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Lar España Real Estate SOCIMI

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FY2018 Annual Report · Lar España Real Estate SOCIMI
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Annual Report & Accounts 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This 
is 
who 
we 
are

We are a provider of global  
specialty insurance and reinsurance 
products operating in Bermuda  
and London across three delivery 
platforms: rated company, Lloyd’s 
and collateralised security.

Our focus is on short-tail, specialty 
(re)insurance risks within five general 
segments: Property, Energy, Marine, 
Aviation and Lloyd’s.

Strategic report
Overview
1 
10  Chairman’s statement
Business model
12 

Lancashire Group at a glance

Strategy
14  Chief Executive’s review
16 

Strategy

Financial review
Key performance indicators

Performance
18 
20 
22  Underwriting review
Business review
26 
Enterprise risk management
33 
Principal risks
36 
Engagement and sustainability 
40 

Governance
Chairman’s introduction
48
50
Board of Directors
52  Our Board’s focus
55  Corporate governance report
58  Committee reports
70  Directors’ Remuneration Report
90  Directors’ report
94 

Statement of Directors’  
responsibilities

Independent auditor’s report

Financial statements
95 
100  Consolidated primary statements
104  Accounting policies
111  Risk disclosures
134  Notes to the accounts

Additional information
160  Shareholder information
162 Glossary
167 Alternative performance measures
168 Contact information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At Lancashire, we recognise the 
value of hard work and that the 
combined talents of our people are 
critical to maximising risk-adjusted 
returns across the cycle.

Working together and supporting 
our policyholders is what ensures 
that our three core businesses can 
be more than the sum of their parts. 

Return on equity

Combined ratio

Profit (Loss) after tax

2.4%

2017: -5.9%

92.2%

2017: 124.9%

$37.5m

2017: $-71.1m

Total investment 
return

0.8%

2017: 2.5%

Dividend yield 

4.5%

2017: 1.6%

Total shareholder 
return

-12.7%

2017: 9.4%

1

Focused
Responsive
Nimble

2

Property
Energy
Marine
Aviation
Lloyd’s

3

Structured 
to succeed 

Cathedral
Cathedral gives the 
Group access to Lloyd’s 
through Cathedral’s 
managed Syndicates 
2010 and 3010. 
The use of Lloyd’s 
extensive network and 
infrastructure offers 
distribution advantages. 
Long-standing client 
relationships drive 
good understanding 
of underlying risks.

Kinesis
Kinesis focuses on 
third-party funded, 
fully collateralised 
reinsurance across 
different classes such 
as property catastrophe, 
aviation, marine, energy 
and terror. It has the 
ability to scale up 
opportunistically based 
on market dislocations, 
delivering speed to 
market advantage. 

Lancashire
Traditional company 
market rated (re)
insurers operating in 
Bermuda and London. 
Underwriting high 
layers with higher 
deductibles to 
differentiate market 
position and drive lower 
attritional loss ratios. 
A lower number of 
large contracts and 
single exposures afford 
greater underwriting 
control. A consistent 
strategy and transparent 
risk appetite make 
Lancashire’s rated  
(re)insurers important 
underwriters for key 
brokers in our area 
of expertise.

4

Specialty 
business lines

Gross premiums written by class

Property
33.6%

Marine
4.9%

Lloyd’s
40.2%

Lancashire covers 
property catastrophe 
excess of loss, terrorism, 
property political risk, 
property risk excess 
of loss, property 
retrocession and 
other property.

Lancashire covers 
marine hull and total 
loss, marine builders’ 
risk, marine excess of 
loss, marine P&I clubs, 
marine hull war and 
other marine.

Syndicates 2010 and 
3010 cover property 
reinsurance, property 
direct and facultative, 
aviation and satellite, 
aviation deductible, 
marine cargo, marine 
hull, marine builders’ 
risk, power and utilities, 
energy and terrorism.

Energy
16.1%

Aviation
5.2%

Lancashire covers AV52, 
aviation deductible, 
aviation satellite and 
other aviation.

Lancashire covers 
worldwide offshore 
energy, Gulf of Mexico 
offshore energy, 
onshore energy, 
energy liabilities, 
construction energy 
and other energy.

5

A single approach

Underwriting comes first
Maintaining the right balance between discipline and creativity is key for 
success. Underwriting discipline in challenging markets means we continue to 
focus on profitability and risk selection. 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. Providing protection against 
losses is the lifeblood of our business and the very reason our clients purchase 
(re)insurance coverage to manage their own risk profile and protect their lives 
and livelihoods, property and commercial interests.

Effectively balance risk and return
Balancing risk and return means not seeking top line growth for the sake of it 
in markets where we do not believe the right opportunities exist. We match 
our capital to the risks we are prepared to underwrite, not the other way 
around. We bring together all our disciplines to look at how different parts 
of our operations are working together. Then we stress test our business plans 
and gauge where we can be most effective without undue volatility.

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

6

Dedicated team 

One Group
We are one Group with three distinct (re)insurance platforms 
working together to maximise potential in the world of specialist risk. 
Our three platforms give the Lancashire Group more relevance in 
the market place, more broker relationships, more cross-selling and 
referral opportunities and more reinsurance purchasing power. Our collective 
strengths enable us to seek out and drive better performance for our clients, 
our employees and our investors.

Good communication
As one Group we value and nurture personal strengths but believe 
we are better together than we are alone. We look to build lasting 
relationships by listening and working with clients and colleagues to 
deliver meaningful results. We believe in open and honest communication 
whilst retaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Focused on quality
As one Group we seek to lead, not follow, on business and in day-to-day 
interactions. In volatile and harsh conditions, we operate nimbly to maximise 
returns for our shareholders. As new opportunities emerge in the future, our 
focused books will give us the ability to capitalise on opportunities and deliver 
our cross-cycle strategic goal of maximising risk-adjusted returns.

7

Diversified…

…across business sectors
A well-diversified portfolio across five core business segments as a base to trade across 
the cycle.

Gross premiums written by class 

Segments
Property 
Energy 
Marine 
Aviation 
Lloyd’s 

33.6%
16.1%
4.9%
5.2%
40.2%

…across geographical regions
We write a geographically diverse portfolio in order to manage overall risk exposures.

Gross premiums written by region 

Geo zones
U.S. and Canada  
Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide offshore 
Europe 
Far East 
Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada 
Middle East 
Rest of world 

29.5%
20.3%
18.6%
8.0%
4.5%
2.1%
1.3%
15.7%

…asset allocation
We hedge our interest rate risk and aim to minimise the downside on our 
investment portfolio.

Investment asset allocation

Cash                   
Short-term investments                   
Fixed maturity funds  
Government debt  
Agency debt  
Agency MBS, CMBS  
Non-agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS  
Corporate bonds  
Bank loans  
Fixed maturity – at FVTPL  
Equity securities  
Hedge funds – at FVTPL  

 4.8%
 12.9%
0.7%
14.4%
5.1%
4.9%
8.6%
29.9%
6.3%
2.6%
1.3%
8.5%

Total managed portfolio at 31 December 2018 $1,742.7m. Credit quality A+.

Duration
1.5 years

8

Returns across the cycle…

…producing a solid performance in volatile markets
Lancashire has one of the best performances and yet lower volatility in the London and 
Bermudian markets, and has a proven record of returning excess capital to shareholders 
over time.

Proven record of active capital management

)
m
$
(

500

400

300

200

100

0

2009

2010

Share repurchases

2011

2012
Special dividend

2013

2014

2015

Ordinary dividends

300

250

200

150

)

%

(

100

50

2016
Percentage of IPO capital returned

2018

2017

0

This 
is 
what 
we 
do

…maximising risk-adjusted returns
Our strategy is designed to cope with hard and soft markets, managing capital and 
exposures to maximise risk-adjusted returns across the cycle.

Return on equity – our record over ten years

)

%

(

y
t
i
u
q
e
n
o
n
r
u
t
e
R

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

-5

-10

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

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

Combined ratio – our record over ten years 

)

%

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

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Lancashire

Lancashire – 10-year average1

Sector2 average

2016

2017
Sector average – 10-year average1

2018

1.  Ten-year average based on 2009 to 2018 reporting periods. Lancashire ratios weighted by annual 

net premiums earned. Annual sector ratios are weighted by annual net premiums earned.

2.  Sector includes Arch, Argo, Axis, Beazley, Everest, Hanover and Renaissance Re. The 2018 results 

for Greenlight, Hiscox and Third Point Re is not available at the time of the report. 

3.  Source: Company Reports

9

www.lancashiregroup.com

 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

How did the business perform 
during 2018?
Lancashire has generated a return on 
equity of 2.4 per cent for 2018, which, in 
view of the challenging loss environment 
for the second year in succession, reflects 
the Group’s underwriting expertise and 
effective capital and risk management.

The understanding and management 
of risk are central to Lancashire’s nimble 
business strategy. Lancashire’s longer-term 
investors will appreciate that over the last 
few years the (re)insurance sector had 
witnessed an accumulation of capital 
and (until 2017) a relative lull in major 
catastrophe loss activity, which had tended 
to depress pricing across many of the 
Group’s catastrophe-exposed and specialty 
product lines. In the face of this challenge, 
the business had sought to de-risk, cutting 
back on poorly priced business and 
increasing its reinsurance protections.

2018 witnessed a steadying of market 
conditions. In the Group’s specialty 
and catastrophe lines it was reassuring to 
see evidence of modest improvements in 
premium rates and a return to underlying 
top line growth, once premiums are 
adjusted for the effects of multi-year 
contracts and the inwards reinstatement 
premiums resulting from the catastrophe 
losses in 2017. However, 2018 was another 
year marked by a relatively high frequency 
of market loss events, the details of which 
are addressed by Alex Maloney (see page 
14) and Paul Gregory (see page 22). Once 
again, Lancashire was able to meet the 
(re)insurance needs of its clients within 
a robust framework of risk tolerances. 

From the perspective of the Board, we 
were pleased that, within the context of a 
still challenging (albeit improved) pricing 
environment, and another year of notable 
losses to the market, the Group was able 
to generate a positive return and a 
respectable combined ratio of 92.2 per 
cent. Once again I would like to thank 
Alex, his management team and all our 
staff for their contributions and in showing 
the required discipline and expertise 
necessary for the achievement of a 
solid result in 2018 in what has been 
a challenging loss environment.

Please see my introduction to the 
Governance section of this report on page 
48 for an account of the work of the Board 
and our governance arrangements for 
the 2018 year.

How do you expect strategy 
to develop in 2019?
I do not expect Lancashire’s strategic 
priorities to change significantly in 2019. 
We will continue to focus on underwriting 
expertise and discipline, to effectively 
balance the equation of risk and return, 
and to operate nimbly through the cycle. 
However, we do hope to see continued 
improvement in general pricing and 
conditions, in particular in the specialty 
insurance lines which we underwrite, and 
we are cautiously hopeful of achieving 
managed organic growth in our specialty 
lines during 2019. Alex discusses these 
dynamics in greater detail in his review 
on page 14. We will continue to monitor 
the capital and human resources, the 
management and culture necessary for the 
business to develop these opportunities, 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

10

Managing risk and opportunity across the cycleall within an appropriate framework of 
risk management and tolerances. In his 
comments on page 14, Alex notes the 
Brexit planning, which has been carried 
out in 2018, and the Board will monitor 
developments during the coming year.

The Board has also decided to re-establish 
the Group’s supervisory and tax domicile 
in Bermuda, and there is more discussion 
of this decision and the strategic 
opportunities it presents on page 48. 
For this reason the Company’s 2019 
AGM will be held in Bermuda, with a live 
shareholder video link from our London 
office. Details are set out in the Notice of 
the AGM.

What are the reasonable  
cross-cycle return expectations 
for Lancashire’s investors?
As a Board we have debated how best 
to articulate the cross-cycle return target 
in a way that is helpful to investors and 
realistic, given the combination in recent 
years of the general trend towards lower 
investment returns and the low ebb in the 
insurance market pricing cycle in which we 
have found ourselves. Because conditions 
change over time, the Board does not 
consider that an absolute cross-cycle target 
is appropriate. Accordingly, you will see 
in this Annual Report and Accounts that 
we have stated our strategic aim as being 
to maximise risk-adjusted total return 
to shareholders over the long term. We do 
not rule out the prospect of a return to the 
higher returns seen in previous years, but 
we do consider that the revised strategic 
aim provides a more useful guide 
for investors.

Has Lancashire’s dividend and capital 
management strategy changed?
Our dividend and capital management 
strategy has not changed, and although 
returns for 2018 were modest, we were 
pleased to be able to declare and pay a 

special dividend of $0.20 per common 
share in the final quarter of 2018 following 
the wind season. When taken together 
with the standard ordinary dividends, 
the aggregate of all dividends for the 2018 
year amounts to $0.35 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 90 of this Annual Report 
and Accounts.

As a business we carefully consider 
the balance of risk and return when 
setting our capital levels, using capital 
for underwriting when the opportunity 
presents itself and returning capital when 
it is not needed. As we enter 2019, we 
believe that our capital resources are 
appropriate for the current market 
opportunity, but the Board will continue 
to adopt a flexible approach to capital 
management. An important tool within 
Lancashire’s active capital management 
strategy is the flexibility afforded to us by 
shareholders during the last seven years 
to issue up to 15 per cent of Lancashire’s 
shares on a non pre-emptive basis. As 
I have noted in previous years, the best 
opportunities in the insurance and 
reinsurance sectors typically arise following 
major loss events, and the flexibility to 
issue shares and raise capital quickly is 
a central pillar of our business strategy 
and will help the Group maximise 
underwriting opportunities for the 
business. Once again, the Company 
is seeking shareholder support for 
resolutions at the 2019 AGM allowing 
this capital management flexibility, and 
I would encourage all shareholders to 
vote in favour.

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

“Lancashire offers its 
clients protection 
against damage 
arising from 
catastrophic or 
severe loss events. 
Our strategy is to 
monitor our risk 
exposures so as 
to maximise risk-
adjusted returns 
across the 
insurance cycle.”

Return on equity

2.4%

Dividend yield

4.5%

11

www.lancashiregroup.com

OverviewBusiness model

Three platforms  
provide options

We are one Group with three distinct (re)insurance platforms working together to maximise potential in the world 
of specialist risk. Three platforms give the Lancashire Group more relevance in the market place, more broker 
relationships, more cross-selling and referral opportunities and more reinsurance purchasing power. Our collective 
strengths enable us to seek out and drive better performance for our clients, our employees and our investors.
We leverage our deep underwriting expertise with efficient management of capital and resources across our three 
platforms to provide our clients and brokers with excellent solutions for their insurance and reinsurance needs. 
We always focus on the risk-adjusted return.

a n c a s h i r e  Holdings Limited 

L

Responsibility

s
t
n
e
i
l
C

Lancashire

Underwriting  
and capital 
management

R

e

t

u

r

n

M

a

r

k

e
t
s

Cathedral

Kinesis

Risk

12

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Our responsibilityWe 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 45 to 47). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key strengths

 • Strong brand with clients and brokers
 • Recognised for significant capacity  

and leadership ability in well-defined 
business sectors

 • Proven track record of supplying 
capacity across the cycle with 
consistently high performance
 • A lean business operation allows  
us to remain nimble and make 
decisions efficiently

 • A stable core book of business and 

disciplined underwriting

 • Strong record of capital management 
actions to optimise and adjust capital 
and navigate market cycles

 • Experienced management team 

with proven ability

Goals

 • Manages two active syndicates
 • Strong relationships with clients  

and brokers

 • Recognised for long-term consistency  

of relationships

 • Worldwide licensing maintained 

by Lloyd’s allows Cathedral to write 
business worldwide with limited 
regulatory overheads

 • Use of the world’s oldest insurance 

third-party capital, the Names, 
who provide support and capacity 
to Syndicate 2010

 • Proven track record with more  
than five years as part of the  
Lancashire Group

 • Experienced, fully dedicated 
management with strong 
relationships with clients, 
brokers and investors
 • Ability to leverage Group 

infrastructure, relationships and 
reputation with investors and clients
 • Highly specialised multi-class product 
with barriers to entry in terms of data 
and modelling expertise
 • Ability to raise and deploy 

capital quickly

 • Strong investor base since 2014
 • Proven track record over five years

 • Maintain key client, broker and 

 • Maintain core portfolios in  

the syndicates

 • Continue to look for new 
opportunities for bolt-on  
business lines

 • Leverage the Group’s balance 
sheet and cross-sell where 
opportunities arise

reinsurer relationships to ensure  
the continued flow of high 
quality business

 • Continue the use of reinsurance 
solutions to sustain the right 
risk-adjusted balance across the 
insurance market cycle

 • Retain ‘underwriting comes first’ 
culture and discipline without  
being tempted into innovation  
or diversification for its own sake

 • Provide profitable growth in  

areas experiencing an improved  
rating environment

Risks

 • Influx of new capacity and further 

 • Pressure on signings and 

development of broker facilities with 
less robust underwriting controls
 • Pressure on insurance rates across 

the market cycle

 • Widening terms and conditions 
being accepted by the insurance 
market without adequate pricing 
or exclusions

participation given relatively small 
line sizes

 • Expanded burden of regulatory 

oversight or overlapping regulation 
from Lloyd’s, the PRA and the FCA

 • Ensure product is correctly calibrated  
to meet clients’ needs in terms of 
responding to events and providing 
capital relief

 • Deliver returns in line with 

expectations for modelled ranges 
given market losses and pricing
 • Continue to increase number  

of investors

 • Provide bespoke and flexible 

products to match investor and 
client appetite

 • Increased competition from 
traditional and collateralised 
markets, with attempts to replicate 
the Kinesis product

 • Possible waning of investor interest in 
insurance allocations should interest 
rates begin to increase and yields 
return to capital markets

 • Resistance to complex 

reinsurance products amongst 
clients, given cheap availability 
of traditional products

13

www.lancashiregroup.com

OverviewChief Executive’s review

Committed to underwriting 
excellence

Alex Maloney
Group Chief Executive Officer

Did Lancashire’s performance in 2018 
meet your expectations?
We have generated a return on equity 
of 2.4 per cent and a combined ratio of 
92.2 per cent in what was another year of 
significant loss activity. The third quarter 
witnessed another active wind season in 
both the U.S. and Pacific regions and the 
fourth quarter saw the occurrence of 
another series of wildfires in California. 
As well as causing tragic injury and loss of 
life, these catastrophic events also caused 
significant property damage and economic 
loss, which impacted the Group’s property 
insurance and reinsurance books. There 
was also a series of devastating losses in the 
specialty markets, notably the occurrence 
of two of the largest historical losses in 
both the marine and construction markets. 
Paul Gregory discusses these events in 
more detail in his underwriting review 
on page 22. Such loss events are the 
lifeblood of our business and the very 
reason our clients purchase insurance and 
reinsurance coverage in order to manage 
their own risk profile and protect their 
lives and livelihoods, property and 
commercial interests. Fundamental to 
our strategy is our role as a responsible 
long-term business partner to our clients. 
We develop and retain underwriting 
expertise which is capable of appraising 
and pricing risk so as to provide the 
long-term support and assurance our 
clients require. In so doing, our aim is 
to maximise risk-adjusted returns to our 
investors across the insurance cycle.

So, in another challenging year, I am 
pleased to have served the needs of our 
clients whilst delivering a positive return to 
our shareholders. Our combined ratio for 
the year is testament to the professionalism 
and discipline of our underwriters and 
will, I believe, compare favourably to many 
other participants in the Lloyd’s, London 

and international insurance markets. 
Most importantly, having navigated 
the challenges of another testing year 
Lancashire has the expertise, the capital, 
the commercial long-term relationships 
and the nimble business culture to succeed 
wherever we might find ourselves in the 
insurance pricing cycle.

Has the growth of the third-party 
reinsurance capital sector changed 
the nature of the insurance pricing 
cycle for good?
After the major catastrophe loss events of 
2017, we watched the reinsurance markets 
with interest during the January 2018 
renewal season, in particular to see 
whether the third-party capital, which has 
increasingly supported the reinsurance 
markets over recent years, would re-
commit. In the event, this third-party 
capital did recommit and the pricing of 
property catastrophe and retrocessional 
reinsurance products improved 
marginally, but not materially. This last 
year we have seen another round of 
above-average loss activity, the effect 
of which has been to trap some of the 
collateral that supports third-party capital 
reinsurance products. Investors can only 
sustain losses and low returns for a limited 
period of time, so it was no surprise to 
me that the round of 1 January 2019 
reinsurance renewals seems to have 
resulted in more limited availability 
of reinsurance capacity to the markets 
and a corresponding improvement in 
reinsurance pricing. So, whilst the wheel 
may turn slowly on occasions, I firmly 
believe that the (re)insurance business 
remains fundamentally cyclical in its 
nature. In 2018, in most lines of business, 
we saw a halt in pricing falls and some 
encouraging areas of stronger pricing. 
On balance, I think that the insurance 
and reinsurance markets have now moved 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

14

“Fundamental to our strategy is our role as a responsible long-term business partner to our clients. We develop and retain underwriting expertise which is capable of appraising and pricing risk so as to provide the long-term support and assurance our clients require.”off the bottom of the pricing cycle. Boards 
and regulators, in particular Lloyd’s, are 
at last focusing on the need for each line 
of business to be underwritten on a 
sustainable basis. That is good for the 
markets and good for Lancashire, which 
is well positioned to provide relevant, 
properly priced underwriting capacity 
in the lines we underwrite.

The Board has also obtained regulatory 
approval for a change in the Group’s 
supervisory and tax domicile and has 
re-established both back in Bermuda with 
effect from 1 January 2019. There is more 
discussion of this decision and the strategic 
opportunities it presents on page 48.

In which classes of business do 
you expect to see the 
greatest opportunity?
In last year’s Annual Report and Accounts, 
I expressed the hope that in the specialty 
lines which we underwrite we might see 
a return in the wider market to the 
fundamentals of good underwriting. It 
was one of our priorities during 2018 to 
strengthen our specialty offering in a way 
that is complementary to those specialty 
classes in which we have specialised for 
many years. As Paul Gregory discusses in 
detail on page 22 we have been able to 
recruit new underwriting teams in the 
areas of downstream energy, power and 
aviation deductible insurance. This is 
part of our strategy that seeks to achieve 
incremental growth to our portfolio in 
lines that, whilst requiring specialist 
underwriting expertise, fit intuitively 
with what we already underwrite. In our 
property catastrophe lines, whilst we have 
seen some limited rating improvement, 
we do not yet see a significant growth 
opportunity for 2019 and we expect our 
exposures to be similar to 2018 and 
premium levels to improve marginally.

So, looking to 2019, I would expect to 
see some top line premium growth, but 
built on a combination of an improved 
pricing environment in our specialty lines 
in both renewal and new business and a 
continuing commitment to our property 
catastrophe reinsurance lines at similar 
levels of risk exposure, unless the loss 
environment should present well-priced 
new opportunities. In what we hope will be 
a more realistically and sustainably-priced 

market during 2019, we will continue to 
explore opportunities to recruit sector 
leading underwriters whose expertise 
might complement the specialty insurance 
and reinsurance lines in which the Group 
already participates.

What has changed in the risk 
environment during 2018?
Our first and foremost risk is our 
underwriting risk and the associated risk 
of exposure to fortuitous loss events, which 
we continue to monitor and control on a 
daily basis. Risk transfer is the product 
which we sell. Broadly speaking, our risks, 
risk tolerances and risk levels remained 
materially unchanged during 2018. On 
pages 33 to 39 Louise Wells, Group CRO, 
sets out in greater detail how the 
management and Board identify, 
monitor and control our risk universe 
so as to ensure the longer-term success 
and viability of our business. I would 
however make specific comment on 
two areas of risk.

During 2018 we have faced the challenge 
of Brexit in what has been an evolving and, 
at times, uncertain political and regulatory 
environment. As a Group we have 
benefited from the access afforded by 
Lloyd’s Brussels as well as the ability of our 
principal Bermuda operating subsidiary, 
LICL, to underwrite reinsurance of most 
European risks due to the ‘equivalent’ 
status of Bermuda under the EU’s 
Solvency II regime. These mechanisms 
have helped us protect the substantial 
majority of our income originating from 
EU-located risks. In this regard it should 
also be noted that such risks account for 
a relatively small amount of our total 
portfolio of business. We will continue 
to monitor developments and we see this 
as an area of both risk and opportunity.

Another area of increasing debate in 
the press has been that of climate change 
risk. For Lancashire, climate change can 
influence the assumptions which we make 
when underwriting any risk regarding the 
frequency, severity and location of loss 
events, and we think of it predominantly 
in terms of the management of our 
underwriting risk. Underwriting risk is 
the principal risk, and opportunity, for our 
business. This is not to downplay climate 

change as a potentially disruptive and 
systemic global risk in the medium to 
long-term, but it is to recognise climate 
change as a factor which can influence 
certain risks to, and opportunities for, our 
business, which we do have the expertise 
to assess and manage. Other factors which 
influence our principal underwriting risk 
include seismic or volcanic activity, 
political unrest and instability, secular 
changes in technology and oil price 
fluctuations, to name a few. We have the 
great benefit of employing experienced 
underwriters who are experts in risk 
appraisal and whose decisions are 
informed by powerful models and 
actuarial tools, which factor in thousands 
of assumptions including some that may be 
influenced by climate change projections. 
Climate change risk can also influence 
asset values within our investment 
portfolio or present reputational risk 
to our business in its management. Our 
conservative investment strategy factors in 
the exposure of the Group’s investment 
portfolio to a whole range of risk scenarios 
which might impair the value of assets, 
and our management and Board remain 
committed to the prudent day-to-day 
management of the whole universe of 
risks which both challenge and present 
opportunities to our business. Lancashire 
has also for many years chosen to offset its 
own greenhouse gas emissions. Please see 
pages 43 and 44 of our engagement and 
sustainability report for further details.

Anything else?
I would like to thank all our staff 
across all our businesses in London and 
Bermuda, for having contributed to a solid 
performance delivering positive returns to 
our shareholders in what has been another 
challenging year. The skill and dedication 
of our people remain fundamental to our 
strategy and its successful delivery. As we 
start to navigate 2019, I look forward to 
leading our excellent team in meeting the 
challenges and developing the exciting 
opportunities which lie ahead in the 
coming year.

Alex Maloney
Group Chief Executive Officer

15

www.lancashiregroup.com

StrategyStrategy

Our strategy

Our strategy
The Group executes its strategy by 
concentrating on three strategic priorities 
that enable the Group to meet its goal  
of maximising risk-adjusted returns  
for shareholders: underwriting comes 
first; effectively balance risk and return;  
and operate nimbly through the cycle.  
These strategic priorities enable the Group 
to serve clients and brokers with significant 
capacity across the cycle, not just in the 
core business the Group aims to renew 
every year, but also in times or in areas 
where capacity is scarce: the opportunistic 
part of the Group’s portfolio. The Group 

maintains a lean structure and keeps 
overheads under strict control so 
that resources may be refocused quickly. 
The Group tests its assumptions and 
performance constantly through its 
structures, using its daily underwriting call  
or exception reporting to management, 
its fortnightly RRC meeting with all 
disciplines within the Group represented, 
and a series of supporting committees at 
management, Board and subsidiary board 
levels. The Group’s risk function and 
internal audit team supply challenge 
and provide assurance to management 
and those boards through a continuous 
reporting process.

Our culture –  
the bedrock of our strategy
Lancashire encourages a culture of 
co-operation and respect based on open 
challenge. This can be seen clearly in the 
Lancashire companies’ daily underwriting 
and marketing call where junior and 
senior underwriters debate the risks 
they want to write and their fit to the 
portfolio and market, and through 
post-underwriting reviews at Cathedral. 
It also characterises the Group-wide 
RRC which brings together underwriting, 
actuarial, modelling, finance, treasury, 
risk and operations to challenge the 
assumptions used in all areas of 
our business. The boards at both 
subsidiary and Group level oversee 
and monitor the culture of the business 
within the regular cycle of reporting 
and governance.

Underwriting 
comes first 

Effectively 
balance risk 
and return 

Operate  
nimbly through 
the cycle 

Profitable  
4 years out of 5 

Peak-zone PML 
limits of 25% 
of capital 

Maximise  
risk-adjusted 
returns 

Shareholder 
return

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

16

Underwriting  
comes first

Description

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 Kinesis, the 
platforms that accept larger net exposures, 
and post-underwriting at Cathedral, with 
its smaller net exposures.
Achievements

Successfully recruited new underwriting 
teams in downstream energy, power & utilities 
and aviation deductible during 2018. We have 
grown the funds raised and capital deployed 
from Kinesis investors and grown our client 
base for the second consecutive year.
Performance

Combined ratio

92.2%

A respectable combined ratio, even in a 
year where the global insurance industry 
sustained a significant level of natural 
catastrophe and risk losses, evidencing the 
continued focus on underwriting, superior 
risk selection and portfolio construction.

Gross premiums written

$638.5m

With an improving rating environment in 
the majority of our classes, plus three new 
lines of business, premiums have grown 
year on year. We maintain the discipline to 
decline or restructure our participation on 
underpriced or poorly performing business 
but are willing to accept more risk if the 
market opportunity dictates.

Associated strategic risk

The key risk in the current market phase is 
the loss of relevance to brokers and clients. 
With so much surplus capacity, insurers 
need to have a unique selling point. For 
the Group, that is found in its mixture of 
underwriting capacity, leadership capability, 
claims service and multiple balance 
sheet options.

Effectively balance  
risk and return

Operate nimbly  
through the cycle

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 stress test our 
business plans and gauge where we can 
be most effective without undue volatility.

As capital continues to accumulate 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.

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.

Return on equity

2.4%

A good result in the light of a challenging 
market and the incidence of natural 
catastrophe and risk losses in our major 
portfolios of business, helped by our 
improved outwards reinsurance programme.

Probable maximum loss

$123.1m*

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 1 January 2019.

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.

17

Lancashire renewed its 15 per cent 
disapplication of pre-emption rights at 
the 2018 AGM to assist potential future 
capital raises.

Percentage of comprehensive 
income returned to shareholders

284.2%

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.

Dividend yield

4.5%

Current opportunities exist in the short-tail 
specialty insurance classes that, in general, 
require less capital than catastrophe 
exposed classes, so we grow in these areas 
but still provide modest capital returns. 
If opportunities exist in capital intensive 
product lines then capital will be retained 
to take advantage of these opportunities.

Lancashire has developed an expectation 
among its shareholders that it will produce a 
consistent return and pay ordinary dividends 
with 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

StrategyFinancial review

Maintained 
performance despite 
sizeable risk losses

Elaine Whelan
Group Chief Financial Officer

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

18

What are your thoughts on the 
Company’s performance in 2018?
2018 potentially had in excess of $80 
billion of estimated global insured losses. 
While that’s less than the $140 billion+ 
estimated last year, it’s still significantly 
higher than average. It was again a year 
of accumulation, with no one, individually 
significant event driving the magnitude 
of the total insured loss. There were also 
a few sizeable risk losses in 2018 which 
contributed to the aggregate losses picked 
up by the industry. The types of losses that 
occurred are exactly the types of risks that 
Lancashire underwrites. We have therefore 
picked up losses across these events, 
recording a total net loss after reinsurance 
recoveries and reinstatement premiums 
of $119.3 million, with our equity pick up 
from our investment in Kinesis included in 
that number. Given the nature of our book 
and the loss events, we have performed 
as we would expect and have once again 
benefited from the additional reinsurance 
we have been buying. There is, however, 
a significant impact on our profitability 
for the year from these events. We have 
produced an RoE of 2.4 per cent – we are 
back in the black after 2017 and our RoE 
has improved by 8.3 per cent, however, 
pricing is still not where it needs to be to 
sustain the level of loss activity the industry 
is experiencing. We remain hopeful that 
the market reacts appropriately after two 
years of heavy losses.

Have you been affected by 
‘loss creep’ on the 2017 
catastrophe events?
Reserving for the 2017 loss events was 
complicated. With such frequency of 
events there are amplifying effects that you 
don’t see in an individual event – there 
can be more impacts from demand surge 
and the limited pool of resources available 
to adjust the losses, for example. We were 
aware of those potential effects while we 
were assessing our initial reserves, but 
I think it would be fair to say there was 
a bigger impact than perhaps we have 
seen historically. Assessing reinsurance 
recoveries is also more complicated with 
numerous events as compared to one 
event. However, we are generally fairly 

“Given the nature of our book and the loss events, we have performed as we would expect and have once again benefited from the additional reinsurance we have been buying. There is, however, a significant impact on our profitability for the year from these events.”thorough and prudent in our initial 
reserving approach when there is a lack 
of cedant information. Our net loss after 
reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement 
premium, and including our equity pick 
up from our investment in Kinesis in 
relation to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, 
Maria, the two Mexican earthquakes plus 
the California wildfires, was $176.1 million 
at 31 December 2018, versus the initial 
$189.2 million at 31 December 2017. 
While there’s still some way to go 
before the losses are fully settled, we’re 
comfortable with the level of reserves 
which we are carrying across those events.

Did you make any changes in your 
reserving process for the 2018 
catastrophe events?
Not really. While there are always lessons 
to be learned following loss events, our 

experience with the 2017 catastrophes 
proved our approach to be robust. There 
is a rigorous internal review process where 
we go through individual accounts to 
assess the potential loss and derive 
preliminary expectations from that. 
We would also have a view of the 
overall industry loss that would inform 
that expectation. Then the individual 
subsidiaries all have their own Reserve 
Committees who challenge the 
underlying estimates.

After two years of well above 
average loss levels, what does 
that mean for Lancashire’s 
capital position?
We’re very comfortable with the level 
of capital we are carrying. We always work 
out the business we want to write and then 
calculate the capital that would be needed 

to support that. We then add a buffer on 
top of that to ensure we have flexibility. 
We have carried excess buffers in recent 
years given the market conditions and that 
has served us well. We’ve also been buying 
more reinsurance in recent years and that 
helped us to better manage volatility, as 
well as our expected capital requirement. 
That means we have enough capital to 
underwrite the book that we want but 
also have some capital available to take 
advantage of any opportunities that 
may materialise.

Elaine Whelan
Group Chief Financial Officer

Financial highlights

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Net premiums earned
Net insurance losses
Net underwriting profit (loss)
Net investment income
Net realised (losses) gains and impairments
Profit (loss) after tax1 
Net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments
Comprehensive income (loss)1
Dividends2
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Fully converted book value per share
Return on equity
Return on equity excluding warrant adjustments
Net loss ratio
Net acquisition cost ratio
Expense ratio
Combined ratio
Accident year loss ratio 
Net total return on investments3

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.
3.  Net return on investments includes internal foreign exchange hedging.

2018  
$m
638.5 
417.7 
413.5 
165.4 
121.7 
34.7 
(5.1) 
37.5
(12.8) 
24.7 
70.2 
$0.19 
$5.26
2.4% 
2.4% 
40.0% 
30.6% 
21.6% 
92.2% 
70.0% 
0.8% 

2017  
$m
591.6
398.0
427.9
335.4
(23.1)
30.5
9.1
(71.1)
4.9
(66.2)
29.9
($0.36)
$5.48
(5.9%)
(5.9%)
78.4%
27.0%
19.5%
124.9%
94.2%
2.5%

2016  
$m
633.9
 458.7
488.1
142.5
213.5
 29.8
(2.4)
 153.8
 4.1
157.9
 178.9
 $0.76
$5.98
 13.5%
 13.5%
29.2%
27.1%
20.2%
76.5%
46.2%
2.1%

2015  
$m
641.1
481.7
567.1
155.7
265.2
29.8
(2.8)
181.1
(11.3)
169.8
317.5
$0.91
$6.07
10.9%
13.5% 
27.5%
25.8%
18.8%
72.1%
46.0%
0.7%

2014  
$m
907.6
742.8
715.6
226.5
335.7
28.6
(5.9)
229.3
(2.1)
227.2
321.0
$1.16
$6.96
13.9%
14.7% 
31.7%
21.4%
15.6%
68.7%
35.9%
1.0%

19

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
Key performance indicators

Return on equity

Combined ratio

Total investment return

Measurement 

The return on equity 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.

Aim 

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 loss ratio, the 
acquisition cost ratio and the expense ratio. 
These ratios are defined in our glossary.

Total investment return measures investment 
income and net realised and unrealised 
gains and losses produced by the Group’s 
managed investment portfolio.

The Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted 
returns for our shareholders across the cycle.

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

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.

Performance

2.4%

Given the significant catastrophe events of 
2018 we were pleased to generate a positive 
RoE for the year.

14.7*

13.5*

13.5

92.2%

The combined ratio reflects the impact of a 
number of 2018 catastrophe events including 
hurricanes Michael and Florence, typhoons 
Jebi, Mangkhut and Trami and the California 
wildfires, as well as risk losses in our marine 
portfolio. Despite these events our focus 
on high quality underwriting allowed us to 
generate an underwriting profit for the year.

2.4

68.7

72.1

76.5

-5.9

124.9

92.2

0.8%

In 2018, the Group continued to manage its 
most significant investment risk, interest rate 
risk, via floating rate assets and risk assets. 
This helped to manage the risk on/risk off 
volatility and minimise losses in the rising 
rate environment.

2.5

2.1

e
g
a
r
e
v
a

r
a
e
y

5

1.0

0.7

0.8

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Risk management

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 an 
RoE component in this.

Please refer to the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on page 70 for further details.

*  RoE including the impact of warrants was 
10.9% in 2015 and 13.9% in 2014. The 
five-year average was 7.0%.

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 peer review, 
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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

20

 
 
Total shareholder return

Comprehensive income 
returned to shareholders

Dividend yield

Measurement 

Total shareholder return is measured in 
terms of the internal rate of return of the 
increase/decrease in share price in the 
period, measured in U.S. dollars and 
adjusted for dividends.

Aim 

The Group’s aim is to maximise RoE 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 RoE in the immediate term.

Performance

-12.7%

In line with the broader FTSE 250, our share 
price suffered through the year as investors 
shunned UK listed equities due to Brexit 
uncertainty. In part this was offset in TSR by 
our regular and special dividends through 
the year. 

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.

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.

284.2%

We paid a small special dividend of  
$0.20 per share reflecting the capital 
benefits of enhancements to our reinsurance 
programme that enabled us to return more 
capital than we generated for 2018.

Dividend yield is measured by dividing the 
annual dividends per share by the share 
price on the last day of the given year.

The Group aims to maintain a strong 
balance sheet whilst maximising risk-adjusted 
return for shareholders across the cycle. 
Lancashire’s dividend yield demonstrates our 
ability to operate nimbly through the cycle 
through the active capital management that 
underpins our business model. We aim 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.

4.5%

During 2018, we paid annual ordinary 
dividends of $0.15 per share and a special 
dividend of $0.20 per share.

25.9

e
g
a
r
e
v
a

r
a
e
y

5

-24.2

2.4

9.4

187.0

152.3

-12.7

113.3

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

284.2

17.8

17.3

10.5

n/a*
2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

1.6

4.5

Risk management

The Lancashire 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.

Risk 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 2018, 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.

As capital continues to accumulate 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. The Group has to ensure 
that all shareholders understand that in 
harder markets the Group will want to retain, 
and potentially even raise, capital to take full 
advantage of underwriting opportunities.

KPI linked to Executive Directors’ remuneration. For more information see pages 70 to 89.

Alternative Performance Measures (APM). For more information see page 167.

21

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
 
 
Underwriting review

Maintaining 
our discipline

Paul Gregory
Group Chief Underwriting Officer

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

22

Following the record loss events of 2017 
the direction of premium rate change, 
for the first time in five years, has moved 
positively. The RPIs for our portfolio 
for 2018 can be seen on page 26, which 
demonstrate this. It would be fair to argue 
that, given the size of losses incurred 
during 2017, a more positive rating 
environment could have been expected. 
However, our industry is driven by the 
basic principles of supply and demand and 
there was not enough of an imbalance to 
create a more dislocated market; albeit 
that the rating environment did improve.

The vast majority of losses in 2017 
were natural catastrophe related. What 
these losses did was shine a light on the 
unprofitability of other product lines 
in the market, specifically the short-tail 
specialty insurance classes written in 
London. This unprofitability had been 
masked by profits made by natural 
catastrophe classes in a benign period 
for natural catastrophes losses. This 
ended in 2017.

This created an interesting dynamic 
as 2018 progressed. Whilst the RPIs for 
catastrophe business through the year 
were positive, the rate of increase 
slowed, whereas the opposite is true of 
the non-catastrophe lines, such as marine, 
aviation and to a lesser extent energy, 
which all gradually improved as the 
year elapsed.

Much of this improvement in the specialty 
insurance rating environment has been 
helped by Lloyd’s conducting a thorough 
review of its performance and taking 
hard-line action with underperforming 
classes of business and syndicates for the 
2019 business planning season. Put simply, 
Lloyd’s wants to improve its underwriting 
profitability and is willing to cut back in 
underperforming areas to achieve this 
goal. Syndicates are cutting back or exiting 
unprofitable classes in order to gain 
business plan approval. This is an action 
we fully support as it fits our mantra of 
underwriting discipline and ultimately 
leads to a healthier and more robust 
market. This has meant that lines of 
business in which we operate are now 
seeing positive rate movement as there 
is less capacity and more focus on 
underwriting returns.

“Given that pricing has finally started to move in a positive direction, it should come as no surprise that we have chosen now as the time to expand our footprint.” Fortunately, our approach over the past 
few years has meant that our specialty 
insurance lines have continued to deliver 
underwriting profits, even in a soft rating 
environment, as we had already made 
the hard decisions and exited classes of 
unprofitable business or trimmed back 
our exposure in classes we remain in. 
Therefore, any pricing improvement 
in these lines is beneficial to us as we 
come from a baseline of underwriting 
profitability. We have also been successful 
in securing business plan approval for 
both our syndicates in line with our 
expectations and this is a testament to 
the underwriting discipline we have 
shown in prior years.

insurance lines. Importantly, each of these 
product lines is now seeing positive rating 
environments so we believe that we are 
entering these lines at the right time 
and we will hopefully benefit as market 
conditions improve.

We have always been very clear that 
when the underwriting opportunity starts 
to improve we will be willing to underwrite 
more risk.

Entering these new classes at a time when 
market conditions are improving fits our 
underwriting philosophy exactly and the 
fact we can do this now is a result of our 
disciplined approach in the softer part 
of the cycle.

Given that pricing has finally started to 
move in a positive direction, it should 
come as no surprise that we have chosen 
now as the time to expand our underwriting 
footprint. During 2018, we entered three 
new product lines, adding downstream 
energy, power and aviation deductible 
to our suite of product offerings.

Whilst 2018 did not see the record 
losses of 2017, which turned out to be 
the costliest on record, it has once again 
been a very active year with loss quantum 
being significantly above historical 
averages, with a high frequency of losses 
from both natural catastrophe and 
man-made events.

All of these product lines are 
complementary to our existing offerings 
and fit our appetite for short-tail specialty 

We have seen tragic events such as 
wildfires in California, typhoons in Japan, 
the Philippines and China and hurricanes 

in the U.S.. These events have a devastating 
impact on the people in these areas with 
millions of people’s lives terribly affected. 
Weather related events have deep and 
lasting impacts on local economies which 
further impacts these communities. For 
us and our industry, these events create 
insured losses. Whilst the claims we 
pay obviously impact underwriting 
profitability, we provide policies that 
allow those affected to help restore 
themselves after these events.

In addition to a continuation of natural 
catastrophe losses, 2018 has also seen a 
sharp increase in man-made losses, with 
significant loss activity on classes such as 
power, downstream energy and marine. 
Whilst rates have improved during 2018, 
all lines of business are coming from a 
relatively low point given numerous years 
of rate reductions so any frequency or 
severity of loss greatly challenges 
underwriting margins.

With this in mind we are very pleased that 
we have managed to deliver a combined 
ratio of 92.2 per cent in what has been a 
very challenging year given the amount 
of losses within our areas of specialism.

Gross premiums by sector

Property 
other
4%

Property cat
16%

Property 
reinsurance
13%

Terrorism
5%

Political risk
4%

Retrocession
2%

Energy other
4%

Offshore 
WW energy
10%

Lloyd’s 41%1
Marine 5%
Aviation 8%
Energy 15%
Property 31%

GoM
energy
1%

Aviation
deductible
5%

AV52
3%

Marine
hull
2%

Marine
other
3%

Other
Lloyd’s
5%

Property
D&F
10%

Marine
cargo
6%

Aviation and
satellite
7%

23

“We have always been  
very clear that when  
the underwriting  
opportunity starts to  
improve we will be  
willing to underwrite  
more risk.”

1.  Based on 2019 forecast of gross premiums 

written as of November 2018. Estimates could 
change without notice in response to several 
factors, including trading conditions.

www.lancashiregroup.com

PerformanceUnderwriting review: continued

Property reinsurance
2018 has once again been a very 
challenging year for this class of business. 
The loss events in Japan, the Philippines 
and the U.S. have not been as significant 
in terms of insured loss as 2017. However, 
they have been as frequent and of a level 
significant enough to impact underwriting 
profitability. Rating across the portfolio 
improved year on year, with 2018 RPIs 
shown on page 26, albeit with rate 
increases reducing as the renewal season 
progressed. Supply of capacity did not 
shrink and therefore the rate increases 
were dampened as market participants 
protected market share.

There was increased demand in some 
territories which allowed the Group 
to expand relationships with existing 
core clients and also develop new client 
relationships in an improved market. 
In particular, we were able to grow our 
footprint with our Japanese reinsurance 
clients and some of our U.S. reinsurance 
clients. So there remain opportunities in 
this market to grow prudently with rate 
increases on the existing portfolio 
and developing existing and new 
client relationships.

Looking ahead, the loss events of this 
year will most likely mean that property 
reinsurance pricing should remain at least 
stable through 2019. If there is dislocation 
in the market for retrocession capacity 
then this could impact the demand and 
supply dynamic and push rates further 
forward. The relatively immature ILS 
market faces a second year of losses that 
will trap and erode capital and produce 
another test of the product and the capital.

The Group, via our rated carriers, 
Lloyd’s and Kinesis platforms, is uniquely 
placed to maximise any opportunity that 
manifests itself with the ability to offer 
clients and brokers a choice of platforms 
and products and additional capacity 
should the risk and return metrics allow.

Property direct & facultative (D&F)
Property D&F was another area of the 
business impacted by the loss events of 
2017 and therefore was also challenged 
again during 2018 as natural catastrophe 
losses continued.

The rating environment improved 
during 2018, albeit the rate change across 
the portfolio was not uniform. Certain 
territories, such as the Caribbean, saw 
significant rate increases following the 
losses in 2017 and we took the opportunity 
to grow our exposure in these territories 
as the risk-adjusted pricing warranted 
additional exposure. In other areas of 
the portfolio, where rating marginally 
improved, we maintained risk appetite 
and renewed the core portfolio.

Having the flexibility to upscale risk in 
areas where the pricing improvement 
so justifies is a core strength of our 
underwriting. Equally, having the 
discipline to not force growth if the 
pricing does not warrant it is also a 
core underwriting principle.

With more loss events in 2018 impacting 
this market, plus a number of London 
market participants either exiting or 
reducing their exposure to the class, 
we anticipate continued modest pricing 
improvement through 2019 and have 
the platforms and people to access 
these opportunities wherever they 
present themselves.

Energy
In 2018, we saw the first green shoots of 
recovery in both the energy industry and 
the upstream energy insurance market. 
The higher and more stable oil price 
combined with our clients now being set 
up to run more efficiently in a lower oil 
price environment has meant that demand 
has stabilised and there are signs that 
demand may slowly improve as upstream 
energy clients look to gradually increase 
their operations. Alongside this, the 
pricing environment improved slightly 
with rates rising across the portfolio.

The last few years have been very 
challenging with rate reductions and a 
significant reduction in demand causing 
premiums in the upstream energy market 
to more than halve. Therefore, these 
positive signs during 2018 are very 
welcome. Fortunately, our energy book 
has remained profitable during this 
difficult period, albeit helped by the fact 
there has been less activity and therefore 
fewer claims; but we welcome the change 
in outlook and remain aware that an 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

24

increase in client activity can also lead 
to an increase in loss activity.

We added two new product lines under 
the energy umbrella during 2018, namely 
downstream energy and power.

Downstream energy dovetails nicely with 
our current upstream offering as many 
of the clients are the same. We have 
been able to utilise our strong client 
relationships to access downstream 
business and prudently build out a 
portfolio during the year. The downstream 
market has succumbed to many large 
losses in 2018, most of which we have 
been able to avoid, allowing us to make 
an underwriting profit in the first year of 
operation, so this has helped push forward 
rate increases across this market and we 
expect this to continue into 2019.

Our power team joined in the middle of 
the year, so 2019 will be our first full year 
of underwriting. This class is another that 
has experienced a difficult few years with 
a number of losses and is a class under 
review at Lloyd’s, meaning that some of 
our London market competitors are either 
withdrawing or cutting back. This has led 
to a positive rating movement which, as a 
new entrant, we can take advantage of.

“Having the flexibility 
to upscale risk in areas 
where the pricing 
improvement so justifies 
is a core strength of our 
underwriting. Equally, 
having the discipline 
to not force growth 
if the pricing does not 
warrant it is also a core 
underwriting principle.”

“The Group, via our 
rated carrier, Lloyd’s 
and Kinesis platforms, 
is uniquely placed to 
maximise any opportunity 
that manifests itself with 
the ability to offer clients 
and brokers a choice of 
platforms and products 
and additional capacity 
should the risk and 
return metrics allow.”

Marine
There have been many moving parts 
within the marine market during 2018.

The cargo market was already in a state 
of flux at the start of the year following a 
number of capacity withdrawals during 
2017 which has led to improving rates. 
This trend continued during 2018, aided 
by the Lloyd’s review of the class of 
business, leading to further withdrawals. 
Given we have cut back our cargo book 
during the years of softening we have 
now been growing our book as the rating 
environment has improved. For the first 
time in several years we are writing new 
business as it starts to pay more and the 
risk-reward balance makes more sense. 
Given further withdrawals from the 
class we anticipate the upward pricing 
movement to continue during 2019.

The hull market has historically been 
a very difficult line of business in which 
to make an underwriting profit. This was 
made even harder during 2018 which saw 
possibly the largest ever marine builders’ 
risk loss in history. This loss impacted 
our marine portfolio given that we had a 
significant share of the risk. Whilst these 
losses are not good for underwriting 
profitability they are exactly the type 
of risks that we underwrite and why our 
clients buy our products. A loss of this size 
inevitably creates an underwriting loss for 
the class in 2018 albeit, even with this loss 
and other large losses in the past, our 
marine portfolio remains profitable 

since inception, which for marine 
underwriters is the exception rather than 
the rule. Much like cargo, marine hull has 
also been reviewed by Lloyd’s and we have 
seen a number of markets withdraw from 
this class, so there is likely to be less 
capacity available in 2019. There remains 
global capacity for the product but like 
any market a reduction in capacity can 
only help stabilise and possibly improve 
market conditions for 2019.

Aviation
The aviation market is another market that 
has improved during the year with pricing 
slowly rising. We underwrite both direct 
and reinsurance product lines and both 
have seen small positive rate movements.

Our reinsurance portfolio continues to 
generate good underwriting margins and, 
whilst significantly smaller than it has been 
historically, is a recognised leader in the 
sphere, and is well positioned to expand 
as market conditions improve. As a result, 
we have been able to grow the portfolio 
gradually this year.

Our direct aviation portfolio covers war, 
hull and liability, AV52 and, more recently, 
aviation deductible. All these classes have 
been either in a stable or improving 
pricing environment during 2018. The 
decision to enter aviation deductible was a 
function of this improving market but also, 
because a large number of our existing 
aviation clients already buy this cover, it 
simply adds another aviation product to 
the range which we offer to our client 
base, further strengthening our 
relationships in this class.

Aviation has also seen a number of market 
participants withdraw during 2018, which 
we believe will help maintain positive rate 
movement through 2019 and we are very 
well placed to benefit from this continued 
better market.

Terrorism, political violence & 
political risk
The world continued to be a politically 
volatile place during 2018 with political 
issues such as Brexit and U.S. trade wars, 
as well as violence and civil unrest in 
areas such as Nigeria, Pakistan, Yemen 
and Afghanistan.

This global political and socio-economic 
climate certainly creates challenges for 
underwriting these classes of business, and 
risk selection remains absolutely crucial as 
years of softening rates mean that there is 
little margin to cater for any type of 
attritional losses.

We are fortunate to have a core portfolio 
of risks that have historically avoided 
attrition and therefore continue to deliver 
healthy underwriting profits. The rating 
environment has stabilised during the 
year. This is welcome following continued 
rate reductions in the terrorism class 
since we started writing it in 2006. There 
remains an abundance of capacity in this 
market given its historic profitability, so 
our aim will be to maintain our core 
portfolio in 2019 and grow in any areas 
that match our risk appetite. Over the 
past few years we have successfully grown 
in areas such as UK terrorism which goes 
some way towards replacing income lost 
to broker facilities, which has been a 
trend in this market for the past few years. 
To date we have refused to give up our 
underwriting pen as we continue to believe 
that underwriters selecting risks generates 
a superior underwriting return.

We are cautiously optimistic about 2019. 
We have a history of providing market 
leading returns in specialty insurance 
lines, even in softer market conditions, 
and now see markets that are slowly 
improving as we are expanding our 
footprint in these niche areas. Property 
catastrophe rates should remain stable 
following positive rate movement this 
year and any imbalance in the supply 
and demand dynamic of this market 
could help push rates further. With the 
rating environment looking more positive 
we feel that now is exactly the right time 
to grow. As ever we will only do this if the 
opportunity is there to do so but if it is we 
are uniquely placed with our platforms 
and people to maximise this opportunity.

25

www.lancashiregroup.com

PerformanceBusiness review

Discipline in a 
challenging market

Hayley Johnston
Chief Underwriting Officer, LUK

James Irvine
Chief Underwriting Officer, LICL

Jon Barnes
Active Underwriter,  
Syndicate 2010

John Spence
Active Underwriter,  
Syndicate 3010

Renewal price index (RPI)
The Group’s RPI is an internal 
methodology that management uses 
to track trends in premium rates on a 
portfolio of insurance and reinsurance 
contracts. The RPI is calculated on a 
per-contract basis and reflects the Group’s 
assessment of relative changes in price, 
terms, conditions and limits on like-for-like 
renewals only, 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 
the comparability of contracts and the 
assessment noted above. To enhance 
the RPI tool, the Group may revise the 
methodology and assumptions underlying 
the RPI, so 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 the RPI does not reflect every 
contract in the Group’s portfolio. The 
future profitability of the portfolio of 
contracts within the RPI is dependent 
upon many factors besides the trends in 
premium rates. The following RPIs are 
expressed as an approximate percentage 

of pricing achieved on similar contracts written in the corresponding year, with our 
Lloyd’s segment shown separately in order to aid comparability.

The following table summarises the RPI figures for the main business classes:

RPI Lancashire (excluding Lloyd’s segment)

Class
Aviation (AV52)
Gulf of Mexico offshore energy
Worldwide offshore energy
Marine
Property retrocession and reinsurance
Terrorism
Lancashire (excluding Lloyd’s segment)1

2018
99 
101 
103 
98 
107
99 
103 

2017
91
93
97
90
95
96
94

2016
90
94
87
88
88
88
89

2015
94
94
89
90
89
90
90

2014
90
92
94
102
87
93
94

1.  The table above summarises the RPI figures for the main business classes, with the total incorporating all 

business classes.

RPI Lloyd’s segment

Class
Aviation
Energy
Marine
Property retrocession and reinsurance
Terrorism
Lloyd’s segment1

2018
104 
103 
105 
108 
100 
106 

2017
100
97
98
96
92
97

2016
96
89
95
94
96
94

2015
96 
87 
99 
91 
90 
93 

2014
97 
– 
100 
89 
95 
94 

1.  The table above summarises the RPI figures for the main business classes, with the total incorporating all 

business classes.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

26

Underwriting results

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

2018

2017

Property 
Energy 
Marine 
$m
$m
$m
214.6 
103.0 
31.1 
21.5
75.9
131.9
34.0%  (27.1%)  102.3% 
55.8% 
44.3% 
23.9% 
–
–
–
17.2%  158.1% 
57.9% 

Aviation 
$m
33.0 
17.8
2.2% 
47.2% 
–
49.4% 

Lloyd’s 
$m
256.8 
166.4
71.4% 
24.6% 
–
96.0% 

Energy 
$m
101.8
70.4

Property 
$m
198.0
146.5

Marine 
Total 
Total 
$m
$m
$m
638.5 
67.6
591.6
413.5
427.9
50.7
40.0%  114.4% 15.8% 32.9% (19.0%) 95.6% 78.4%
30.6% 
18.8% 44.0% 36.3% 27.6% 23.8% 27.0%
21.6% 
19.5%
–
92.2%  133.2% 59.8% 69.2%
8.6% 119.4% 124.9%

Aviation 
$m
16.9
11.6

Lloyd’s 
$m
207.3
148.7

–

–

–

–

Premiums
Gross premiums written increased by 7.9 
per cent in 2018 compared to 2017. The 
Group’s five principal segments, and the 
key market factors impacting them, are 
discussed below.

Property
Property gross premiums written 
increased by 8.4 per cent for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 compared to 
the year ended 31 December 2017. The 
property segment experienced growth 
from new business and rate increases 
across most classes. However, that growth 
was significantly offset by reductions due 
to multi-year contracts not yet due to 
renew in the political risk and property 
catastrophe classes. In addition 2017 also 
included $7.0 million of reinstatement 
premiums in connection with hurricanes 
Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Energy
Energy gross premiums written 
increased by 1.2 per cent for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 compared to 
the year ended 31 December 2017. The 
increase for the year was due to some new 
business written in the onshore energy 
class, offset by multi-year contracts written 
in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore energy 
classes in 2017 that were not yet due 
to renew, plus the restructuring of an 
existing Gulf of Mexico multi-year deal.

Marine
Marine gross premiums written 
decreased by 54.0 per cent for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 compared 
to the year ended 31 December 2017. 
The decrease was due to a reduction 
in exposure on prior underwriting year 
risk-attaching business in the other marine 
class in addition to less pro-rata business 
written compared to the prior periods. 
The decrease for the year was further 
compounded by the timing of  
non-annual contract renewals.

Aviation
Aviation gross premiums written 
increased by 95.3 per cent for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 compared to 
the year ended 31 December 2017. The 
increase was mainly due to new business 
in the aviation deductible class due to the 
addition of a new underwriting team and 
the resulting new business introduced. 
There was also increased exposure on 
prior underwriting year risk-attaching 
business during the year.

Lloyd’s
In the Lloyd’s segment, gross premiums 
written increased by 23.9 per cent for the 
year ended 31 December 2018 compared 
to the year ended 31 December 2017. The 
increase was mainly due to new business in 
the aviation and energy classes due to the 
addition of new underwriting teams and 
the resulting new business introduced. 

There was also an increase in the property 
direct and facultative and marine classes, 
primarily due to improved rates, new 
business and negative adjustments made 
to prior underwriting year risk-attaching 
business in 2017. The increases were 
partially offset by reduced reinstatement 
premiums in the property reinsurance 
class.

Ceded
Ceded premiums increased by $27.2 
million, or 14.0 per cent, for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 compared to 
the year ended 31 December 2017. The 
increase was due to a combination of 
additional cover purchased and rate 
increases, partially offset by the timing 
of some renewals.

Earned
Net premiums earned as a proportion of 
net premiums written were 99.0 per cent 
for the year ended 31 December 2018, 
compared to 107.5 per cent for the year 
ended 31 December 2017. The lower 
earnings ratio in 2018 compared to 
2017 was impacted by the timing of 
gross premiums written in the year, with 
a higher proportion being written in 
the latter half of 2018 compared to 
the corresponding period in 2017.

27

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
Business review: continued

Excluding the impact of foreign exchange evaluations, the table below shows the impact 
of current accident year catastrophe events on the Group’s loss ratio for the year ended 
31 December 2018:

Reported loss ratio at 31 December 2018
Absent natural catastrophe events 
Absent large marine losses 
Absent all catastrophe events

Losses 
$m
165.4 
78.6 
147.3 
60.5 

Loss ratio 
%
40.0 
19.2 
34.7 
14.4 

Note: the table does not sum to a total due to the impact of reinstatement premiums.

As reported in the Group’s results for the year ended 31 December 2017, excluding the 
impact of foreign exchange evaluations, the following table shows the impact of prior year 
catastrophe events on the Group’s loss ratio:

Reported loss ratio at 31 December 2017
Absent hurricane Harvey
Absent hurricane Irma
Absent hurricane Maria
Absent Mexico earthquakes
Absent California wildfires
Absent all catastrophe events

Losses 
$m
335.4
287.6
281.6
300.0
325.1
300.9
153.6

Loss ratio 
%
78.4
67.7
66.1
70.5
76.0
70.4
36.6

Note: the table does not sum to a total due to the impact of reinstatement premiums.

Prior year favourable development was $126.9 million for the year ended 31 December 
2018 compared to $65.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2017. The favourable 
development in both 2018 and 2017 was primarily due to general IBNR releases across 
most lines of business due to a lack of reported claims. 2018 also included reductions on 
some prior accident year property and energy reserves. In 2017, the Group experienced 
some adverse development on prior accident year property and energy claims.

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

Property
Energy
Marine
Aviation
Lloyd’s
Total

2018 
$m
46.5
55.0 
12.1 
1.4 
11.9 
126.9

2017 
$m
14.4
21.1
15.2
3.0
11.4
65.1

2016 
$m
36.6
17.3
1.9
3.9
26.1
85.8

2015 
$m
26.4
35.2
13.8
2.9
29.4
107.7

2014 
$m
19.8
5.4
(9.7)
0.9
18.0
34.4

Note: Positive numbers denote favourable development.

Losses
2018 was characterised by an accumulation 
of losses as a result of exposures to a 
number of natural catastrophe events, 
including hurricanes Florence and 
Michael, typhoons Jebi, Mangkhut and 
Trami and the California wildfires. In 
addition, the Group also had exposure to 
loss events within its marine portfolio. As a 
result, the Group’s net loss ratio was 40.0 
per cent for the year ended 31 December 
2018 compared to 78.4 per cent for the 
year ended 31 December 2017. The 2018 
accident year loss ratio, including the 
impact of foreign exchange revaluations, 
was 70.0 per cent compared to 94.2 per cent 
for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Our net losses recorded for the year ended 
31 December 2018 in relation to the loss 
events noted above was $104.9 million, 
excluding the impact of inwards and 
outwards reinstatement premiums and 
our share of losses from Kinesis. In the 
prior year, the total estimated net loss, 
excluding the impact of inwards and 
outwards reinstatement premiums and our 
share of losses from Kinesis, for the 2017 
catastrophe losses on hurricanes Harvey, 
Irma and Maria, the two earthquakes in 
Mexico plus the California wildfires, was 
$181.8 million as at 31 December 2017 
compared to $164.7 million as at 
31 December 2018.

While reserves have been recorded, 
uncertainty exists on the eventual 
ultimate losses in relation to the 
hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes and 
wildfires as loss information after these 
types of events can take some time to 
obtain. The Group’s reserve estimates were 
derived from a combination of market 
data and assumptions, a limited number 
of provisional loss advices, limited client 
loss data and modelled loss projections. 
As additional information emerges, the 
Group’s actual ultimate loss may vary, 
perhaps materially, from the current 
reported reserves. The final settlement 
of all claims is likely to take place over 
a considerable period of time.

There were no other significant net losses 
in either year.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

28

 
 
 
Excluding the impact of foreign exchange revaluations, previous accident years’ ultimate 
losses developed as follows during 2018 and 2017:

Ultimate loss development by accident year

2008 accident year and prior
2009 accident year
2010 accident year
2011 accident year
2012 accident year
2013 accident year
2014 accident year
2015 accident year
2016 accident year
2017 accident year
Total

2018 
$m
3.1 
23.9 
1.6 
4.7 
8.8 
3.5 
3.4 
6.6 
33.3 
38.0
126.9

2017 
$m
0.1
0.1
1.8
8.8
5.0
3.5
9.2
20.3
16.3
–
65.1

Note: Positive numbers denote favourable development.

The ratio of IBNR to total net loss reserves was 39.3 per cent as at 31 December 2018 
compared to 44.8 per cent as at 31 December 2017.

Accident year loss ratios

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

2018 
%
70.0
n/a 

2017 
%
84.8
94.2

2016 
%
36.4 
46.2

2015 
%
31.1
46.0

2014 
%
25.4 
35.9

n/a

9.4

9.8 

14.9

10.5 

Note: Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2018.

Managed investment portfolio allocations

Cash
Short-term investments
Fixed maturity funds
Government debt
Agency debt
Agency MBS, CMBS
Non-agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS
Corporate bonds
Bank loans
Fixed maturity – at FVTPL
Equity securities
Hedge funds – at FVTPL
Total

2018 
%
4.8 
12.9 
0.7 
14.4 
5.1 
4.9 
8.6 
29.9 
6.3 
2.6 
1.3 
8.5 
100.0 

2017  
%
10.2
6.0
1.7
17.0
3.8
7.7
8.5
28.2
5.8
1.4
1.3
8.4
100.0

 2016 
%
10.4
0.3
0.8
20.3
4.4
6.4
7.3
32.5
6.6
2.8
1.2
7.0
100.0

2015 
%
9.6
1.1
0.6
23.6
0.2
7.3
8.4
33.2
5.9
1.3
0.8
8.0
100.0

2014 
%
10.6
1.4
0.7
21.4
0.8
7.7
11.0
31.7
5.8
1.4
0.7
6.8
100.0

Acquisition costs
The acquisition cost ratio was 30.6 per 
cent for the year ended 31 December 2018 
compared to 27.0 per cent for the year 
ended 31 December 2017. The increase 
was largely due to higher outwards 
reinstatement premiums in 2018 
compared to 2017, in addition to higher 
profit commissions on some of our 
property and energy classes.

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 downside risk in the 
event of market shocks. In 2018, our focus 
has been on managing our interest rate 
risk, the largest risk to our predominantly 
fixed maturity portfolio. 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 mitigate a rise in rates.

Our portfolio mix illustrates our 
conservative philosophy, as shown in 
the table adjacent. 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 120.

29

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
 
 
Business review: continued

The investment portfolio returned 0.8 per 
cent in 2018 driven by positive returns 
on the Group’s standard fixed maturity 
portfolios as coupon returns more than 
offset the increase in treasury yields and 
widening of credit spreads that took place 
in 2018. Returns on the fixed maturity 
mandates outweighed the small losses on 
the equities, hedge funds and bank loans 
during the year. Despite the increase in 
treasury yields in 2017, the investment 
portfolio produced a return of 2.5 per cent 
due to the narrowing of credit spreads, 
coupon income and strong returns in the 
Group’s equities, hedge funds, bank loans 
and principal protected notes.

Our average annual total investment 
return since inception is 2.7 per cent, and 
we have made a positive investment return 
in every year since inception, including 
2008.

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 growth 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, the distribution of 
dividends and the repurchasing of shares.

2018
1.5 years
A+
3.1 %
2.7 %

2017
1.7 years
AA-
2.1 %
2.0 %

2016
1.8 years
A+
1.9 %
1.8 %

2015
1.5 years
AA-
1.9 %
1.6 %

2014
1.5 years
AA-
1.5 %
1.5 %

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 $34.7 million for the year ended 
31 December 2018, an increase of 13.8 per 
cent compared to 2017. Total investment 
return, including net investment income, 
net realised gains and losses, impairments 
and net change in unrealised gains and 
losses, was a gain of $12.5 million for the 
year ended 31 December 2018 compared 
to a gain of $45.7 million for 2017.

Key investment portfolio statistics

Duration
Credit quality
Market yield
Book yield

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

30

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

Kinesis underwriting fees
Kinesis profit commission
Lloyd’s managing agency 
fees & profit commission
Total other income
Share of loss of associate
Total third-party capital 
managed income

2018 
$m
6.6 
–

2017 
$m
5.8
5.9

5.8
12.4 
(7.1) 

5.5
17.2
(9.4)

5.3 

7.8

The Kinesis profit commission is driven by 
the timing of loss experience, settlement 
of claims and collateral release and 
therefore varies from period to period. 
Following the significant catastrophe 
activity during the second half of 2017, 
and resulting loss experience, there was 
no recognition during 2018 of any profit 
commission for the 2017 underwriting 
cycles. The higher Kinesis underwriting 
fees in 2018 reflect the higher level of 
premiums under management compared 
to 2017. The share of loss of associate 
reflects Lancashire’s ten per cent equity 
interest in the Kinesis vehicle. The losses 
for both 2018 and 2017 were driven by the 
catastrophe activity in each respective year. 
The Lloyd’s fees and profit commission is 
driven by the relative profitability of the 
underwriting years impacting each period.

Other operating expenses

Employee 
remuneration costs
Other operating expenses
Total

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

49.0 
40.2 
89.2 

40.2
43.4
83.6

Employee remuneration costs for the 
year ended 31 December 2018 were $8.8 
million higher than the same period in 
2017. The increase was primarily due 
to increased headcount following the 
recruitment of new underwriters and 
underwriting teams and an increase in 
the variable compensation element of 
employee remuneration costs compared 
to 2017, given the relative performance.

Other operating expenses were 
$3.2 million lower for the year ended 
31 December 2018 compared to the same 
period in 2017 primarily due to lower 
consulting fees incurred in the 
Lloyd’s segment.

Equity based compensation expenses 
were $7.9 million for the year ended 
31 December 2018 compared to a credit 
of $0.4 million for the year ended 
31 December 2017. The equity based 
compensation charge was driven by 
anticipated vesting levels of active 
awards based on current performance 
expectations. Lower equity based 
compensation charges were recorded 
during 2017 due to incorporating losses 
incurred during the second half of 2017 
into the performance estimates combined 
with the lapsing of awards of former 
Cathedral employees on departure 
from the Group.

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 
return across the cycle we will return 
capital where this offers the best returns 
for our shareholders. We have returned 
109.9 per cent of comprehensive income 
(loss) 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.

31

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
 
Business review: continued

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
As at 31 December 2018, total capital 
available to the Group was $1.391 billion, 
comprising shareholders’ equity of $1.067 
billion and $324.3 million of long-term 
debt. Tangible capital was $1.238 billion. 
Leverage was 23.3 per cent on total capital 
and 26.2 per cent on total tangible capital. 
Total capital and total tangible capital as at 
31 December 2017 were $1.433 billion and 
$1.279 billion respectively.

Dividends
During 2018, the Lancashire Board 
declared a final dividend of $0.10 per 
common share in respect of the 2017 
financial year and an interim dividend of 
$0.05 and a special dividend of $0.20 per 
common share in respect of 2018. With 
the final dividend in respect of 2018 of 
$0.10 per common share, total capital 
returns since inception amount to $2.8 
billion, or 285.0 per cent of initial capital 
raised. The final dividend of $0.10 per 
common share will be paid on 27 March 
2019 to the shareholders of record on 
22 February 2019.

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 
per cent 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 2019 AGM to be held on 1 May 2019.

Letters of credit
Lancashire has a standard syndicated LOC 
facility which in total amounts to $300.0 
million, with a $75.0 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. Up to $80.0 
million can be utilised by way of an LOC 
or an RCF to assist Syndicate 2010’s gross 
funding requirements.

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

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

32

Enterprise risk management

Working together

operational risk and strategic risk. The 
primary risk to the Group is insurance 
risk, which can be subdivided into the 
core risk of underwriting and 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 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 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. 
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 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 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.

33

ERM 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 controls 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. 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. Cathedral’s CRO provides formal 
reports to the CUL Board and its RCCC. 
The third line of defence is the internal 
audit function, which works very closely 
with the business and the risk management 
team in providing risk assurance.

We continue to perform a quarterly 
risk and controls 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 their risks remain appropriately 
documented and scored. 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 2018, all Group 
entities were operating within their 
board-approved risk tolerances. No 
significant new risks have been identified 
and there have not been any material 
changes in our existing risks.

www.lancashiregroup.com

Louise Wells
Group Chief Risk Officer

As a short-tail, specialty (re)insurer 
risk management is key to our success; 
balancing the risk we take on with the 
return we receive for that risk is critical. 
Understanding the risks to the business 
and the current, and potential, impact 
on our business model gives us the ability 
to adapt as necessary to deliver on our 
strategic priorities. Ensuring we have 
continuous and consistent risk management 
embedded across the Group through the 
RMF is a key focus.

Risk strategy
Our risk strategy is the starting point for 
the development and evolution of our 
RMF and is therefore refreshed on an 
annual basis in line with the regular 
development of our framework and the 
annual review of the business and capital 
strategy. Our risk strategy must be aligned 
with our 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 is exposed to risks from several 
sources. These include insurance risk, 
market risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, 

PerformanceEnterprise risk management: continued

ERM & ORSA 

 • Group CRO report 

to Board and Executive 
Management Committee
 • Production of ORSA report 
and review and approval 
by the Board

 • Capital and liquidity 

management frameworks

 • Review of BLAST 

policies, capital and 
solvency appetites

 • Full/proxy 

capital assessments

 • Rating agency 

capital assessments

 • Stress and  

scenario testing

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

STRATEGY REVIEW  
& CHALLENGE

RISK SOLVENCY &  
ASSESSMENT

CAPITAL 
MANAGEMENT

C U LTURE &
BOARD
RRCRRC
RRC
OVERN A N C E

G

RISK IDENTIFICATION  
& ASSESSMENT

RISK APPETITE &  
TOLERANCES

RISK & BUSINESS  
MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS  
PLANNING

 • Risk identification and assessment
 • Quarterly risk and control affirmations
 • Quarterly internal audit reports to 
the Audit Committee per a three- 
and four-year rolling programme

 • External audit reports to the 

Audit Committee

 • Audit Committee annual review of 

the effectiveness of financial controls

 • Review of risk strategy and ‘attitude 

to risk’

 • 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 

 • Review and approval of  

business plan by the Board
 • Stress and scenario testing 

framework maturity

(business plan)

 • Integrated assurance assessment
 • Emerging risk assessment

 • Assessment of management actions

Key elements of ORSA

Board sign-off and embedding

Business strategy

Risks

Capital and solvency

Stress and scenario testing

Our quarterly ORSA reports prepared by 
the Group CRO to the main Board provide 
a timely analysis of current and potential 
risks, compared against risk tolerances, 
along with their associated capital 
requirements. Key areas of focus in 2018 
included Brexit, climate change and the 
continued soft market conditions.

The 2019 annual ORSA report will 
be presented to the Board for review, 
challenge and approval during the first 
quarter of 2019. This will be a transitional 
ORSA as we move from the PRA’s group 
supervision to the BMA’s, which was 
effective 1 January 2019.

As a Lloyd’s managing agent, CUL falls 
within the Society of Lloyd’s for Solvency II 
reporting, preparing ORSA reports for 
each syndicate. Cathedral has its own ERM 
framework to ensure adherence to Lloyd’s 
minimum standards.

In November 2018, the Group CRO 
reported to the Remuneration Committee 
regarding risk and remuneration, 
recognising the importance of the design 
of the remuneration structure in driving 
desired behaviours over both the short-term 
and the longer-term business planning 
periods. In addition, the Group Solvency II 
Staff policy underwent its annual review by 
the Remuneration Committee.

The diagram above 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. The primary 
role of the Group CRO is to facilitate the 
effective operation of ERM and the ORSA 
process throughout the Group at all levels. 
The role includes, but is not limited to, the 
following responsibilities:

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

34

 • 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; and
 • 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 BLAST, 
including considering its 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 co-ordinating 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 
Cathedral CRO. The Group CRO reports 
on the RRC’s activities to the Group and 
individual entity boards of directors and, 
via the Cathedral CRO, the RCCC of 
Cathedral. Through the Group CRO 

Risk universe
Type

Category

Description

the RRC considers recommendations to 
the Board and its Committees with regard 
to the adoption of formal risk tolerances.

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

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 
department maintains an emerging risk 
register, which is provided to the 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 2018 
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. In addition, during 
2018 CUL implemented an emerging 

risk working group, the output from which 
is included in the CUL CRO’s report to 
the Cathedral RCCC and the Group’s 
emerging risk register. Emerging risks 
considered in 2018 included Brexit, 
geo-political instability and U.S. tax reform.

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 or non-core; 
(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 93.

Underwriting
Investment

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

c
i
s
n
i
r
t
n
I

e Reserving
r
o
c
-
n
o
N

(Re)Insurance 
counterparty
Liquidity

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 return on equity.

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 earthquake 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.

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.

l
a
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
p
O

Operational

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.

35

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
 
Principal risks

Balancing our risks and opportunities

As described under our review of the risk universe on page 35, 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 111 to 133. Within the capital models, insurance risk accounts for over 80 per cent 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 emerging capital 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 and 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.

Intrinsic risk: Core

Type
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 these may increase losses in frequency, severity and clustering 
so, although we model losses, for example using the RMS and AIR 
stochastic models, we know that these projections can and will be 
wrong in many instances.

Trend: Stable.

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 short-tail insurer, we are able to hold the 
majority of assets in low-duration securities such as fixed maturities. 
However, this creates an additional source of risk in the current 
environment, where there is a considerable risk from changes in the 
Federal Reserve policy where rates may increase further or start to 
reduce as the preferred term and interest rate is achieved. In addition, 
there is increased credit risk in the U.S. economy as it reaches the 
later stages of the credit cycle. We model our investment portfolios 
and use various stress scenarios to see what kinds of losses we could 
expect under a range of outcomes.

Trend: Stable.

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.

Capital: We set our internal capital requirements at a level 
that allows for buffers above accumulations of extreme events 
and 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 was 
reviewed for 2019 to ensure it remained aligned to our strategy 
and risk profile.

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.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

36

 
Intrinsic risk: Non-core

Type
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.

Trend: Stable. Our processes and controls remain the same as in 
previous periods.

Type
(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 the client, 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.

Trend: Stable.

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.

Trend: Stable.

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.

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 external auditors, KPMG, also carry out an actuarial 
review of reserve adequacy. The Audit Committee of the Board, 
with the benefit of management and the actuarial and audit 
reports, reviews reserve adequacy at its quarterly meetings.

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 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 aggregate limits.

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.

37

www.lancashiregroup.com

PerformancePrincipal risks continued

Operational

Type
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 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.

Trend: Stable compared to prior period but elevated through the 
project to develop our systems to enable us to further improve the 
functionality of Group IT finance systems, to enhance management of 
financial reporting risk and to ensure future compliance with IFRS 17. 

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.

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.

Personnel: We mitigate the risks associated with staff 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. The Board regularly 
reviews succession planning arrangements and remuneration 
structures, and in addition the Group CRO reports annually 
to the Remuneration Committee on risk and remuneration 
including Solvency II remuneration requirements.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

38

 
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. A Brexit update including proposed solutions and 
the status of such was included each quarter during the year.

Other – Brexit

Type
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. A key focus during 2018 has been on the 
uncertainties arising as a result of Brexit and the lack of clarity  
on the political direction of the Brexit negotiations.

Trend: On balance risk levels remain stable. The impact of Brexit is 
not considered to be a significant risk to the Group given the Group’s 
current operations, trading profile and the solutions that have been 
put in place. The Group has developed a clear strategy as a result 
of the UK’s proposed withdrawal from the EU, which is currently 
scheduled to take effect on 29 March 2019. In the event that the UK 
and the EU27 conclude a withdrawal agreement prior to 29 March 
2019 then there will be a 21 month period wherein access to the 
single market will continue seamlessly until 31 December 2020 
for UK insurers. After that date it is anticipated that a free trade 
agreement will be implemented.

Notwithstanding this, the Group has actively sought a solution in the 
event of no agreement as at 29 March 2019, a so called ‘hard’ Brexit, 
and to that end it is proposed that a significant proportion of LUK’s 
existing EU27 business could be written via Lloyd’s Brussels, utilising 
CUL, which has Lloyd’s approval for this arrangement, subject to 
ongoing approval by Lloyd’s and any additional approvals of the 
Belgian regulatory authorities that may be required in relation to 
the operation of Lloyd’s Brussels. The Group may also consider 
additional contingency planning depending on the likely level of 
continuing market access as the political situation develops, including 
transferring new and renewal EU27 business to LICL, a Bermuda 
domiciled company. Bermuda is a Solvency II equivalent jurisdiction 
to the EU and as a result a significant amount of EU27 (re)insurance 
business could be written by LICL. Moreover, it is the Group’s 
understanding that even under the World Trade Organization’s 
General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS) rules (depending 
on each individual EU member state’s commitment to grant access 
to third-party countries) there is likely to be an ability for LUK to 
continue underwriting certain classes of business in the EU27. The 
Group also notes the moves by France, Germany, the Republic of 
Ireland and several other EU countries to ensure contract certainty in 
relation to legacy business in the event of a ‘hard’ Brexit scenario; and 
expects that these moves are likely to be replicated across the EU27.

39

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
Engagement and sustainability

Working to support 
our stakeholders

Our stakeholders

Lancashire 
Foundation

Service Providers, 
including Suppliers 
and Contractors

Brokers

Government and 
Regulators

Shareholders

Policyholders

Lenders

Our People

Environment

Rating 
Agencies

Communities 
and Society

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

40

Our approach to 
stakeholder engagement
Since its foundation in 2005, the Lancashire 
Group has focused on fostering relations 
with a broad range of stakeholders, in 
particular our shareholders and our 
people, who support our business and 
our policyholders who rely on the  
(re)insurance products we sell. These 
‘core’ stakeholders are shown at the 
heart of the diagram but at any one time 
the Group’s relationship with certain of 
its other stakeholders can come to the 
forefront and be of key importance. 
Therefore, our stakeholder diagram 
is fluid in nature.

Responding to the debate
There has been recent debate around 
the importance of such stakeholder 
engagement in relation to UK listed 
companies. Although the Company is 
incorporated in Bermuda and therefore 
not subject to UK Companies Act 
requirements, the Board has paid, and 
continues to pay, close attention to the 
latest developments in English law and 
governance expectations, specifically, 
the duties falling upon boards of UK 
incorporated companies under section 
172 of the Companies Act 2006 and the 
changes introduced to the UK Corporate 
Governance Code in 2018, which place 
a greater focus on businesses to 
demonstrably pay regard to the interests of 
a broad group of stakeholders. Our 
engagement with our stakeholders is 
essential to the formation and delivery 

The Group values its relations with, and works to support,  its stakeholders to ensure the success of the business.“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.”

of Lancashire’s business strategy. The 
Board and the business have for many 
years prioritised underwriting excellence 
and a nimble culture of capital 
management to serve the best interests 
of our core stakeholders and ultimately 
benefit a broader group of stakeholders.

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.

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 
become shareholders.

We expect our staff to conduct themselves 
in a professional manner which is 
reflective of the Group’s core values. 
All new employees are required to 
attend our ‘Respect in the Workplace/
Communications Etiquette’ 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.

Diversity and inclusion
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 the Nomination and Corporate 
Governance Committee report on pages 
63 and 64). 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 from 13 different nations and 
the gender split of males to females (see 
page 64) is 61/39 per cent respectively. 
The Group is also committed to providing 
a working environment that is free from 
any form of bullying or harassment.

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 nations 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

2018
218
39% 
28.6%*
37.5% 
29.4% 
13

6.9% 
13.8% 

65.6% 
100%
Yes

2017
204
40%
25%
33.3% 
26.3%
12

3.8%
16.2%

67%
100%
Yes

*  At the time of approval of this Annual Report and Accounts, the percentage of women on the LHL Board 

stands at 37.5%.

41

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
Engagement and sustainability: continued

Training and development
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 
2018, approximately 65.6 per cent of 
our employees undertook some form of 
training supported by the Group. 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 of our employee’s 
success is measured through the 
attainment of personal performance 
metrics as well as performance within 
the Group’s values framework. We can 
confirm that during 2018 3.2 per cent 
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 share dealing), 
Inspections, Financial Crime, ERM and 
Respect in the Workplace/Communications 
Etiquette. 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 six 
months of joining the business. Quarterly 
updates regarding attendance at these 
compulsory training sessions are provided 
to the Board for information purposes. 

Engagement
The Group benefits from having a 
relatively small headcount (218 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 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 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, 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 CUL and LUK, respectively, and 
in that capacity each has the opportunity 
to meet and engage with a range of staff 
members within those businesses. Please 
see page 49 for the Chairman’s comments 
on the Board’s plans for workforce 
engagement during 2019.

Our employees also continue to 
contribute towards the development 
of our marketplace through their 
involvement with market committees, 
boards and working groups. During 2018, 
our employees actively participated in 
industry conferences, investor days 
and symposia, and market education 
programmes. As noted on page 46, 
we also donate to many of the causes 
supported by our industry partners 
through the Lancashire Foundation.

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 
shareholders 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. These can cover 
a range of topics including the Group’s 
financial performance and business 
strategy, the environment 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 57 of this 
Annual Report and Accounts.

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, 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 25 
and pages 26 to 32, respectively.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

42

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 
individual 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.

Communities and society, 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. To learn 
more about the Lancashire Foundation 
and the charities it supports, refer to 
pages 45 to 47.

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.

The Board keeps itself informed of the 
activities of the Lancashire Foundation 
through regular reporting and meetings 
with the Foundation’s Trustees. A staff 
survey completed in 2018 confirmed that 
across all our platforms the Foundation’s 
work was seen as a vitally important part of 
the Group. The Board also sets the policy 
for donations to the Lancashire Foundation.

Environment
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 per cent of our 
greenhouse gas (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 Chief 
Executive’s review on page 15 and 
the section on principal risks from  
page 36 to 39 for further details).

With operations in London and Bermuda, 
and with clients and brokers around the 
globe, the Lancashire Group incurs the 
bulk of its carbon footprint as a result 
of airline travel.

Emissions are collated over a 12-month 
period from 1 January 2018 to 31 
December 2018 and are calculated by 
converting consumption data into tonnes 
of carbon equivalent (tCO2e) using 
the DEFRA 2018 GHG reporting 
conversion factors.

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 per cent 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 14064-1:2006 standard, giving absolute 
and intensity factors for the Group’s 
emissions. Lancashire uses the number of 
full-time employees (FTE) as its intensity 
metric. Where data was not available for 
2018, values have been extrapolated by 
using available data or calculated using 
industry benchmarks.

The following table sets out the Group’s 
carbon footprint for the current and prior 
reporting period, broken down by 
emission source.

The Group’s UK operations have 
been awarded BREEAM excellence 
for their London offices at 20 Fenchurch 
Street, which has supported an overall 
improvement in environmental performance.

Total emissions for 2018 have decreased 
by 13.2 per cent compared to 2017, with 
emissions per FTE falling by 18.8 per cent 
compared to 2017.

Activity
Gas (measured in kWh)
Refrigerant (measured in kg)
Electricity (measured in kWh)
Business Travel (measured in miles 
and spend)
Additional Upstream Activities2 
(measured in kWh, litres, miles and spend)
Water (measured in m3)
Waste (measured in kg)
Paper (measured in reams)
Hotels (measured in hotel nights)

Types of Emissions
Direct (Scope 1)

Indirect Energy (Scope 2)
Indirect Other (Scope 3) 

Gross Emissions (tCO2e)
Gross Emissions per FTE 
(tCO2e/FTE)
Carbon Credits
Total Net Emissions after 
offset (tCO2e)

20181
tCO2e
60.1 
0.0 
319.9 

20171
tCO2e
70.9
0.0
418.0

1,457.2  1,619.5

246.4 
12.9 
3.7 
5.6 
24.0 

299.7
7.2 
4.4 
6.9 
26.7 
2,129.8  2,453.3

9.8 
2,130

12.0
2,454

0.0

0.0

1.  Please note: all numbers quoted have been rounded to one decimal place.
2.  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.

43

www.lancashiregroup.com

Performance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engagement and sustainability: continued

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.

“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.”

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 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 153 to 155.

Results show that GHG emissions in the 
year were 2,129.8 tCO2e, comprised of 
direct emissions (Scope 1) amounting 
to 60.1 tCO2e, and indirect emissions 
(Scope 2) amounting to 319.9 tCO2e. 
The source of other indirect emissions 
(Scope 3) comprised 1,749.8 tCO2e. 
Scope 1 emissions have decreased by 
15.3 per cent due to a decrease in natural 
gas consumption. Scope 2 emissions have 
decreased by 23.5 per cent compared 
with 2017 due to the continuing 
decarbonisation of the UK grid mix, 
alongside a reduction in consumption 
year on year. Scope 3 emissions have 
also decreased compared with 2017 due, 
primarily, to a reduction in air mileage 
year on year.

The Group has fully offset its 2018 
GHG emissions through an organised 
programme with EcoAct by purchasing 
credits in the Wind Power Generation 
project in India. These offsetting 
proposals were discussed and agreed 
with the Group CEO.

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. In particular 
and to provide an example, members of 
senior management and the Chairman of 
the Board held regular dialogue with the 
PRA during 2018 as part of the discussions 
relating to the relocation of the Group’s 
regulatory supervision to Bermuda. 
The Board is also kept apprised of 
communications with regulators 
and supervisors and, together with 
management, monitors changes in 
regulatory and supervisory 
requirements closely.

In addition, the Group maintains proactive 
relationships with relevant tax authorities, 
including HMRC, 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.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

44

The Lancashire Foundation

The Foundation is a key component not 
just of our community activity, but also of 
our corporate persona.

The Foundation is funded by regular 
donations from the Company and retains 
a shareholding in the Company and 
therefore benefits from any dividends 
paid. This creates a direct link between the 
success of the Company and the resources 
available to the Foundation, serving as an 
additional motivation for our people, as 
the Foundation is able to support more 
of the causes that are suggested by 
employees. In this way we have aligned the 
Foundation to the Lancashire Group and 
can share in its success, and leverage that 
success to causes and communities that do 
not often receive such material rewards.

Major donations, such as those made to 
MSF, which operates in crisis relief around 
the world, and ICM, which works with 
the poorest of poor in the Philippines, 
complement Lancashire’s own insurance 
and reinsurance business by seeking to 
provide support to those afflicted by 
unexpected events and extreme poverty 
in areas where there is no insurance to 
protect people and their property.

Other charities supported during 
2018 include:

 • Action on Addiction
 • Cancer Research UK
 • Child Bereavement UK
 • Kiva Microfunds
 • Knowledge Quest
 • Medical Detection Dogs
 • Rise2Shine
 • St Giles Trust
 • The Family Centre
 • Tomorrow’s Voices
 • Victor Scott (Fruit for Schools)
 • Warwick Academy
 • Windreach Bermuda
 • Women 4 Women

“The Lancashire Foundation 
started working with 
Médecins Sans Frontières 
in 2008. In the past ten 
years, the Foundation has 
provided funding totalling 
an incredible £3,207,497. 
Thanks to this long-term 
partnership we have been 
able to provide humanitarian 
support and emergency 
medical aid in some of the 
hardest to reach areas in 
the world, saving the lives 
of victims of war, epidemics 
and those affected by 
deliberate exclusion from 
healthcare and neglect. 
On behalf of MSF staff 
working around the world, 
we are so grateful for the 
Foundation’s commitment 
to our work.”

Vickie Hawkins, Executive Director, MSF UK

45

www.lancashiregroup.com

The Lancashire Foundation, our charitable grant-making body, is the cornerstone of our community support. The channelling of the talents and energy of our staff in helping others in this way helps benefit and build Lancashire’s business and a positive culture.PerformanceEngagement and sustainability: continued

What tangible evidence is there of 
the impact of the Foundation?
From an internal perspective we were 
very pleased that the 2018 staff survey 
confirmed that across all our platforms 
the Foundation’s work was seen as a key 
indicator of Lancashire operating at 
its best.

The Foundation looks to support charities 
around the world but with an emphasis on 
charities where we can see a demonstrable 
positive impact on the communities they 
serve and which operate in effective, 
transparent and sustainable ways to deliver 
the programmes they provide. Annually, 
where we have multi-year relationships, 
the advocates are expected to review 
and reflect on the performance of the 
charity they advocate with the Donations 
Committee to ensure that the Committee 
is happy to recommend a renewal of the 
grant for the next year to the Trustees. 
Both quantitative and qualitative data will 
be reviewed as part of this process. The 
advocate system allows us to get close to 
our charities and foster the deep, multi-
year relationships we hope to develop 
with most of the charities we support.

Through our flagship or cornerstone 
relationships we can see this: for example, 
the work of MSF really needs little 
introduction but they have an ability to 
react nimbly to multiple international 
humanitarian crises and to continue to 
shine a light on issues once the news 
cycle has moved on. More locally, the 
Family Centre in Bermuda provides early 
intervention services for children on 
the island suffering from family-based 
problems such as abuse and neglect, 
and St Giles Trust in the UK looks to 
break the bleak cycle of re-offending 
through a variety of means, one of which 
is its model of using ex-offenders trained 
to act as peer advisers to support those 
released from prison.

fields of poverty relief, removing barriers 
to social exclusion, supporting medical 
research and humanitarian relief.

The majority of charities we supported in 
2018 were as a result of staff suggestions 
and support. In addition, the Foundation 
also supported charities suggested by 
clients and brokers which, for 2018, 
included The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, 
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby 
and Brooks Development Trust.

Taking the second aspect of staff giving, 
we actively encourage support by staff. 
This takes a number of forms, for example: 
carrying out volunteering work that 
directly benefits the charity, like our 
annual volunteering trip to the Philippines 
to support the work of ICM with the 
ultra-poor; providing mentoring support 
to staff at St Giles Trust, many of whom 
are ex-offenders; or participating in 
fundraising events, such as marathons.

What is the Foundation’s link 
to staff?
We are lucky with the quality and 
commitment of the people involved in the 
Foundation as all the work is carried out 
on a voluntary basis by the existing staff 
of the Lancashire Group. As mentioned 
earlier, a key aspect is ensuring that the 
Foundation reflects what engages our staff, 
so funding applications received from 
charities are analysed and challenged by 
the Foundation’s Donations Committee, 
which is comprised of staff from across 
the UK and Bermuda platforms.

The Trustees of the Foundation review 
the recommendations for funding received 
from the Donations Committee and release 
funds as appropriate. The Trustees also set 
the strategic direction of the Foundation 
and ensure it is meeting all of its governance 
and compliance requirements.

However, it does not stop there. We have 
a wider pool of advocates to draw upon, 
namely staff members who act as the 
Foundation’s ‘eyes and ears’ in relation 
to specific charities. This really allows 
both the Donations Committee and the 
Trustees to obtain comfort that we have 
close liaison with our charity partners and 
that questions and issues can typically be 
resolved quickly.

Michael Connor
Chairman of the Trustees of  
the Lancashire Foundation

What is the Lancashire Foundation?
The Foundation is a registered charity 
in England and Wales (number 1149184) 
and its purpose is to act as the focal point 
for the Lancashire Group’s corporate 
social responsibility activities.

These activities can be divided into two 
main streams: giving money in the form of 
grants to selected charities and, equally as 
important, encouraging our staff to give of 
themselves by supporting the Foundation’s 
work through volunteering. We do this by 
providing day release programmes for staff 
to give back to the communities in which 
they live and around the world. In addition, 
staff are entitled to up to a week’s annual 
charity leave on completion of three years’ 
permanent employment with the Group.

In 2018, 118 of our staff across the Group 
participated in charity volunteer days, 
mentoring opportunities or fundraising 
events. The Foundation also operates 
a charity matching scheme to support 
individual staff members’ charitable 
initiatives. During 2018, matched 
funds from the Foundation amounted 
to £15,747 and supported 15 charities.

What does the Foundation do?
As a charity closely linked to the 
Lancashire Group, we strive to ensure 
that the charities we support reflect the 
issues and concerns of our staff, whether 
from personal experience or through the 
demonstrably positive impact that they 
have on those in need. We underpin this 
with a set of objectives to inform our giving 
with a focus on charities operating in the 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

46

The Foundation in action

Project Transform
“Seven members of staff from across 
the Group were chosen to join the 2018 
Project Transform trip. We all volunteered 
after listening to the stories and feedback 
from the previous year’s team and wanted 
to experience for ourselves the amazing 
work that Project Transform does with 
ICM. Whilst we had a good idea what the 
trip involved it wasn’t until we were on the 
ground that we could fully appreciate the 
extraordinary work that ICM does to help 
the ultra-poor.

The week involved building toilets for two 
families, a basic need that we all take for 
granted. We visited communities for house 
to house visits with the local pastor and 
provided health and livelihood lessons 
to help improve lives. We also visited the 
family academy where local volunteers 
help mothers to become their children’s 
first teachers and prepare their children 
for school.

The poverty we saw in the Philippines 
was heart breaking. To see how these 
ultra-poor communities live and survive 
was devastating, but with ICM’s help 
there is a hope for these people. We 
thank Lancashire for giving us this 
amazing opportunity – anyone can 
give money to a charity but being able 
to volunteer and give our time to help 
was so much more rewarding. The 2018 
team bonded over the shared experience, 
something we’ll never forget.”

Vauxhall City Farm
“Lancashire Insurance has been a long 
standing supporter of the farm, not only 
through annual monetary donations, 
which supports the staff at the farm to 
run many of our programmes with young 
people and vulnerable adults, helping us 
to meet our aims and objectives, but also 
in person.

For the last six years a team from 
Lancashire Insurance has come to the 
farm for a day each year, to get stuck 
in and help out. From hedge trimming, 
allotment clearing, digging out spent soil 
from old enclosures and helping us shift 
a tonne of woodchip (literally), to getting 
creative in using donated building site 
materials, to create sun and rain shelters 
for our animals!

While the team changes over time, some 
Lancashire staff have been coming to these 
corporate volunteer days for several years 
in a row and it is wonderful for us to see 
their involvement in the farm, and the 
enjoyment they seem to be getting from 
supporting our charity but also from 
actively seeing the real impact their 
money and time is making.

We couldn’t do what we do without 
their support!”

Relay for Life
“The Bermuda Relay for Life cancer 
fundraiser took place on May 18-19 and 
we had a huge team of almost 100 staff, 
family and friends participating in the 24 
hour event. Team Tango (the LICL team) 
has currently raised $20,491! This year’s 
event raised over $350,000.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health 
Centre recently celebrated the one year 
anniversary of the Radiation Therapy Unit. 
It is a state-of-the-art-facility and allows 
patients to receive their treatment (which 
takes a maximum of 15 minutes) on the 
island. Many patients have been able to 
continue working at least part time during 
their treatment which allows them to feel 
less like a patient, and of course they are 
able to live at home and be surrounded 
by family, friends, pets, etc rather than 
having to be off island. Approximately 130 
patients were treated in the first year and 
many of these people had full health care 
that would have allowed them to travel 
overseas for treatment but they have 
chosen to stay on island and be treated 
by Dr. Fosker and his team. This facility 
also treats the uninsured and the under-
insured with no cost to the patient. This is 
what our ongoing fundraising supports.”

The 2018 Project Transform team

Vauxhall City Farm

Team Tango – Bermuda

47

www.lancashiregroup.com

PerformanceChairman’s introduction

Engaged governance and 
a dynamic culture 

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

ensure that the formal consideration of 
governance and regulatory requirements 
are used as a proactive and constructive 
exercise to foster the dynamic and 
successful business culture which has 
been a hallmark of the Group’s success 
over many years.

How has the Board managed its 
Group regulatory status during 
the year?
In 2012, the Company established its head 
office and conducted the majority of its 
Board business in the UK. Prior to this it 
was in Bermuda. Between 2016 and 2018, 
the PRA has operated as the Group’s 
supervisory regulator and the Group has 
been subject to the requirements of the 
UK’s Solvency II regime. During 2018, the 
Board held detailed discussions about the 
most suitable Group insurance supervisory 
and tax domicile for the Company and 
initiated engagement with the PRA, the 
BMA and the UK’s HMRC, further to 
which it was agreed that, with effect from 
1 January 2019, the Company should 
re-establish its Group supervisory and 
tax domiciles in Bermuda. This will not 
affect the regulation of the Group’s UK 
insurance entities, which will continue 
to be regulated by the PRA, and the FCA, 
and in the case of CUL and Syndicates 
2010 and 3010, Lloyd’s. On balance the 
Board felt that the transition of Group 
supervision to Bermuda and the BMA 
would assist in ensuring a continuing 
strategic focus on the growth and 
development opportunities in the U.S. 
specialty and catastrophe markets.

In my opening statement, I discussed 
the way in which our business and Board 
responded to the strategic challenges of 
2018. The following section focuses on 
the work carried out by the Board and 
its Committees in providing responsive 
challenge and support to the business in 
the articulation and delivery of strategy 
and in exercising effective oversight.

How does the Board manage 
and implement the governance 
arrangements for the Group?
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.

In this corporate governance section 
and throughout the Annual Report and 
Accounts for the 2018 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 both Bermuda law 
and regulations and, during 2018, with 
the requirements of the PRA and the 
UK’s Solvency II regime.

Once again 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 
2018. The Board and business seek to 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

48

“Lancashire’s dynamic and successful business culture is based on a common understanding of strategic goals across the Board and the business fostered by effective, direct and reciprocal communication.”Are the Board and its Committees 
operating effectively?
During 2018 our Board once again carried 
out a review of its effectiveness, which was 
facilitated by Lintstock Ltd. A summary 
report was discussed by the full Board and 
we concluded that the Board, its members 
and each of its Committees have a balance 
of experience and talents that serves the 
Group well and have the culture and 
competencies necessary to meet the 
strategic challenges of the business 
effectively. I have throughout 2018 
continued to meet regularly with the 
chairs of each of our principal subsidiary 
boards and our performance evaluation 
also concluded that the relationship 
between the main Lancashire Board and 
the subsidiary boards continues to operate 
effectively.

We have identified various strategic areas 
of focus and enhancements to the ways we 
operate and have identified certain 
specific areas for training and learning 
during the coming year (see page 56 for 
further details). I would like to thank all of 
our Directors, our management team and 
all our employees for their hard work 
during the year.

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman

How has Board membership and 
succession planning evolved during 
the year?
At the end of the first quarter of 2018, 
Tom Milligan stepped down from our 
Board, after having completed three years’ 
service, to explore other opportunities in 
the insurance sector. I would like to thank 
Tom for his contribution to our business 
and insight as a member of our Board and 
wish him well for the future. After careful 
consideration of a diverse range of 
candidates, I was delighted that in 
July 2018 we were able to confirm 
the appointment of Sally Williams as a 
Non-Executive Director, who joined us in 
January 2019. In the light of Sally’s recent 
employment as a senior executive and 
director within the Marsh Group, a global 
insurance brokerage which provides 
certain services to the Group, each of 
our Directors met individually with Sally 
prior to her appointment. The Board gave 
careful consideration to the question of 
Sally’s independence of character and 
judgement in the light of her employment 
with an organisation which has had regular 
business dealings with the wider Group 
and its subsidiaries and which requires 
special consideration under the terms 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(see page 55 for further details). I am 
delighted to report that after a detailed 
and thorough discussion the Board was 
unanimous in deciding that it should 
exercise its discretion to determine 
that Sally Williams should be considered 
independent on her appointment.  
I look forward to working with Sally in 
the coming years. In particular, Sally’s 
experience (see page 51 for details) will 
help make her a valuable new member 
of our Audit Committee.

In the light of changes to the UK 
Corporate Governance Code how 
does the Board expect to develop 
Lancashire’s stakeholder 
engagement in promoting  
the success of the business?
The FRC published a revised UK 
Corporate Governance Code during 2018, 
and our Board has been tracking these 
developments principally through the 
work of our Nomination and Corporate 
Governance Committee (see page 63 for 
the Committee report). Whilst we will be 
taking steps during 2019 to track and 
implement the upcoming requirements 
of the revised Code, we anticipate that the 
Board and business are well placed to meet 
the expectations articulated in the Code 
with regard to stakeholder engagement. 
Indeed, it is my view that the Company 
already has, and will continue to operate, 
a strong culture of proactive and 
constructive stakeholder engagement. 
Readers will note a more detailed account 
of the way in which the Company engages 
with its stakeholders in the engagement 
and sustainability section of this report 
on pages 40 to 44.

In the area of ‘workforce’ engagement, 
the Board plans to address the expectations 
of the revised UK Code during 2019 by 
making arrangements for the direct 
involvement of one or more of our 
Non-Executive Directors in current ‘town 
hall’ staff meetings which, for a number 
of years, Alex Maloney has held on a 
quarterly basis with all our staff in the 
UK and Bermuda. I will be attending 
some of these sessions during 2019 and 
the Board will also be exploring other 
ways and means to facilitate constructive 
two-way feedback between the Board 
and the Group’s employees. In this 
regard I would also add that we have the 
great advantage of having an employee 
headcount of a little over 200 people, so 
all our employees are known personally by 
our Group CEO or the other members of 
the Group’s executive management team 
and most of our Non-Executive Directors 
have regular opportunities to meet 
members of staff both as part of the 
formal business of the Board and 
informally outside Board meetings.

49

www.lancashiregroup.com

GovernanceBoard of Directors

A balanced board

B

U

Alex Maloney
Chief Executive Officer
Date of appointment to the Board:  
5 November 2010
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.

B

R

NI

Peter Clarke
Non-Executive Chairman
Date of appointment to the Board:  
9 June 2014
Board meeting attendance: 5/5
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.

I

B

Elaine Whelan
Chief Financial Officer
Date of appointment to the Board:  
1 January 2013
Board meeting attendance: 5/5
Skills, experience and qualifications:
Elaine Whelan joined Lancashire 
in March 2006 and leads both the 
Group finance function and the 
Bermuda subsidiary, reporting to 
the Group Chief Executive Officer. 
Ms Whelan was previously Chief 
Accounting Officer of Zurich 
Insurance Company, Bermuda 
Branch. Prior to joining Zurich, 
Ms Whelan was an Audit Manager at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bermuda, 
where she managed a portfolio of 
predominantly (re)insurance and 
captive insurance clients. Ms Whelan 
graduated from the University of 
Strathclyde in 1994 with a BA in 
Accounting and Economics and 
gained her Chartered Accountancy 
qualification from the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants of Scotland 
in 1997.

B

R

U

N

Michael Dawson
Non-Executive Director
Date of appointment to the Board:  
3 November 2016
Board meeting attendance: 5/5
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 a Non-Executive 
Director of Pool Re (Nuclear) 
Limited and Deputy Chairman 
of the management committee 
of Nuclear Risk Insurers Limited.

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.

Board and Committee membership key

Chair

B

Board of 
Directors

A

Audit  
Committee

I

Investment  
Committee

N

Nomination and 
Corporate Governance 
Committee

R

Remuneration 
Committee 

U

Underwriting and 
Underwriting Risk 
Committee

*  Tom Milligan retired as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 31 March 2018. He attended the Board and Committee meetings for the fourth quarter 2017.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

50

B

R

A

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 also 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 CUL.

A

N

B
Samantha 
Hoe-Richardson
Non-Executive Director
Date of appointment to the 
Board: 20 February 2013
Board meeting attendance: 5/5
Skills, experience and 
qualifications:
Samantha Hoe-Richardson 
has been Chairman of the 
Audit Committee since 2014. 
She was Head of Environment 
& Sustainability for Network 
Rail and prior to that 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 
masters 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 
of Unum Ltd and Unum 
European Holding 
Company Ltd. Unum is 
one of the UK’s leading 
employee benefits providers 
through the workplace. 
Ms Hoe-Richardson is also 
a Non-Executive Director 
of LUK.

I

B

R

A

Robert  
Lusardi
Non-Executive Director
Date of appointment to the 
Board: 8 July 2016
Board meeting attendance: 5/5
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.

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.

B

A

N

Sally Williams
Non-Executive Director
Date of appointment to the 
Board: 14 January 2019
Board meeting attendance: N/A
Skills, experience and 
qualifications:
Sally Williams joined the 
Marsh Group in 2015 where 
she served on the board of 
Marsh Ltd as a director with 
responsibility for Risk and 
Governance acting as the 
main business interface for 
Marsh Ltd with the FCA. 
She resigned from her 
directorships at Marsh with 
effect from 21 December 
2018 and assumed her 
Non-Executive Directorship 
of LHL on 14 January 2019.

Ms Williams joined Marsh 
from National Australia 
Bank and previously held 
senior risk positions with 
Aviva. Ms Williams is a 
chartered accountant and 
spent the first 15 years 
of her career with 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 
(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 
OneFamily, where she  
is a member of the Audit 
Committee, Risk Committee 
and Nominations 
Committee.

51

www.lancashiregroup.com

GovernanceOur Board’s focus

Our focus during 2018

Case Study – Focus on strategy
The objective of the 2018 strategy sessions held in May 2018 was to consider the key decisions to be made in the preparation of the 
Group’s three-year strategic plan. The issues discussed included:

 • review of the current strategy;
 • consideration of its continued relevance and the views of shareholders;
 • review of the Group’s underwriting lines of business and potential options and opportunities;
 • consideration of areas of opportunity in particular in international and specialty markets;
 • analysis of the structures and tools used within the third-party reinsurance capital sector and related strategic opportunities;
 • review of the Group’s investment strategy and options;
 • consideration of the Group’s regulatory domicile and its interaction with strategic initiatives; and
 • review of the business’s resourcing and training needs.

At its July 2018 meetings the Board approved the Group’s three-year strategic plan including the Group’s risk appetites and capital 
and solvency appetites.

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Strategy and Capital ManagementFebruary 2018 •Discussion of strategic underwriter recruitment and development initiatives which during the year resulted in the addition of a power team, an onshore energy underwriter and aviation deductible business (see page 23); •Discussion and approval of the Group’s 2018 business plan that had been updated in light of the 1 January 2018 renewals and market conditions; and •Capital management review and declaration of a final ordinary dividend of $0.10 per common share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017.May 2018 •Review and approval of the Group’s UK tax strategy for the year ended 31 December 2018; •Review and approval of modifications to the Group’s investment strategy for 2018/2019; •Review and discussion of the Group’s capital support structures and options; and •Dedicated strategy sessions (see case study – focus on strategy).July 2018 •Consideration and approval of the Group’s three-year (2018-2021) strategic plan (see case study – focus on strategy); •Consideration and approval of the Group’s 2018 reforecast business plan in light of actual experience to 30 June 2018; •Consideration and approval of a modification to the description of the Group’s strategic RoE target key performance indicator  (see page 11); and •Capital management review and declaration of an interim dividend of $0.05 per common share.October 2018 •Consideration and approval of the Group’s 2019 business plan; and •Capital management review and declaration of a special dividend of $0.20 per common share.Risk
February 2018
 • Review and approval of the revised anti-money laundering and financial crime, whistleblowing and conflicts of interest policies 

and procedures;

 • Approval of the updated UK and U.S. regulatory and tax operating guidelines for the Group;
 • Review and approval of the revised underwriting exposure risk tolerances (see page 33); and
 • Consideration of risk reports from the Group CRO.

May 2018
 • Review and approval of the Solvency II submissions as at 31 December 2017 for submission to the PRA;
 • Review and approval of the revised sanctions policy and procedures; and
 • Consideration of risk reports from the Group CRO.

July 2018
 • Consideration of risk reports from the Group CRO; and
 • Review and approval of the Group’s risk, capital and solvency appetites as part of strategic planning.

October 2018
 • Consideration of risk reports from the Group CRO including special focus on Brexit planning and climate change risk management.

Succession and Remuneration
February 2018
 • Consideration and approval of a range of changes and appointments to the boards and management teams of the operating 

businesses within the Group;

 • Review and approval of the Group’s 2018 framework for executive remuneration; and
 • Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report within the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts, for approval by shareholders at 

the 2018 AGM.

May 2018
 • Review and approval of the Group’s succession plan and talent management and development programme for 2018/2019; and
 • Consideration and approval of a range of changes and appointments to the boards and management teams of the operating 

businesses within the Group.

July 2018
 • Consideration and approval in principle of the appointment of Sally Williams as a Non-Executive Director of LHL to take effect 
during January 2019 further to a determination that she should be considered to be independent in character and judgement 
(see page 55); and

 • Consideration and approval of a range of changes and appointments to the boards and management teams of the operating 

businesses within the Group.

October 2018
 • Consideration and approval of a modified Group Solvency II Identified Staff Remuneration policy;
 • Consideration and approval of a resolution to issue up to 600,000 common shares in satisfaction of obligations under the RSS; and
 • Consideration and approval of a range of changes and appointments to the boards and management teams of the operating 

businesses within the Group.

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GovernanceOur Board’s focus: continued

Financial Reporting and Controls
February 2018
 • Review and approval of the fourth quarter 2017 financial supplement; and
 • Approval of the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts further to the report from the Audit Committee.

May 2018
 • Review and approval of the first quarter 2018 financial supplement; and
 • Discussion of the 2017 audit process and review of KPMG’s 2018 audit plan.

July 2018
 • Review and approval upon recommendation by the Audit Committee of the interim consolidated financial statements; and
 • Review and approval of the second quarter 2018 financial supplement.

October 2018
 • Approval of a press release in respect of the Group’s preliminary loss estimates from marine account losses and the U.S. and Pacific 

windstorm losses; and

 • Review and approval of the third quarter 2018 financial supplement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Governance Matters
February 2018
 • Review and approval of the Group’s disclosure procedures;
 • Review and approval of an updated diversity policy statement, further to a recommendation from the Nomination and 

Corporate Governance Committee;

 • Review and approval of an updated policy statement on anti-slavery and human trafficking;
 • Formal consideration of the independence of all Non-Executive Directors prior to the 2018 AGM;
 • Discussion of the 2017 year end Board and Committee performance appraisal feedback and recommendations; and
 • Consideration and approval of the draft 2018 AGM notice and the matters to be put to shareholders.

May 2018
 • Review and approval of a modification to the Investment Committee Terms of Reference;
 • Discussion of a presentation from the Group’s corporate brokers;
 • Approval of the appointment of a new Trustee to the Lancashire Foundation; and
 • The Company’s 2018 AGM was held at its London office on 2 May 2018. All resolutions were duly passed and approved 

by shareholders.

July 2018
 • Discussion of the PRA’s ‘Dear CEO’ letter concerning a request to all boards operating within the insurance industry to explain 

the management of “soft market” risks;

 • Review and discussion of the Group’s regulatory supervision options; and
 • Review and approval of an updated diversity policy statement, further to a recommendation from the Nomination and 

Corporate Governance Committee.

October 2018
 • Consideration and approval of the process for the annual performance evaluation of the Board and its Committees and individual 

Directors, to be facilitated by Lintstock; and

 • Consideration and approval of a special purpose committee to facilitate the migration of Group insurance supervision and tax 

domicile to Bermuda to take effect on 1 January 2019.

December 2018
 • Review and approval by the migration special purpose committee of revised UK and U.S. tax and regulatory operating guidelines to 

be used by the Group with effect from 1 January 2019.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018

54

Corporate governance report

Board Committees

Board and Committee administration
The Board of Directors is responsible 
for the leadership and control and the 
long-term success 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 CEO. The 
Chairman is responsible for the leadership 
and management of the Board and for 
providing appropriate support and advice 
to the CEO. The CEO is responsible for 
the management of the Group’s business 
and for the development of the Group’s 
strategy and commercial objectives. 
The 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 
and receive reports from management 
on underwriting, reserving, finance, 
investments, capital management, 
internal audit, risk, legal and regulatory 
developments, compliance 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. 
A dedicated Board strategic planning day 
was held in May 2018.

The Chairman holds regular meetings 
with the Non-Executive Directors, without 
the Executive Directors present, to discuss 
a broad range of matters affecting 
the Group.

The Directors
Appointments to the Board are made 
on merit, against objective criteria and 
with due regard for the benefits of diversity 
on the Board, including gender. The 
Board considers all of the Non-Executive 
Directors to be independent within the 
meaning of the Code.

Michael Dawson, Simon Fraser, 
Samantha Hoe-Richardson and Robert 
Lusardi 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.

In relation to the determination of 
independence of Sally Williams, in a 
Board meeting held on 10 July 2018, the 
Directors considered that, by virtue of her 
directorships of Marsh Limited and certain 
other subsidiaries within the Marsh 
Group and her employment as a senior 
executive of the Marsh Group, these were 
circumstances which for purposes of the 

Code should be considered to be a 
‘material business relationship’ requiring 
special consideration within the context 
of the determination of a Director’s 
independence. The Board concluded that 
it was appropriate for the Directors to use 
their discretion in the light of these facts 
to determine whether Sally Williams was 
indeed independent in character and 
judgement. After lengthy and detailed 
discussion of these matters the Directors 
concluded that there was no question 
in their minds but that, subject to the 
service of her notice of resignation from 
the Marsh Group, which was confirmed 
on 19 July 2018, Sally Williams was to be 
considered as and would continue to be 
independent in character and judgement 
in her role as a Director of the Company. 
Sally Williams assumed her role as 
a Director of the Company on  
14 January 2019.

At the Board meeting held on 13 February 
2019, further to a recommendation by the 
Nomination and Corporate Governance 
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.

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GovernanceCorporate governance report: continued

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 meeting 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 and 
Corporate Governance 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 and 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 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 and Corporate Governance 
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, supporting processes and 
management of the Group. The evaluation 
is forward-looking in terms of identifying 
the strategic priorities 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 2017 evaluation was 
conducted internally and facilitated by the 
Company Secretary and the Chairman and 
the 2018 performance evaluation process 
was facilitated by Lintstock Limited, a 
London-based corporate advisory firm 
with no other connection to the Group.

The 2018 evaluation process involved each 
Director as well as the Company Secretary, 
the Group CRO, Group General Counsel 
and other members of senior management 
completing a questionnaire designed, in 
consultation with Lintstock, by the LHL 
Chairman and the Company Secretary 
with input from the Chairs of each of the 
relevant Committees. Responses to the 
completed questionnaires were collated 
by Lintstock, which then held a series 
of individual interviews with each of the 
Directors, the Company Secretary, the 
Group General Counsel and the Group 
CRO to explore emerging themes. 
Lintstock then prepared a suite of 
anonymised summary reports that 
were discussed in draft with the Board 
Chairman and Committee Chairs before 
being distributed to each of the Directors.

In February 2019, the performance 
evaluation reports were discussed 
at meetings of the Nomination and 
Corporate Governance 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 strategic 
oversight, succession planning, Board 
composition and training and priorities 
for 2019.

In summary, in the Board’s consideration 
of the 2018 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 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

56

to making the Board and its Committees 
work effectively. Attendance at Board 
meetings was found to be excellent. 
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 considered to manage risk effectively. 
The number of Directors on the Board 
is considered to be appropriate.

It was noted in the evaluation process that, 
in what had been another challenging year 
for the (re)insurance markets, the Board 
and Committee oversight of underwriting 
strategy and risk tolerances had operated 
effectively and within expectations. 
Engagement between the Board and 
the wider body of staff is considered to 
be generally strong and beneficial to the 
operation of the business. It was concluded 
that the Board discussion around the 
regulatory and tax domicile for the Group 
had been well focused and effective and 
had resulted in the implementation of 
the decision to move Group management 
and supervision to Bermuda in a timely 
manner. Looking ahead, the Board and 
Committees will, during the course of 
2019, seek to ensure that the Group holds 
sufficient capital and utilises capital tools 
to ensure that the business is well-placed 
to be a leading (re)insurance market. The 
Board is also committed to underwriting 
those specialty insurance lines in which 
the business has expertise and to support 
management in the identification of new 
and complementary underwriting classes 
with a view to achieving controlled organic 
premium growth where this makes sense. 
The Board also highlighted a number 
of themes which will inform the business 
of the Board during 2019 including the 
attributes required for a future non-
executive appointment to the Board 
and the ongoing need to ensure a strong 
succession plan to meet the requirements 
of the business. A number of practical 
steps to optimise the focus of Board and 
Committee meetings were also identified 
for action.

tolerances, emerging risks, any lessons 
learned from risk events and assurance 
provided over key risks. During 2018, the 
Directors participated in a number of 
training sessions addressing the Board’s 
obligations under Solvency II and, in 
particular, with regard to the review and 
approval of the Solvency II submissions 
as at 31 December 2017 for submission 
to the PRA. 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.

Committees
The Board has established Audit, 
Investment, Nomination and Corporate 
Governance, 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 by the 
Board during 2018 and were 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 2018 Board 
meetings is set out on pages 50 to 51. 
A report from each of the Committees, 
which covers Committee attendance,  
is set out from page 58 to page 69.

The Board will continue to review its 
procedures, training requirements, 
effectiveness and development 
during 2019.

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 2018. 
The discussion and feedback were positive 
regarding the Chairman’s performance. 
Particular reference was made to the 
strong lines of communication which 
the Chairman has fostered with the Chairs 
of the subsidiary boards and the executive 
team. The Chairman’s insight and strategic 
and high-level leadership of the Board 
were also noted.

Following the year end, the Chairman met 
with the Group CEO, and the Group CEO 
met with the Group CFO, to conduct a 
performance appraisal in respect of 2018 
and to set targets for 2019. 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 70.

Relations with shareholders
During 2018, the Group’s Head of Investor 
Relations, usually accompanied by one or 
more of the Group CEO, the Group CUO, 
the Group CFO, the Chairman 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. During the year the 
Board oversaw the transition to the 
appointment of a new Head of Investor 
Relations. Jelena Bjelanovic assumed that 
role in October 2018 and made her first 
presentation to the Board at the third 
quarter 2018 Board meeting.

The Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee conducted a consultation with 
the significant shareholders of the Group 
with regard to remuneration policy and 
practice in advance of the production of 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report in 
the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts and 
the 2018 AGM and again during January 
2019, to seek feedback on the Group’s 
implementation of remuneration policy.

Conference calls with shareholders and 
analysts hosted by senior management are 
held quarterly following the announcement 
of the Group’s quarterly financial results. 
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 Chairman, 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 with shareholders at the 
Company’s 2019 AGM.

The Company commissions regular 
independent shareholder analysis 
reports together with independent 
research on feedback from shareholders 
and analysts following the Company’s 
results’ announcements. This research, 
together with the analysts’ notes, is made 
available to all Directors.

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 2018 the Board 
carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks affecting the Group’s 
business model, future performance, 
solvency and liquidity and the operation 
of internal control systems.

Further discussion of the risks affecting the 
Group and the policies in place to manage 
them can be found in the ERM section of 
this report on pages 33 to 39 and in the 
risk disclosures section on pages 111 to 133.

Each of the Committees is responsible 
for various elements of risk (see the 
various Committee reports from page 58 
to page 69 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 

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GovernanceSamantha Hoe-Richardson
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Committee reports

Audit Committee

Committee membership
The Audit Committee comprises four 
independent Non-Executive Directors and 
is chaired by Samantha Hoe-Richardson, a 
qualified 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.

Meetings attended

Samantha Hoe-
Richardson (Chairman)
Simon Fraser
Robert Lusardi
Sally Williams1

4/4
4/4
4/4
n/a

1.  Sally Williams was appointed as a member 
of the Audit Committee with effect from 
12 February 2019.

Principal responsibilities of  
the Committee
 • Financial reporting: monitors the 

integrity of the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group and any 
other formal statements relating to 
its financial performance, including 
the annual Solvency II Group reporting 
requirements. Reviews and reports to 
the Board on significant financial 
reporting issues and judgements 
that those statements contain. Reviews 
the Annual Report and Accounts and 
advises the Board on whether, taken 
as a whole, it is fair, balanced and 
understandable;

 • External audit: oversees the relationship 

with the external auditors and is 
responsible for the annual assessment 
of their independence and objectivity. 
Makes a recommendation to the Board, 
to be put to shareholders for approval 
at the AGM, for the appointment of 
the Company’s external auditors;
 • Internal audit: monitors and reviews 

the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal audit function ensuring it 
has unrestricted scope, the necessary 
resources and access to information 
to enable it to fulfil its mandate in 
accordance with appropriate 
professional standards; and

 • Internal controls and risk management 
systems: oversight of internal controls 
and risk management systems. Reviews 
the Group’s ‘whistleblowing’ and other 
systems and controls for the prevention 
of fraud, bribery and money laundering.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018

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“During 2018, the focus of the Committee has been on the adequacy of the Group’s loss reserves, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of both the external auditors and the internal audit programme and ensuring the continued integrity of the Group’s financial reporting. In particular, the Committee has monitored the Group’s preparations for the implementation of the IFRS 17 ('Insurance Contracts’) accounting standard.” 
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How the Committee discharged its responsibilities during 2018Financial reporting Committee responsibilityMonitors the integrity of the Group’s consolidated financial statements, including its annual and half-yearly reports, annual Solvency II Group Pillar 3 reports, interim management statements and any other formal statements relating to the Group’s financial performance. Reports to the Board on significant financial reporting issues and judgements contained in the consolidated financial statements.Committee activitiesAt 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 Solvency II Pillar 3 reports were reviewed at the April 2018 Audit Committee meeting prior to recommendation of their approval at the May 2018 Board meeting. The Committee also monitors the activities of the Company’s Disclosure Committee and reviews the Group’s quarterly financial press releases, which it recommends to the Board for approval. The Committee receives quarterly reports from management on: •developments in accounting and financial reporting requirements; •any new and/or significant accounting treatments/transactions in the quarter; •the activities of LHL’s subsidiary companies, including consideration of any risk issues; •loss reserving (see page 107 for further details); •the progress of the Group’s IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 implementation project and the related enhancements to the Group’s finance IT framework and move to a common Group general ledger; 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 full audit report. These are discussed with the external auditors at the Committee meetings.Judgements and estimation in the consolidated financial statementsAn 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 (see accounting policies (page 105) for the details of these areas). Of these, the most significant area of estimation and judgement considered by the Committee during 2018 was the estimation of ultimate loss reserves. The Audit Committee’s quarterly review of the adequacy of the loss reserves is explained in detail on page 62.The Group has two indefinite life intangible assets following the acquisition of Cathedral – goodwill and syndicate participation rights. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are subject to an impairment review at least annually, or sooner if there is an indication of impairment. Some of the key inputs in the impairment review are based on management judgement and/or estimation (see page 105 of the consolidated financial statements for further details). These inputs are reviewed by the Audit Committee annually and are considered reasonable. The Audit Committee also considers the Group’s internal stress tests and what stress scenarios would have to occur to indicate an impairment of its intangible assets. As a result of these considerations the Audit Committee agreed with management and KPMG that there was no impairment of the Group’s intangible assets.In accordance with auditing guidance, KPMG’s year-end audit report identified revenue recognition through the estimation of premium revenues as an area of significant risk. 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.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 position and performance, business model and strategy.The Chairman of the Committee reviewed the early drafts of the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts in order to keep apprised of its key themes and messages. The Committee reviewed the final draft of the Annual Report and Accounts at the February 2019 Audit Committee meeting together with the external auditor’s report. The Committee advised the Board that, in its view, 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.GovernanceCommittee reports: continued

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Annual Report & Accounts 2018

60

External audit Committee responsibilityOversees 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.Committee activitiesThe 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. The Committee Chairman 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. Following the completion of KPMG’s first year of provision of external audit services for the financial year ending 31 December 2017, the Committee Chairman led a thorough and formal review process to consider the effectiveness of the external audit process. This sought constructive feedback from stakeholders across the organisation and included an assessment of the qualifications, expertise and resources, and independence of KPMG. The results of the review were discussed at the April 2018 meeting, where it was concluded that the external audit process was operating effectively both with respect to the service provided by KPMG and management’s support of the audit process. Areas of the audit process identified as benefiting from further development included the overall audit planning process and more effective communication between KPMG and the Group finance team. At its February 2019 meeting, the Committee discussed with KPMG an Audit Quality Review (AQR) report produced by the FRC on KPMG’s 2017 audit of the Group. The Committee discussed areas for process enhancements with KPMG in relation to the FRC AQR findings. It was the Committee’s view that the issues raised by the FRC were procedural rather than substantive in nature. A further review of auditor independence was conducted in February 2019 and the Committee concluded that the external auditors are independent and objective. 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. The Committee has approved and adopted a formal non-audit services policy that is reviewed on an annual basis and was last reviewed and approved in October 2018. The policy, which stipulates the approvals required for various types of non-audit services that may be provided by the external auditors, is on the Group’s website. During 2018, KPMG provided non-audit services in relation to U.S. tax advisory work. Fees for non-audit services provided in 2018 totalled $15,000. 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 as 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. Following a competitive external audit tender process undertaken during 2016, the appointment of KPMG as external auditors was first approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM. Accordingly, the 2018 financial year was the second financial year in which KPMG acted as the Company’s external auditors, following KPMG’s re-appointment at the 2018 AGM further to a recommendation from the Committee and the full Board. The lead audit partner is Rees Aronson. The Committee and the Board are recommending the re-appointment of KPMG as external auditors at the 2019 AGM. The Committee has noted the reports from the Kingman review regarding the role of the FRC and related proposals for reform, and the UK Competition and Markets Authority report concerning the market for audit services, and will continue to monitor these, and related, developments.61

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Internal audit Committee responsibilityMonitors and reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit function in the overall context of the Group’s risk management system.Committee activitiesThe Group’s internal audit function reports directly to the Committee. 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 usually considered for audit annually whilst less critical risks are audited periodically as part of a flexible multi-year programme. The findings of each 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. The Committee meets in executive session with the Group Head of Internal Audit usually on a quarterly basis.During 2018, the Committee reviewed and approved an updated Internal Audit Charter. This can be viewed on the Group’s website. The Group CRO undertook an annual review of the implementation of the internal audit programme during 2018 to ensure its continued efficiency and appropriate standing within the Group and the effectiveness of the internal audit function. 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. The Committee Chairman oversaw the process for the appointment of a new Group Head of Internal Audit and the transitional internal audit management arrangements. Samantha Churchill joined the Group as the new Group Head of Internal Audit during January 2019.Internal controls and risk management systemsCommittee responsibilityReviews 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 and the viability statement.Committee activitiesThe 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 receives from the Group CRO periodic reports detailing results of the quarterly risk and control affirmation review. The Committee receives 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 and their impact on the Group’s risk profile. In 2018, the Committee and Board were satisfied that the governance, risk and control framework remains effective and appropriate for the Lancashire Group.Reviews for adequacy and security the Group’s compliance, ‘whistleblowing’ and fraud controls.During 2018, 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.GovernanceCommittee reports: continued

Priorities for 2019
The Committee’s key priorities for 2019 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; and

 • To continue to monitor the preparation 
by the Group for the implementation 
of IFRS 9 and IFRS 17.

IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts
In 2017 the IASB issued IFRS 17 
('Insurance Contracts’), which was to be 
mandatorily effective for annual reporting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2021. However, at its board meeting on 
14 November 2018, the IASB tentatively 
decided to propose an amendment of the 
IFRS 17 effective date to reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2022. 
If the proposed deferral of IFRS 17 is 
accepted, the implementation of IFRS 9 
(‘Financial Instruments: Classification and 
Measurement’), will also be deferred to 
this date for companies whose prominent 
activity is the issuance of insurance 
contracts. During 2018, 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 financial statements on an IFRS 9 
and IFRS 17 basis. The prospective 
deferral of the implementation date for 
the standard has not had a significant 
impact on the Group’s implementation 
project timetable.

Significant area of judgement 
or estimation
Loss reserves and expenses
As detailed on pages 117 to 118 of 
the consolidated financial statements, 
the estimation of ultimate 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 Reserving Actuary. KPMG 
conduct a high-level review of the Group’s 
loss reserves as part of their first and 
third quarter review procedures. The 
Committee also receives estimates of the 
Group’s ultimate loss reserves from an 
external independent actuary and from 
KPMG and compares these third-party 
estimates to those of the Group at its 
second and fourth quarter Audit 
Committee meetings. During 2018, the 
Committee focused its discussions around 
the Group’s loss reserves on: the range 
of reasonable actuarial estimates and 
the difference between the Group’s 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 actuarial range); current 
and 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.

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

62

Nomination and Corporate 
Governance Committee

Peter Clarke
Chairman of the Nomination and 
Corporate Governance Committee

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

Peter Clarke (Chairman)
Michael Dawson
Samantha Hoe-Richardson
Tom Milligan1
Sally Williams2

Meetings attended
4/4 
4/4 
4/4 
1/1 
n/a

1.  Tom Milligan retired as a member of the 
Nomination and Corporate Governance 
Committee with effect from 31 March 2018.
2.  Sally Williams was appointed as a member of 
the Nomination and Corporate Governance 
Committee with effect from 12 February 2019.

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 

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; and
 • Makes recommendations to the 

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

How the Committee discharged its 
responsibilities during 2018
Board composition
The Committee reviewed the composition 
of the Board to ensure 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 considered whether 
any additional skills and experience 
were needed to complement those 
already on the Board.

In this regard, the Committee engaged 
the Eliot Partnership, an executive search 
firm that has no other connection to the 
Group. They identified a number of 
potential candidates, including Sally 
Williams, who in July 2018 was appointed 
as a Non-Executive Director of the 
Company which took effect on 14 January 
2019. In this regard, please see page 55 
for a discussion relating to the Board 
process followed on the determination 
of the independence of Sally Williams. 
In accordance with the provisions of the 
Code, all of the Directors are subject to 
annual (re)election by shareholders. 
With the exception of Tom Milligan, who 
retired from the Board on 31 March 2018, 
all of the Directors were re-elected by 
shareholders at the 2018 AGM.

Succession planning
The Committee reviewed and 
recommended the approval and 
adoption by the Board of the Company’s 
succession plan and talent management 
and development programme 2018/2019. 
The Committee also continued to focus in 
its dialogue with management on training 
and development initiatives for key 
employees across the Group. During 
2018, there were a number of planned 
promotions within the risk management, 
modelling and actuarial, and 
underwriting teams.

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“During 2019, the Committee will keep under review the Group’s corporate governance reporting to ensure that the Company is able to discharge effectively its governance responsibilities under the 2018 Code.”Governance 
Committee reports: continued

The Committee recommended approval 
by the Board of an updated diversity 
policy, which is posted on the Company’s 
website. The Board remains of the view 
that the skills and experience needed to 
take the business of the Company forward 
are of paramount importance in selecting 
Board members and employees.

Lancashire’s approach to recruitment and 
ensuring the benefits of a broad diversity 
throughout the business is discussed 
further on page 41 in the discussion  
of the workplace culture.

During 2018, 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 Lancashire Foundation
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 2018, 
the Committee received a report on 
the Foundation, including its objectives, 
governance, approach to funding for 
2018 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 $0.5 million for 2019.

The Committee recommended 
the appointment by the Board of 
Emma Hill (a LUK Terrorism, War & 
Political Risks underwriter) as a Trustee 
of the Foundation. The Committee also 
recommended the approval by the Board 
of some amendments to the Foundation’s 
Trust Deed.

Subsidiary boards
The Committee monitored the 
composition of subsidiary boards during 
2018 and recommended appointments 
to the boards of CUL, LICL and KCML. 
The Committee also recommended the 
appointment of Simon Fraser as 
Chairman of the CUL Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee.

Corporate governance
The Committee keeps under review 
the Company’s corporate governance, 
particularly compliance with the 
Code, and is responsible for making 
recommendations to the Board 
concerning the process for conducting 
and facilitating the annual performance 
evaluation of the Board, its Committees 
and the individual Directors (see page 56).

During 2018, the Committee noted the 
publication by the FRC of the 2018 Code 
and reviewed with management the 
detailed changes made to the Code. 
The Committee will review the Company’s 
compliance with the 2018 Code from the 
beginning of 2019 for the purpose of 
reporting in the Company’s 2019 
Annual Report and Accounts.

During 2018, the Company continued the 
practice of the Group CEO holding ‘town 
hall’ meetings with employees following 
the announcement of the Company’s 
quarterly results. The Committee has 
discussed plans for certain of these 
meetings to be attended by the Chairman 
of the Board or another Non-Executive 
Director during 2019 and to further 
enhance arrangements for engagement 
between the Directors and members of 
the workforce.

During 2018, the Committee recommended 
the approval and adoption by the Board of 
amended and restated Terms of Reference 
of the Investment Committee, a copy of 
which is posted on the Company’s website.

The Committee considered statistics 
relevant to the gender composition of 
the Board, Group management excluding 
LHL Non-Executive Directors, and overall 
Group employees. These statistics are 
shown opposite. The Committee also 
reviewed 2018 comparative pay data by 
gender within the Lancashire Group. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

64

Priorities for 2019
The Committee’s key priorities for 2019 are:

 • To ensure that the Company is able 

to discharge effectively its governance 
responsibilities under the 2018 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; and

 • To monitor the Company’s progress 

on gender diversity and other diversities.

LHL Board members

Male: 5 (62.5%)
Female: 3 (37.5%)
Total: 8

Group management excluding 
LHL Non-Executive Directors

Overall Group employees

Male: 12 (70.6%)
Female: 5 (29.4%)
Total: 17

Male: 133 (61%)
Female: 85 (39%)
Total: 218

The gender composition data reflecting LHL Board 
members is reported as at the date of this Annual 
Report and Accounts. The gender split of males 
to females on the LHL Board as at 31 December 
2018 was five males (71.4 per cent)/two females 
(28.6 per cent). All other gender composition 
data is shown as at 31 December 2018.

Investment Committee

Robert Lusardi
Chairman of the Investment Committee

Committee membership
During 2018, the Terms of Reference of 
the Investment Committee were amended 
to 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 Terms of Reference 
are posted on the Company’s website.

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).

Robert Lusardi (Chairman)
Peter Clarke
Tom Milligan1
Elaine Whelan
Denise O’Donoghue

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

1.  Tom Milligan retired as a member of the 
Investment Committee with effect from  
31 March 2018.

Principal responsibilities of 
the Committee
 • Recommends investment strategies, 
guidelines and policies to the Board 
and other members of the Group to 
approve annually;

 • Recommends and sets risk asset 

definitions and 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 
relating to the custody of investments 
and the related internal controls.

How the Committee discharged 
its responsibilities during 2018
The Committee regularly discussed and 
kept under review macro-economic, capital 
markets and global political developments 
during the year, in particular fiscal and 
political developments in the U.S. and 

the ongoing impact of the UK’s Brexit 
negotiations on investment strategy 
and performance. The Committee 
also 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 CUL. During 
the year the Committee received 
presentations from Goldman Sachs and 
PIMCO on the state of the investment 
markets and the Group’s portfolio 
structure and performance.

The Committee’s discussion of the 
investment strategy has been framed 
within the context of the Board’s objective 
of ensuring appropriate connectivity with, 
and support for, the Group’s underwriting 
operations. The Committee continued to 
prioritise the preservation of capital and 
seeks to ensure an appropriate balance 
between risk assets and core assets. The 
Committee aims to provide sufficient 
liquidity in the investment portfolio to 
meet the potential payout patterns on the 
Group’s insurance business, and during 
the year the Committee modified the 
Group’s liquidity rule to ensure that 
it appropriately recognises historic 
payout patterns.

The Committee also considered potential 
adjustments to the investment strategy in 
light of the decision to move the Company’s 
group insurance regulatory supervision and 
tax residence from the UK to Bermuda.

Priorities for 2019
The Committee’s key priorities for 2019 are:

 • To maintain a continued focus on a 

diversified portfolio, the preservation 
of capital, the maintenance of liquidity 
and the management of interest rate 
and other investment risks; and
 • To continue to review the asset 

allocation strategy in light of the 
decision to move the Company’s group 
insurance regulatory supervision and tax 
residence from the UK to Bermuda.

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“Returns on Lancashire’s investment portfolio are an integral part of the income generated for our shareholders. Our investment philosophy is designed to complement and support our underwriting strategy, reflect the current market conditions and include liquidity constraints based on PMLs and potential claim exposures. During 2018, the Group continued to maintain a defensive short duration profile during a year in which we have seen rising interest rates. We also seek to hold a diversified portfolio to manage and mitigate the effect of interest rate risk.”GovernanceCommittee reports: continued

Underwriting and 
Underwriting Risk Committee

Committee membership
During 2018, 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 and Reinsurance Manager 
of LUK, the Active Underwriters for 
Syndicates 2010 and 3010, and the 
Deputy Group Chief Actuary  
(who are not Directors).

Alex Maloney (Chairman)
Jon Barnes
Michael Dawson
Paul Gregory
Hayley Johnston
Sylvain Perrier1
Ben Readdy
John Spence
James Irvine2
Tom Milligan3

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

1.  Sylvain Perrier retired as a member of the 

Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee 
with effect from 31 December 2018.

2.  James Irvine was appointed as a member of the 

Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee 
with effect from 30 October 2018.

3.  Tom Milligan retired as a member of the 

Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee 
with effect from 31 March 2018.

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.

How the Committee discharged 
its responsibilities during 2018
The Committee is actively engaged in the 
development of strategy and the formal 
underwriting risk tolerances, which are 
reviewed by the Committee and approved 
by the Board. Underwriting risk is the key 
risk faced by the Group. 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, and 
seeks to ensure that good risk selection 
and disciplined underwriting remain at 
the heart of the Group’s underwriting 
strategy. The Committee reviewed 

Alex Maloney
Group Chief Executive Officer and 
Chairman of the Underwriting and 
Underwriting Risk Committee

“The Committee provides 
a forum for discussing 
the Group’s underwriting 
performance and 
developments in market 
pricing and coverage 
trends within the 
insurance and reinsurance 
lines in which we operate. 
The Committee’s work 
in engaging with our 
underwriters and 
managers is an important 
discipline in helping 
manage the Group’s  
(re)insurance risk 
exposures and in 
identifying areas of 
opportunity through 
the insurance cycle.”

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

66

Priorities for 2019
The Committee’s key priorities for 2019 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 underwriters and/or lines of 
business, with a particular focus on the 
managed development of growth in the 
U.S. specialty and catastrophe lines which 
are complementary to the Group’s 
underwriting portfolio; and

 • To continue to foster a nimble and 
responsive underwriting culture, 
capable of responding to the needs 
of clients, investors, employees and 
other stakeholders.

management reports on the structuring 
and pricing of the outwards reinsurance 
protections purchased across the Group. 
The Committee received quarterly update 
reports from the Active Underwriters of 
Syndicates 2010 and 3010, the CUOs for 
LUK and LICL and the CEO of KCML 
during 2018. The Committee also 
received quarterly reports of significant 
claims and related developments.

Regarding business development 
opportunities, the Committee reviewed 
and approved management plans for the 
recruitment of underwriters in onshore 
energy, power and aviation deductible 
lines of business as well as approving 
underwriting parameters for participating 
in transactional liability risk, underwritten 
on an agency basis.

During 2018, the Committee 
meetings were open to attendance by 
all of the Board members and provided 
a useful forum for the discussion of 
underwriting performance, the approval 
and management of risk tolerances and 
the development of strategic underwriting 
initiatives. 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 26 to 32.

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GovernanceCommittee reports: continued

Remuneration Committee

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

Simon Fraser (Chairman)
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 Chairman, 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 made, are fair to the 
individual and the Company; and

 • Oversees any major changes in employee 
benefit structures throughout the Group.

How the Committee discharged 
its responsibilities during 2018
During 2018, the Committee reviewed the 
Group incentive packages to ensure that 
remuneration is structured appropriately 
to promote the long-term success of the 
Company. The Committee also reviewed 
the RSS structure for Executive Directors 
to ensure that the performance metrics 
continue to align the interests of the 
Company with its investors and 
management. The Committee considered 
the salary and bonus awards for 2018 for 
Executive Directors and other designated 
senior executives. The Committee also 
approved the grant of awards under 
the Company’s RSS.

The Committee reviewed Executive 
Directors’ shareholdings in the context of 
the Company’s share ownership guidelines 
for senior/key executives and discussed 
revisions to the guidelines to reflect more 
recent changes to the composition of the 
senior management team.

The Committee also reviewed the policy 
for Executive Directors’ remuneration, 
which has a three-year life following its 
approval by shareholders at the 2017 AGM. 
The Committee considers the policy fit 
for purpose and does not propose any 
amendments at the 2019 AGM.

During 2018, the Committee recommended 
the approval and adoption by the Board 
of modifications to the Group Solvency II 
Identified Staff Remuneration policy 
principally to reflect changes within 
the staff population. The Committee 
continued to monitor progress made 
during the year on the alignment of 
remuneration practices across the Group.

Simon Fraser
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

“The Committee seeks to 
support the recruitment 
and retention of the best 
people for our business. 
This requires achieving a 
balance between the 
need to ensure attractive 
and fair remuneration 
outcomes, which are 
linked to appropriately 
challenging yet realistic 
targets for Company and 
personal performance, 
and the need to avoid 
structures which might 
incentivise excessive 
risk-taking or a culture 
of short-termism.”

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

68

Priorities for 2019
The Committee does not expect any change 
to the implementation of its policy in 2019. 
The Committee’s key priorities for 2019 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 staffing needs 
and staff retention requirements of 
the business; and

 • To conduct a full review of the 2017 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy, with any 
changes being put to shareholders for 
consideration at the 2020 AGM. As part 
of this review, the Committee will work 
with its independent advisers to keep 
abreast of compensation levels amongst 
the Group’s Bermudian and other peers, 
and the latest compensation issues and 
market practices.

The Committee also recommended 
changes to the companies comprising the 
Company’s peer group for comparator 
purposes in light of recent M&A activity, 
albeit that with effect from the 2018 RSS 
awards the Group has decided to move 
away from a peer group approach in favour 
of absolute targets for both TSR and growth 
(see page 79 for further details).

The Committee 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 70 to 89. The report contains a 
summary of the debate which has been 
had within the Committee and the Board on 
the alignment of remuneration and Group 
performance both in the current year and 
over a longer timeframe. It should be noted 
that following a shareholder consultation 
at the beginning of 2018, the Committee 
recommended a modification in the 
methodology for measurement of financial 
performance in the 2018 three-year RSS 
awards. The Committee noted and discussed 
the minority shareholder vote against the 
Annual Report on Remuneration at the 
2018 AGM and, following a further 
consultation with shareholders at the 
beginning of 2019, the Committee has 
recommended to the Board the continued 
use of the measurement methodology for 
the 2019 three-year RSS awards (see page 79 
for further details).

69

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GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Report 

Annual statement 
Dear Shareholder, 

I am pleased to present the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report 
to shareholders. 

Shareholder engagement 
Lancashire’s Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by 
shareholders at the May 2017 AGM. There were no changes to the 
Policy proposed at the 2018 AGM. At our 2018 AGM we received 
support from in excess of 80 per cent of shareholders that voted for 
our Annual Report on Remuneration. On behalf of the Committee 
I contacted various shareholders and proxy advisory agencies, both 
before and/or after the 2018 AGM vote, to explain and discuss the 
Committee’s reasoning for the changes implemented in 2018. The 
Committee has debated the appropriate remuneration structures 
to be used in 2019 in some detail and (as I set out below) we have 
decided to follow the same structure for the remuneration of our 
Executive Directors as was used in 2018. 

Remuneration and strategy 
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 maximise long-term RoE and the delivery of 
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 
priorities at the current point in the pricing cycle are to achieve 
acceptable returns whilst moderating overall risk levels through 
underwriting discipline and prudent reinsurance planning and 
to ensure that throughout the softer part of the market cycle the 
business has continued to service the needs of its core clients 
and brokers.  

Performance outcomes for 2018 – another challenging year 
The Group has produced an RoE of 2.4 per cent (see the strategy and 
performance reviews of this report on pages 16 to 21).  

The Board and Committee were satisfied that in light of 2018 market 
loss events this performance represents an acceptable outcome for 
the year. Whilst this has been a year in which higher than average 
catastrophe loss activity has been experienced, the business has 
generated positive annual earnings and the Group remains vibrant 
and well-capitalised. The business is well-positioned to compete in 
the market as we enter 2019 in what we expect to be an improving 
phase of the insurance cycle. Our strategy is to continue exploring 
opportunities for organic growth, where this makes sense, whilst 
ensuring a rigorous focus on the balanced management of risk 
and reward. 

Against the background described above there has been a decrease 
in total remuneration of 26 per cent for the CEO and 20 per cent for 
the CFO between 2017 and 2018 (see the comparison table for single 
figure remuneration on page 80). This movement is largely driven 
by an RoE of 2.4 per cent for 2018 and the negative 5.9 per cent for 
2017, which taken together severely impacted the vesting levels on 
the 2016 RSS awards (see below and page 83 for further details). 

The Executive Directors’ annual bonus performance targets set 
at the beginning of 2018 for personal and financial performance 
were stretching. The financial element which made up 75 per cent 
of the annual bonus opportunity resulted in no annual bonus for 
that element given the Company’s 2018 low return (as a result of the 
above average catastrophe loss environment). The Board did however 
consider that both the Executive Directors had performed strongly 
in managing risk within the business and in positioning the Group 
well for what we hope will be a better rating environment in 2019, 
therefore a bonus was awarded for the personal component in respect 
of 2018 performance. In summary, annual bonuses for our Executive 
Directors were achieved substantially below target level at 19 per cent 
of maximum bonus for both the CEO and the CFO (see page 82 for 
further details).  

In relation to long-term incentives for Executive Directors and other 
senior management, the 2016 Performance RSS awards were 75 per 
cent based on absolute RoE targets and 25 per cent on relative TSR 
against specified peer group companies over the three-year period 
to 31 December 2018. Our TSR performance (in U.S. dollars) over 
this period ranked the Company below the median of the designated 
peer group of 11 companies, resulting in 0 per cent vesting for the 
TSR component.  

Our average RoE performance over this three-year performance 
period was 3.3 per cent against a threshold target of the 13-week 
Treasury bill rate plus 6 per cent and a maximum pay out of the  
13-week Treasury bill rate plus 15 per cent, resulting in 0 per cent 
of the RoE component of the 2016 Performance RSS awards vesting. 
Therefore overall, the 2016 Performance RSS awards vested at 0 per 
cent. This compared with the overall 22.5 per cent vesting of the 2015 
Performance RSS awards due to 30.1 per cent vesting of the RoE 
portion of those awards and 0 per cent vesting of the TSR portion 
of the awards, which we reported last year.  

The total remuneration received by our Executive Directors in 2018 
was accordingly lower than that received in 2017 (see page 80 for 
the comparison data), as demonstrated by the table of Total 
Remuneration History for the CEO on page 88. 

The Committee believes in setting challenging performance criteria 
and having a significant proportion of the overall package linked to 
Company performance. However, 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, 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.  

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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70

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

I am pleased to present the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Annual statement 

Dear Shareholder, 

to shareholders. 

Shareholder engagement 

Lancashire’s Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by 

shareholders at the May 2017 AGM. There were no changes to the 

Policy proposed at the 2018 AGM. At our 2018 AGM we received 

support from in excess of 80 per cent of shareholders that voted for 

our Annual Report on Remuneration. On behalf of the Committee 

I contacted various shareholders and proxy advisory agencies, both 

before and/or after the 2018 AGM vote, to explain and discuss the 

Committee’s reasoning for the changes implemented in 2018. The 

Committee has debated the appropriate remuneration structures 

to be used in 2019 in some detail and (as I set out below) we have 

decided to follow the same structure for the remuneration of our 

Executive Directors as was used in 2018. 

Against the background described above there has been a decrease 

in total remuneration of 26 per cent for the CEO and 20 per cent for 

the CFO between 2017 and 2018 (see the comparison table for single 

figure remuneration on page 80). This movement is largely driven 

by an RoE of 2.4 per cent for 2018 and the negative 5.9 per cent for 

2017, which taken together severely impacted the vesting levels on 

the 2016 RSS awards (see below and page 83 for further details). 

The Executive Directors’ annual bonus performance targets set 

at the beginning of 2018 for personal and financial performance 

were stretching. The financial element which made up 75 per cent 

of the annual bonus opportunity resulted in no annual bonus for 

that element given the Company’s 2018 low return (as a result of the 

above average catastrophe loss environment). The Board did however 

consider that both the Executive Directors had performed strongly 

in managing risk within the business and in positioning the Group 

well for what we hope will be a better rating environment in 2019, 

therefore a bonus was awarded for the personal component in respect 

of 2018 performance. In summary, annual bonuses for our Executive 

Directors were achieved substantially below target level at 19 per cent 

of maximum bonus for both the CEO and the CFO (see page 82 for 

Remuneration and strategy 

The Group’s goal continues to be to reward its employees fairly 

and responsibly by providing an appropriate balance between fixed 

further details).  

remuneration and variable remuneration linked to the achievement 

In relation to long-term incentives for Executive Directors and other 

of suitably challenging Group and individual performance measures.  

senior management, the 2016 Performance RSS awards were 75 per 

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 maximise long-term RoE and the delivery of 

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 

priorities at the current point in the pricing cycle are to achieve 

acceptable returns whilst moderating overall risk levels through 

underwriting discipline and prudent reinsurance planning and 

to ensure that throughout the softer part of the market cycle the 

business has continued to service the needs of its core clients 

and brokers.  

Performance outcomes for 2018 – another challenging year 

The Group has produced an RoE of 2.4 per cent (see the strategy and 

performance reviews of this report on pages 16 to 21).  

cent based on absolute RoE targets and 25 per cent on relative TSR 

against specified peer group companies over the three-year period 

to 31 December 2018. Our TSR performance (in U.S. dollars) over 

this period ranked the Company below the median of the designated 

peer group of 11 companies, resulting in 0 per cent vesting for the 

TSR component.  

Our average RoE performance over this three-year performance 

period was 3.3 per cent against a threshold target of the 13-week 

Treasury bill rate plus 6 per cent and a maximum pay out of the  

13-week Treasury bill rate plus 15 per cent, resulting in 0 per cent 

of the RoE component of the 2016 Performance RSS awards vesting. 

Therefore overall, the 2016 Performance RSS awards vested at 0 per 

cent. This compared with the overall 22.5 per cent vesting of the 2015 

Performance RSS awards due to 30.1 per cent vesting of the RoE 

portion of those awards and 0 per cent vesting of the TSR portion 

of the awards, which we reported last year.  

The total remuneration received by our Executive Directors in 2018 

was accordingly lower than that received in 2017 (see page 80 for 

the comparison data), as demonstrated by the table of Total 

The Board and Committee were satisfied that in light of 2018 market 

Remuneration History for the CEO on page 88. 

loss events this performance represents an acceptable outcome for 

the year. Whilst this has been a year in which higher than average 

catastrophe loss activity has been experienced, the business has 

generated positive annual earnings and the Group remains vibrant 

and well-capitalised. The business is well-positioned to compete in 

the market as we enter 2019 in what we expect to be an improving 

phase of the insurance cycle. Our strategy is to continue exploring 

opportunities for organic growth, where this makes sense, whilst 

ensuring 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. However, 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, 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 is satisfied that there has been a robust link between 
performance and reward for Executive Directors, albeit that the 
Group’s performance has been substantially impacted by a series of 
above average catastrophe loss events to the global insurance markets, 
which are beyond the power of our Executive Directors to control, 
but which have been appropriately planned for. Lancashire will 
continue to ensure that there remains appropriate alignment 
between executive remuneration and Company performance, not 
only in loss-affected years, but also in those future years when the 
Group hopes to produce results more in line with its cross-cycle 
return expectations. 

Application of Remuneration Policy for 2019 
The Remuneration Committee has reviewed the 2017 Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders and considers it 
to remain fit for purpose. The Remuneration Committee will be 
conducting a full review of the Policy in 2019, with any changes being 
put to shareholders for consideration at the 2020 AGM. The planned 
review will take into account changes introduced as a result of the 
FRC’s revised 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. 

The final section of this report is the Annual Report on 
Remuneration, which provides detailed disclosure on how the Policy 
will be implemented for 2019 and how Directors have been paid in 
relation to 2018. The Board has decided to apply the targets for 
the annual bonus on substantially the same basis as agreed for 2018. 
In deciding to implement the three-year RSS awards for Executive 
Directors for 2019 on the same basis as the 2018 RSS awards, I wrote 
to our major shareholders and a number of the leading proxy voting 
advisory services and held a number of meetings to seek comments on 
our plans and the feedback given was largely supportive. 

There has been some discussion within the investor community 
regarding post-employment holding periods for Executive Directors, 
which the Committee has discussed. The Committee does not 
propose to change the current policy at present, but will further 
debate this matter during the year and as part of the Remuneration 
Policy review, which is to take place in advance of the shareholder 
policy vote in 2020. The Committee notes that the current structure 
of the RSS awards requires a two-year holding period post vesting for 
awards held by Executive Directors. Should an Executive Director 
leave the business on agreed terms as a ‘good leaver’ it will ordinarily 
be a requirement that RSS awards vesting after the date of departure 
should be held for a period of two years post vesting. Accordingly, 
the Committee notes that in a managed exit for an Executive Director 
there is already a degree of post-employment shareholder alignment 
under the current arrangements.  

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 the 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 

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71 

Governance 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy section 
As a company incorporated in Bermuda, Lancashire 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. In 
particular, the Committee has discussed the changes to the Code 
during 2018 for implementation during 2019, in particular with 
regard to the responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee 
and Board concerning the review and cognisance of workforce 
remuneration structures and the mechanisms for employees’ 
engagement and feedback.  

The Company’s Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders 
at the 2017 AGM and is effective for a period of three years from the 
2017 AGM until the AGM in 2020 (or until amended by a decision of 
shareholders). The 2017 Remuneration Policy was developed taking 
into account the principles of the Code and the views of our major 
shareholders. As noted earlier, the Committee will be conducting a 
full review of the Remuneration Policy in 2019, with any changes 
put to shareholders for consideration at the 2020 AGM. 

The 2017 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 2018 financial year in accordance 
with the shareholder approved Policy. 

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; 
•  there is a high level of share ownership amongst Executive 

Directors, 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, or the 
Executive Director ceasing to be a Director and/or employee 
due to gross misconduct. 

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. In January 2019 
the Committee Chairman conducted a consultation on behalf of the 
Committee with various shareholders and proxy advisory agencies 
to seek feedback on the Committee’s plans to implement the 
Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors for 2019 without 
any material changes to the approach adopted in 2018. Feedback 
received was supportive of that approach. 

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 no more generous than the pension contributions made 
to employees in the Group (in percentage of salary terms). 

The Company does not consult with employees on Executive 
Directors’ remuneration. However, 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 introduced within the revised Code. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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72

 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy section 

As a company incorporated in Bermuda, Lancashire 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. In 

particular, the Committee has discussed the changes to the Code 

during 2018 for implementation during 2019, in particular with 

regard to the responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee 

and Board concerning the review and cognisance of workforce 

remuneration structures and the mechanisms for employees’ 

engagement and feedback.  

The Company’s Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders 

at the 2017 AGM and is effective for a period of three years from the 

2017 AGM until the AGM in 2020 (or until amended by a decision of 

shareholders). The 2017 Remuneration Policy was developed taking 

into account the principles of the Code and the views of our major 

shareholders. As noted earlier, the Committee will be conducting a 

full review of the Remuneration Policy in 2019, with any changes 

put to shareholders for consideration at the 2020 AGM. 

The 2017 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 2018 financial year in accordance 

with the shareholder approved Policy. 

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 

•  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, or the 

Executive Director ceasing to be a Director and/or employee 

due to gross misconduct. 

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. In January 2019 

the Committee Chairman conducted a consultation on behalf of the 

Committee with various shareholders and proxy advisory agencies 

to seek feedback on the Committee’s plans to implement the 

Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors for 2019 without 

any material changes to the approach adopted in 2018. Feedback 

received was supportive of that approach. 

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 

incentives to drive individual performance and to reward them fairly 

provision is no more generous than the pension contributions made 

for their contribution to the successful performance of the Company. 

to employees in the Group (in percentage of salary terms). 

The Remuneration Committee and the Board have again considered 

The Company does not consult with employees on Executive 

whether any element of the Remuneration Policy could conceivably 

Directors’ remuneration. However, as noted above, the Committee  

encourage Executive Directors to take inappropriate risks and have 

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 introduced within the revised Code. 

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; 

•  there is a high level of share ownership amongst Executive 

Directors, meaning that there is a strong focus on sustainable  

long-term shareholder value; and 

Remuneration Policy table 

Base salary 

Purpose and link to strategy  Helps recruit, motivate and retain high-calibre Executive Directors by offering salaries at market  

Operation  

competitive levels. 
Reflects individual experience and role. 
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 in 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 
Operation  

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. 

Opportunity 

Company contribution is currently 10 per cent of base salary. 

Annual bonus1,2 

Purpose and link to strategy 
Operation 

Rewards the achievement of financial and personal targets. 
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 per cent 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 the financial statements of the Company were materially misstated or an 
error occurred in assessing the performance conditions on bonus and/or if the Executive ceased to be a 
Director or employee due to gross misconduct. 

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Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Opportunity 

Performance metrics 

The maximum bonus for Executive Directors for achieving target level of performance as a percentage of salary is 
200 per cent 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 
Policy section of the Annual Report on Remuneration.  

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 per cent of the overall opportunity,  
and no more than 25 per cent 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 RoE, 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 per cent 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. 

Long Term Incentives (LTI)   

Purpose and link  
to strategy 

Operation2,3 

Opportunity 

Performance metrics  

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. 
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 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. 
A two-year post-vesting holding period applies to awards made to Executive Directors since 2016. 
Award levels are determined primarily by seniority. A maximum individual grant limit of 350 per cent  
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 time of grant.  
These may include measures such as TSR, RoE/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 remains appropriate. 
A sliding scale of targets applies for financial metrics with no more than 25 per cent 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 per cent of this part of the award will vest for achieving median or index.  

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
74 

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74

Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Purpose and link  

Rewards Executive Directors for achieving superior returns for shareholders over a longer time frame. 

Long Term Incentives (LTI)   

to strategy 

Operation2,3 

Financial performance 

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 per cent 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. 

Enables Executive Directors to build a meaningful shareholding over time and align goals with shareholders. 

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 or if the Executive Director ceases to be a Director or employee 

A dividend equivalence provision operates enabling dividends to be accrued (in cash or shares) on RSS awards up 

The Committee has the discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to settle an award made to Executive Directors 

due to gross misconduct. 

to the point of exercise. 

in cash. 

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. 

long-term strategy of the business at the time of grant.  

These may include measures such as TSR, RoE/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 remains appropriate. 

A sliding scale of targets applies for financial metrics with no more than 25 per cent 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 per cent of this part of the award will vest for achieving median or index.  

Opportunity 

Award levels are determined primarily by seniority. A maximum individual grant limit of 350 per cent  

A two-year post-vesting holding period applies to awards made to Executive Directors since 2016. 

Opportunity 

The maximum bonus for Executive Directors for achieving target level of performance as a percentage of salary is 

200 per cent 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 

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 per cent of the overall opportunity,  

and no more than 25 per cent will be based on personal or strategic objectives. 

Remuneration Policy table continued 
Share ownership guidelines4 

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 per cent of the net of tax value 
of awards that vest under the RSS.  

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  

The financial component is based on the Company’s key financial measures of performance. For any year, these 

may include RoE, growth in BVS, profit, comprehensive income, combined ratio, investment return or any other 

Operation 

a market competitive fee level. 

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 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 historical 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 performance indicators shown on pages 20 to 21 or others described within the Annual Report and Accounts Glossary 

commencing on page 162 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 taxes 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. 

Illustrations of annual application of Remuneration Policy 
The charts below show the potential total remuneration opportunities for the Executive Directors in 2019 at different levels of performance 
under the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. 

8

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

7.50
17%

35%

6.20
42%

42%

35%

16%

13%

0.89
100%

4.32
38%

5.14
16%

32%

41%

35%

21%

17%

2.61
32%

34%

34%

3.59
36%

36%

28%

0.98
100%

Fixed pay

On-target

Maximum Maximum +50% 
growth in shares

CEO

Fixed pay

On-target

Maximum

CFO

Maximum +50% 
growth in shares

Performance metrics  

Awards vest at the end of a three-year performance period based on performance measures reflecting the  

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

LTI Awards (RSS)

LTI Awards (RSS) + 50% SP Growth

Fixed pay = 2019 Salary + Actual Value of 2018 Benefits + 2019 Pension Contribution. 

On-target = Fixed Pay + Target Bonus (being half the Maximum Bonus Opportunity) + Target Value of 2019 RSS grant  
(assuming 50 per cent vesting with face values of grant).  

Maximum = Fixed Pay + Maximum Bonus Opportunity + Maximum Value of 2019 RSS grant (assuming 100 per cent vesting  
with the face values of grant). 

Maximum + 50% growth over performance period = Fixed Pay + Maximum Bonus Opportunity + Maximum Value of 2019 RSS grant + 50% 
share price appreciation (assuming 100 per cent vesting with the face values of grant). 

74 

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75 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

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 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 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 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. 

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 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 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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
76 

Lancashire Holdings Limited | Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

76

 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

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 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 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 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. 

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 to a bonus for 

any period of notice not worked.  

of no more than 12 months from either party. 

The service contract for a new appointment will be on similar terms as existing Executive Directors, with the facility to include a notice period 

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  

If an Executive Director resigns or is summarily dismissed, salary, pension and benefits will cease on the last day of employment and there will 

of employment. 

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 gardening 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.  

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. 

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. 

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 2017 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 report (including for current Executive Directors 
as detailed on page 84 of the Annual Report on Remuneration) remain eligible for vesting or exercise based on their original award terms. 

76 

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www.lancashiregroup.com
77 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Annual Report on Remuneration  
This Annual Report on Remuneration together with the Chairman’s Statement, as detailed on pages 70 and 71, will be subject to an advisory 
vote at the 2019 AGM. The following sections in respect of Directors’ emoluments have been audited by KPMG: 

•  Single figure of remuneration. 
•  Non-Executive Directors’ fees. 
•  2019 annual bonus payment in respect of 2018 performance. 
•  Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2016 RSS award. 
•  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 2019 
In relation to the Policy described in the previous section, the following section sets out additional disclosure on the expected application of the 
Policy for 2019. 

Base salary and fees 
Executive Directors 
Increases and resulting salaries effective from 1 January 2019 are set out below: 

•  CEO – salary increased by 3 per cent to $869,460. 
•  CFO – salary increased by 3 per cent to $597,030. 
For 2019, increases of 3 per cent are in line with the standard salary increases for Group employees. 

Non-Executive Directors 
The Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ fees are as follows for 2019: 

•  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 receive a fee of $67,099 per annum. 
•  Simon Fraser is a Non-Executive Director of CUL in which capacity he will receive a fee of $80,000 per annum. 

Annual bonus 
For 2019, the CEO and CFO will have a target bonus of 150 per cent of salary and, therefore, a maximum opportunity of 300 per cent 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 per cent of salary less than the set policy limit.  

The financial and personal portions of the annual bonus will remain unchanged with 75 per cent on financial performance and 25 per cent on 
personal performance.  

Financial performance (75 per cent) 
The Company’s most important financial KPI is RoE, 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 2019, the financial component for annual bonus is to be based on the 
performance of the Group’s RoE, measured as the internal rate of return of the change in FCBVS plus accrued dividends. 

A sliding scale range of RoE targets has been set by reference to the Risk Free Rate of Return as follows: 

•  25 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a threshold level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 6 per cent (0 per cent will be payable below 

this threshold). 

•  50 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 7 per cent.  
•  100 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 8 per cent. 
•  200 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 14 per cent. 

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.  

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
78 

Lancashire Holdings Limited | Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

78

 
Annual Report on Remuneration  

This Annual Report on Remuneration together with the Chairman’s Statement, as detailed on pages 70 and 71, will be subject to an advisory 

vote at the 2019 AGM. The following sections in respect of Directors’ emoluments have been audited by KPMG: 

Personal performance (25 per cent) 
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 2019 personal objectives for each Executive Director. 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 

Elaine Whelan 

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. 
Effective leadership and management of the finance function and the Bermuda office. 
Development of the general business strategy. 
Contribution aligned to the Lancashire Group Values. 

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 2019 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. 

Restricted Share Scheme 
Performance conditions 
For Executive Directors, 2019 RSS awards are subject to a range based on (i) annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends and  
(ii) absolute TSR performance conditions, both measured by reference to a period ending on 31 December 2021. 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 2019, the weighting is 85 per cent on annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends and 15 per cent on absolute TSR. 

Target ranges  
The annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends target range for 2019 awards is: 

•  threshold – 6 per cent; and 
•  maximum – 13 per cent. 

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 growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends is below threshold, 25 per cent of the 
relevant element of the RSS award will vest at threshold, and 100 per cent of the relevant element of the RSS 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 that no part (or a lesser part) of the RSS award accrued over the full three-year 
period shall vest. 

Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

In relation to the Policy described in the previous section, the following section sets out additional disclosure on the expected application of the 

•  Single figure of remuneration. 

•  Non-Executive Directors’ fees. 

•  2019 annual bonus payment in respect of 2018 performance. 

•  Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2016 RSS award. 

•  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 2019 

Policy for 2019. 

Base salary and fees 

Executive Directors 

Increases and resulting salaries effective from 1 January 2019 are set out below: 

•  CEO – salary increased by 3 per cent to $869,460. 

•  CFO – salary increased by 3 per cent to $597,030. 

For 2019, increases of 3 per cent are in line with the standard salary increases for Group employees. 

Non-Executive Directors 

The Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ fees are as follows for 2019: 

•  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.  

•  Samantha Hoe-Richardson is a Non-Executive Director of LUK in which capacity she will receive a fee of $67,099 per annum. 

•  Simon Fraser is a Non-Executive Director of CUL in which capacity he will receive a fee of $80,000 per annum. 

For 2019, the CEO and CFO will have a target bonus of 150 per cent of salary and, therefore, a maximum opportunity of 300 per cent 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 per cent of salary less than the set policy limit.  

The financial and personal portions of the annual bonus will remain unchanged with 75 per cent on financial performance and 25 per cent on 

Other fees 

Annual bonus 

personal performance.  

Financial performance (75 per cent) 

The Company’s most important financial KPI is RoE, 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 2019, the financial component for annual bonus is to be based on the 

performance of the Group’s RoE, measured as the internal rate of return of the change in FCBVS plus accrued dividends. 

A sliding scale range of RoE targets has been set by reference to the Risk Free Rate of Return as follows: 

•  25 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a threshold level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 6 per cent (0 per cent will be payable below 

this threshold). 

•  50 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 7 per cent.  

•  100 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 8 per cent. 

•  200 per cent of target bonus shall be payable at a level of RoE equal to RFRoR + 14 per cent. 

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.  

78 

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79 

Governance 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

The TSR target range for 2019 awards is: 

•  threshold – 8 per cent compound annual growth; and 
•  maximum – 12 per cent 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 award will vest if TSR is below threshold, 25 per cent of the award will vest at threshold, and 100 per cent of the award will vest at 
maximum. Performance between threshold and maximum is determined on a straight-line basis. 

Award levels 
2019 RSS award levels are as follows: 

•  CEO – shares to the value of $2,608,380 (being 300 per cent of salary). 
•  CFO – shares to the value of $1,641,833 (being 275 per cent of salary). 

The number of shares 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 
For RSS awards made in 2016 or subsequent years, Executive Directors 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. 

Single figure of remuneration 
The following table presents the Executive Directors’ emoluments in U.S. dollars in respect of the years ended 31 December 2018 and  
31 December 2017. 

Executive Directors  

Alex Maloney4,, CEO 

Elaine Whelan4,6, CFO 

Salary
$

846,910
811,311
579,967

562,268

Pension
$

84,691
81,227
57,795

56,275

2018
2017
2018

2017

Taxable 
benefits1
$ 

24,879
21,910
234,144

155,960

Annual bonus5 
$  

474,826 
420,000 
326,048 

310,000 

Long-Term 
 Incentives 
 (RSS)2,3
$ 

0
608,696
0

419,120

Total4
$ 

1,431,306
1,943,144
1,197,954

1,503,623

1.  Benefits comprise Bermudian 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 CFO), but exclude UK National Insurance contributions.  

2.  For 2018, the long-term incentive values are based on the 2016 RSS awards which vest at 0 per cent on 14 February 2019 and are based on a three-year performance period 

that ended on 31 December 2018.  

3.  For 2017, the long-term incentive values were based on the 2015 RSS awards which vested at 22.5 per cent on 15 February 2018 and were based on a three-year 

performance period that ended on 31 December 2017. The values are re-presented from the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts based on the share price at the vesting 
date, 15 February 2018 ($8.397), and include the value of dividends accrued on vested shares. 

4.  Some amounts were paid in Sterling and converted at the average exchange rate of 1.3420 for the year as they are set in U.S. dollars. 
5.  Bonus targets were set at the beginning of 2018 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 0 per cent 
of target as the RoE was 2.4 per cent against a target level of RFRoR +8 per cent. The personal element of Executive Directors’ bonus opportunity was the only bonus 
element to pay out. Final bonus payout to Executive Directors will be 19 per cent of the maximum for the CEO and 19 per cent of the maximum for the CFO. For full 
details of Executive Directors’ bonuses and the associated performance delivered see pages 81 and 82. 25 per cent of Executive Directors’ annual bonus is deferred into 
RSS awards without performance conditions, vesting at 33.3 per cent per year over a three-year period. 

6.  For Elaine Whelan, the increase in taxable benefits from 2017 to 2018 is a result of changes in the Bermuda payroll tax regime. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

The TSR target range for 2019 awards is: 

•  threshold – 8 per cent compound annual growth; and 

•  maximum – 12 per cent 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 award will vest if TSR is below threshold, 25 per cent of the award will vest at threshold, and 100 per cent of the award will vest at 

maximum. Performance between threshold and maximum is determined on a straight-line basis. 

Award levels 

2019 RSS award levels are as follows: 

•  CEO – shares to the value of $2,608,380 (being 300 per cent of salary). 

•  CFO – shares to the value of $1,641,833 (being 275 per cent of salary). 

The number of shares awarded shall be determined based on the closing average share price for a period of five trading days immediately prior 

For RSS awards made in 2016 or subsequent years, Executive Directors 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. 

The following table presents the Executive Directors’ emoluments in U.S. dollars in respect of the years ended 31 December 2018 and  

Salary

$

846,910

811,311

579,967

562,268

Pension

$

84,691

81,227

57,795

56,275

2018

2017

2018

2017

Taxable 

benefits1

$ 

24,879

21,910

234,144

155,960

Annual bonus5 

$  

474,826 

420,000 

326,048 

310,000 

Long-Term 

 Incentives 

 (RSS)2,3

$ 

0

0

608,696

419,120

Total4

$ 

1,431,306

1,943,144

1,197,954

1,503,623

1.  Benefits comprise Bermudian 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 CFO), but exclude UK National Insurance contributions.  

2.  For 2018, the long-term incentive values are based on the 2016 RSS awards which vest at 0 per cent on 14 February 2019 and are based on a three-year performance period 

that ended on 31 December 2018.  

3.  For 2017, the long-term incentive values were based on the 2015 RSS awards which vested at 22.5 per cent on 15 February 2018 and were based on a three-year 

performance period that ended on 31 December 2017. The values are re-presented from the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts based on the share price at the vesting 

date, 15 February 2018 ($8.397), and include the value of dividends accrued on vested shares. 

4.  Some amounts were paid in Sterling and converted at the average exchange rate of 1.3420 for the year as they are set in U.S. dollars. 

5.  Bonus targets were set at the beginning of 2018 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 0 per cent 

of target as the RoE was 2.4 per cent against a target level of RFRoR +8 per cent. The personal element of Executive Directors’ bonus opportunity was the only bonus 

element to pay out. Final bonus payout to Executive Directors will be 19 per cent of the maximum for the CEO and 19 per cent of the maximum for the CFO. For full 

details of Executive Directors’ bonuses and the associated performance delivered see pages 81 and 82. 25 per cent of Executive Directors’ annual bonus is deferred into 

RSS awards without performance conditions, vesting at 33.3 per cent per year over a three-year period. 

6.  For Elaine Whelan, the increase in taxable benefits from 2017 to 2018 is a result of changes in the Bermuda payroll tax regime. 

to the date of the award.  

Post-vesting holding period 

Single figure of remuneration 

31 December 2017. 

Executive Directors  

Alex Maloney4,, CEO 

Elaine Whelan4,6, CFO 

Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Current Non-Executive Directors 

Peter Clarke 

Michael Dawson 

Simon Fraser 

Samantha Hoe-Richardson3 

Robert Lusardi 

Sally Williams2 

Former Non-Executive Directors 

Tom Milligan1 

Fee  
$ 

Other 
$

Total 
$

2018
2017
2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017
2018

2017

2018

2017

350,000 
350,000 
175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 

175,000 
175,000 

175,000 

– 

– 

2018

2017

43,750 

175,000 

–
–
–

–

80,000

80,000

67,099

64,500
–

–

–

–

–

–

350,000
350,000
175,000

175,000

255,000

255,000

242,099

239,500
175,000

175,000

–

–

43,750

175,000

1.  Tom Milligan was appointed as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 3 February 2015 and retired effective 31 March 2018. His 2018 fees were proportionally pro-rated 

for the year. 

2.  Sally Williams was appointed on 10 July 2018 as a Non-Executive Director and her appointment took effect on 14 January 2019. 
3.  Samantha Hoe-Richardson is remunerated in GBP for her LUK Non-Executive Director fee and this is converted to USD at the average annual FX rate of 1.3420 for 2018 

(1.2900 was used for 2017). 

2019 annual bonus payments in respect of 2018 performance 
As detailed in the Policy Report, each Executive Director participates in the annual bonus plan, under which performance is measured over  
a single financial year.  

The target value of bonus was 150 per cent of salary for the CEO and CFO, and the maximum payable was two times the target value. The RoE 
is 2.4 per cent. 

Financial performance 
75 per cent of the 2018 bonus was based on Company performance conditions and the extent to which these were achieved is as follows:  

Performance Measure 

Absolute RoE 

Financial Performance Weighting 
(of total bonus)
%

75

Threshold
%

RFRoR 
+6%

Target
%

Max
%

Actual 
performance 
% 

% payout

 RFRoR 
+8%

 RFRoR 
+14%

2.4 

0% of target payable in respect 
of Company performance

In 2018 natural catastrophe losses occurred at above average frequency and financial returns were below the lower threshold targets. Bonus 
targets were set at the beginning of 2018 and based on a clear split between Company financial performance and personal performance on a 
75:25 basis. The Company financial performance component paid out at 0 per cent of target as RoE was 2.4 per cent against a target level of 
RFRoR +8 per cent and a threshold of RFRoR +6 per cent. 

80 

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www.lancashiregroup.com
81 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Personal performance 
25 per cent of the 2018 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 2018 personal objectives for each Executive Director. 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 

Elaine Whelan 

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. 
Effective leadership and management of the finance function and the Bermuda office. 
Development of the general business strategy. 
Contribution aligned to the Lancashire Group Values. 

The personal targets were broadly common among the Executive Directors, with variances being attributable to the specifics of their respective 
roles and performance targets relating to areas of personal development. 

During the 2018 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.  

Notwithstanding the financial performance of the Group in what was a higher than average year for catastrophe loss activity (in this regard 
please see the strategy and performance sections on pages 16 to 21 of this Annual Report and Accounts), the Executive Directors each achieved 
a strong performance rating against their objectives, in particular in delivering an underwriting portfolio which operated in such a way as to 
moderate loss exposures through a combination of underwriting discipline and a carefully structured reinsurance programme. The leadership 
of the Executive Directors in delivering a team of employees with strong professional skills at all levels throughout the Group and in particular 
the recruitment of new underwriting teams during the year (see pages 22 to 25 for further details) is considered by the Board to position the 
business well for the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. For the 2018 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 Chairman and members of the Board. The outcomes are expressed as a percentage  
of the maximum award as illustrated in the table below.  

A table of performance measures and total 2018 bonus achievement is set out below:  

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 
Elaine Whelan 

Financial 
performance
 (max % of
 total bonus)
%

Personal 
performance 
(max % of 
total bonus)
%

Bonus
% of maximum 
awarded 
%

75
75

25
25

19
19

Total 
bonus value1  
$  

474,826 
326,048 

Value of bonus 
paid in cash
 (75 per cent of 
total bonus)
$

Value of bonus 
 deferred into RSS 
awards (25 per cent 
of total bonus)1
$ 

356,119
244,536

118,707
81,512

1.  25 per cent 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 2020, subject to the Company not being in a closed period. These awards vest on the relevant dates subject to continued employment only. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Personal performance 

25 per cent of the 2018 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 2018 personal objectives for each Executive Director. 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 

Personal performance 

Effective leadership and management of the senior executive team and Group. 

Elaine Whelan 

Effective leadership and management of the finance function and the Bermuda office. 

Development of the general business strategy. 

Contribution aligned to the Lancashire Group Values. 

Development of the general business strategy. 

Contribution aligned to the Lancashire Group Values. 

The personal targets were broadly common among the Executive Directors, with variances being attributable to the specifics of their respective 

roles and performance targets relating to areas of personal development. 

During the 2018 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.  

Notwithstanding the financial performance of the Group in what was a higher than average year for catastrophe loss activity (in this regard 

please see the strategy and performance sections on pages 16 to 21 of this Annual Report and Accounts), the Executive Directors each achieved 

a strong performance rating against their objectives, in particular in delivering an underwriting portfolio which operated in such a way as to 

moderate loss exposures through a combination of underwriting discipline and a carefully structured reinsurance programme. The leadership 

of the Executive Directors in delivering a team of employees with strong professional skills at all levels throughout the Group and in particular 

the recruitment of new underwriting teams during the year (see pages 22 to 25 for further details) is considered by the Board to position the 

business well for the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. For the 2018 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 Chairman and members of the Board. The outcomes are expressed as a percentage  

of the maximum award as illustrated in the table below.  

A table of performance measures and total 2018 bonus achievement is set out below:  

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 

Elaine Whelan 

Financial 

performance

 (max % of

 total bonus)

Personal 

performance 

(max % of 

total bonus)

Bonus

% of maximum 

Value of bonus 

Value of bonus 

paid in cash

 deferred into RSS 

Total 

 (75 per cent of 

awards (25 per cent 

awarded 

bonus value1  

total bonus)

of total bonus)1

$  

$

$ 

%

75

75

%

25

25

%

19

19

474,826 

326,048 

356,119

244,536

118,707

81,512

1.  25 per cent 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 2020, subject to the Company not being in a closed period. These awards vest on the relevant dates subject to continued employment only. 

Long-term share awards with performance periods ending in the year – 2016 RSS award 
The 2016 RSS awards were based on a three-year performance period ending on 31 December 2018 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 0 per cent, and the actual number of awards vesting. 

Performance level 

Below threshold 
Threshold 
Stretch or above 
Actual achieved 

TSR  
(relative to a comparator group of 11 companies) 
(relevant to 25% of the 2016 RSS awards) 

Average annual RoE  
(over three years in excess of 13-week Treasury bill rate) 
(relevant to 75% of the 2016 RSS awards) 

Performance required

% vesting

Performance required (%)

% vesting

Below median
Median
Upper quartile or above
Below median

0
25
100
0

Below 6
6
15 or above
2.4

0
25
100
0

Details of the vesting for each Executive Director, based on the above, are shown in the table below: 

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 
Elaine Whelan  

Number of 
shares at grant

Number of
 shares to lapse

Number of  
shares to vest 

Dividend accrual 
on vested shares 
value2 
$ 

Value of shares 
 including dividend 
 accrual1
$ 

219,254
157,104

219,254
157,104

0 
0 

0
0

0
0

1.  The value of the vested shares is based on the 2016 RSS awards which vest at 0 per cent on 14 February 2019 and are based on a three-year performance period that ended 

on 31 December 2018.  

2.  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. 

Scheme interests awarded during the year 
The table below sets out the performance RSS awards that were granted as nil-cost options on 23 February 2018.  

Executive Director 

Alex Maloney 
Elaine Whelan 

Grant date2

23-Feb-2018
23-Feb-2018

Number of awards  
granted during  
the year 

315,762 
198,755 

Face value 
of awards 
 granted during 
the year1,3
$ 

2,532,876
1,594,308

% 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 £5.74 (a share price of $8.02 based on the exchange rate of 1.3982) 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 2020 and becoming exercisable in 

the first open period following the release of the Company’s 2020 year-end results after the meeting of the Board in February 2021. 

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 
There were no loss of office payments during the 2018 year. 

82 

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Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Details of all outstanding share awards 
In addition to awards made during the 2018 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 

Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 

Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS2,3 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 
Performance RSS3,5 
Deferred Bonus RSS4 

Grant date1 

12-Feb-15 
20-Mar-15 
18-Feb-16 
11-Mar-16 
14-Mar-17 
14-Mar-17 
23-Feb-18 
23-Feb-18 

12-Feb-15 
20-Mar-15 
18-Feb-16 
11-Mar-16 
14-Mar-17 
14-Mar-17 
23-Feb-18 
23-Feb-18 

Exercise 
price

Awards 
held at 
1-Jan-18

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-18

End of 
performance 
period

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
–
–
–

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
–

244,208
13,976
219,254
37,483
286,666
53,215
–
–
854,802
168,149
9,847
157,104
25,738
180,441
36,541
–
–
577,820

–
–
–
–
–
–
315,762
13,090
328,852
–
–
–
–
–
–
198,755
9,663
208,418

54,947
13,976
–
18,742
–
17,738
–
–
105,403
37,834
9,847
–
12,869
–
12,180
–
–
72,730

189,261
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
189,261
130,315
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
130,315

54,947 
13,976 
– 
18,742 
– 
17,738 
– 
– 
105,403 
37,834 
9,847 
– 
12,869 
– 
12,180 
– 
– 
72,730 

– 31-Dec-17
–

219,254 31-Dec-18
18,741
286,666 31-Dec-19
35,477
315,762 31-Dec-20
13,090
888,990

– 31-Dec-17
–

157,104 31-Dec-18
12,869
180,441  31-Dec-19
24,361
198,755 31-Dec-20

9,663
583,193  

Alex Maloney, 
Group CEO 

Total 
Elaine Whelan, 
Group CFO & 
LICL CEO 

Total 

1.  The market values of the common shares on the dates of grant were: 

•  12 February 2015 £6.36 

•  20 March 2015 £6.30 

•  18 February 2016 £6.17 

•  11 March 2016 £5.37 

•  14 March 2017 £7.02 

•  23 February 2018 £5.69 

4.  The vesting dates of the RSS Deferred Bonus awards are subject to being out of a 
closed period and, for the 2015 to 2018 Deferred Bonus awards, are as follows: 

•  2015 – vest 33.33 per cent per year over a three-year period at the first open period following 

the release of the Company’s year-end results for 2015, 2016 and 2017;  

•  2016 – vest 33.33 per cent per year over a three-year period at the first open period following 

2.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

the release of the Company’s year-end results for 2016, 2017 and 2018;  

conditions as follows:  

•  25 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition measuring the TSR 

performance of the Company against the TSR performance of a select group of comparator 
companies (see page 86 for a list of comparator companies for each grant year), over a three-
year performance period. 25 per cent of this part of the award vests for median performance 
by the Company, rising to 100 per cent vesting of this part of the award for upper quartile 
performance by the Company or better (with proportionate vesting between these two 
points). 

•  The other 75 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition based on average 
annual RoE over a three-year performance period. 25 per cent of this part of the award will 
vest if average annual RoE over the performance period exceeds the criteria set out in the 
table on page 85, whilst all of this part of the award will vest if the Company’s average RoE is 
equal to the more stringent criteria set out in the table on page 85. Between these two points 
vesting will take place on a straight-line basis from 25 per cent to 100 per cent for 
RoE performance.  

3.  The vesting dates of the RSS performance awards are subject to being out of a 

closed period and are as follows: 

•  2015 – 15 February 2018; 
•  2016 – 14 February 2019; 
•  2017 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2019 year-end results; and 
•  2018 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2020 year-end results. 

•  2017 – vest 33.33 per cent per year over a three-year period at the first open period following 

the release of the Company’s year-end results for 2017, 2018 and 2019; and 

•  2018 – vest 33.33 per cent 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. 

5.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

conditions as follows:  

•  15 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition measuring the absolute TSR 
performance of the Company over a three-year performance period. 25 per cent of this part 
of the award vests for threshold (8 per cent compound annual growth) performance by the 
Company, rising to 100 per cent vesting of this part of the award for maximum performance 
(12 per cent compound annual growth) by the Company or better. Performance between 
threshold and maximum is determined on a straight-line basis. 

•  The other 85 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the 
annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends over a three-year performance period. 
25 per cent of this part of the award will vest if annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued 
dividends over the performance period exceeds the criteria set out in the table on page 85, 
whilst all of this part of the award will vest if the Company’s annual growth in FCBVS plus 
accrued dividends is equal to the more stringent criteria set out in the table on page 85. 
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 69 of the 2017 Annual 
Report and Accounts. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
84 

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84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Details of all outstanding share awards 

Executive Directors. 

In addition to awards made during the 2018 financial year, the table below sets out details of all outstanding RSS awards held by  

Performance and deferred bonus awards under the RSS 

Alex Maloney, 

Group CEO 

Total 

Elaine Whelan, 

Group CFO & 

LICL CEO 

Grant date1 

Exercise 

price

Awards 

held at 

Awards 

granted 

Awards 

vested 

Awards  

lapsed  

Awards 

exercised 

Awards

 held at 

End of 

performance 

1-Jan-18

during the year

during the year

during the year

during the year  

31-Dec-18

period

Performance RSS2,3 

12-Feb-15 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

20-Mar-15 

Performance RSS2,3 

18-Feb-16 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

11-Mar-16 

Performance RSS2,3 

14-Mar-17 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

14-Mar-17 

Performance RSS3,5 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

23-Feb-18 

23-Feb-18 

Performance RSS2,3 

12-Feb-15 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

20-Mar-15 

Performance RSS2,3 

18-Feb-16 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

11-Mar-16 

Performance RSS2,3 

14-Mar-17 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

14-Mar-17 

Performance RSS3,5 

Deferred Bonus RSS4 

23-Feb-18 

23-Feb-18 

244,208

13,976

219,254

37,483

286,666

53,215

168,149

9,847

157,104

25,738

180,441

36,541

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

54,947

13,976

18,742

17,738

9,847

12,869

12,180

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

315,762

13,090

–

–

198,755

9,663

189,261

– 31-Dec-17

54,947 

13,976 

– 

219,254 31-Dec-18

18,742 

18,741

– 

286,666 31-Dec-19

17,738 

35,477

315,762 31-Dec-20

13,090

–

–

– 

157,104 31-Dec-18

12,869 

12,869

– 

180,441  31-Dec-19

12,180 

24,361

198,755 31-Dec-20

9,663

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

854,802

328,852

105,403

189,261

105,403 

888,990

37,834

130,315

– 31-Dec-17

37,834 

9,847 

Total 

577,820

208,418

72,730

130,315

72,730 

583,193  

2.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

the release of the Company’s year-end results for 2016, 2017 and 2018;  

1.  The market values of the common shares on the dates of grant were: 

•  12 February 2015 £6.36 

•  20 March 2015 £6.30 

•  18 February 2016 £6.17 

•  11 March 2016 £5.37 

•  14 March 2017 £7.02 

•  23 February 2018 £5.69 

conditions as follows:  

•  25 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition measuring the TSR 

performance of the Company against the TSR performance of a select group of comparator 

companies (see page 86 for a list of comparator companies for each grant year), over a three-

year performance period. 25 per cent of this part of the award vests for median performance 

by the Company, rising to 100 per cent vesting of this part of the award for upper quartile 

performance by the Company or better (with proportionate vesting between these two 

points). 

•  The other 75 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition based on average 

annual RoE over a three-year performance period. 25 per cent of this part of the award will 

vest if average annual RoE over the performance period exceeds the criteria set out in the 

table on page 85, whilst all of this part of the award will vest if the Company’s average RoE is 

equal to the more stringent criteria set out in the table on page 85. Between these two points 

vesting will take place on a straight-line basis from 25 per cent to 100 per cent for 

RoE performance.  

3.  The vesting dates of the RSS performance awards are subject to being out of a 

closed period and are as follows: 

•  2015 – 15 February 2018; 

•  2016 – 14 February 2019; 

•  2017 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2019 year-end results; and 

•  2018 – first open period following the release of the Company’s 2020 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 2015 to 2018 Deferred Bonus awards, are as follows: 

•  2015 – vest 33.33 per cent per year over a three-year period at the first open period following 

the release of the Company’s year-end results for 2015, 2016 and 2017;  

•  2016 – vest 33.33 per cent per year over a three-year period at the first open period following 

•  2017 – vest 33.33 per cent per year over a three-year period at the first open period following 

the release of the Company’s year-end results for 2017, 2018 and 2019; and 

•  2018 – vest 33.33 per cent 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. 

5.  The vesting of the RSS performance awards above is subject to two performance 

conditions as follows:  

•  15 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition measuring the absolute TSR 

performance of the Company over a three-year performance period. 25 per cent of this part 

of the award vests for threshold (8 per cent compound annual growth) performance by the 

Company, rising to 100 per cent vesting of this part of the award for maximum performance 

(12 per cent compound annual growth) by the Company or better. Performance between 

threshold and maximum is determined on a straight-line basis. 

•  The other 85 per cent of each award is subject to a performance condition based on the 

annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends over a three-year performance period. 

25 per cent of this part of the award will vest if annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued 

dividends over the performance period exceeds the criteria set out in the table on page 85, 

whilst all of this part of the award will vest if the Company’s annual growth in FCBVS plus 

accrued dividends is equal to the more stringent criteria set out in the table on page 85. 

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 69 of the 2017 Annual 

Report and Accounts. 

Relative TSR targets for RSS (25 per cent weighting) 

100% 
25% 
Nil 

RoE targets for RSS (75 per cent weighting) 

100% 
25% 
Nil 

*  Average annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends. 

Absolute TSR targets for RSS (15 per cent weighting) 

100% 
25% 
Nil 

2014

2015

2016

2017

75th percentile 
= median 
< median 

75th percentile 
 = median 
< median 

75th percentile 
= median 
< median 

75th percentile 
= median 
< median 

2014

2015

2016

RFRoR +15% 
RFRoR + 6% 
< RFRoR + 6% 

RFRoR +15% 
RFRoR + 6% 
< RFRoR + 6% 

RFRoR +15%
RFRoR + 6% 
< RFRoR + 6% 

2017*

13%
 6% 
< 6% 

2019*

12%
8%
< 8%

2019*

13%
6%
< 6%

2018*

12%
 8% 
< 8% 

2018*

13%
 6% 
< 6% 

Annual growth in FCBVS plus accrued dividends targets for RSS (85 per cent weighting) 

100% 
25% 
Nil 

*  See pages 79 and 80 for the vesting methodology to be applied for the 2018 and onwards RSS awards. 

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Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Historical Peer Group Data for 2017 and prior RSS awards (relative TSR element) 
Peer Companies 13 

2014 awards

2015 awards 

2016 awards

2017 awards

Amlin plc1,6  
Arch Capital Group Limited2, 5 
Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. 
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited3 
Axis Capital Holdings Limited 
Beazley plc 
Catlin Group Ltd.4 
Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.5,8 
Everest Re Group, Ltd.6 
Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd.11 
The Hanover Insurance Group7 
Hiscox Ltd. 
Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd.7,8 
Novae Group plc9,10 
Renaissance Re Holdings Ltd. 
Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. 12 
Validus Holdings Ltd. 11 
XL Group Ltd10,12 

X
–
X
X
X
X
X
X
–
–
–
X
X
–
X
–
X
–

X 
– 
X 
X 
X 
X 
– 
X 
X 
– 
X 
X 
– 
X 
X 
– 
X 
X 

–
X
X
X
X
X
–
X
X
X
X
X
–
X
X
X
X
X

–
X
X
X
X
X
–
–
X
X
X
X
–
X
X
X
X
X

1.  Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company acquired Amlin plc on 1 February 2016. Accordingly, the Committee decided to use Amlin plc as a comparator company up to 

30 June 2015 and it was replaced with Everest Re Group, Ltd with effect from 1 July 2015. 

2.  Arch Capital Group Limited was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 October 2016 as a replacement for Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.  
3.  Apollo Funds announced on 28 August 2018 that it intended to acquire all outstanding common shares of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (‘Aspen’). The transaction is 
due to close in the first half of 2019, subject to approval by regulators, Aspen shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. As a result of this 
announcement, Aspen ceased to be in the comparator peer group from 30 June 2018. 

4.  Catlin Group Ltd. was acquired by the XL Group Ltd. with effect from 1 May 2015 and so was used as a comparator company up to 31 December 2014 and was replaced 

by Novae Group plc. 

5.  Sompo Holdings Inc. announced on 5 October 2016 that it intended to acquire Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. (‘Endurance’). The transaction subsequently achieved 
shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Committee decided to use Arch Capital Group Limited as a comparator company with effect from 1 October 2016 as a replacement 
for Endurance. 

6.  Everest Re Group, Ltd. was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 July 2015 as a replacement for Amlin plc. 
7.  The Hanover Insurance Group was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 January 2015 as a replacement for Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. 
8.  Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. was acquired by Endurance with effect from 31 July 2015 and so was used as a comparator company up to 31 December 2014 and was replaced 

by The Hanover Insurance Group.  

9.  Novae Group plc was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 January 2015 as a replacement for Catlin Group Ltd. 
10.  Novae Group plc was acquired by Axis Capital Holdings Limited with effect from 2 October 2017 and so was used as a comparator company up to 30 June 2017 and was 

replaced by XL Group Ltd as of 1 July 2017. 

11.  American International Group, Inc. announced on 22 January 2018 that it intended to acquire Validus Holdings Ltd (‘Validus’). Accordingly, the Committee decided to 

use Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd as a comparator company with effect from 1 January 2018 as a replacement for Validus. 

12.  AXA announced on 5 March 2018 that it had entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of XL Group Ltd, which was approved by XL Group Ltd’s common shareholders 
on 6 June 2018. Accordingly, the Committee decided to use Third Point Reinsurance Ltd as a comparator company with effect from 1 January 2018 as a replacement 
for XL Group Ltd. 

13.  For 2018 and onwards RSS awards the Board adopted a range of absolute TSR targets. See page 85 for further details. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Historical Peer Group Data for 2017 and prior RSS awards (relative TSR element) 

2014 awards

2015 awards 

2016 awards

2017 awards

Peer Companies 13 

Amlin plc1,6  

Arch Capital Group Limited2, 5 

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. 

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited3 

Axis Capital Holdings Limited 

Beazley plc 

Catlin Group Ltd.4 

Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.5,8 

Everest Re Group, Ltd.6 

Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd.11 

The Hanover Insurance Group7 

Hiscox Ltd. 

Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd.7,8 

Novae Group plc9,10 

Renaissance Re Holdings Ltd. 

Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. 12 

Validus Holdings Ltd. 11 

XL Group Ltd10,12 

1.  Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company acquired Amlin plc on 1 February 2016. Accordingly, the Committee decided to use Amlin plc as a comparator company up to 

30 June 2015 and it was replaced with Everest Re Group, Ltd with effect from 1 July 2015. 

2.  Arch Capital Group Limited was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 October 2016 as a replacement for Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.  

3.  Apollo Funds announced on 28 August 2018 that it intended to acquire all outstanding common shares of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (‘Aspen’). The transaction is 

due to close in the first half of 2019, subject to approval by regulators, Aspen shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. As a result of this 

announcement, Aspen ceased to be in the comparator peer group from 30 June 2018. 

4.  Catlin Group Ltd. was acquired by the XL Group Ltd. with effect from 1 May 2015 and so was used as a comparator company up to 31 December 2014 and was replaced 

5.  Sompo Holdings Inc. announced on 5 October 2016 that it intended to acquire Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. (‘Endurance’). The transaction subsequently achieved 

shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Committee decided to use Arch Capital Group Limited as a comparator company with effect from 1 October 2016 as a replacement 

by Novae Group plc. 

for Endurance. 

6.  Everest Re Group, Ltd. was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 July 2015 as a replacement for Amlin plc. 

7.  The Hanover Insurance Group was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 January 2015 as a replacement for Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. 

8.  Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. was acquired by Endurance with effect from 31 July 2015 and so was used as a comparator company up to 31 December 2014 and was replaced 

9.  Novae Group plc was added to the peer group of companies with effect from 1 January 2015 as a replacement for Catlin Group Ltd. 

10.  Novae Group plc was acquired by Axis Capital Holdings Limited with effect from 2 October 2017 and so was used as a comparator company up to 30 June 2017 and was 

by The Hanover Insurance Group.  

replaced by XL Group Ltd as of 1 July 2017. 

11.  American International Group, Inc. announced on 22 January 2018 that it intended to acquire Validus Holdings Ltd (‘Validus’). Accordingly, the Committee decided to 

use Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd as a comparator company with effect from 1 January 2018 as a replacement for Validus. 

12.  AXA announced on 5 March 2018 that it had entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of XL Group Ltd, which was approved by XL Group Ltd’s common shareholders 

on 6 June 2018. Accordingly, the Committee decided to use Third Point Reinsurance Ltd as a comparator company with effect from 1 January 2018 as a replacement 

for XL Group Ltd. 

13.  For 2018 and onwards RSS awards the Board adopted a range of absolute TSR targets. See page 85 for further details. 

X

–

X

X

X

X

X

X

–

–

–

X

X

–

X

–

X

–

X 

– 

X 

X 

X 

X 

– 

X 

X 

– 

X 

X 

– 

X 

X 

– 

X 

X 

–

X

X

X

X

X

–

X

X

X

X

X

–

X

X

X

X

X

–

X

X

X

X

X

–

–

X

X

X

X

–

X

X

X

X

X

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests 
Formal shareholding guidelines were first introduced in 2012 and have subsequently been modified. The guidelines require the CEO and 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.  

Directors 

Alex Maloney 
Elaine Whelan 
Peter Clarke 
Michael Dawson 
Simon Fraser 
Samantha Hoe-Richardson  
Robert Lusardi 
Sally Williams 

Total as at 1 January 2018

As at 31 December 2018 

Number of Common Shares 

Legally owned

Subject to deferral 
under the RSS

Subject to 
performance 
conditions 
under the RSS

Vested but 
unexercised 
awards under 
other share- 
based plans 

1,435,104
1,102,190
44,000
7,200
1,000
3,947
3,000
–

657,724
627,169
60,000
11,000
1,000
5,356
8,000
–

67,308
46,893
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

821,682
536,300
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A 
N/A  
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

Total

1,546,714
1,210,362
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Shareholding
guideline
achieved?

Yes
Yes
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

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 RSS awards. Shares include those owned by persons closely associated with the relevant Executive Director. 

Performance graph  
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. 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

£

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Lancashire Holdings

FTSE 250 Index

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters)

This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2018, of £100 invested in LHL on 31 December 2008 compared with the value of £100 invested in 
the FTSE 250 Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends. 

86 

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Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Total remuneration history for CEO 
The table below sets out the total single figure of remuneration for the CEOs over the last ten 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) 
Annual bonus (%) 
LTI vesting (%) 

7,244 
68 
N/A 

9,945 
94 
99.6 

9,623
73
100

10,460
73
99

10,175
80
100

10,072 
80 
611

2,405 
73 
50 

3,853 
72 
75 

3,800 
76 
67 

1,943 
17 
22.53

1,431
19
0

2009 

2010 

2011

2012

2013

20141

20142

2015 

2016 

2017  

2018

1.  Richard Brindle was the 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 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 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.  

3.  For 2017, the long-term incentive values were based on the 2015 RSS awards which vested at 22.5 per cent on 15 February 2018 and were based on a three-year performance 
period that ended on 31 December 2017. The values are re-presented from the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts based on the share price at the vesting date, 15 February 
2018 ($8.397), and include the value of dividends accrued on vested shares. 

The table above shows the total remuneration figure for the former CEO during each of the relevant financial years; figures for the current 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. 

Percentage change in CEO remuneration 
The following table sets out the percentage change in the aggregate value of salary, benefits and bonus for the CEO from the preceding year 
and the average percentage change in respect of the employees of the Group taken as a whole. 

Base salary 
Benefits 
Bonus 

Year-on-year 
 change 
CEO2
% 

Average 
 year-on-year 
 change employees1,3
% 

4
6
13

5
5
33

1.  Employee numbers were calculated on a per permanent employee headcount basis for the years ending 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, adjusted for any joiners 

and leavers during this period. 

2.  The underlying salary increase from 2017 to 2018 for the CEO was 3 per cent. However some amounts were paid in Sterling and converted at the average exchange rate of 

1.3420 for the year, which has resulted in the overall 4 per cent base salary year-on-year change above. 

3.  The underlying salary increase from 2017 to 2018 for Group employees was a standard 3 per cent. The 5 per cent increase reflects 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 2018 compared with  
the year ended 31 December 2017.  

Employee remuneration costs 
Dividends 

2018 
$m 

56.9 
70.2 

2017
$m

39.8
29.9

Percentage change
%

43
135

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
88 

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88

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report: continued 

Total remuneration history for CEO 

The table below sets out the total single figure of remuneration for the CEOs over the last ten 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) 

7,244 

9,945 

9,623

10,460

10,175

10,072 

2,405 

3,853 

3,800 

1,943 

1,431

Annual bonus (%) 

LTI vesting (%) 

68 

N/A 

94 

99.6 

73

100

73

99

80

100

80 

611

73 

50 

72 

75 

76 

67 

17 

22.53

19

0

2009 

2010 

2011

2012

2013

20141

20142

2015 

2016 

2017  

2018

1.  Richard Brindle was the 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 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 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.  

3.  For 2017, the long-term incentive values were based on the 2015 RSS awards which vested at 22.5 per cent on 15 February 2018 and were based on a three-year performance 

period that ended on 31 December 2017. The values are re-presented from the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts based on the share price at the vesting date, 15 February 

2018 ($8.397), and include the value of dividends accrued on vested shares. 

The table above shows the total remuneration figure for the former CEO during each of the relevant financial years; figures for the current 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. 

Percentage change in CEO remuneration 

The following table sets out the percentage change in the aggregate value of salary, benefits and bonus for the CEO from the preceding year 

and the average percentage change in respect of the employees of the Group taken as a whole. 

Year-on-year 

 change 

Average 

 year-on-year 

CEO2

 change employees1,3

% 

4

6

13

% 

5

5

33

Committee members, attendees and advice 
For Remuneration Committee membership and attendance at meetings through 2018, please refer to page 68 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. 

Remuneration Committee adviser 
The Remuneration Committee is advised by the Executive Compensation practice at Aon plc. Aon was appointed by the Remuneration 
Committee in 2007. Aon has discussions with the Remuneration Committee Chairman regularly on Committee process and topics which are 
of particular relevance to the Company.  

Aon ReInsurance Solutions (which is part of Aon but is a separate business division) provides reinsurance broking services to the Group.  

The primary role of Aon is to provide independent and objective advice and support to the Committee’s Chairman and members. In order 
to manage any possible conflict of interest, Aon operates as a distinct business within the Aon Group and there is a robust separation between 
the business activities and management of Aon and all other parts of the wider Aon Group. The Committee is satisfied that the advice that it 
receives is objective and independent. 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 2018 were $71,334 (2017 – $68,072). 
Fees are predominantly charged on a ‘time spent’ basis.  

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 2017 Remuneration Policy which have been stated below; any matters discussed with shareholders during the year are provided in the 
Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2019 section of the report starting on page 78.  

Base salary 

Benefits 

Bonus 

and leavers during this period. 

made during the year. 

Employee remuneration costs 

Dividends 

1.  Employee numbers were calculated on a per permanent employee headcount basis for the years ending 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017, adjusted for any joiners 

2.  The underlying salary increase from 2017 to 2018 for the CEO was 3 per cent. However some amounts were paid in Sterling and converted at the average exchange rate of 

1.3420 for the year, which has resulted in the overall 4 per cent base salary year-on-year change above. 

3.  The underlying salary increase from 2017 to 2018 for Group employees was a standard 3 per cent. The 5 per cent increase reflects staff promotions and other adjustments 

For  
Against 
Total 
Abstentions 

Relative importance of the spend on pay 

the year ended 31 December 2017.  

The following table sets out the percentage change in dividends and overall spend on pay in the year ended 31 December 2018 compared with  

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board. 

2018 

$m 

56.9 

70.2 

2017

$m

39.8

29.9

Percentage change

%

43

135

Simon Fraser 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

13 February 2019 

Vote to approve 2017 Annual Report  
on Remuneration (at the 2018 AGM) 

Vote to approve 2017-2019 
Remuneration Policy (at the 2017 AGM) 

Total number 
of votes

% of 
 votes cast 

Total number 
of votes

135,967,463
32,740,906
168,708,369
205,726

80.6 
19.4 
100.0 

144,229,951
7,870,777
152,100,728
9,125,993

% of
 votes cast

94.8
5.2
100.0

88 

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89 

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Overview of the Group 
Lancashire Holdings Limited 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, an established Lloyd’s insurance group, and in June 2013 
established Kinesis, 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 26 to 32. 

Dividends  
For the year ended 31 December 2018, the following dividends were declared:  

•  a final dividend of $0.10 per common share was declared on 14 February 2018 and paid on 21 March 2018 in pounds sterling at the 

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.3985 or £0.0715 per common share;  

•  an interim dividend of $0.05 per common share was declared on 25 July 2018 and paid on 12 September 2018 in pounds sterling at the 

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.2715 or £0.0393 per common share; and 

•  a special dividend of $0.20 per common share was declared on 31 October 2018 and paid on 12 December 2018 in pounds sterling at the 

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.3030 or £0.1535 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) dividend, supplemented by special dividends from time to time. Dividends will be linked to past performance and future prospects. 

Under most scenarios, the annual 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)  
•  Michael Dawson (Non-Executive Director)  
•  Simon Fraser (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 
•  Samantha Hoe-Richardson (Non-Executive Director) 
•  Robert Lusardi (Non-Executive Director)  
•  Alex Maloney (Chief Executive Officer) 
•  Elaine Whelan (Chief Financial Officer) 
•  Sally Williams (Non-Executive Director) 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
90 

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Directors’ report 

Lancashire Holdings Limited is a Bermuda incorporated company (Registered Company No. 37415) with operating subsidiaries in Bermuda 

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 

Overview of the Group 

and London, and two syndicates at Lloyd’s.  

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, an established Lloyd’s insurance group, and in June 2013 

established Kinesis, 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 26 to 32. 

Dividends  

For the year ended 31 December 2018, the following dividends were declared:  

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.3985 or £0.0715 per common share;  

•  an interim dividend of $0.05 per common share was declared on 25 July 2018 and paid on 12 September 2018 in pounds sterling at the 

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.2715 or £0.0393 per common share; and 

•  a special dividend of $0.20 per common share was declared on 31 October 2018 and paid on 12 December 2018 in pounds sterling at the 

pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.3030 or £0.1535 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) dividend, supplemented by special dividends from time to time. Dividends will be linked to past performance and future prospects. 

Under most scenarios, the annual 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)  

•  Michael Dawson (Non-Executive Director)  

•  Simon Fraser (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) 

•  Samantha Hoe-Richardson (Non-Executive Director) 

•  Robert Lusardi (Non-Executive Director)  

•  Alex Maloney (Chief Executive Officer) 

•  Elaine Whelan (Chief Financial Officer) 

•  Sally Williams (Non-Executive Director) 

•  a final dividend of $0.10 per common share was declared on 14 February 2018 and paid on 21 March 2018 in pounds sterling at the 

There have been no changes in Directors’ shareholdings between the end of the financial year and the date of this Report. 

Directors’ interests 
The Directors’ beneficial interests in the Company’s common shares as at 31 December 2018 and 2017 including interests held by family 
members were as follows: 

Directors 

Peter Clarke1 
Michael Dawson2 
Simon Fraser 
Samantha Hoe-Richardson3 
Robert Lusardi4 
Alex Maloney5 
Elaine Whelan6 
Sally Williams7 

Common shares 
held as at
31 December 2018

Common shares 
held as at 
31 December 2017

60,000
11,000
1,000
5,356
8,000
657,724
627,169
–

44,000
7,200
1,000
3,947
3,000
580,302
524,370
–

1.  Peter Clarke conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2018: 

•  16 February – purchase of 16,000 shares at a price of £5.67 costing £90,705.56. 

2.  Michael Dawson conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2018: 

•  16 February – purchase of 3,800 shares at a price of £5.89 costing £22,363. 

3.  Samantha Hoe-Richardson conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2018: 

•  19 February – purchase of 1,409 shares at a price of £5.68 costing £7,999.60. 

4.  Robert Lusardi conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2018: 

•  20 February – purchase of 5,000 shares at a price of $7.89 costing $39,450. 

5.  Includes 155,722 shares owned by his spouse, Amanda Maloney. Alex Maloney conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2018: 

•  15 February – exercise of 54,947 RSS awards and 50,456 deferred bonus RSS awards and related sale of 49,681 shares to cover tax liabilities, at a price of £6.08 realising 

£302,042.59. The balance of 55,722 shares was transferred to his spouse, Amanda Maloney. 

•  16 February – purchase of 21,700 shares at a price of £5.73 costing £124,341. 

6.  Includes 11,590 shares owned by her spouse, Kilian Whelan. Elaine Whelan conducted the following transactions in the Company’s shares during 2018: 

•  15 February – exercise of 37,834 RSS awards and 34,896 deferred bonus RSS awards and related sale of 3,431 shares to cover tax liabilities, at a price of £6.08 

realising £20,859.24. 

•  16 February – purchase of 20,000 shares at a price of £5.90 costing £117,900. 
•  20 February – purchase of 13,500 shares at a price of £5.58 costing £75,262.50. 

7.  Sally Williams was appointed to the Board with effect from 14 January 2019. 

Transactions in own shares 
The Company did not repurchase any of its own common shares during 2018 or 2017. 

The Group’s current repurchase programme has 20,134,192 common shares remaining to be purchased as at 31 December 2018 
(approximately $172.7 million at the 31 December 2018 share price). Further details of the share repurchase authority and programme are 
set out in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements on page 156. The repurchase programme is subject to renewal at the 2019 AGM in 
an amount of up to 10 per cent of the then issued common share capital. 

Directors’ remuneration 
Details of the Directors’ remuneration are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 70 to 89. 

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Governance 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: continued 

Substantial shareholders 
As at 13 February 2019, the Company was aware of the following interests of 3 per cent or more in the Company’s issued share capital: 

Name 

Invesco Limited 
Setanta Asset Management Limited 
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC 
Oppenheimer Funds 
Frank W Cawood & Associates 
Wellington Management 
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 
BlackRock, Inc. 
Vanguard Group 
Troy Asset Management Limited 

Number of shares as 
at 13 February 2019

% of shares
 in issue

32,247,491
26,367,532
12,222,897
10,000,000
9,302,300
9,047,266
8,414,981
7,823,145
7,546,539
7,444,804

15.97
13.06
6.05
4.95
4.61
4.48
4.17
3.87
3.74
3.69

Corporate governance – compliance statement 
The Company’s compliance with the Code is summarised in the Corporate Governance section of this Report on pages 55 to 57.  

The Board considers and the Company confirms, in accordance with the principle of ‘comply or explain’ that the Company has complied 
with the principles and provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code throughout the year ended 31 December 2018. 

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 on page 43. 

Employees 
The Group is an equal opportunity employer, and does not tolerate unfair 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 policies are available to  
all employees in the staff handbook which is available 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 33 to 39 and in the risk disclosures section  
on pages 111 to 133 of the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s use of derivative financial instruments can be found on  
pages 124 to 125. 

Accounting standards 
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted under 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. 

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Directors’ report: continued 

As at 13 February 2019, the Company was aware of the following interests of 3 per cent or more in the Company’s issued share capital: 

Substantial shareholders 

Name 

Invesco Limited 

Setanta Asset Management Limited 

Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC 

Oppenheimer Funds 

Frank W Cawood & Associates 

Wellington Management 

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 

BlackRock, Inc. 

Vanguard Group 

Troy Asset Management Limited 

Number of shares as 

at 13 February 2019

32,247,491

26,367,532

12,222,897

10,000,000

9,302,300

9,047,266

8,414,981

7,823,145

7,546,539

7,444,804

% of shares

 in issue

15.97

13.06

6.05

4.95

4.61

4.48

4.17

3.87

3.74

3.69

Corporate governance – compliance statement 

The Company’s compliance with the Code is summarised in the Corporate Governance section of this Report on pages 55 to 57.  

The Board considers and the Company confirms, in accordance with the principle of ‘comply or explain’ that the Company has complied 

with the principles and provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code throughout the year ended 31 December 2018. 

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. 

The Group’s greenhouse gas emissions are detailed in the engagement and sustainability section on page 43. 

Greenhouse gas emissions 

Employees 

The Group is an equal opportunity employer, and does not tolerate unfair 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 policies are available to  

all employees in the staff handbook which is available on the Group’s intranet. 

Creditor payment policy 

The Group aims to pay all creditors promptly and in accordance with contractual and legal obligations. 

pages 124 to 125. 

Accounting standards 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally 

accepted under 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. 

Annual general meeting 
The notice of the 2019 AGM, to be held on 1 May 2019 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 web 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 26 to 32 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 36 to 39. Starting on page 111, the risk disclosures section of the consolidated financial statements sets out the principal risks to 
which the Group is exposed, including insurance, 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 25 July 2018. The Board receives quarterly reports from the Group CRO and sets, approves and monitors risk tolerances for 
the business.  

During 2018, 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 (on both an IFRS and Solvency II basis) evaluated. 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 2021, 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 2021. 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 2019 AGM to re-appoint KPMG as the Company’s auditors and to authorise the Directors to 
set the auditor’s 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: 

Financial instruments and risk exposures  

Information regarding the Group’s risk exposures is included in the ERM report on pages 33 to 39 and in the risk disclosures section  

on pages 111 to 133 of the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s use of derivative financial instruments can be found on  

•  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 

13 February 2019 

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Governance 
 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

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 and prudent; 
•  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, are 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 

13 February 2019 

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Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lancashire Holdings Limited  

1. Our opinion is unmodified  
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Lancashire Holdings Limited (‘the Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2018 
which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss), 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 
104 to 110.  

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 2018 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  

(IFRSs as adopted by the EU).  

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 have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and are independent of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical 
requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient 
and appropriate basis for our opinion. 

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. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In arriving at our audit opinion above, the key audit matters, in decreasing 
order of audit significance, were as follows: 

Valuation of insurance contract liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a gross basis and net of  
outwards reinsurance  
($915.0m gross, $592.1m net of outwards reinsurance, of which incurred but not reported represented $389.3m gross, $233.0m net of outwards 
reinsurance; (2017: $933.5m gross, $649.4m net of outwards reinsurance, of which incurred but not reported represented $446.6m gross, 
$155.8m net of outwards reinsurance). 

Refer to page 62 (Audit Committee report), page 107 (accounting policy) and page 148 to 151 (financial disclosures). 

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Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lancashire Holdings Limited: continued 

Risk vs 2017: ◄ ►  

Risk 

The Group maintains reserves to cover the estimated ultimate cost 
of settling all losses and loss adjustment expenses arising from events 
which have occurred up to the balance sheet date, regardless of 
whether those losses have been reported to the Group. 

Subjective valuation 
Insurance 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 expected loss ratios, estimates of ultimate 
premium and of the frequency and severity of claims and, where 
appropriate, the discount rate for longer tail classes of business 
by territory and line of business. The determination and 
application of the methodology and performance of the  
calculations are also complex.  

Response  

We have used our own actuarial specialists to assist us in performing our 
procedures in this area.  

Our procedures included: 

•  Control operation 

Tested the design and implementation of key controls around review 
and approval of reserves as well as completeness and accuracy of the 
data used in the reserving process.  

•  Methodology assessment  

Assessed and challenged the reserving methodology (on a gross 
basis and net of outwards reinsurance) 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 key differences.  

These judgemental and complex calculations for insurance 
liabilities are also used to derive the valuation of the related 
reinsurance assets.  

•  Historical experience  

Challenged the quality of the Group’s historical reserving estimates  
by monitoring the development of losses against initial estimates.  

A margin is added to the actuarial best estimate of insurance 
liabilities to make allowance for specific risks identified in assessment 
of the best estimate. The appropriate margin to recognise is a 
subjective judgement and estimate taken by the Directors, 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 
The valuation of insurance liabilities depends on complete and 
accurate data about the volume, amount and pattern of current  
and historical claims since they are often used to form expectations 
about future claims. If the data used in calculating the insurance 
liabilities, or for forming judgements over key assumptions, is not 
complete and accurate then material impacts on the valuation of 
insurance liabilities may arise.  

•  Independent re-performance  

Applied our own assumptions, across all classes of business, to perform 
re-projections on the insurance contract liabilities for loss and loss 
adjustment expenses on both a gross and net basis and comparing 
these to the Group’s projected results. Where there were significant 
variances in the results, we have challenged the Group’s assumptions. 
Our independent re-projections focussed on classes of business where 
losses tend to relate to low frequency high severity events.  

•  Benchmarking of large losses  

Assessed and challenged 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.  

•  Data reconciliations  

Checked the completeness and accuracy of the data used within the 
reserving process by reconciling the actuarial source data to their 
financial systems.  

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Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lancashire Holdings Limited: continued 

Risk vs 2017: ◄ ►  

Risk 

of settling all losses and loss adjustment expenses arising from events 

procedures in this area.  

which have occurred up to the balance sheet date, regardless of 

whether those losses have been reported to the Group. 

Subjective valuation 

Insurance 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 

Response  

Our procedures included: 

•  Control operation 

Tested the design and implementation of key controls around review 

and approval of reserves as well as completeness and accuracy of the 

data used in the reserving process.  

uncertainty such as expected loss ratios, estimates of ultimate 

•  Methodology assessment  

premium and of the frequency and severity of claims and, where 

Assessed and challenged the reserving methodology (on a gross 

appropriate, the discount rate for longer tail classes of business 

basis and net of outwards reinsurance) based on our knowledge and 

by territory and line of business. The determination and 

application of the methodology and performance of the  

calculations are also complex.  

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 key differences.  

These judgemental and complex calculations for insurance 

liabilities are also used to derive the valuation of the related 

reinsurance assets.  

•  Historical experience  

Challenged the quality of the Group’s historical reserving estimates  

by monitoring the development of losses against initial estimates.  

A margin is added to the actuarial best estimate of insurance 

•  Independent re-performance  

liabilities to make allowance for specific risks identified in assessment 

Applied our own assumptions, across all classes of business, to perform 

of the best estimate. The appropriate margin to recognise is a 

re-projections on the insurance contract liabilities for loss and loss 

subjective judgement and estimate taken by the Directors, based  

adjustment expenses on both a gross and net basis and comparing 

on the perceived uncertainty and potential for volatility in the 

these to the Group’s projected results. Where there were significant 

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 

variances in the results, we have challenged the Group’s assumptions. 

Our independent re-projections focussed on classes of business where 

losses tend to relate to low frequency high severity events.  

liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses has a high degree 

•  Benchmarking of large losses  

of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable 

Assessed and challenged the reserving assumptions by comparing the 

outcomes greater than our materiality for the consolidated financial 

Group’s loss experience to peers in the market, on a gross and net 

statements as a whole, and possibly many times that amount. The 

basis, including on a contract by contract basis for large loss and 

consolidated financial statements (note 13) discloses the sensitivity 

catastrophe events.  

estimated by the Group.  

Completeness and accuracy of data 

•  Data reconciliations  

Checked the completeness and accuracy of the data used within the 

The valuation of insurance liabilities depends on complete and 

reserving process by reconciling the actuarial source data to their 

accurate data about the volume, amount and pattern of current  

financial systems.  

and historical claims since they are often used to form expectations 

about future claims. If the data used in calculating the insurance 

liabilities, or for forming judgements over key assumptions, is not 

complete and accurate then material impacts on the valuation of 

insurance liabilities may arise.  

The Group maintains reserves to cover the estimated ultimate cost 

We have used our own actuarial specialists to assist us in performing our 

Refer to page 59 (Audit Committee report), pages 106 (accounting policy) and pages 134 and 135 (financial disclosures). 

Valuation of premiums which are estimated, included in gross premiums written 
(2018: $638.5m, 2017: $591.6m) 

Risk vs 2017: ◄ ►  

Risk  

Subjective valuation  
Pricing for certain contracts is based on a best estimate of ultimate 
premiums as a result of premiums being based upon the latest information 
received from third parties at the balance sheet date. 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.  

It should however be noted that it is only a portion of the total gross 
premiums written figures noted above that are subject to this valuation risk. 

Response  

Our procedures included:  

•  Control operation  

Tested the design and implementation of key controls over the 
periodic review of premium estimates booked.  

•  Historical experience  

Performed procedures to understand the development 
of estimated premium income by comparing the Group’s 
estimated premium income to actual premium income once 
received and checked actual premium income back to source 
documentation for a sample of policies.  

We continue to perform procedures over policies that are still earning on non-standard earning profiles. However, as the Group’s syndicates are 
now materially earning all 2018 incepted business on straight line earning profiles, we have not assessed this as one of the most significant risks in 
our current year audit and, therefore, it is not separately identified in our report this year.  

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 $5.1 million (2017: $7.0 million), determined with reference to a 
benchmark of Group profit before tax normalised by averaging over the last five years due to fluctuations in the frequency and severity of 
catastrophe loss events, of which it represents 5 per cent (2017: 5 per cent).  

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding $0.25 million (2017: $0.3 million), 
in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.  

Of the Group’s 9 (2017: 9) reporting components, including the parent company, UK insurance company, Bermuda insurance company, UK 
service entity and Lloyd’s operations, we subjected 5 (2017: 8) to full scope audits for Group purposes. Including the audit of the consolidation 
adjustments our scope covered 100 per cent (2017: 100 per cent) of gross premiums written, loss before tax and total assets.  

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 $0.8m to $5.0m (2017: $9,500 to $3.8 million), having regard to  
the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components.  

The Group team visited all component locations in Bermuda and the UK (2017: Bermuda and the UK). Video and telephone conference 
meetings were also held with these component auditors. At these visits and 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. We have nothing to report on 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 their 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 their ability to continue as a going concern for at least a period of 
twelve months from the date of approval of the consolidated financial statements (‘the going concern period’).  

Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ conclusions and, had there been a material uncertainty related to going 
concern, to make reference to that in this audit report. 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 absence of reference to a 
material uncertainty in this auditor’s report is not a guarantee that the Group will continue in operation.  

In our evaluation of the Directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Group’s business model, including the impact of Brexit, 
and analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.  
We evaluated those risks and concluded that they were not significant enough to require us to perform additional audit procedures.  

96 

Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

97

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

97

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lancashire Holdings Limited: continued 

Based on this work, we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ 
statement in the accounting policies section to 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 a period of at least twelve months from the date 
of approval of the consolidated financial statements.  

We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not identify going concern as a key audit matter. 

5. 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 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 principal risks and longer-term viability  
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

•  the Directors’ confirmation within viability statement page 93 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 

Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity;  

•  the Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks 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 work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our 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 report to you if we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our financial 
statements audit and 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; or the section of the Annual Report and Accounts describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee.  

We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance Statement does not properly disclose a departure from the eleven provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review.  

We have nothing to report in these respects.  

6. Respective responsibilities  

Directors’ responsibilities  

As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 94, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the consolidated financial 

statements including being satisfied that they 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 other irregularities (see below), 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, other irregularities 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.  

7. 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. 

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  

Rees Aronson  

Chartered Accountants  

15 Canada Square  

London, E14 5GL  

13 February 2019  

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Lancashire Holdings Limited 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

98 

98

www.lancashiregroup.com

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lancashire Holdings Limited: continued 

Based on this work, we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ 

statement in the accounting policies section to 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 a period of at least twelve months from the date 

of approval of the consolidated financial statements.  

We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not identify going concern as a key audit matter. 

5. 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 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 principal risks and longer-term viability  

Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

•  the Directors’ confirmation within viability statement page 93 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 

Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity;  

•  the Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks 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 work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our 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 report to you if we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our financial 

statements audit and 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; or the section of the Annual Report and Accounts describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 

communicated by us to the Audit Committee.  

We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance Statement does not properly disclose a departure from the eleven provisions of the 

UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review.  

We have nothing to report in these respects.  

6. Respective responsibilities  
Directors’ responsibilities  
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 94, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the consolidated financial 
statements including being satisfied that they 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 other irregularities (see below), 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, other irregularities 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.  

7. 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  

13 February 2019  

98 

Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

99

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

99

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

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 (losses) income 
Net realised (losses) gains and impairments 
Share of loss of associate 
Other income 
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains 
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 
Other operating expenses 
Equity based compensation 
Total expenses 
Results of operating activities 
Financing costs 
Profit (loss) before tax 
Tax credit 
Profit (loss) for the year 
Profit (loss) for the year attributable to: 
Equity shareholders of LHL 
Non-controlling interests 
Profit (loss) for the year 
Other comprehensive (loss) income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 
Net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 
Tax provision on net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 
Other comprehensive (loss) income 
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year 
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: 
Equity shareholders of LHL 
Non-controlling interests 
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year 

Notes 

2 
2 

2 
2 

3 
3 
3 
16 
5 

2, 13 
2, 13 

2, 4 
2, 4 
6, 7, 21 
7 

8 

9 

3, 11 
11 

2018
$m 

638.5
(220.8)
417.7
(19.7)
15.5
413.5
34.7
(4.2)
(5.1)
(7.1)
12.4
(1.6)
442.6
307.4
(142.0)
165.4
131.0
(4.6)
89.2
7.9
388.9
53.7
20.1
33.6
4.0
37.6

37.5
0.1
37.6

(12.9)
0.1
(12.8)
24.8

24.7
0.1
24.8

2017
$m 

591.6 
(193.6)
398.0 
22.6 
7.3 
427.9 
30.5 
1.2 
9.1 
(9.4)
17.2 
2.3 
478.8 
538.0 
(202.6)
335.4 
120.7 
(5.1)
83.6 
(0.4)
534.2 
(55.4)
17.5 
(72.9)
2.3 
(70.6)

(71.1)
0.5 
(70.6)

4.9 
– 
4.9 
(65.7)

(66.2)
0.5 
(65.7)

Earnings (loss) per share 
Basic 
Diluted 

22 
22 

$0.19
$0.19

($0.36)
($0.36)

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

100  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Consolidated balance sheet 

As at 31 December 2018 

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 (losses) income 

Net realised (losses) gains and impairments 

Share of loss of associate 

Other income 

Net foreign exchange (losses) gains 

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 

Other operating expenses 

Equity based compensation 

Total expenses 

Results of operating activities 

Financing costs 

Profit (loss) before tax 

Tax credit 

Profit (loss) for the year 

Profit (loss) for the year attributable to: 

Equity shareholders of LHL 

Non-controlling interests 

Profit (loss) for the year 

Other comprehensive (loss) income 

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year 

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: 

Equity shareholders of LHL 

Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year 

Earnings (loss) per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

Other comprehensive (loss) income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 

Net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 

Tax provision on net change in unrealised gains/losses on investments 

Notes 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3 

3 

16 

5 

2, 13 

2, 13 

2, 4 

2, 4 

6, 7, 21 

7 

8 

9 

3, 11 

11 

2018

$m 

638.5

(220.8)

417.7

(19.7)

15.5

413.5

34.7

(4.2)

(5.1)

(7.1)

12.4

(1.6)

442.6

307.4

(142.0)

165.4

131.0

(4.6)

89.2

7.9

388.9

53.7

20.1

33.6

4.0

37.6

37.5

0.1

37.6

(12.9)

0.1

(12.8)

24.8

24.7

0.1

24.8

2017

$m 

591.6 

(193.6)

398.0 

22.6 

7.3 

427.9 

30.5 

1.2 

9.1 

(9.4)

17.2 

2.3 

478.8 

538.0 

(202.6)

335.4 

120.7 

(5.1)

83.6 

(0.4)

534.2 

(55.4)

17.5 

(72.9)

2.3 

(70.6)

(71.1)

0.5 

(70.6)

4.9 

– 

4.9 

(65.7)

(66.2)

0.5 

(65.7)

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 
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 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 
Share capital 
Own shares 
Other reserves 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
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 

17 

13 

15 
18 
18 

19 
19 
20 
11 

23 

2018
$m 

2017
$m 

154.6
6.8
1,659.0
318.1

56.7
322.9
9.8
35.3
67.1
1.4
74.2
153.8
2,859.7

915.0
370.6
36.0
81.3
7.1
45.4
0.9
11.2
0.4
324.3
1,792.2

101.0
(9.4)
869.0
(14.3)
120.9
1,067.2
0.3
1,067.5
2,859.7

256.5
6.1
1,654.6
297.9

41.2
284.1
20.7
42.4
59.4
2.6
76.7
153.8
2,896.0

933.5
350.9
40.7
65.5
2.5
48.0
2.8
16.5
2.0
326.3
1,788.7

100.7
(12.1)
866.2 
(1.5)
153.6
1,106.9
0.4
1,107.3
2,896.0

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 13 February 2019 and signed on its behalf by: 

22 

22 

$0.19

$0.19

($0.36)

($0.36)

Peter Clarke 
Director/Chairman 

Elaine Whelan 
Director/CFO 

100  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

101

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

101

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Balance as at 31 December 2016 
Total comprehensive loss for the year 
Shares donated to the trust 
Distributed by the trust 
Dividends on common shares 
Dividends paid to minority 
interest holders 
Equity based compensation – credit 
Balance as at 31 December 2017 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Shares purchased by the trust 
Distributed by the trust 
Purchase of shares from  
non-controlling interest 
Dividends on common shares 
Equity based compensation – expense 
Balance as at 31 December 2018 

Notes 

19, 20, 23 
19, 20 
19 

23 
20 

19, 20, 23 
19, 20 

20 
19 
20 

Share 
capital
$m 

100.7
–
–
–
–

–
–
100.7
–
0.3
–

–
–
–
101.0

Own
 shares 
$m 

(23.2)
– 
1.2 
9.9 
– 

– 
– 
(12.1)
– 
(4.6)
7.3 

– 
– 
– 
(9.4)

Other 
reserves
$m 

881.6 
– 
(1.2)
(13.8)
– 

– 
(0.4)
866.2 
– 
4.3 
(9.9)

(0.1)
– 
8.5 
869.0 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss
$m 

Retained 
earnings
$m 

Shareholders’ 
equity 
attributable to 
equity 
shareholders of 
LHL 
$m 

Non-
controlling 
interests
$m 

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
$m 

(6.4)
4.9 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(1.5)
(12.8)
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(14.3)

254.6 
(71.1)
– 
– 
(29.9)

– 
– 
153.6 
37.5 
– 
– 

– 
(70.2)
– 
120.9 

1,207.3  
(66.2 ) 
–  
(3.9 ) 
(29.9 ) 

–  
(0.4 ) 
1,106.9  
24.7  
–  
(2.6 ) 

(0.1 ) 
(70.2 ) 
8.5  
1,067.2  

0.5 
0.5 
– 
– 
– 

(0.6)
– 
0.4 
0.1 
– 
– 

(0.2)
– 
– 
0.3 

1,207.8 
(65.7)
– 
(3.9)
(29.9)

(0.6)
(0.4)
1,107.3 
24.8 
– 
(2.6)

(0.3)
(70.2)
8.5 
1,067.5 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

102  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

102

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Statement of consolidated cash flows 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Notes 

Share 

capital

$m 

Own

 shares 

$m 

reserves

$m 

100.7

(23.2)

881.6 

Balance as at 31 December 2016 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Shares donated to the trust 

Distributed by the trust 

Dividends on common shares 

Dividends paid to minority 

interest holders 

Equity based compensation – credit 

Balance as at 31 December 2017 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Distributed by the trust 

Purchase of shares from  

non-controlling interest 

Dividends on common shares 

Equity based compensation – expense 

Balance as at 31 December 2018 

19, 20, 23 

19, 20 

19 

23 

20 

20 

19 

20 

19, 20 

Shares purchased by the trust 

19, 20, 23 

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

1.2 

9.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4.6)

7.3 

(1.2)

(13.8)

– 

– 

– 

(0.4)

– 

4.3 

(9.9)

(0.1)

– 

8.5 

Accumulated 

other 

Shareholders’ 

attributable to 

equity 

equity 

Other 

comprehensive 

Retained 

shareholders of 

controlling 

shareholders’ 

loss

$m 

earnings

$m 

(6.4)

4.9 

254.6 

(71.1)

(29.9)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(70.2)

LHL 

$m 

1,207.3  

(66.2 ) 

–  

(3.9 ) 

(29.9 ) 

–  

(0.4 ) 

24.7  

–  

(2.6 ) 

(0.1 ) 

(70.2 ) 

8.5  

Non-

interests

$m 

0.5 

0.5 

– 

– 

– 

(0.6)

– 

0.4 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.2)

Total 

equity

$m 

1,207.8 

(65.7)

– 

(3.9)

(29.9)

1,107.3 

(0.6)

(0.4)

24.8 

– 

(2.6)

(0.3)

(70.2)

8.5 

100.7

(12.1)

866.2 

(1.5)

153.6 

1,106.9  

(12.8)

37.5 

101.0

(9.4)

869.0 

(14.3)

120.9 

1,067.2  

0.3 

1,067.5 

Cash flows used in operating activities 
Profit (loss) before tax 
Tax (paid) refunded 
Depreciation 
Interest expense on long-term debt 
Interest and dividend income 
Net amortisation of fixed maturity securities 
Equity based compensation 
Foreign exchange (gains) losses 
Share of loss of associate 
Net other investment loss (income) 
Net realised losses (gains) and impairments 
Net unrealised gains on interest rate swaps 
Changes in operational assets and liabilities 
– Insurance and reinsurance contracts 
– Other assets and liabilities 
Net cash flows used in operating activities 
Cash flows (used in) from investing activities 
Interest and dividends received 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associate 
Purchase of investments 
Proceeds on sale of investments 
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 
Cash flows used in financing activities 
Interest paid 
Dividends paid 
Dividends paid to minority interest holders 
Distributions by trust 
Purchase of shares from non-controlling interest 
Net cash flows used in financing activities 
Net decrease 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 
8 

7 

16 

3 

23 

19 
23   

10 

2018
$m 

33.6
(3.3)
1.4
18.1
(36.6)
(0.6)
7.9
(4.3)
7.1
3.9
5.1
(1.6)

(51.5)
18.3
(2.5)

35.9
(0.2)
(14.8)
(1,143.1)
1,115.8
(6.4)

(18.0)
(70.2)
–
(2.6)
(0.3)
(91.1)
(100.0)
256.5
(1.9)
154.6

2017
$m 

(72.9)
1.3 
1.8 
16.4 
(37.1)
2.8 
(0.4)
9.4 
9.4 
(1.2)
(9.1)
(1.7)

52.0 
(9.4)
(38.7)

37.6 
(0.6)
(19.1)
(1,196.1)
1,209.5 
31.3 

(16.3)
(29.9)
(0.6)
(3.9)
– 
(50.7)
(58.1)
308.8 
5.8 
256.5 

102  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

103

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

103

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Summary of significant accounting policies 
The basis of preparation, use of estimates, consolidation principles and significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these 
consolidated financial statements are set out below. 

Basis of preparation 
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted under 
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. In the course of preparing the consolidated financial statements, no judgements have been made in the process of applying the Group’s 
accounting policies, other than those involving estimations as noted in the ‘Use of Estimates’ section below, that have had a significant effect on 
amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements. 

All amounts, excluding share data or where otherwise stated, are in millions of U.S. dollars. 

Changes in accounting standards 
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was effective on 1 January 2018. The adoption of IFRS 15, using the cumulative effect 
approach, has not had a material impact on the results and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended  
31 December 2018 and is consistent with the Group’s previous treatment of other income. While a number of other amended IFRS and IFRIC 
standards have become effective this year, 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 by an insurer. The new standard is 
currently effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021. At its board meeting on 14 November 2018, the IASB tentatively 
decided to propose an amendment of the IFRS 17 effective date to reporting periods on or after 1 January 2022. 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 the presentation and disclosure 
requirements. IFRS 17 has not yet been endorsed by the EU. 

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 qualifies for, and 
has elected to apply, the temporary exemption available to companies whose predominant activity is to issue insurance contracts. The exemption 
lasts until accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022, subject to the proposed deferral of IFRS 17 as noted above, and addresses  
the accounting consequences of applying IFRS 9 to insurers prior to the adoption of IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts. 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 (loss) 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. Further implications from the change in classification from AFS to FVTPL (mandatory) will be that 
balances within accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified to retained earnings on the date of transition. 

IFRS 16, Leases, is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and replaces the existing lease standard IAS 17. IFRS 16 
introduces a single on-balance sheet accounting model for both finance and operating leases. The adoption of the standard results in the 
recognition of a right-of-use asset and associated lease liability on the balance sheet. In addition, the current operating lease rental charges in  
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) will be replaced with a depreciation charge for the right-of-use asset and an interest 
expense for the lease liabilities. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 January 2019 using the fully retrospective transition approach.  
The estimated $1.8 million cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 16 will be recognised in the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 
31 December 2019 as a credit to the opening balance of retained earnings as at 1 January 2018, with a re-statement of comparative information. 

The consolidated balance sheet is presented in order of decreasing liquidity. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

104  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

104

 
 
 
Accounting policies 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Summary of significant accounting policies 

consolidated financial statements are set out below. 

The basis of preparation, use of estimates, consolidation principles and significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these 

Basis of preparation 

IFRS as adopted by the EU. 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted under 

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. In the course of preparing the consolidated financial statements, no judgements have been made in the process of applying the Group’s 

accounting policies, other than those involving estimations as noted in the ‘Use of Estimates’ section below, that have had a significant effect on 

amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements. 

All amounts, excluding share data or where otherwise stated, are in millions of U.S. dollars. 

Changes in accounting standards 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was effective on 1 January 2018. The adoption of IFRS 15, using the cumulative effect 

approach, has not had a material impact on the results and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended  

31 December 2018 and is consistent with the Group’s previous treatment of other income. While a number of other amended IFRS and IFRIC 

standards have become effective this year, 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 by an insurer. The new standard is 

currently effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021. At its board meeting on 14 November 2018, the IASB tentatively 

decided to propose an amendment of the IFRS 17 effective date to reporting periods on or after 1 January 2022. 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 the presentation and disclosure 

requirements. IFRS 17 has not yet been endorsed by the EU. 

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 qualifies for, and 

has elected to apply, the temporary exemption available to companies whose predominant activity is to issue insurance contracts. The exemption 

lasts until accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022, subject to the proposed deferral of IFRS 17 as noted above, and addresses  

the accounting consequences of applying IFRS 9 to insurers prior to the adoption of IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts. 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 (loss) 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. Further implications from the change in classification from AFS to FVTPL (mandatory) will be that 

balances within accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified to retained earnings on the date of transition. 

IFRS 16, Leases, is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and replaces the existing lease standard IAS 17. IFRS 16 

introduces a single on-balance sheet accounting model for both finance and operating leases. The adoption of the standard results in the 

recognition of a right-of-use asset and associated lease liability on the balance sheet. In addition, the current operating lease rental charges in  

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) will be replaced with a depreciation charge for the right-of-use asset and an interest 

expense for the lease liabilities. IFRS 16 will be adopted by the Group on 1 January 2019 using the fully retrospective transition approach.  

The estimated $1.8 million cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 16 will be recognised in the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 

31 December 2019 as a credit to the opening balance of retained earnings as at 1 January 2018, with a re-statement of comparative information. 

The consolidated balance sheet is presented in order of decreasing liquidity. 

Use of estimates 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
and disclosed amounts at the balance sheet date and the reported and disclosed amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
Actual results may differ materially from the estimates made. 

The most significant estimate made by management is in relation to losses and loss adjustment expenses, both gross and net of outwards 
reinsurance recoverable. This is discussed on page 106 and 107 and also in the risk disclosures section from page 118. 

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 estimation of the fair value of financial instruments is discussed on pages 107 and 108 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. 

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 2018. 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 (loss). 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 or (loss) from such 
investments in its consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) 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 (loss) within net foreign exchanges (losses)gains. 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. 

104  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

105

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105

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies: continued 

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. 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 rateably 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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

106  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

106

 
 
 
Accounting policies: continued 

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. 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 rateably 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. 

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 the Group’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 set on a best estimate basis and 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. 

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. 

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  

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 and 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 carry certain fixed maturity securities 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. 

106  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

107

www.lancashiregroup.com

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107

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies: continued 

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 loss in shareholders’ equity. Changes in estimated fair value of investments classified at FVTPL are recognised 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) within net other investment (losses) 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 loss in shareholders’ 
equity and included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) as a realised gain or loss within net realised (losses) gains  
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 loss 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 (loss) within 
net other investment(losses) income. The Group does not currently hold any derivatives classified as hedging instruments. 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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

108  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

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108

 
 
Accounting policies: continued 

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 loss in shareholders’ equity. Changes in estimated fair value of investments classified at FVTPL are recognised 

in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) within net other investment (losses) 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 loss in shareholders’ 

equity and included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) as a realised gain or loss within net realised (losses) gains  

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 loss 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 (loss) within 

net other investment(losses) income. The Group does not currently hold any derivatives classified as hedging instruments. 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. 

Services 

Kinesis underwriting fees 

Kinesis profit commission 

Lloyd’s consortium management fees 

Lloyd’s consortium profit commission 

Lloyd’s managing agency fees 

Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligation and significant payment terms 

The Group recognises underwriting fees over the underwriting cycle based on the underlying 
exposure of the covered contracts. Underwriting fees are received by or before the collateral 
funding date, which is prior to commencement of the underwriting cycle. 
The Group recognises profit commission following the end of the underwriting cycle based  
on the underlying 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. 

Lloyd’s managing agency profit commission  The Group recognises profit commission on open years of account when measurement is virtually 

certain. 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 
Leasehold improvements 

33% per annum 
20% to 33% per annum 
20% 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 (loss). Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss 
as incurred. 

Leases 
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

Employee benefits 
Equity compensation plans 
The Group currently operates an 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 (credit) in the consolidated  
statement of comprehensive income (loss), 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 (loss) and the actual cost  
to the Group, if any, is transferred to other reserves in shareholders’ equity. 

108  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

109

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109

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies: continued 

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 (loss) in the period when the services 
are rendered. 

Tax 
Income tax represents the sum of the 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 (loss) 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 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. 

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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

110  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

110

 
 
Accounting policies: continued 

Risk disclosures 

Pensions 

are rendered. 

Tax 

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 (loss) in the period when the services 

Income tax represents the sum of the 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 (loss) 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 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. 

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: 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 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 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. 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 at least a monthly basis, management reviews the output 
from SHARP in order to assess modelled potential losses against risk tolerances and ensure that risk levels are managed in accordance with them. 

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. 

The six primary risk categories are discussed in detail on pages 112 to 133. 

110  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

111

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111

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 consistent with the Group’s risk-adjusted RoE targets. 

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, excluding the Lloyd’s segment, are Property, Energy, Aviation and Marine. These classes, plus the Group’s 
Lloyd’s segment, are deemed to be the Group’s five 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 overriding 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 Cathedral, the syndicates’ business forecast and business plan are subject to review and approval by Lloyd’s; 
•  BLAST, SHARP and Cathedral’s internal 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 Cathedral; 
•  sophisticated pricing and aggregation models are utilised in certain areas of the underwriting process, and are updated frequently; 
•  BLAST and other 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 treaty or facultative basis and to improve risk-adjusted RoE. 

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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

112  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

112

 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 consistent with the Group’s risk-adjusted RoE targets. 

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, excluding the Lloyd’s segment, are Property, Energy, Aviation and Marine. These classes, plus the Group’s 

Lloyd’s segment, are deemed to be the Group’s five 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: 

•  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 Cathedral, the syndicates’ business forecast and business plan are subject to review and approval by Lloyd’s; 

•  BLAST, SHARP and Cathedral’s internal 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; 

single events; 

•  risk levels versus tolerances are monitored on a regular basis; 

•  the Group and individual operating entities have predetermined tolerances on probabilistic and deterministic losses of capital for certain 

•  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 Cathedral; 

•  sophisticated pricing and aggregation models are utilised in certain areas of the underwriting process, and are updated frequently; 

•  BLAST and other 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 treaty or facultative basis and to improve risk-adjusted RoE. 

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. 

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. The exposure to catastrophe losses that 
would result in an impairment to the investment in associate is included in the figures below. 

•  the Group has a rolling three-year strategic plan that helps establish the overriding business goals that the Board of Directors aims to achieve; 

1.  Landing hurricane from Florida to Texas. 

As at 31 December 2018 

Zones 
Gulf of Mexico1 
Non-Gulf of Mexico – U.S. 
California 
Pan-European 
Japan 
Japan 
Pacific North West 

As at 31 December 2017 

Zones 
Gulf of Mexico1 
Non-Gulf of Mexico – U.S. 
California 
Pan-European 
Japan 
Japan 
Pacific North West 

1.  Landing hurricane from Florida to Texas. 

Perils 
Hurricane 
Hurricane 
Earthquake 
Windstorm 
Earthquake 
Typhoon 
Earthquake 

Perils 
Hurricane 
Hurricane 
Earthquake 
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 

163.2
110.2
78.0
70.7
45.0
36.3
22.7

13.2   
8.9   
6.3   
5.7   
3.6   
2.9   
1.8   

242.8
241.6
129.5
118.0
81.2
49.1
73.1

19.6
19.5
10.5
9.5
6.6
4.0
5.9

100 year return period 
estimated net loss 

250 year return period 
estimated net loss 

$m 

% of 
tangible capital 

$m 

% of
tangible capital 

173.8
140.9
96.1
77.2
46.6
51.6
33.1

13.6   
11.0   
7.5   
6.0   
3.6   
4.0   
2.6   

253.6
306.5
181.1
125.1
85.6
68.1
79.6

19.8
24.0
14.2
9.8
6.7
5.3
6.2

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, any modelled loss scenario could cause a larger loss to capital than the 
modelled expectation. 

Details of annual gross premiums written by geographic area of risks insured are provided below: 

U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada1 
Worldwide offshore 
Europe 
Far East 
Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada2 
Middle East 
Rest of world 
Total 

2018 

$m 

188.2
129.8
118.6
51.3
29.0
13.4
8.2
100.0
638.5

% 

29.5   
20.3   
18.6   
8.0   
4.5   
2.1   
1.3   
15.7   
100.0   

2017 

$m 

177.6
98.6
162.5
38.9
27.9
11.5
6.9
67.7
591.6

% 

30.0
16.7
27.5
6.6
4.7
1.9
1.2
11.4
100.0

1.  Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area. 

2.  Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area, but that specifically 

exclude the U.S. and Canada. 

112  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

113

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113

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

Details of annual gross premiums written by business segment are provided below: 

Lloyd’s 
Property 
Energy 
Aviation 
Marine 
Total 

2018 

$m 

256.8
214.6
103.0
33.0
31.1
638.5

% 

40.2   
33.6   
16.1   
5.2   
4.9   
100.0   

2017 

$m 

207.3
198.0
101.8
16.9
67.6
591.6

% 

35.0
33.5
17.2
2.9
11.4
100.0

Further details of the gross premiums written and the risks associated with each of these five principal business segments are described on the 
following pages.  

I. Lloyd’s 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Property reinsurance 
Property direct and facultative 
Other aviation and satellite 
Marine cargo 
Energy 
Aviation deductible 
Terrorism 
Total 

2018
$m 

82.3
74.4
37.7
31.9
19.0
6.4
5.1
256.8

2017
$m 

88.5
56.1
25.0
22.5
10.8
–
4.4
207.3

Property reinsurance predominantly includes property catastrophe excess of loss, property per risk excess of loss and property retrocession lines 
of business. Property catastrophe excess of loss and property per risk excess of loss provide protection for elemental and non-elemental risks and 
are written on an excess of loss treaty basis within the U.S. and internationally. The U.S. property catastrophe excess of loss book is particularly 
focused on regional clients. Property retrocession is written on an excess of loss basis through treaty arrangements. It provides coverage for 
elemental risks when sold on a catastrophe basis and both elemental and non-elemental risks when sold on a per risk retrocession basis. 
Protection is generally given on a regional basis and may cover specific property risks or all catastrophe perils. It is also generally written  
on an UNL basis, meaning loss payments are linked to the ceding company’s own loss. 

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. 

Other aviation and satellite includes aviation reinsurance, aviation war, general aviation, airlines hull and liability and satellite lines of business. 
Aviation reinsurance provides excess of loss catastrophe cover to the insurers of the world’s major airlines and aircraft and aircraft manufacturers 
whilst the airlines hull and liability line provides cover to the airlines directly. Both lines include 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. General aviation covers fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft, typically with 50 passenger seats or less, and 
covers both commercial and private clients. A significant part of the satellite account is written through SATEC, a specialist underwriting agency, 
to which underwriting authority is delegated. Satellite insurance is purchased by launch operators, satellite manufacturers and satellite operators 
to protect against launch or deployment failure or subsequent failure in orbit. Policies are typically written for launch plus one year in orbit. 
Thereafter, orbit cover is normally provided on an annual basis. 

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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

114  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

114

 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

Details of annual gross premiums written by business segment are provided below: 

Further details of the gross premiums written and the risks associated with each of these five principal business segments are described on the 

Lloyd’s 

Property 

Energy 

Aviation 

Marine 

Total 

following pages.  

I. Lloyd’s 

Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Property reinsurance 

Property direct and facultative 

Other aviation and satellite 

Marine cargo 

Energy 

Aviation deductible 

Terrorism 

Total 

2018 

$m 

256.8

214.6

103.0

33.0

31.1

638.5

% 

40.2   

33.6   

16.1   

5.2   

4.9   

100.0   

2017 

$m 

207.3

198.0

101.8

16.9

67.6

591.6

% 

35.0

33.5

17.2

2.9

11.4

100.0

2017

$m 

88.5

56.1

25.0

22.5

10.8

–

4.4

2018

$m 

82.3

74.4

37.7

31.9

19.0

6.4

5.1

256.8

207.3

Property reinsurance predominantly includes property catastrophe excess of loss, property per risk excess of loss and property retrocession lines 

of business. Property catastrophe excess of loss and property per risk excess of loss provide protection for elemental and non-elemental risks and 

are written on an excess of loss treaty basis within the U.S. and internationally. The U.S. property catastrophe excess of loss book is particularly 

focused on regional clients. Property retrocession is written on an excess of loss basis through treaty arrangements. It provides coverage for 

elemental risks when sold on a catastrophe basis and both elemental and non-elemental risks when sold on a per risk retrocession basis. 

Protection is generally given on a regional basis and may cover specific property risks or all catastrophe perils. It is also generally written  

on an UNL basis, meaning loss payments are linked to the ceding company’s own loss. 

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. 

Other aviation and satellite includes aviation reinsurance, aviation war, general aviation, airlines hull and liability and satellite lines of business. 

Aviation reinsurance provides excess of loss catastrophe cover to the insurers of the world’s major airlines and aircraft and aircraft manufacturers 

whilst the airlines hull and liability line provides cover to the airlines directly. Both lines include 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. General aviation covers fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft, typically with 50 passenger seats or less, and 

covers both commercial and private clients. A significant part of the satellite account is written through SATEC, a specialist underwriting agency, 

to which underwriting authority is delegated. Satellite insurance is purchased by launch operators, satellite manufacturers and satellite operators 

to protect against launch or deployment failure or subsequent failure in orbit. Policies are typically written for launch plus one year in orbit. 

Thereafter, orbit cover is normally provided on an annual basis. 

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. 

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. 
Worldwide offshore energy policies are typically package policies which may include physical damage, well control, 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. Construction energy contracts 
generally cover all risks of platforms, FPSO and drilling units under construction at yard and offshore, during towing and installation. Onshore 
construction contracts are generally not written. 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. Midstream exposures encompass the onshore movements of electricity, oil, gas and water and can include treatment and 
processing plants. Risks associated with the processing or refining of oil or petroleum by-products are excluded. Our underwriting appetite 
targets well engineered and operated power and midstream opportunities, whilst carefully balancing the associated natural catastrophe and 
business interruption exposures. 

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. 

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 may be multi-year, reflecting the term of the underlying exposures. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to reduce the exposure to large risk losses and large natural catastrophe losses in the U.S., Canada and worldwide 
with certain exclusions. Reinsurance may also be purchased to mitigate an accumulation of smaller, attritional losses. Reinsurance may be 
purchased on a facultative, excess of loss treaty or proportional treaty basis. 

II. Property 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Property catastrophe excess of loss 
Terrorism 
Property political risk 
Property risk excess of loss 
Property retrocession 
Other property 
Total 

2018
$m 

103.7
41.3
35.4
15.0
10.0
9.2
214.6

2017
$m 

101.9
34.9
31.1
12.9
10.0
7.2
198.0

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. 

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 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. 

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. 

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Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 
aggregate 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 112 and 113. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate exposures to large natural catastrophe losses in the U.S., Canada and worldwide with certain 
exclusions. 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 quota share arrangements may be entered into. 

III. Energy 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Worldwide offshore energy 
Onshore energy 
Gulf of Mexico offshore energy 
Construction energy 
Energy liabilities 
Other energy 
Total 

2018
$m 

63.8
14.6
10.6
4.1
3.1
6.8
103.0

2017
$m 

66.6 
3.5 
24.4 
(1.1)
3.0 
5.4 
101.8 

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. 
Worldwide offshore 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. 

Onshore energy risks can include onshore Gulf of Mexico and worldwide energy installations and are largely subject to the same loss events  
as the Gulf of Mexico offshore energy programmes. 

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 controlled and 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 112 and 113. 

Construction energy 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. 

The Group writes energy liability business on a standalone basis. Unlike the liability contained within the energy packages that Lancashire writes, 
standalone energy liability is written on an excess of loss basis only. Coverage is worldwide and provides coverage for all kinds of damages and loss 
to third parties. Coverage is generally restricted to offshore assets. 

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, quota share 
arrangements may be entered into. Reinsurance may be purchased on a facultative or treaty basis. 

IV. Aviation 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

AV52 
Aviation deductible 
Other aviation 
Total 

2018
$m 

19.4
11.1
2.5
33.0

2017
$m 

16.8
–
0.1
16.9

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. 

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Risk disclosures: continued 

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 

aggregate 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 112 and 113. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate exposures to large natural catastrophe losses in the U.S., Canada and worldwide with certain 

exclusions. 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 quota share arrangements may be entered into. 

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. 

Worldwide offshore 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. 

Onshore energy risks can include onshore Gulf of Mexico and worldwide energy installations and are largely subject to the same loss events  

as the Gulf of Mexico offshore energy programmes. 

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 controlled and 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 112 and 113. 

Construction energy 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. 

The Group writes energy liability business on a standalone basis. Unlike the liability contained within the energy packages that Lancashire writes, 

standalone energy liability is written on an excess of loss basis only. Coverage is worldwide and provides coverage for all kinds of damages and loss 

to third parties. Coverage is generally restricted to offshore assets. 

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, quota share 

arrangements may be entered into. Reinsurance may be purchased on a facultative or treaty basis. 

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. 

2018

$m 

63.8

14.6

10.6

4.1

3.1

6.8

2017

$m 

66.6 

3.5 

24.4 

(1.1)

3.0 

5.4 

103.0

101.8 

2018

$m 

19.4

11.1

2.5

33.0

2017

$m 

16.8

–

0.1

16.9

III. Energy 

Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Worldwide offshore energy 

Onshore energy 

Gulf of Mexico offshore energy 

Construction energy 

Energy liabilities 

Other energy 

Total 

IV. Aviation 

Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Aviation deductible 

Other aviation 

AV52 

Total 

commercial airlines. 

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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. 

Reinsurance may be purchased to mitigate exposures to an AV52 event loss. Reinsurance is typically purchased on a treaty excess of loss basis. 
Quota share reinsurance is typically used to reduce the Group’s exposure to aviation deductible business. 

V. Marine 
Gross premiums written, for the year: 

Marine hull and total loss 
Marine P&I clubs 
Marine builders’ risk 
Marine hull war 
Marine excess of loss 
Other marine 
Total 

2018
$m 

14.0
7.3
6.0
5.5
(3.9)
2.2
31.1

2017
$m 

20.0
10.1
13.9
7.1
13.4
3.1
67.6

With the exception of the marine P&I clubs, 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 P&I clubs 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 
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 loss that 
may arise from events that could cause unfavourable underwriting results, and to improve the modelled risk-adjusted RoE 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 would usually 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. 

Reinsurance protection is typically purchased on an excess of loss basis, however it may also include ILW covers or quota share 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 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 
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. 

117 

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Risk disclosures: continued 

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, monitoring their development and approving 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 are 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 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 lag. 

Uncertainty 
As a result of the time lag described above, an estimation must be made of IBNR reserves, which consist 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. 

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Risk disclosures: continued 

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, monitoring their development and approving 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  

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 

For excess of loss contracts, which make up the majority of the Group’s business, management are 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 

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 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 lag. 

Uncertainty 

As a result of the time lag described above, an estimation must be made of IBNR reserves, which consist 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. 

to management’s estimates of the ultimate losses. 

Short-tail versus long-tail 

vendor binding authorities. 

Excess of loss versus proportional 

as actual experience becomes known. 

Time lags 

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 2018, management’s estimates for IBNR represented 39.3 per cent of total net loss reserves (31 December 2017 – 44.8 per 
cent). The estimate relates to catastrophe events during recent years, 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.  Insurance risk;  

ii.  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 impending exit from the EU and the implications for 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 meeting for LICL and LUK to discuss, inter alia, market conditions and opportunities; 
•  reviews all new and renewal business post-underwriting for Cathedral; 
•  reviews outputs from BLAST to assess up-to-date profitability of classes and sectors; 
•  holds a quarterly Underwriting and Underwriting Risk Committee meeting to review underwriting strategy; 
•  holds a fortnightly RRC meeting to monitor estimated exposures to peak zone elemental losses and RDSs; 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. 

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Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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. 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 and a small equity portfolio. 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 equity-linked notes, derivative instruments, cash and cash equivalents, equity securities 
and hedge funds. In general, the duration of the surplus portfolio is slightly longer than the core or core plus portfolio. 

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. 

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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

120  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

120

 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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. 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 and a small equity portfolio. 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 equity-linked notes, derivative instruments, cash and cash equivalents, equity securities 

and hedge funds. In general, the duration of the surplus portfolio is slightly longer than the core or core plus portfolio. 

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. 

ERM framework. 

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  

The investment mix of the fixed maturity portfolios is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

– 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 2017 

– 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 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage 

backed securities 

– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Total fixed maturity securities 

Core 

$m 

48.1
11.4
69.6
15.9
1.0
13.1
16.5

4.8
3.8

–

0.4
–
200.1
384.7
–
384.7

Core 

$m 

8.8
31.0
100.7
16.4
1.9
17.1
15.9

8.4
2.2

–
–
168.7
371.1
–
371.1

% 

3.2
0.8
4.7
1.0
0.1
0.9
1.1

0.3
0.3

–

–
–
13.5
25.9
–
25.9

% 

0.6
2.1
6.8
1.1
0.1
1.2
1.1

0.6
0.1

–
–
11.4
25.1
–
25.1

Core plus 

$m 

175.6
–
113.1
29.5
4.4
69.6
62.2

15.0
10.4

1.9

–
–
277.9
759.6
–
759.6

Core plus 

$m 

98.7
–
118.2
13.4
4.1
34.5
56.7

22.4
3.3

0.2
–
264.7
616.2
–
616.2

% 

11.8
–
7.6
2.0
0.3
4.7
4.2

1.0
0.7

0.1

–
–
18.7
51.1
–
51.1

% 

6.7
–
8.0
0.9
0.3
2.3
3.8

1.5
0.2

–
–
18.0
41.7
–
41.7

Surplus 

$m 

1.8  
–  
3.9  
13.3  
–  
5.4  
50.6  

60.1  
6.9  

3.3  

0.1  
109.1  
43.6  
298.1  
45.0  
343.1  

Surplus 

$m 

3.6  
–  
16.8  
41.6  
–  
18.9  
71.4  

110.2  
7.7  

–  
106.7  
88.0  
464.9  
25.7  
490.6  

% 

0.1  
–  
0.3  
0.9  
–  
0.4  
3.4  

4.0  
0.5  

0.2  

–  
7.3  
2.9  
20.0  
3.0  
23.0  

% 

0.2  
–  
1.1  
2.8  
–  
1.3  
4.8  

7.6  
0.5  

–  
7.2  
6.0  
31.5  
1.7  
33.2  

Total 

$m 

225.5
11.4
186.6
58.7
5.4
88.1
129.3

79.9
21.1

5.2

0.5
109.1
521.6
1,442.4
45.0
1,487.4

Total 

$m 

111.1
31.0
235.7
71.4
6.0
70.5
144.0

141.0
13.2

0.2
106.7
521.4
1,452.2
25.7
1,477.9

% 

15.1
0.8
12.6
3.9
0.4
6.0
8.7

5.3
1.5

0.3

–
7.3
35.1
97.0
3.0
100.0

% 

7.5
2.1
15.9
4.8
0.4
4.8
9.7

9.7
0.8

–
7.2
35.4
98.3
1.7
100.0

120  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

121

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

121

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

Bank loans, corporate bonds, fixed maturity securities at FVTPL and other government bonds by country are as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

United States 
United Kingdom 
Canada 
Japan 
Netherlands 
France 
Switzerland 
Germany 
Spain 
Sweden 
Denmark 
Supranational 
Australia 
Italy 
Belgium 
Other 
Total 

Financials
$m 

Other
 industries 
 $m 

171.7
33.3
10.7
17.9
4.6
13.0
7.8
1.7
9.8
4.1
4.9
7.0
6.8
1.5
–
5.2
300.0

295.7
18.7
10.9
7.8
8.6
2.2
7.5
3.3
0.7
–
–
–
–
3.5
4.0
12.8
375.7

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. 

As at 31 December 2017 

United States 
Canada 
United Kingdom 
Netherlands 
Germany 
France 
Australia 
Japan 
Sweden 
Luxembourg 
Denmark 
Switzerland 
India 
Spain 
China 
Other 
Total 

Financials
$m 

Other
 industries 
 $m 

183.4
13.4
15.5
9.6
5.2
15.0
14.5
12.6
6.9
1.5
2.1
3.0
–
3.5
–
5.9
292.1

300.2
13.6
12.3
10.4
5.7
3.5
0.2
2.6
–
5.3
0.3
2.6
–
0.7
1.2
3.1
361.7

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. 

Total1 
$m 

467.4   
52.0   
21.6   
25.7   
13.2   
15.2   
15.3   
5.0   
10.5   
4.1   
4.9   
7.0   
6.8   
5.0   
4.0   
18.0   
675.7   

Total1 
$m 

483.6   
27.0   
27.8   
20.0   
10.9   
18.5   
14.7   
15.2   
6.9   
6.8   
2.4   
5.6   
–   
4.2   
1.2   
9.0   
653.8   

Other
government 
 bonds 
$m 

–
0.1
19.8
–
7.2
1.8
–
7.5
–
6.1
3.4
–
–
–
0.5
12.3
58.7

Other
government 
 bonds 
$m 

–
19.3
2.0
6.3
13.9
5.1
1.0
–
5.1
–
3.9
–
4.2
–
2.7
7.9
71.4

Total2
$m 

467.4
52.1
41.4
25.7
20.4
17.0
15.3
12.5
10.5
10.2
8.3
7.0
6.8
5.0
4.5
30.3
734.4

Total2
$m 

483.6
46.3
29.8
26.3
24.8
23.6
15.7
15.2
12.0
6.8
6.3
5.6
4.2
4.2
3.9
16.9
725.2

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

122  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

122

 
Risk disclosures: continued 

Financials

$m 

171.7

33.3

10.7

17.9

4.6

13.0

7.8

1.7

9.8

4.1

4.9

7.0

6.8

1.5

–

5.2

300.0

Financials

$m 

183.4

13.4

15.5

9.6

5.2

15.0

14.5

12.6

6.9

1.5

2.1

3.0

3.5

–

–

5.9

Other

 industries 

 $m 

295.7

18.7

10.9

7.8

8.6

2.2

7.5

3.3

0.7

–

–

–

–

3.5

4.0

12.8

375.7

Other

 industries 

 $m 

300.2

13.6

12.3

10.4

5.7

3.5

0.2

2.6

–

5.3

0.3

2.6

–

0.7

1.2

3.1

Total1 

$m 

467.4   

52.0   

21.6   

25.7   

13.2   

15.2   

15.3   

5.0   

10.5   

4.1   

4.9   

7.0   

6.8   

5.0   

4.0   

18.0   

675.7   

Total1 

$m 

483.6   

27.0   

27.8   

20.0   

10.9   

18.5   

14.7   

15.2   

6.9   

6.8   

2.4   

5.6   

–   

4.2   

1.2   

9.0   

Other

government 

 bonds 

$m 

–

0.1

19.8

–

7.2

1.8

7.5

6.1

3.4

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

12.3

58.7

–

19.3

2.0

6.3

13.9

5.1

1.0

5.1

3.9

4.2

–

–

–

–

2.7

7.9

71.4

Other

government 

 bonds 

$m 

Total2

$m 

467.4

52.1

41.4

25.7

20.4

17.0

15.3

12.5

10.5

10.2

8.3

7.0

6.8

5.0

4.5

30.3

734.4

Total2

$m 

483.6

46.3

29.8

26.3

24.8

23.6

15.7

15.2

12.0

6.8

6.3

5.6

4.2

4.2

3.9

16.9

725.2

As at 31 December 2018 

United States 

United Kingdom 

Canada 

Japan 

Netherlands 

France 

Switzerland 

Germany 

Spain 

Sweden 

Denmark 

Supranational 

Australia 

Italy 

Belgium 

Other 

Total 

As at 31 December 2017 

United States 

Canada 

United Kingdom 

Netherlands 

Germany 

France 

Australia 

Japan 

Sweden 

Luxembourg 

Denmark 

Switzerland 

India 

Spain 

China 

Other 

Total 

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. 

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. 

292.1

361.7

653.8   

Bank loans, corporate bonds, fixed maturity securities at FVTPL and other government bonds by country are as follows: 

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 

2018 

$m 

344.8
293.0
30.9
7.0
675.7

% 

51.0   
43.4   
4.6   
1.0   
100.0   

2017 

$m 

329.1
289.5
32.6
2.6
653.8

% 

50.3
44.3
5.0
0.4
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, 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 a small equity portfolio. 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) 

2018 

$m 

(22.4)
(16.8)
(11.2)
(5.6)
6.4
12.7
19.1
25.5

% 

(1.5 ) 
(1.1 ) 
(0.8 ) 
(0.4 ) 
0.4  
0.9  
1.3  
1.7  

2017 

$m 

(28.5)
(21.4)
(14.3)
(7.1)
7.2 
14.4 
21.6 
28.8 

% 

(1.9)
(1.4)
(1.0)
(0.5)
0.5 
1.0 
1.5 
1.9 

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 total durations of the externally managed portfolios, which are comprised of fixed maturity, cash and cash equivalents and certain 
derivatives, are as follows: 

As at 31 December 

Core portfolio 
Core plus portfolio 
Surplus portfolio1 
Overall external portfolio1 

1.  Including duration overlay. 

2018
years 

1.8
1.7
1.3
1.6

2017
years 

1.7
1.7
2.0
1.8

The overall duration for fixed maturity, managed cash and cash equivalents and certain derivatives is 1.5 years (2017 – 1.7 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. 

122  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

123

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

123

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 per cent of the time over a one-year time horizon. 

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. 

2018 

2017 

$m 

26.0

% of shareholders’ 
equity 

2.4   

$m 

27.0

% of shareholders’ 
equity 

2.4

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 (loss) 
are as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

Interest rate futures 
Forward foreign currency contracts 
Interest rate swaps 
Total 

As at 31 December 2017 

Interest rate futures 
Forward foreign currency contracts 
Total 

Net realised 
losses  
$m 

Net foreign
exchange 
gains 
$m 

(1.0 ) 
–   
–   
(1.0 ) 

Net realised 
losses  
$m 

(0.7 ) 
–   
(0.7 ) 

–
1.6
–
1.6

Net foreign
exchange 
losses 
$m 

–
(0.7)
(0.7)

Financing
gains 
$m 

–
–
0.9
0.9

Financing
gains 
$m 

–
–
–

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 

2018 

2017 

Other 
investments  
$m 

Other
receivables 
$m 

Other
payables 
$m 

Interest
rate swaps 
 $m 

Other
investments 
$m 

Other 
receivables  
$m 

Other
payables 
$m 

Interest
rate swaps 
 $m 

(0.3 ) 
–   
(0.3 ) 

1.1
–
1.1

(1.0)
–
(1.0)

–
(0.4)
(0.4)

(0.5)

– 
(0.5)

1.6   

–   
1.6   

(0.1)

– 
(0.1)

–
(2.0)
(2.0)

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

124  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

124

 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 per cent of the time over a one-year time horizon. 

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. 

Derivative financial instruments 

% of shareholders’ 

% of shareholders’ 

2018 

$m 

26.0

equity 

2.4   

2017 

$m 

27.0

equity 

2.4

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: 

The net gains (losses) on the Group’s derivative financial instruments recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) 

c.  Forward foreign currency contracts; and 

a.  Futures;  

b.  Options; 

d.  Swaps. 

are as follows: 

Forward foreign currency contracts 

As at 31 December 2018 

Interest rate futures 

Interest rate swaps 

Total 

As at 31 December 2017 

Interest rate futures 

Forward foreign currency contracts 

Total 

Net realised 

Net foreign

exchange 

losses  

$m 

(1.0 ) 

–   

–   

(1.0 ) 

losses  

$m 

(0.7 ) 

–   

(0.7 ) 

gains 

$m 

1.6

–

–

1.6

losses 

$m 

–

(0.7)

(0.7)

Financing

gains 

$m 

–

–

0.9

0.9

–

–

–

Financing

gains 

$m 

Net realised 

Net foreign

exchange 

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 

$m 

(0.3 ) 

–   

(0.3 ) 

Other 

Other

investments  

receivables 

Interest

rate swaps 

Other

Other 

investments 

receivables  

2018 

$m 

1.1

–

1.1

Other

payables 

$m 

(1.0)

–

(1.0)

 $m 

–

(0.4)

(0.4)

$m 

(0.5)

– 

(0.5)

2017 

$m 

1.6   

–   

1.6   

Other

payables 

$m 

(0.1)

– 

(0.1)

Interest

rate swaps 

 $m 

–

(2.0)

(2.0)

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. 

The Group’s exposure to interest rate futures are as follows: 

As at 31 December 

Interest rate futures 
Total 

Notional
long 
$m 

69.1
69.1

2018 

Notional
short 
$m 

94.1
94.1

Net notional
long (short) 
$m 

(25.0)
(25.0)

Notional 
long  
$m 

100.1   
100.1   

2017 

Notional
 short 
 $m 

103.5
103.5

Net notional
long (short) 
$m 

(3.4)
(3.4)

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 2018 and 2017. 

The investment guidelines also restrict the maximum notional options exposure as a percentage of the investment portfolio’s estimated fair value. 

124  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

125

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

125

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 

2018 

Notional
short 
$m 

Net notional
long (short) 
$m 

Notional 
long  
$m 

2017 

Notional
 short 
 $m 

Net notional
long (short) 
$m 

–
22.9
–
–
–
0.7
3.9
67.3
94.8

20.3
38.0
5.8
3.6
2.8
–
–
3.5
74.0

(20.3)
(15.1)
(5.8)
(3.6)
(2.8)
0.7
3.9
63.8
20.8

–   
24.0   
–   
–   
–   
1.7   
4.9   
53.5   
84.1   

26.9
44.6
7.2
3.9
3.0
–
–
4.0
89.6

(26.9)
(20.6)
(7.2)
(3.9)
(3.0)
1.7 
4.9 
49.5 
(5.5)

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 2018 and 2017. 
Through the use of interest rate swaps, the Group has fixed the interest rate on Lancashire’s subordinated loan notes until December 2020. As at 
31 December 2018 the notional amount of interest rate swaps held for hedging purposes was $124.5 million (31 December 2017 – $125.8 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 2018 or 31 December 2017. 

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 per cent. The Group is subject to interest rate risk on the coupon payments of these 
subordinated loan notes. The Group has mitigated the interest rate risk on the LHL subordinated loan notes by entering into interest rate swap 
contracts on the following loan notes: 

Subordinated loan notes $97.0 million 
Subordinated loan notes €24.0 million 

Maturity date 

Interest hedged 

15 December 2035
15 June 2035

100%
100%

The interest rate swaps expire on 15 December 2020, therefore until 2020 the Group has a fixed interest rate on the LHL subordinated loan 
notes due in 2035. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

126  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

126

 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 

22.9

–

–

–

–

0.7

3.9

67.3

94.8

2018 

Notional

Net notional

long (short) 

short 

$m 

20.3

38.0

5.8

3.6

2.8

–

–

3.5

74.0

$m 

(20.3)

(15.1)

(5.8)

(3.6)

(2.8)

0.7

3.9

63.8

20.8

Notional 

long  

$m 

24.0   

–   

–   

–   

–   

1.7   

4.9   

53.5   

84.1   

2017 

Notional

 short 

 $m 

26.9

44.6

7.2

3.9

3.0

–

–

4.0

89.6

Net notional

long (short) 

$m 

(26.9)

(20.6)

(7.2)

(3.9)

(3.0)

1.7 

4.9 

49.5 

(5.5)

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 2018 and 2017. 

Through the use of interest rate swaps, the Group has fixed the interest rate on Lancashire’s subordinated loan notes until December 2020. As at 

31 December 2018 the notional amount of interest rate swaps held for hedging purposes was $124.5 million (31 December 2017 – $125.8 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 2018 or 31 December 2017. 

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 per cent. The Group is subject to interest rate risk on the coupon payments of these 

subordinated loan notes. The Group has mitigated the interest rate risk on the LHL subordinated loan notes by entering into interest rate swap 

The interest rate swaps expire on 15 December 2020, therefore until 2020 the Group has a fixed interest rate on the LHL subordinated loan 

Maturity date 

Interest hedged 

15 December 2035

15 June 2035

100%

100%

III. Debt risk 

contracts on the following loan notes: 

Subordinated loan notes $97.0 million 

Subordinated loan notes €24.0 million 

notes due in 2035. 

126  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

The senior unsecured notes maturing 1 October 2022 bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.70 per cent 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 Cathedral’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 $0.7 million on an annual basis. 

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 126 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 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Intangible assets 
Total assets as at 31 December 2018 

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 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities as at 31 December 2018 

U.S.$
$m 

86.0
6.6
1,546.0

270.9
361.1
26.7
67.1
0.2
48.4
153.8
2,566.8

U.S.$
$m 

685.4
265.8
26.9
75.8
4.7
23.9
–
7.8
(0.8)
284.4
1,373.9

Sterling
$m 

15.2
0.1
18.0

11.2
13.6
8.2
–
1.2
8.0
–
75.5

Sterling
$m 

59.5
25.4
4.7
2.8
–
21.0
0.9
3.4
–
–
117.7

127

Euro
$m 

19.4
0.1
69.8

20.6
12.1
–
–
–
11.6
–
133.6

Japanese Yen 
$m 

9.0   
–   
–   

5.3   
–   
–   
–   
–   
1.0   
–   
15.3   

Euro
$m 

Japanese Yen 
$m 

113.7
43.3
2.9
2.5
2.1
0.4
–
–
1.2
39.9
206.0

19.7   
10.4   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
30.1   

Other
$m 

25.0
–
25.2

10.1
2.6
0.4
–
–
5.2
–
68.5

Other
$m 

36.7
25.7
1.5
0.2
0.3
0.1
–
–
–
–
64.5

Total
$m 

154.6
6.8
1,659.0

318.1
389.4
35.3
67.1
1.4
74.2
153.8
2,859.7

Total
$m 

915.0
370.6
36.0
81.3
7.1
45.4
0.9
11.2
0.4
324.3
1,792.2

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

127

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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 
Deferred acquisition costs 
Intangible assets 
Total assets as at 31 December 2017 

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 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities as at 31 December 2017 

U.S.$
$m 

158.1
6.1
1,538.2

252.1
331.9
39.3
59.4
0.3
55.2
153.8
2,594.4

U.S.$
$m 

773.5
259.7
30.4
62.8
2.1
30.8
–
7.8
0.2
283.3
1,450.6

Sterling
$m 

16.9
–
20.8

13.4
6.1
2.5
–
2.3
6.5
–
68.5

Euro
 $m 

33.6
–
82.1

19.7
6.1
–
–
–
9.4
–
150.9

Japanese Yen 
$m 

11.7   
–   
–   

2.3   
–   
–   
–   
–   
0.9   
–   
14.9   

Sterling
$m 

Euro
$m 

Japanese Yen 
$m 

38.5
20.7
5.8
1.5
–
16.4
2.8
8.7
–
–
94.4

72.9
37.9
2.6
1.0
0.3
0.7
–
–
1.8
43.0
160.2

8.6   
8.6   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
17.2   

Other
$m 

36.2
–
13.5

10.4
1.9
0.6
–
–
4.7
–
67.3

Other
$m 

40.0
24.0
1.9
0.2
0.1
0.1
–
–
–
–
66.3

Total
$m 

256.5
6.1
1,654.6

297.9
346.0
42.4
59.4
2.6
76.7
153.8
2,896.0

Total
$m 

933.5
350.9
40.7
65.5
2.5
48.0
2.8
16.5
2.0
326.3
1,788.7

The impact on net income of a proportional foreign exchange movement of 10.0 per cent up and 10.0 per cent down against the U.S. dollar at 
the year end spot rates would be an increase or decrease of $5.4 million (2017 – $3.5 million). 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

128  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

128

 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

Inwards premiums receivable from insureds 

Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Accrued interest receivable 

Investments 

and cedants 

Reinsurance assets 

Other receivables 

Investment in associate 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred acquisition costs 

Intangible assets 

Total assets as at 31 December 2017 

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 

Long-term debt 

U.S.$

$m 

158.1

6.1

1,538.2

252.1

331.9

39.3

59.4

0.3

55.2

153.8

2,594.4

U.S.$

$m 

773.5

259.7

30.4

62.8

2.1

30.8

–

7.8

0.2

283.3

1,450.6

Sterling

$m 

16.9

–

20.8

13.4

6.1

2.5

–

2.3

6.5

–

68.5

38.5

20.7

5.8

1.5

–

16.4

2.8

8.7

–

–

94.4

Sterling

$m 

Euro

 $m 

33.6

–

82.1

19.7

6.1

–

–

–

–

9.4

Euro

$m 

72.9

37.9

2.6

1.0

0.3

0.7

–

–

150.9

1.8

43.0

160.2

Japanese Yen 

$m 

11.7   

2.3   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

0.9   

–   

14.9   

$m 

8.6   

8.6   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

Other

$m 

36.2

–

13.5

10.4

1.9

0.6

–

–

–

4.7

67.3

Other

$m 

40.0

24.0

1.9

0.2

0.1

0.1

–

–

–

–

Total

$m 

256.5

6.1

1,654.6

297.9

346.0

42.4

59.4

2.6

76.7

153.8

2,896.0

Total

$m 

933.5

350.9

40.7

65.5

2.5

48.0

2.8

16.5

2.0

326.3

1,788.7

Total liabilities as at 31 December 2017 

17.2   

66.3

The impact on net income of a proportional foreign exchange movement of 10.0 per cent up and 10.0 per cent down against the U.S. dollar at 

the year end spot rates would be an increase or decrease of $5.4 million (2017 – $3.5 million). 

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 

Japanese Yen 

•  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 2018 

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 2017 

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
104.9
76.2
30.0
34.4
13.5
25.5
384.7

Core
 $m 

89.5
102.7
95.6
18.8
27.3
10.7
26.5
371.1

Core plus 
$m 

245.3   
156.0   
89.1   
66.4   
75.3   
38.0   
89.5   
759.6   

Core plus 
$m 

211.0   
84.1   
103.1   
44.1   
49.4   
41.9   
82.6   
616.2   

Surplus
$m 

11.9
35.3
20.5
18.0
28.4
108.0
121.0
343.1

Surplus
 $m 

12.6
45.5
27.2
40.4
48.9
126.7
189.3
490.6

The maturity profile of the insurance contracts and financial liabilities of the Group is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance contracts – other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Other payables 
Interest rate swap 
Long-term debt1 
Total 

Balance sheet
$m 

Less than one
$m 

One to three
$m 

Three to five 
$m 

Over five
$m 

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

915.0
36.0
81.3
45.4
0.4
324.3
1,402.4

497.9
35.7
81.3
45.4
0.1
16.2
676.6

269.4
0.3
–
–
0.3
37.3
307.3

89.9   
–   
–   
–   
–   
160.0   
249.9   

57.8
–
–
–
–
344.3
402.1

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes accrued interest. 

Total
$m 

357.4
296.2
185.8
114.4
138.1
159.5
236.0
1,487.4

Total
$m 

313.1
232.3
225.9
103.3
125.6
179.3
298.4
1,477.9

Total
$m 

915.0
36.0
81.3
45.4
0.4
557.8
1,635.9

128  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

129

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

129

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

As at 31 December 2017 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Insurance contracts – other payables 
Amounts payable to reinsurers 
Other payables 
Interest rate swap 
Long-term debt1 
Total 

Balance sheet
$m 

Less than one
$m 

One to three
$m 

Three to five 
$m 

Over five
$m 

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

933.5
40.7
65.5
48.0
2.0
326.3
1,416.0

524.3
37.5
65.5
48.0
0.9
15.1
691.3

265.6
3.2
–
–
1.1
36.2
306.1

88.0   
–   
–   
–   
–   
167.6   
255.6   

55.6
–
–
–
–
354.8
410.4

Total
$m 

933.5
40.7
65.5
48.0
2.0
573.7
1,663.4

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes accrued interest. 

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. 

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 deemed necessary. 

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. 

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 per cent 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 per cent 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 117. 

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. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

130  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

130

 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

As at 31 December 2017 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Insurance contracts – other payables 

Amounts payable to reinsurers 

Other payables 

Interest rate swap 

Long-term debt1 

Total 

Balance sheet

Less than one

One to three

Three to five 

Years until liability becomes due – undiscounted values 

$m 

933.5

40.7

65.5

48.0

2.0

326.3

1,416.0

$m 

524.3

37.5

65.5

48.0

0.9

15.1

691.3

$m 

265.6

3.2

–

–

1.1

36.2

306.1

$m 

88.0   

–   

–   

–   

–   

167.6   

255.6   

Over five

$m 

55.6

–

–

–

–

354.8

410.4

Total

$m 

933.5

40.7

65.5

48.0

2.0

573.7

1,663.4

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. 

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 deemed necessary. 

D. Credit risk 

from reinsurers. 

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 

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 per cent 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 per cent 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 117. 

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. 

1.  The maturity profile of long-term debt includes accrued interest. 

1.  Reinsurance recoveries classified as ‘other’ include $100.5 million of reserves that are fully collateralised. 

As at 31 December 2018 

AAA 
AA+, AA, AA- 
A+, A, A- 
BBB+, BBB, BBB- 
Other1 
Total 

As at 31 December 2017 

AAA 
AA+, AA, AA- 
A+, A, A- 
BBB+, BBB, BBB- 
Other1 
Total 

1.  Reinsurance recoveries classified as ‘other’ include $93.6 million of reserves that are fully collateralised. 

The counterparty to the Group’s long-term debt interest rate swaps is currently rated A by S&P. 

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 

Cash and fixed 
maturity securities 
 $m 

Inwards
 premiums 
receivable and 
other receivables 
$m 

335.9   
586.2   
402.6   
219.7   
97.6   
1,642.0   

–
–
87.0
–
276.2
363.2

Cash and fixed 
maturity securities 
 $m 

Inwards
premiums 
 receivable and 
other receivables 
$m 

368.0   
621.8   
403.7   
237.3   
103.6   
1,734.4   

–
–
69.5
–
291.5
361.0

2018
$m 

8.5
5.5
8.4
22.4

Reinsurance
recoveries 
$m 

–
3.6
208.3
–
111.0
322.9

Reinsurance
 recoveries 
 $m 

–
2.7
177.0
–
104.4
284.1

2017
$m 

15.3
5.3
14.0
34.6

Provisions of $2.9 million (2017 – $2.4 million) have been made for impaired or irrecoverable balances and $0.5 million (2017 – $1.4 million)  
was charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) in respect of bad debts. 

E. Operational risk 
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems. 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 Cathedral 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. 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 audited quarterly. Frequency of audits  
for all other areas varies from quarterly at the most frequent to a minimum of once every four years, on a rotational basis. 

130  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

131

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

131

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk disclosures: continued 

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; and 
•  feedback to senior management via the daily UMCC and fortnightly RRC meetings. 

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 

2018
$m 

1,067.2
324.3
1,391.5
(153.8)
1,237.7

2017
$m 

1,106.9 
326.3 
1,433.2 
(153.8)
1,279.4 

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 Cathedral 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 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 Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders across the cycle. The return is generated within a broad framework  
of risk parameters. The return is measured by management in terms of the IRR of the increase in FCBVS in the period adjusted for dividends 
accrued. 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, 
adjusting the Group’s portfolio to make the most effective use of available capital and seeking to maximise the risk-adjusted return. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

132  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

132

 
The Group addresses the risks associated with the planning and execution of the business plan through a combination of the following: 

31 December 2018 
31 December 2017 

IRR achieved is as follows: 

31 December 2018 
31 December 2017 

IRR achieved in excess of the three-month treasury yield is as follows: 

Annual 
return  
% 

2.4   
(5.9 ) 

Annual 
return  
% 

0.5   
(6.8 ) 

Compound
annual return 
% 

17.5
17.7

Compound
annual return 
% 

16.4
16.7

Inception to
date return 
 % 

716.3
608.2

Inception to
date return 
% 

701.1
595.2

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. 

Between 2014 and 2018 the PRA operated as the Group’s Solvency II supervisor and the Group was subject to the requirements of the UK’s 
Solvency II regime. Effective 1 January 2019, the Company will establish its Group supervisory and tax domiciles in Bermuda and therefore be 
supervised by the BMA. This change will not affect the Group’s UK regulated insurance entities, which will continue to be regulated by the PRA 
and the FCA. Additionally, CUL is also regulated by Lloyd’s. 

Under Solvency II the basis for assessing capital and solvency comprises a market-consistent economic balance sheet and a SCR, using either  
an internal model or the standard formula. Both the Group and LUK calculate their SCR using the standard formula. The Group’s and LUK’s 
Solvency II own funds are primarily comprised of Tier 1 items for the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. 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 2018 and 2017 the Group and LUK were more than adequately capitalised under the Solvency II regime. 

LICL is regulated by the BMA and is required to monitor its solvency capital requirement under the BMA’s regulatory framework, which  
has been assessed as equivalent to the Solvency II regime. LICL’s capital requirement is calculated using the BSCR standard formula model.  
For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, LICL was more than adequately capitalised under the BMA regulatory regime. 

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 per cent 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 2019 
calendar year the Group’s corporate member’s FAL requirement was set at 67.8 per cent (2018 – 66.5 per cent) 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 £187.8 million as at 31 December 2018 (31 December 2017 – £184.3 million). 

For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 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. 

Risk disclosures: continued 

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 

•  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; and 

•  feedback to senior management via the daily UMCC and fortnightly RRC meetings. 

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 

2018

$m 

1,067.2

324.3

1,391.5

(153.8)

1,237.7

2017

$m 

1,106.9 

326.3 

1,433.2 

(153.8)

1,279.4 

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 Cathedral 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 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 Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders across the cycle. The return is generated within a broad framework  

of risk parameters. The return is measured by management in terms of the IRR of the increase in FCBVS in the period adjusted for dividends 

accrued. 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, 

adjusting the Group’s portfolio to make the most effective use of available capital and seeking to maximise the risk-adjusted return. 

132  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

133

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

133

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018 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 23. 

2. Segmental reporting 
Management and the Board of Directors review the Group’s business primarily by its five principal segments: Property, Energy, Marine, Aviation 
and Lloyd’s. 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 114 to 117. 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. 

Revenue and expense by operating segment 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Gross premiums written by geographic area 
U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada1 
Worldwide offshore 
Europe 
Far East 
Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada2 
Middle East 
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 

Energy 
$m 

Marine 
$m 

Aviation 
$m 

Lloyd’s 
$m 

Total 
$m 

78.9
30.7
0.3
27.4
15.3
6.7
4.4
50.9
214.6
(90.8) 
(4.9) 
13.0 
131.9 
(93.0) 

48.2 
(34.8) 
3.3
55.6

1.8
6.5
87.0
1.9
0.5
1.5
2.3
1.5 
103.0 
(28.9) 
7.9 
(6.1) 
75.9 
22.0 

(1.4) 
(34.1) 
0.5 
62.9 

–
–
31.3
–
–
–
–
(0.2) 
31.1 
(20.2) 
10.6 
– 
21.5 
(70.5) 

48.5 
(11.4) 
(0.6) 
(12.5) 

– 
32.9 
– 
– 
– 
0.1 
– 
–  
33.0  
(11.0 ) 
(7.3 ) 
3.1  
17.8  
(3.6 ) 

3.2  
(9.4 ) 
1.0  
9.0  

107.5
59.7
–
22.0
13.2
5.1
1.5
47.8 
256.8 
(69.9) 
(26.0) 
5.5 
166.4 
(162.3) 

43.5 
(41.3) 
0.4 
6.7 

34.0%
23.9%
–
57.9%

(27.1%)
44.3% 
– 
17.2% 

102.3%
55.8%
– 
158.1%

2.2 % 
47.2 % 
–  
49.4 % 

71.4%
24.6%
– 
96.0%

188.2
129.8
118.6
51.3
29.0
13.4
8.2
100.0 
638.5 
(220.8) 
(19.7) 
15.5 
413.5 
(307.4) 

142.0 
(131.0) 
4.6 
121.7 
(88.1) 
33.6 
40.0%
30.6%
21.6%
92.2%

1.  Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area. 

2.  Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area, but that specifically 

exclude the U.S. and Canada. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

134

www.lancashiregroup.com

134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 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 

HM 11, Bermuda. 

related parties can be found in note 23. 

2. Segmental reporting 

Management and the Board of Directors review the Group’s business primarily by its five principal segments: Property, Energy, Marine, Aviation 

and Lloyd’s. 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 114 to 117. 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. 

Revenue and expense by operating segment 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

Gross premiums written by geographic area 

Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada1 

U.S. and Canada 

Worldwide offshore 

Europe 

Far East 

Middle East 

Rest of world 

Total 

Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada2 

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 

exclude the U.S. and Canada. 

Property 

$m 

Energy 

$m 

Marine 

$m 

Aviation 

$m 

Lloyd’s 

$m 

Total 

$m 

78.9

30.7

0.3

27.4

15.3

6.7

4.4

50.9

214.6

(90.8) 

(4.9) 

13.0 

131.9 

(93.0) 

48.2 

(34.8) 

3.3

55.6

1.8

6.5

87.0

1.9

0.5

1.5

2.3

1.5 

103.0 

(28.9) 

7.9 

(6.1) 

75.9 

22.0 

(1.4) 

(34.1) 

0.5 

62.9 

31.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.2) 

31.1 

(20.2) 

10.6 

– 

21.5 

(70.5) 

48.5 

(11.4) 

(0.6) 

(12.5) 

32.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

0.1 

33.0  

(11.0 ) 

(7.3 ) 

3.1  

17.8  

(3.6 ) 

3.2  

(9.4 ) 

1.0  

9.0  

107.5

59.7

–

22.0

13.2

5.1

1.5

47.8 

256.8 

(69.9) 

(26.0) 

5.5 

166.4 

(162.3) 

43.5 

(41.3) 

0.4 

6.7 

34.0%

23.9%

–

(27.1%)

44.3% 

– 

57.9%

17.2% 

102.3%

55.8%

– 

158.1%

2.2 % 

47.2 % 

–  

49.4 % 

71.4%

24.6%

– 

96.0%

188.2

129.8

118.6

51.3

29.0

13.4

8.2

100.0 

638.5 

(220.8) 

(19.7) 

15.5 

413.5 

(307.4) 

142.0 

(131.0) 

4.6 

121.7 

(88.1) 

33.6 

40.0%

30.6%

21.6%

92.2%

1.  Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area. 

2.  Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area, but that specifically 

Revenue and expense by operating segment 

For the year ended 31 December 2017 

Gross premiums written by geographic area 
U.S. and Canada 
Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada1 
Worldwide offshore 
Europe 
Far East 
Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada2 
Middle East 
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 (loss) profit 
Net unallocated income and expenses 
Loss before tax 
Net loss ratio 
Net acquisition cost ratio 
Expense ratio 
Combined ratio 

Aviation 
$m 

Lloyd’s 
$m 

Total 
$m 

Property 
$m 

Energy 
$m 

80.0 
30.3 
0.2 
23.1 
16.5 
6.0 
5.3 
36.6 
198.0 
(66.3)
11.6 
3.2 
146.5 
(254.9)

87.3 
(30.2)
2.6 
(48.7)

4.7 
2.5 
94.8 
– 
– 
0.1 
– 
(0.3)
101.8 
(45.1)
7.5 
6.2 
70.4 
(34.7)

23.6 
(32.4)
1.4 
28.3 

Marine 
 $m 

– 
– 
67.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.1 
67.6 
(11.3)
(5.6)
– 
50.7 
(17.3)

0.6 
(19.0)
0.6 
15.6 

–  
16.9  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
16.9  
(7.2 ) 
4.4  
(2.5 ) 
11.6  
1.6  

0.6  
(3.3 ) 
0.1  
10.6  

92.9 
48.9 
– 
15.8 
11.4 
5.4 
1.6 
31.3 
207.3 
(63.7)
4.7 
0.4 
148.7 
(232.7)

90.5 
(35.8)
0.4 
(28.9)

114.4%
18.8%
– 

133.2%

15.8%
44.0%
– 
59.8%

32.9%
36.3%
– 
69.2%

(19.0 %) 
27.6 % 
–  
8.6 % 

95.6%
23.8%
– 

119.4%

177.6 
98.6 
162.5 
38.9 
27.9 
11.5 
6.9 
67.7 
591.6 
(193.6)
22.6 
7.3 
427.9 
(538.0)

202.6 
(120.7)
5.1 
(23.1)
(49.8)
(72.9)
78.4%
27.0%
19.5%
124.9%

1.  Worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area. 

2.  Worldwide, excluding the U.S. and Canada, comprises insurance and reinsurance contracts that insure or reinsure risks in more than one geographic area, but that specifically 

exclude the U.S. and Canada. 

www.lancashiregroup.com

134

135

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

135

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

3. Investment return 
The total investment return for the Group is as follows: 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

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 
(losses) income1
$m 

Net realised
(losses) gains 
and impairments 
 $m 

Net change 
in unrealised 
gains/losses on AFS2
$m 

Total investment 
 return excluding  
 foreign exchange  
$m 

Net foreign 
exchange
 (losses) gains 
$m 

Total investment
return including 
foreign exchange 
$m 

31.8
(0.7)
–
(4.7)
1.2
2.9
30.5

(6.4)
–
–
2.3
(1.0)
–
(5.1)

(12.4)
–
(0.5)
–
–
–
(12.9)

13.0  
(0.7 ) 
(0.5 ) 
(2.4 ) 
0.2  
2.9  
12.5  

(5.4)
–
–
–
3.8
(0.3)
(1.9)

7.6
(0.7)
(0.5)
(2.4)
4.0
2.6
10.6

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 

2.  Applying IFRS 9, 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 2017 

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 (losses) 
income1
$m 

Net realised
(losses) gains 
 and impairments 
$m 

Net change 
in unrealised 
gains/losses on AFS2
$m 

Total investment 
return excluding  
foreign exchange  
$m 

Net foreign 
exchange
 (losses) gains 
$m 

Total investment
return including 
foreign exchange 
$m 

28.6
(1.0)
–
1.1
1.1
1.9
31.7

(2.9)
2.4
0.8
9.5
(0.7)
–
9.1

2.1
–
2.8
–
–
–
4.9

27.8  
1.4  
3.6  
10.6  
0.4  
1.9  
45.7  

9.8
–
–
–
(2.6)
0.5
7.7

37.6
1.4
3.6
10.6
(2.2)
2.4
53.4

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 

2.  Applying IFRS 9, net change in unrealised gains /losses on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

Net realised (losses) gains and impairments includes impairment losses of $0.4 million (2017 – $1.3 million) recognised on fixed 
maturity securities. 

Refer to pages 124 to 125 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(losses) gains and impairments. 

Included in net investment income and net other investment income is $4.4 million (2017 – $4.6 million) of investment management, 
accounting and custodian fees. 

4. Net insurance acquisition expenses 

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 

2018 
$m 

128.5  
2.5  
(9.2 )
4.6  
126.4  

2017
$m 

115.9 
4.8 
(7.2)
2.1 
115.6 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

136  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

136

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

3. Investment return 

The total investment return for the Group is as follows: 

For the year ended 31 December 2018 

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 

For the year ended 31 December 2017 

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 

(losses) income1

Net realised

(losses) gains 

Net change 

in unrealised 

and impairments 

gains/losses on AFS2

Total investment 

 return excluding  

 foreign exchange  

Net foreign 

exchange

 (losses) gains 

Total investment

return including 

foreign exchange 

$m 

31.8

(0.7)

–

(4.7)

1.2

2.9

30.5

$m 

28.6

(1.0)

–

1.1

1.1

1.9

31.7

 $m 

(6.4)

–

–

–

2.3

(1.0)

(5.1)

$m 

(2.9)

2.4

0.8

9.5

–

9.1

(0.7)

$m 

(12.4)

(0.5)

–

–

–

–

(12.9)

$m 

2.1

2.8

–

–

–

–

4.9

$m 

13.0  

(0.7 ) 

(0.5 ) 

(2.4 ) 

0.2  

2.9  

12.5  

$m 

27.8  

1.4  

3.6  

10.6  

0.4  

1.9  

45.7  

$m 

(5.4)

–

–

–

3.8

(0.3)

(1.9)

$m 

9.8

–

–

–

(2.6)

0.5

7.7

$m 

7.6

(0.7)

(0.5)

(2.4)

4.0

2.6

10.6

$m 

37.6

1.4

3.6

10.6

(2.2)

2.4

53.4

Net investment 

income and net other 

investment (losses) 

Net realised

(losses) gains 

Net change 

in unrealised 

income1

 and impairments 

gains/losses on AFS2

Total investment 

return excluding  

foreign exchange  

Net foreign 

exchange

 (losses) gains 

Total investment

return including 

foreign exchange 

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 

2.  Applying IFRS 9, net change in unrealised gains /losses on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

1.  Net unrealised gains/(losses) on our FVTPL investments are included within net investment income and net other investment income. 

2.  Applying IFRS 9, net change in unrealised gains /losses on AFS will be classified within net investment income and net other investment income. 

Net realised (losses) gains and impairments includes impairment losses of $0.4 million (2017 – $1.3 million) recognised on fixed 

maturity securities. 

Refer to pages 124 to 125 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(losses) gains and impairments. 

Included in net investment income and net other investment income is $4.4 million (2017 – $4.6 million) of investment management, 

accounting and custodian fees. 

4. Net insurance acquisition expenses 

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 

2018 

$m 

128.5  

2.5  

(9.2 )

4.6  

126.4  

2017

$m 

115.9 

4.8 

(7.2)

2.1 

115.6 

5. Other income 

Kinesis underwriting fees 
Kinesis profit commission 
Lloyd’s managing agency fees 
Lloyd’s consortium fees 
Lloyd’s consortium profit commission 
Lloyd’s profit commission 
Total other income 

2018
$m 

6.6
–
1.2
0.5
1.4
2.7
12.4

As at 31 December 2018, contract assets in relation to other income amounted to $10.9 million (31 December 2017 – $9.0 million). 

6. Results of operating activities 
Results of operating activities are stated after charging the following amounts: 

Depreciation on owned assets 
Operating lease charges 
Auditor’s remuneration 
– Group audit fees 
Total 

2018
$m 

1.4
3.4

1.7
6.5

2017
$m 

5.8
5.9
1.0
0.2
1.5
2.8
17.2

2017
$m 

1.8
3.4

1.8
7.0

During 2018, KPMG provided non-audit services in relation to specific U.S. taxation advisory work. Fees for non-audit services provided in  
2018 totalled fifteen thousand dollars. During 2017, KPMG provided non-audit services in relation to specified work over distributable reserves 
and pre-appointment procedures on the first quarter of 2017 earnings release. Fees for non-audit services provided in 2017 totalled twenty 
thousand dollars. 

7. Employee benefits 

Wages and salaries 
Pension costs 
Bonus and other benefits 
Total cash compensation 
RSS – performance 
RSS – ordinary 
RSS – bonus deferral 
RSS – Cathedral acquisition grant 
Total equity based compensation 
Total employee benefits 

2018
$m 

32.4
2.6
14.0
49.0
1.5
5.0
1.0
0.4
7.9
56.9

2017
$m 

27.6
2.5
10.1
40.2
(1.9)
2.9
2.1
(3.5)
(0.4)
39.8

136  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

137

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

137

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

7. Employee benefits continued 
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. 

The following table lists the assumptions used in the stochastic model for the RSS awards granted during the years ended 31 December 2018  
and 2017: 

Assumptions 

Dividend yield 
Expected volatility1 
Risk-free interest rate2 
Expected average life of options 
Share price 

2018 

–  
24.1 %
0.8 %

3 years 
$7.95  

2017 

– 
25.1%
0.1%

3 years 
$8.60 

1.  The expected volatility of LHL and comparator companies’ share prices are calculated based on the movement in the share prices 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 cent per annum prior to 
vesting, with subsequent adjustments to reflect actual experience. 

RSS – performance 
The performance RSS options vest after a three-year period and are dependent on certain performance criteria. A maximum of 85.0 per cent 
(2017 – 75.0 per cent) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of an RoE in excess of a required amount. A maximum 
of 15.0 per cent (2017 – 25.0 per cent) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of an absolute TSR in excess of a 
required amount. For the 2017 awards, TSR was determined on a relative basis of a predefined comparator group. 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 2016 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Lapsed 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Lapsed 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2017 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2018 

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 

3,363,157
1,018,933
(509,524)
(156,461)
(257,894)
3,458,211
1,041,567
(381,359)
(47,260)
(1,090,376)
2,980,783

249,112
183,141

2018 

2017 

Total
restricted stock 

Total
restricted stock 

8.0 years 
$6.96
$8.14

7.8 years 
$7.56
$8.82

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

138  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

138

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

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 

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 

The following table lists the assumptions used in the stochastic model for the RSS awards granted during the years ended 31 December 2018  

7. Employee benefits continued 

Equity based compensation 

grant date. 

model is used to estimate the fair value. 

and 2017: 

Assumptions 

Dividend yield 

Expected volatility1 

Risk-free interest rate2 

Expected average life of options 

Share price 

1.  The expected volatility of LHL and comparator companies’ share prices are calculated based on the movement in the share prices 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 cent per annum prior to 

vesting, with subsequent adjustments to reflect actual experience. 

RSS – performance 

The performance RSS options vest after a three-year period and are dependent on certain performance criteria. A maximum of 85.0 per cent 

(2017 – 75.0 per cent) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of an RoE in excess of a required amount. A maximum 

of 15.0 per cent (2017 – 25.0 per cent) of the performance RSS options will vest only on the achievement of an absolute TSR in excess of a 

required amount. For the 2017 awards, TSR was determined on a relative basis of a predefined comparator group. 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 

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. These awards will become exercisable in the first open period following the release of the Company’s 2018 year-end results 
after the Board meeting in February 2019. 

2018 

–  

24.1 %

0.8 %

3 years 

$7.95  

2017 

– 

25.1%

0.1%

3 years 

$8.60 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2016 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Weighted average remaining contractual life 
Weighted average fair value at date of grant during the year 

Total number of 
restricted stock 

597,520
699,251
(10,025)
1,286,746
1,018,951
(205,500)
2,100,197

2018 

2017 

Total
restricted stock 

Total
restricted stock 

8.4 years
$7.96

8.7 years
$8.49

RSS – bonus deferral 
The bonus deferral RSS options vesting periods 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. 

of RSS options that vest. 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2016 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 

Granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Lapsed 

Granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Lapsed 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2017 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2018 

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 

138  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

Total number of 

restricted stock 

3,363,157

1,018,933

(509,524)

(156,461)

(257,894)

3,458,211

1,041,567

(381,359)

(47,260)

(1,090,376)

2,980,783

249,112

183,141

2017 

Total

$7.56

$8.82

restricted stock 

restricted stock 

8.0 years 

7.8 years 

2018 

Total

$6.96

$8.14

Outstanding as at 31 December 2016 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2017 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2018 

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 

139

Total number of 
restricted stock 

526,118
244,523
(220,448)
(2,555)
547,638
31,941
(220,047)
(18,943)
340,589

78,295
73,963

2018 

2017 

Total
restricted stock 

Total
restricted stock 

7.7 years
$7.95
$8.25

8.3 years
$8.58
$8.73

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

139

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

7. Employee benefits continued 
RSS – Cathedral acquisition 
The Cathedral acquisition RSS options vesting periods range from three to five years and are dependent on certain performance criteria.  
A maximum of 75.0 per cent of the Cathedral acquisition RSS options will vest on the achievement of a Cathedral combined ratio below a 
required amount. A maximum of 25.0 per cent of the Cathedral acquisition RSS options vest on the achievement of an LHL RoE 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. The first tranche of awards were exercisable in 2017. 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2016 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Lapsed 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2017 
Exercisable as at 31 December 2018 

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 

Interest expense on long-term debt 
Net (gains) losses on interest rate swaps 
Other financing costs 
Total 

Refer to note 18 for details of long-term debt and financing arrangements. 

Total number of 
restricted stock 

1,356,250
(400,166)
(556,768)
(29,838)
369,478
(199,370)
(1,850)
168,258

205,955
168,258

2018 

2017 

Total
restricted stock 

Total
restricted stock 

4.9 years 
$13.01
$7.99

5.9 years 
$13.01
$8.84 

2018
$m 

18.1
(0.9)
2.9
20.1

2017
$m 

16.4
–
1.1
17.5

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

140  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2016 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Lapsed 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2017 

Exercisable as at 31 December 2018 

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 

Interest expense on long-term debt 

Net (gains) losses on interest rate swaps 

Other financing costs 

Total 

Refer to note 18 for details of long-term debt and financing arrangements. 

Total number of 

restricted stock 

1,356,250

(400,166)

(556,768)

(29,838)

369,478

(199,370)

(1,850)

168,258

205,955

168,258

2018 

Total

2017 

Total

restricted stock 

restricted stock 

4.9 years 

5.9 years 

$13.01

$7.99

$13.01

$8.84 

2018

$m 

18.1

(0.9)

2.9

20.1

2017

$m 

16.4

–

1.1

17.5

7. Employee benefits continued 

RSS – Cathedral acquisition 

The Cathedral acquisition RSS options vesting periods range from three to five years and are dependent on certain performance criteria.  

A maximum of 75.0 per cent of the Cathedral acquisition RSS options will vest on the achievement of a Cathedral combined ratio below a 

required amount. A maximum of 25.0 per cent of the Cathedral acquisition RSS options vest on the achievement of an LHL RoE 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. The first tranche of awards were exercisable in 2017. 

9. Tax 
Bermuda 
LHL, LICL, LUK and KCML 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 
LHL and its UK subsidiaries are subject to normal UK corporation tax on all their taxable profits. From 1 January 2019 LHL will cease to be a tax 
resident in the UK and subject to UK corporation tax. 

Corporation tax charge for the period 
Adjustments in respect of prior period corporation tax 
Deferred tax credit for the period 
Tax rate change adjustment 
Adjustments in respect of prior period deferred tax 
Total tax credit 

Tax reconciliation1 

Profit (loss) before tax 
Corporation tax at 19.0% (2017 – 19.3%) 
Non-taxable (income) loss 
Adjustments in respect of prior period 
Differences related to equity based compensation 
Other expense permanent differences 
Tax rate change adjustment 
Total tax credit 

1.  All tax reconciling balances have been classified as recurring items. 

2018
$m 

2.9
(1.9)
(5.1)
–
0.1
(4.0)

2018
$m 

33.6
6.4
(13.3)
(1.8)
0.4
4.3
–
(4.0)

2017
$m 

3.3
(2.3)
(4.1)
(0.6)
1.4
(2.3)

2017
$m 

(72.9)
(14.1)
10.1
(0.9)
(0.6)
3.8
(0.6)
(2.3)

The current tax credit as a percentage of the Group’s profit (2017 – loss) before tax is 11.9 per cent (2017 – negative 3.2 per cent). Non-taxable 
income (loss) relates to profits (losses) of companies within the Group that are non-tax resident in the UK and the share of loss of associate. 

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 loss within shareholders’ equity. 

10. Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank and in hand 
Cash equivalents 
Total cash and cash equivalents 

2018
$m 

97.5
57.1
154.6

2017
$m 

107.0
149.5
256.5

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 $83.7 million  
(31 December 2017 – $188.1 million). 

140  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

141

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

141

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

11. Investments 

As at 31 December 2018 

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 
Equity securities – AFS 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

Cost or
amortised cost 
$m 

Unrealised 
gains  
$m 

Unrealised
losses 
$m 

Estimated 
fair value1 
$m 

225.5
11.4
187.5
59.8
5.4
88.2
131.1
82.2
21.3
5.3
0.5
114.7
528.8
1,461.7
45.7
20.0
143.0
–
1,670.4

–   
–   
0.3   
0.1   
–   
0.4   
1.0   
0.2   
–   
–   
–   
0.1   
1.0   
3.1   
–   
2.7   
9.3   
0.1   
15.2   

–
–
(1.2)
(1.2)
–
(0.5)
(2.8)
(2.5)
(0.2)
(0.1)
–
(5.7)
(8.2)
(22.4)
(0.7)
–
(3.1)
(0.4)
(26.6)

225.5
11.4
186.6
58.7
5.4
88.1
129.3
79.9
21.1
5.2
0.5
109.1
521.6
1,442.4
45.0
22.7
149.2
(0.3)
1,659.0

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. 

As at 31 December 2017 

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 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Equity securities – AFS 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

Cost or
amortised cost 
$m 

Unrealised 
gains  
$m 

Unrealised
losses 
$m 

111.2
31.2
237.4
71.2
6.0
71.2
139.5
142.4
13.2
0.2
106.5
520.1
1,450.1
25.7
20.0
144.6
–
1,640.4

–   
–   
0.1   
0.8   
–   
–   
4.9   
0.4   
0.2   
–   
0.8   
3.6   
10.8   
–   
3.2   
9.8   
–   
23.8   

(0.1)
(0.2)
(1.8)
(0.6)
– 
(0.7)
(0.4)
(1.8)
(0.2)
– 
(0.6)
(2.3)
(8.7)
– 
– 
(0.4)
(0.5)
(9.6)

Estimated 
 fair value1 
$m 

111.1
31.0
235.7
71.4
6.0
70.5
144.0
141.0
13.2
0.2
106.7
521.4
1,452.2
25.7
23.2
154.0
(0.5)
1,654.6

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 2018

142  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

142

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

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 

1,670.4

15.2   

Cost or

amortised cost 

$m 

Unrealised 

Unrealised

– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 

– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 

– Agency commercial mortgage backed securities 

– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 

11. Investments 

As at 31 December 2018 

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 

– Bank loans 

– Corporate bonds 

Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Equity securities – AFS 

Hedge funds – at FVTPL 

Other investments 

Total investments 

changes in the estimated fair value. 

As at 31 December 2017 

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 

– Bank loans 

– Corporate bonds 

Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 

Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 

Equity securities – AFS 

Hedge funds – at FVTPL 

Other investments 

Total investments 

changes in the estimated fair value. 

142  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 

– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 

– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 

Cost or

amortised cost 

$m 

Unrealised 

Unrealised

gains  

$m 

losses 

$m 

Estimated 

fair value1 

$m 

225.5

11.4

187.5

59.8

5.4

88.2

131.1

82.2

21.3

5.3

0.5

114.7

528.8

1,461.7

45.7

20.0

143.0

–

111.2

31.2

237.4

71.2

6.0

71.2

139.5

142.4

13.2

0.2

106.5

520.1

25.7

20.0

144.6

–

1,450.1

1,640.4

–   

–   

0.3   

0.1   

–   

0.4   

1.0   

0.2   

–   

–   

–   

0.1   

1.0   

3.1   

–   

2.7   

9.3   

0.1   

gains  

$m 

–   

–   

0.1   

0.8   

–   

–   

4.9   

0.4   

0.2   

–   

0.8   

3.6   

10.8   

–   

3.2   

9.8   

–   

23.8   

–

–

–

(1.2)

(1.2)

(0.5)

(2.8)

(2.5)

(0.2)

(0.1)

–

(5.7)

(8.2)

(22.4)

(0.7)

–

(3.1)

(0.4)

(26.6)

losses 

$m 

(0.1)

(0.2)

(1.8)

(0.6)

– 

(0.7)

(0.4)

(1.8)

(0.2)

– 

(0.6)

(2.3)

(8.7)

– 

– 

(0.4)

(0.5)

(9.6)

225.5

11.4

186.6

58.7

5.4

88.1

129.3

79.9

21.1

5.2

0.5

109.1

521.6

1,442.4

45.0

22.7

149.2

(0.3)

1,659.0

Estimated 

 fair value1 

$m 

111.1

31.0

235.7

71.4

6.0

70.5

144.0

141.0

13.2

0.2

106.7

521.4

1,452.2

25.7

23.2

154.0

(0.5)

1,654.6

Accumulated other comprehensive loss in relation to the Group’s AFS fixed maturity and equity securities is as follows: 

Unrealised gains 
Unrealised losses 
Net unrealised foreign exchange losses (gains) on fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Tax provision 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

2018
$m 

5.8
(22.4)
2.1
0.2
(14.3)

2017
$m 

14.0
(8.7)
(6.9)
0.1 
(1.5)

Fixed maturity securities are presented in the risk disclosures section on page 129. Refer to note 18 for the investment balances in trusts in favour 
of ceding companies and on deposit as collateral. 

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 by 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. The audit reports are available to clients of the firm and the 
report is reviewed annually by management. In accordance with their pricing policy, various recognised reputable pricing sources are used 
including broker-dealers and pricing vendors. 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. The Group determines securities classified as Level 
(i) to include highly liquid U.S. treasuries, certain highly liquid short-term investments and quoted equity securities. 

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 modelled or other valuation methods. Such methods are typically industry accepted standard and include: 

•  broker-dealer quotes; 
•  pricing models or matrix pricing; 
•  present values; 
•  future cash flows; 
•  yield curves; 
•  interest rates; 
•  prepayment speeds; and 
•  default rates. 

Other similar quoted instruments or market transactions may be used. 

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 

143

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

143

Financial statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

11. Investments continued 
The Group determines securities classified as Level (ii) to include short-term and fixed maturity investments and certain derivatives such as: 

•  Short-term investments; 
•  Fixed maturity funds; 
•  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; and 
•  OTC derivatives, such as options, forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps and credit default swaps. 

Level (iii) 
Level (iii) investments are securities for which valuation techniques are not based on observable market data. The Group classifies hedge funds  
as Level (iii) assets as the valuation techniques incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs. 

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 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 based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

144  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

144

 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

11. Investments continued 

•  Short-term investments; 

•  Fixed maturity funds; 

•  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; and 

Level (iii) 

•  OTC derivatives, such as options, forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps and credit default swaps. 

Level (iii) investments are securities for which valuation techniques are not based on observable market data. The Group classifies hedge funds  

as Level (iii) assets as the valuation techniques incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs. 

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 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 based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. 

The Group determines securities classified as Level (ii) to include short-term and fixed maturity investments and certain derivatives such as: 

The fair value hierarchy of the Group’s investment holdings is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

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 
Equity securities – AFS 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

As at 31 December 2017 

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 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
– Bank loans 
– Corporate bonds 
Total fixed maturity securities – AFS 
Fixed maturity securities – at FVTPL 
Equity securities – AFS 
Hedge funds – at FVTPL 
Other investments 
Total investments 

There have been no transfers between Levels (i) and (ii). 

Level (i)
$m 

Level (ii) 
$m 

Level (iii)
 $m 

Total
$m 

216.8
–
186.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
403.4
–
22.7
–
–
426.1

8.7   
11.4   
–   
58.7   
5.4   
88.1   
129.3   
79.9   
21.1   
5.2   
0.5   
109.1   
521.6   
1,039.0   
45.0   
–   
–   
(0.3 ) 
1,083.7   

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
149.2
–
149.2

225.5
11.4
186.6
58.7
5.4
88.1
129.3
79.9
21.1
5.2
0.5
109.1
521.6
1,442.4
45.0
22.7
149.2
(0.3)
1,659.0

Level (i)
$m 

Level (ii) 
$m 

Level (iii)
 $m 

Total
$m 

104.6
–
235.7
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
340.3
–
23.2
–
–
363.5

6.5   
31.0   
–   
71.4   
6.0   
70.5   
144.0   
141.0   
13.2   
0.2   
106.7   
521.4   
1,111.9   
25.7   
–   
–   
(0.5 ) 
1,137.1   

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
154.0
–
154.0

111.1
31.0
235.7
71.4
6.0
70.5
144.0
141.0
13.2
0.2
106.7
521.4
1,452.2
25.7
23.2
154.0
(0.5)
1,654.6

144  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

145

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

145

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

11. Investments continued 
The table below analyses the movements in investments classified as Level (iii) investments: 

As at 31 December 2016 
Purchases 
Sales 
Total net realised and unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss 
As at 31 December 2017 
Purchases 
Sales 
Total net realised and unrealised losses recognised in profit or loss 
As at 31 December 2018 

12. Interests in structured entities 
Consolidated structured entities 
The Group’s two consolidated structured entities are the EBT and the Orange Fund. 

Hedge funds
$m 

129.4
149.7
(136.5)
11.4
154.0
17.6
(21.5)
(0.9)
149.2

•  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 23). 

•  the Orange Fund was opened during 2017 and holds short duration high quality cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities. The Lancashire 
Group companies are the only investors in the Orange Fund. The primary objectives of the fund are to preserve capital and provide liquidity to 
support the Group’s operations. 

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. 

A summary of the Group’s interest in consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

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 
– Hedge funds 
Total investment funds 
Specialised investment vehicles 
– KHL (note 16) 
Total 

Orange
Fund
$m 

Investments 
$m 

Interest in 
associate
$m 

12.5
–
4.9
–
0.5
17.9

–
–

–
17.9

116.8   
79.9   
16.2   
5.2   
–   
218.1   

149.2   
149.2   

–   
367.3   

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

67.1
67.1

Total
$m 

129.3
79.9
21.1
5.2
0.5
236.0

149.2
149.2

67.1
452.3

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

146  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

11. Investments continued 

The table below analyses the movements in investments classified as Level (iii) investments: 

As at 31 December 2016 

Purchases 

Sales 

Purchases 

Sales 

Total net realised and unrealised gains recognised in profit or loss 

As at 31 December 2017 

Total net realised and unrealised losses recognised in profit or loss 

As at 31 December 2018 

12. Interests in structured entities 

Consolidated structured entities 

The Group’s two consolidated structured entities are the EBT and the Orange Fund. 

•  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 23). 

•  the Orange Fund was opened during 2017 and holds short duration high quality cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities. The Lancashire 

Group companies are the only investors in the Orange Fund. The primary objectives of the fund are to preserve capital and provide liquidity to 

support the Group’s operations. 

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. 

A summary of the Group’s interest in consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities is as follows: 

As at 31 December 2018 

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 

– Hedge funds 

Total investment funds 

Specialised investment vehicles 

– KHL (note 16) 

Total 

Orange

Fund

$m 

Investments 

$m 

Interest in 

associate

$m 

12.5

4.9

–

–

0.5

17.9

–

–

–

17.9

116.8   

79.9   

16.2   

5.2   

–   

218.1   

149.2   

149.2   

–   

367.3   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

67.1

67.1

Total

$m 

129.3

79.9

21.1

5.2

0.5

236.0

149.2

149.2

67.1

452.3

Hedge funds

$m 

129.4

149.7

(136.5)

11.4

154.0

17.6

(21.5)

(0.9)

149.2

As at 31 December 2017 

Fixed maturity securities 
– Asset backed securities 
– U.S. government agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency mortgage backed securities 
– Non-agency commercial mortgage backed securities 
Total fixed maturity securities 
Investment funds 
– Hedge funds 
Total investment funds 
Specialised investment vehicles 
– KHL (note 16) 
Total 

Orange
Fund
$m 

Investments 
$m 

Interest in 
associate
$m 

8.1
3.1
–
–
11.2

–
–

–
11.2

135.9   
137.9   
13.2   
0.2   
287.2   

154.0   
154.0   

–   
441.2   

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

59.4
59.4

Total
$m 

144.0
141.0
13.2
0.2
298.4

154.0
154.0

59.4
511.8

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 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 is provided on pages 120 to 131. 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 2018 and 31 December 2017. 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 2018 the Group has a commitment of $100.0 million (31 December 2017 – $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 2018 is $54.4 million (31 December 2017 – $64.4 million), which currently remains unfunded. The maximum 
exposure to the credit facility funds is $100.0 million and as at 31 December 2018 there have been no defaults under these facilities. 

146  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

147

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

147

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

13. Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

As at 31 December 2016 
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 2017 
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 2018 

Losses and 
loss adjustment 
expenses  
$m 

Reinsurance 
recoveries
$m 

Net losses and
loss adjustment 
expenses 
$m 

679.8   

(136.7)

543.1

(40.1 ) 
578.1   
18.8   
556.8   

231.1   
72.0   
303.1   
933.5   

(124.4 ) 
431.8  
(7.2 ) 
300.2   

261.5   
57.2   
318.7   
915.0   

(25.0)
(177.6)
(0.7)
(203.3)

(50.2)
(5.7)
(55.9)
(284.1)

(2.5)
(139.5)
0.6 
(141.4)

(99.1)
(3.5)
(102.6)
(322.9)

(65.1)
400.5
18.1
353.5

180.9
66.3
247.2
649.4

(126.9)
292.3 
(6.6)
158.8 

162.4 
53.7 
216.1 
592.1 

Further information on the calculation of loss reserves and the risks associated with them is provided in the risk disclosures section from page 
117. 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 per cent increase in estimated losses would lead to a $183.0 million (31 December 2017 – $186.7 
million) increase in gross 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 

2018 

$m 

315.2
210.5
389.3
915.0

% 

34.4   
23.0   
42.6   
100.0   

2017 

$m 

300.4
186.5
446.6
933.5

% 

32.2
20.0
47.8
100.0

The Group’s reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as at 31 December 2018 and 2017 had an estimated duration of 
approximately two years. 

148  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

148

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 

Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 

As at 31 December 2016 

Net incurred losses for: 

Prior years 

Current year 

Exchange adjustments 

Net paid losses for: 

Prior years 

Current year 

As at 31 December 2017 

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 2018 

As at 31 December 

Outstanding losses 

Additional case reserves 

Losses incurred but not reported 

Total 

approximately two years. 

Further information on the calculation of loss reserves and the risks associated with them is provided in the risk disclosures section from page 

117. 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 per cent increase in estimated losses would lead to a $183.0 million (31 December 2017 – $186.7 

million) increase in gross 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: 

The Group’s reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as at 31 December 2018 and 2017 had an estimated duration of 

Losses and 

loss adjustment 

expenses  

$m 

679.8   

Reinsurance 

recoveries

$m 

(136.7)

Net losses and

loss adjustment 

expenses 

$m 

543.1

(40.1 ) 

578.1   

18.8   

556.8   

231.1   

72.0   

303.1   

933.5   

(124.4 ) 

431.8  

(7.2 ) 

300.2   

261.5   

57.2   

318.7   

915.0   

(25.0)

(177.6)

(0.7)

(203.3)

(50.2)

(5.7)

(55.9)

(284.1)

(2.5)

(139.5)

0.6 

(141.4)

(99.1)

(3.5)

(102.6)

(322.9)

(65.1)

400.5

18.1

353.5

180.9

66.3

247.2

649.4

(126.9)

292.3 

(6.6)

158.8 

162.4 

53.7 

216.1 

592.1 

2018 

$m 

315.2

210.5

389.3

915.0

% 

34.4   

23.0   

42.6   

100.0   

2017 

$m 

300.4

186.5

446.6

933.5

% 

32.2

20.0

47.8

100.0

13. Losses and loss adjustment expenses 

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 Cathedral 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 

2008 
and prior  
$m 

2009 
$m 

2010
$m 

2011
$m 

2012
$m 

2013
 $m 

2014
$m 

2015
 $m 

2016 
$m 

2017 
$m 

2018
$m 

Total
$m 

429.7

276.0   298.5    580.1 
214.6   310.7    547.1 
196.2   274.4   
189.6  

274.8
226.7
206.0
196.5
193.4

280.0
259.8
224.0
224.4
222.1
218.4

250.3
350.4
338.8
326.9
313.3
308.7
299.5

397.0
371.9
447.0
450.4
460.0
450.7
452.6
446.9

836.4    163.3    297.4
548.5    107.8    209.4
73.1    204.2
499.5   
66.0    235.8
453.0   
89.1    229.4
445.8   
81.7    231.4
503.8   
72.9    229.8
497.3   
90.8    229.6
496.7   
89.6    228.3
494.9   
65.4   
493.7   
487.3   

487.3   
(455.2 ) 
32.1   

446.9

65.4    228.3
189.6   274.4    547.1 
218.4
(61.9 )  (217.7) (424.4) (270.3) (202.4) (172.0) (161.2)  (181.0 )  (261.7 )
93.4    285.4 
16.0

28.4  

299.5

193.4

3.5   

22.5

21.4

29.2

10.6

429.7
(57.2)
372.5

3,380.0
(2,465.0)
915.0

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2018. 

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 

2008 
and prior  
$m 

2009 
$m 

2010
$m 

2011
$m 

2012
$m 

2013
 $m 

2014
$m 

2015
 $m 

2016 
$m 

2017 
$m 

2018
$m 

Total
$m 

139.3

73.1    177.6 
98.5    185.0 
96.7   

15.3  
12.2  
12.6  
13.0  

17.8
14.1
13.1
11.5
11.9

9.9
8.9
8.8
8.0
8.0
8.0

48.9
121.8
122.0
121.2
121.2
121.2
120.9

56.2
52.6
92.4
88.9
103.3
102.8
106.1
105.4

33.8
23.6
24.1
33.5
34.4
34.6
35.7
36.2
36.5

1.6   
1.3   
0.7   
0.7   
10.0   
7.0   
2.5   
2.5   
1.3   
1.1   

50.5   
51.1   
46.6   
44.2   
41.2   
69.8   
69.0   
69.2   
68.7   
67.6   
64.2   

64.2   
(46.8 ) 
17.4   

1.1   
0.5   
1.6   

120.9
105.4
36.5
(35.1) (101.6) (117.9)
3.0
3.8

1.4

8.0
(7.5)
0.5

11.9
(8.4)
3.5

13.0  
(12.6) 
0.4  

96.7    185.0 
(49.4 ) 
(76.8 )
47.3    108.2 

139.3
(3.5)
135.8

782.0
(459.1)
322.9

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2018. 

148  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

149

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

149

Financial statements 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

13. Losses and loss adjustment expenses continued 

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 

2008 
and prior  
$m 

2009 
$m 

2010
$m 

2011
$m 

2012
$m 

2013
 $m 

2014
$m 

2015
 $m 

2016 
$m 

2017 
$m 

2018
$m 

Total
$m 

225.4    402.5    290.4
212.2    362.1   
177.7   

260.7
202.4
183.6
176.6

257.0
212.6
192.9
185.0
181.5

270.1
250.9
215.2
216.4
214.1
210.4

201.4
228.6
216.8
205.7
192.1
187.5
178.6

340.8
319.3
354.6
361.5
356.7
347.9
346.5
341.5

785.9    161.7    263.6
497.4    106.5    185.8
72.4    180.1
452.9   
65.3    202.3
408.8   
79.1    195.0
404.6   
74.7    196.8
434.0   
70.4    194.1
428.3   
88.3    193.4
427.5   
88.3    191.8
426.2   
426.1   
64.3   
423.1   

423.1   
(408.4 ) 
14.7   

341.5

210.4
64.3    191.8
(62.4 )  (182.6) (322.8) (152.4) (194.9) (163.6) (148.6) (131.6 )  (184.9 ) 
15.5

177.7    362.1    290.4
(53.7)
46.1    177.2    236.7

176.6

181.5

178.6

1.9   

18.7

26.2

28.0

17.9

9.2

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2018. 

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: 

2008 accident year and prior 
2009 accident year 
2010 accident year 
2011 accident year 
2012 accident year 
2013 accident year 
2014 accident year 
2015 accident year 
2016 accident year 
2017 accident year 
Total favourable development 

2018
$m 

3.1
23.9
1.6
4.7
8.8
3.5
3.4
6.6
33.3
38.0
126.9

2,598.0
(2,005.9)
592.1

2017
$m 

0.1
0.1
1.8
8.8
5.0
3.5
9.2
20.3
16.3
–
65.1

The favourable prior year development in both 2018 and 2017 was primarily due to general IBNR releases across most lines of business due to a 
lack of reported claims. 2018 also included reductions on some prior accident year property and energy reserves. In 2017, the Group experienced 
some adverse development on prior accident year property and energy claims. 

There were no individually significant net loss events for the year ended 31 December 2018. In September 2017, hurricanes Harvey, Irma and 
Maria made landfall in the Caribbean and U.S., causing significant damage and destruction to property. These events were followed by wildfires 
in California during October 2017 and December 2017. Management’s current best estimates in relation to each of these events are shown in the 
table below. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

150  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

150

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

13. Losses and loss adjustment expenses continued 

The Group’s estimated ultimate net losses, after reinstatement premiums, for these significant events are as follows: 

2008 

and prior  

$m 

2009 

$m 

2010

$m 

2011

$m 

2012

$m 

2013

 $m 

2014

$m 

2015

 $m 

2016 

$m 

2017 

$m 

2018

$m 

Total

$m 

225.4    402.5    290.4

212.2    362.1   

177.7   

260.7

202.4

183.6

176.6

257.0

212.6

192.9

185.0

181.5

270.1

250.9

215.2

216.4

214.1

210.4

201.4

228.6

216.8

205.7

192.1

187.5

178.6

340.8

319.3

354.6

361.5

356.7

347.9

346.5

341.5

785.9    161.7    263.6

497.4    106.5    185.8

452.9   

408.8   

404.6   

434.0   

428.3   

427.5   

426.2   

426.1   

423.1   

72.4    180.1

65.3    202.3

79.1    195.0

74.7    196.8

70.4    194.1

88.3    193.4

88.3    191.8

64.3   

Change in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Change in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 
Change in reinstatement premiums 
Net ultimate losses as at 31 December 2017 
Change in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses 
Change in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 
Change in reinstatement premiums 
Net ultimate losses as at 31 December 2018 

Harvey
$m 

66.3
(18.5)
(3.3)
44.5
(23.8)
3.7
1.4
25.8

Irma 
$m 

108.9   
(55.1 ) 
(1.7 ) 
52.1   
14.8   
(4.9 ) 
0.1   
62.1   

Combined 2017 
California 
Wildfires
$m 

75.9
(41.4)
(0.4)
34.1
(13.1)
6.0
(1.3)
25.7

Maria
$m 

78.5
(43.1)
(2.3)
33.1
(1.2)
(5.2)
0.8
27.5

14. Insurance, reinsurance and other receivables 
All receivables are considered current other than $54.1 million (31 December 2017 – $53.7 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. 

423.1   

64.3    191.8

341.5

178.6

210.4

181.5

176.6

177.7    362.1    290.4

2,598.0

(408.4 ) 

(62.4 )  (182.6) (322.8) (152.4) (194.9) (163.6) (148.6) (131.6 )  (184.9 ) 

(53.7)

(2,005.9)

15. Provision for deferred tax 

Total Group net liability 

14.7   

1.9   

9.2

18.7

26.2

15.5

17.9

28.0

46.1    177.2    236.7

592.1

1.  Adjusted for revaluation of foreign currencies at the exchange rate as at 31 December 2018. 

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: 

2018

$m 

3.1

23.9

1.6

4.7

8.8

3.5

3.4

6.6

33.3

38.0

126.9

2017

$m 

0.1

0.1

1.8

8.8

5.0

3.5

9.2

20.3

16.3

–

65.1

Equity based compensation 
Claims equalisation reserves 
Syndicate underwriting profits 
Syndicate participation rights 
Other temporary differences 
Tax losses carried forward 
Net deferred tax liability 

2018
$m 

(2.5)
6.2
(3.6)
12.7
(1.6)
–
11.2

2017
$m 

(2.9)
8.3 
0.1 
12.7 
(1.2)
(0.5)
16.5

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that realising the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is likely. It is anticipated that 
sufficient taxable profits will be available within the Group in 2019 and subsequent years to utilise the deferred tax assets recognised when the 
underlying temporary differences reverse. 

For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Group had no uncertain tax positions. 

Changes to the UK main rate of corporation tax have been enacted under the Finance Act 2016 reducing the rate to 17.0 per cent from  
1 April 2020. 

All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current. 

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 

2008 accident year and prior 

2009 accident year 

2010 accident year 

2011 accident year 

2012 accident year 

2013 accident year 

2014 accident year 

2015 accident year 

2016 accident year 

2017 accident year 

Total favourable development 

The favourable prior year development in both 2018 and 2017 was primarily due to general IBNR releases across most lines of business due to a 

lack of reported claims. 2018 also included reductions on some prior accident year property and energy reserves. In 2017, the Group experienced 

some adverse development on prior accident year property and energy claims. 

There were no individually significant net loss events for the year ended 31 December 2018. In September 2017, hurricanes Harvey, Irma and 

Maria made landfall in the Caribbean and U.S., causing significant damage and destruction to property. These events were followed by wildfires 

in California during October 2017 and December 2017. Management’s current best estimates in relation to each of these events are shown in the 

table below. 

150  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

151

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

151

Financial statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

16. Investment in associate 
The Group holds a 10.0 per cent interest in the preference shares of each segregated account of KHL, a company incorporated in Bermuda. 
KHL’s 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 2018, the carrying value of the Group’s investment in KHL was $67.1 million (31 December 2017 – $59.4 
million). The Group’s share of comprehensive loss for KHL for the period was $7.1 million (2017 – $9.4 million). Key financial information for 
KHL is as follows: 

Assets 
Liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 
Gross premium earned 
Comprehensive loss 

2018
$m 

905.2
234.2
671.0
81.9
(71.2)

2017
$m 

736.4
141.9
594.5
71.7
(94.3)

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 KCML 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 23 for details of transactions between the Group and its associate. 

17. Intangible assets 

Net book value as at 31 December 2018 and 2017 

Syndicate 
participation 
rights  
$m 

82.6   

Goodwill
$m 

71.2

Total
$m 

153.8

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 Lloyd’s CGU. 

The recoverable amount of the Lloyd’s CGU is determined based on value in use. Value in use is calculated using projected cash flows of the 
Lloyd’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, projected loss ratios, outwards reinsurance expenditure and investment returns. A pre-tax 
discount rate of 6.4 per cent (2017 – 6.2 per cent) 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 per cent  
(2017 – 3.0 per cent) based on historical growth rates and management’s best estimate of future growth rates. 

The results of this exercise indicate that the recoverable amount exceeds the syndicate participation rights and the goodwill’s carrying values and 
would not be sensitive to any reasonably possible changes in assumptions. No impairment has been recognised for the years ending 31 December 
2018 and 2017. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

152  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

152

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

16. Investment in associate 

The Group holds a 10.0 per cent interest in the preference shares of each segregated account of KHL, a company incorporated in Bermuda. 

KHL’s 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 2018, the carrying value of the Group’s investment in KHL was $67.1 million (31 December 2017 – $59.4 

million). The Group’s share of comprehensive loss for KHL for the period was $7.1 million (2017 – $9.4 million). Key financial information for 

KHL is as follows: 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 

Gross premium earned 

Comprehensive loss 

2018

$m 

905.2

234.2

671.0

81.9

(71.2)

2017

$m 

736.4

141.9

594.5

71.7

(94.3)

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 KCML 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 23 for details of transactions between the Group and its associate. 

17. Intangible assets 

Net book value as at 31 December 2018 and 2017 

goodwill have been allocated to the Lloyd’s CGU. 

Indefinite life intangible assets are tested annually for impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, the syndicate participation rights and 

The recoverable amount of the Lloyd’s CGU is determined based on value in use. Value in use is calculated using projected cash flows of the 

Lloyd’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, projected loss ratios, outwards reinsurance expenditure and investment returns. A pre-tax 

discount rate of 6.4 per cent (2017 – 6.2 per cent) 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 per cent  

(2017 – 3.0 per cent) based on historical growth rates and management’s best estimate of future growth rates. 

The results of this exercise indicate that the recoverable amount exceeds the syndicate participation rights and the goodwill’s carrying values and 

would not be sensitive to any reasonably possible changes in assumptions. No impairment has been recognised for the years ending 31 December 

2018 and 2017. 

Syndicate 

participation 

rights  

$m 

82.6   

Goodwill

$m 

71.2

Total

$m 

153.8

18. Long-term debt and financing arrangements 
Long-term debt 
On 5 October 2012, LHL issued $130.0 million 5.70 per cent senior unsecured notes due 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 per cent, above 
the three-month LIBOR rate 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 per cent, 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 Cathedral 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 per cent, 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 per cent, 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 per cent, 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 per cent, 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 per cent, 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 

2018
$m 

130.0
97.0
27.5
12.4
10.0
23.7
23.7
324.3

2017
$m 

130.0
97.0
28.8
13.1
10.0
23.7
23.7
326.3

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 126 to 127. 

The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated as $359.2 million (31 December 2017 – $369.3 million). The fair value measurement is classified 
within Level (ii) of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is estimated by reference to similar financial instruments quoted in active markets. 

The interest accrued on the long-term debt was $2.4 million (31 December 2017 – $2.3 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. 

152  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

153

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

153

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

18. Long-term debt and financing arrangements continued 
Interest rate swaps 
The Group hedges a portion of its floating rate borrowings using interest rate swaps to transfer floating to fixed rate. These instruments are 
held at estimated fair value. Refer to the risk disclosures section from page 126 for further details. The Group has the right to net settle 
these instruments. 

The net fair value position owed by the Group on the swap agreements is $0.4 million (31 December 2017 – $2.0 million). Further information  
is provided on pages 124 to 127. Cash settlements are completed on a quarterly basis and the total of the next cash settlements in the first quarter 
of 2019 on these instruments is $nil. The net impact from cash settlements and changes in estimated fair value are included in financing costs. 

The interest rate swaps are held at estimated fair value, priced using observable market inputs, and are therefore classified as Level (ii) securities 
in the fair value hierarchy. 

Refer to note 8 for the net impact from cash settlement and changes in estimated fair value 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. 

2018
$m 

30.2

2017
$m 

31.0

LHL and LICL have a $300.0 million syndicated collateralised credit facility with a $75.0 million loan sub-limit that has been in place since  
24 March 2016 which will expire on 24 March 2021. There was no outstanding debt under this facility as at 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

The existing 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 $300.0 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 per cent, where the subordinated loan notes are excluded from this calculation; 
•  a maximum indebtedness regarding the subordinated loan notes of $250.0 million; and 
•  a maximum indebtedness regarding the Syndicate 2010 and 3010 catastrophe facilities of $150.0 million. 

A $130.0 million syndicated uncollateralised facility had been in place since 3 October 2017 and was cancelled during December 2018. It was 
available for utilisation by LICL and guaranteed by LHL for FAL purposes. As at 31 December 2018 $nil (31 December 2017 – $130.0 million)  
of LOCs were issued under this facility. 

The terms of the $130.0 million syndicated uncollateralised facility included 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 per cent, where the subordinated loan notes are excluded from this calculation; 
•  a maximum indebtedness regarding the subordinated loan notes of $250.0 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 2018 and 2017, 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. Up to $80.0 million can be utilised by way of an LOC or an RCF to assist 
Syndicate 2010’s gross funding requirements. 

There are no balances outstanding under the Syndicate bank facility as at 31 December 2018 or 2017. The Syndicate bank facility is not available 
to the Group other than through its participation on the syndicates it supports. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

154  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

154

 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

18. Long-term debt and financing arrangements continued 

The Group hedges a portion of its floating rate borrowings using interest rate swaps to transfer floating to fixed rate. These instruments are 

held at estimated fair value. Refer to the risk disclosures section from page 126 for further details. The Group has the right to net settle 

The net fair value position owed by the Group on the swap agreements is $0.4 million (31 December 2017 – $2.0 million). Further information  

is provided on pages 124 to 127. Cash settlements are completed on a quarterly basis and the total of the next cash settlements in the first quarter 

of 2019 on these instruments is $nil. The net impact from cash settlements and changes in estimated fair value are included in financing costs. 

The interest rate swaps are held at estimated fair value, priced using observable market inputs, and are therefore classified as Level (ii) securities 

Refer to note 8 for the net impact from cash settlement and changes in estimated fair value included in financing costs. 

Interest rate swaps 

these instruments. 

in the fair value hierarchy. 

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. 

2018

$m 

30.2

2017

$m 

31.0

LHL and LICL have a $300.0 million syndicated collateralised credit facility with a $75.0 million loan sub-limit that has been in place since  

24 March 2016 which will expire on 24 March 2021. There was no outstanding debt under this facility as at 31 December 2018 and 2017. 

The existing 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 $300.0 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 per cent, where the subordinated loan notes are excluded from this calculation; 

•  a maximum indebtedness regarding the subordinated loan notes of $250.0 million; and 

•  a maximum indebtedness regarding the Syndicate 2010 and 3010 catastrophe facilities of $150.0 million. 

A $130.0 million syndicated uncollateralised facility had been in place since 3 October 2017 and was cancelled during December 2018. It was 

available for utilisation by LICL and guaranteed by LHL for FAL purposes. As at 31 December 2018 $nil (31 December 2017 – $130.0 million)  

of LOCs were issued under this facility. 

The terms of the $130.0 million syndicated uncollateralised facility included 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 per cent, where the subordinated loan notes are excluded from this calculation; 

•  a maximum indebtedness regarding the subordinated loan notes of $250.0 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 2018 and 2017, 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. Up to $80.0 million can be utilised by way of an LOC or an RCF to assist 

Syndicate 2010’s gross funding requirements. 

There are no balances outstanding under the Syndicate bank facility as at 31 December 2018 or 2017. 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 2018 and 2017, 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 2018 and 2017, the Group was in compliance with all covenants under its trust facilities. 

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 133 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 133 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 

MBRT accounts 
FAL 
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 2018 and 2017 

Allocated, called up and fully paid 

As at 31 December 2017 and 2016 
Shares issued 
As at 31 December 2018 

2018 

Cash and cash 
equivalents
$m 

Fixed maturity 
securities
$m 

1.4
6.2
15.9
2.3
3.4
1.4
30.6

174.7
306.7
90.4
38.7
24.9
–
635.4

2017 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
$m 

Fixed maturity 
securities
$m 

50.7   
18.4   
21.0   
5.4   
0.8   
3.0   
99.3   

132.4
132.5
78.3
35.7
24.6
0.3
403.8

Total
$m 

176.1
312.9
106.3
41.0
28.3
1.4
666.0

Number 

3,000,000,000

Number 

201,341,918
600,000
201,941,918

The new common shares issued during 2018 were to fund future RSS exercises. 

Own shares 

As at 31 December 2016 
Shares distributed 
Shares donated to trust 
As at 31 December 2017 
Shares distributed 
Shares purchased by trust 
As at 31 December 2018 

Number held
 in treasury 

1,415,058
–
(1,415,058)
–
–
–
–

$m 

14.0
–
(14.0)
–
–
–
–

Number held
 in trust 

1,048,969
(1,130,800)
1,415,058
1,333,227
(800,776)
600,000
1,132,451

$m 

9.2   
(9.9 ) 
12.8   
12.1   
(7.3 ) 
4.6   
9.4   

Total number
of own shares 

2,464,027
(1,130,800)
–
1,333,227
(800,776)
600,000
1,132,451

The number of common shares in issue with voting rights (allocated share capital less shares held in treasury) as at 31 December 2018 was 
201,941,918 (31 December 2017 – 201,341,918). 

Total
$m 

183.1
150.9
99.3
41.1
25.4
3.3
503.1

$m 

1,500

$m 

100.7
0.3
101.0

$m 

23.2
(9.9)
(1.2)
12.1
(7.3)
4.6
9.4

154  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

155

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

155

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

19. Share capital continued 
Share repurchases 
At the AGM held on 2 May 2018, LHL’s shareholders approved a renewal of the Repurchase Programme authorising the repurchase of a 
maximum of 20,134,192 shares, with such authority to expire on the conclusion of the 2019 AGM or, if earlier, 15 months from the date the 
resolution approving the Repurchase Programme was passed. There were no share repurchases during either 2018 or 2017. 

Dividends 
The Board of Directors have authorised the following dividends: 

Type 

Final 
Interim 
Final 
Interim 
Special 

20. Other reserves 
Other reserves consist of the following: 

As at 31 December 2016 
Shares donated to the trust 
Distributed by the trust 
Equity based compensation – exercises 
Equity based compensation – credit 
As at 31 December 2017 
Shares purchased by the trust 
Distributed by the trust 
Purchase of shares from non-controlling interest 
Equity based compensation – exercises 
Equity based compensation – expense 
As at 31 December 2018 

Per share amount 

Record date 

Payment date 

$0.10
$0.05
$0.10
$0.05
$0.20

24 Feb 2017 
11 Aug 2017 
23 Feb 2018 
17 Aug 2018 
9 Nov 2018 

22 Mar 2017
6 Sep 2017
21 Mar 2018
12 Sep 2018
12 Dec 2018

$m 

19.9
10.0
20.0
10.1
40.1

Contributed 
surplus 
$m 

Equity based 
compensation
$m 

Total other
reserves 
$m 

839.5   
(1.2 ) 
(13.8 ) 
14.6   
–   
839.1   
4.3   
(9.9 ) 
(0.1 ) 
10.3   
–   
843.7   

42.1
–
–
(14.6)
(0.4)
27.1
–
–
–
(10.3)
8.5
25.3

881.6
(1.2)
(13.8)
– 
(0.4)
866.2
4.3
(9.9)
(0.1)
–
8.5
869.0

2017
$m 

3.6
10.0
28.3
41.9

21. Commitments and contingencies 
Lease commitments 
The Group has payment obligations in respect of operating leases for certain items of office equipment and office space. Operating lease 
expenses for the year were $3.4 million (2017 – $3.4 million). 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Due in less than one year 
Due between one and five years 
Due in more than five years 
Total 

2018
$m 
3.5
13.9
24.4
41.8

During 2014, the Group entered into a new lease agreement for larger office premises in the UK and assigned the leases in relation to the 
existing office premises in the UK to a third party who assumed responsibility for payments. Under the terms of the lease assignment the Group 
retains liability for lease payments in the event that the assignee and the assignee’s guarantor fail to meet their obligations under the assignment 
agreements. The new lease agreement contains a break date of April 2029 and a lease end date of April 2034. The lease is guaranteed by LHL. 

In December 2018, the Group committed to a new five-year lease agreement for its existing office premises in Bermuda. The new lease 
agreement is effective 1 January 2019. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

156  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

156

 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

Per share amount 

Record date 

Payment date 

$0.10

$0.05

$0.10

$0.05

$0.20

24 Feb 2017 

22 Mar 2017

11 Aug 2017 

6 Sep 2017

23 Feb 2018 

21 Mar 2018

17 Aug 2018 

12 Sep 2018

9 Nov 2018 

12 Dec 2018

$m 

19.9

10.0

20.0

10.1

40.1

881.6

(1.2)

(13.8)

– 

(0.4)

866.2

4.3

(9.9)

(0.1)

–

8.5

869.0

2017

$m 

3.6

10.0

28.3

41.9

surplus 

$m 

839.5   

(1.2 ) 

(13.8 ) 

14.6   

–   

839.1   

4.3   

(9.9 ) 

(0.1 ) 

10.3   

–   

843.7   

–

–

–

–

–

(14.6)

(0.4)

27.1

(10.3)

8.5

25.3

2018

$m 

3.5

13.9

24.4

41.8

The Group has payment obligations in respect of operating leases for certain items of office equipment and office space. Operating lease 

expenses for the year were $3.4 million (2017 – $3.4 million). 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

During 2014, the Group entered into a new lease agreement for larger office premises in the UK and assigned the leases in relation to the 

existing office premises in the UK to a third party who assumed responsibility for payments. Under the terms of the lease assignment the Group 

retains liability for lease payments in the event that the assignee and the assignee’s guarantor fail to meet their obligations under the assignment 

agreements. The new lease agreement contains a break date of April 2029 and a lease end date of April 2034. The lease is guaranteed by LHL. 

In December 2018, the Group committed to a new five-year lease agreement for its existing office premises in Bermuda. The new lease 

agreement is effective 1 January 2019. 

Dividends 

Type 

Final 

Interim 

Final 

Interim 

Special 

20. Other reserves 

Other reserves consist of the following: 

As at 31 December 2016 

Shares donated to the trust 

Distributed by the trust 

Equity based compensation – exercises 

Equity based compensation – credit 

As at 31 December 2017 

Shares purchased by the trust 

Distributed by the trust 

Purchase of shares from non-controlling interest 

Equity based compensation – exercises 

Equity based compensation – expense 

As at 31 December 2018 

21. Commitments and contingencies 

Lease commitments 

Due in less than one year 

Due between one and five years 

Due in more than five years 

Total 

156  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

19. Share capital continued 

Share repurchases 

At the AGM held on 2 May 2018, LHL’s shareholders approved a renewal of the Repurchase Programme authorising the repurchase of a 

maximum of 20,134,192 shares, with such authority to expire on the conclusion of the 2019 AGM or, if earlier, 15 months from the date the 

resolution approving the Repurchase Programme was passed. There were no share repurchases during either 2018 or 2017. 

The Board of Directors have authorised the following dividends: 

Credit facility fund 
As at 31 December 2018 the Group has a commitment of $100.0 million (31 December 2017 – $100.0 million) relating to two credit facility funds 
(refer to note 12). 

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. 

22. Earnings per share 
The following reflects the profit and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations: 

Profit (loss) for the year attributable to equity shareholders of LHL 

Contributed 

Equity based 

compensation

$m 

42.1

Total other

reserves 

$m 

Basic weighted average number of shares 
Dilutive effect of RSS 
Diluted weighted average number of shares 

Earnings (loss) per share 

Basic 
Diluted1 

2018
$m 

37.5

2017
$m 

(71.1)

2018
Number 
 of shares 

200,655,440
1,960,322
202,615,762

2017
Number 
of shares 

199,723,434
1,780,368
201,503,802

2018 

$0.19
$0.19

2017 

($0.36)
($0.36)

1.  Diluted EPS excludes dilutive effect of RSS when in a loss making position. 

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. 

157

www.lancashiregroup.com

www.lancashiregroup.com

157

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

23. Related party disclosures 
The consolidated financial statements include LHL and the entities listed below: 

Name 
Subsidiaries1 
CCHL 
CCL 
CCL 1998 
CCL 1999 
CCSL 
CUL 
KCML2 
KCMMSL 
LICL 
LIHL 
LIMSL 
LISL 
LMSCL 
LUK 
ORANGE FUND 
Associate 
KHL3 
Other controlled entities 
EBT 
LHFT 

Principal Business 

Domicile 

Investment company 
Holding company 
Lloyd’s corporate member 
Non trading 
Dormant 
Lloyd’s managing agent 
Insurance management services 
Support services 
General insurance business 
Holding company 
Insurance mediation activities 
Support services 
Support services 
General insurance business 
Investment fund 

Holding company 

Trust 
Trust 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Bermuda 
United Kingdom 
Bermuda 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Canada 
United Kingdom 
United States 

Bermuda 

Jersey 
United States 

1.  Unless otherwise stated, the Group owns 100 per cent of the ordinary share capital and voting rights in its subsidiaries listed below. 

2.  93.5 per cent (2017 – 92.7 per cent) owned by the Group. 

3.  10.0 per cent interest in the preference shares of each segregated account of KHL.

The Group has issued subordinated loan notes via a trust vehicle – LHFT, refer to note 18. The Group effectively has 100.0 per cent 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 2018, the Group had made advances of $1.5 million (2017 – $6.0 million) to the EBT under the terms of the Facility. 

During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group issued 600,000 shares to the EBT at a par value of $0.3 million and a total value of  
$4.6 million at the prevailing market rate. During the year ended 31 December 2017, the Group donated 1,415,058 treasury shares to the EBT  
at the prevailing market rate. The total value of the treasury share donation was $12.8 million. 

LICL holds $191.9 million (31 December 2017 – $245.3 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 per cent of the required 
FAL to support the underwriting activities of Syndicate 2010 and 3010 and holds $267.9 million (31 December 2017 – $109.2 million) of cash and 
cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities in FAL in relation to intra-group reinsurance agreements. 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

158  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts: continued 

23. Related party disclosures 

The consolidated financial statements include LHL and the entities listed below: 

Principal Business 

Domicile 

Name 

Subsidiaries1 

CCHL 

CCL 

CCL 1998 

CCL 1999 

CCSL 

CUL 

KCML2 

KCMMSL 

LICL 

LIHL 

LIMSL 

LISL 

LMSCL 

LUK 

Associate 

KHL3 

EBT 

LHFT 

ORANGE FUND 

Other controlled entities 

Investment company 

Holding company 

Lloyd’s corporate member 

Non trading 

Dormant 

Lloyd’s managing agent 

Insurance management services 

Support services 

General insurance business 

Holding company 

Insurance mediation activities 

Support services 

Support services 

General insurance business 

Investment fund 

Holding company 

Trust 

Trust 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

Bermuda 

United Kingdom 

Bermuda 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

Canada 

United Kingdom 

United States 

Bermuda 

Jersey 

United States 

1.  Unless otherwise stated, the Group owns 100 per cent of the ordinary share capital and voting rights in its subsidiaries listed below. 

2.  93.5 per cent (2017 – 92.7 per cent) owned by the Group. 

3.  10.0 per cent interest in the preference shares of each segregated account of KHL.

The Group has issued subordinated loan notes via a trust vehicle – LHFT, refer to note 18. The Group effectively has 100.0 per cent 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 2018, the Group had made advances of $1.5 million (2017 – $6.0 million) to the EBT under the terms of the Facility. 

During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group issued 600,000 shares to the EBT at a par value of $0.3 million and a total value of  

$4.6 million at the prevailing market rate. During the year ended 31 December 2017, the Group donated 1,415,058 treasury shares to the EBT  

at the prevailing market rate. The total value of the treasury share donation was $12.8 million. 

LICL holds $191.9 million (31 December 2017 – $245.3 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 per cent of the required 

FAL to support the underwriting activities of Syndicate 2010 and 3010 and holds $267.9 million (31 December 2017 – $109.2 million) of cash and 

cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities in FAL in relation to intra-group reinsurance agreements. 

The senior management team shareholding in KCML represents a minority interest of 6.5 per cent (2017 – 7.3 per cent). This investment 
represents the non-controlling interest listed in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended 31 December 2018, dividends  
of $nil (31 December 2017 – $0.6 million) were paid to minority interest holders. 

As at 31 December 2018 and 2017, Mr Alex Maloney, a director of LHL, had a 1.2 per cent interest in KCML. During the year ended 
31 December 2018, Mr Maloney received a dividend of $nil (31 December 2017 – $0.1 million) in relation to his interest in KCML. 

Mr Maloney and his spouse acquired 100.0 per cent 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 CUL. Nameco has provided $0.2 million of capacity to Syndicate 2010 for the 
2019 year of account (2018 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 

2018
$m 

2.3
1.2
1.9
5.4

2017
$m 

2.9
0.2
2.1
5.2

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 
In 2013, KCML 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 2018, 
the Group recognised $6.6 million (2017 – $11.7 million) of service fees and profit commissions in other income (refer to note 5) in relation 
to this agreement. 

During 2018, the Group committed an additional $35.8 million (31 December 2017 – $57.5 million) of capital to KHL. During 2018, KHL 
returned $21.0 million (31 December 2017 – $38.4 million) of capital to the Group. 

Refer to note 16 for further details on the Group’s investment in associate. 

Transactions with subsidiary of KHL 
During 2017, the Group entered into a reinsurance agreement with KRL, which was not renewed during 2018. All reinsurance recoveries due as 
at 31 December 2017 were fully settled during 2018. The following balances were included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2017: 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Reinsurance recoveries 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) 

Outwards reinsurance premiums 
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses recoverable 
Insurance acquisition expenses ceded 

2017
$m 

22.1

2017
$m 

3.8
22.1
0.1

24. Subsequent events 
Dividend 
On 13 February 2019, the Board of Directors declared the payment of an ordinary dividend of $0.10 per common share to shareholders of  
record on 22 February 2019, with a settlement date of 27 March 2019. The ordinary dividend payable will be approximately $20.1 million.  
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. 

158  Lancashire Holdings Limited 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

159

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159

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information 

Annual General Meeting 
The Company’s AGM is scheduled for 1 May 2019 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. Notice of this year’s AGM 
and forms of proxy and direction accompany this Annual Report. 
If you have any queries regarding the notice or return of the 
proxy 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, 
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’, ‘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 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  
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; the possible low 
frequency of large events; 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’ 
rating 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; 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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160

Shareholder information 

Annual General Meeting 

The Company’s AGM is scheduled for 1 May 2019 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. Notice of this year’s AGM 

and forms of proxy and direction accompany this Annual Report. 

If you have any queries regarding the notice or return of the 

proxy 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, 

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 

These factors include, but are not limited to: the actual development 

of losses and expenses impacting estimates for 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  

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; the possible low 

Some of the statements in this document include forward-looking 

frequency of large events; potentially unusual loss frequency; the 

statements which reflect the Directors’ current views with respect  

impact that the Group’s future operating results, capital position  

to financial performance, business strategy, plans and objectives of 

and rating agency and other considerations may have on the 

management for future operations (including development plans 

execution of any capital management initiatives or dividends; the 

relating to the Group’s products and services). These statements 

possibility of greater frequency or severity of claims and loss activity 

include forward-looking statements both with respect to the Group 

than the Group’s underwriting, reserving or investment practices  

and the sectors and industries in which the Group operates. 

have anticipated; the reliability of, and changes in assumptions  

Statements containing the words ‘believes’, ‘anticipates’, ‘plans’, 

to, catastrophe pricing, accumulation and estimated loss models; 

‘projects’, ‘forecasts’, ‘guidance’, ‘intends’, ‘expects’, ‘estimates’, 

increased competition from existing alternative capital providers and 

‘predicts’, ‘may’, ‘can’, ‘likely’, ‘will’, ‘seeks’, ‘should’ or, in each case, 

insurance-linked funds and collateralised special purpose insurers, and 

their negative or comparable terminology and similar statements are 

the related demand and supply dynamics as contracts come up for 

of a future or forward-looking nature. All forward-looking statements 

renewal; the effectiveness of its loss limitation methods; the potential 

address matters that involve known and unknown risks and 

loss of key personnel; a decline in the Group’s operating subsidiaries’ 

uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors 

rating with A.M. Best, S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s or other rating 

that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements 

agencies; increased competition on the basis of pricing, capacity, 

coverage terms or other factors; cyclical downturns of the industry; 

of the Group to be materially different from future results, 

performance or achievements expressed or implied by such  

forward-looking statements.  

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 
‘Brexit’ (following the UK’s notification to the European Council 
under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union on 29 March 
2017) and future negotiations regarding the UK’s relationship 
with 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. 

148 

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Financial statements 
Glossary 

ABS 
Asset backed securities 

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 

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 

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 industries, focusing on the 
insurance sector  

APM 
Alternative performance measures 

Best Lancashire Assessment of Solvency over Time (BLAST) 
The Group’s economic internal capital model  

BMA 
Bermuda Monetary Authority 

Board of Directors; Board 
Unless otherwise stated refers to the LHL Board of Directors 

Book value per share (BVS) 
Calculated by dividing the value of the total shareholders’ equity by 
the sum of all common voting shares outstanding 

BSCR 
Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement 

BSX 
Bermuda Stock Exchange 

Cathedral; Cathedral Group 
Refers to CCL and all direct and indirect subsidiaries of CCL 

CCHL 
Cathedral Capital Holdings Limited 

CCL 
Cathedral Capital Limited 

CCL 1998 
Cathedral Capital (1998) Limited 

CCL 1999 
Cathedral Capital (1999) Limited 

CCSL 
Cathedral Capital Services Limited 

Ceded 
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 

CIO 
Chief Investment Officer 

CMBS 
Commercial mortgage backed securities 

The Code 
UK Corporate Governance Code published by the UK FRC 

Combined ratio 
Ratio, in per cent, of the sum of net insurance losses, net 
acquisition expenses and other operating expenses to net 
premiums earned 

BREEAM 
Building Research Establishment Environmental  
Assessment Method 

Consolidated financial statements 
Includes the independent auditors report, consolidated primary 
statements, accounting policies, risk disclosures and related notes 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
162 

Lancashire Holdings Limited | Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

162

 
Consolidated primary statements 
Includes the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of changes in 
shareholders’ equity and the statement of consolidated cash flows 

Coverholder at Lloyd’s 
A coverholder is a company or partnership authorised by a 
managing agent to enter into a contract or contracts of insurance 
to be underwritten by the members of a syndicate managed by it  
in accordance with the terms of a binding authority 

CRO 
Chief Risk Officer 

CSX 
Cayman Islands Stock Exchange 

CUL 
Cathedral Underwriting Limited 

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 

DEFRA 
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 

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 

EBT 
Lancashire Holdings Employee Benefit Trust 

ECA 
Economic Capital Assessment 

EEA 
European Economic Area 

ERM 
Enterprise Risk Management 

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 

FPSO 
Floating production storage and offloading 

FRC 
Financial Reporting Council 

FSMA 
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended from 
time to time) 

FTE 
Full-Time Employee 

163

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1 

Financial statements 
 
 
Glossary: continued 

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 

G10 
Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, 
Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States 

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 
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) 

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 
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 

International Accounting Standard(s) (IAS) 
Standards, created by the IASB, for the preparation and 
presentation of financial statements 

International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)  
An international panel of accounting experts responsible for 
developing IAS and IFRS 

IRR 
Internal rate of return 

IRRC 
Investment Risk and Return Committee 

ISA 
International Standards on Auditing (UK) 

ISE 
Irish Stock Exchange 

KCML 
Kinesis Capital Management Limited 

KCMMSL 
KCM Marketing Services Limited  

KHL  
Kinesis Holdings I Limited 

Kinesis 
The Group’s third-party capital management division 
encompassing KCML, KCMMSL and the management of KHL  
and KRL 

KPMG 
KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership 

KPI 
Key performance indicator 

KRL (Kinesis Re) 
Kinesis Reinsurance I Limited 

Lancashire companies 
Refers to the Group excluding Cathedral and Kinesis 

Lancashire Foundation or Foundation 
The Lancashire Foundation is a charity registered in England  
and Wales 

LHFT 
Lancashire Holdings Financing Trust I Limited 

LHL (The Company) 
Lancashire Holdings Limited 

LIBOR 
London Interbank Offered Rate 

LICL 
Lancashire Insurance Company Limited 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
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164

 
 
LIHL 
Lancashire Insurance Holdings (UK) Limited 

LIMSL 
Lancashire Insurance Marketing Services Limited 

LISL 
Lancashire Insurance Services Limited 

Listing Rules  
The listing rules made by the FCA under part VI of FSMA  
(as amended from time to time) 

Lloyd’s 
The Society of Lloyd’s 

Lloyd’s Brussels 
Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA, the insurer that Lloyd’s has 
established in Brussels 

LMSCL 
Lancashire Management Services (Canada) Limited 

LOC 
Letter of credit 

Losses 
Demand by an insured for indemnity under an insurance contract 

LSE 
London Stock Exchange 

LUK 
Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited 

Managed cash 
Managed cash includes both cash managed by external investment 
managers and non-operating cash managed internally 

M&A 
Mergers and acquisitions 

MBRT 
Multi-beneficiary reinsurance trust 

MBS 
Mortgage backed securities 

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 

Names 
An individual member underwriting at Lloyd’s with unlimited 
liability. Since 6 March 2003 no person has been admitted as a new  
member to underwrite on an unlimited basis 

NAV 
Net asset value 

Net acquisition cost ratio 
Ratio, in per cent, of net insurance acquisition expenses to net  
premiums earned 

Net expense ratio 
Ratio, in per cent, of other operating expenses, excluding 
restricted stock expenses, to net premiums earned 

Net loss ratio 
Ratio, in per cent, of net insurance losses to net premiums earned 

Net premiums earned 
Net premiums earned is equal to net premium 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 

Official List 
The official list of the UK Listing Authority 

Orange Fund 
A Series of Payden Active Cash Management, LLC 

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 

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Financial statements 
 
 
Glossary: continued 

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 

RMBS 
Residential mortgage backed securities 

RMF 
Risk Management Framework 

RMS 
Risk Management Solutions 

RPI 
Renewal Price Index 

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 an ideal 
benchmark for assessing the financial strength of insurance  
related organisations 

SATEC 
SATEC Underwriting, a privately owned insurance underwriting 
agency operating at national and international level in specialty 
classes of business. SATEC Underwriting is a coverholder at Lloyd’s 

SCR 
Solvency Capital Requirement 

SHARP 
Lancashire’s in house aggregation system 

Syndicate 2010 
Lloyd’s Syndicate 2010, managed by CUL. The Group provides 
capital to support 57.8 per cent of the stamp 

Syndicate 3010 
Lloyd’s Syndicate 3010, managed by CUL. The Group provides 
capital to support 100.0 per cent of the stamp 

The syndicates 
Syndicate 2010 and 3010 

TOBA 
Terms of business agreements 

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 IRR of the increase/(decrease) in share price in the period, 
measured in U.S. dollars, adjusted for 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 

UMCC 
Underwriting and Marketing Conference Call 

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 

UNL 
Ultimate net loss 

uSCR 
Ultimate solvency capital requirement 

U.S. 
United States of America 

U.S. GAAP 
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 

Value at Risk (VaR) 
A measure of the risk of loss of a specific portfolio of  
financial assets 

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018
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Lancashire Holdings Limited | Annual Report & Accounts 2018 

166

Alternative Performance Measures 

Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’) 
As is customary in the insurance industry, the Group also utilises certain non GAAP measures in order to evaluate, monitor and manage the 
business and to aid users’ understanding of the Group. In compliance with the Guidelines on APMs of the European Securities and Markets 
Authority, we give information on APMs in the table below. This information has not been audited.  

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. 

The following APMs included in the Annual Report and Accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles 
used by the Group for its audited consolidated financial statements. Refer to pages 162 to 166 of the Glossary for definitions on each of the 
below APMs. 

Below is an explanation of the APMs as well as information regarding their relevance: 

APM 

Net loss ratio 

  Relevance 

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 acquisition cost ratio 

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 expense ratio 

Combined ratio (KPI) 

Accident year loss ratio 

Fully converted book value per 
share (‘FCBVS’) attributable to 
the Group 

Return on equity (‘RoE’) (KPI) 
(RoE is also sometimes 
referred to as the change in 
FCBVS adjusted for dividends)  
Total investment return (KPI) 

Total shareholder return (KPI) 

Comprehensive income 
returned to shareholders (KPI) 

Dividend yield (KPI) 

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. 

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

This ratio shows the amount of claims expected to be paid out per $1.00 of net premium earned in an 
accident year. 
Shows the Group net asset value on a diluted per share basis for comparison to the market value per share. 

The Group’s aim is to maximise risk-adjusted returns for shareholders across the cycle. 

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. 

The Group’s aim is to maximise RoE 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 
RoE in the immediate term. 

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 aims to maintain a strong balance sheet whilst maximising risk-adjusted return for shareholders 
across the cycle. Lancashire’s dividend yield demonstrates our ability to operate nimbly through the cycle 
through the active capital management that underpins our business model. We aim 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. 

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Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Cathedral
Cathedral Capital Limited  
29th Floor 
20 Fenchurch Street 
London EC3M 3BY 
United Kingdom

Phone: + 44 (0) 20 7170 9000  
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7170 9001

Contact information

Kinesis
Kinesis 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:
Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited 
Clarendon House 
2 Church Street 
Hamilton HM 11 
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

Lancashire Holdings Limited
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

168

www.lancashiregroup.com

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