4)
5.6 
82.0 

84.8 
12.8 
161.6 
47.5 
8.4 
60.7 
125.0 
97.5 
15.4 
2.2 
101.7 
592.2 
1,309.8 
50.3 
15.5 
150.0 
(0.5)
1,525.1 

Total 
$m 
149.2 
33.2 
(21.3)
4.4 
165.5 
88.0 
(85.4)
10.0 
178.1 

Total net unrealised gains on level 3 investments included in net realised and unrealised gains above was $4.3 million (2019: $3.2 million). 

12. INTERESTS IN STRUCTURED ENTITIES 
CONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES 
The Group provides capital contributions to the EBT to enable it to meet its obligations to employees under the equity based compensation plans. The 
Group has a contractual agreement which may require it to provide financial support to the EBT (see note 24).  

UNCONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES IN WHICH THE GROUP HAS AN INTEREST 
As part of its investment activities, the Group invests in unconsolidated structured entities. The Group does not sponsor any of the unconsolidated 
structured entities. 

164  
164 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

11. INVESTMENTS CONTINUED 

As at 31 December 2019 

Fixed maturity securities – AFS 

– Short-term investments 

– Fixed maturity funds 

– U.S. treasuries 

– Other government bonds 

– U.S. municipal bonds 

– U.S. government agency debt 

– Asset backed securities 

– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 

– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 

– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 

– Bank loans 

– Corporate bonds 

Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Private investment funds – at FVTPL 

Hedge funds – at FVTPL 

Other investments 

Total investments 

Level (i) 

$m 

80.7 

– 

161.6 

13.2 

50.6 

0.8 

225.4 

532.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Level (ii)  

$m 

Level (iii) 

$m 

4.1   

12.8   

–   

34.3   

8.4   

10.1   

125.0   

97.5   

15.4   

2.2   

100.9   

366.8   

777.5   

50.3   

–   

–   

(0.5)  

827.3   

Private 

$m 

–   

15.5   

–   

–   

15.5   

82.2   

(6.0)  

4.4   

96.1   

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

15.5 

150.0 

$m 

149.2 

17.7 

(21.3)

4.4 

150.0 

5.8 

(79.4)

5.6 

82.0 

Total 

$m 

84.8 

12.8 

161.6 

47.5 

8.4 

60.7 

125.0 

97.5 

15.4 

2.2 

101.7 

592.2 

1,309.8 

50.3 

15.5 

150.0 

(0.5)

Total 

$m 

149.2 

33.2 

(21.3)

4.4 

165.5 

88.0 

(85.4)

10.0 

178.1 

The table below analyses the movements in investments classified as Level (iii) investments: 

532.3 

165.5 

1,525.1 

investment funds 

Hedge funds 

As at 31 December 2018 

Purchases 

Sales 

Purchases 

Sales 

Total net realised and unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss 

As at 31 December 2019 

Total net realised and unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss 

As at 31 December 2020 

12. INTERESTS IN STRUCTURED ENTITIES 

CONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES 

Total net unrealised gains on level 3 investments included in net realised and unrealised gains above was $4.3 million (2019: $3.2 million). 

The Group provides capital contributions to the EBT to enable it to meet its obligations to employees under the equity based compensation plans. The 

Group has a contractual agreement which may require it to provide financial support to the EBT (see note 24).  

UNCONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES IN WHICH THE GROUP HAS AN INTEREST 

As part of its investment activities, the Group invests in unconsolidated structured entities. The Group does not sponsor any of the unconsolidated 

structured entities. 

164  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

A summary of the Group’s interest in unconsolidated structured entities is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2020 
Fixed maturity securities 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
Total fixed maturity securities 
Investment funds 
– Private investment funds 
– Hedge funds 
Total investment funds 
Specialised investment vehicles 
– KHL (note 16) 
Total 

As at 31 December 2019 
Fixed maturity securities 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
Total fixed maturity securities 
Investment funds 
– Private investment funds 
– Hedge funds 
Total investment funds 
Specialised investment vehicles 
– KHL (note 16) 
Total 

Investments  
$m 

Interest in 
associate 
$m 

125.4   
131.8   
18.8   
0.3   
5.8   
282.1   

96.1   
82.0   
178.1   

–   
460.2   

Investments  
$m 

125.0   
97.5   
15.4   
2.2   
240.1   

15.5   
150.0   
165.5   

–   
405.6   

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

127.2 
127.2 

Interest in 
associate 
$m 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

108.3 
108.3 

Total 
$m 

125.4 
131.8 
18.8 
0.3 
5.8 
282.1 

96.1 
82.0 
178.1 

127.2 
587.4 

Total 
$m 

125.0 
97.5 
15.4 
2.2 
240.1 

15.5 
150.0 
165.5 

108.3 
513.9 

The fixed maturity structured entities are created to meet specific investment needs of borrowers and investors which cannot be met from standardised 
financial instruments available in the capital markets. As such, they provide liquidity to the borrowers in these markets and provide investors with an 
opportunity to diversify risk away from standard fixed maturity securities. Whilst individual securities may differ in structure, the principles of the 
instruments are broadly the same and it is appropriate to aggregate the investments into the categories detailed above. 

The risk that the Group faces in respect of the investments in structured entities is similar to the risk it faces in respect of other financial investments held 
on the consolidated balance sheet in that fair value is determined by market supply and demand. This is in turn driven by investor evaluation of the credit 
risk of the structure and changes in the term structure of interest rates which change investors’ expectation of the cash flows associated with the 
instrument and, therefore, its value in the market. Risk management disclosures for these financial instruments and other investments are provided on 
pages 139 to 149. The total assets of these structured entities are not considered meaningful for the purpose of understanding the related risks and 
therefore have not been presented. 

The maximum exposure to loss in respect of these structured entities would be the carrying value of the instruments that the Group holds as at 31 
December 2020 and 31 December 2019. Generally, default rates would have to increase substantially from their current level before the Group would 
suffer a loss and this assessment is made prior to investing and regularly through the holding period for the security. The Group has not provided any 
other financial or other support in addition to that described above as at the reporting date, and there is no intention to provide support in relation to any 
other unconsolidated structured entities in the foreseeable future. 

As at 31 December 2020 the Group has a commitment of $100.0 million (31 December 2019 – $100.0 million) in respect of two credit facility funds. The 
Group, via the funds, provides collateral for revolving credit facilities purchased at a discount from financial institutions and is at risk for its portion of any 
defaults on those revolving credit facilities. The Group’s proportionate share of these revolving credit facilities purchased by the funds as at 31 December 
2020 is $60.3 million (31 December 2019 – $59.6 million), which currently remains unfunded. The maximum exposure to the credit facility funds is 
$100.0 million and as at 31 December 2020 there have been no defaults under these facilities. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

165 
165

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

13. LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES 

As at 31 December 2018 
Net incurred losses for: 
Prior years 
Current year 
Exchange adjustments 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Net paid losses for: 
Prior years 
Current year 
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 
As at 31 December 2019 
Net incurred losses for: 
Prior years 
Current year 
Exchange adjustments 
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Net paid losses for: 
Prior years 
Current year 
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 
As at 31 December 2020 

Losses and  
loss adjustment 
expenses  
$m 
915.0   

Reinsurance 
recoveries 
$m 
(322.9)

Net losses and 
loss adjustment 
expenses 
$m 
592.1 

(66.0)  
330.5   
5.3   
269.8   

269.6   
40.7   
310.3   
874.5   

(64.2)  
427.8   
11.9   
375.5   

221.8   
75.4   
297.2   
952.8   

(22.0)
(112.7)
(1.8)
(136.5)

(126.3)
(5.6)
(131.9)
(327.5)

12.2 
(92.0)
(1.3)
(81.1)

(49.1)
(20.8)
(69.9)
(338.7)

(88.0)
217.8 
3.5 
133.3 

143.3 
35.1 
178.4 
547.0 

(52.0)
335.8 
10.6 
294.4 

172.7 
54.6 
227.3 
614.1 

Further information on the calculation of loss reserves and the risks associated with them is provided in the risk disclosures section from page 137. The 
risks associated with general insurance contracts are complex and do not readily lend themselves to meaningful sensitivity analysis. The impact of an 
unreported event could lead to a significant increase in the Group’s loss reserves. The Group believes that the loss reserves established are adequate, 
however a 20.0% increase in estimated losses would lead to a $190.6 million (31 December 2019 – $174.9 million) increase in gross loss reserves and a 
$122.8 million (31 December 2019 – $109.4 million) increase in net loss reserves. There was no change to the Group’s reserving methodology during the 
year. The split of losses and loss adjustment expenses between notified outstanding losses, ACR assessed by management and IBNR is shown below:  

As at 31 December 
Outstanding losses 
Additional case reserves 
Losses incurred but not reported 
Total 

2020 

2019 

$m 
354.0 
176.1 
422.7 
952.8 

% 
37.1   
18.5   
44.4   
100.0   

$m 
352.0 
138.8 
383.7 
874.5 

% 
40.2 
15.9 
43.9 
100.0 

The Group’s losses and loss expenses as at 31 December 2020 and 2019 had an estimated duration of approximately two years.  

166  
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Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
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N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

13. LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 

As at 31 December 2018 

Net incurred losses for: 

Prior years 

Current year 

Exchange adjustments 

Net paid losses for: 

Prior years 

Current year 

As at 31 December 2019 

Net incurred losses for: 

Prior years 

Current year 

Exchange adjustments 

Net paid losses for: 

Prior years 

Current year 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 

As at 31 December 2020 

Losses and  

loss adjustment 

expenses  

$m 

915.0   

Reinsurance 

recoveries 

$m 

(322.9)

Net losses and 

loss adjustment 

expenses 

$m 

592.1 

(66.0)  

330.5   

5.3   

269.8   

269.6   

40.7   

310.3   

874.5   

(64.2)  

427.8   

11.9   

375.5   

221.8   

75.4   

297.2   

952.8   

(22.0)

(112.7)

(1.8)

(136.5)

(126.3)

(5.6)

(131.9)

(327.5)

12.2 

(92.0)

(1.3)

(81.1)

(49.1)

(20.8)

(69.9)

(338.7)

(88.0)

217.8 

3.5 

133.3 

143.3 

35.1 

178.4 

547.0 

(52.0)

335.8 

10.6 

294.4 

172.7 

54.6 

227.3 

614.1 

Further information on the calculation of loss reserves and the risks associated with them is provided in the risk disclosures section from page 137. The 

risks associated with general insurance contracts are complex and do not readily lend themselves to meaningful sensitivity analysis. The impact of an 

unreported event could lead to a significant increase in the Group’s loss reserves. The Group believes that the loss reserves established are adequate, 

however a 20.0% increase in estimated losses would lead to a $190.6 million (31 December 2019 – $174.9 million) increase in gross loss reserves and a 

$122.8 million (31 December 2019 – $109.4 million) increase in net loss reserves. There was no change to the Group’s reserving methodology during the 

year. The split of losses and loss adjustment expenses between notified outstanding losses, ACR assessed by management and IBNR is shown below:  

As at 31 December 

Outstanding losses 

Additional case reserves 

Losses incurred but not reported 

Total 

2020 

2019 

$m 

354.0 

176.1 

422.7 

952.8 

% 

37.1   

18.5   

44.4   

100.0   

$m 

352.0 

138.8 

383.7 

874.5 

% 

40.2 

15.9 

43.9 

100.0 

The Group’s losses and loss expenses as at 31 December 2020 and 2019 had an estimated duration of approximately two years.  

CLAIMS DEVELOPMENT 
The development of insurance liabilities is indicative of the Group’s ability to estimate the ultimate value of its insurance liabilities. The Group began 
writing insurance and reinsurance business in December 2005. With the acquisition of LSL in 2013, the Group assumed additional loss reserves relating to 
2001 and subsequent years.  

Accident year 
Gross Group losses 
Estimate of ultimate liability1 
At end of accident year 

One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 
Ten years later 

Current estimate of cumulative 
liability 
Paid 
Total Group gross liability 

2010  
and prior  
$m 

2011 
$m 

2012 
$m 

2013 
$m 

2014 
$m 

2015 
 $m 

2016 
$m 

2017  
 $m 

2018  
$m 

2019 
$m 

2020 
$m 

Total 
$m 

432.1 

580.1    429.7    332.4 
547.1    462.0    328.7 
511.3    431.1   
493.1   

298.5 
310.7 
274.4 
235.0 
232.3 

276.0 
214.6 
196.2 
189.6 
184.1 
182.6 

274.8 
226.7 
206.0 
196.5 
193.4 
192.4 
190.1 

280.0 
259.8 
224.0 
224.4 
222.1 
218.4 
213.7 
215.7 

250.3 
350.4 
338.8 
326.9 
313.3 
308.7 
299.5 
292.8 
293.4 

904.7    397.0 
735.5    371.9 
716.0    447.0 
828.7    450.4 
808.4    460.0 
801.0    450.7 
815.5    452.6 
812.9    446.9 
781.0    446.0 
780.1    445.8 
780.4   

293.4 

780.4    445.8 
493.1    431.1    328.7 
(745.6)   (426.5) (272.5) (206.5) (176.2) (165.9) (210.9) (385.3)   (289.3)   (118.4)
107.8    141.8    210.3 

34.8   

232.3 

190.1 

182.6 

215.7 

16.7 

21.4 

13.9 

19.3 

20.9 

9.2 

432.1 
4,025.3 
(75.4) (3,072.5)
952.8 
356.7 

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2020. 

Accident year 
Reinsurance 
Estimate of ultimate recovery1 

At end of accident year 
One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 
Ten years later 

Current estimate of cumulative 
recovery 
Paid 
Total Group gross recovery 

2010  
and prior  
$m 

2011 
$m 

2012 
$m 

2013 
$m 

2014 
$m 

2015 
 $m 

2016 
$m 

2017  
 $m 

2018  
$m 

2019 
$m 

2020 
$m 

Total 
$m 

93.0 

177.6    139.3    114.6 
185.0    189.9    115.0 
179.7    181.9   
181.2   

73.1 
98.5 
96.7 
76.5 
73.9 

15.3 
12.2 
12.6 
13.0 
13.0 
13.0 

17.8 
14.1 
13.1 
11.5 
11.9 
9.6 
9.6 

9.9 
8.9 
8.8 
8.0 
8.0 
8.0 
7.4 
7.2 

48.9 
121.8 
122.0 
121.2 
121.2 
121.2 
120.9 
120.9 
120.8 

56.2 
81.7   
52.6 
68.5   
92.4 
66.0   
113.3   
88.9 
110.4    103.3 
106.3    102.8 
106.9    106.1 
105.1    105.4 
101.8    105.5 
101.4    105.3 
98.7   

98.7    105.3 
120.8 
(87.3)   (102.2) (118.1)
2.7 
3.1 
11.4   

7.2 
(7.2)
– 

9.6 
(8.6)
1.0 

13.0 
(12.8)
0.2 

73.9 
181.2    181.9    115.0 
(72.6) (130.3)   (81.1)   (19.9)
95.1 
50.9    100.8   

1.3 

93.0 
(20.8)
72.2 

999.6 
(660.9)
338.7 

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2020. 

166  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

167 
167

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

13. LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES CONTINUED 
2010  
and prior  
$m 

2011  
$m 

2014 
$m 

2013 
$m 

2012 
$m 

2015 
 $m 

2016 
$m 

2017 
 $m 

2018  
$m 

2019  
$m 

2020 
$m 

Total 
$m 

Accident year 
Net Group losses 
Estimate of ultimate liability1 
At end of accident year 

One year later 
Two years later 
Three years later 
Four years later 
Five years later 
Six years later 
Seven years later 
Eight years later 
Nine years later 
Ten years later 

Current estimate of cumulative 
liability 
Paid 
Total Group net liability 

290.4    217.8    339.1 
272.1    213.7   
249.2   

402.5 
362.1 
331.6 
311.9 

225.4 
212.2 
177.7 
158.5 
158.4 

260.7 
202.4 
183.6 
176.6 
171.1 
169.6 

257.0 
212.6 
192.9 
185.0 
181.5 
182.8 
180.5 

270.1 
250.9 
215.2 
216.4 
214.1 
210.4 
206.3 
208.5 

823.0    340.8    201.4 
667.0    319.3    228.6 
650.0    354.6    216.8 
715.4    361.5    205.7 
698.0    356.7    192.1 
694.7    347.9    187.5 
708.6    346.5    178.6 
707.8    341.5    171.9 
679.2    340.5    172.6 
678.7    340.5   
681.7   

681.7    340.5    172.6 
3,025.7 
(658.3)   (324.3)   (154.4) (199.3) (167.6) (153.1) (138.3) (255.0) (208.2)   (98.5)   (54.6) (2,411.6)
614.1 

249.2    213.7    339.1 

41.0    115.2    284.5 

16.2   

23.4   

180.5 

208.5 

169.6 

158.4 

311.9 

20.1 

56.9 

16.5 

18.2 

12.9 

9.2 

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2020. 

The inherent uncertainty in reserving gives rise to favourable or adverse development on the established reserves. The total favourable development on 
net losses and loss adjustment expenses, excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations, was as follows: 

For the year ended 31 December 
2015 accident year and prior 
2016 accident year 
2017 accident year 
2018 accident year 
2019 accident year 
Total favourable development 

2020 
 $m 
(1.8)
0.9 
20.7 
25.3 
6.9 
52.0 

2019 
$m 
19.0 
19.3 
30.8 
18.9 
– 
88.0 

The favourable development in both 2020 and 2019 was primarily due to general IBNR releases across most lines of business due to a lack of reported 
claims. The second half of 2020 also included favourable development on the 2017 accident year, mainly from reserve releases on natural catastrophe 
loss events within the property segment. This was somewhat offset in the first half of the year by a number of late reported losses from the 2019 accident 
year, reserve deterioration on a couple of marine claims in the 2017 and 2019 accident years and adverse development on the 2010 New Zealand 
earthquake in the property segment. In the prior year, the Group benefited from favourable development on the 2017 catastrophe loss events partially 
offset by 2018 accident year claims in the energy segment. 
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group initiated its Post Loss Response process. The process reviewed and assessed the potential implications 
for each class of business that the Group underwrites, across all its platforms, with involvement from underwriting, exposure management, actuarial, 
claims, treasury and finance teams. The output of this review formed the basis of our loss reserving. The current best estimate financial impact of COVID-
19 is $42.2 million, net of reinsurance and including the impact of reinstatement premiums. This constitutes 6.9% of our total net loss reserves and 2.7% 
of our net assets and relates primarily to our property segment. 
COVID-19 is an unprecedented event for the insurance industry and the effects of COVID-19 as a loss event to the insurance and reinsurance markets 
remain both ongoing and uncertain. The Group does not write the following lines of business: travel insurance; trade credit; and long-term life and prior to 
the COVID-19 pandemic did not write Directors’ and Officers’ liability or medical malpractice. The Group underwrites a small number of event 
cancellation contracts and has minimal exposure through mortgage, accident and health business. Reserving for the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic 
is exceptionally difficult, both in estimating the direct impacts of the pandemic itself and also in allowing for additional reserves related to the secondary 
impacts of lockdowns on the costs of settling claims across all lines of business. Given the uncertainty noted above and the continuation of the impacts of 
the pandemic into 2021 our final COVID-19-related losses may be materially different from those booked to date. 
There were no other individually significant net loss events for the year ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019. 
14. INSURANCE, REINSURANCE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
All receivables are considered current other than $22.8 million (31 December 2019 – $39.5 million) of inwards premiums receivable related to multi-year 
contracts. The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables. There are no significant concentrations of credit risk 
within the Group’s receivables. 

168  
168 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

2010  

and prior  

$m 

2011  

$m 

2012 

$m 

2013 

$m 

2014 

$m 

2015 

 $m 

2016 

$m 

2017 

 $m 

2018  

$m 

2019  

$m 

2020 

$m 

Total 

$m 

Accident year 

Net Group losses 

Estimate of ultimate liability1 

At end of accident year 

One year later 

Two years later 

Three years later 

Four years later 

Five years later 

Six years later 

Seven years later 

Eight years later 

Nine years later 

Ten years later 

260.7 

202.4 

183.6 

176.6 

171.1 

169.6 

257.0 

212.6 

192.9 

185.0 

181.5 

182.8 

180.5 

270.1 

250.9 

215.2 

216.4 

214.1 

210.4 

206.3 

208.5 

823.0    340.8    201.4 

667.0    319.3    228.6 

650.0    354.6    216.8 

715.4    361.5    205.7 

698.0    356.7    192.1 

694.7    347.9    187.5 

708.6    346.5    178.6 

707.8    341.5    171.9 

679.2    340.5    172.6 

678.7    340.5   

681.7   

290.4    217.8    339.1 

272.1    213.7   

249.2   

402.5 

362.1 

331.6 

311.9 

225.4 

212.2 

177.7 

158.5 

158.4 

Current estimate of cumulative 

liability 

Paid 

681.7    340.5    172.6 

208.5 

180.5 

169.6 

158.4 

311.9 

249.2    213.7    339.1 

3,025.7 

(658.3)   (324.3)   (154.4) (199.3) (167.6) (153.1) (138.3) (255.0) (208.2)   (98.5)   (54.6) (2,411.6)

Total Group net liability 

23.4   

16.2   

18.2 

9.2 

12.9 

16.5 

20.1 

56.9 

41.0    115.2    284.5 

614.1 

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2020. 

The inherent uncertainty in reserving gives rise to favourable or adverse development on the established reserves. The total favourable development on 

net losses and loss adjustment expenses, excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations, was as follows: 

For the year ended 31 December 

2015 accident year and prior 

2016 accident year 

2017 accident year 

2018 accident year 

2019 accident year 

Total favourable development 

2020 

 $m 

(1.8)

0.9 

20.7 

25.3 

6.9 

52.0 

2019 

$m 

19.0 

19.3 

30.8 

18.9 

– 

88.0 

The favourable development in both 2020 and 2019 was primarily due to general IBNR releases across most lines of business due to a lack of reported 

claims. The second half of 2020 also included favourable development on the 2017 accident year, mainly from reserve releases on natural catastrophe 

loss events within the property segment. This was somewhat offset in the first half of the year by a number of late reported losses from the 2019 accident 

year, reserve deterioration on a couple of marine claims in the 2017 and 2019 accident years and adverse development on the 2010 New Zealand 

earthquake in the property segment. In the prior year, the Group benefited from favourable development on the 2017 catastrophe loss events partially 

offset by 2018 accident year claims in the energy segment. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group initiated its Post Loss Response process. The process reviewed and assessed the potential implications 

for each class of business that the Group underwrites, across all its platforms, with involvement from underwriting, exposure management, actuarial, 

claims, treasury and finance teams. The output of this review formed the basis of our loss reserving. The current best estimate financial impact of COVID-

19 is $42.2 million, net of reinsurance and including the impact of reinstatement premiums. This constitutes 6.9% of our total net loss reserves and 2.7% 

of our net assets and relates primarily to our property segment. 

COVID-19 is an unprecedented event for the insurance industry and the effects of COVID-19 as a loss event to the insurance and reinsurance markets 

remain both ongoing and uncertain. The Group does not write the following lines of business: travel insurance; trade credit; and long-term life and prior to 

the COVID-19 pandemic did not write Directors’ and Officers’ liability or medical malpractice. The Group underwrites a small number of event 

cancellation contracts and has minimal exposure through mortgage, accident and health business. Reserving for the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic 

is exceptionally difficult, both in estimating the direct impacts of the pandemic itself and also in allowing for additional reserves related to the secondary 

impacts of lockdowns on the costs of settling claims across all lines of business. Given the uncertainty noted above and the continuation of the impacts of 

the pandemic into 2021 our final COVID-19-related losses may be materially different from those booked to date. 

There were no other individually significant net loss events for the year ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019. 

14. INSURANCE, REINSURANCE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

All receivables are considered current other than $22.8 million (31 December 2019 – $39.5 million) of inwards premiums receivable related to multi-year 

contracts. The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables. There are no significant concentrations of credit risk 

within the Group’s receivables. 

168  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

13. LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES CONTINUED 

15. PROVISION FOR DEFERRED TAX 

As at 31 December 
Equity based compensation 
Claims equalisation reserves 
Syndicate underwriting profits 
Syndicate participation rights 
Other temporary differences 
Net deferred tax liability 

2020 
 $m 
(5.1)
2.1 
(0.5)
14.4 
– 
10.9 

2019 
$m 
(4.1)
3.9 
(1.6)
12.5 
(1.1)
9.6 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that realising the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is likely. The Group has considered the 
current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future taxable profits. It is anticipated that sufficient taxable profits will be available within the Group in 
2021 and subsequent years to utilise the deferred tax assets recognised when the underlying temporary differences reverse.  

For the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, the Group had no uncertain tax positions. 

The previously announced reduction in the rate of UK corporation tax from 19% to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020 was rescinded in the 2020 UK 
budget. This has resulted in recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities at 19% at 31 December 2020 where lower rates were previously applied with 
a related tax expense of $1.4 million. 

All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current. 

A deferred tax credit of $0.4 million (31 December 2019 – $nil) was recognised in other reserves which relates primarily to unexercised equity based 
compensation awards where the estimated market value is in excess of the cumulative expense at the reporting date. 

16. INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATE 
The Group holds an interest in the preference shares of each segregated account of KHL. KHL is a company incorporated in Bermuda and its operating 
subsidiary, KRL, is authorised by the BMA as a Special Purpose Insurer. KRL commenced writing insurance business on 1 January 2014. As at 31 December 
2020, the carrying value of the Group’s investment in KHL was $127.2 million (31 December 2019 – $108.3 million). The Group’s share of comprehensive 
income for KHL for the period was $10.7 million (2019 – $5.9 million). Key financial information for KHL is as follows: 

Assets 
Liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 
Gross premium earned 
Comprehensive income  

2020 
 $m 
1,200.3 
178.3 
1,022.0 
127.5 
83.1 

2019 
$m 
1,266.7 
183.4 
1,083.3 
99.9 
59.0 

The Group has the power to participate in the operational and financial policy decisions of KHL and KRL through the provision of essential technical 
information by LCM and has therefore classified its investment in KHL as an investment in associate. 

When IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, is implemented, KHL will continue to classify all its financial assets at FVTPL. There 
will therefore be no impact on the estimated fair value of the assets disclosed in the table above. 

Refer to note 24 for details of transactions between the Group and its associate. 

17. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Net book value as at 31 December 2018  
Additions 
Net book value as at 31 December 2020 and 2019 

Syndicate 
participation  
rights  
$m 
82.6   
0.7   
83.3   

Goodwill 
$m 
71.2 
– 
71.2 

Total 
$m 
153.8 
0.7 
154.5 

Indefinite life intangible assets are tested annually for impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, the syndicate participation rights and goodwill 
have been allocated to the LSL’s CGU. 

The recoverable amount of the LSL’s CGU is determined based on its value in use. Value in use is calculated using projected cash flows of the LSL’s CGU. 
These are approved by management and cover a three-year period. The most significant assumptions used to derive the projected cash flows include an 
assessment of business prospects, expected future market conditions, premium growth rates, outwards reinsurance expenditure, projected loss ratios, 
investment returns and current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. A pre-tax discount rate of 7.4% (2019 – 7.5%) has been used to 
discount the projected cash flows, which reflects a combination of factors including the Group’s expected cost of equity and cost of borrowing. The 
growth rate used to extrapolate the cash flows is 3.0% (2019 – 3.0%) based on historical growth rates and management’s best estimate of future 
growth rates. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

169 
169

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F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

17. INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 
Sensitivity testing has been performed to model the impact of reasonably possible changes in input assumptions to our base case impairment analysis 
and headroom. The discount rate has been flexed to 100 basis points above the central assumption (23% reduction in headroom), the growth rate has 
been flexed to 100 basis points below the central assumption (25% reduction in headroom) and the pre-tax projected cash flows have been flexed 500 
basis points below the central assumption (7% reduction in headroom). Within these ranges, the recoverable amount remains supportable.  

No impairment has therefore been recognised for the years ending 31 December 2020 and 2019. 

18. LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS 
During the year ended 31 December 2020, there have been no changes made to the Group’s long-term debt and financing arrangements as a result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.  

LONG-TERM DEBT 
On 5 October 2012, LHL issued $130.0 million 5.70% senior unsecured notes due 1 October 2022 pursuant to a private offering to U.S. Qualified 
Institutional Buyers. Interest on the principal is payable semi-annually. The notes were listed and admitted to trading on the LSE on 16 October 2012.  

On 15 December 2005, LHL issued $97.0 million and €24.0 million in aggregate principal amount of floating rate subordinated loan notes. The U.S. dollar 
subordinated loan notes are repayable on 15 December 2035. Interest on the principal is based on a set margin, 3.70%, above the three-month LIBOR 
rate (see page 145 for consideration and management of the possible impact of LIBOR reform) and is payable quarterly. The loan notes were issued via a 
trust company. The Euro subordinated loan notes are repayable on 15 June 2035. Interest on the principal is based on a set margin, 3.70%, above the 
EURIBOR rate and is payable quarterly. On 21 October 2011, the CSX admitted to the official list the LHL U.S. dollar and Euro subordinated loan notes. 

In 2013, the Group assumed loan notes, issued by CCHL and listed on the ISE, as part of the LSL acquisition. The loan notes acquired are set out as follows: 

•  €12.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 18 November 2004 and repayable in September 2034, paying interest quarterly based on 

a set margin, 3.75%, above the three-month EURIBOR; 

•  $10.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 26 November 2004 and repayable in September 2034, paying interest quarterly based on 

a set margin, 3.75%, above the three-month LIBOR;  

•  $25.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 13 May 2005 and repayable in June 2035, paying interest quarterly based on a set margin, 

3.25%, above the three-month LIBOR; and 

•  $25.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 18 November 2005 and repayable in December 2035, paying interest quarterly based on a 

set margin, 3.25%, above the three-month LIBOR. 

The Group has the option to redeem its senior unsecured notes and all of its subordinated loan notes, in whole or in part, prior to the respective 
maturity dates. 

The terms of the $130.0 million senior unsecured notes include standard default and cross-default provisions which require certain covenants to be 
adhered to. These include a maximum debt to capital ratio of 30.0%, where the subordinated loan notes are included as both total consolidated debt and 
total consolidated capital in this calculation. 

There are no such covenants for either the $97.0 million and €24.0 million in aggregate floating rate subordinated loan notes or the loan notes issued 
by CCHL. 

As at all reporting dates the Group was in compliance with all covenants under these facilities.  

The carrying values of the notes are shown below: 

As at 31 December 
Long-term debt $130.0 million 
Long-term debt $97.0 million 
Long-term debt €24.0 million 
Long-term debt €12.0 million 
Long-term debt $10.0 million 
Long-term debt $25.0 million 
Long-term debt $25.0 million 
Carrying value 

2020 
 $m 
130.0 
97.0 
29.5 
13.6 
10.0 
23.7 
23.7 
327.5 

2019 
$m 
130.0 
97.0 
26.9 
12.2 
10.0 
23.7 
23.7 
323.5 

The Group is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk and currency risk on its long-term debt. Further information is provided in the risk disclosures section 
on pages 145 to 146. 

170  
170 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Lancashire Holdings Limited  
Annual Report & Accounts 2020 
Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S  

N O T E S   T O   T H E   A C C O U N T S   C O N T I N U E D  

17. INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 

Sensitivity testing has been performed to model the impact of reasonably possible changes in input assumptions to our base case impairment analysis 

and headroom. The discount rate has been flexed to 100 basis points above the central assumption (23% reduction in headroom), the growth rate has 

been flexed to 100 basis points below the central assumption (25% reduction in headroom) and the pre-tax projected cash flows have been flexed 500 

basis points below the central assumption (7% reduction in headroom). Within these ranges, the recoverable amount remains supportable.  

No impairment has therefore been recognised for the years ending 31 December 2020 and 2019. 

18. LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS 

During the year ended 31 December 2020, there have been no changes made to the Group’s long-term debt and financing arrangements as a result of the 

COVID-19 pandemic.  

LONG-TERM DEBT 

On 5 October 2012, LHL issued $130.0 million 5.70% senior unsecured notes due 1 October 2022 pursuant to a private offering to U.S. Qualified 

Institutional Buyers. Interest on the principal is payable semi-annually. The notes were listed and admitted to trading on the LSE on 16 October 2012.  

On 15 December 2005, LHL issued $97.0 million and €24.0 million in aggregate principal amount of floating rate subordinated loan notes. The U.S. dollar 

subordinated loan notes are repayable on 15 December 2035. Interest on the principal is based on a set margin, 3.70%, above the three-month LIBOR 

rate (see page 145 for consideration and management of the possible impact of LIBOR reform) and is payable quarterly. The loan notes were issued via a 

trust company. The Euro subordinated loan notes are repayable on 15 June 2035. Interest on the principal is based on a set margin, 3.70%, above the 

EURIBOR rate and is payable quarterly. On 21 October 2011, the CSX admitted to the official list the LHL U.S. dollar and Euro subordinated loan notes. 

In 2013, the Group assumed loan notes, issued by CCHL and listed on the ISE, as part of the LSL acquisition. The loan notes acquired are set out as follows: 

•  €12.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 18 November 2004 and repayable in September 2034, paying interest quarterly based on 

•  $10.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 26 November 2004 and repayable in September 2034, paying interest quarterly based on 

•  $25.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 13 May 2005 and repayable in June 2035, paying interest quarterly based on a set margin, 

•  $25.0 million floating rate subordinated loan note issued on 18 November 2005 and repayable in December 2035, paying interest quarterly based on a 

a set margin, 3.75%, above the three-month EURIBOR; 

a set margin, 3.75%, above the three-month LIBOR;  

3.25%, above the three-month LIBOR; and 

set margin, 3.25%, above the three-month LIBOR. 

The Group has the option to redeem its senior unsecured notes and all of its subordinated loan notes, in whole or in part, prior to the respective 

The terms of the $130.0 million senior unsecured notes include standard default and cross-default provisions which require certain covenants to be 

adhered to. These include a maximum debt to capital ratio of 30.0%, where the subordinated loan notes are included as both total consolidated debt and 

total consolidated capital in this calculation. 

There are no such covenants for either the $97.0 million and €24.0 million in aggregate floating rate subordinated loan notes or the loan notes issued 

maturity dates. 

by CCHL. 

As at all reporting dates the Group was in compliance with all covenants under these facilities.  

The carrying values of the notes are shown below: 

2020 

 $m 

130.0 

97.0 

29.5 

13.6 

10.0 

23.7 

23.7 

2019 

$m 

130.0 

97.0 

26.9 

12.2 

10.0 

23.7 

23.7 

327.5 

323.5 

The Group is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk and currency risk on its long-term debt. Further information is provided in the risk disclosures section 

As at 31 December 

Long-term debt $130.0 million 

Long-term debt $97.0 million 

Long-term debt €24.0 million 

Long-term debt €12.0 million 

Long-term debt $10.0 million 

Long-term debt $25.0 million 

Long-term debt $25.0 million 

Carrying value 

on pages 145 to 146. 

170  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated as $374.6 million (31 December 2019 – $375.3 million). The fair value measurement is classified within 
Level (ii) of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is estimated as discounted cash flows based on observable data. 

The interest accrued on the long-term debt was $2.2 million (31 December 2019 – $2.4 million) at the balance sheet date and is included in other 
payables.  

Refer to note 8 for details of the interest expense for the year included in financing costs. 

LETTERS OF CREDIT 
As both LICL and LUK are non-admitted insurers or reinsurers throughout the U.S., the terms of certain contracts require them to provide LOCs to 
policyholders as collateral. The following LOCs have been issued: 

As at 31 December 
Issued to third parties 

These LOCs are required to be fully collateralised.  

2020 
 $m 
27.6 

2019 
$m 
38.2 

LHL and LICL have a $250.0 million syndicated collateralised credit facility with a $50.0 million loan sub-limit that has been in place since 20 March 2020 
which will expire on 20 March 2025. There was no outstanding debt under this facility, or the prior facility which it replaced, as at 31 December 2020 
and 2019. 

The facility is available for the issue of LOCs to ceding companies. The facility is also available for LICL to issue LOCs to LUK to collateralise certain 
insurance balances. 

The terms of the $250.0 million syndicated collateralised credit facility include standard default and cross-default provisions, which require certain 
covenants to be adhered to. These include the following: 

•  an A.M. Best financial strength rating of at least B++;  
•  a maximum debt to capital ratio of 30.0%, where the subordinated loan notes are excluded as debt from this calculation; 
•  a maximum subordinated unsecured indebtedness of $350.0 million; and 
•  a maximum aggregated indebtedness (i) under any syndicate arrangement entered into by Lancashire Syndicates in connection with the underwriting 
business carried on by all such members of the syndicates and (ii) incurred by CCL 1998, LHL or LICL in the ordinary course of business in connection 
with coming into line requirements, of $200.0 million. 

A $31.0 million uncollateralised facility has been in place since 30 July 2019, for an original amount of $31.0 million. The facility was increased from $31.0 
million to $44.0 million on 28 October 2019 and further increased from $44.0 million to $95.0 million on 2 November 2020 and will expire on 31 
December 2024. It is available for utilisation by LICL and guaranteed by LHL for FAL purposes. As at 31 December 2020 $90.5 million of LOCs were issued 
under this facility. 

The terms of the $95.0 million uncollateralised facility include standard default and cross-default provisions and require certain covenants to be adhered 
to. These include the following: 

•  an A.M. Best financial strength rating of at least B++;  
•  a maximum debt to capital ratio of 30.0%, where the subordinated loan notes are excluded as debt from this calculation;  
•  a maximum subordinated unsecured indebtedness of $350.0 million; and 
•  maintenance of a minimum net worth requirement. 

As at all reporting dates the Group was in compliance with all covenants under these facilities.  

SYNDICATE BANK FACILITIES 
As at 31 December 2020 and 2019, Syndicate 2010 had in place an $80.0 million catastrophe facility. The facility is available to assist in paying claims and 
the gross funding of catastrophes for Syndicate 2010. While up to $80.0 million in aggregate can be utilised by way of an LoC or an RCF to assist 
Syndicate 2010’s gross funding requirements, only $40.0 million of this amount can be utilised by way of an RCF. With effect from 1 January 2021, the 
RCF element has been removed and the facility now solely operates as a letter of credit facility, available up to a maximum amount of $60.0 million. A 
separate uncommitted overdraft facility will be made available to Syndicate 2010 of $20.0 million. 

There are no balances outstanding under the Syndicate bank facility as at 31 December 2020 or 2019. The Syndicate bank facility is not available to the 
Group other than through its participation on the syndicates it supports. 

TRUSTS AND RESTRICTED BALANCES 
The Group has several trust arrangements in place in favour of policyholders and ceding companies in order to comply with the security requirements of 
certain reinsurance contracts and /or the regulatory requirements of certain jurisdictions.  

In 2012, LICL entered into an MBRT to collateralise its reinsurance liabilities associated with U.S. domiciled clients. As at and for the years ended  
31 December 2020 and 2019, LICL had been granted accredited or trusteed reinsurer status in all U.S. States. The MBRT is subject to the rules and 
regulations of the aforementioned States and the respective deeds of trust. These rules and regulations include minimum capital funding requirements, 
investment guidelines, capital distribution restrictions and regulatory reporting requirements. 

As at and for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019, the Group was in compliance with all covenants under its trust facilities.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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18. LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS CONTINUED 
The Group is required to hold a portion of its assets as FAL to support the underwriting capacities of Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010. FAL are 
restricted in their use and are only drawn down to pay cash calls to syndicates supported by the Group. FAL requirements are formally assessed twice a 
year and any funds surplus to requirements may be released at that time. See page 152 for more information regarding FAL requirements. 

In addition to the FAL, certain cash and investments held by Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010 are only available for paying the syndicates’ claims and 
expenses. See page 152 for more information regarding the capital requirements for Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010. 

The following cash and cash equivalent and investment balances were held in trust, other collateral accounts in favour of third parties, or are 
otherwise restricted: 

As at 31 December 
FAL 
MBRT accounts 
Syndicate accounts 
In favour of LOCs 
In trust accounts for policyholders 
In favour of derivative contracts 
Total 

19. SHARE CAPITAL 
Authorised common shares of $0.50 each 
As at 31 December 2020 and 2019 

Allocated, called up and fully paid 
As at 31 December 2018  
Shares issued 
As at 31 December 2019  
Shares issued 
As at 31 December 2020 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
$m 
36.4 
0.8 
59.5 
4.9 
14.7 
1.8 
118.1 

2020 

Fixed maturity 
securities 
$m 
299.7 
179.3 
116.3 
29.8 
14.8 
– 
639.9 

Cash and cash 
equivalents  
$m 
3.4   
48.7   
72.1   
2.7   
2.9   
1.9   
131.7   

2019 

Fixed maturity 
securities 
$m 
308.9 
125.9 
93.7 
39.4 
23.0 
– 
590.9 

Total 
$m 
336.1 
180.1 
175.8 
34.7 
29.5 
1.8 
758.0 

Total 
$m 
312.3 
174.6 
165.8 
42.1 
25.9 
1.9 
722.6 

Number 
3,000,000,000 

$m 
1,500.0 

Number 
201,941,918 
1,000,000 
202,941,918 
41,068,089 
244,010,007 

$m 
101.0 
0.5 
101.5 
20.5 
122.0 

On 10 June 2020 LHL issued 39,568,089 new common shares, raising a total of $340.3 million, $19.8 million of which is included in share capital and 
$320.5 million of which is included in contributed surplus, net of offering expenses.  

1,500,000 new common shares at a par value of $0.7 million were issued to fund future RSS exercises (2019 – 1,000,000 new common shares at par 
value of $0.5 million). Refer to note 24 for further details on the share issuance. 

Own shares 
As at 31 December 2018 
Shares distributed 
Shares purchased by trust 
As at 31 December 2019 
Shares distributed 
Shares purchased by trust 
As at 31 December 2020 

Total number 
of own shares 
1,132,451 
(644,148)
1,000,000 
1,488,303 
(790,204)
1,500,000 
2,198,099 

$m 
9.4 
(5.4)
9.3 
13.3 
(7.1)
15.0 
21.2 

The number of common shares in issue with voting rights (allocated share capital less shares held in treasury) as at 31 December 2020 was 244,010,007 
(31 December 2019 – 202,941,918). 

SHARE REPURCHASES 
At the AGM held on 29 April 2020, LHL’s shareholders approved a renewal of the Repurchase Programme authorising the repurchase of a maximum of 
20,294,192 shares, with such authority to expire on the conclusion of the 2021 AGM or, if earlier, 15 months from the date the resolution approving the 
Repurchase Programme was passed. There were no share repurchases during either 2020 or 2019.  

172  
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18. LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS CONTINUED 

The Group is required to hold a portion of its assets as FAL to support the underwriting capacities of Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010. FAL are 

restricted in their use and are only drawn down to pay cash calls to syndicates supported by the Group. FAL requirements are formally assessed twice a 

year and any funds surplus to requirements may be released at that time. See page 152 for more information regarding FAL requirements. 

In addition to the FAL, certain cash and investments held by Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010 are only available for paying the syndicates’ claims and 

expenses. See page 152 for more information regarding the capital requirements for Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010. 

The following cash and cash equivalent and investment balances were held in trust, other collateral accounts in favour of third parties, or are 

Cash and cash 

equivalents 

2020 

Fixed maturity 

Cash and cash 

equivalents  

2019 

Fixed maturity 

$m 

36.4 

0.8 

59.5 

4.9 

14.7 

1.8 

118.1 

securities 

$m 

299.7 

179.3 

116.3 

29.8 

14.8 

– 

639.9 

Total 

$m 

336.1 

180.1 

175.8 

34.7 

29.5 

1.8 

758.0 

$m 

3.4   

48.7   

72.1   

2.7   

2.9   

1.9   

securities 

$m 

308.9 

125.9 

93.7 

39.4 

23.0 

– 

131.7   

590.9 

On 10 June 2020 LHL issued 39,568,089 new common shares, raising a total of $340.3 million, $19.8 million of which is included in share capital and 

$320.5 million of which is included in contributed surplus, net of offering expenses.  

1,500,000 new common shares at a par value of $0.7 million were issued to fund future RSS exercises (2019 – 1,000,000 new common shares at par 

value of $0.5 million). Refer to note 24 for further details on the share issuance. 

The number of common shares in issue with voting rights (allocated share capital less shares held in treasury) as at 31 December 2020 was 244,010,007 

At the AGM held on 29 April 2020, LHL’s shareholders approved a renewal of the Repurchase Programme authorising the repurchase of a maximum of 

20,294,192 shares, with such authority to expire on the conclusion of the 2021 AGM or, if earlier, 15 months from the date the resolution approving the 

Repurchase Programme was passed. There were no share repurchases during either 2020 or 2019.  

Total 

$m 

312.3 

174.6 

165.8 

42.1 

25.9 

1.9 

722.6 

$m 

101.0 

0.5 

101.5 

20.5 

122.0 

$m 

9.4 

(5.4)

9.3 

13.3 

(7.1)

15.0 

21.2 

Number 

$m 

3,000,000,000 

1,500.0 

Number 

201,941,918 

1,000,000 

202,941,918 

41,068,089 

244,010,007 

Total number 

of own shares 

1,132,451 

(644,148)

1,000,000 

1,488,303 

(790,204)

1,500,000 

2,198,099 

otherwise restricted: 

As at 31 December 

FAL 

MBRT accounts 

Syndicate accounts 

In favour of LOCs 

In trust accounts for policyholders 

In favour of derivative contracts 

Total 

19. SHARE CAPITAL 

Authorised common shares of $0.50 each 

As at 31 December 2020 and 2019 

Allocated, called up and fully paid 

As at 31 December 2018  

Shares issued 

As at 31 December 2019  

Shares issued 

As at 31 December 2020 

Own shares 

As at 31 December 2018 

Shares distributed 

Shares purchased by trust 

As at 31 December 2019 

Shares distributed 

Shares purchased by trust 

As at 31 December 2020 

(31 December 2019 – 202,941,918). 

SHARE REPURCHASES 

172  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

DIVIDENDS 
The Board of Directors has authorised the following dividends: 

Type 
Final 
Interim 
Final 
Interim 

20. OTHER RESERVES 
Other reserves consist of the following: 

As at 31 December 2018 
Shares purchased by the trust 
Distributed by the trust 
Equity based compensation – exercises 
Equity based compensation  
As at 31 December 2019 
Issue of common shares 
Shares purchased by the trust 
Distributed by the trust 
Net deferred tax 
Equity based compensation – exercises 
Equity based compensation  
As at 31 December 2020 

Per share amount 
$0.10 
$0.05 
$0.10 
$0.05 

Record date 
22 Feb 2019 
9 Aug 2019 
11 May 2020 
14 Aug 2020 

Payment date 
27 Mar 2019 
6 Sep 2019 
5 June 2020 
11 Sep 2020 

$m 
20.1 
10.1 
20.2 
12.1 

Contributed 
surplus  
$m 
843.7   
8.8   
(6.7)  
8.1   
–   
853.9   
320.5   
14.3   
(7.9)  
–   
8.3   
–   
1,189.1   

Equity based 
compensation 
$m 
25.3 
– 
– 
(8.1)
10.2 
27.4 
– 
– 
– 
0.4 
(8.3)
13.0 
32.5 

Total other 
reserves 
$m 
869.0 
8.8 
(6.7)
– 
10.2 
881.3 
320.5 
14.3 
(7.9)
0.4 
– 
13.0 
1,221.6 

21. LEASES  
The Group leases three properties and several items of office equipment.  

During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group has not received any rent concessions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS 
The Group had the following right-of-use assets in relation to leases entered into. 

As at 31 December 2018 
Initial application of IFRS 16 
Additions 
Depreciation charge  
As at 31 December 2019 
Additions 
Change in lease terms 
Depreciation charge 
As at 31 December 2020 

Property 

Equipment 

$m 
–   
16.0   
4.4   
(2.4)  
18.0   
0.1   
0.4   
(2.7)  
15.8   

$m 
– 
0.4 
– 
(0.2)
0.2 
0.2 
– 
(0.1)
0.3 

Total 

$m 
– 
16.4 
4.4 
(2.6)
18.2 
0.3 
0.4 
(2.8)
16.1 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
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21. LEASES CONTINUED 
LEASE LIABILITIES 

As at 31 December  
Due in less than one year 
Due between one and five years 
Due in more than five years 
Total undiscounted lease liabilities 
Total discounted lease liabilities 
Current 
Non-current 

The Group does not face a significant liquidity risk with regards to its lease liabilities. 

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN PROFIT OR LOSS 

For the year ended 31 December 
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Expenses relating to short-term leases, low value leases and variable leases 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
3.8 
12.6 
8.7 
25.1 
20.9 
2.8 
18.1 

2020 
 $m 
2.8 
1.3 
0.8 
4.9 

2019 
$m 
3.6 
13.0 
10.7 
27.3 
21.9 
2.5 
19.4 

2019 
$m 
2.6 
1.3 
1.2 
5.1 

For the year ended 31 December 2020, the total lease payments included in the consolidated cash flow statement amounted to $3.5 million (31 
December 2019 – $3.6 million). 

22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 
CREDIT FACILITY FUND 
As at 31 December 2020 the Group has a commitment of $100.0 million (31 December 2019 – $100.0 million) relating to two credit facility funds (refer 
to note 12). 

PRIVATE INVESTMENT FUNDS 
On 9 December 2020, the Group entered into an agreement to invest in a private investment fund, with an initial commitment of $25.0 million. As at 31 
December 2020, there was a remaining undrawn commitment in the amount of $18.6 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be 
drawn in the first half of 2021. 

On 5 November 2019, the Group entered into an agreement to invest in a private investment fund, with an initial commitment of $25.0 million. As at 31 
December 2020, there was a remaining undrawn commitment in the amount of $1.0 million.  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATIONS 
The Group operates in the insurance industry and is subject to legal proceedings in the normal course of business. While it is not practicable to estimate 
or determine the final results of all pending or threatened legal proceedings, management does not believe that such proceedings (including litigation) 
will have a material effect on its results and financial position. 

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21. LEASES CONTINUED 

LEASE LIABILITIES 

As at 31 December  

Due in less than one year 

Due between one and five years 

Due in more than five years 

Total undiscounted lease liabilities 

Total discounted lease liabilities 

Current 

Non-current 

2020 

 $m 

3.8 

12.6 

8.7 

25.1 

20.9 

2.8 

18.1 

2020 

 $m 

2.8 

1.3 

0.8 

4.9 

2019 

$m 

3.6 

13.0 

10.7 

27.3 

21.9 

2.5 

19.4 

2019 

$m 

2.6 

1.3 

1.2 

5.1 

For the year ended 31 December 2020, the total lease payments included in the consolidated cash flow statement amounted to $3.5 million (31 

The Group does not face a significant liquidity risk with regards to its lease liabilities. 

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN PROFIT OR LOSS 

For the year ended 31 December 

Depreciation of right-of-use assets 

Interest expense on lease liabilities 

Total 

Expenses relating to short-term leases, low value leases and variable leases 

December 2019 – $3.6 million). 

22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

CREDIT FACILITY FUND 

to note 12). 

PRIVATE INVESTMENT FUNDS 

drawn in the first half of 2021. 

As at 31 December 2020 the Group has a commitment of $100.0 million (31 December 2019 – $100.0 million) relating to two credit facility funds (refer 

On 9 December 2020, the Group entered into an agreement to invest in a private investment fund, with an initial commitment of $25.0 million. As at 31 

December 2020, there was a remaining undrawn commitment in the amount of $18.6 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be 

On 5 November 2019, the Group entered into an agreement to invest in a private investment fund, with an initial commitment of $25.0 million. As at 31 

December 2020, there was a remaining undrawn commitment in the amount of $1.0 million.  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATIONS 

The Group operates in the insurance industry and is subject to legal proceedings in the normal course of business. While it is not practicable to estimate 

or determine the final results of all pending or threatened legal proceedings, management does not believe that such proceedings (including litigation) 

will have a material effect on its results and financial position. 

23. EARNINGS PER SHARE 
The following reflects the profit and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations: 

For the year ended 31 December 
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of LHL 

Basic weighted average number of shares 
Dilutive effect of RSS 
Diluted weighted average number of shares 

Earnings per share 
Basic 
Diluted 

2020 
 $m 
4.2 

2019 
$m 
117.9 

2020 
Number 
 of shares 
223,611,114 
3,232,649 
226,843,763 

2019 
Number 
of shares 
201,240,104 
2,629,528 
203,869,632 

2020 
$0.02 
$0.02 

2019 
$0.59 
$0.58 

Equity based compensation awards are only treated as dilutive when their conversion to common shares would decrease earnings per share or increase 
loss per share from continuing operations. Unvested restricted shares without performance criteria are therefore included in the number of potentially 
dilutive shares. Incremental shares from ordinary restricted share options where relevant performance criteria have not been met are not included in the 
calculation of dilutive shares. 

24. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES  
The consolidated financial statements include LHL and the entities listed below: 

Name 
Subsidiaries1 
CCHL 
CCL 
CCL 19982 
CCL 1999 
LSL 
LCM3 
LCMMSL 
LICL 
LIHL 
LIMSL 
LISL 
LMSCL 
LUK 
Associate 
KHL4 
Other controlled entities 
EBT 
LHFT 

Principal business 

Domicile 

Investment company 
Holding company 
Lloyd’s corporate member 
Non trading 
Lloyd’s managing agent 
Insurance agent services 
Support services 
General insurance business 
Holding company 
Insurance mediation activities 
Support services 
Support services 
General insurance business 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Bermuda 
United Kingdom 
Bermuda 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Canada 
United Kingdom 

Holding company 

Bermuda 

Trust 
Trust 

Jersey 
United States 

1.  Unless otherwise stated, the Group owns 100% of the ordinary share capital and voting rights in its subsidiaries listed below. 
2.  59.7% participation on the 2020 year of account and 61.8% participation on the 2021 year of account for Syndicate 2010. 
3.  93.5% owned by the Group. 
4.  The Group has an 11.6% holding through its interest in the preference shares of each segregated account of KHL. 

174  

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Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

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24. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED 
The Group has issued subordinated loan notes via a trust vehicle – LHFT, refer to note 18. The Group effectively has 100.0% of the voting rights in LHFT. 
These rights are subject to the property trustee’s obligations to seek the approval of the holders of LHFT’s preferred securities in case of default and other 
limited circumstances where the property trustee would enforce its rights. While the ability of the Group to influence the actions of LHFT is limited by the 
trust agreement, LHFT was set up by the Group with the sole purpose of issuing the subordinated loan notes, and is in essence controlled by the Group, 
and is therefore consolidated. 

The EBT was established to assist in the administration of the Group’s employee equity based compensation schemes. While the Group does not have 
legal ownership of the EBT and the ability of the Group to influence the actions of the EBT is limited by the trust deed, the EBT was set up by the Group 
with the sole purpose of assisting in the administration of these schemes, and is in essence controlled by the Group, and is therefore consolidated. 

The Group has a Loan Facility Agreement (the ‘Facility’) with RBC Cees Trustee Limited, the trustee of the EBT. The Facility is an interest free revolving 
credit facility under which the trustee can request advances on demand, within the terms of the Facility, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $80.0 
million. The Facility may only be used by the trustee for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the EBT. During the year ended 31 December 2020, the 
Group had made advances of $1.0 million (2019 – $nil) to the EBT under the terms of the Facility. 

During the year ended 31 December 2020, LHL issued 1,500,000 common shares to the EBT at a par value of $0.7 million and a total value of $15.0 
million at the prevailing market rate. During the year ended 31 December 2019, LHL issued 1,000,000 common shares to the EBT at a par value of $0.5 
million and a total value of $9.3 million at the prevailing market rate.  

LICL holds $212.6 million (31 December 2019 – $203.3 million) of cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturity securities and accrued interest in trust for the 
benefit of LUK relating to intra-group reinsurance agreements. In addition, LICL is required to provide 85.0% of the required FAL to support the 
underwriting activities of Syndicate 2010 and 3010 and in relation to intra-group reinsurance agreements. LICL holds $268.2 million (31 December 2019 – 
$265.4 million) of cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities in FAL with the remaining FAL requirement covered by an LOC facility; refer 
to note 18. 

As at 31 December 2020, the senior management team shareholding in LCM represents a minority interest of 6.5% (31 December 2019 – 6.5%). This 
investment represents the non-controlling interest listed in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended 31 December 2020 dividends 
of $0.5 million (31 December 2019 – $nil) were paid to minority interest holders. 

As at 31 December 2020, Mr Alex Maloney, a Director of LHL, had a 1.2% (31 December 2019 – 1.2%) interest in LCM.  

Mr Maloney and his spouse acquired 100.0% of the shares in Nameco on 7 November 2016. Nameco provides capacity to a number of Lloyd’s syndicates 
including Syndicate 2010 which is managed by LSL. Nameco has provided $0.2 million of capacity to Syndicate 2010 for the 2021 year of account (2020 
year of account – $0.2 million). Mr Maloney receives a proportionate share of the underwriting results of Syndicate 2010 to which he is contractually 
entitled through his participation. 

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION 
Remuneration for key management, the Group’s Executive and Non-Executive Directors, was as follows:  

For the year ended 31 December 
Short-term compensation 
Equity based compensation 
Directors’ fees and expenses 
Total 

2020 
 $m 
5.2 
3.0 
2.2 
10.4 

2019 
$m 
4.6 
2.0 
2.2 
8.8 

Elaine Whelan, the Group’s Former CFO, stood down from the Board on 28 February 2020 and retired from the Group on 31 August 2020. The table 
above includes her retirement package. 

Non-Executive Directors do not receive any benefits in addition to their agreed fees and expenses and do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive, 
performance or pension plans. 

TRANSACTIONS WITH ASSOCIATE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY 
In 2013, LCM entered into an underwriting services agreement with KRL and KHL to provide various services relating to underwriting, actuarial, premium 
payments and relevant deductions, acquisition expenses and receipt of claims. For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group recognised $11.8 million 
(2019 – $8.9 million) of service fees and profit commissions in other income (refer to note 5) in relation to this agreement.  

During 2020, the Group committed an additional $67.3 million (31 December 2019 – $48.0 million) of capital to KHL. During 2020, KHL returned $59.1 
million (31 December 2019 – $12.7 million) of capital to the Group.  

Refer to note 16 for further details on the Group’s investment in associate. 

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24. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED 

The Group has issued subordinated loan notes via a trust vehicle – LHFT, refer to note 18. The Group effectively has 100.0% of the voting rights in LHFT. 

These rights are subject to the property trustee’s obligations to seek the approval of the holders of LHFT’s preferred securities in case of default and other 

limited circumstances where the property trustee would enforce its rights. While the ability of the Group to influence the actions of LHFT is limited by the 

trust agreement, LHFT was set up by the Group with the sole purpose of issuing the subordinated loan notes, and is in essence controlled by the Group, 

and is therefore consolidated. 

The EBT was established to assist in the administration of the Group’s employee equity based compensation schemes. While the Group does not have 

legal ownership of the EBT and the ability of the Group to influence the actions of the EBT is limited by the trust deed, the EBT was set up by the Group 

with the sole purpose of assisting in the administration of these schemes, and is in essence controlled by the Group, and is therefore consolidated. 

The Group has a Loan Facility Agreement (the ‘Facility’) with RBC Cees Trustee Limited, the trustee of the EBT. The Facility is an interest free revolving 

credit facility under which the trustee can request advances on demand, within the terms of the Facility, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $80.0 

million. The Facility may only be used by the trustee for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the EBT. During the year ended 31 December 2020, the 

Group had made advances of $1.0 million (2019 – $nil) to the EBT under the terms of the Facility. 

During the year ended 31 December 2020, LHL issued 1,500,000 common shares to the EBT at a par value of $0.7 million and a total value of $15.0 

million at the prevailing market rate. During the year ended 31 December 2019, LHL issued 1,000,000 common shares to the EBT at a par value of $0.5 

million and a total value of $9.3 million at the prevailing market rate.  

LICL holds $212.6 million (31 December 2019 – $203.3 million) of cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturity securities and accrued interest in trust for the 

benefit of LUK relating to intra-group reinsurance agreements. In addition, LICL is required to provide 85.0% of the required FAL to support the 

underwriting activities of Syndicate 2010 and 3010 and in relation to intra-group reinsurance agreements. LICL holds $268.2 million (31 December 2019 – 

$265.4 million) of cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities in FAL with the remaining FAL requirement covered by an LOC facility; refer 

to note 18. 

As at 31 December 2020, the senior management team shareholding in LCM represents a minority interest of 6.5% (31 December 2019 – 6.5%). This 

investment represents the non-controlling interest listed in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended 31 December 2020 dividends 

of $0.5 million (31 December 2019 – $nil) were paid to minority interest holders. 

As at 31 December 2020, Mr Alex Maloney, a Director of LHL, had a 1.2% (31 December 2019 – 1.2%) interest in LCM.  

Mr Maloney and his spouse acquired 100.0% of the shares in Nameco on 7 November 2016. Nameco provides capacity to a number of Lloyd’s syndicates 

including Syndicate 2010 which is managed by LSL. Nameco has provided $0.2 million of capacity to Syndicate 2010 for the 2021 year of account (2020 

year of account – $0.2 million). Mr Maloney receives a proportionate share of the underwriting results of Syndicate 2010 to which he is contractually 

Remuneration for key management, the Group’s Executive and Non-Executive Directors, was as follows:  

entitled through his participation. 

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION 

For the year ended 31 December 

Short-term compensation 

Equity based compensation 

Directors’ fees and expenses 

Total 

above includes her retirement package. 

Elaine Whelan, the Group’s Former CFO, stood down from the Board on 28 February 2020 and retired from the Group on 31 August 2020. The table 

Non-Executive Directors do not receive any benefits in addition to their agreed fees and expenses and do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive, 

performance or pension plans. 

TRANSACTIONS WITH ASSOCIATE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY 

In 2013, LCM entered into an underwriting services agreement with KRL and KHL to provide various services relating to underwriting, actuarial, premium 

payments and relevant deductions, acquisition expenses and receipt of claims. For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group recognised $11.8 million 

(2019 – $8.9 million) of service fees and profit commissions in other income (refer to note 5) in relation to this agreement.  

During 2020, the Group committed an additional $67.3 million (31 December 2019 – $48.0 million) of capital to KHL. During 2020, KHL returned $59.1 

million (31 December 2019 – $12.7 million) of capital to the Group.  

Refer to note 16 for further details on the Group’s investment in associate. 

2020 

 $m 

5.2 

3.0 

2.2 

10.4 

2019 

$m 

4.6 

2.0 

2.2 

8.8 

During 2020 and 2019, the Group entered into reinsurance agreements with KRL. The following balances are included in the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements: 

Consolidated balance sheet 
Unearned premiums on premiums ceded 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Deferred acquisition cost ceded 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  
Outwards reinsurance premiums 
Change in unearned premiums on premiums ceded 
Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 

2020 
 $m 
3.5 
3.1 
0.4 

2020 
 $m 
(7.0)
(0.3)
0.9 

2019 
$m 
3.8 
3.3 
0.5 

2019 
$m 
(7.6)
3.8 
0.5 

25. PART VII TRANSFER OF EEA POLICIES AND RELATED LIABILITIES TO LLOYD’S BRUSSELS 
On 30 December 2020, the members and former members of Syndicate 2010 and Syndicate 3010 transferred their EEA non-life insurance policies 
written between 2001 and 2020 to Lloyd’s Insurance Company S.A. (‘Lloyd’s Brussels’) pursuant to Part VII of FSMA. The value of the net liabilities 
transferred was $4.5 million for Syndicate 2010 and $2.9 million for Syndicate 3010. The syndicates transferred cash of the same amount to Lloyd’s 
Brussels. Lloyd’s Brussels subsequently reinsured the same liabilities back to the syndicates on the same day. The reinsurance premiums received were of 
the same amount of $4.5 million for Syndicate 2010 and $2.9 million for Syndicate 3010. There was no gain or loss arising on either transaction. 

Both the cash transferred for the Part VII transfer and the premium subsequently received back from Lloyd’s Brussels have been included in the gross 
premium written line within the statement of consolidated comprehensive income. This is the appropriate treatment that best reflects the economic 
substance of both the Part VII transfer and the associated reinsurance arrangement. 

On the consolidated balance sheet, certain policy-level balances impacted by the transfer, that were previously reflected as amounts arising from direct 
insurance operations, have been reclassified to amounts arising from inwards reinsurance business. 

The transactions had no impact on the consolidated equity of the Group. 

26. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 
DIVIDEND 
On 9 February 2021, the Board of Directors declared the payment of an ordinary dividend of $0.10 per common share, subject to a shareholder vote of 
approval at the AGM on 28 April 2021, which will result in an aggregate payment of approximately $24.4 million. On the basis that the final dividend is so 
approved by the shareholders at the AGM, then the dividend will be paid on 4 June 2021 to shareholders of record on 7 May 2021. An amount equivalent 
to the dividend accrues on all RSS awards and is paid at the time of exercise, pro-rata according to the number of RSS options that vest. 

176  

Lancashire Holdings Limited  

Annual Report & Accounts 2020 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2020
www.lancashiregroup.com

177 
177

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
S H A R E H O L D E R   I N F O R M A T I O N

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s AGM is scheduled for 28 April 2021 and is to be held at 
the Company’s registered and head office at Power House, 7 Par-la-
Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. Due to the risks associated with 
the current COVID-19 pandemic arrangements have been made for 
shareholders to attend via a dedicated telephone conference as 
detailed in the AGM Notice. Notice of this year’s AGM and forms of 
proxy and direction shall be delivered to shareholders by electronic 
means. If you have any queries regarding the notice or AGM voting 
requirements please contact Chris Head, Company Secretary, using 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7264 4000 and email: chris.head@lancashiregroup.com.

Further information
Lancashire Holdings Limited is registered in Bermuda under  
company number EC 37415 and has its registered office at Power 
House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. Further 
information about the Group including this Annual Report and 
Accounts, press releases and the Company’s share price is available  
on our website at www.lancashiregroup.com. Please address any 
enquiries to info@lancashiregroup.com.

Note regarding forward-looking statements
Some of the statements in this document include forward-looking 
statements which reflect the Directors’ current views with respect  
to financial performance, business strategy, plans and objectives  
of management for future operations (including development plans 
relating to the Group’s products and services). These statements 
include forward-looking statements both with respect to the  
Group and the sectors and industries in which the Group operates. 
Statements containing the words ‘believes’, ‘anticipates’, ‘aims’, 
‘plans’, ‘projects’, ‘forecasts’, ‘guidance’, ‘intends’, ‘expects’, 
‘estimates’, ‘predicts’, ‘may’, ‘can’, ‘likely’, ‘will’, ‘seeks’, ‘should’ or, 
in each case, their negative or comparable terminology and similar 
statements are of a future or forward-looking nature. All forward-
looking statements address matters that involve known and unknown 
risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important 
factors that could cause the actual results, performance or 
achievements of the Group to be materially different from future 
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such  
forward-looking statements.

These factors include, but are not limited to: the actual development 
of losses and expenses impacting estimates for claims which arise as a 
result of the COVID-19 pandemic which is an ongoing event as at the 
date of this report, hurricanes Laura and Sally, the mid-west derecho 
storm and the wildfires in California which occurred in 2020, typhoon 
Hagibis in the fourth quarter of 2019, hurricane Dorian and typhoon 
Faxai in the third quarter of 2019, the Californian wildfires and 
hurricane Michael which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2018, 
hurricane Florence, the typhoons and marine losses that occurred in 
the third quarter of 2018, hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 
earthquakes in Mexico, that occurred in the third quarter of 2017 and 
the wildfires which impacted parts of California during 2017; the 
impact of complex and unique causation and coverage issues 
associated with attribution of losses to wind or flood damage or other 
perils such as fire or business interruption relating to such events; 
potential uncertainties relating to reinsurance recoveries, 
reinstatement premiums and other factors inherent in loss 
estimations; the Group’s ability to integrate its business and 
personnel; the successful retention and motivation of the Group’s 

178 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Annual Report & Accounts 2020

key management; the increased regulatory burden facing the Group; 
the number and type of insurance and reinsurance contracts that the 
Group writes or the Group may write; the Group’s ability to 
successfully implement its business strategy during ‘soft’ as well as 
‘hard’ markets; the premium rates which may be available at the time 
of such renewals within its targeted business lines; potentially unusual 
loss frequency; the impact that the Group’s future operating results, 
capital position and rating agency and other considerations may have 
on the execution of any capital management initiatives or dividends; 
the possibility of greater frequency or severity of claims and loss 
activity than the Group’s underwriting, reserving or investment 
practices have anticipated; the reliability of, and changes in 
assumptions to, catastrophe pricing, accumulation and estimated 
loss models; increased competition from existing alternative capital 
providers and insurance-linked funds and collateralised special 
purpose insurers, and the related demand and supply dynamics as 
contracts come up for renewal; the effectiveness of its loss limitation 
methods; the potential loss of key personnel; a decline in the Group’s 
operating subsidiaries’ ratings with A.M. Best, S&P Global Ratings, 
Moody’s or other rating agencies; increased competition on the 
basis of pricing, capacity, coverage terms or other factors; cyclical 
downturns of the industry; the impact of a deteriorating credit 
environment for issuers of fixed maturity investments; the impact of 
swings in market interest rates, currency exchange rates and securities 
prices; changes by central banks regarding the level of interest rates; 
the impact of inflation or deflation in relevant economies in which the 
Group operates; the effect, timing and other uncertainties surrounding 
future business combinations within the insurance and reinsurance 
industries; the impact of terrorist activity in the countries in which 
the Group writes risks; a rating downgrade of, or a market decline in, 
securities in its investment portfolio; changes in governmental 
regulations or tax laws in jurisdictions where the Group conducts 
business; Lancashire or its Bermudian subsidiaries becoming subject 
to income taxes in the United States or in the United Kingdom; the 
impact of the change in tax residence on stakeholders of the Group; 
and the impact of the expiration of the transition period on 31 
December 2020 following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the 
European Union on the Group’s business, regulatory relationships, 
underwriting platforms or the industry generally.

Any estimates relating to loss events involve the exercise of 
considerable judgement and reflect a combination of ground-up 
evaluations, information available to date from brokers and insureds, 
market intelligence, initial and/or tentative loss reports and other 
sources. Judgements in relation to loss arising from natural 
catastrophe and man-made events are influenced by complex factors. 
The Group cautions as to the preliminary nature of the information 
used to prepare such estimates as subsequently available information 
may contribute to an increase in these types of losses.

These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this 
document. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or 
undertaking (save as required to comply with any legal or regulatory 
obligations including the rules of the LSE) to disseminate any updates 
or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any changes 
in the Group’s expectations or circumstances on which any such 
statement is based. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking 
statements attributable to the Group or individuals acting on behalf  
of the Group are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. 
Prospective investors should specifically consider the factors identified 
in this document which could cause actual results to differ before 
making an investment decision.

G L O S S A R Y

Accident year loss ratio

BSCR

The accident year loss ratio is calculated using the accident  
year ultimate liability revalued at the current balance sheet  
date, divided by net premiums earned

Active Underwriter

The individual at a Lloyd’s syndicate with principal authority  
to accept insurance and reinsurance risk on behalf of the syndicate

Additional case reserves (ACR)

Additional reserves deemed necessary by management

AFS

Available for sale

Aggregate

Accumulations of insurance loss exposures which result from 
underwriting multiple risks that are exposed to common causes of loss

Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement

BSX

Bermuda Stock Exchange

CCHL

Cathedral Capital Holdings Limited

CCL

Cathedral Capital Limited

CCL 1998

Cathedral Capital (1998) Limited

CCL 1999

Cathedral Capital (1999) Limited

Ceded

AGM

Annual General Meeting

AIM

A sub-market of the LSE

AIR

AIR Worldwide

A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best)

A.M. Best is a full-service credit rating organisation dedicated to 
serving the financial services industry, focusing on the insurance sector

APMs

Alternative performance measures

BMA

Bermuda Monetary Authority

Board of Directors; Board

Unless otherwise stated refers to the LHL Board of Directors

To transfer insurance risk from a direct insurer to a reinsurer  
and/or from a reinsurer to a retrocessionaire

CEND

Confiscation, Expropriation, Nationalisation and Deprivation

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

CFO

Chief Financial Officer

CGU

Cash generating unit

Change in FCBVS

The IRR of the change in FCBVS in the period plus accrued dividends

CIO

Chief Investment Officer

The Code

Book value per share (BVS)

UK Corporate Governance Code published by the UK FRC

Calculated by dividing the value of the total shareholders’ equity  
by the sum of all common voting shares outstanding

BREEAM

Building Research Establishment Environmental  
Assessment Method

Combined ratio

Ratio, in per cent, of the sum of net insurance losses, net acquisition 
expenses and other operating expenses to net premiums earned

Consolidated financial statements

Includes the independent auditor’s report, consolidated primary 
statements, accounting policies, risk disclosures and related notes

www.lancashiregroup.com

179

Additional InformationG L O S S A R Y   C O N T I N U E D

Consolidated primary statements

EBT

Includes the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of changes in 
shareholders’ equity and the statement of consolidated cash flows

CRO

Chief Risk Officer

CSX

Cayman Islands Stock Exchange

CUO

Chief Underwriting Officer

D&F

Direct and facultative (re)insurance

Deferred acquisition costs

Costs incurred for the acquisition or the renewal of insurance policies 
(e.g. brokerage and premium taxes) which are deferred and amortised 
over the term of the insurance contracts to which they relate

Delegated authorities

Arrangements under which a managing agent or (re)insurer delegates 
its authority to another to enter into contracts of insurance on 
its behalf

Diluted earnings per share

Calculated by dividing the net profit for the year attributable to 
shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number  
of common shares that would be issued on the conversion of  
all potentially dilutive equity-based compensation awards into 
common shares under the treasury stock method

Directors’ fees and expenses

Unless otherwise stated includes fees and expenses of all Directors 
across the Group

Dividend yield

Calculated by dividing the annual dividends per share by the share 
price on the last day of the given year

Duration

Duration is the weighted average maturity of a security’s cash flows, 
where the present values of the cash flows serve as the weights.  
The effect of the convexity, or sensitivity, of the portfolio’s response 
to changes in interest rates is also factored in to the calculation

Earnings per share (EPS)

Calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to 
shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding during the year, excluding treasury shares and shares  
held by the EBT

Lancashire Holdings Employee Benefit Trust

ECA

Economic Capital Assessment

EEA

European Economic Area

ERM

Enterprise Risk Management

ESG

Environmental, Social and Governance matters

EU

European Union

EURIBOR

The Euro Interbank Offered Rate

Excess of loss

Reinsurance or insurance that indemnifies the reinsured or insured 
against all or a specified portion of losses on an underlying insurance 
policy in excess of a specified amount

Facultative reinsurance

A reinsurance risk that is placed by means of a separately negotiated 
contract as opposed to one that is ceded under a reinsurance treaty

FAL

Funds at Lloyd’s

FCA

Financial Conduct Authority

FRC

Financial Reporting Council

FSMA

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended from  
time to time)

FTE

Full-Time Employee

Fully converted book value per share (FCBVS)

Calculated based on the value of the total shareholders’ equity 
attributable to the Group and dilutive restricted stock units as 
calculated under the treasury method, divided by the sum of all  
shares and dilutive restricted stock units, assuming all are exercised

FVTPL

Fair value through profit or loss

180 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Annual Report & Accounts 2020

G10

Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, 
Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States

IRR

Internal rate of return

IRRC

GDPR 

General Data Protection Regulation

GHG
Greenhouse gas emissions covers carbon dioxide (CO2),  
methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), 
perfluorocarbons (PFC), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulphur 
hexafluoride (SF6)
Gross premiums written (GPW)

Amounts payable by the insured, excluding any taxes or duties levied 
on the premium, including any brokerage and commission deducted 
by intermediaries

The Group or the Lancashire Group

LHL and its subsidiaries

ICM

International Care Ministries

IFRIC

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee

IFRS

International Financial Reporting Standard(s)

IFRS 9

International Financial Reporting Standard on Financial Instruments

IFRS 17

International Financial Reporting Standard on Insurance Contracts

ILS

Insurance Linked Securities

Incurred but not reported (IBNR)

These are anticipated or likely losses that may result from insured 
events which have taken place, but for which no losses have yet  
been reported. IBNR also includes a reserve for possible adverse 
development of previously reported losses

Industry loss warranty (ILW)

A type of reinsurance or derivative contract through which one party 
will purchase protection based on the total loss arising from an event 
to the entire insurance industry rather than their own losses

Internal Audit Charter

Investment Risk and Return Committee

ISA

International Standards on Auditing (UK)

ISE

Irish Stock Exchange

KHL

Kinesis Holdings I Limited

Kinesis

The Group’s third-party capital management division encompassing 
LCM, LCMMSL and the management of KHL and KRL

KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership

KPI

Key performance indicator

KRL (Kinesis Re)

Kinesis Reinsurance I Limited

Lancashire Insurance Companies

LICL and LUK

Lancashire Foundation or Foundation

The Lancashire Foundation is a charity registered in England and Wales

LCM

Lancashire Capital Management Limited. Formerly Kinesis Capital 
Management Limited

LCMMSL

LCM Marketing Services Limited. Formerly KCM Marketing Services 
Limited

LHFT

Lancashire Holdings Financing Trust I Limited

LHL (The Company)

Lancashire Holdings Limited

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

LICL

A formal written document that sets out the mission, scope, 
responsibilities, authority, professional standards and the relationship 
with the external auditors and regulatory bodies of the internal audit 
function with the Company and its subsidiaries

Lancashire Insurance Company Limited

LIHL

Lancashire Insurance Holdings (UK) Limited

International Accounting Standard(s) (IAS)

LIMSL

Standards, created by the IASB, for the preparation and presentation 
of financial statements

Lancashire Insurance Marketing Services Limited

International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)

An international panel of accounting experts responsible  
for developing IAS and IFRS

www.lancashiregroup.com

181

Additional InformationG L O S S A R Y   C O N T I N U E D

LISL

Lancashire Insurance Services Limited

Listing Rules

NAV

Net asset value

Net acquisition cost ratio

The listing rules made by the FCA under part VI of FSMA (as amended 
from time to time)

Ratio, in per cent, of net insurance acquisition expenses to net 
premiums earned

Lloyd’s

The Society of Lloyd’s

Lloyd’s Brussels

Net expense ratio

Ratio, in per cent, of other operating expenses, excluding restricted 
stock expenses, to net premiums earned

Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA, the insurer that Lloyd’s has established 
in Brussels

Net loss ratio

Ratio, in per cent, of net insurance losses to net premiums earned

LMSCL

Net premiums earned

Lancashire Management Services (Canada) Limited

LOC

Letter of credit

Losses

Demand by an insured for indemnity under an insurance contract

Net premiums earned is equal to net premiums written less the  
change in unearned premiums and change in unearned premiums  
on premiums ceded

Net premiums written

Net premiums written is equal to gross premiums written less 
outwards reinsurance premiums written

LSE

London Stock Exchange

LSL or Lancashire Syndicate

Lancashire Syndicates Limited. Formerly Cathedral Underwriting 
Limited. The managing agent of the syndicates.

LUK

Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited

Managed cash

Managed cash includes both cash managed by external investment 
managers and non-operating cash managed internally

MBRT

Multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust

Moody’s investors services (Moody’s)

Moody’s Corporation is the parent company of Moody’s Investors 
Service, which provides credit ratings and research covering debt 
instruments and securities, and Moody’s Analytics, which offers 
software, advisory services and research for credit and economic 
analysis and financial risk management

MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières

Nameco

Nameco (No. 801) Ltd

Official List

The official list of the UK Listing Authority

ORSA

Own Risk and Solvency Assessment

OTC

Over the counter

PML

Probable maximum loss. The Group’s exposure to certain peak  
zone elemental losses

PRA

Prudential Regulation Authority

Pro-rata/proportional

Reinsurance or insurance where the reinsurer or insurer shares  
a proportional part of the original premiums and losses of the 
reinsured or insured

RCCC

Risk Capital and Compliance Committee

RCF

Revolving credit facility

182 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Annual Report & Accounts 2020

RDS

Realistic Disaster Scenarios

Retrocession

The insurance of a reinsurance account

Return on Equity (RoE)

The IRR of the change in FCBVS in the period plus accrued dividends

Risk Free Rate of Return (RFRoR)

Being the 13 week U.S. Treasury bill rate, unless otherwise stated

RMF

Risk Management Framework

RMS

Risk Management Solutions

Renewal Price Index (RPI)

The RPI is an internal methodology that management uses to track 
trends in premium rates of a portfolio of insurance and reinsurance 
contracts. The RPI written in the respective segments is calculated  
on a per-contract basis and reflects management’s assessment of 
relative changes in price, terms, conditions and limits and is weighted 
by premium volume. The RPI does not include new business, to offer  
a consistent basis for analysis. The calculation involves a degree of 
judgement in relation to comparability of contracts and assessment 
noted above. To enhance the RPI methodology, management may 
revise the methodology assumptions underlying the RPI, so that the 
trends in premium rates reflected in the RPI may not be comparable 
over time. Consideration is only given to renewals of a comparable 
nature so it does not reflect every contract in the portfolio of 
contracts. The future profitability of the portfolio of contracts within 
the RPI is dependent upon many factors besides the trends in premium 
rates. RPIs are expressed as an approximate percentage of pricing 
achieved on similar contracts written in the corresponding year.

RRC

Risk and Return Committee

RSC

Reinsurance Security Committee

RSS

Restricted share scheme

S&P Global Ratings (S&P)

S&P Global Ratings is a worldwide insurance rating and information 
agency whose ratings are recognised as a benchmark for assessing the 
financial strength of insurance related organisations

SCR

Solvency Capital Requirement

Syndicate 2010

Lloyd’s Syndicate 2010, managed by LSL. The Group provides capital 
to support 59.7% of the stamp for the 2020 underwriting year

Syndicate 3010

Lloyd’s Syndicate 3010, managed by LSL. The Group provides capital 
to support 100.0% of the stamp

TCFD

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

The syndicates

Syndicate 2010 and 3010

TOBA

Terms of business agreement

Total Investment Return

Total investment return measures investment income and net realised 
and unrealised gains and losses produced by the Group’s managed 
investment portfolio

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

The increase/(decrease) in share price in the period, measured on a 
total return basis, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends

Treaty reinsurance

A reinsurance contract under which the reinsurer agrees to offer  
and to accept all risks of a certain size within a defined class

UK

United Kingdom

Unearned premiums

The portion of premium income that is attributable to periods  
after the balance sheet date that is deferred and amortised to  
future accounting periods

UNEP FI

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative

UNL

Ultimate net loss

UNPRI

UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investments

uSCR

Ultimate solvency capital requirement

U.S.

United States of America

U.S. GAAP

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States

UURC

The Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee, a committee  
of the Board

Value at Risk (VaR)

A measure of the risk of loss of a specific portfolio of financial assets

www.lancashiregroup.com

183

Additional InformationCombined ratio (KPI): Ratio, in per cent, of the sum of net insurance 
losses, net acquisition expenses and other operating expenses to net 
premiums earned. The Group aims to price its business to ensure that 
the combined ratio across the cycle is less than 100%.

Net loss ratio
Net acquisition cost ratio
Net expense ratio
Combined ratio

31 December 
2020
59.6%
24.2%
24.0%
107.8%

31 December 
2019
30.8%
25.0%
25.1%
80.9%

Accident year loss ratio: The accident year loss ratio is calculated 
using the accident year ultimate liability revalued at the current 
balance sheet date, divided by net premiums earned. This ratio shows 
the amount of claims expected to be paid out per $1.00 of net 
premium earned in an accident year.

Current accident year ultimate liability
Divided by net premiums earned*
Accident year loss ratio

31 December 
2020
339.1
474.9
71.4%

31 December 
2019
217.8
424.8
51.3%

 * For the accident year loss ratio, net premiums earned excludes inwards and 

outwards reinstatement premium from prior accident years.

Fully converted book value per share (‘FCBVS’) attributable to the 
Group: Calculated based on the value of the total shareholders’ equity 
attributable to the Group and dilutive restricted stock units as 
calculated under the treasury method, divided by the sum of all shares 
and dilutive restricted stock units, assuming all are exercised. Shows 
the Group net asset value on a diluted per share basis for comparison 
to the market value per share.

Shareholders’ equity 
attributable to the Group
Common voting 
shares outstanding*
Shares relating to dilutive 
restricted stock
Fully converted book 
value denominator
Fully converted book value 
per share

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

1,538,466,664 1,193,631,460

241,811,908

201,453,615

3,333,356

2,837,041

245,145,264

204,290,656

$6.28

$5.84

 * Common voting shares outstanding comprise issued share capital less amounts 

held in trust (see note 19).

A L T E R N A T I V E   P E R F O R M A N C E   M E A S U R E S

Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’)
As is customary in the insurance industry, the Group utilises certain 
non-GAAP measures in order to evaluate, monitor and manage the 
business and to aid users’ understanding of the Group. Management 
believes that the APMs included in the Annual Report and Accounts 
are important for understanding the Group’s overall results of 
operations and may be helpful to investors and other interested 
parties who may benefit from having a consistent basis for comparison 
with other companies within the industry. However, these measures 
may not be comparable to similarly labelled measures used by 
companies inside or outside the insurance industry. In addition, the 
information contained herein should not be viewed as superior to, or a 
substitute for, the measures determined in accordance with the 
accounting principles used by the Group for its audited consolidated 
financial statements or in accordance with GAAP.

In compliance with the Guidelines on APMs of the European Securities 
and Markets Authority, as applied by the FCA, information on APMs 
which the Group uses is described below. This information has not 
been audited.

All amounts, excluding share data, percentage or where otherwise 
stated, are in millions of U.S. dollars.

Net loss ratio: Ratio, in per cent, of net insurance losses to net 
premiums earned. This ratio gives an indication of the amount of 
claims expected to be paid out per $1.00 of net premium earned in the 
financial year.

Net insurance losses
Divided by net premiums earned
Net loss ratio

31 December 
2020
283.8
475.8
59.6%

31 December 
2019
129.8
421.7
30.8%

Net acquisition cost ratio: Ratio, in per cent, of net insurance 
acquisition expenses to net premiums earned. This ratio gives an 
indication of the amount expected to be paid out to insurance brokers 
and other insurance intermediaries per $1.00 of net premium earned in 
the financial year.

Net acquisition expenses
Divided by net premiums earned
Net acquisition cost ratio

31 December 
2020
115.0
475.8
24.2%

31 December 
2019
105.4
421.7
25.0%

Net expense ratio: Ratio, in per cent, of other operating expenses, 
excluding restricted stock expenses, to net premiums earned. This 
ratio gives an indication of the amount of operating expenses expected 
to be paid out per $1.00 of net premium earned in the financial year.

Other operating expenses
Divided by net premiums earned
Net expense ratio

31 December 
2020
114.4
475.8
24.0%

31 December 
2019
106.0
421.7
25.1%

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Annual Report & Accounts 2020

Change in FCBVS (previously referred to as ROE) (KPI): The internal 
rate of return of the Change in FCBVS in the period plus accrued 
dividends. Sometimes referred to as ROE. The Group’s aim is to 
maximise risk-adjusted returns for shareholders across the cycle 
through a purposeful and sustainable business culture.

Opening FCBVS
Q1 dividend per share
Q2 dividend per share
Q3 dividend per share
Q4 dividend per share + closing FCBVS
Change in FCBVS*

 * Calculated using the internal rate of return.

31 December 
2020
($5.84)
–
$0.10
$0.05
$6.28
10.2%

31 December 
2019
($5.26)
$0.10
–
$0.05
$5.84
14.1%

For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group has renamed return 
on equity (‘ROE’) to Change in FCBVS. It should be noted that the 
methodology in calculating this metric has remained unchanged and 
has been consistently calculated over the reporting periods.

Total investment return (KPI): Total investment return, in percentage 
terms, is calculated by dividing the total investment return excluding foreign 
exchange by the investment portfolio net asset value, including managed 
cash on a daily basis. These daily returns are then annualised through 
geometric linking of daily returns. The return can be approximated by 
dividing the total investment return excluding foreign exchange by the 
average portfolio net asset value, including managed cash. The Group’s 
primary investment objectives are to preserve capital and provide adequate 
liquidity to support the Group’s payment of claims and other obligations. 
Within this framework we aim for a degree of investment portfolio return.

Total investment return
Average invested assets*
Approximate total investment return
Reported total investment return

31 December 
2020
69.1
1,873.9
3.7%
3.9%

31 December 
2019
83.2
1,732.2
4.8%
4.9%

 * Calculated as the average between the opening and closing investments as per 

note 11 and externally managed cash as per note 10.

Total shareholder return (KPI): The increase/(decrease) in share price 
in the period, measured on a total return basis, which assumes the 
reinvestment of dividends. The Group’s aim is to maximise the Change 
in FCBVS over the longer term and we would expect that to be 
reflected in our share price and multiple. This is a long-term goal, 
recognising that the cyclicality and volatility of both the insurance 
market and the financial markets in general will impact management’s 
ability to maximise the Change in FCBVS in the immediate term. The 
total return measurement basis used will generally approximate the 
simple method of calculating the increase/(decrease) in share price 
adjusted for dividends as recalculated below.

Opening share price
Q1 dividend per share
Q2 dividend per share
Q3 dividend per share
Q4 dividend per share + closing 
share price
Total shareholder return

31 December 
2020
($10.17)
–
$0.10
$0.05

31 December 
2019
($7.70)
$0.10
–
$0.05

$9.88
-1.4%

$10.17
34.3%

Comprehensive income returned to shareholders (KPI): The 
percentage of comprehensive income returned to shareholders equals 
the total capital returned to shareholders through dividends and share 
repurchases in a given year, divided by the Group’s comprehensive 
income. The Group aims to carry the right level of capital to match 
attractive underwriting opportunities, utilising an optimal mix of 
capital tools. Over time, through proactive and flexible capital 
management across the cycle, we aim to maximise risk-adjusted 
returns for shareholders.

Dividends paid 
Comprehensive income attributable 
to the Group
Comprehensive income returned 
to shareholders

31 December 
2020
32.3

31 December 
2019
30.2

24.3

145.7

132.9%

20.7%

Gross premiums written under management (KPI): The gross 
premiums written under management equals the total of the 
Group’s consolidated gross premiums written plus the external 
Name’s portion of the gross premiums written in Syndicate 2010 plus 
the gross premiums written in LCM on behalf of KRL. The Group aims 
to operate nimbly through the cycle. We will grow in existing and new 
classes where favourable and improving market conditions exist, 
whilst monitoring and managing our risk exposures and not seek 
top-line growth for the sake of it in markets where we do not believe 
the right opportunities exist.

Gross premiums written by the Group
LSL Syndicate 2010 – external Names 
portion of gross premiums written 
(unconsolidated)
LCM gross premiums written 
(unconsolidated)
Total gross premiums written 
under management

31 December 
2020
814.1

31 December 
2019
706.7

126.6

123.7

126.4

104.4

1,067.1

934.8

Change in KPIs
For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group no longer includes 
dividend yield as an KPI. Dividend yield was measured by dividing the 
annual dividends per share by the share price on the last day of the 
given year. The Group aims to pay annual ordinary dividends, and 
when we decide not to retain our profits as additional underwriting 
capital we return them to shareholders by way of special dividends. 
Management consider dividend yield to be similar to both ‘total 
shareholder return’ and ‘comprehensive income returned to 
shareholders’. Management can influence the level of dividend 
distributions but do not have control over the share price on the last 
day of the given year and the resulting dividend yield can appear 
better when the share price is lower. Dividend yield is therefore no 
longer considered an APM.

Gross premiums written under management has been added as an KPI. 
This is not intended to be a direct replacement of the dividend 
yield KPI.

www.lancashiregroup.com

185

Additional InformationLancashire Capital Management
Lancashire Capital Management Limited 
Power House 
7 Par-la-Ville Road 
Hamilton HM 11 
Bermuda

Phone: + 1 441 278 8950 
Fax: + 1 441 278 8951

Legal counsel to the Company

As to English and U.S. law:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP 
City Point 
1 Ropemaker Street 
London EC2Y 9AW 
United Kingdom

As to Bermuda law:
Walkers (Bermuda) Limited 
Park Place 
55 Par-la-Ville Road 
Third Floor 
Hamilton HM11 
Bermuda

Auditors
KPMG LLP 
15 Canada Square 
London E14 5GL 
United Kingdom

Registrar
Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited 
12 Castle Street 
St Helier 
Jersey JE2 3RT 
Channel Islands

Depositary
Link Market Services Trustees Limited 
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent BR3 4TU 
United Kingdom

C O N T A C T   I N F O R M A T I O N

Registered and Head office
Lancashire Holdings Limited 
Power House 
7 Par-la-Ville Road 
Hamilton HM 11 
Bermuda

Phone: + 1 441 278 8950 
Fax: + 1 441 278 8951

Bermuda office
Lancashire Insurance Company Limited 
Power House 
7 Par-la-Ville Road 
Hamilton HM 11 
Bermuda

Phone: + 1 441 278 8950 
Fax: + 1 441 278 8951

UK office
Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited 
29th Floor 
20 Fenchurch Street 
London EC3M 3BY 
United Kingdom

Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7264 4000 
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7264 4077

Lancashire Syndicates Limited
Lancashire Syndicates Limited 
29th Floor 
20 Fenchurch Street 
London EC3M 3BY 
United Kingdom

Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7170 9000 
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7170 9001

186 Lancashire Holdings Limited

Annual Report & Accounts 2020

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Holdings Limited

www.lancashiregroup.com

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