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Sweetgreen, Inc.

sg · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker sg
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 6407
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FY2011 Annual Report · Sweetgreen, Inc.
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Annual Report 2011

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Annual Report 2011

White Mountains, 
our owners

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. 

Sirius International Insurance Group Ltd.   

A financial services holding company with 

A Bermuda-domiciled holding company 

primary business interests in property and 

whose operating companies offer capacity 

casualty insurance and reinsurance. 

for property, accident & health, trade credit, 

White Mountains´corporate headquarters and 

aviation, marine and other exposures. Our 

its registered office are located in Hamilton, 

principal operating companies are:

Bermuda, and its principal executive office is 

located in Hanover, New Hampshire.   

Sirius Inter national Insurance Corporation 

White Mountains conducts its principal 

A Swedish-based international reinsurer that 

businesses through:

focuses mainly on property and other short-

tailed lines. Sirius International is the largest 

Sirius International Insurance Group Ltd. 

reinsurance company in Scandinavia and a 

Global reinsurance.

OneBeacon

leading reinsurer in Europe. Sirius Interna-

tional’s home office is in Stockholm, and it 

has branch offices in Australia, Bermuda, 

Specialty insurance. OneBeacon’s common 

Copenhagen, Hamburg, Liège, London, 

shares are listed on the New York Stock 

Singapore and Zürich.

Exchange under the symbol “OB”. White 

Mountains owns 75% of OneBeacon.

Sirius America Insurance Company

White Mountains Advisors

company that focuses on the property and 

Investment management with $34 billion of 

accident & health lines in North and Latin 

assets under management.

America. Sirius America’s home office is in 

A U.S.-based, international, (re)insurance 

New York with branch offices in Miami and 

White Mountains’ common shares are listed 

Toronto.

on the New York Stock Exchange and the 

Bermuda Stock Exchange under the symbol 

Sirius Syndicate  1945 

“WTM”. Market capitalization as of December 

A Lloyd’s syndicate that began writing busi-

31, 2011 was $3.4 billion. As of December 

ness at July 1, 2011 with initial stamp capac-

31, 2011, White Mountains reported total 

ity of £67 million and focus on accident & 

assets of $14.1 billion, adjusted shareholders’ 

health and contingency lines.

equity NGM of $4.1 billion, and adjusted book 

value per share NGM of $542.

White Mountains Solutions Inc. 

A Connecticut-based professional team spe-

cializing in opportunistic structured acquisi-

tions of run-off property and casualty insur-

ance liabilities. The team further enhances 

transaction returns via effective post-acquisi-

tion management of the run-off process.

2

Annual Report 2011

Comments from the
President and CEO

2011 was an extraordinarily challeng-

underwriting surpluses for every year of the 

ing year for our industry. Insured losses 

past decade, with an average combined ratio 

worldwide topped $100 billion, making it 

of just 91%. As I have said in annual report 

the second most expensive in history after 

after report, this ability to ride the peaks and 

2005, with the reinsurance sector shoul-

troughs and maintain long-term profitability 

dering around 50% of the total. All this 

underpins the stability we offer our clients 

came at a time when soft rates had already 

and brokers.

eroded margins.

2011 saw some important new corporate 

Sirius International inevitably felt the 

developments for Sirius International – more 

impact of this tough environment. None-

of which later. First, however, a brief outline 

theless, I am pleased to report that we 

of the main claims events of the year.

were able to maintain an underwriting 

As readers will be aware, it got off to 

profit, returning a combined ratio of 97%. 

a terrible start in terms of both the human 

A small increase in premium income, when 

and financial consequences of a series of 

measured on a like-for-like basis, was 

natural disasters. The flooding in Queens-

offset by a rise in claims. Although our 

land, Australia was quickly followed by the 

relatively modest surplus in 2011 was eight 

earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

points off our previous result and below 

The worst was still to come, however, when 

our long-term average, it represents a 

Japan was hit by the largest recorded earth-

highly commendable achievement in such 

quake in its history followed by a devastat-

difficult times.

ing tsunami, which cost tens of thousands 

We have now achieved an unbroken run of 

of lives. Although there was then something 

3

Annual Report 2011

of a temporary respite, there were sev-

tary set out above relate solely to Sirius 

eral other sizeable natural catastrophes to 

International’s operations as constituted at 

come. The flooding in Thailand was the 

the start of 2011.)

most notable, causing extensive disruption 

In July, meanwhile, Sirius entered the 

to supply chains.

Lloyd’s market for the first time. Syndicate 

For the record, the Japanese earth-

1945, the number chosen because it was 

quake and tsunami represented Sirius’ sec-

the year our company was founded, writes 

ond biggest-ever net loss at $79 million, 

an international book of Accident and 

whilst the Christchurch earthquake was 

Health and Contingency business. Its Ac-

our fifth biggest at $44 million. The Thai 

tive Underwriter Mike Dashfield continues 

flooding came in at $34 million. The fact 

to be the manager of our London branch 

that we can report a healthy financial out-

based nearby. The diversification into 

come despite these events owes much to 

Lloyd’s has proved highly positive, ena-

our long-term policy of diversification of 

bling us to write profitable business that 

risk, both in terms of geography and class 

we would otherwise not have seen.

of business. In 2010, the benign environ-

Looking ahead to the rest of 2012 and 

ment in the Asia-Pacific region balanced 

beyond, a top priority is to ensure that the 

out some big natural catastrophes in Chile 

arrival of Sirius America benefits custom-

and Europe. In 2011, it was the other 

ers, brokers and shareholders alike – that 

way around, with the western hemisphere 

it enables us to provide an enhanced, 

proving to be relatively uneventful.

seamless service. We also continue to 

Internal reorganisations, although 

work hard towards the implementation 

exciting to those involved, can be of little 

of Solvency II, now put back to January 

interest to the outside world. It is impor-

2014, where our preparations have made 

tant to place on record, however, two 

good progress. 

major developments that should further 

The start of 2012 saw some long over-

strengthen Sirius International and help us 

due hardening of the market and, although 

reach out to new customers. 

the movement was only modest, our book 

In the third quarter of 2011 our sister 

is better rated than it has been for years. 

company White Mountains Re America 

As ever, we look ahead confident that we 

became part of the Sirius group, and now 

can meet whatever challenges may await 

trades as Sirius America. This move in-

us. I would like to thank all our staff for 

creases our size by about a third in terms 

their loyalty and professionalism and, 

of premium income. Based in New York, 

above all, our brokers and customers for 

it writes a book of North American Prop-

enabling us to build strong long-term rela-

erty book. At the same time we received a 

tionships.   

capital infusion of $300 million from our 

parent company. Together with some or-

ganic growth, this brought our regulatory 

capital up to slightly more than $2 billion. 

(Please note: the performance of Sirius 

America will be reflected in next year’s 

annual report. The statistics and commen-

4

g ö r a n   t h o r s t e n s s o n
p r e s i d e n t   &   c e o

Annual Report 2011

At a glance 

2011 

2010 

Net premium income 

$583 million* 

$778 million

Claims net of reinsurance 

$419 million* 

$474 million

Underwriting profit 

$14 million 

$88 million

Combined Ratio 

97% 

89%

Income before tax 

$68 million 

$99 million

Combined Ratio (Parent)

96%

96%

93%

99%

80%

88%

87%

86%

89%

97%

2 0 0 2

2 0 0 3

2 0 0 4

2 0 0 5

2 0 0 6

2 0 0 7

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 9

2 0 1 0

2 0 1 1

Solvency Capital (Group), MSEK

14,150

10,399

10,455

12,544

12,516

2 0 0 7

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 9

2 0 1 0

2 0 1 1

*The fall in premium income and claims was a result of lower business volumes from other parts of the White Mountains Group, which were reduced 
after the sale of Esurance to Allstate Corporation. Net premium income generated by the Sirius Group itself, rather than other White Mountains 
companies, increased by 7% to $630 million. Claims generated by Sirius rose by 41% to $437 million.

5

Annual Report 2011

Board of Directors’ Report

The Board of Directors and Managing 

and resulted in extensive material damages 

Director of Sirius International Försäkrings-

and thousands of fatal casualties. In the 

aktiebolag (publ), (Sirius International), 

USA, two tornadoes in April caused major 

Corporate Identity Number 516401-8136, 

destruction and, in August, the hurricane 

hereby present their annual financial state-

Irene hit along the East Coast. Extremely 

ments for 2011.

General information 

concerning the company

heavy rains hit Copenhagen during the 

month of July, which was followed by 

flooding and major material damages. 

During the autumn, Thailand suffered huge 

Sirius International is active in internatio-

flooding in the area around Bangkok after 

nal insurance and reinsurance. Sirius Inter-

a long period of non-stop rain. A number 

national was established in 1989. 

of medium-sized aviation losses also took 

     Insurance operations commenced in 

place during the year.

1945 in Försäkringsaktiebolaget Sirius. In 

Against the background of these 

1989, the reinsurance activities were trans-

extraordinary losses, it is satisfying that, 

ferred to Sirius International. Sirius Inter-

in spite of everything, the Company can 

national has been the Parent Company of 

report positive results from the insurance 

the Sirius Group since 1992.

operations with a combined ratio under 

100%. The contributing factors were stable 

Development of the Company’s operations, 

price levels in the majority of markets and 

income and financial positionent, results and 

classes of business and positive run-off 

position of the company

results from previous accident years. Sirius 

2011 was a year characterized by extensive 

International has, as of 2011, had a combi-

natural disasters and other major claims 

ned ratio under 100% for ten consecutive 

events. The year will be remembered, ex-

years. 

pressed in terms of total financial damage, 

Gross premium income for the Group 

as the worst year ever. For the insurance 

amounted to MSEK 5,955 (7,395), respec-

industry, the year was the second worst 

tive MSEK 5,347 (7,395) for the Parent 

year in history as regards claims, with only 

Company. The Group’s premium income 

2005 seeing a greater level of insurance 

for own account amounted to MSEK 4,363 

claims. The larger claims events during the 

(5,608), respective MSEK 3,768 (5,608) 

year can be summarized as: on February 

for the Parent Company. The decline in 

22, and on June 13, New Zealand was 

premium volume compared with previous 

hit by two earthquakes in the vicinity of 

years is due, primarily, to lower business 

Christchurch. The impacted area was being 

volumes from companies within the White 

rebuilt as it was hit by a previous earth-

Mountains Group, which is a result of the 

quake, as late as autumn 2010. On March 

sale of Esurance to Allstate Corporation.

11, a very strong earthquake hit off Japan’s 

The Group’s operating profit from the 

northeast coast. This earthquake measured 

insurance operations amounted to MSEK 

a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale 

223 (838), respective MSEK 266 (839) for 

6

Annual Report 2011

the Parent Company. The combined ratio 

securities in shares, the yield amounted to 

amounted to 99% (89%) for the Group and 

-1.3%, adjusted for exchange rate effects. 

97% (89%) for the Parent Company.

Realized and unrealized exchange rate 

2011 also turned out to be parti-

gains, net, amounted to MSEK 126, prima-

cularly eventful for Sirius International in 

rily due to a strengthening of the US Dollar 

other respects. Our syndicate with Lloyds, 

against the Swedish krona. During the year, 

Syndicate 1945, was established and started 

further exchange rate hedging against the 

operations on 1 July. The syndicate will 

USD has been undertaken, whereby the 

provide, for the time being, primarily Ac-

total, nominal hedged sum now amounts to 

cident & Health insurance. In October, the 

USD 500 million. This was done to counte-

remaining shares in White Mountains Pho-

ract the effects of the increased exchange 

enix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. were contributed 

rate exposure which has arisen due to the 

and acquired. The company is, thereby, 

acquisition of White Mountains Phoenix. 

consolidated as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

The portion of the solvency capital which 

The financial markets were characteri-

is exposed to foreign currency after ex-

zed by major uncertainty and large fluc-

change rate hedging is, largely, unchanged 

tuations during the year. The accelerated 

compared to the previous year. 

debt crisis in Europe, the instable political 

The investment result, as presented in 

situation in the Middle East and North 

the Group’s income statement, amounted 

Africa, and the consequences of the sub-

to a gain of MSEK 444 (449), including ex-

stantial natural disasters noted above have 

change rate gains, net, but before alloca-

contributed notably to this uncertainty. 

tion of interest to the insurance operations. 

The stock markets in Sweden, Europe and 

The direct yield amounts to 2.2% (2.6%) 

the USA noted stable rises during the final 

and the total yield amounts to 2.2% (0.9%). 

quarter of the year. On an annual basis, 

Calculation of the direct yield and total 

S&P 500 in the USA ended at an unchanged 

yield takes place according to the Swedish 

level compared with the previous year. In 

Financial Supervisory Authority’s recom-

Sweden, OMX 30 noted a decline of 14.5%. 

mendations. The focus and composition of 

The major continental, European exchanges 

the investment portfolio is, largely, un-

showed declines between 8-17%, whilst 

changed compared with the previous year. 

the decline in England landed at 5.6%. The 

However, the proportion of associated 

bond portfolios in the USA, Sweden, Ger-

companies has been reduced, as the com-

many and the UK are the most important. 

pany, White Mountains Phoenix, is now 

Interest rate levels on government bonds 

consolidated as a wholly-owned subsidiary. 

fell to record levels in these markets. The 

At the end of the year, the consolidated 

Company has, in practice, no direct expo-

investment portfolio had the following 

sure to any so-called PIIGS countries in its 

composition: shares and participations, 

bond portfolio.

13%, investments in associated companies, 

Overall, the bond portfolio’s yield 

0%, and interest-bearing investments and 

was 3.2%, adjusted for exchange rate ef-

bank funds, 87%. 

fects. As regards the share portfolio, inclu-

Other events regarding the changes in 

ding investments in associated companies, 

the Group’s structure are described prima-

risk capital companies and derivatives with 

rily under the section, Ownership.

7

Annual Report 2011

Ownership

Ltd, London, UK and White Mountains Pho-

Sirius International Försäkringsaktiebolag 

enix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l., Luxembourg.

(publ) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 

In addition, Sirius International has 

Fund American Holdings AB (Corporate 

eight branch offices outside Sweden. These 

Identity Number 556651-1084), Stockholm, 

are Sirius International Insurance Corpora-

Sweden, which is ultimately owned by 

tion (publ) UK branch, London, UK, Sirius 

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd, 

International Insurance Corporation (publ) 

Bermuda.

Stockholm Zürich branch, Zürich, Switzer-

In May, 75 % of the shares in Passa-

land, Sirius International Insurance Corpo-

ge2Health Ltd, London, Great Britain were 

ration (publ) Asia branch, Singapore, Sirius 

acquired. The company operates an insu-

International Insurance Corporation (publ) 

rance agency for a special type of health 

Labuan branch, Labuan, Malaysia, Sirius 

care insurance, primarily focused on the 

International Insurance Corporation (publ) 

UK market. 

Belgian branch, Liège, Belgium, Sirius 

During the month of May, the com-

International Danish Branch, filial af Sirius 

pany, White Mountains Re Capital Ltd, 

International Försäkringsaktiebolag (publ), 

London, UK was established. The company 

Copenhagen, Denmark, Sirius Internatio-

is the so-called Corporate Member for the 

nal Insurance Corporation (publ) Bermuda 

newly started Syndicate 1945 at Lloyd’s of 

Branch, Hamilton, Bermuda, Sirius Interna-

London. The syndicate started its opera-

tional Insurance Corporation (publ) Aus-

tions on July 1, and has, thus far, provided 

tralian Branch, Australia and in Hamburg, 

primarily Accident & Health insurance/

Germany, where the operations are con-

reinsurance.

ducted through the agency, Sirius Rückver-

In October 2011, Sirius International 

sicherungs Service GmbH, which provides 

received and acquired the remainder of 

insurance on behalf of Sirius International.

the outstanding shares in White Mountains 

During 2001, Sirius Belgium Réassu-

Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. The com-

rances S.A. (in liquidation), Liège, Belgium 

pany owns, amongst other entities, Sirius 

commenced voluntary liquidation procee-

America Insurance Company, which imp-

dings, as the company had ceased to con-

lies that the entire reinsurance operations 

duct operations. The liquidation remains 

within White Mountains are now underta-

incomplete, as the result of a tax dispute. 

ken within the Sirius International Group. 

The outcome of the dispute will not impact 

At the end of the year 2011, the 

the company’s financial position.

Group comprises the Parent Company 

The ongoing liquidation of White 

Sirius International Försäkringsaktiebolag 

Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd, Hamilton, Ber-

(publ) with the subsidiaries Sirius Belgium 

muda, was completed during January 2012.

Réassurances S.A. (in liquidation), Liège, 

Belgium, Sirius Rückversicherungs Service 

Significant events during and after the

GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, Sirius Inter-

financial year

national Holdings (NL) BV, Amsterdam, 

As part of the continuing restructuring 

Holland, White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd, 

work within the Group, on October 7, 

Hamilton, Bermuda, Passage2Health Ltd, 

2011, Sirius International has received and 

London, UK, White Mountains Re Capital 

purchased the remaining shares in White 

8

Annual Report 2011

Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. 

Insurance contracts with insufficient 

The total transaction amounted to MSEK 

insurance risk

4,100, whereof MSEK 2,935 was contribu-

The Company retains only a few contracts 

ted by means of an intra-Group transfer. 

for which insufficient insurance risk is 

In conjunction with the acquisition, Sirius 

assessed to exist, and which, thereby, do 

International received a shareholders’ 

not qualify as insurance contract. These 

contribution of USD 436 million. Sirius 

contracts are classified as investment cont-

International had previously owned 22% of 

racts. For further details, refer to Note 1, 

the outstanding shares in White Mountains 

Accounting Principles.

Phoenix. The accounting effects of the 

acquisition are reported in Note 1, Accoun-

Expected future developments

ting Principles.

The underlying profitability in the insu-

rance operations is good, despite increased 

Information regarding risks and factors of 

competition on the market, and the diver-

uncertainty

sified investment portfolio is expected to 

Please refer to Note 1 “Accounting princip-

provide a stable yield. However, the stiff 

les” and Note 2 “Information on risks”.

competition implies that stringent require-

ments are in place as regards the pricing 

Financial instruments and risk management

and signing of insurance agreements, conti-

See Note 1, Accounting Principles, and 

nued efficiency improvements and weigh-

Note 2, Information on Risks.

ted risks between the insurance and invest-

ment operations in order to ensure long-

Remuneration and benefits to senior 

term profitability. Sirius International’s 

executives

targets for 2012 are to achieve a combined 

See Note 32, Average number of employ-

ratio under 90% and an underwriting return 

ees, salaries and other remuneration.

on capital (UROC) of 11%.

9

Annual Report 2011

Five-year Summary

GROUP

(mSEK) 

Net premium income 
Net premiums earned 
Other technical income 
Allocated interest 
Net claims incurred 
Net operating expenses 
Insurance operating result 
Investment operating result 
Other expenses 
Net income for the year 

2011 

2010 

20093) 

2008 

 2007 

4,363 
4,584 
0 
225 
-3,125 
-1,461 
223 
219 
0 
320 

5,608 
5,742 
0 
214 
-3,428 
-1,690 
838 
235 
0 
879 

6,957 
6,867 
0 
369 
-4,164 
-1,755 
1,317 
289 
0 
1,302 

5,602 
5,822 
0 
168 
-3,659 
-1,403 
928 
-74 
-27 
695 

5,810 
6,019
10
259
-3,471
-1,845
972
-51
-27 
577

Net technical provisions 
Market value on investment assets4) 

14,743 
26,094 

7,221 
18,480 

7,883 
18,449 

7,992 
16,743 

7,001
15,508 

Insurance operating result, for own account 
Claims ratio 
Cost ratio 
Combined ratio 

Investment result 
Investment yield 
Total yield 

Solvency capital 
Shareholders’ equity 
Deferred tax on untaxed reserves 
Deferred tax on Reserve for unrealized capital gains 
Other adjustment items  
Total solvency capital 
Solvency ratio 

Capital base1) 
Required solvency capital 

Group based values2)
Capital base 
Solvency requirement 

PARENT COmPANy

(mSEK) 

Net premium income 
Net premiums earned 
Allocated interest 
Net claims incurred 
Net operating expenses 
Insurance operating result 
Investment operating result 
Other expenses 
Net income for the year 

68% 
31% 
99% 

2% 
2% 

11,560 
2,547 
43 
0 
14,150 
324% 

13,644 
1,755 

60% 
29% 
89% 

3% 
1% 

9,950 
2,548 
18 
0 
12,516 
223% 

11,735 
958 

61% 
25% 
86% 

2% 
3% 

9,945 
2,548 
53 
-2 
12,544 
180% 

12,149 
1,030 

63% 
24% 
87% 

3% 
2% 

8,017 
2,420 
18 
0 
10,455 
187% 

10,013 
956 

58%
30%
88%

6%
2% 

7,833
2,581
-15
0
10,399
179%

9,764
956

13,792 
1,872 

16,315 
2,255 

17,544 
2,373 

17,236 
2,566 

18,482 
2,369

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

 2007

3,768 
4,037 
225 
-2,708 
-1,239 
266 
175 
-4 
321 

5,608 
5,742 
214 
-3,421 
-1,687 
839 
-128 
-4 
522 

6,957 
6,867 
369 
-4,164 
-1,761 
1,311 
-139 
-17 
490 

5,602 
5,822 
168 
-3,659 
-1,408 
923 
106 
-17 
738 

5,810
6,019
258
-3,418
-1,861
998
153
-17
430

Net technical provisions 
Market value on investment assets5) 

6,922 
19,678 

7,233 
18,155 

7,886 
18,379 

7,992 
16,882 

7,001
15,508

Insurance operating result, for own account 
Claims ratio 
Cost ratio 
Combined ratio 

Investment result 
Investment yield 
Total yield 

Solvency capital 
Shareholders’ equity 
Untaxed reserves 
Deferred tax on Reserve for unrealized capital gains 
Total solvency capital 
Solvency ratio 

Capital base 
Required solvency capital 

1) Includes Sirius International with subsidiaries.

2) Includes Sirius International Insurance Group Ltd.

67% 
30% 
97% 

3% 
3% 

4,335 
9,682 
43 
14,060 
373% 

13,648 
765 

60% 
29% 
89% 

3% 
0% 

2,564 
9,687 
18 
12,269 
219% 

11,603 
958 

61% 
25% 
86% 

2% 
3% 

2,654 
9,691 
53 
12,398 
178% 

12,021 
1,030 

63% 
24% 
87% 

3% 
2% 

1,295 
9,197 
18 
10,510 
188% 

9,968 
956 

57%
31%
88%

5%
3%

1,136
9,217
-15
10,338
178%

9,776
956

3) For the comparison year 2009 IFRS has been applied. Solvency capital and required solvency capital have not been converted.

10

4) Includes investment assets and cash and bank. 

5) Includes investment assets and cash and bank.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Proposed Appropriation of Earnings

For 2011, the Parent Company recorded 

a result before appropriations and taxes 

of MSEK 437 (MSEK 707). Net income for 

the year amounted to a profit of MSEK 321 

(MSEK 522). As of December 31, 2011 re-

tained earnings in the Group amounted to 

MSEK 3,625.

At the disposal of the General Meet-

ing of the Shareholders of the Parent Com-

pany Sirius International:

-  Retained earnings 

-  Unrestricted reserves 

-  Dividend paid, as resolved by the meeting 

of the shareholders 

-  Received shareholders’ contribution 

-  Group contribution 

-  Net income for the year 

-  Total 

The Board of Directors and the President 

propose that the amount is appropriated as 

follows:

-  Dividends to owners 

-  Retained earnings 

-  Total 

SEK in

 thousands

 1,763,987

72,186

 -1,143,700

 2,935,207

  -413,761

320,593

 3,534,512

162,700

 3,371,812

 3,534,512

The company’s financial position does not 

Regarding the company’s and the Group’s 

reflect any other view than that the com-

results and financial position, please refer to 

pany can be expected to fulfill its obliga-

the attached income statements and balance 

tions in the short-term, as well as in the 

sheets, cash flow analyses, report on changes 

long-term. It is the opinion of the Board 

in shareholders' equity and accompanying 

of Directors that the solvency capital of 

notes.

the company as it has been reported in 

the annual report is adequate in relation 

to the scope and risks of the operations.

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

”We were able to maintain an underwriting profit, 
returning a combined ratio of 97%, in an 
extraordinarily challenging year for our industry.”

12

Annual Report 2011

Income Statement – Group

January 1 - December 31

(MSEK)

TEChNICAL ACCOUNT fOR INSURANCE OPERATIONS

Earned premiums, for own account

Gross premium income

Ceded reinsurance premiums

Change in the gross provision for unearned premiums

Change in the provision for unearned premiums, Reinsurers'  share

Total earned premiums, for own account

Allocated investment return transferred from the non-technical account

Claims incurred, for own account

Claims paid

- Gross amount

- Reinsurers’ share

Claims paid, for own account

Change in the provision for claims, for own account

- Gross amount

- Reinsurers’ share

Total claims incurred, for own account

Operating costs

Operating profit/loss of technical account

Balance of technical account

Investment income/expenses

- Investment income

- Unrealised gains

- Investment expenses and charges

- Unrealised losses

- Share of associated company’s profit/loss

Investment income allocated to the technical account

Total investment income/expenses

Result before taxes

Taxes

Result after taxes

Minority interest

Net income for the year 

Note

2011

2010

3

3

4

5

10

6

7

8

9

15

11

5,955

-1,592

194

27

4,584

7,395

-1,787

46

88

5,742

225

214

-4,190

736

-3,454

-330

659

-3,125

-1,461

223

223

764

196

-132

-465

81

-225

219

-4,428

937

-3,491

-1,595

1,658

-3,428

-1,690

838

838

623

272

-466

-105

125

-214

235

442

1,073

-123

319

1

320

-194

879

-

879

13

Annual Report 2011

Statement of Comprehensive Income - Group

January 1 - December 31

(MSEK)

Net income for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items to be reclassified to income statement:

- Change of fair value on bonds

- Currency translation differences

- Tax on items to be reclassified ton income statement

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

2011

320

98

84

-26

156

476

2010

879

-133

-295

35

-393

486

14

Annual Report 2011

Note

2011

2010

12

13

15

16, 20

17, 20

18, 20

24

25

11

19

21

22

296

47

343

291

22

313

11

2

-

1,021

1,021

3,300

18,819

30

22,149

624

23,805

526

7,585

8,111

2

2,423

274

1,233

189

4,121

47

2,289

2,336

203

471

21

695

2,178

-

2,178

1,808

12,067

273

14,148

1,221

17,549

496

5,556

6,052

5

1,385

72

34

63

1,559

32

1,082

1,114

195

386

26

607

Balance Sheet - Group

December 31 

(MSEK)

ASSETS

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Capitalized software 

Total intangible assets

Investment assets

Land and buildings

Investments in group companies and participating interests

Shares and participations in associated companies

Interest bearing investments emitted by, and loans to, group companies

Total investments in group companies and participating interests

Other financial investments 

Shares and participations

Bonds and other interest bearing investments

Derivative financial instruments

Total other financial investments

Deposits with cedents

Total investment assets

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Provisions for unearned premiums

Claims outstanding

Total reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Debtors

Debtors arising out of direct insurance operations

Debtors arising out of reinsurance operations

Current tax receivables

Deferred tax receivables

Other debtors

Total debtors

Other assets

Tangible assets 

Cash and bank balance

Total other assets

Prepayments and accrued income

Accrued interest

Deferred acquisition costs

Other prepayments and accrued income

Total prepayments and accrued income

TOTAL ASSETS

39,411

27,194

15

Annual Report 2011

December 31

Note

2011

2010

ShAREhOLDERS’ EQUITy AND LIABILITIES

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital (8 million shares of nom. value SEK 100)

Additional paid in capital 

Reserves

Retained earnings – restricted

Retained earnings – non-restricted, including net income for the year

Total shareholders’ equity

minority interest

Liabilities

Technical provisions

Provisions for unearned premiums

Claims outstanding

Total technical provisions

Other liabilities

Employee benefits 

Deferred tax liabilities

Deposits received from reinsurers

Creditors arising out of direct insurance operations

Creditors arising out of reinsurance operations

Other liabilities

Accrued expenses and deferred income

Total other liabilities

800

4,359

-266

7,135

-468

11,560

800

1,424

-354

7,139

941

9,950

4

-

2,300

20,554

22,854

2,062

11,211

13,273

2

2,820

201

1

805

814

350

5

2,553

151

2

474

593

193

4,993

3,971

24

25, 27

28

11

20, 29

20  

TOTAL ShAREhOLDERS’ EQUITy AND LIABILITIES

39,411

27,194

Pledged assets and other comparable collaterals for own debts and 

provisions recorded as insurance liabilities

Other pledged assets and comparable collaterals

Contingent liabilities

Commitments

30

30

30

30

9,751

-

1,458

174

7,668

-

-

60

16

Annual Report 2011

Change in shareholders´equity - Group

(MSEK)

Amount January 1, 2011

Comprehensive income

Net profit/loss for the year

Other comprehensive income, net after tax

Change of fair value on bonds

Reclassification within shareholders’ equity

Currency translation differences

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Capital contribution received 1)

Group contribution provided 3)

Dividend paid 2)

Effects from internal restructuring 5)

Total transactions with owners

Amount December 31, 2011

Amount January 1, 2010

Comprehensive income

Net profit/loss for the year

Other comprehensive income, net after tax

Change of fair value on bonds

Reclassification within shareholders’ equity

Currency translation differences

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Group contribution provided 3)

Dividend paid 2)

Total transactions with owners

Amount December 31, 2010

Share 

Additional 

Reserves

Retained 

Capital 4)

paid in 

capital 

earnings

 – restricted 4)

Retained 

earnings 

– non-

restricted

Total 

Share-

holders’ 

equity

800

1,424

-354

7,139

941

9,950

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

800

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,935

-

-

-

2,935

4,359

800

1,424

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

72

-1

84

155

155

-

-

-

-67

-67

-

-

-4

-

-4

-4

-

-

-

-

-

320

320

-

5

-

5

72

-

84

 -

325

476

-

-414

2,935

-414

-1,143

-1,143

-177

-1,734

-244

1,134

-266

7,135

-468

11,560

7,142

610

9,978

2

-

-98

37

-295

-356

-356

-

-

-

-

-3

-

-3

-3

-

-

-

879

879

-

-34

-

-34

845

-354

-160

-514

941

-98

-

-295

-393

486

-354

-160

-514

9,950

800

1,424

-354

7,139

1) Capital contribution received from Fund American Holdings AB in form of shares in White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l 
2) Dividend paid to the parent company Fund American Holdings AB.
3) Group contribution provided to Fund American Holdings AB and Sirius Insurance Holding Sweden AB.
4) Share capital and Retained earnings – restricted represents the restricted shareholders’ equity.
5) During the fourth quarter 2011 Sirius International received and purchased the remaining shares in White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l.  The shares  
    have therefore been reclassified from associated company to a group company and were consolidated at December 31, 2011 for the first time. The -244                        
    MSEK is the effect from this restructuring.

17

Annual Report 2011

ShARE CAPITAL

Specified in number of shares, SEK

Issued per 1 January

Issued per 31 December

2011

2010

8,000,000

8,000,000

8,000,000

8,000,000

Per 31 December, 2011 the share capital comprised 8,000,000 (8,000,000) ordinary shares. 
The shares have a nominal value of 100 (100) SEK.

ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL

Opening additional paid in capital

Capital contribution

Closing additional paid in capital

RESERvES 

Fair value reserve

Opening fair value reserve

Change for the year

Closing fair value reserve

Tax on fair value reserves 

Opening tax on fair value reserves

Change for the year

Closing tax on fair value reserve

fair value reserve after tax

Opening fair value reserve after tax

Change for the year

Closing fair value reserve after tax

Translation difference

Opening translation difference

Reclassification within shareholders’ equity

Effects from internal restructuring

Change for the year

Closing translation difference

RETAINED EARNINGS - RESTRICTED

Opening retained earnings - restricted

Change in excess depreciation

Closing retained earnings - restricted

RETAINED EARNINGS – NON-RESTRICTED

Opening retained earnings – non-restricted

Net profit/loss for the year

Effects from internal restructuring

Reclassification within shareholders’ equity

Dividend paid

Group contribution provided 73.7%

Closing retained earnings – non-restricted

2011

2010

1,424

2,935

4,359

1,424

-

1,424

67

98

165

-18

-26

-44

49

72

121

-403

-2

-67

84

-387

7,139

-4

7,135

941

320

-177

5

-1,143

-414

-468

200

-133

67

-53

35

-18

147

-98

49

-145

37

-

-295

-403

-7,142

-3

7,139

610

879

0

-34

-160

-354

941

18

 
 
Cash flow statement - Group 

Annual Report 2011

(MSEK)

2011

2010

OPERATING ACTIvITIES

Profit/loss before tax

Interest income

Interest expenses

Dividends received

Adjustment for non-cash items 1)

Income tax paid

Cash flow from current operations before changes in assets 

and liabilities

Change in land and buildings

Change in financial investments

Change in other operating receivables

Change in other operating liabilities

Cash flow from operating activities

INvESTING ACTIvITIES

Acquisition of subsidiary

Acquisition of subsidiary, acquired Cash and cash equivalents

Net investment of intangible assets 

Net investments of tangible assets

Cash flow from investing activities

fINANCIAL ACTIvITIES

Dividends received

Shareholders contributions’ received

Group contributions paid

Cash flow from financing activities

Cash flow for the year

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash flow for the year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2)

1) Depreciations Notes 12, 13, 21

Capital gains on foreign exchange Note 6

Capital losses on foreign exchange Note 8

Capital gains Note 6

Capital losses Note 8

Unrealized gains Note 7

Unrealized losses Note 9

Interest income Note 6

Interest expenses Note 8

Dividends received Note 6

Change in provisions for outstanding claims Note 25

Effects from internal restructuring

Translation difference

Total

2) The following components are included in cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and bank balances

Short term investments, equivalent to cash and cash equivalents

Total

442

390

-43

113

-796

-65

41

-9

2,153

-770

1,428

2,843

-

76

-45

-28

3

-1,144

-

-495

-1,639

1,207

1,082

1,207

2,289

29

-126

-

-135

20

-196

465

-390

43

-113

-237

-244

84

-796

955

1,334

2,289

1,073

338

-3

153

-1,045

-32

484

-

-3,214

-505

1,315

-1,920

-706

-

-14

-30

-751

-160

-

-472

-632

-3,302

4,384

-3,302

1,082

20

-

394

-132

10

-272

105

-338

3

-153

-387

-

-295

-1,045

300

782

1,082

19

Annual Report 2011

Comments to Cash flow statement
Sirius International have per October 7, 2011, trough a internal restructuring within the White 

Mountains-group received and purchased the remaining shares in White Mountains Phoenix 

(Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. The total transaction amounted to MSEK 4,100, whereof MSEK 2,935 was 

received as a group contribution. Of the purchase amount MSEK 1,165, MSEK 44 was paid in cash 

and MSEK 1,121 was paid in form of other financial assets. The acquired company had Cash and 

cash equivalents of MSEK 141. The acquired companies’ assets split into: Investment assets MSEK 

12,619, Cash and cash equivalents MSEK 141, other operating receivables MSEK 2,819, 

tax receivables MSEK 1,071 and other operating liabilities of MSEK 10,468.

20

Performance Analysis – Group

Annual Report 2011

Analysis of Insurance Result

(MSEK)

Technical result insurance operations

Premiums earned, for own account

Allocated investment return transferred from the non-technical 

account

Claims incurred, for own account

Operating costs

Technical result of insurance operation

Of which results from prior years, gross amounts 1)

Technical provisions

Unearned premiums and remaining risks

Outstanding claims

Claims adjustment provision

Technical provisions

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Unearned premiums and remaining risks

Outstanding claims

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Premiums earned, for own account

Gross premium income

Ceded reinsurance premium

Change in gross provision for unearned premiums 

Reinsurers’ share of change in unearned premiums

Premiums earned, for own account

Claims incurred, for own account

Claims paid

Reinsurers’ share

Claims handling expenses

Change in provision for outstanding claims

Reinsurers’ share

Claims incurred, for own account

1) Defined as result from 2010 and earlier.

Direct 

Swedish

risks - 

Direct 

Swedish 

risks - 

Aviation

Financial

Direct 

Assumed 

Total

foreign 

reinsurance

risks

6

-

-1

-1

4

-1

-1

-3

-

-4

-

-

-

7

-1

-

-

6

-2

-

-

-

1

-1

1

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

611

3,966

4,584

18

-386

-290

-47

207

-2,738

-1,170

265

225

-3,125

-1,416

223

-271

-1,919

-2,191

-435

-335

-9

-779

132

81

213

892

-254

-70

43

611

-459

116

-7

-47

11

-1,864

-2,300

-19,692

-20,300

-245

-254

-22,071

-22,854

394

7,504

7,898

5,055

-1,337

264

-16

526

7,585

8,111

5,955

-1,592

194

27

3,966

4,584

-3,559

-4,020

620

-163

-283

647

736

-170

-330

659

-386

-2,738

-3,125

21

Annual Report 2011

22

Annual Report 2011

Income Statement – Parent Company

January 1 - December 31

(MSEK)

TEChNICAL ACCOUNT fOR INSURANCE OPERATIONS

Earned premiums, for own account

Gross premium income

Ceded reinsurance premiums

Change in the gross provision for unearned premiums

Change in provision for unearned premiums, reinsurers’ share

Total earned premium, for own account

Allocated investment return transferred from the non-technical account

Claims incurred, for own account

Claims paid

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Claims paid, for own account

Change in the provision for claims, for own account

Gross amount

Reinsurers’ share

Total claims incurred, for own account

Change in other technical provisions, for own account

Change in equalization provision

Total change in other technical provisions, for own account

Operating costs

Operating profit/loss of technical account

NON-TEChNICAL ACCOUNT

Balance of technical account 

Investment income/expenses

Investment income

Unrealized gains

Investment expenses and charges

Unrealized losses

Investment income allocated to the technical account

Total investment income/expenses

Goodwill depreciation

Result before appropriations and taxes

Appropriations

Changes in excess depreciation on intangible assets

Result before taxes

Taxes

Net income for the year

Note

2011

2010

3

3

4

26

5 

10

6

7

8

9

12

11

5,347

-1,579

249

20

4,037

7,395

-1,787

46

88

5,742

225

214

-3,603

650

-2,953

-420

665

-2,708

-49

-49

-1,239

266

266

515

34

-56

-93

-225

175

-4

437

5

442

-121

321

-4,415

937

-3,478

-1,601

1,658

-3,421

-9

-9

-1,687

839

839

649

184

-642

-105

-214

-128

-4

707

4

711

-189

522

23

Annual Report 2011

Statement of Comprehensive Income 
– Parent Company

January 1 - December 31

(MSEK)

Net income for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items to be reclassified to income statement:

- Change of fair value on bonds

- Tax on items to be reclassified to income statement

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Note

2011

321

98

-26

72

393

2010

522

-133

35

-98

424

24

Annual Report 2011

Balance Sheet - Parent Company

December 31 

(MSEK)

ASSETS

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Total intangible assets

Investment assets

Land and buildings

Investments in group companies and associated companies

Shares and participations in group companies

Shares and participations in associated companies

Total investments in group companies and associated companies

Other financial investments

Shares and participations

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities

Derivative financial instruments

Total other financial investments

Deposits with cedents

Total investment assets

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Provisions for unearned premiums

Claims outstanding

Total reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Debtors

Debtors arising out of direct insurance operations

Debtors arising out of reinsurance operations

Current tax receivables

Deferred tax receivables

Other debtors

Total debtors

Other assets

Tangible assets 

Cash and bank balance

Total other assets

Prepayments and accrued income

Accrued interest

Deferred acquisition costs

Other prepayments and accrued income

Total prepayments and accrued income

Note

2011

2010

12

13

14

15

16, 20

17, 20

18

24

25

11

19

21

22

203

45

248

2207

22

229

11

2

7,317

-

7,317

667

9,472

30

1,081

2,058

3,139

874

12,067

24

10,169

12,965

770

18,267

1,221

17,327

529

6,545

7,074

2

1,880

125

41

293

496

5,556

6,052

5

1,384

61

 35

262

2,341

1,747

40

1,411

1,451

131

341

20

492

31

979

1,010

194

386

26

606

TOTAL ASSETS

29,873

26,971

25

Annual Report 2011

December 31

Note

2011

2010

ShAREhOLDERS’ EQUITy, PROvISIONS AND LIABILITIES

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital (8 million shares of nom. value SEK 100)

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Net income for the year

Total shareholders’ equity

Untaxed reserves

Excess depreciations on intangible assets

Safety reserve

Total untaxed reserves

Technical provisions

Provisions for unearned premiums

Claims outstanding

Equalization provision

Total technical provisions

Provisions for other risks and expenses

Pension provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities

Total provisions for other risks and expenses

800

121

3,093

321

4,335

35

9,647

9,682

1,848

12,087

61

888 800

49

1,193

522

2,564

40

9,647

9,687

2,062

11,211

12

13,996

13,285

7

6

13

9

-

9

23

24

25, 27

26

28

11

Deposits received from reinsurers

173

151

Creditors

Creditors arising out of direct insurance operations

Creditors arising out of reinsurance operations

Other creditors

Total creditors

Accrued expenses and deferred income

Accrued expenses and deferred income

Total accrued expenses and deferred income

TOTAL ShAREhOLDERS’ EQUITy,  PROvISIONS AND LIABILITIES

Pledged assets and other comparable collaterals for own debts and

provisions recorded as insurance liabilities

Other pledged assets and comparable collaterals

Contingent liabilities

Commitments

1

784

690

2

473

608

1,475

1,083

199

199

192

192

29,873

26,971

8,623

-

1,458

56

7,668

-

-

60

20, 29

20

30

30

30

30

26

  
Annual Report 2011

Change in Shareholders’ Equity – Parent Company

(MSEK)

Amount January 1, 2011

Transfer of net result from previous year

Comprehensive income

Net profit/loss for the year

Other comprehensive income, net after tax

Change of fair value on bonds

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Capital contribution received 1)

Group contribution provided 2)

Dividend paid 3)

Total transactions with owners

Amount  December 31, 2011

Amount January 1, 2010

Transfer of net result from previous year

Comprehensive income

Net profit/loss for the year

Other comprehensive income, net after tax

Change of fair value on bonds

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners

Group contribution provided 2)

Dividend paid 3)

Total transactions with owners

Amount  December 31, 2010

Share

Capital

Other 

Retained 

loss for the 

reserves 4)

earnings 4)

year 4)

Net profit/

800

49

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

72

72

72

-

-

-

-

800

121

800

147

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-98

-98

-98

-

-

-

1,193

522

-

-

-

522

-522

321

-

-

522

321

2,935

-414

-1,144

1,377

3,093

1,217

490

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

321

490

-490

522

-

-

490

522

-354

-160

-514

-

-

-

Total 

Shareholders’ 

equity

2,564

-

321

72

72

393

2,935

-414

-1,144

1,377

4,335

2,654

-

522

-98

-98

424

-354

-160

-514

800

49

1,193

522

2,564

1) Capital contribution received from Fund American Holdings AB in form of shares in White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l
2) Group contribution provided to Fund American Holdings AB and Sirius Insurance Holding Sweden AB.
3) Dividend paid to the parent company Fund American Holdings AB.
4) The columns Other reserves, retained earnings and Net profit/loss for the year together represents the non-restricted shareholders’ equity 
    for the parent company.

27

Annual Report 2011

ShARE CAPITAL

Specified in number of shares, SEK

Issued per 1 January

Issued per 31 December

2011

2010

8,000,000

8,000,000

8,000,000

8,000,000

Per December 31, 2011 the share capital comprised 8,000,000 (8,000,000) ordinary shares. 
The shares have a nominal value of 100 (100) SEK.

2011

2010

67

98

165

-18

-26

44

49

72

121

1,193

522

2,935

-1,144

-414

3,093

200

-133

67

-53

35

-18

147

-98

49

-1,217

490

-

-160

-354

1,193

321

522

OThER RESERvES       

fair value reserve

Opening fair value reserve

Change for the year

Closing fair value reserve

Tax on fair value reserves 

Opening tax on fair value reserves

Change for the year

Closing tax on fair value reserve

fair value reserve after tax

Opening fair value reserve after tax

Change for the year

Closing fair value reserve after tax

RETAINED EARNINGS 

Opening retained earnings

Transfer of net result from previous year

Capital contribution

Dividend paid

Group contribution provided 73.7%

Closing retained earnings

NET PROfIT/LOSS fOR ThE yEAR

Net profit/loss for the year

28

  
Annual Report 2011

Cash flow Statement – Parent Company

(MSEK)

2011

2010

OPERATING ACTIvITIES

Profit/loss before tax

Interest income

Interest expenses

Dividends received

Adjustment for non-cash items 1)

Income tax paid

Cash flow from current operations before changes in assets 

and liabilities

Change in land and buildings

Change in financial investments

Change in other operating receivables

Change in other operating liabilities

Cash flow from operating activities

INvESTING ACTIvITIES

Acquisition of subsidiary, effect on liquidity

Net investment of intangible assets 

Net investments of tangible assets

Cash flow from investing activities

fINANCING ACTIvITIES

Shareholders contributions’ paid

Capital repayment

Dividend paid

Group contributions paid

Cash flow from financing activities

Cash flow for the year

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash flow for the year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2)

1) Depreciations Notes 12, 13, 21

Capital gains on foreign exchange Note 6

Capital losses on foreign exchange Note 8

Capital gains Note 6

Capital losses Note 8

Unrealized gains Note 7

Unrealized losses Note 9

Interest income Note 6

Interest paid Note 8

Dividends received Note 6

Change in provisions for outstanding claims Note 25

Total

2) The following components are included in Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and bank balances

Short term investments, equivalent to cash and cash equivalents

Total

442

314

-2

1

-547

-63

145

-9

1,406

-855

1,568

2,255

-64

-39

-22

-125

-92

34

- 1,144

-495

-1,697

432

979

432

1,411

33

-130

-

-70

-

-34

93

-314

2

-1

-126

-547

498

913

1 411

711

337

-3

206

-533

-25

693

-

-4,009

-331

949

-2,698

-

-

-22

-22

-

-

-160

-472

-632

-3,352

4,331

-3,352

979

-4

-

398

-106

185

-184

105

-337

3

-206

-387

-533

421

558

979

29

Annual Report 2011

Performance analysis - Parent Company

Analysis of Insurance Result

Direct Swedish 

Direct Swedish 

Direct

Assumed

(MSEK)

risks - Aviation

risks - Financial

foreign risks

reinsurance

Total

6

-

-1

-1

-

4

-1

-1

-3

-

-

-4

-

-

-

7

-1

-

-

6

-2

-

-

-

1

-1

1

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

605

3,425

4,037

18

-383

-278

-

-38

207

-2,324

-960

-49

299

225

-2,708

-1,239

-49

266

-271

-1,896

-2,168

-416

-332

-10

-

-757

132

81

213

868

-254

-52

43

605

-459

116

-7

-44

11

-1,431

-11,611

-132

-61

-1,848

-11,946

-141

-61

-13,235

-13,996

397

6,464

6,861

4,471

-1,324

301

-23

529

6,545

7,074

5,347

-1,579

249

20

3,425

4,037

-2,983

-3,444

534

-152

-376

653

650

-159

-420

665

-383

-2,324

-2,708

Technical result insurance operations

Premiums earned, for own account

Allocated investment return transferred from the  

non-technical account

Claims incurred, for own account

Operating costs

Change of equalisation provision

Technical result of insurance operations

Of which results from prior years 1)

Technical provisions

Unearned premiums and remaining risks

Outstanding claims

Claims adjustment provision

Equalization provision

Technical provisions

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Unearned premiums and remaining risks

Outstanding claims

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions

Premiums earned, for own account

Gross premium income

Ceded reinsurance premium

Change in gross provision for unearned premiums 

Reinsurers’ share of change in unearned premiums

Premiums earned, for own account

Claims incurred, for own account

Claims paid

Reinsurers’ share

Claims handling expenses

Change in provision for outstanding claims

Reinsurers’ share

Claims incurred, for own account

1) Defined as result from 2010 and earlier.

30

Annual Report 2011

Note 1 • Accounting Principles

General information
This annual report was issued per December 31, 2011 and refers to Sirius 
International Försäkringsaktiebolag (publ), both the Group and the Parent 
Company, which is an insurance company with its registered offices in 
Stockholm. The address of the head office is Birger Jarlsgatan 57B, Stock-
holm and the Corporate Identity Number is 516401-8136. 

Compliance with standards and law
The Company's annual report has been prepared in accordance with the 
Swedish Act on Annual Accounts in Insurance Companies (ÅRFL), as well 
as the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority's regulations and general 
advice on Annual Reports in Insurance Companies (FFFS 2008:26) with the 
amendments in FFFS 2009:12 and the Swedish Financial Reporting 
Board RFR 2.

The Sirius International Group’s annual report has been prepared in ac-
cordance with the Swedish Act on Annual Accounts in Insurance Companies 
(ÅRFL), as well as the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority's regulations 
and general advice on Annual Reports in Insurance Companies (FFFS 
2008:26) with the amendments in FFFS 2009:12 and FFFS 2011:28, the 
Swedish Financial Reporting Board RFR 1 Supplementary Accounting Rules 
for Groups, as well as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and 
IFRIC interpretations as adopted by the EU.

Assumptions in the preparation of the Company’s financial reports
The Company’s functional currency is the Swedish krona (SEK) and the 
financial reports are presented in Swedish kronor. Unless otherwise stated, 
all amounts are rounded to the nearest million. Assets and liabilities are 
recorded at acquisition cost, with the exception of certain financial assets 
and liabilities which are valued at fair value. Financial assets and liabilities 
valued at fair value consist of derivative instruments, financial assets clas-
sified as financial assets valued at fair value via the income statement or as 
available-for-sale financial assets.

Changes to standards, statements and interpretations
A number of standards, statements and interpretations have been published 
in connection with the preparation of the Company’s annual report per 
December 31, 2011 but have not yet come into force. In addition, certain 
standards, statements and interpretations currently in force have been chan-
ged, and certain standards, statements and interpretations have come into 
force during 2011. Below follows a summary and a preliminary assessment 
of the effect these standards, statements and interpretations may have 
on the Company’s financial reports. Changes other than those given below 
are not deemed relevant to the Company, alternatively are not expected to 
affect the Group’s financial reports.

New and amended standards applied by the Group
None of the IFRS of IFRIC interpretations which are mandatory for the first 
time for the financial year beginning January 1, 2011 have had any signifi-
cant impact on the Group.

New standards, amendments and interpretations of existing standards which 
have not yet entered into force and which have not been early adopted by 
the Group.

•  IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”, was amended in June 2011. The amendment 
implies that the Group will stop applying the "corridor method" and instead 
recognize all actuarial gains and losses in Other comprehensive income as 
incurred. Expenses for past employment will be reported immediately. Inte-
rest expenses and expected return on plan assets will be replaced by a net 
interest calculated using the discount rate, based on the net surplus or net 
deficit in the defined benefit plan. The Group intends to apply the amended 
standard for the financial year beginning January 1, 2013 and assesses that 
it will have an adverse effect on shareholders equity of approximately
MSEK 4. The standard has not yet been adopted by the EU.

• IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” addresses the classification, valuation 
and accounting of financial assets and liabilities. IFRS 9 was published in 
November 2009 regarding financial assets and in October 2010 regarding 
financial liabilities and replaces the parts of IAS 39 which are related to the 
classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 stipulates 
that financial assets are to be classified in two different categories; valued 
at fair value or valued at amortized cost. The classification is established 
the first time that the liability or asset is reported in accordance with the 
standard, on the basis of the company’s business model and the charac-
teristic features in the cash flows according to the agreement. In terms of 
financial liabilities, there are no major changes compared with IAS 39.

The largest change addresses changes in liabilities which are valued 
at fair value. To such liabilities, the following is applied: the portion of the 
change in fair value which is attributable to the company’s own credit risk 
is to be reported in the statement of Other comprehensive income instead 
of the income statement, so long as this does not result in an accounting 
mismatch. The Group intends to apply the new standard no later than the 
financial year beginning on January 1, 2015 and has not yet assessed the 
effects. The standard has not yet been adopted by the EU.

•  IFRS 10 “Consolidated financial statements” builds on existing principles 
by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether 
an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements. 
The standard provides additional guidance to assist in the determination of 
control where this is difficult to assess. The Group intends to apply IFRS 10 
for the financial year beginning on January 1, 2013 and has not yet assessed 
the full effects on the financial statements. The standard has not yet been 
adopted by the EU.

•  IFRS 12 “Disclosures of Interests in Other entities” includes disclosure re-
quirements for subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associated companies and 
“structured entities” which have not been consolidated. The Group intends 
to apply IFRS 12 in the financial year starting on January 1, 2013 and is yet 
to assess the full effect on the financial statements. The standard has not 
yet been adopted by the EU.

• IFRS 13 “Fair value measurement” aims at more consequent and less 
complex valuations at fair value by providing an exact definition and a com-
mon source in IFRS for valuations at fair value and associated disclosures. 
The requirements do not extend to the area of application for when the 
fair value should be applied but provides guidance regarding the manner in 
which it should be applied in areas where other IFRS already require or allow 
valuation at fair value. The Group has not yet assessed the full effect of IFRS 
13 on the financial statements. The Group intends to apply the new standard 
in the financial year starting on January 1, 2013. The standard has not yet 
been adopted by the EU.

• IAS 32 “Financial instruments: Presentation” and IFRS 7 “Financial 
instruments: Disclosures”, amendments regarding the offsetting of financial 
assets and financial liabilities. The amendments provide more detailed cla-
rification of when financial assets and financial liabilities may be offset and 
introduce new disclosure requirements for offset assets and liabilities. The 
Group has not yet assessed the full effect of the amendments. The Group 
intends to apply the disclosure requirements in the financial year starting 
on January 1, 2013 and the more detailed clarification regarding offsetting 
no later than the financial year beginning January 1, 2014. The amendments 
have not yet been adopted by the EU.

No other of the IFRS or IFRIC interpretations which have not yet entered into 
force are expected to have any significant impact on the Group.

Assessments and estimates in the financial statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with International 
Financial Reporting Standards requires the Company’s management to 
make assessments and estimates, as well as assumptions impacting the 

31

Annual Report 2011

application of the accounting principles and the recorded values of assets, 
provisions, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and assump-
tions are based on historical experience and a number of other factors con-
sidered reasonable in the current situation. The results of these estimates 
and assumptions are, subsequently, used to assess the recorded values of 
assets, provisions and liabilities which are not otherwise clearly apparent 
from other sources. Actual outcome can deviate from these estimates and 
assessments.

Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis. Changes 
in estimates are recorded in the period in which the change is made if the 
change only affects that period, or the period in which the change is made 
as well as future periods, if such change affects both current and future 
periods.

Significant assessments in the application of the Accounting principles 

have been made in conjunction with the decision to report financial instru-
ments at fair value, as well as in conjunction with the decision to classify 
insurance contracts as insurance or investment contracts.

Insurance contracts and financial instruments
According to IFRS 4, contracts transferring significant insurance risk should 
be classified as insurance. The Company has made the assessment that 
insurance risk in excess of five percent should be deemed significant and 
the contract is thus classified as insurance.

All agreements which legally can be considered insurance contracts 

have been subject to assessment regarding whether they signify a transfer 
of significant insurance risk, so that they can also be presented as insurance 
contracts in the accounts. In the case of certain agreements which are a 
combination of risk and savings, the Company has been obligated to under-
take an assessment of the contracts which can be considered to signify a 
transfer of significant insurance risk. The amount of the insurance risk has 
been assessed through a consideration of whether there exists one or more 
scenarios with commercial implications in which the insurance company 
would be liable to pay significant further benefits in excess of the amount 
which would have been paid had the insured event never occurred.

Certain contracts include an option for the contract holder to insure 

themselves in the future. The Company does not consider such options, in 
themselves, to constitute a material insurance risk.

Important sources of uncertainty in estimates
The Company makes assessments and estimates forming the basis for the 
valuation of certain assets, provisions and liabilities. These assessments 
and valuations are made on an ongoing basis and are based on previous 
experience and future expected outcomes.

Technical provisions
The Company’s accounting principles for insurance contracts are described 
below. The Company’s most critical accounting estimate concerns insu-
rance technical provisions. This estimate is based on historical experience 
and other relevant factors considered as reasonable. Even if the applied 
methods and employed parameters are assessed as correct, future outco-
mes may deviate from the expected value. 
The process applied for the determination of central assumptions, forming 
the basis for the valuation of the provisions, is described in Note 2.

Determination of fair value of financial instruments
The valuation methods described below have been applied in the valuation of 
financial assets and liabilities for which there is no observable market price. 
There may be some uncertainty as regards the observed market price for 
financial instruments with limited liquidity. Such instruments may, therefore, 
require further assessments, depending on the uncertainty of the market 
situation. 

Company management has discussed the development, selection and 
disclosure of significant accounting principles and estimates of the Group 
and of the Parent Company, as well as discussing the application of these 

principles and estimates. The specified accounting principles have been 
consistently applied to all periods presented in the financial statements, 
unless stated otherwise below.

Approval
The annual accounts were approved for publication by the Board of Direc-
tors on March 6, 2012. The income statement and balance sheet will be 
adopted at the General Meeting held in May 2012.

Consolidation principles

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are companies in which the Parent Company has a controlling 
influence. The term “controlling influence” refers to the direct or indirect 
right to formulate a company’s financial and operative strategies with the 
intention of receiving financial benefit. Acquisitions of subsidiaries are 
reported according to the purchase method, as described in IFRS 3, with the 
exception of intra-group acquisitions of subsidiaries under common control. 
The application of the purchase method implies requirements for the identifi-
cation of the purchaser and the establishment of the acquisition date.

 The purchase method further implies that the acquisition of subsidia-

ries is considered to be a transaction through which the Group indirectly 
acquires the subsidiary’s assets and assumes its provisions, liabilities and 
contingent liabilities. The Group acquisition value is determined through 
an acquisition analysis of the identifiable acquired assets and the assumed 
provisions and liabilities, as well as any contingent liabilities concurrent with 
the acquisition. In the case of business acquisitions in which the acquisition 
cost exceeds the net value of the acquired assets and assumed provisions 
and liabilities and contingent liabilities, the difference is recorded as good-
will. When the difference is negative, this is recorded directly in the income 
statement. The subsidiary’s financial reports are included in the consolida-
ted financial statements as of the acquisition date, until such date as the 
controlling influence is transferred from the Parent Company.

As IFRS 3 is not directly applicable on intra-group acquisitions of subsi-
diaries under common control, such acquisitions are reported according to 
the “predecessor accounting method”. This method implies that the acquirer 
assumes the acquired company’s reported book values as presented in the 
divested entity’s accounts. Adjustment of the acquired values is to be car-
ried out in the case that these accounts are not prepared in accordance with 
IFRS. Furthermore, the method implies that goodwill is not reported; any 
possible difference between the consideration paid and the acquired values 
is reported directly against shareholders equity. Subsidiaries’ financial state-
ments are included in the consolidated accounts from the date of acquisition 
until the date upon which the controlling influence ceases.

Associated companies
Associated companies are those companies in which the Group has a 
significant, but not controlling, influence over the operational and financial 
administration, usually through the holding of participations between 20% 
and 50% of the number of votes. From the point in time when the significant 
influence is acquired, participations in associated companies are recorded 
in the consolidated accounts according to the equity method. The equity 
method implies that the value of the shares in the associated company, 
reported in the Group, corresponds to the Group’s share of the associated 
companies’ equity and Group goodwill and any other remaining amount 
of positive or negative group adjustment in consolidation. The Group’s 
participations in the associate’s net profit after taxes and minority interests, 
adjusted for any amortization, impairment or dissolution of acquired surplus 
or deficit value, are reported in the consolidated income statement under 
the item ”Share of associated companies’ income”. Dividends received from 
associated companies decrease the book value of the investment. 

When the Group’s share of reported losses in an associated company 

exceeds the book value of the Group’s participations in the company, the 
value of the participations is reduced to zero. The equity method is applied 
up to the point in time when the significant influence ceases.

32

 
Annual Report 2011

Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Receivables and liabilities, income and expenses, and unrealized gains 
and losses arising on internal transactions between Group companies are 
eliminated in their entirety when the consolidated financial statements 
are prepared. Unrealized gains arising from transactions with associated 
companies and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent corresponding 
to the Group’s participating interest in the company. Unrealized losses are 
eliminated in the same manner as unrealized gains, but only to the extent 
there is no write-down requirement.

foreign currency 
Transactions in foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currency are translated to the functional currency 
at the exchange rate prevailing on transaction date. The Parent Company’s, 
including the branch offices, and the Group’s, functional currency is the 
Swedish krona and the closing rate on the balance sheet date has been 
used in the valuation of assets, provisions and liabilities in foreign currency. 
Exchange rate fluctuations are recorded net in the income statement on the 
lines, Investment, income or Investment, expenses. 

financial statements of foreign operations 
Assets and liabilities in foreign operations, including goodwill and other 
Group surplus and deficit values, are translated from the functional currency 
of the foreign operation to the Group’s reporting currency, Swedish kronor, 
at the exchange rate prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and 
expenses in foreign operations are translated into Swedish kronor at an 
average rate that approximates the exchange rates prevailing at the date of 
the respective transactions. 

Translation differences arising in the translation of foreign net 
investments and the associated effects of the hedging of net investments 
are recorded in other comprehensive income. Upon disposal of a foreign 
operation, accumulated translation differences attributable to the operation, 
less any currency hedging, are realized in the Group’s income statement. 

Rates for the most important currencies

Closing 

Average

USD 

EUR 

GBP 

6.86 

8.91 

10.67 

6.46

9.02

10.36

Insurance contracts
Insurance contracts are recorded and valued in the income statement and 
balance sheet in accordance with their financial substance as opposed 
to their legal form, in the event that these differ. Contracts transferring 
material insurance risks from the policyholder to the Company and whereby 
the Company agrees to compensate the policyholder or other beneficiary 
in the event that a pre-determined insured event occurs are recorded as 
insurance contracts. Financial instruments are contracts which do not 
transfer any material insurance risk from the policyholder to the Company. 
The Company has issued a policy entailing a mandatory test of whether suffi-
cient insurance risk exists in written contracts for classification as insurance 
contracts. This test builds upon definitions in accordance with IFRS 4. For 
contracts or groups of contracts classified as insurance contracts, recor-
ding and valuation are carried out in accordance with previously applied 
principles. For contracts or groups of contracts which are not classified as 
insurance contracts, recording and valuation are conducted according to 
IAS 39, Financial Instruments or according to IAS 18, Revenue.

Recording of insurance contracts
Revenue recognition/Premium income
Gross premiums written relate to insurance contracts incepted during the 
financial year, together with any differences between booked premiums for 
prior financial years and those premiums previously accrued, and include 
estimates of premiums due but not yet receivable or notified, less an 
allowance for cancellations. The gross premium income also includes the 

net of entered and withdrawn premium portfolios. Gross premiums written 
are stated before deduction of brokerage, taxes, duties levied on premiums 
and other deductions. Premiums are earned on a pro rata temporis basis 
over the term of the related contract, except for those contracts where the 
period of risk differs significantly from the contract period, or where the ex-
posure vary during the contract period. In these circumstances, premiums 
are recognized as earned over the period of risk in proportion to the amount 
of insurance protection provided. Reinstatement premiums receivable are 
recognized and fully earned latest when fallen due. Premium revenue cor-
responds to the portion of premium income that has been earned.

Acquisition costs
By acquisition costs are meant such external operating expenses that 
directly vary with the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts. The 
deferred acquisition costs are amortized in the same way as corresponding 
premiums are earned.

Technical provisions
Technical provisions consist of the Provisions for unearned premiums and 
unexpired risks, Provisions for outstanding claims, Claims handling provision 
and Equalization provision (in the Parent Company).

Provision for unearned premiums and unexpired risks
In the balance sheet, this provision consists of amounts corresponding to 
the Company’s liability for claims, administrative expenses and other costs 
during the remainder of the contract period for policies in force. “Policies in 
force” refers to insurance policies in accordance with entered agreements 
irrespective if they wholly or in part relates to later insurance period. In 
calculating these provisions, an estimate is made of anticipated costs for 
any claims that may occur during the remaining terms of these insurance 
policies, as well as administrative expenses for this period. The estimation 
of costs is based on the Company’s own experience and considers both the 
observed and the forecasted development of relevant costs.

These future costs are tested quarterly against the unexposed portion 

of the premium for the contracts in force and if the latter exceeds the 
costs, the unexposed portion of the written premium will form an unearned 
premium reserve. If the future costs exceed the unexposed portion of the 
written premium, the deferred acquisition costs are written down, but if that 
is insufficient, an unexpired risk provision will also be set up. The unexposed 
premium is also in this case recorded as a provision for unearned premium.  

Provision for outstanding claims
This balance sheet item comprises of estimated undiscounted cash flows 
relating to final costs for settlement of all claims resulting from events 
occurring before the close of the financial year, with deduction of those 
amounts that have already been paid, on the basis of receipt of claims 
payment advices. This amount also includes estimated undiscounted cash 
flows regarding future external costs for the settlement of incurred but, as 
of balance sheet date, outstanding claims, as well as refunds that are due 
for payment. 

The provision for incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) includes 

costs for incurred but, to date, unknown claims and not yet fully reported 
claims. This amount is an estimate based on historic experience and 
outcome of claims.

The income statement records the change in outstanding claims for 

the period. 

Claims adjustment provision
The amount of this provision is based on outstanding claims. The provision 
is equal to a percentage of reported unpaid claims and a percentage of 
incurred unreported and not yet fully reported claims. The claims handling 
reserve for catastrophe insurance is calculated in the same way, but with 
the difference that they are calculated on an average of four to five years for 
those provisions. The period’s change in the claims adjustment provision is 
recorded in the income statement within the items Claims handling expen-
ses and Operating costs.

33

 
 
Annual Report 2011

Deferred acquisition costs for insurance contracts
Deferred acquisition costs are only recorded for insurance contracts 
deemed to generate a margin at least covering the acquisition costs. Sirius 
only records external deferred acquisition costs. Other costs for insurance 
contracts are recorded as costs when they arise. 

Investment expenses and charges
Charges on investment assets are recorded under the item Investment expen-
ses and charges. The item comprises operating costs for land and buildings, 
asset management costs, interest expense, net foreign exchange losses, 
depreciations and impairments and net capital losses.

Provision adequacy testing
The Company’s applied accounting and valuation principles for the balance 
sheet items Deferred acquisition costs, Provisions for unearned premiums 
and Unexpired risks automatically entail testing of whether the provisions 
are sufficient with regard to expected future cash flows.

Operating costs
All operating costs are allocated in the income statement according to 
their functional nature, acquisition, claims adjustment, administration, 
commission and profit shares in ceded reinsurance, investment expenses 
and in certain cases, other technical costs. Changes in technical provisions 
for insurance contracts are recorded in the income statement under each 
heading. Payments to policyholders, due to insurance contracts or incurred 
claims, during the financial year, are recorded as claims paid, regardless of 
when the claim was incurred.

Ceded reinsurance
As premiums for ceded reinsurance are recorded amounts paid during the 
financial year and amounts recorded as liabilities to the company that have 
assumed the reinsurance, in accordance with entered reinsuranc
agreements. Deductions are made for amounts credited due to portfolio 
transfers. Adjustments are also made for change in the reinsurer’s share of 
proportional reinsurance contracts. The premiums are periodized so that 
costs are allocated to the corresponding period of the insurance cover. 
All items relating to ceded reinsurance are shown on separate lines in the 
income statement. 

The reinsurers’ share of technical provisions are recorded as an asset 
in the balance sheet and corresponds to the reinsurers’ liability for technical 
provisions in accordance with entered agreements. The Company assesses 
any required impairment for assets referring to reinsurance agreements bi-
annually. If the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount of the 
asset, the asset is impaired to the recoverable amount and the impairment 
is recorded in the income statement.

Reporting of investment return

Investment income allocated to the technical account
Investment return is transferred from the non-technical account to the 
technical account on the basis of average technical provisions for the 
Company’s own account, less deductions for net receivables in insurance 
operations. This capital base is allocated per currency. The transferred 
investment return is calculated on the basis of an interest rate per currency 
equivalent to the actual total yield from the investment assets belonging 
to the insurance operations. The weighted average interest rate for 2011 

amounted to 3.85%.

Applied interest rates

% 

EUR 

GBP 

SEK 

USD 

2011 

2010 

4.99% 

0.61% 

3.87% 

3.75% 

2.90%

1.80%

0.50%

4.20%

Investment income
The item Investment income refers to yield from investment assets and 
comprises rental income from land and buildings, dividends from shares and 
participations, including dividends from shares in Group companies, interest 
income, net foreign exchange gains, reversed impairments and net capital 
gains. 

Changes in realized and unrealized gains and losses
For investment assets valued at acquisition value, capital gain comprises the 
positive difference between sale price and book value. For investment assets 
valued at fair value, a capital gain is the positive difference between sale 
price and acquisition value. For interest-bearing securities, acquisition value is 
the amortized cost value and, for other investment assets, it is the historical 
acquisition value. At the sale of investment assets, previously unrealized chan-
ges in value are recognized as adjustment entries under the item Unrealized 
profits from investment items or Unrealized losses from investment items, as 
appropriate. As regards interest-bearing securities classified as available-for-
sale financial assets, previously unrealized changes in value are recognized as 
adjustment entries in Other comprehensive income. Capital gains from assets 
other than investment assets are recorded as Other income.

Unrealized gains and losses are recorded net per asset class. Changes 

due to exchange rate fluctuations are recorded as exchange rate gains or 
exchange rate losses under the item Investment income/expenses.

Share of associated company´s profit or loss
Share of associated company’s profit or loss represents Sirius’ share of the 
associated company’s result, accounted for according to the equity accoun-
ting method. Currency translation effects are recorded in Other comprehen-
sive income. 

Taxes 
Income tax
Income taxes consist of current tax and deferred tax. Income taxes are 
recorded in the income statement, except when the underlying transaction 
is recorded in Other comprehensive income, whereupon the pertaining tax 
effect is recorded in Other comprehensive income.
Current tax is tax to be paid or received regarding the current year, with 
application of the tax rates which have been enacted or practically enacted at 
balance sheet date, which also includes the adjustment of current tax refer-
ring to previous periods.

Deferred tax is calculated according to the balance sheet method on 
the basis of temporary differences between the book values of assets and 
liabilities and their tax values. Temporary differences are not considered as 
regards differences arising at the initial recording of goodwill and the initial 
recording of assets and liabilities that are not business acquisitions and which 
did not affect either net profit/loss or taxable profit/loss at the transaction 
date. Furthermore, temporary differences referring to participations in subsi-
diaries or associated companies that are not expected to be reversed within 
the foreseeable future are not considered either. The valuation of deferred tax 
is based on the extent to which underlying assets and liabilities are expected 
to be realized or settled. Deferred tax is calculated with the application of the 
tax rates and regulations that have been enacted or practically enacted as per 
balance sheet date.

Deferred tax assets regarding deductible temporary differences and 
losses carry-forward are recorded only to the extent that they are likely to 
be utilized. The value of deferred tax assets is reduced when it is no longer 
considered likely that they can be utilized.

Intangible assets

Goodwill
Goodwill comprises the amount by which the acquisition cost exceeds the fair 
value of the Group’s participation in the acquired subsidiary’s or associate’s 
identifiable net assets at the point in time of the acquisition.  Goodwill on the 
acquisition of subsidiaries is recognized as an intangible asset. Goodwill is 
tested annually for impairment and is recognized at acquisition cost less accu-
mulated impairment losses. Impairment losses of goodwill are not reversed. 

34

 
Annual Report 2011

Profit or loss on the sale of a unit includes the remaining carrying value of 
goodwill referring to the unit sold. Goodwill is distributed to cash-generating 
units upon testing of any write-down requirement.

Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets which have been acquired separately are reported 
at acquisition cost. Other intangible assets acquired through a business 
acquisition are reported at fair value as per the acquisition date. Acquired 
Other intangible assets are capitalized on the basis of the costs arising at 
the point in time in which the asset in question was acquired and put into 
operation. These capitalized costs are amortized during the assessed useful 
life of three years.

Self-developed software
Costs for maintenance of software are charged at the time at which they 
arise. Development costs directly attributable to the development and tes-
ting of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Company 
are reported as intangible assets when the following criteria are fulfilled:

• it is technically possible to prepare the software for use,
• the Company’s intention is to complete the software and to put it into use,
• the conditions for the use of the software are in place,
• the manner in which the software can generate probable future economic         
benefits can be demonstrated, 
• adequate technical, financial and other resources for the completion of 
development and for the use of the software are accessible, and
• expenditure attributable to the software during its development period 
can be calculated in a reliable manner.

Other development costs, which do not fulfill these criteria, are charged at 
the time at which they arise. Development costs which have previously been 
charged are not reported as an asset in the following period. Development 
costs for software reported as an asset are amortized during their asses-
sed useful life, which does not exceed three years.

Land and buildings
All properties owned by the Company are operational properties and are 
valued using the acquisition cost method, in accordance with IAS 16. The 
Company owns three properties located in Sweden and Belgium. Sirius 
reports its properties in accordance with the acquisition cost method and 
the capitalized costs are depreciated over 50 years. No depreciation is 
carried out on land.

financial instruments
Financial instruments recorded in the balance sheet include, on the asset 
side, shares and participations, loan receivables, bond and other interest-
bearing securities as well as derivatives. Where appropriate, derivatives 
with negative market value are included among liabilities, other liabilities 
and shareholders' equity.
Acquisitions and disposals of financial assets are recorded on trade date, 
the date upon which the Company commits to acquire or dispose an asset 
and thus gains or looses control of the asset.

Classification and valuation 
Financial instruments are initially recorded at acquisition value correspon-
ding to the fair value of the instrument plus transaction costs, except in the 
case of instruments belonging to the category Financial assets recorded 
at fair value via the income statement, which are recorded at fair value 
exclusive of transaction costs. A financial instrument is classified when it 
is initially reported, based upon the purpose for which the instrument was 
acquired. This classification determines the manner in which the financial 
instrument will be valued after initial recording, as described below.

financial assets valued at fair value via the income statement
This category consists of two sub-groups: financial assets available for sale 

and other financial assets that the Company had initially chosen to be placed 
into this category (according to the so-called Fair Value Option). Financial in-
struments in this category are continually valued at fair value, with changes 
in value recorded in the income statement. The first sub-group includes deri-
vatives with a positive fair value. The second sub-group consists of financial 
investments in shares and participations, except for shares in subsidiaries 
or associated companies. 

Calculation of fair value

financial instruments listed on an active market
For financial instruments listed on an active market, fair value is determined 
on the basis of the asset’s listed bid rate at balance sheet date, with no 
added transaction costs (e.g. commission) at the time of acquisition. A 
financial instrument is considered to be listed in an active market if listed pri-
ces are easily accessible on a stock exchange, with a trader, broker, trade 
association, company supplying current price information or supervisory 
authority and these prices represent actual and regularly occurring market 
transactions under business-like conditions. Possible future transaction 
costs from a disposal are not considered. These instruments are included 
in the balance sheet items Shares and participations and Bonds and other 
interest-bearing securities. The predominant proportion of the Company’s 
financial instruments has been assigned a fair value with prices quoted on 
an active market. 

financial instruments not listed on an active market 
If the market for a financial instrument is not active, the Company establis-
hes the fair value by means of various valuation techniques. As far as is 
possible, the valuation methods employed are based on market data, while 
company-specific information is used to the least degree possible. The 
Company regularly calibrates valuation methods and tests their validity by 
comparing the outcome of the valuation methods with prices from observa-
ble current market transactions in the same instrument.

The total effect in the Income Statement from financial instruments 
valued at fair value in the balance sheet by using valuation techniques based 
on assumptions that are neither supported by the prices from observable 
current market transactions in the same instruments, nor based on available 
observable market information, amounted to a loss of MSEK 182, while the 
recorded value per balance sheet date of December 31, 2011 amounted to 
MSEK 1,111.

Loans receivables and Account receivables
Account receivables are non-derivative financial assets which are not listed 
on an active market and with fixed or determinable payments. Accounts 
receivables are reported in the amounts which are expected to be received, 
that is, after deductions for bad debt provisions. The major posts are 
Interest bearing investments emitted by, and loans to, group companies and 
Other debtors.

Available-for-sale financial assets
The category available-for-sale financial assets include financial assets not 
classified in any other category or financial assets that the Company has 
initially chosen to classify in this category. The holding of bonds and other 
interest-bearing securities is recorded here. Assets in this category are 
continuously valued at fair value with changes in value recorded in other 
comprehensive income, except for changes in value due to impairment or 
to foreign exchange rate differences on monetary items recorded in the 
income statement. Furthermore, interest on interest-bearing instruments 
is recorded in accordance with the effective interest method in the income 
statement. As regards these instruments, any transaction costs will be 
included in the acquisition value when initially reported, and will, thereaf-
ter, be assessed on an ongoing basis at fair value, to be included in other 
comprehensive income, until that point in time the instruments in question 
mature or are disposed. At disposal of the assets, the accumulated profit/
loss is recorded in the income statement.

A long-term approach forms the basis for investments in this category, 

35

Annual Report 2011

where the yield granted by these instruments at the time of investment is of 
significance for which investments shall be made.

impairment of other assets included in the unit is subsequently performed.
The recoverable amount is the highest of fair value less selling expen-

Other financial liabilities
Borrowings and other financial liabilities, for example, accounts payable, are 
included in this category. These liabilities are valued at fair value including 
transaction costs.

financial guarantees 
Financial guarantee agreements are recorded as insurance contracts in ac-
cordance with the accounting principles described in the section Accounting 
of insurance contracts, above.

Write-downs of financial instruments

Impairment testing of financial assets
At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there exists any 
objective evidence indicating that a financial asset or group of assets 
requires impairment as a consequence of one or several events occurring 
after the asset is reported for the first time and that these loss-making 
events have an impact on the estimated future cash flows from the asset or 
group of assets. If there is objective evidence indicating that an impairment 
requirement may exist, the assets in question are considered to be doubtful. 
Objective evidence is constituted both of observable conditions which have 
arisen and which have a negative impact on the possibility of recovering the 
acquisition cost, and of significant or extended reductions of the fair value 
of a financial investment classified as an available-for-sale financial asset.

Reversal of impairment
An impairment is reversed if an indication exists both that the impairment 
requirement no longer exists and that a change has taken place in the 
assumptions forming the basis of the estimation of the impaired amount. 
The impairment of  loans receivable and account receivables, recorded at 
amortized cost, is reversed if a later increase of the recoverable amount 
can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment has 
been performed. 

The impairment of interest-bearing instruments, classified as available-
for-sale financial assets, is reversed via Other comprehensive income if fair 
value increases and this increase can objectively be related to an event 
occurring after the write-down was carried out.

Leased assets 
All lease agreements are classified and recorded in the Group and Parent 
Company as operational leases. 
In operational leasing, the leasing fee is expensed over the duration of the 
lease, on the basis of the benefit received, which can differ from the amount 
paid as a leasing fee during the year.

Tangible assets
Tangible assets are recorded at acquisition value after deduction for 
accumulated depreciation and any impairment, with a supplement for any 
appreciation. In disposal or sale, gains and losses are recorded net in 
operating cost. Depreciation takes place systematically over the estimated 
useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives for equipment such as cars, 
furniture and computer equipment amounts to 3 - 10 years.

Depreciation of tangible and amortization of intangible assets 
Impairment testing of, tangible and intangible assets, and
participations in subsidiaries and associated companies.
The reported values of the assets are tested on each balance sheet date. If 
any indication of an impairment requirement exists, the asset's recoverable 
amount is estimated in accordance with IAS 36. 

An impairment loss is recognized when the reported value of an asset 

or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. An impairment loss 
is recognized in the income statement. The impairment of assets related to 
a cash-generating unit is primarily allocated to goodwill. The proportional 

ses and value in use. In the calculation of value in use, future cash flow is 
discounted by a discount factor that considers the risk-free interest rate and 
the risk associated with the specific asset.

Reversal of impairment
An impairment is reversed if an indication exists both that the impairment 
requirement no longer exists and that a change has taken place in the as-
sumptions forming the basis of the estimation of the recoverable amount. 
However, the impairment of goodwill is never reversed. Reversals are only 
performed to the degree that the asset's reported value after reversal does 
not exceed the reported value that should have been reported, with deduc-
tion for depreciation or amortization when appropriate, if no impairment had 
been carried out.

Share capital

Dividends
Dividends are recorded as liabilities after approval of the dividend by the 
General Meeting of Shareholders.

Other provisions
A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when the Company has an 
existing legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, when it 
is likely that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation 
and when the amount can be estimated reliably. In cases in which the date of 
payment has a material effect, the amount of the provision is calculated via 
the discounting of the expected future cash flow to an interest rate before 
taxes which reflects the relevant market assessments of the effect of the 
time value of money and, if applicable, the risks associated with the liability.

Pensions and similar commitments
The Group companies’ pension plans differ. The pension plans are usually 
financed through payments to insurance companies or managed funds. 
These payments are determined based on periodic actuarial calculations. 
The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. 
A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays 
fixed contributions into a separate legal entity. The Group has no legal 
or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if this legal entity 
does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating 
to employee service in the current and prior periods. A defined benefit plan 
is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan. A characteristic of 
defined benefit plans is that they indicate a level for the pension benefit an 
employee receives after retirement, usually based on one or several factors, 
such as age, duration of employment and salary.

The liability reported in the balance sheet regarding defined benefit 
pension plans is the current value of the defined benefit obligation at the end 
of the period, reduced with the fair value of the managed assets, with adjust-
ments for unreported gains and losses, as well as for unreported costs for 
service during earlier periods. The defined benefit pension plan obligation 
is calculated annually by independent actuaries applying the so-called pro-
jected unit credit method. The current value of the defined benefit obligation 
is determined through discounting of expected future cash flows, with the 
application of the interest rate for first-class mortgage bonds issued in the 
same currency as that in which the remuneration will be paid, with durations 
comparable with that of the current pension obligation.

Costs referring to service during earlier periods are reported directly 
in the income statement, unless the changes in the pension plan are condi-
tional on the employee remaining employed during a given period (earning 
period). In this case, the cost referring to service during earlier periods is 
distributed on a straight-line basis over the earning period.

For defined contribution pension plans, the Group pays fees to publicly 
or privately administered pension insurance plans on an obligatory, contrac-
tual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations when 
all fees are paid. The fees are reported as personnel costs at the point in 

36

time at which they fall due for payment. Prepaid fees are reported as an asset to 
the extent that cash repayment or reduction of future payments may benefit the 
Group.
The group has defined benefit plans in Sweden (collective agreement) and 
Germany which are based on the employees’ pension entitlements and length of 
employment. In Germany all employees are included in the plan. In Sweden only 
employees born 1971 or earlier are covered by defined benefit plans and, thus, 
form part of the FTP2. Furthermore, there are two variations of retirement earlier 
than at the age of 65. Employees born 1955 and earlier have the possibility to 
retire between the ages of 62 and 65 according to local agreement. 

Staff employed before January 1, 2004 have the right to retire from the age 

of 64. These plans are also defined benefit plans and are reflected in financial 
statements of both the Group and the Parent Company. 

Remuneration upon termination of employment
Remuneration upon employment of contract is payable when an employee’s em-
ployment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement age or when an 
employee voluntarily accepts the termination of employment in exchange for such 
remuneration. The Group reports severance payments when it is demonstrably 
obliged to terminate employees’ employment in accordance with a detailed formal 
plan, without possibility of revocation. In the case that the Company has submitted 
an offer to encourage voluntary termination of employment, the calculation of 
severance payment is based on the number of employees which it is estimated will 
accept this offer. 

Contingent liabilities
A contingent liability is recognized when there is a possible obligation which 
arises from past events and whose existence is solely confirmed by one or more 
uncertain future events, or when there is a commitment which is not recorded as 
a liability or provision due to the fact that it is unlikely that an outflow of resources 
will be required.

Parent Company's accounting principles
The Parent Company’s annual report, as well as its financial statements in general, 
has been prepared using the same accounting principles and calculation methods 
used in the most recent annual report.

Differences between accounting principles in the Group 
and the Parent Company
The differences between the accounting principles in the Group and the Parent 
Company are presented below. The accounting principles stated below for the 
Parent Company have been consistently applied for all periods presented in the 
Parent Company’s financial statements, unless stated otherwise.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the difference between acquisition cost for business acqui-
sitions and the fair value of acquired assets, assumed liabilities and contingent 
liabilities. In the Parent Company, goodwill is amortized in accordance with the 
Swedish Annual Account Act and is reported in the balance sheet on a straight-
line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. The estimated useful life is 
reviewed annually. The estimated useful life for goodwill, and goodwill arising from 
the purchase of the net assets of a business, amounts to 20 years. Amortization 
which deviates from plan is handled as an appropriation and is reported under the 
heading Difference between reported depreciation/amortization and depreciation/
amortization according to plan.

Subsidiaries and associated companies
The Parent Company records participations in subsidiaries and associates accor-
ding to the cost method. Only dividends which have been received are recognized 
as income, provided that such dividends derive from profits earned subsequent to 
the acquisition. Dividend amounts exceeding this earned profit are considered as 
repayment of the investment and reduce the carrying value of the participations.

Anticipated dividends
Anticipated dividends from subsidiaries are recorded in those cases in which the 
Parent Company has the sole right to make decisions regarding the amount of the 
dividend and the Parent Company has reached a decision on the dividend's amount 
before the Parent Company has published its financial statements. 

Annual Report 2011

Taxes
Untaxed reserves are recorded in the Parent Company including deferred 
income tax liabilities. However, untaxed reserves in the consolidated accounts 
are allocated between deferred income tax liabilities and shareholders' equity.

Pensions
The Parent Company applies a different form of reporting of defined benefit 
pension plans than stipulated in IAS 19. The Parent Company’s reporting of 
defined benefit pension plans follows the Pension Obligations Vesting Act and 
the regulations of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, as it is stated 
in RFR 2 that it is not necessary to apply the regulations in IAS 19 regarding 
defined benefit pension plans in legal entities. Pension costs are reported as 
Operational expenses in the Parent Company’s income statement and a provi-
sion referring to individuals with the option of retiring at the ages of 62 and 64 
is found on the line Pension provisions in the Parent Company’s balance sheet.

Appropriations and untaxed reserves
Appropriations and untaxed reserves are only recorded in the Parent Company.

 Taxation legislation in Sweden gives companies the option of decreasing 
taxable income for the year by making provisions to untaxed reserves. When 
applicable, untaxed reserves are set off against fiscal loss deductions or be-
come subject to taxation upon resolution. In accordance with Swedish practice, 
changes in untaxed reserves are recorded in the income statement. Provisions 
made to untaxed reserves are recorded in the income statement under the 
heading Appropriations. The accumulated value of the provisions is recorded in 
the balance sheet under the heading Untaxed Reserves.

A total of 26.3% of the untaxed reserves can be considered as a deferred 

tax liability and 73.7% as shareholders' equity. The deferred tax liabilities can 
be described as an interest-free liability with a non-defined duration. In the 
group accounts, 26.3% of the untaxed reserves are allocated to deferred tax 
liabilities and 73.7% to shareholders' equity. In an assessment of financial 
strength, the total value of the untaxed reserves is considered risk capital, 
as any losses can be covered, to a large extent, by the dissolution of untaxed 
reserves without taxes becoming payable. The largest item attributable to 
untaxed reserves refers to the safety reserve. The safety reserve forms a 
collective security-conditioned reinforcement of the technical provisions. Acces-
sibility is limited to loss coverage and otherwise requires official authorization.

Equalization provision
The Parent Company’s balance sheet includes an Equalization provision within 
Technical provisions, and any changes for the period in this provision are 
reported in the income statement. The amount of the provision is calculated as 
the equivalent of 150 % of the highest net premium income for Class 14, credit 
insurance, with equivalent reinsurance, for the five most recent financial years. 
The provisions for each financial year are equivalent to 75 % of the technical 
surplus in the credit insurance operations. However, in the consolidated balance 
sheet, the Equalization provision is allocated into deferred tax liabilities and 
shareholders’ equity.

Group contributions and shareholders’ contributions for legal entities
The Company reports group contributions and shareholders' contributions in 
accordance with the Swedish Financial Reporting Board (RFR2).  

Shareholders’ contributions are recorded directly against shareholders' 

equity in the receiving entity and in shares and participations in the entity provi-
ding the contribution, to the extent that no impairment is required. 

Group contributions are recorded according to their financial significance. 

This implies that group contributions provided and received for the purpose 
of minimizing the Group’s total taxes are recorded directly against retained 
earnings, with a deduction for the current tax effects of the contribution.
Group contributions which can be seen as the equivalent of a dividend are 
reported as a dividend. This implies that group contributions received and their 
current tax effects are recorded in the income statement. Group contributions 
provided and their current tax effects are recorded directly against retained 
earnings. In the receiving entity, group contributions which can be seen as the 
equivalent of a shareholders' contribution are directly recorded in retained 
earnings, with consideration for current tax effects. The contributor records the 
group contribution and its current tax effects as investments in participations in 
the Group company, to the extent that impairments are not required.

37

Annual Report 2011

Note 2 • Information on risks

Risk management
The company’s Enterprise Risk Management, ERM, is at the heart of Sirius’ 
thinking. Sirius defines ERM as the discipline by which the company iden-
tifies, assesses, controls, monitors, and discloses risks from all sources 
for the purpose of increasing Sirius’ short- and long-term value to Sirius 
stakeholders. 

ERM is an ongoing process with the objective of creating a risk mana-
gement culture that emanates from top management and which permeates 
throughout the entire organization. Sirius strives to maintain a risk culture 
where employees are aware of and measure, assess and communicate risk 
as part of their responsibilities. Management’s role includes communicating, 
implementing, monitoring and nurturing this culture.

The objectives of Sirius’ work with ERM are:
• Define Sirius’ risk tolerance and develop appropriate operating guidelines 
consistent with that framework
• Optimize profitability within the established risk tolerance framework
• Provide clear information for strategic management decisions
• Demonstrate strong risk management through a well defined process 
including identification, quantification, monitoring, and appropriate manage-
ment response
•  Provide stakeholders with transparent risk management information
• Comply with Solvency II and other regulatory requirements

Risk strategy and the company’s risk appetite
Risk strategy and risk appetite comprise the foundation of the risk 
management processes. Sirius' risk strategy and risk appetite have been 
established by Sirius’ Board of Directors, which aims to secure a balance 
between risk, return and capital requirements. As part of the planning pro-
cess, strategic limits are explicitly discussed and specified. The strategic 
risk appetite is expressed either in quantitative terms (e.g., an aggregate 
risk limit for windstorms in Europe) or in qualitative terms (e.g., in relation to 
operational risk). From these overall risk appetite statements, operational 
limits are applied at a detail level throughout the organization in the form of 
operational risk limits, maximum risk exposure, retrocession limits, foreign 
exchange exposure limits, maximum equity exposure in the investment 
portfolio, etc. 

As part of the ERM culture, Sirius embraces the following qualitative 
principles:
• Controlled risk taking and appropriate capitalization
• Insurance transactions are expected to yield positive technical results
• Active use of retrocessional protections as part of business 
and capital planning
•  Reduce risk by proper risk selection and active portfolio diversification
• Strong accumulation control
• Strong and independent risk control functions
• Inspire and motivate employees to further develop their 
risk management capabilities

Risk governance
The risk management processes within Sirius are supported by a risk mana-
gement infrastructure consisting of the Board of Directors, an experienced 
management team, various risk committees, risk control functions, policies 
and procedures, risk models and reporting routines. This is described in 
further detail in the risk sections below.

Sirius’ Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the company’s 

risk management strategy, risk tolerances and policies.

Sirius’ Management has day-to-day responsibility for all ERM activities. 
It deploys this responsibility through different risk committees carrying out 
certain duties.

The Risk Management Committee has the objective of formalizing the over-
sight of critical risks, including the following risk management processes:
• Establishment of risk tolerances
• Identification and management of emerging risks
• Quantification and subsequent monitoring of exposures 
•  Implementation of risk reduction/reward expansion strategies
• Risk reporting

Sirius’ independent functions for risk control and compliance are re-
sponsible for the monitoring of Sirius’ risks. The functions submit quarterly 
risk control and compliance reports to the CEO, the Management Group and 
to the Board of Directors. A summary risk and governance report is submit-
ted annually to the Board of Directors. Additionally, ad hoc reporting is done 
when deemed necessary.

Internal Audit fulfils an important role in the independent evaluation of 
risk management and control systems. This includes the evaluation of the 
reliability of reporting, the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, and 
compliance with laws and regulations. The Internal Audit department reports 
to the Board of Directors.

Sirius’ ultimate owner is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and, 

consequently, is required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Section 404, to 
express an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting executed during the year. As part of this assessment, a thorough 
documentation and evaluation of all processes and controls leading up to 
the annual report have been undertaken. This work has enabled Sirius to 
demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Act.

Insurance risk management
Goals, principles and methods
A clear focus on managing insurance risks is vital for Sirius’ continued suc-
cess. These risks are managed mainly by evaluating the degree of gross and 
net risk (after retrocessional protections) that Sirius is willing to assume.
Sirius divides insurance risk management into two principal areas; underwri-
ting risk and reserve risk.

Underwriting risk 
Underwriting risk refers to premium and accumulation assessment, which is 
defined as premium risk and catastrophe risk, respectively. The underwri-
ting risk assessment is performed by underwriters on each individual risk 
and the Chief Underwriting Officer is ultimately responsible for managing 
these risks.

The goal for all underwriting is to maximize profitability for each selec-
ted risk level. The anticipated profitability of each contract which is entered 
into shall comprise the basic ground for decision making regarding all 
underwriting. Other underwriting guiding principles include diversification, 
strong accumulation controls and an active use of reinsurance in order to 
adjust risks to acceptable risk tolerance levels. 

At Sirius America the ultimate responsibility for managing these risks 

is assigned by underwriting unit.  For property it is the Property Chief 
Underwriting Officer, and for A&H it is the Global A&H Head in conjunction 
with the America Underwriting Manager. They are ultimately responsible for 
managing these risks.

The insurance premiums for assumed business are to cover expected 

losses and expenses as well as provide a reasonable return on employed 
capital. The premium risk is therefore associated with any possible level of 
losses deviating from expected levels. The premium risk is generally mana-
ged through the application of pricing models and underwriting procedures, 
but also through a restructuring of under-performing business, or through 
declining to accept such business.

If a larger, catastrophic event occurs, simultaneously impacting a large 

number of cedants, this may result in a single loss that could offset the 
expected annual profit, or, even consume a portion of the solvency capital. 
This catastrophic risk is managed with the assistance of underwriting 
methods and tools which monitor and control the company’s total aggregate 

38

risks, both gross and net. Catastrophe risk is also managed by the effective 
use of retrocessional protections.

In order to ensure consistency in the underwriting process, all under-
writing within Sirius complies with specific routines. Detailed Underwriting 
Guidelines comprise the framework for all risk acceptances, and these guide-
lines contain sections regarding, for example, Limits, Underwriting Authorities 
and Restricted Business. A Four-Eyes Underwriting System, that is, a system 
in which at least two individuals participate in each decision, is applied for 
the majority of all business. The Guidelines are reviewed at least annually and 
updated when appropriate.

There are several levels of control functions as well as technical systems, 

which are in place to monitor and control that underwriting policies and 
procedures are followed. At Sirius International, there is an underwriting control 
group reporting to the Chief Underwriting Officer. This group focuses in detail 
on how the business is underwritten and that the underwriters follow issued 
policies and procedures. Another group controls the underwriting system and 
ensures it is used correctly and that input data is accurate. Finally, Risk Control, 
Compliance and Internal Audit also monitor these control groups, carrying out 
random inspections/tests, in detail ensuring they use sufficient control. 

Retrocession
Sirius International uses retrocession as a tool to manage risk and has a cen-
tralized unit responsible for the purchasing and administration of its outwards 
reinsurance. The implementation of reinsurance purchases is based on the 
strategic direction of the inwards portfolio, overall risk tolerances and the 
search for an optimal portfolio mix. Catastrophe models and capital modeling 
tools are used in the analytical and decision making process.

Sensitivity to risks attributable to insurance agreements
Within the insurance operations, Property Damage Insurance (wind, flooding, 
and earthquakes) constitutes the company’s greatest risk. In order to manage 
this catastrophe risk, and the resulting accumulated risks, the company utilizes 
a number of different models. Sirius has developed a proprietary tool to price 
and manage accumulations of global property catastrophe risk. The underlying 
model assumptions are taken from third party catastrophe models and inter-
nally developed loss curves. There is a process in place to evaluate and select 
a model of choice per territory and peril. Based on the new tool, reports and 
analyses can be produced on an as required basis demonstrating the various 
degrees of likelihood of estimated claims. Everything from average claims per 
year to claims that are only expected to occur once every 10,000 years can 
be stochastically estimated using these models. Aside from the possibility of 
modeling single events, aggregate claims are also modeled. 

Sensitivity analyses are undertaken based on a comparison of claims esti-
mated by various models, but also through changes to the assumptions applied 
by the different models, such as, return periods.

In addition, Sirius International utilizes a system linked to the underwriting 
system. In this system, all business is registered and the company’s exposure 
is measured via a number of predefined catastrophe scenarios. 

Sirius International and Sirius America also register and monitor total 

exposed limits to wind and Earthquake losses per country and/or zone.

Concentrations and sensitivity analysis 
The table below shows a summary of the manner in which Sirius analyzes cata-
strophe risks, divided by geographical area and return periods. Sirius analyzes 
catastrophe risks each quarter during the financial year. The figures show the 
situation at the end of Q4 2011.
Through the use of these simulation models, the company can obtain an esti-

Sensitivity analysis – losses divided by geographical area and return 

periods for the Group 1) 

2011                                2010

Once per 
100 years 

Once per 
250 years 

Once per 
100 years 

Once per 
250 years

Global – Gross 

Global – Net 

3,667 

2,793 

Europe – Gross 

3,204 

Europe – Net 

US – Gross 

US – Net 

1,348 

2,964 

2,737 

4,509 

3,247 

4,429 

1,854 

3,476 

3,221 

3,331 

2,313 

3,251 

1,320 

2,370 

2,299 

4,424

2,654

4,424

1,729

2,792

2,652

Annual Report 2011

mation of catastrophe risk, both prior to and after retrocession. 

In addition, to better manage its aggregate exposure to very large 

catastrophic events, Sirius monitors the maximum net financial impact (“NFI”) it 
would suffer in the worst aggregate loss year modeled in third-party software, 
i.e., the 10,000-year global annual aggregate probable maximum loss (PML). The 
calculation of the NFI begins with the modeled 10,000-year global annual aggre-
gate PML and takes account of estimated reinstatement premiums, reinsurance 
recoverables net of estimated uncollectible balances, and tax benefits. This 
amount is deducted from Sirius’ planned legal entity comprehensive net income 
for the year (before any planned losses for catastrophe events) to arrive at the 
NFI. The NFI does not include the potential impact of the loss events on Sirius' 
investment portfolio.

Within Aviation reinsurance, the company applies another licensed third-
party model, ALPS, in which the exposure per Airline Company can be modeled 
and monitored. Within the insurance classes Accident & Health, Property and 
Trade Credit, the company has models which it has developed internally. 

Reserve risk
The reserving risk, i.e. the risk that insurance technical provisions will be insuf-
ficient to settle incurred and future claims, is foremost handled by actuarial 
methods and a careful continuous review of reported claims.

Provisions are made to obtain a correct balance sheet and match revenues 
and costs with the period in which they emerged. The amount of the provision 
shall correspond to the amount that is required to fulfill all expected obligations 
and reflect the best knowledge available to Sirius. Acknowledged and appro-
priate methods are used in these estimations.

Sirius supports its decisions on provisions by a combination of several 
actuarial methods, such as the Chain Ladder method, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson 
method and the Benktander method. A combination of benchmarks and under-
writing judgment is used for the most recent years.

Regarding run-off results and claims development from previous years 
please refer also to Note 4 Claims incurred and Note 25 Claims Outstanding, 
where a specification of claims costs and expenses relating to the current year 
and prior years is made.

The acquisition of Sirius America has entailed an increase of asbestos and 

environmental claims. These claims are actively managed and have been subject 
to recurrent in depth analyses, the latest in the third quarter 2010. Reserves for 
these claims are included at MSEK 1,117 net in the consolidated balance sheet.

historical Loss Reserve Trends 
The table below shows historical loss reserve trends. When reading the table it 
should be noted that amounts in other currencies are converted to the closing 
exchange rate for 2011. The table below is thus not directly comparable to the 
income statement. The increases in claims costs shown in the table should be 
seen in relation to earned exposure. The amounts shown do not include internal 
claims adjustment expenses. During 2004 two larger operations were acquired.  
These operations were accounted for in a way that does not make amounts fully 
available, thus we show the annual development starting with underwriting year 
2005. For the Group, the last diagonal includes claims from the new subsidiaries 
acquired in 2011. This implies that the table only shows the loss development 
from the date of acquisition, which is the point of time when controlling influence 
was obtained. 

1) The increase from year 2010 to 2011 can partially be explained by 

the acquisition of a subsidiary, during the fourth quarter 2011.

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Group / Claims, gross 

Underwriting year 

2004 and 

prior years 

Estimated claims: 

at the close of the calendar year 

1 year later 

2 years later 

3 years later 

4 years later 

5 years later 

6 years later 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Total  

3,265 

3,809 

3,706 

3,680 

3,667 

3,662 

15,848 

2,520 

3,215 

6,902 

6,290 

7,570 

10,718 

3,536 

4,112 

4,107 

4,027 

7,591 

3,594 

4,462 

4,459 

7,733 

3,495 

5,061 

7,948 

2,946 

7,470 

4,271 

Current estimate of total claims 

Total paid 

15,848 

15,148 

10,718 

4,920 

7,591 

7,048 

7,733 

6,961 

7,948 

6,914 

7,470 

4,870 

4,271 

1,793 

Claims outstanding 1) 

6,372 

700 

5,799 

543 

772 

1,035 

2,601 

2,478 

20,299

Claims  net of reinsurance  

2004 and 

Underwriting year 

prior years 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Total 

Estimated claims:  

at the close of the calendar year 

1 year later 

2 years later 

3 years later 

4 years later 

5 years later 

6 years later 

Current estimate of total claims  

Total paid 

2,729 

3,199 

3,110 

3,100 

3,087 

3,083 

8,407 

8,407 

7,899 

2,238 

2,871 

2,929 

2,911 

2,886 

5,113 

3,114 

3,637 

3,610 

3,530 

6,979 

3,281 

3,930 

3,894 

7,207 

3,009 

3,933 

6,634 

2,399 

6,716 

3,790 

5,113 

4,601 

6,979 

6,480 

7,207 

6,547 

6,634 

5,777 

6,716 

4,408 

3,790 

1,720 

Claims outstanding 1) 

5,302 

508 

511 

499 

660 

857 

2,307 

2,071 

12,715

Parent Company  / Claims, gross 

2004 and

Underwriting year 

prior years 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Total

Estimated claims: 

at the close of the calendar year 

1 year later 

2 years later 

3 years later 

4 years later 

5 years later 

6 years later 

Current estimate of total claims 

Total paid 

3,265 

3,809 

3,706 

3,680 

3,667 

3,662 

3,651 

3,651 

3,536 

2,520 

3,215 

6,902 

6,290 

7,570 

8,428 

3,536 

4,112 

4,107 

4,027 

4,007 

3,594 

4,462 

4,459 

4,386 

3,495 

5,061 

4,842 

2,946 

4,588 

2,145 

8,428 

3,035 

4,007 

3,828 

4,386 

3,884 

4,842 

4,047 

4,588 

2,489 

2,145 

244 

Claims outstanding 1) 

962 

115 

5,393 

179 

502 

795 

2,099 

1,901 

11,946

Claims  net of reinsurance  

2004 and

Underwriting year 

 prior years 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Total

Estimated claims:  

at the close of the calendar year 

1 year later 

2 years later 

3 years later 

4 years later 

5 years later 

6 years later 

Current estimate of total claims  

Total paid 

2,729 

3,199 

3,110 

3,100 

3,087 

3,083 

3,072 

3,072 

2,960 

2,238 

2,871 

2,929 

2,911 

2,886 

2,878 

3,114 

3,637 

3,610 

3,530 

3,506 

3,281 

3,930 

3,894 

3,818 

3,009 

3,933 

3,749 

2,399 

3,818 

1,665 

2,878 

2,771 

3,506 

3,365 

3,818 

3,471 

3,749 

3,175 

3,818 

2,028 

1,665 

171 

Claims outstanding 1) 

834 

112 

107 

141 

347 

575 

1,790 

1,495 

5,400

40

1) For reconciliation against Balance Sheet, see Note 25.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Annual Report 2011

financial Risk management

Officer and the Manager of Investment Accounting and Control.

Goals, principles and methods
In the company’s operation various types of financial risks arise, such as market 
risks, credit risks and liquidity risks. In order to limit and control the risk taking 
in the operations, Sirius’ Board of Directors, being ultimately responsible for 
the internal control in the company, has determined guidelines for the financial 
operations.

The overall investment objective is to achieve consistent positive returns 

The company’s investment operations during 2011 yielded a return of 2 

percent, expressed in SEK. The duration in the port¬folio with interest-bearing 
investments at the end of 2011 was 2.15 years which was lower compared to 
2010 (2.72 years). During the year, the percentage of equities in the investment 
portfolio increased to approximately 13 percent. The table below shows the 
investment assets divided by class of asset, excluding deposits in companies 
that are reinsured by Sirius.

and to maximize long-term after-tax return on invested assets within prudent 
levels of risk, through a diversified portfolio of high-quality fixed income and 
equity investments.

Sirius makes an important distinction between Policyholder Funds Invest-

ments and Owners’ Funds Investments. Policyholder Funds are defined as poli-
cyholder liabilities plus statutory minimum capital and surplus, less policyholder 
assets. Policyholder liabilities are Net Technical Reserves as defined by The 
Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA), Finansinspektionen.

As regards Policyholder Funds Investments, at least 95 percent shall be 

invested in fixed income securities at all times. Furthermore, at least 80 percent 
of the fixed income portfolio must be creditworthy and liquid; i.e. consisting of 
securities with high credit ratings (investment grade).

To limit concentration risk, the guidelines also include restrictions on expo-

sures due to size, industry and financial strength rating.

The balance of Sirius' investable assets (Owners' Funds Investments) may 
utilize a mixture of fixed income, equity and private investments with a focus on 
maximizing total return and preserving capital.

market risk
Market risk is the risk that an actual value on current or future cash flows from a 
financial instrument varies due to changes in market prices and due to changes 
in their respective volatilities. There are three types of market risk: interest rate 
risk, currency risk and other price risk, primarily equity risk.

The Currency and Market Risk Committee is responsible for the continuous 

management of market risks. The development of the market risks is reported 
within the Currency and Market Risk Committee on a monthly basis. The Com-
mittee consists of the Group Chief Financial Officer, the Company Chief Financial 

Investment assets, division by class of asset, percentage split 

      Group                          Parent Company

            2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities  77.93 

Shares in Associated companies 

Shares and participations 

 - whereof venture capital companies 

Derivatives 

Cash and bank balances 

- 

12.96 

2.09 

0.12 

8.99 

69.31 

12.51 

10.39 

1.73 

1.57 

6.22 

50.12 

38.72 

3.53 

1.24 

0.16 

7.47 

70.64

18.37

5.12

1.76

0.14

5.73

Total 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00

Below, the company’s exposure and sensitivity to respective market risk is 
described. The descriptions are made on the basis of the company’s reporting 
of the Traffic Light model to the Swedish FSA as per December 31, 2011 with 
its sensitivity analyses in the form of stress tests and subsequent capital 
requirements.

Interest Rate Risk
The company is exposed to the risk that the market value on its fixed-interest 
assets decreases as market interest rates increase, or alternatively, that the 
market value increases as the interest rates decrease. The level of interest rate 
risk increases with the asset’s duration. The tables below illustrate, in absolute 
figures, the exposure to interest rate risk in accordance with the risk scenarios 
per the Traffic Light model as per 31 December.

Investment assets, interest rate risk according to the Traffic Light model risk scenarios / Group

Exposure 

(mSEK) 

Scenario, 

stress test

Corresponding 

Capital 

basis points 

requirements (mSEK)

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Assets  in SEK 

Assets  in EUR 

3,540 

4,823 

1,406 

2,784 

Assets  in USD and other currencies 

13,873 

4,368 

Total 

18,819  11,975 

30% 

25% 

30% 

- 

30% 

25% 

30% 

- 

49 

46 

56 

- 

98 

74 

99 

- 

29 

26 

234 

289 

130

66

112

308

Investment assets, interest rate risk according to the Traffic Light model risk scenarios / Parent Company 

Exposure 

(mSEK) 

Scenario, 

stress test

Corresponding 

Capital 

basis points 

requirements (mSEK)

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Assets  in SEK 

Assets  in EUR 

3,540 

4,823 

1,409 

2,784 

Assets  in USD and other currencies 

4,550 

4,368 

Total 

9,499  11,975 

30% 

25% 

30% 

- 

30% 

25% 

30% 

- 

49 

46 

56 

- 

98 

74 

99 

- 

29 

26 

82 

137 

130

66

112

308

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Equity risk
The equity risk is the risk that the market value of equities will decrease 
as a result of factors related to the external economic climate and factors 
related specifically to the company in question. Equity risks are mainly 
mitigated by a diversification of the share portfolio. The tables below show 
the equity risk in accordance with the risk scenarios per the Traffic Light 
model as per December 31. 

Investment assets, equity risk according to the Traffic Light model risk scenarios / Group

Exposure 

(mSEK) 

Scenario, 

stress test

Capital 

requirements (mSEK)

Foreign shares and participations 

 2011 

 3,300 

Foreign stock warrants 

     - 

Foreign subsidiaries and associated companies 

- 

Total 

 3,300 

2010 

1,804 

249 

2,191 

4,244 

2011 

35% 

- 

- 

- 

2010 

35% 

75% 

35% 

- 

2011 

1,155 

- 

- 

2010

632

186

767

1,155 

1,585

Investment assets, equity risk according to the Traffic Light model risk scenarios / Parent Company 

Exposure 

(mSEK) 

Scenario, 

stress test

Capital 

requirements (mSEK)

Foreign shares and participations 

Foreign stock warrants 

 2011 

 1,702 

- 

Foreign subsidiaries and associated companies 

 6,324 

Total 

 8,026 

2010 

1,804 

249 

2,191 

4,244 

2011 

35% 

- 

35% 

- 

2010 

35% 

75% 

35% 

- 

2011 

596 

- 

2,213 

2,809 

2010

632

186

767

1,585

Currency risk
Currency risk arises if assets and liabilities in the same foreign currency 
vary in amounts. 

The Currency and Market Risk Committee meets at least monthly in 
order to monitor currency exposure and limit currency risk. Besides that, 
it is the responsibility of the Currency Committee to review and update the 
Currency Risk Policy and ensure it is approved by the Board of Directors 
on a yearly basis. Sirius’ total net currency exposure is divided into two 
categories, exposure related to Policyholders Funds, which is matched 

with the corresponding assets, and exposure related to Owner’s Funds. 
Sirius’ net Policyholders Funds exposure for currency risk is marginal as the 
company’s objective for managing currency risk is to match net insurance 
liabilities in foreign currency with corresponding assets within very tight 
time frames. The company’s total net exposure for currency risk, i.e. inclu-
ding both Policyholder and Owners Funds, before and after any hedging by 
derivatives is shown in the table below.

Exchange rate exposure – Investment assets / Group

                       2011 

                     2010 

Shares and participations 

USD 

3,244 

EUR 

71 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

14,308 

1,471 

Other financial investment assets 

Other assets and liabilities, net 

Total assets 

Technical provisions, net 

Total liabilities and provisions 

1,739 

2,550 

81 

325 

21,841 

1,948 

-11,926 

-1,400 

-11,926 

-1,400 

Net exposure before financial hedging with derivatives 

9,915 

548 

Nominal value currency forwards 

Net exposure after financial hedging with derivatives 

-3,432 

6,483 

- 

548 

GBP 

20 

629 

58 

23 

730 

-189 

-189 

541 

- 

541 

Other 

- 

61 

312 

71 

444 

-437 

-437 

7 

- 

7 

USD 

4,182 

3,539 

715 

1,749 

EUR 

100 

2,866 

185 

130 

10 185 

3 281 

-4,644 

-1,578 

-4,644 

-1,578 

5 541 

1,703 

-1,676 

3,865 

- 

1,703 

GBP 

- 

706 

30 

-29 

707 

-139 

-139 

568 

- 

568 

Other

-

233

93

46

372

-301

-301

71

-

71

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Annual Report 2011

In the table below, the effect on the company’s shareholders’ equity and 
income statement of two stress tests are shown: An unfavorable foreign 
exchange rate move of 25 basis points, in the respective foreign currencies 
towards SEK and an unfavorable change to fx rates by 10 percent in the 
respective foreign currencies towards SEK.

The analysis below assumes that the changes in exchange rates do not 
affect other risk parameters, such as interest rate. The sensitivity analysis 
takes into consideration existing financial hedges with currency related 
derivatives. 

Sensitivity analysis per currency

USD 

EUR 

GBP 

Other 

Total

2011

2010

Change 25 basis points 

Change 10% 

Change 25 basis points 

Change 10% 

236 

648 

203 

387 

15 

55 

47 

170 

12 

54 

14 

57 

- 

1 

- 

7 

263

758

264

621

Credit risk
Credit risk, or counterparty risk, refers to the risk that the company will not 
receive agreed payment and/or will make a loss due to the counterparty’s 
inability to fulfill its obligations. A substantial portion of the credit risk to 
which the company is exposed, arises as a result of established reinsurance 
agreements.

Credit risk in investment assets
The credit risk in investment assets can be split into credit spread risk and 
counterparty risk.

Credit spread risk in investment assets
Credit spread risk results from the sensitivity of the value of fixed interest 
assets to changes in the level or in the volatility of credits spreads over the 
risk-free term structure. Assets sensitive to changes in credit spreads may 
also give rise to others risks, e.g. counterparty default risk, which is not 
covered below. The tables below show the credit spread risk in accordance 
with the risk scenarios per the Traffic Light model as per 31 December.

Investment assets, credit spread risk according to the Traffic Light model risk scenarios / Group

Exposure 

(mSEK) 

Average credit

Scenario

Capital 

spread

impact

requirements (mSEK)

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Assets in SEK  

Assets in EUR 

852 

102 

1,262 

1,824 

Assets in USD and other currencies 

9,050 

2,543 

1,37 

2.74 

1.82 

1.13 

-3.4% 

-1.5% 

1.53 

-10.3% 

-6.7% 

1.09 

-5.5% 

-3.7% 

Total 

11,164 

4,469 

1.93 

1.30 

-5.9% 

-4.8% 

29 

130 

496 

655 

2

121

93

216

Investment assets, credit spread risk according to the Traffic Light model risk scenarios / Parent Company 

Exposure 

(mSEK) 

Average credit

Scenario 

Capital 

spread

imapct 

requirements (mSEK)

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Assets in SEK  

Assets in EUR 

852 

102 

1,264 

1,824 

Assets in USD and other currencies 

3,223 

2,543 

1.37 

2.74 

1.77 

1.13 

-3.4% 

-1.5% 

1.53 

-10.3% 

-6.7% 

1.09 

-5.7% 

-3.7% 

Total 

5,339 

4,469 

2.01 

1.30 

-6.4% 

-4.8% 

29 

130 

183 

342 

2

121

93

216

43

 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Counterparty risk in investment assets
The company’s policy is to allow only investments in securities with high 
credit quality and therefore the counterparty risk in investment assets is 
assessed to be relatively limited.

The table below shows the exposure of Sirius’ investment assets divided 
per class of asset.

Exposure Group             

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

      Group                          Parent Company

Bonds & other interest-bearing assets 

19,840 

12,067 

- Governments 

9,151 

7,608 

- Swedish mortgage institutions 

- Other Swedish issuers 

- Other issuers 

Shares in Associated Companies 

Shares & participations 

Derivatives 

Total 

156 

697 

9,836 

- 

3,300 

30 

- 

102 

4,357 

2,178 

1,808 

273 

9,472 

4,840 

156 

697 

3,779 

7,317 

667 

30 

12,067

7,608

-

102

4,357

3,139

874

24

23,170 

16,326 

17,486 

16,104

The table below lists the ten largest holdings. The table includes 
corporate bonds and shares and participations and excludes government 
bonds and other similar interest-bearing securities as well as shares and 
participations in associated companies. 

Group / 2011

Name of

security 

Type

of security

market value

% of financial 

(mSEK)

assets

Sirius International Financial Services                     Loan note to 

                                                                   Group Company             

1,021 

One Beacon Insurance Group 

Symetra 

Prospector Offshore Fund 

Total Capital Canada Ltd 

Ironshore Inc. 

Volkswagen Fin Serv NV 

Swedbank Hypotek AB 

BMW Finance NV 

Shering Plough 

Share 

Share 

Share 

Bond 

Share 

Bond 

Bond 

Bond 

Bond 

785 

501 

336 

263 

188 

177 

156 

156 

143 

4.3

3.3

2.1

1.4

1.1

0.8

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

Total                                                                                                 3,726                   15.7

Parent Company / 2011

Name of

security 

Type

market value

% of financial 

of security

               (mSEK) 

assets

WM Phoenix (Luxembourg)  S.à.r.l               Shares in Subsidiary                    6,338                      34.7

Sirius International Holdings (NL) BV            Shares in Subsidiary                    1,005 

Share 

Bond 

Bond 

Bond 

Share 

Share 

Bond 

Bond 

336 

263 

177 

156 

156 

116 

112 

100 

5.5

1.8

1.4

1.0

0.9

0.9

0.6

0.6

0.6

                                                    8,759                    48.0

Prospector Offshore Fund 

Total Capital Canada Ltd 

Volkswagen Fin Serv NV 

Swedbank Hypotek AB 

BMW Finance NV 

Pentelia Ltd 

Permanent Master Issuer PLC 

Atlas Copco AB 

Total 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Group and Parent Company  / 2010

Name of

security 

Type

market value

% of financial 

of security

               (mSEK) 

assets

Symetra                                                          Share/Warrant 

OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd  

Prospector Offshore Fund 

Pentelia Ltd 

Ironshore Inc 

Atlas Copco AB 

JP Morgan Chase 

BAA Funding Ltdr 

Casino Guichard Perrach 

SES Global Americas Holding 

Total 

Share 

Share 

Share 

Share 

Bond 

Bond 

Bond 

Bond 

Bond 

618 

561 

330 

161 

106 

102 

83 

71 

60 

60 

4.4

4.0

2.3

1.1

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.4

2 152 

15.2

The tables below show fixed income investments and equity investments per geographical area and 

credit rating classes. Fixed income investments are also presented per sector. 

Credit quality on classes 

        2011 

          2010 

of investment assets, % 

AAA 

AA 

A 

BBB 

CCC         Not  

 Total 

  AAA 

AA 

A 

BBB 

BB 

Total

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities  25 

- Swedish government 

- Swedish mortgage institutions 

- Other Swedish institutions 

- Foreign governments 

- Other foreign issuers 

18 

100 

100 

15 

12 

34 

31 

- 

- 

84 

10 

15 

51 

- 

- 

1 

20 

- 

- 

- 

- 

25 

41 

Rated

5 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

70 

100 

- 

0 

95 

22 

2 

0 

- 

0 

0 

7 

14 

0 

- 

100 

5 

33 

14 

0 

- 

0 

0 

37 

0 

0 

- 

0 

0 

1 

100

100

-

100

100

100

Equity investments, divided by geographical area %

Western Europe 

North America 

Other 

Total 

Group                               Parent company

2011 

2.60 

79,13 

18.27 

100 

2010 

7.62 

81.99 

10.39 

100 

2011 

1.04 

91.78 

7.19 

100 

2010

7.77

81.77

10.46

100

Interest-bearing investments, divided by geographical areas % 

Western Europe 

North America 

Scandinavia 

Other 

Total 

Interest-bearing investments, divided by sector %

Governments 

Swedish mortgage institutions 

Other Swedish issuers 

Other foreign issuers 

Total 

Group                               Parent company

2010 

29.02 

28.40 

40.01 

2.57 

100 

2011 

21,44 

39,70 

37,37 

1,49 

100 

2010

29.02

28.40

40.01

2.57

100

Group                               Parent company

2010 

63.05 

- 

0.85 

36.10 

100 

2011 

51,10 

1,65 

7,35 

39,90 

100 

2010

63.05

-

0.85

36.10

100

2011 

10.84 

70.36 

17.84 

0.96 

100 

2011 

46.12 

0.79 

3.51 

49.58 

100 

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Credit risk on receivables with reinsurers

are regularly monitored by the company’s Credit Control Committee. 

The credit risk resulting from reinsurance ceded by Sirius can be divided 

For IDC companies, a provision is made to a credit risk reserve, which is 

into two separate components; reinsurers’ share of technical provisions as 

established based on the company’s Bad Debt Reserving Policy. The credit 

recorded on an ongoing basis under assets in the balance sheet, and the 

risk reserve for these bad debts amounted, as per December 31, 2011, 

potential exposure that would emerge in the event of large claims in the 

to MSEK 62 for the group, whereof MSEK 44 at Sirius International (2010 

insurance portfolio, for example, in the case of a severe European wind-

MSEK 56).

storm. An event like this would trigger major portions of Sirius’ purchased 

reinsurance programme.

Ageing balances 

To manage the risk of reinsurer insolvency, Sirius’ Security Commit-

Receivables regarding both direct insurance as well as assumed rein-

tee assigns and monitors ratings of all counterparties according to Sirius’ 

surance are followed up on a monthly basis and outwards reinsurance 

internal rating scale and model for reinsurance counterparty analysis. 

receivables are followed-up on a quarterly basis. Outstanding receivables 

Monetary limits are set per counterparty based on the established ratings. 

are analyzed on the basis of the length of time that has passed since the 

If the credit worthiness of a retrocessionaire deteriorates into unacceptable 

due date with the following distribution: Less than 1 month, 1-3 months, 

status (in bankruptcy, liquidation, insolvent run-off, scheme of arrangement, 

3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months and over 1 year. These analyses 

or is, by other reasons, deemed to be unable or unwilling to honor its obliga-

comprise the basis for various collection activities, as does the supporting 

tions), the counterparty is classified as an Insolvent or Doubtful Company 

documentation regarding the assessment of the counterparty’s credit risk 

(IDC company). Counterparties which are classified as IDC companies 

status and any write-down requirements.

Group

Due for 

<1 month 

1-3 months 

4-6 months 

7-9 months 

10-12 months 

>1 year 

Total

2 0 1 1 

N e t   r e c e i v a b l e s 

2 0 1 0 

N e t   r e c e i v a b l e s 

5 8 0 

1 0 6 

1 8 5 

5 9 

6 0 

2 3 

- 6 

- 8 

8 

- 6 

2 1 0 

2 4 

1 , 0 3 7

1 9 8

Parent Company

Due for 

<1 month 

1-3 months 

4-6 months 

7-9 months 

10-12 months 

>1 year 

Total

2 0 1 1 

N e t   r e c e i v a b l e s 

2 0 1 0 

N e t   r e c e i v a b l e s 

1 1 4 

1 0 6 

5 8 

5 9 

4 0 

2 3 

- 6 

- 8 

- 2 

- 6 

2 3 5 

2 4 

4 4 2

1 9 8

In accordance with Sirius International’s policy for write-downs of receiva-

bles outstanding for more than 1 year, there is a specific reserve for coun-

terparties which are not classified as IDC companies which totals MSEK 7.

Retrocession credit risk 

Reinsurers’ share of technical provisions consists of outstanding claims 

including IBNR reserves, as well as a provision for unearned premiums and 

remaining risks. The credit rating distribution for this exposure is shown in 

the table below. 

Group

Rating – 

Standard & Poor's

A A A 

A A + 

A A 

A A - 

A + 

A 

A - 

B B B + 

B B B   o r   l o w e r 

S p e c i a l   a p p r o v a l 

I n t e r n a l   r e i n s u r a n c e  5 , 2 5 3 

T o t a l 

8 , 1 1 1 

46

2011                                                                                   2010

Gross        Collateral                   Net  Percentage split           Gross           Collateral                  Net  Percentage split

2 1 0 

0 

2 4 1 

4 5 

3 0 7 

4 7 0 

2 5 3 

6 2 

8 4 9 

4 2 0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

4 

6 7 

0 

9 6 

1 1 9 

4 , 8 3 1 

5 , 1 1 9 

2 1 0 

0 

2 3 9 

4 5 

3 0 7 

4 6 6 

1 8 7 

6 2 

7 5 4 

3 0 1 

4 2 1 

3 

0 

3 

1 

4 

6 

3 

1 

1 0 

5 

6 5 

2 , 9 9 2 

1 0 0 

1 2 4 

0 

6 4 

5 6 

4 1 3 

1 5 2 

9 4 

1 0 

6 3 9 

3 4 4 

4 , 1 5 6 

6 , 0 5 2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 3 

0 

1 0 

1 0 1 

4 , 1 5 6 

4 , 3 3 0 

1 2 4 

0 

6 4 

5 6 

4 1 3 

1 5 2 

3 1 

1 0 

6 2 9 

2 4 3 

0 

1 , 7 2 2 

2

0

1

1

7

2

1

0

1 1

6

6 9

1 0 0

 
 
Annual Report 2011

      2011                                                                                   2010

Gross        Collateral                   Net  Percentage split           Gross           Collateral                  Net  Percentage split

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 6 

0 

1 1 

1 1 9 

4 , 8 3 1 

5 , 0 2 7 

1 1 8 

0 

1 7 3 

4 5 

3 0 7 

1 0 9 

1 5 5 

5 9 

3 5 8 

3 0 1 

4 2 1 

2 , 0 4 7 

2 

0 

2 

1 

4 

2 

3 

1 

5 

6 

1 2 4 

0 

6 4 

5 6 

4 1 3 

1 5 2 

9 4 

1 0 

6 3 9 

3 4 4 

7 4 

1 0 0 

4 , 1 5 6 

6 , 0 5 2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 3 

0 

1 0 

1 0 1 

4 , 1 5 6 

4 , 3 3 0 

1 2 4 

0 

6 4 

5 6 

4 1 3 

1 5 2 

3 1 

1 0 

6 2 9 

2 4 3 

0 

1 , 7 2 2 

2

0

1

1

7

2

1

0

1 1

6

6 9

1 0 0

Parent Company

Rating – 

Standard & Poor's 

A A A 

A A + 

A A 

A A - 

A + 

A 

A - 

B B B + 

B B B   o r   l o w e r 

S p e c i a l   a p p r o v a l 

1 1 8 

0 

1 7 3 

4 5 

3 0 7 

1 0 9 

2 2 2 

5 9 

3 6 9 

4 2 0 

I n t e r n a l   r e i n s u r a n c e  5 , 2 5 3 

T o t a l 

7 , 0 7 4 

The item Internal reinsurance above refers to ceded reinsurance to White Mountains Life Re. This 

receivable is collateralized with securities pertaining to the underlying liability to the original ceding 

company. 

Except for the credit exposure above, reported as an asset in the balance sheet, significant 

credit losses can potentially arise from large claims. Such credit losses can arise if two different 

events occur at the same time, that is, if a large catastrophe event occurs at the same time as a 

reinsurer to which Sirius has ceded business defaults. 

The table below describes the assumed liabilities from Retrocessionaires (excluding costs for 

reinstatements) and the distribution of credit ratings for Sirius’ 2011 Retrocession Program.

financial Strength Rating 

– Standard & Poor's                                                2011 

                                 2010

mSEK      Percentage split 

 mSEK 

 Percentage split 

A A +  

A A  

A A -  

A +  

A  

A -  

B B B +  

B B B   o r   l o w e r  

F u l l y   c o l l a t e r a l i z e d  

S p e c i a l   a p p r o v a l  

T o t a l  

0  

3 7 4  

4 8 9  

9 5 3  

1 5 2  

9 3 0  

1 2 7  

0  

1 8 5  

1 2 2  

0 

1 1 

1 5 

2 9 

5 

2 8 

4 

0 

6 

4 

2 3 

6 4 9 

5 3 9 

9 4 6 

1 2 3 

1 , 3 3 6 

6 0 

2 

1 6 4 

6 8 

1

1 7

1 4

2 4

3

3 4

1

0

4

2

3 , 3 3 1  

1 0 0 

3 , 9 1 0 

1 0 0

47

 
 
  
 
Annual Report 2011

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the company will have difficulties fulfilling 
payment obligations, mainly those related to insurance liabilities. Liquidity 
risk can also be expressed as the risk of loss or impaired earning potential 
as a result of the company not being able to fulfill payment obligations in 
due time. Liquidity risks arise as assets and debts including derivatives 
instruments have different durations.

The company’s strategy for dealing with liquidity risk aims to match 

expected payments and receipts of payment (so called asset-liability mana-
gement, ALM). This is accomplished through advanced liquidity analysis of 

financial assets and insurance liabilities. At the end of 2011 the duration 
of interest-bearing investment assets was 2.15 years and the duration of 
insurance liabilities was 2.18 years. The liquidity is monitored continuous-
ly and stress tests are performed for different scenarios. The company’s 
claims payment capabilities are further strengthened with its high portion 
of cash and bank deposits of the total investment assets.  
The cash flow analysis also provides an illustration of the company’s 
liquidity situation.

The tables below show a more detailed maturity profile for the Group 

and Parent Company in respect of both financial assets and debts.

Liquidity profile – financial assets (Contractual inflows) / 2011

Group

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Group

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

291 

2,957 

6,985 

8,585 

1,021 

19,839

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,052 

2 

215 

4,226 

- 

- 

- 

- 

211 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,300 

- 

2 

398 

70 

- 

-

3,300

2,289

2

2,423

189

224

7,196 

8,585 

5,791 

28,266

1,268 

898 

7,008 

2,893 

- 

12,067

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,302 

- 

195 

2,584 

- 

- 

- 

- 

24 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2,178 

2,057 

- 

5 

-106 

32 

- 

2,178

2,057

1,082

5

1,385

63

221

7,008 

2,893 

4,166 

19,058

- 

- 

- 

- 

762 

117 

9 

- 

- 

- 

- 

165 

31 

26 

Bonds and other interest-bearing 

securities (discounted amounts) 

Shares & participations 

in associated companies 

Shares & participations   

Cash & bank balances 

Receivables, direct insurance 

Receivables, reinsurance 

Other debtors 

Prepayments and accrued income 

- 

- 

- 

2,289 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Total 

2,289 

1,179 

Liquidity profile – financial assets (Contractual inflows) / 2010

Bonds and other interest-bearing 

securities (discounted amounts) 

Shares & participations 

in associated companies 

Shares & participations   

Cash & bank balances 

Receivables, direct insurance 

Receivables, reinsurance 

Other debtors 

Prepayments and accrued income 

- 

- 

- 

1,082 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Total 

1,082 

1,325 

48

 
 
9,472

7,317

667

1,411

2

1,880

293

151

2,058

874

979

5

1,384

262

26

17,655

Annual Report 2011

Liquidity profile – financial assets (Contractual inflows) / 2011

Parent Company

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Bonds and other interest-bearing 

securities (discounted amounts) 

Shares & participations 

in associated companies and subsidiaries 

Shares & participations   

Cash & bank balances 

Receivables, direct insurance 

Receivables, reinsurance 

Other debtors 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

1,411 

- 

- 

39 

- 

1,450 

94 

2,377 

4,088 

2,913 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

172 

17 

9 

292 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,026 

206 

142 

3,751 

- 

- 

- 

- 

235 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

7,317 

667 

- 

2 

447 

31 

- 

4,323 

2,913 

8,464 

21,193

Liquidity profile – financial assets (Contractual inflows) / 2010

Parent Company

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Bonds and other interest-bearing 

securities (discounted amounts) 

Shares & participations 

in associated companies 

Shares & participations   

Cash & bank balances 

Receivables, direct insurance 

Receivables, reinsurance 

Other debtors 

Prepayments and accrued income 

- 

- 

- 

979 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,268 

898 

7,008 

2,893 

- 

12,067

- 

- 

- 

- 

165 

257 

26 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,301 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

24 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2,058 

874 

- 

5 

-106 

5 

- 

Total 

979 

1,716 

2,199 

7,032 

2,893 

2,836 

Liquidity profile – financial debts (Contractual outflows) / 2011

Group

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Payables, direct insurance 

Payables, reinsurance 

Other creditors 

Accrued expenses and deferred income 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

57 

132 

189 

- 

437 

701 

111 

1,249 

- 

- 

36 

88 

124 

- 

- 

- 

19 

19 

1 

368 

20 

- 

389 

1

805

814

350

1,970

Liquidity profile – financial debts (Contractual outflows) / 2010

Group

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Payables, direct insurance 

Payables, reinsurance 

Other creditors 

Accrued expenses and deferred income 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

74 

69 

- 

590 

481 

81 

143 

1,152 

- 

- 

38 

42 

80 

- 

- 

- 

1 

1 

2 

-116 

- 

- 

-114 

2

474

593

193

1,262

49

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Liquidity profile – financial debts (Contractual outflows) / 2011

Parent Company

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Payables, direct insurance 

Payables, reinsurance 

Other creditors 

Accrued expenses and deferred income 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

53 

51 

- 

453 

591 

112 

104 

1,156 

- 

- 

23 

36 

59 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

331 

23 

- 

355 

1

784

690

199

1,674

Liquidity profile – financial debts (Contractual outflows) / 2010

Parent Company

On demand 

<3 months  3 months –1 year 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

No duration 

Total

Payables, direct insurance 

Payables, reinsurance 

Other creditors 

Accrued expenses and deferred income 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

69 

70 

- 

590 

81 

500 

139 

1,171 

- 

- 

42 

38 

80 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

-117 

- 

- 

-115 

2

473

192

608

1,275

Liquidity profile – Technical provisions

Estimated claim payments, net, excluding ULAE

Group

2011 

2010 

Parent Company

<3 months 

3 months–1 year 

1-5 year 

>5 year 

Total

1,172 

647 

3,565 

1,966 

5,433 

2,842 

3,715 

939 

<3 months 

3 months–1 year 

1-5 year 

>5 year 

2011 

2010 

628 

647 

1,935 

1,966 

2,599 

2,842 

1,113 

939 

13,885

6,394

Total

6,275

6,394

Operational Risk management
Sirius has defined operational risks as “the risk of losses due to defective 
or inappropriate internal processes and routines, human errors, defective 
systems or external events, including legal risk”.
All employees within Sirius are responsible for the contribution to a well fun-
ctioning process for operational risk management and shall see themselves 
as risk managers. The function for Risk Control is a function responsible 
for developing and improving the operational risk methodology and thereby 

supporting the organization and the process owners with the tools 
needed to manage these risks.
Operational risks within Sirius are identified through regularly conducted 
risk control and compliance reviews. Operational risks are also identified 
and managed by defining controls within the processes and through fol-
low up and testing of the effectiveness of the key controls.
Sirius’ operational risks are always reduced to acceptable levels based 
on the pre-defined risk appetite.

50

 
 
 
 
    
Annual Report 2011

Compliance Risk management
Compliance risk is “the risk of legal or regulatory sanctions, material 
financial loss or loss to reputation that Sirius may suffer as a result of not 
complying with laws, internal or external regulations and administrative 
provisions as applicable to Sirius activities.”

The responsibility for Sirius’ compliance with internal and external 
regulation lies with all employees. Compliance risks are identified by all em-
ployees on an ad hoc basis and more formally through the risk control and 
compliance reviews. The Compliance function supports the organization 
and processes by informing, advising, and monitoring compliance issues 
throughout the group.

Solvency II  
Sirius is preparing for compliance with the Solvency II regulation. The 
company has a project in place with several defined subprojects. The sub-
projects are covering all three Pillars. The project has a dedicated Project 
Manager and the company’s group CFO is the chairman of the Steering 
Group and the sponsor of the project. 

Solvency II is discussed regularly at Board of Directors (Board) 

meetings. The group CFO reports to the Board on Solvency II matters, thus 
ensuring the Board’s involvement and oversight over the Solvency II project. 
The company’s CRO reports about Solvency II at all Risk Management Com-
mittee meetings. During 2011 the Board requested and received an in depth 
training in Solvency II covering all Pillars. 

Solvency and Capital requirements
Sirius has continued to develop its internal Economic Risk Capital (ERC) 
model. 

The objectives for the internal ERC model are:

• Stochastically calculate capital needed at the legal entity (operating 
company) level to be economically solvent over a one year period within 
some specified probability level
• Consolidate quantifiable risks into one model
• Produce a realistic distribution of financial outcomes at various return  
   periods
• Allocate capital to key risks, business units and lines of business more      
   consistently

• Address Solvency II requirements
• Produce a streamlined and inclusive view of interdependencies 
   of these risks
The practical applications of the internal ERC model include the following: 
• Assess the amount of capital necessary to support the underwriting and  
   investment operations over the course of a one-year period 
• Allocate deployed capital in the organization to key underwriting risk  
    areas in order to establish appropriate risk-adjusted pricing targets 
• Monitor the risk appetite established by the Risk Management Committee 
• Measurement of key risks and their interaction 
• Evaluate reinsurance purchases 

Furthermore, the company uses the internal ERC model for stress 
testing and scenario analysis and it compares results from the internal ERC 
model with the Solvency II Standard Formula SCR. 
Sirius has entered into the Internal Model pre-application review process 
with the company’s regulator, the Swedish FSA, Finansinspektionen. By 
participating in this pre-application review process, the company will be well 
prepared before the final application shall be submitted. The ultimate goal is 
to gain approval to use the company’s Internal Economic Risk Capital Model 
for the calculations of the solvency capital requirements under Solvency II.
Sirius updated its QIS 5 SCR calculations for year-end 2010 as it was 

required by the Swedish FSA to participate in the EIOPA stress test, a 
European Union test of the insurance industry’s resilience to stresses in 
macroeconomic variables. The results show that Sirius’ current solvency 
capital is sufficient and prudent, even under stressed market conditions.
As a predecessor to Solvency II, the Swedish FSA has established a 
local solvency regulation, the Traffic Light system. It takes into account the 
company’s risks in the areas financial risks, insurance risk and operating 
expense risk. The model results in a total capital net requirement which 
is compared to solvency capital (the so called “capital buffer”) in order to 
asses the company’s capital strength. The model is presented on a solo 
company basis with holdings in subsidiaries modeled with an equity risk 
charge of 35%. The table below shows the result in accordance with the 
Traffic Light model as per December 31, 2011 and 2010. 

Total capital requirement according to the Traffic Light model 

2011 

2010 

Total capital net requirement 

Capital buffer 

Surplus 

4,691 

14,096 

9,405 

3,626

12,534

8,908

financial Strength Rating

The financial strength of Sirius has been rated by Standard & Poor’s, A. M. Best and Moody’s.

Group and Parent Company 

2011 

2010

S&P 1) 

A.m. Best 2) 

moody’s 3) 

S&P 1) 

A.m. Best 2) 

moody’s 3)

F i n a n c i a l   S t r e n g t h   R a t i n g  

O u t l o o k  

A -  

S t a b l e  

A  

S t a b l e  

A 3  

S t a b l e  

A -  

A  

S t a b l e  

S t a b l e  

A 3

S t a b l e

1)   "A-" is the seventh highest of twenty-one financial strength ratings assigned by Standard & Poor’s.

2)  "A" is the third highest of fifteen financial strength ratings assigned by A.M. Best.

3)  "A3" is the seventh highest of twenty-one financial strength ratings assigned by Moody’s.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 3 • Premium income

Premium income, geographical allocation

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Direct insurance, Sweden 

Direct insurance, other EES 

Direct insurance, other countries 

Premiums for accepted reinsurance 

Premium income before ceded reinsurance 

Premium for ceded reinsurance 

Premium income after ceded reinsurance 

8 

213 

655 

5,079 

5,955 

-1,592 

4,363 

8 

197 

674 

6,516 

7,395 

-1,787 

5,608 

8 

213 

655 

4,471 

5,347 

-1,579 

3,768 

8

197

674

6,516

7,395

-1,787

5,608

Note 4 • Claims incurred for own account

Claims incurred for the year´s operations / Group

2011

2010

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

Claims paid 

Loss portfolios 

Change in provision for incurred and reported claims 

-447 

35 

-832 

Change in provision for incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

-1,211 

Claims handling expenses 

Total claims incurred for the year´s operations 

-170 

-2,625 

73 

0 

194 

210 

0 

477 

-374 

35 

-638 

-1,001 

-170 

-952 

39 

-1,254 

-942 

-175 

-2,148 

-3,284 

137 

0 

331 

114 

0 

582 

-815

39

-923

-828

-175

-2,702

Claims incurred for previous years´operations / Group

2011

2010

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

Claims paid 

Loss portfolios 

Change in provision for incurred and reported claims 

-3,105 

-503 

1,554 

Change in provision for incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

159 

Total claims incurred for previous years´operations 

-1,895 

667 

-4 

-433 

688 

918 

-2,438 

-507 

1,121 

847 

-977 

-3,277 

-63 

1,033 

-432 

-2,739 

800 

0 

83 

1,130 

2,013 

-2,477

-63

1,116

698

-726

Total claims incurred 

-4,520 

1,395 

-3,125 

-6,023 

2,595 

-3 428

Total claims paid / Group

2011

2010

Claims paid 

Loss portfolios 

Claims handling expenses 

Total claims paid 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

-3,552 

740 

-2,812 

-4,229 

937 

-3,292

-468 

-170 

-4 

0 

-472 

-170 

-24 

-175 

0 

0 

-24

-175

-4,190 

736 

-3,454 

-4,428 

937 

-3,491

Change in provision for outstanding claims / Group

2011

2010

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

Change in provision for incurred and reported claims 

722 

Change in provision for incurred but not reported claims  (IBNR) 

-1,052 

Total change in provisions for outstanding claims 

-330 

-239 

898 

659 

483 

-154 

329 

-221 

-1,374 

-1,595 

414 

1,244 

1,658 

193

-130

63

52

 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Claims incurred for the year´s operations / Parent Company

2011

2010

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

Claims paid 

Loss portfolios 

Change in provision for incurred and reported claims 

-273 

35 

-767 

Change in provision for incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

-1,074 

Claims handling expenses 

Total claims for the year´s operations 

-159 

-2,238 

72 

0 

194 

210 

0 

476 

-201 

35 

-573 

-864 

-159 

-952 

39 

-1,254 

-942 

-175 

-1,762 

-3,284 

137 

0 

331 

114 

0 

582 

-815

39

-923

-828

-175

-2,702

Claims incurred for previous years´operations / Parent Company

2011

2010

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

Claims paid 

Loss portfolios 

Change in provision for incurred and reported claims 

-2,703 

-503 

1,355 

Change in provision for incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

66 

Total claims incurred for previous years´operations 

-1,785 

582 

-4 

-400 

661 

839 

-2,121 

-3,264 

-507 

955 

727 

-946 

-63 

1,027 

-432 

-2,732 

800 

0 

83 

1,130 

2,013 

-2,464

-63

1,110

698

-719

Total claims incurred 

-4,023 

1,315 

-2,708 

-6,016  

2,595 

-3,421

Total claims paid / Parent Company

2011

2010

Claims paid 

Loss portfolios 

Claims handling expenses  

Total claims paid 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

-2,976 

654 

-2,322 

-4,216 

937 

-3,279

-468 

-159 

-4 

0 

-472 

-159 

-24 

-175 

0 

0 

-24

-175

-3,603 

650 

-2,953 

-4,415 

937 

-3,478

Change in provision for outstanding claims / Parent Company

2011

2010

Gross 

Ceded 

Net 

Gross 

Ceded 

Net

Change in provision for incurred and reported claims 

588 

Change in provision for incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

-1,008 

Total change in provision for outstanding claims 

-420 

-205 

870 

665 

383 

-138 

245 

-227 

-1,374 

-1,601 

414 

1,244 

1,658 

187

-130

57

53

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 5 • Operating costs

Specification of income statement item operating costs

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Acquisition costs 

-1,136 

-1,494 

-1,015 

-1,493

Change in prepaid acquisition costs (+/–) 

Administrative expenses 

Provisions and profit shares in ceded reinsurance 

-42 

-573 

290 

-5 

-475 

284 

-30 

-509 

315 

-5

-473

284

Total operating costs 

   -1,461 

-1,690 

-1,239 

-1,687

Other operating costs

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Operating costs 

Claims handling expenses included in claims paid 

-1,461 

-170 

Asset management costs included in Investment expenses 

-64 

Expenses for land and buildings included in Investment 

expenses, net 

Total other operating costs 

-1 

-1,696 

-1,690 

-175 

-53 

-5 

-1,923 

-1,239 

-159 

-53 

-1 

-1,452 

-1,687

-175

-51

-5

-1,918

Total operating costs per type

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Direct and indirect personnel costs 

Premises costs 

Depreciation/amortization 

Other expenses related to operations 

Total other operating costs 

-469 

-48 

-31 

-1,148 

-1,696 

-429 

-50 

-17 

-1,427 

-1,923 

-414 

-41 

-29 

-968 

-1,452 

-418

-48

-16

-1,436

-1,918

Note 6 • Investment income

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Dividend income 

Foreign shares and participations 

Interest income 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Other interest income 

113 

360 

30 

 - of which from financial assets not valued at fair value

with changes in value reported in the income statement 

- 

Capital gains on foreign exchange, net 

Capital gains and reversed write-downs (net)  

Swedish shares 

Foreign shares 

Interest-bearing securities 

Total 

126 

- 

89 

46 

764 

153 

313 

25 

- 

- 

- 

25 

107 

623 

1 

293 

21 

- 

130 

- 

27 

43 

515 

206

312

25

-

-

-

6

100

649

54

 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 7 • Unrealised gains on investments 

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Foreign shares and participations 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total 

185 

11 

196 

243 

29 

272 

23 

11 

34 

155

29

184

Note 8 • Investment expenses and charges

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Operating expenses for land and buildings 

Asset management costs 

Interest expenses 

Other interest expenses 

-1 

-64 

-43 

- of which from financial assets not valued at fair value 

with changes in value reported in the income statement  

-37 

Capital losses on foreign exchange, net 

Capital losses 

Foreign shares and participations 

Subsidiaries and associated companies 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-24 

-132 

-5 

-54 

-3 

- 

-394 

- 

- 

- 

-10 

-466 

-1 

-53 

-2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-5

-51

-3

-

-398

-

-185

-

-

-56 

-642

Note 9 • Unrealised losses on investments 

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Foreign shares and participations  

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Derivatives 

Total 

-302 

-18 

-145 

-465 

-92 

- 

-13 

-105 

-82 

- 

-11 

-93 

-92

-

-13

-105

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 10 • Net profit or net loss per category of financial instrument

financial assets / Group 2011  

  financial assets  

Loan

 receivables 

valued at fair  

financial  

Available-for  

and other  

value in the  

assets held 

-sale financial  

receivables 

 income statement 

for trading 

instruments 

accounts  

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivative financial instruments 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Deposits with cedants 

Cash and bank balance 

Other debts 

Total 

84 

- 

-18 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-157 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

488 

- 

- 

- 

66 

-157 

488 

- 

- 

- 

17 

6 

-36 

-13 

84

-157

470

17

6

-36

384

financial assets / Group 2010 

  financial assets  

Loan

 receivables 

valued at fair  

financial  

Available-for  

and other  

value in the  

assets held 

-sale financial  

receivables 

 income statement 

for trading 

instruments 

accounts  

Total 

SShares and participations 

Derivative financial instruments 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Deposits with cedants 

Other debtors 

Total 

328 

- 

- 

- 

- 

328 

- 

7 

- 

- 

- 

7 

- 

- 

287 

- 

- 

287 

- 

- 

- 

19 

6 

25 

328

7

287

19

6

647

financial assets / Parent Company 2011  

  financial assets 

identified  

Loan

 receivables 

valued at fair  

financial  

Available-for  

and other  

value in the  

assets held 

-sale financial  

accounts 

 income statement 

for trading 

instruments 

receivables  

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivative financial instruments 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Deposits with cedants 

Cash and bank balance 

Total 

-32 

- 

- 

- 

   -32 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

456 

- 

- 

456 

- 

- 

- 

16 

5 

21 

-32

1

456

16

5

446

financial assets / Parent Company 2010  

  financial assets 

identified  

Loan

 receivables 

valued at fair  

financial  

Available-for  

and other  

value in the  

assets held 

-sale financial  

accounts 

 income statement 

for trading 

instruments 

receivables  

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivative financial instruments 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Deposits with cedants 

Other debtors 

Total 

276 

17 

- 

- 

- 

293 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

279 

- 

- 

279 

- 

- 

- 

19 

6 

25 

276

17

279

19

6

597

The amounts in the table above constitute a specification of the amounts regarding financial instruments which are reported in the income statement as (i) return on 

capital, income, (ii) unrealized gains, (iii) return on capital, expenses, (iv) unrealized losses, with exception for (a) potential amortization and write-downs, (b) asset mana-

gement costs and (c) exchange rate gains/losses. 

Currency exchange gains amount to 126 (-394) for the Group, of which 256 (-658) refer to exchange rate losses on financial assets. Exchange rate losses on liabilities 

and other assets amount to -130 (264).

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 11 • Taxes 

Current tax expense (-)[/tax revenue (+)] 

Current tax expenses 

Tax adjustment attributable to previous years 

Deferred tax expense (-)[/tax revenue (+)] 

Deferred tax regarding temporary differences 

Total reported tax expense 

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

-147 

41 

-17 

-123 

-189 

- 

-5 

-194 

-147 

- 

26 

-121 

-185

-

-4

-189

Reconciliation of effective tax

Reconciliation of effective income tax rate for the Group and Parent Company to the Swedish income tax rate:

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Tax according to applicable tax rate for the Parent Company  -26.3 % 

-26.3 % 

-26.3 % 

-26.3 %

Effects of  foreign tax rates 

Tax effect from non-deductible expenses 

Tax effect from non-taxable income 

Current tax regarding previous years 

Recognition/remeasurement of deductible temporary 

-0.2 % 

-12.9 % 

8.6 % 

9.3 % 

- 

-5.3 % 

13.5 % 

0 % 

- 

-1.6 % 

0.5 % 

0 % 

-

-7.7 %

7.5 %

0 %

differences related to prior years 

-6.3 % 

0 % 

0 % 

0 %

Reported effective tax 

-27.8 % 

-18.1 % 

-27.4 % 

-26.5 %

Reported deferred tax receivables and deferred tax liabilities / Group

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Personnel-related provisions 

Timing difference on recognition of underwriting result 

Other provisions 

Surplus value of securities 

Safety reserve and accelerated depreciation 

Tax loss carry forwards 

45 

361 

56 

118 

- 

653 

19 

- 

12 

3 

- 

- 

- 

-38 

-52 

-180 

-2,550 

- 

- 

- 

-4 

- 

45 

323 

4 

-62 

19

-

8

3

-2,549 

-2,550 

-2,549

- 

653 

-

Net tax receivables/net tax liabilities 

1,233 

34 

-2,820 

-2,553 

-1,587 

-2,519

Reported deferred tax receivables and deferred tax liabilities / Parent Company

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

14 

12 

- 

15 

41 

20 

12 

3 

- 

35 

- 

- 

-6 

- 

-6 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

14 

12 

-6 

15 

35 

20

12

3

-

35

Personnel-related provisions 

Other provisions 

Surplus value of securities 

Tax loss carry forwards 

Net tax receivables/net tax liabilities 

Unreported deferred tax receivables

Unreported deferred tax receivables for deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards amount to 1 (0) 

Opening balance 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Recognized in income statement 

Recognized in other comprehensive income 

Tax loss carry forwards 

Closing balance 

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

-2,519 

-2,549 

982 

-17 

-29 

-4 

- 

-5 

35 

- 

-1,587 

-2,519 

35 

- 

26 

-26 

- 

35 

4

-

-4

35

-

35

Taxes recognized in shareholders’ equity mainly refer to available-for-sale financial assets -26 (35). 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 12 • Intangible assets

Group

Parent Company

 Intangible assets 

-IT

Capitalized 

Acquired

  expenditure for 

intangible

development 

assets

 Intangible assets 

-IT

Capitalized 

  expenditure for 

development 

Acquired

intangible

assets

work 

Goodwill 1) 

Total 

work 

Goodwill 1) 

            Total 

Accumulated acquisition value

Opening balance  January 1, 2010 

Acquisitions for the year 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Acquisitions for the year 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Accumulated amortization 

Opening balance January 1, 2010 

Depreciation for the year 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Depreciation for the year 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Carrying amount 

Per January 1, 2010 

Per December 31, 2010 

Per January 1, 2011 

Per December 31, 2011 

Amortization for the year is included in the 

following rows of the income statement for 2010:  

Operating costs 

Other costs 

Total 

Amortization for the year is included in the 

following rows of the income statement for 2011:  

Operating costs 

Other costs 

Total 

71 

22 

93 

93 

40 

133 

-66 

-5 

-71 

-71 

-15 

-86 

5 

22 

22 

47 

-5 

- 

-5 

-15 

- 

-15 

615 

- 

615 

615 

5 

620 

-324 

- 

-324 

-324 

- 

-324 

291 

291 

291 

296 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

686 

22 

708 

708 

46 

754 

-390 

-5 

-395 

-395 

-15 

-410 

296 

313 

313 

343 

-5 

- 

-5 

-15 

- 

-15 

        71 

22 

93 

93 

38 

131 

-66 

-5 

-71 

-71 

-15 

-86 

5 

22 

22 

45 

-5 

- 

-5 

-15 

- 

-15 

460 

- 

460 

460 

- 

460 

-248 

-4 

-252 

-252 

-4 

-257 

212 

207 

207 

203 

- 

-4 

-4 

- 

-4 

-4 

      531

22

553

553

38

591

-314

-9

-323

-323

-20

-343

217

229

229

248

-5

-4

-9

-15

-4

-19

In the item IT-related intangible assets, acquired licenses and expenses brought forward are included for the development

of business-critical systems. For the group, no depreciation is made on goodwill, the -324 is accumulated depreciations per January 1, 2009 when IFRS was adopted. 

For further information regarding the depreciations, see Note 1, Accounting principles. 

1) The Group and Parent Company goodwill derive from the acquired operation in Belgium, which is an identifiable cash generating unit. The amounts refer both to acquisition- and asset deal 

goodwill and are annually tested for impairment. The projected future cash flows are based on a conservative assessment without any growth of the unit’s earnings, based on historical and future 

earning patterns. Cash flows are discounted using a discount rate of 1.2 %. The forecasted profit margin is currently equal to a combined ratio of approximately 95 %. 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 13 • Land and Buildings

Group and Parent Company

Acquisition cost 

Opening balance January 1, 2010 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Disposals 

Acquisitions 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Depreciation 

Opening balance January 1, 2010 

Depreciation for the year 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Disposals 

Depreciation for the year 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Carrying amount 

Per January 1, 2010 

Per December 31, 2010 

Per January 1, 2011 

Per December 31, 2011 

18

18

18

-1

10

27

-16

0

-16

-16

1

-1

-16

2

2

2

11

The Parent Company holds three properties, located in Sweden and Belgium. Sirius International accounts for the properties, including building supplies, according to the 

acquisition value method and the capitalized expenses are depreciated over 50 and 10 years, respectively. No depreciation is performed on land.

Note 14 • Shares and participations in Group companies

Name of subsidiary                                   Registered offices, country 

Participating interest, %

Passage2Health Ltd 

London, Great Britain 

Sirius Rückversicherungs Service GmbH  

Hamburg, Germany 

Sirius Belgium Réassurances S.A. 

         Liège, Belgium 

Sirius International Holdings  (NL) B.V.                 Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd 

    Hamilton, Bermuda 

White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l 

             Luxembourg 

White Mountains Re Sirius Capital Ltd 

London, Great Britain 

2011 

2010

75 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

-

100

100

100

100

-

-

Accumulated acquisition cost 

Beginning of year 

Acquisition 

Disposals 

Capital contribution 

Repayment of paid-up capital 

Reclassification from associated companies 

Closing balance December 31 

Accumulated write-downs 

Beginning of year 

Acquisition 

Disposals 

Write-downs for the year 

Closing balance December 31 

Carrying amount December 31 

Parent Company

2011 

2010

1,862 

1,185 

- 

3,028 

-35 

2,058 

8,098 

1,252

728

-

388

-506

-

1,862

-781 

-596

- 

- 

- 

-781 

7,317 

-

-

-185

-781

1,081

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
  
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Subsidiaries' shareholders´equity

2011

 Name of subsidiary 

Shareholders’ equity 

Shares % 

Number of shares 

Book value 

Profit/loss 

Passage2Health Ltd, London, Great Britain 

Sirius Rückversicherungs Service GmbH 

Hamburg, Germany 

16 

15 

75 

Share capital total GBP 6,800 consisting of  

20 

6,800 shares with nom. GBP 1 per share 

100 

 1 share nom. value EUR 51,129 

1 

Sirius Belgium Réassurances S.A., (in liquidation)  

11  

100  

Share capital total EUR 1,245,681 consisting 

 13  

Liège, Belgium 

of 700,000 shares without nom. value 

-4

4

0

Sirius International Holdings (NL) B.V.,  

1,005  

100  

Share capital total EUR 18,000 consisting of  

1,124 

-159

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

180 shares with nom. EUR 100 per share 

White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd,  

2  

100  

Share capital total  120,000 USD consists of  

Hamilton, Bermuda 

120,000 shares nom. USD 1 per share 

White Mountains Re Sirius Capital Ltd, 

 1  

100  

Share capital total GBP 1 consisting of  

London, Great Britain 

1 share  with nom. GBP 1 per share 

1 

0 

-1

-1

White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg)  

6,338  

100  

Share capital total USD 42,266,200 consisting of  

6,158  

10

S.à.r.l., Luxembourg 

1,690,648 shares with nom. USD 25 per share 

Total 

7,388 

7,317 

-151

2010

Name of subsidiary 

Shareholders’ equity 

Shares % 

Number of shares 

Book value 

Profit/loss 

Sirius Rückversicherungs Service GmbH, Hamburg, Germany 

  12  

100  

1 share nom. value EUR 51,129  

Sirius Belgium Réassurances S.A. (in liquidation), 

12 

100 

Share capital total EUR 1,245,681 consisting  

Liège, Belgium 

of 700,000 shares without nom. value 

0 

13 

-2

0

Sirius International Holdings (NL) B.V., 

 1,045  

100 

Share capital total EUR 18,000 consisting of  

1,032  

381

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

180 shares with nom. EUR 100 per share 

White Mountains Re Bermuda Ltd,  

36  

100 

Share capital total  USD 120,000  consists of  

36  

-143

Hamilton, Bermuda  

120,000 shares with nom. USD 1 per share 

Total 

1,105 

1,081 

236

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 15 • Shares and participations in associated companies

Carrying amount January 1 

Share of associated company’s profit/loss  1) 

Foreign exchange effect 

Reclassification of associated company  2) 

Carrying amount December 31 

Carrying amount January 1 

Reclassification of associated company  2) 

Carrying amount December 31 

Name of associated companies / 2011 

Group

2011 

2010

2,178 

81 

67 

-2,236 

- 

2,185

125

-132

-

2,178

Parent Company

2011 

2010

2,058 

-2,058 

- 

2,058

-

2,058

Assets 

Liabilities 

Shareholders’  

Net income 

Share of  

equity 

capital % 

White Mountains  Phoenix (Luxenbourg) S.à.r.l., Luxemburg 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Name of associated companies / 2010 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Shareholders’  

Net income 

Share of  

White Mountains  Phoenix (Luxenbourg) S.à.r.l., Luxemburg 

20,166 

Total 

20,166 

11,355 

11,335 

equity 

8,811 

8,811 

capital % 

533 

533 

24.7 

24.7 

  Number

of shares

-

-

  Number

of shares

2,461,000

2,461,000

1) Refers to the Group's share of income in the associated company White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. The translation of 

the exchange rate difference arising in the conversion to Swedish krona is reported directly against shareholders’ equity.

2) During 2011 Sirius International received and purchased the remaining shares in White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l. and 

owns 100 % per December 31, 2011. Consequently, the holding is reclassified to Shares in group companies.

Note 16 • Investments in shares and participations 

Group 

3,300 

1,808 

3,575 

1,946

fair value

Acquisition cost

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

fair value

Acquisition cost

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Parent Company 

667 

874 

783 

940

Further information on financial instruments can be found in Note 20.

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 17 • Bonds and other interest-bearing securities

fair value

Acquisition cost

Group 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Swedish government 

Swedish mortgage institutions 

Other Swedish issuers 

Foreign governments 

Other foreign issuers 

Total 

2,688 

 156 

696 

 6,463 

 8,816 

4,725 

0  

102 

2,883 

4,357 

2,632 

 152 

675 

6,381 

8,640 

4,735

0

98

2,886

4,292

 18,819 

12,067 

18,480 

12,011

Of which listed 

18,731 

12,067 

18,391 

12,011

Difference compared to nominal value 

Total excess amount 

Total shortfall 

1,111 

95 

622 

40 

753 

75 

549

24

fair value

Acquisition cost

Parent Company 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Swedish government 

Swedish mortgage institutions 

Other Swedish issuers 

Foreign governments 

Other foreign issuers 

Total 

2,687  

156 

 696 

2,128 

3,805 

9,472 

4,725 

0 

102 

2,883 

4,357 

12,067 

2, 632 

4,735

152 

675 

2,102 

3,746 

9,307 

0

98

2,886

4,292

12,011

Of which listed 

9,472 

12,067 

9,307 

12,011

Difference compared to nominal value 

Total excess amount 

Total shortfall 

503 

33 

622 

40 

323 

17 

549

24

Note 18 • Derivatives

Group

Parent Company

Derivatives 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Derivatives with underlying security shares 

Derivatives with underlying security currency 

Total 

- 

30 

30 

249 

24 

273 

- 

30 

30 

-

24

24

Derivatives with underlying security in currency refer to currency hedging of MUSD 500 against SEK. The company has entered into two internal currency hedging 

agreements with Sirius International Financial Services Ltd (formerly White Mountains Re Financial Services Ltd). 

The first agreement implies that Sirius International per January 1, 2010 has sold MUSD 250 on the basis of a currency futures transaction with a duration 

of five years at the exchange rate 7.18. With the help of foreign exchange options, the currency futures transactions are settled on the basis of an exchange rate 

cap of SEK 11.93 per USD, and an exchange rate floor of SEK 5.11 per USD. 

The second agreement, as per September 30, 2011, implies that Sirius International has sold another MUSD 250 on the basis of a currency futures 

transaction with a duration of two years at the exchange rate 7.00. With the help of foreign exchange options, the currency futures transactions are settled on the 

basis of an exchange rate cap of SEK 11.39 per USD, and an exchange rate floor of SEK 4.86 per USD.   

Outside these ranges, the company takes no hedging measures. The currency hedge agreements are valued monthly. 

Derivatives with underlying security in shares are exclusively Symetra warrants. These warrants have been sold during 2011 to a company within the White 

Mountains Group

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 19 • Other debtors

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Other debtors, group companies  1) 

Other debtors 

Total other debtors  2) 

2 

187 

189 

- 

63 

63 

244 

49 

293 

201

61

262

1) Group companies are defined as companies within the White Mountains-group.

2) The majority of the receivables have a duration less than three months.

Note 20 • Categories of financial assets and liabilitities and their fair values

financial

Loan 

assets valued

  receivables and 

at fair value 

Available-for-

Total 

Group 2011 

accounts 

via the income 

sale financial

carrying 

Acquisition

receivables 

statement 

assets 

amount 

fair value 

value 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Accrued income 

Other debtors 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

494 

189 

683 

3,300 

30 

9,347 

71 

- 

- 

- 

3,300 

30 

3,300 

30 

9,472 

18,819 

18,819 

130 

- 

695 

189 

695 

189 

3,575

12

18,523

695

189

12,748 

9,602 

23,033 

23,033 

22,994

financial

Loan 

assets valued

  receivables and 

at fair value 

Available-for-

Total 

Parent Company 2011 

accounts 

via the income 

sale financial

carrying 

Acquisition

receivables 

statement 

assets 

amount 

fair value 

value 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Accrued income 

Other debtors 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

362 

293 

655 

667 

30 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

667 

30 

667 

30 

9,472 

9,472 

9,472 

130 

- 

492 

293 

492 

293 

783

12

9,333

492

293

697 

9,602 

10,954 

10,954 

10,913

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

financial liabilities

Group 2011 

Other financial 

Carrying 

liabilities 

amount 

fair value

Other liabilities 

Accrued expenses 

Total 

814 

350 

814 

350 

814

350

1,164 

1,164 

1,164

financial liabilities 

Parent Company 2011

Other financial 

Carrying 

liabilities 

amount 

fair value

Other liabilities 

Accrued expenses 

Total 

690 

199 

889 

690 

199 

889 

690

199

889

financial

Loan 

assets valued

financial assets 

Group 2010 

  receivables and 

at fair value 

Available-for-

Total 

accounts 

via the income 

sale financial

carrying 

Acquisition

receivables 

statement 

assets 

amount 

fair value 

value 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Accrued income 

Other debtors 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

607 

63 

670 

1,808 

273 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,808 

273 

1,808 

273 

12,067 

12,067 

12,067 

- 

- 

607 

63 

607 

63 

1,946

266

12,599

607

63

2,081 

12,067 

14,818 

14,818 

15,481

financial

Loan 

assets valued

financial assets 

Parent Company 2010 

  receivables and 

at fair value 

Available-for-

Total 

accounts 

via the income 

sale financial

carrying 

Acquisition

receivables 

statement 

assets 

amount 

fair value 

value 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Accrued income 

Other debtors 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

606 

262 

868 

874 

24 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

874 

24 

874 

24 

940

7

12,067 

12,067 

12,067 

12,599

- 

- 

606 

262 

606 

262 

606

262

898 

12,067 

13,833 

13,833 

14,414

financial liabilities  

Other financial 

Carrying 

Group 2010 

liabilities 

amount 

fair value

Other liabilities 

Accrued expenses 

Total 

593 

193 

786 

593 

193 

786 

593

193

786

financial liabilities 

Other financial 

Carrying 

Parent Company 2010 

liabilities 

amount 

fair value

Other liabilities 

Accrued expenses 

Total 

608 

192 

800 

608 

192 

800 

608

192

800

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

In the tables below, data is provided regarding the determination 
of fair value for financial instruments valued at fair value in the 
balance sheet. The determination of fair values is categorized 
according to the following three levels:
Level 1: Based on prices listed on a active market for identical 
assets or liabilities

Level 2: Based on directly (according to price listings) or 
indirectly (derived from price listings) observable market data for 
assets or liabilities that are not included in Level 1
Level 3: Based on input data that is not observable on the 
market

Group / 2011 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Total 

1,693 

- 

4,044 

5,737 

614 

- 

14,687 

15,301 

993 

30 

88 

1,111 

3,300

30

18,819

22,149

Group / 2010 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Total 

935 

0 

6,234 

7,169 

344 

0 

5,833 

6,177 

529 

273 

0 

802 

1,808

273

12,067

14,148

Parent Company / 2011 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Total 

- 

- 

3,228 

3,228 

348 

- 

6,244 

6,592 

319 

30 

0 

349 

667

30

9,472

10,169

Parent Company / 2010 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

Shares and participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Total 

0 

0 

6,234 

6,234 

345 

0 

5,833 

6,178 

529 

24 

0 

553 

874

24

12,067

12,965

The fair value of financial instruments traded on an active market 
is based on the listed price on balance sheet date. A market 
is seen to be active in cases where listed prices from a stock 
exchange, broker, industry group, pricing service or supervisory 
authority are easily accessible, and where these prices repre-
sent genuine, regularly-occurring market transactions conducted 
at arm’s length. The listed market price applied in determining 
the fair value of instruments that are to be found in Level 1 is the 
current buying-rate

Fair values of financial instruments which are not traded 
on an active market are determined with the aid of valuation 
techniques. This procedure applies, as far as possible, such 
market information as is available, while information specific to 
a company is applied as little as possible. If all significant input 
data required in determining the fair value of an instrument is 
observable, the instrument is to be found in Level 2 or 3.

Specific valuation techniques applied in valuing financial 

instruments include:

•  Listed market prices or broker listings for similar instruments.
• Fair value of interest swaps is determined as the current 
value of estimated future cash flows, based on observable yield 
curves.
• Fair value for currency forward exchange agreements is deter-
mined through the use of exchange rates for forward exchanges 
on balance sheet date, at which point the resulting value is 
discounted to current value. 
• Other techniques, such as the calculation of discounted 
cash-flows, are applied in determining fair value for any financial 
instruments not covered by the above techniques. 

Note that all fair values determined with the aid of these 

valuation techniques are to be found in Level 2.

In the event that one or more significant input data figures 

are not based on observable market information, the associated 
instrument is to be classified in Level 3. 

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

The table below shows a reconciliation of opening and closing balance data for financial instruments valued at fair value in the balance 
sheet, on the basis on non-observable input data (Level 3).

Group / 2011 

participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds 

Total

Shares and 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Total reported profit/loss: 

-reported in profit/loss for the year  1) 

Acquired balances 

Acquisition cost, purchase 

Proceeds of sale, sales 

Transfer from Level 3 

Transfer into Level 3 

FX difference 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Profit/loss reported in profit/loss for the 

year for assets included in the closing 

529 

-24 

985 

- 

-497 

- 

3 

-3 

993 

273 

-158 

6 

-87 

- 

- 

-4 

30 

- 

- 

246 

- 

- 

-245 

88 

-1 

88 

802

-182

1,231

6

-584

-245

91

-8

1,111

balance December 31, 2011  1) 

-24 

-158 

- 

-182

Parent Company / 2011 

participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds 

Total

Shares and 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Total reported profit/loss: 

-reported in profit/loss for the year  1) 

Acquisition cost, purchase 

Proceeds of sale, sales 

Transfer from Level 3 

Transfer into Level 3 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Profit/loss reported in profit/loss for the 

year for assets included in the closing 

529 

-33 

- 

-180 

- 

3 

319 

24 

- 

6 

- 

- 

- 

30 

balance December 31, 2011  1) 

-33 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

553

-33

6

-180

-

3

349

-33

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Group / 2010 

participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds 

Total

Shares and 

Opening balance January 1, 2010 

Total reported profit/loss: 

• reported in profit/loss for the year  1) 

• reported in shareholders’ equity 

Acquisition cost, purchase 

Proceeds of sale, sales 

Transfer from Level 3 

Transfer into Level 3 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Profit/loss reported in profit/loss for the 

year for assets included in the closing 

323 

-12 

- 

251 

-33 

- 

- 

529 

- 

7 

- 

266 

- 

- 

- 

273 

balance December 31, 2010  1) 

-12 

7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

323

-5

-

517

-33

-

-

802

-5

Parent Company / 2010 

participations 

Derivatives 

Bonds 

Total

Shares and 

Opening balance January 1, 2010 

Total reported profit/loss: 

• reported in profit/loss for the year  1) 

• reported in shareholders’ equity 

Acquisition cost, purchase 

Proceeds of sale, sales 

Transfer from Level 3 

Transfer into Level 3 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Profit/loss reported in profit/loss for the year 

for assets included in the closing 

balance December 31, 2010  1) 

323 

-12 

0 

251 

-33 

- 

- 

529 

- 

17 

- 

7 

- 

- 

- 

24 

-12 

17 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

323

5

0

258

-33

0

0

553

5

1) Reported in net income of financial transactions in profit/loss for the year.

Financial instruments classified in Level 3 are to some extent funds valued at NAV-rate. In one of these holdings the board of the fund, in 
early 2012, informed the investors that the future cash flows may be affected negatively under certain unfavorable scenarios. Such 
a development would affect the value of the fund negatively. To date, enough information to evaluate the possible negative impact of the 
scenarios is not available. Sirius will monitor the development carefully and regularly conduct impairment tests of the holding.

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 21 • Tangible assets

Acquisition cost 

Opening balance January 1,  2010 

Acquisition 

Disposals 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Opening balance January 1,  2011 

Acquisition 

Acquired balances 

Disposals 

Currency reevaluation effect 

Group

Parent Company

Equipment 

Equipment

80 

24 

-18 

86 

86 

23 

59 

-16 

0 

79

24

-18

85

85

23

-

-8

-

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

152 

100

Depreciations 

Opening balance January 1, 2010 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Closing balance December 31, 2010 

Opening balance January 1, 2011 

Acquired balances 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Currency reevaluation effect 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

Carrying amount 

January 1, 2010 

December 31, 2010 

January 1, 2011 

December 31, 2011 

Note 22 • Deferred acquisition costs

Opening balance 

Acquired portfolio 

Capitalization for the year 

Depreciation/amortization for the year 

Exchange rate gains/losses 

Closing balance 

Note 23 • Untaxed reserves

Parent Company

Accumulated accelerated depreciation, goodwill and equipment

Opening balance January 1 

Change for the year 

Closing balance December 31 

Appropriation to safety reserve 

Opening balance January 1 

Change for the year 

Closing balance December 31 

Total 

68

-59 

-12 

17 

-54 

-54 

-52 

-13 

14 

0 

-105 

21 

32 

32 

47 

-59

-12

17

-54

-54

-

-13

7

-

-60

20

31

31

40

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

386 

118 

323 

-359 

3 

471 

419 

- 

406 

-411 

-28 

386 

386 

- 

296 

-344 

3 

341 

419

-

406

-411

-28

386

2011 

2010

40 

-5 

35 

9,647 

- 

9,647 

9,682 

44

-4

40

9,647

-

9,647

9,687

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 24 • Provisions for unearned premiums and unexpired risks

Provisions for unearned premiums / Group 

2011

Gross 

Reinsurers’  

2010

Reinsurers’

share 

Net 

Gross 

 share 

Net

Opening balance 

Acquired portfolio 

Insurance policies signed during period 

Earned premiums for the period 

Currency effect 

Closing balance 

1,936 

395 

1,479 

-1,663 

35 

2,182 

Provisions for unexpired risks / Group 

-403 

11 

-289 

254 

-12 

-439 

2011

Gross 

Reinsurers’  

1,533 

406 

1,190 

-1,409 

23 

1,743 

2,190 

- 

2,072 

-2,111 

-215 

1,936 

-379 

- 

-419 

327 

68 

-403 

1,811

-

1,653

-1,784

-147

1,533

2010

Reinsurers’

share 

Net 

Gross 

 share 

Net

Opening balance 

Current year´s provisions included in profit/loss 

Previous years´provisions included in profit/loss 

Currency effect 

Closing balance 

126 

- 

-10 

2 

118 

-93 

- 

8 

-2 

-87 

33 

- 

-2 

0 

31 

140 

- 

-6 

-8 

126 

-103 

- 

4 

6 

-93 

37

-

-2

-2

33

Provisions for unearned premiums  / Parent Company 

2011

Gross 

Reinsurers’  

2010

Reinsurers’

share 

Net 

Gross 

 share 

Net

Opening balance 

Insurance policies signed during period 

Earned premiums for the period 

Currency effec 

Closing balance 

1,936 

1,487 

-1,726 

33 

1,730 

Provisions for unexpired risks / Group 

-403 

-369 

341 

-11 

-442 

2011

Gross 

Reinsurers’  

1,533 

1,118 

-1,385 

22 

1,288 

2,190 

2,071 

-2,111 

-214 

1,936 

-379 

-419 

327 

68 

-403 

1,811

1,652

-1,784

-146

1,533

2010

Reinsurers’

share 

Net 

Gross 

 share 

Net

Opening balance 

Current year´s provisions included in profit/loss 

Previous years´provisions included in profit/loss 

Currency effect 

Closing balance 

126 

-  

-10 

2 

118 

-93 

- 

8 

-2 

-87 

33 

- 

-2 

- 

31 

140 

- 

-6 

-8 

126 

-103 

- 

4 

6 

-93 

37

-

-2

-2

33

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 25 • Claims outstanding

Provisions for outstanding claims

2011

2010

Reinsurers´ 

  Reinsurers´

Group 

Gross 

share 

Net 

Gross 

share 

Net 

3,707 

1,819 

5,526 

7,426 

- 

4,982 

4,879 

9,861 

- 

6 

-852 

-3,096 

-3,948 

- 

0 

4,130

1,783

5,913

-

6

2,148 

3,284 

-582 

2,702

Opening balance, reported claims 

Opening balance, incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

Opening balance 

Acquired portfolio 

Portfolio transfer WTM Re Bermuda 

Cost for claims incurred during the current year 

Change in estimated cost for claims incurred in previous years 

(close down profit/loss) 

Claims handling expense 

4,831 

6,251 

11,082 

8,475 

- 

2,625 

1,895 

170 

Paid/transferred to insurance liabilities or other current liabilities 

4,020 

-1,124 

-4,432 

-5,556 

-1,049 

- 

-477 

-918 

0 

-736 

-321 

Currency effect 

Closing balance 

Closing balance, reported claims 

Closing balance, incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

Provisions for outstanding claims

977 

170 

3,284 

92 

2,739 

175 

4,253 

-380 

-2,013 

0 

-937 

50 

413 

20,300 

-7,585 

12,715 

11,082 

-5,556 

7,882 

12,418 

-1,454 

-6,131 

6,428 

6,287 

4,831 

6,251 

-1,124 

-4,432 

2011

  Reinsurers´ 

2010

Reinsurers´

726

175

3,316

-330

5,526

3,707

1,819

Parent Company 

Gross 

share 

Net 

Gross 

share 

Net 

Opening balance, reported claims 

Opening balance, incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

Opening balance 

Cost for claims incurred during the current year 

Change in estimated cost for claims incurred in previous years

(close down profit/loss) 

Claims handling expense 

Paid/transferred to insurance liabilities or other current liabilities 

Currency effect 

Closing balance 

Closing balance, reported claims 

Closing balance, incurred but not reported claims (IBNR) 

4,831 

6,251 

11,082 

2,238 

1,785 

159 

3,444 

443 

-1,124 

-4,432 

-5,556 

-476 

-839 

0 

-650 

-324 

11,945 

-6,545 

4,272 

7,673 

-908 

-5,637 

3,707 

1,819 

5,526 

1,762 

946 

159 

2,794 

119 

5,400 

3,364 

2,036 

4,982 

4,879 

9,861 

3,284 

2,732 

175 

4,240 

-380 

-852 

-3,096 

-3,948 

-582 

-2,013 

0 

-937 

50 

11,082 

-5,556 

4,831 

6,251 

-1,124 

-4,432 

4,130

1,783

5,913

2,702

719

175

3,303

-330

5,526

3,707

1,819

Note 26 • Equalisation provision

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

Opening balance 

Release of provision made in prior years 

Provision for the year 

Closing balance 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

12 

- 

49 

61 

3

-3

12

12

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 27 • Claims handling provision

Opening balance 

Acquired portfolio 

Release of provision made in prior years 

Provision for the year 

Currency effect 

Closing balance 

Note 28 • Employee benefits

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

129 

115 

-34 

44 

0 

254 

122 

- 

-20 

41 

-14 

129 

129 

- 

-28 

41 

0 

142 

122

-

-20

41

-14

129

Group

Parent Company

Pension provisions 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Pension provision – defined benefit plans Sweden   

Pension provision – other  defined benefit plans 

Total 

-4 

6 

2 

-2 

7 

5 

7 

- 

7 

9

-

9

Specification of provisions for employee benefits

 In a defined benefit plan, the employer guarantees that the 
employee will receive a defined level of benefit upon retirement, 
based on one or more factors, such as age, length of service 
and salary. The group calculates its provisions and expenses 
based on the conditions of the guaranteed pension obligations, 
as well as on its own assumptions regarding future development. 
The provision reported in the balance sheet for defined bene-

fit plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at 
the end of the reporting period, less the fair value of plan assets, 
adjusted for unrecognized actuarial gains and losses, and unre-
cognized service costs related to prior periods. Actuarial gains 
and losses arise if actual outcome deviates from calculated, 
defined assumptions, or if there is a change in assumptions. The 
defined pension obligation is calculated annually by independent 
actuaries, applying the projected unit credit method. The net 
present value of the obligation is defined by discounting of esti-
mated future cash flows, using the interest rate of high quality 
mortgage bonds that are emitted in the same currency in which 
the obligations are to be paid, with durations comparable to the 
duration of the current pension obligation.

The group applies the corridor method, implying that 
actuarial net losses are recorded when the opening balance 

of actuarial losses exceeds 10% of either the projected benefit 
obligation or of investment assets. As the actuarial net loss 
amount does not exceed the corridor amount, there is no surplus 
to amortize through the income statement during the employees’ 
remaining period of service.

The group has defined benefit plans in Sweden (collective 
agreement) and Germany which are based on the employees’ 
pension entitlements and length of employment. In Germany all 
employees are included in the plan. In Sweden only employees 
born 1971 or earlier are covered by defined benefit plans and, 
thus, form part of the FTP2. Furthermore, there are two variations 
of retirement earlier than at the age of 65. Employees born 1955 
and earlier have the possibility to retire between the ages of 62 
and 65 according to local agreement. Staff employed before 1 
January, 2004 have the right to retire from the age of 64. These 
plans are also defined benefit plans and are reflected in financial 
statements of both the Group and the Parent Company.  

Employees in Sweden born 1972 or later, are covered by a 

defined contribution plan, FTP1. 

Employees outside Sweden and Germany are mainly covered 

by defined contribution plans in which the employer has a responsi-
bility for the employees’ pension.

Amounts in the balance sheet for defined benefit plans / Group  

2011 

2010 

Defined benefit obligations 

Fair  value of plan assets 

Sub-total 

Net cumulative unrecognized actuarial losses 

Provisions for defined benefit plans 

67 

-61 

6 

-4 

2 

59

-53

6

-1

5

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Pension cost recognized in the income statement / Group 

2011 

2010 

Current service cost 

Interest cost 

Expected return on plan assets 

Amortization  of actuarial  net loss 

Amortization of  service cost prior year 

Pension cost for defined benefit plans 

Paid premiums, defined contribution plans 

Total pension cost  1) 

1 

2 

-2 

- 

- 

1 

70 

71 

11

3

-2

0

6

18

44

62

1)  The pension cost for the year does not include special salary tax, which is disclosed in note 32 in the table ”Remuneration to employees”.

Changes in defined benefit obligations / Group 

2011 

2010 

Opening balance pension obligation 

Current service cost 

Interest cost, pension obligation 

Actuarial gains and losses, net 

Release of obligation by payment 

Service cost, prior year 

Transition 

Exchange differences on foreign plans 

Closing balance pension obligation 

59 

1 

3 

3 

-2 

- 

3 

0 

67 

41

11

3

1

-1

6

-

-1

59

Changes in plan assets / Group 

2011 

2010 

Opening balance plan assets at fair value 

Expected return on plan assets 

Actuarial gains and losses, net 

Contributions 

Release of obligation by payment 

Exchange differences on foreign plans 

Closing balance plan assets at fair value 

53 

2 

-1 

8 

-2 

1 

61 

50

1

0

5

-1

-2

53

The investment assets’ fair value, as per December 31, 2011, 
is lower than the value of the Group’s defined benefit pension 
commitments. This is due to the Group having a non-funded com-
mitment, for the portion of the Group’s benefit-based pension 
plans which facilitate retirement between 62 and 65 years of 

age. Actual retirements are settled when the decision regarding 
retirement is made. In conjunction with such a decision, the total 
pension premium is paid to the company’s pension administrator 
for the period up to 65 years of age. During the year, three indivi-
duals have exercised the opportunity to take early retirement.

Unrecognized actuarial net loss / Group 

2011 

2010 

Opening balance actuarial net losses 

Defined benefit obligations 

The period’s experience effect on actuarial net gains (-)/net losses (+) on pension obligations 

Amortization  of actuarial  net gains/losses 

Plan assets 

The period’s experience effect on actuarial net gains (-)/net losses (+) on plan assets 

Amortization  of actuarial  net gains/losses 

Closing balance actuarial net losses 

1 

3 

- 

0 

- 

4 

-

1

-

-

-

1

72

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Corridor method / Group 

2012 

2011 

2010 

Opening balance actuarial net losses 

Corridor amount 

Expected remaining service time (years) 

Gains/losses subject to amortization 

4 

6 

14.7 

- 

1 

5 

14.9 

- 

0

5

15.7

-

Actuarial assumptions, percentages / Group   

2011 

2010 

Discount rate, January 1 

Discount rate, December 31 

Expected return on plan assets 

Expected salary increases, January 1 

Expected salary increases, December 31 

Indexation of benefits 

Indexation of income base amount, January 1 

Indexation of income base amount, December 31   

Staff turnover 

5 % 

3.7 % 

3 % 

2.9 % 

2.9 % 

1.4 % 

2.4 % 

2.4 % 

3 % 

5 %

5 %

3 %

3.5 %

3.5 %

2 %

3 %

3 %

3 %

When calculating the expense for defined benefit obligations, as-
sumptions are made regarding the future development of factors 
which may influence the size of expected payments. The discount 
rate is the interest rate applied to discount the value of expected 
payments. This rate is fixed applying a market rate with a remain-
ing duration equivalent to the pension obligations. The group’s 
applied discount rate, for the Swedish defined obligations, is 
based on Swedish mortgage bonds.

Assets to secure these pension obligations are invested in 
a variety of financial instruments by Sirius pension investment 
manager. The expected return on plan assets mirrors the expec-

ted average yearly return on those financial instruments for the 
remaining duration.

Expected future annual salary increases is mirrored by com-

position of effects from collective agreements and salary drift.
 Final benefits according to FTP are governed by Swedish 
base income amount (inkomstbasbeloppet). Consequently, there 
is a requirement to assess future base income amounts. Annual 
pension increases also need to be considered, as these have 
historically always taken place.

Assumptions about the beneficiaries’ life expectancy comply 

with FFFS 2007:31 (DUS06) and are updated annually.

Three-year summary / Group 

2011 

2010  

2009 

Defined benefit obligations 

Fair value of plan assets 

Total 

Actuarial gains (-) losses (+) for the year 

Pension obligations 

Plan assets 

Note 29 • Other creditors

Creditors arising out of direct insurance

-67 

61 

-6 

3 

0 

-59 

53 

-6 

1 

- 

-41

50

9

-

-

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Amounts due to group companies  1) 

Other debtors 

Total other creditors  2) 

595 

219 

814 

519 

74 

593 

609 

81 

690 

539

69

608

1) Group companies are defined as companies within the White Mountains-group.

2) The majority of the liabilities have a duration less than one year.

73

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 30 • Contingent liabilities and commitments

Group

Parent Company

Pledged assets for own liabilities and provisions 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Bonds and other interest-bearing securities 

Cash and bank 

9,528 

223 

Assets for which policy holders have preferential rights  9,751 

7,553 

115 

7,668 

8,453 

170 

8,623 

7,553

115

7,668

On the basis of the stipulations in Chapter 7, Section 11 of the Insurance Business Act, registered assets amount to MSEK 7,029. In the case of insolvency, the 

insured has preferential rights to the registered assets. During the course of operations, the Company has the right to register and de-register assets from the 

register, provided that all insurance commitments are covered by technical provisions in accordance with the Insurance Business Act.

Contingent liabilities and other commitments   

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Group

Parent Company

Nominal amount 

Guarantees on behalf of subsidiary 

Future commitments for investments in private 

equity companies 

Total 

Note 31 • Associated parties

 1,458 

174 

1,632 

- 

60 

60 

1,458 

56 

1,514 

-

60

60

Summary of transactions with associated companies within the White mountains Group

Group / 2011 

Services

purchased 

Receivables 

Liabilities

from 

associated  

associated

Indemni- 

associated 

parties per  

parties per 

Premium 

income, 

net 

fication 

parties 

December 31 

 December 31

Sirius America Insurance – assumed reinsurance  2) 

Sirius America Insurance – ceded reinsurance  2) 

Sirius America Insurance – administrative services  2) 

Esurance – assumed reinsurance 

WM Life Re – ceded reinsurance 

Sirius Global Services – administrative services  2) 

Sirius International Holding - administrative services 

Sirius International Financial Services LLC – financial services 

Sirius Insurance Holding Sweden AB – group contributions - 

Fund American Holdings AB – group contributions 

White Mountains Advisors LLC – financial services 

White Mountains Capital Inc – administrative services 

Sirius International Insurance Group Ltd –administrative services 

Sirius International Group Ltd. – administrative services 

White Mountains International S.à.r.l. – administrative services 

OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd. – dividends 

Symetra Financial Services Ltd. – dividends 

122 

-22 

- 

- 42 

-209 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

21 

19 

- 

44 

857 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

5 

5 

-1 

- 

- 

25 

- 

-5 

- 

- 

71 

12 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,253  1)    

- 

- 

1,021 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

16

-

1

13

374

190

11

1

-

3

1

-

-

Total 

              -151                        941 

          114                    6,276                        610

74

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Parent Company / 2011 

Services

Premium 

income, 

purchased 

Receivables 

Liabilities

from 

associated  

associated

Indemni- 

associated 

parties per  

parties per 

net 

fication 

parties 

December 31 

 December 31

Sirius America Insurance – assumed reinsurance 

Sirius America Insurance – ceded reinsurance 

Sirius America Insurance – administrative services  

Esurance – assumed reinsurance 

WM Life Re – ceded reinsurance 

Sirius Global Services – administrative services 

Sirius International Holding - administrative services 

Sirius International Financial Services LLC – financial services 

Sirius Insurance Holding Sweden AB – group contributions- 

Fund American Holdings AB – group contributions   

White Mountains Advisors LLC – financial services   

Sirius International Holding NL (BV) – anticipated dividend 

Syndicate 1945 – intra group receivables 

White Mountains Re Sirius Capital Ltd. – intra group receivables 

Sirius Rückversicherungs Service GmbH - intra group payables 

Sirius Belgium Réassurances S.A - intra group payables 

147 

-25 

- 

- 42 

-209 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

26 

22 

- 

44 

857 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3 

- 

- 

7 

5 

-1 

- 

- 

19 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

499 

1 

- 

- 

5,253  1)    

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

205 

32 

7 

- 

- 

Total 

-129 

949 

33 

5,997 

-

-

-

-

16

2

1

13

374

190

5

-

-

-

22

1

624

Group and Parent Company / 2010 

Services

Premium 

income, 

purchased 

Receivables 

Liabilities

from 

associated  

associated

Indemni- 

associated 

parties per  

parties per 

net 

fication 

parties 

December 31 

 December 31

White Mountains Re America – assumed reinsurance 

White Mountains Re America – ceded reinsurance   

White Mountains Re America – administrative services 

Esurance – assumed reinsurance 

WM Life Re – ceded reinsurance 

512 

- 56 

- 

727 

-216 

White Mountains Re Services – administrative services 

White Mountains Holding - administrative services   

White Mountains Re Underwriting Services Ltd. – assumed reinsurance 

White Mountains Financial Services LLC – financial services 

Sirius Insurance Holding Sweden AB – group contributions 

Fund American Holdings AB – group contributions   

White Mountains Advisors LLC – financial services   

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

  - 465 

56 

- 

- 713 

1,306 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Total 

967 

184 

- 

- 

-1 

- 

- 

-11 

-2 

- 

-17 

- 

- 

-20 

-51 

819 

- 

- 

181 

4,093  1)    

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,093 

-

7

-

-

13

14

-

2

7

323

170

5

541

1) Refers to reinsurer’s share of outstanding claims.

2) Refers to reinsurance and services purchased during 9 months 2011. As of October 1, 2011, all companies within the White Mountains Phoenix (Luxembourg) 

S.à.r.l. Group are consolidated and the reinsurance and services are eliminated. 

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 32 • Average number of employees, salaries and other remuneration

Average number of employees / Group 

men 

Women 

Total 

men 

Women 

Total

2011

2010

Parent Company 

Employees in Subsidiaries 

Germany 

UK 

USA  1) 

Canada  1) 

Total 

132 

140 

272 

131 

136 

4 

1 

20 

1 

8 

1 

18 

1 

12 

2 

38 

2 

5 

- 

- 

- 

7 

- 

- 

- 

267

12

-

-

-

158 

168 

326 

136 

143 

279

Average number of employees / Parent Company 

men 

Women 

Total 

men 

Women 

Total

2011

2010

Sweden 

UK 

Belgium 

Switzerland 

Singapore 

Denmark 

Bermuda 

Total 

68 

22 

22 

4 

5 

4 

7 

70 

19 

23 

5 

10 

2 

11 

138 

41 

45 

9 

15 

6 

18 

63 

23 

24 

4 

5 

4 

8 

70 

19 

20 

5 

10 

1 

11 

133

42

44

9

15

5

19

132 

140 

272 

131 

136 

267

Senior management  / Group and Parent Company 

men 

Women 

Total 

men 

Women 

Total

2011

2010

Board and CEO 

Other senior members of management 

Total 

4 

2 

6 

- 

- 

- 

4 

2 

6 

3 

3 

6 

1 

- 

1 

4

3

7

1) Average number of employees in USA and Canada for 2011 only refers to the period October 1 – December 31, 2011.

76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Remuneration to employees

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Salaries including bonuses 

Of which expenses bonus and other similar remunerations 

Pension expenses 

• Defined contribution plans 

• Defined benefit plans (Note 28) 

Social security contributions, special employer’s contributions 

on pensions 

Total 

299 

52 

71 

70 

1 

78 

448 

273 

80 

62 

43 

19 

76 

411 

248 

44 

68 

69 

-1 

76 

392 

261

77

56

43

13

76

393

Of which paid remuneration for the year to:

Group

Parent Company

CEO 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Salaries including bonuses 

Of which paid out bonuses 

Pension expenses 

•Defined contribution plans 

•Defined benefit plans 

Total 

Board and other senior members of management 

Salaries including bonuses 

Of which expenses bonus and other similar remunerations 

Pension expenses 

• Defined contribution plans 

• Defined benefit plans 

Total 

12 

8 

3 

3 

- 

15 

11 

6 

2 

2 

- 

13 

12 

8 

3 

3 

- 

15 

12 

7 

3 

3 

- 

15 

12 

8 

3 

3 

- 

15 

11 

6 

2 

2 

- 

13 

12

8

3

3

-

15

12

7

3

3

-

15

Salaries and remuneration
The Board receives remunerations in accordance with the resolutions of the Annual General Meeting. Board fees are not paid to individuals 
employed in the company. No Board fees were paid in 2010 and 2011.

Remuneration policy
Sirius International’s remuneration policy is available on the Company’s homepage, which follows FFFS 2009:7.

Note 33 • Fees and reimbursements to auditors

PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) 

Audit services 

Tax counseling 

Total 

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

7 

1 

8 

4 

1 

5 

4 

1 

5 

4

1

5

Audit assignment refers to the examination of the annual report and accounting records, as well as the administration of the Board of 
Directors and CEO, other duties which are the responsibility of the Company’s auditors to execute and the provision of advisory services 
or other assistance resulting from observations made during such an examination or the implementation of such other duties. Other 
services than those included in the audit agreement are classified as audit services in addition to audit agreement, tax counseling and 
other services.

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Note 34 • Operational leasing

Non-cancellable leases

Group

Parent Company

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Due for payment within one year 

Due for payment later than one year but within five years   

Due for payment after five years 

Total 

56 

146 

25 

227 

32 

40 

7 

79 

31 

101 

5 

137 

31

35

7

73

Note 35 • Class analysis

Profit/loss per insurance class

Group / 2011 

Personal 

marine, 

fire and

other

accident and 

aviation and 

property 

Credit 

Total direct 

Assumed 

health 

transport 

damage 

insurance

miscellaneous 

insurance 

reinsurance 

Premium income, gross 

Premium earned, gross 

Incurred claims, gross 

Operating expenses, gross 

Result, ceded reinsurance 

Technical result 

651 

599 

-337 

-272 

-5 

-15 

75 

58 

-38 

-29 

4 

-5 

83 

87 

-98 

-40 

0 

-51 

0 

0 

-2 

0 

0 

-2 

91 

86 

-40 

-33 

0 

13 

900 

830 

-515 

-374 

-1 

-60 

5,055 

5,319 

-4,005 

-1,385 

129 

58 

Parent Company / 2011 

Personal 

marine, 

fire and

other

accident and 

aviation and 

property 

Credit 

Total direct 

Assumed 

health 

transport 

damage 

insurance

miscellaneous 

insurance 

reinsurance 

Premium income, gross 

Premium earned, gross 

Incurred claims, gross 

Operating expenses, gross 

Result, ceded reinsurance 

Equalization provision 

Technical result 

635 

596 

-335 

-264 

-4 

0 

-7 

75 

58 

-38 

-30 

4 

0 

-6 

83 

87 

-97 

-40 

0 

0 

-50 

0 

0 

-3 

0 

0 

0 

-3 

82 

83 

-39 

-29 

0 

0 

15 

876 

824 

-512 

-363 

0 

0 

-51 

4,471 

4,772 

-3,511 

-1,173 

53 

-49 

92 

Parent Company / 2010 

Personal 

marine, 

fire and

other

accident and 

aviation and 

property 

Credit 

Total direct 

Assumed 

health 

transport 

damage 

insurance

miscellaneous 

insurance 

reinsurance 

Premium income, gross 

Premium earned, gross 

Incurred claims, gross 

Operating expenses, gross 

Result, ceded reinsurance 

Equalization provision 

Technical result 

637 

630 

-337 

-277 

-17 

0 

-1 

57 

55 

-17 

-24 

-5 

0 

9 

89 

79 

-33 

-39 

0 

0 

7 

0 

0 

-2 

0 

0 

0 

-2 

96 

86 

-31 

-31 

-1 

3 

26 

879 

850 

-420 

-371 

-23 

3 

39 

6,516 

6,591 

-5,596 

-1,589 

1,192 

-12 

586 

The class analysis is substantially the same for the Group and Parent Company for 2010.

Total

5,955

6,149

-4,520

-1,759

128

-2

Total

5,347

5,596

-4,023

-1,536

53

-49

41

Total

7,395

7,441

-6,016

-1,960

1,169

-9

625

78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2011

Stockholm, March 6, 2012

Allan Waters
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Brian Kensil

Lars Ek

Göran Thorstensson
President &  CEO

Our Auditors’ Report was submitted on March 6, 2012

Anna Hesselman
Authorized Public Accountant

Morgan Sandström 
Authorized Public Accountant

79

  
 
Annual Report 2011

Audit Report

To the annual meeting of the shareholders 

of Sirius International Insurance Corpo-

ration (publ) corporate identity number 

516401-8136

and disclosures in the annual accounts and 

consolidated accounts. The procedures se-

lected depend on the auditor’s judgment, in-

cluding the assessment of the risks of material 

misstatement of the annual accounts and con-

solidated accounts, whether due to fraud or 

error. In making those risk assessments, the 

Report on the annual accounts 

auditor considers internal control relevant to 

and consolidated accounts

the company’s preparation and fair presenta-

We have audited the annual accounts and con-

tion of the annual accounts and consolidated 

solidated accounts of Sirius International Insur-

accounts in order to design audit procedures 

ance Corporation (publ) for the year 2011. 

that are appropriate in the circumstances, but 

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors 

not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 

and the Managing Director for the annual ac-

on the effectiveness of the company’s internal 

counts and consolidated accounts 

control. An audit also includes evaluating the 

The Board of Directors and the Managing 

appropriateness of accounting policies used 

Director are responsible for the preparation 

and the reasonableness of accounting esti-

and fair presentation of these annual accounts 

mates made by the Board of Directors and the 

and consolidated accounts in accordance with 

Managing Director, as well as evaluating the 

International Financial Reporting Standards, as 

overall presentation of the annual accounts 

adopted by the EU, and the Annual Accounts 

and consolidated accounts.

Act for Insurance Companies, and for such 

We believe that the audit evidence we 

internal control as the Board of Directors and 

have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to 

the Managing Director determine is necessary 

provide a basis for our audit opinion. 

to enable the preparation of annual accounts 

and consolidated accounts that are free from 

Opinions

material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 

In our opinion, the annual accounts have 

error.

been prepared in accordance with the An-

nual Accounts Act for Insurance Companies 

Auditor’s r esponsibility

and present fairly, in all material respects, the 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion 

financial position of the parent company as of 

on these annual accounts and consolidated 

31 December 2011 and of its financial per-

accounts based on our audit. We conducted 

formance and its cash flows for the year then 

our audit in accordance with International 

ended in accordance with the Annual Ac-

Standards on Auditing and generally accepted 

counts Act for Insurance Companies, and the 

auditing standards in Sweden. Those standards 

consolidated accounts have been prepared in 

require that we comply with ethical require-

accordance with the Annual Accounts Act for 

ments and plan and perform the audit to obtain 

Insurance Companies and present fairly, in all 

reasonable assurance about whether the annual 

material respects, the financial position of the 

accounts and consolidated accounts are free 

group as of 31 December 2011 and of their 

from material misstatement.

financial performance and cash flows in ac-

An audit involves performing procedures 

cordance with International Financial Report-

to obtain audit evidence about the amounts 

ing Standards, as adopted by the EU, and the 

80

Annual Report 2011

Annual Accounts Act for Insurance Compa-

As a basis for our opinion on the Board 

nies. The statutory administration report is 

of Directors’ proposed appropriations of the 

consistent with the other parts of the annual 

company’s profit or loss, we examined the 

accounts and consolidated accounts.

Board of Directors’ reasoned statement and a 

We therefore recommend that the annual 

selection of supporting evidence in order to 

meeting of shareholders adopt the income 

be able to assess whether the proposal is in 

statement and balance sheet for the parent 

accordance with the Companies Act and the 

company and the group.

Insurance Business Act. 

As a basis for our opinion concerning dis-

Report on other legal and r egulatory 

charge from liability, in addition to our audit 

r equir ements

of the annual accounts and consolidated ac-

In addition to our audit of the annual ac-

counts, we examined significant decisions, ac-

counts and consolidated accounts, we have 

tions taken and circumstances of the company 

examined the proposed appropriations of the 

in order to determine whether any member of 

company’s profit or loss and the administra-

the Board of Directors or the Managing Direc-

tion of the Board of Directors and the Manag-

tor is liable to the company. We also examined 

ing Director of Sirius International Insurance 

whether any member of the Board of Directors 

Corporation (publ) for the year 2011.

or the Managing Director has, in any other 

way, acted in contravention of the Companies 

Responsibilities of the Board of Dir ectors                               

Act, the Insurance Business Act, the Annual 

       and the Managing Dir ector

Accounts Act for Insurance Companies or the 

The Board of Directors is responsible for the 

Articles of Association. 

proposal for appropriations of the company’s 

We believe that the audit evidence we 

profit or loss, and the Board of Directors and 

have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to 

the Managing Director are responsible for 

provide a basis for our opinion.

administration under the Companies Act and 

the Insurance Business Act.

Opinions

We recommend to the annual meeting of 

Auditor’s r esponsibility

shareholders that the profit be appropriated in 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion 

accordance with the proposal in the statutory 

with reasonable assurance on the proposed 

administration report and that the members 

appropriations of the company’s profit or 

of the Board of Directors and the Managing 

loss and on the administration based on our 

Director be discharged from liability for the 

audit. We conducted the audit in accordance 

financial year.

with generally accepted auditing standards in 

Sweden.

Stockholm, 6 March, 2012

Anna Hesselman
Authorized Public Accountant

Morgan Sandström
Authorized Public Accountant

81

 
Annual Report 2011

DEFINITIONS

Combined Ratio

Net claims incurred in relation to 

net premiums earned and operating 

expenses (both commissions and 

own expenses) in relation to net 

premiums earned.

Net Technical Provisions

Total technical provisions (premium 

& claims provisions) less reinsurers’ share 

of technical provisions.

Solvency Capital

Total of shareholders’ equity + deferred 

taxes (or untaxed reserves in the parent 

company) + excess values of investment 

assets.

Solvency Ratio

Solvency capital in relation to 

net premium income.

This is an unaudited translation of Sirius 

International Annual Report 2011. 

The audited Swedish version is the binding 

version.

82

Annual Report 2011

83

Annual Report 2011

Sirius was founded in 1945 as a captive by the Swedish industrial group Axel Johnson. Initially the 

company insured only Johnson fleet vessels and reinsured at Lloyd’s. Over time, Sirius moved into third 

party business and during the 1970s a global assumed reinsurance account was developed.

By 1978 Sirius had become one of the largest reinsurance companies in Sweden with premiums 

of about $40 million.

In 1985, the Johnson group ran into financial difficulties and reluctantly sold Sirius to the Swedish indus-

trial group ASEA, later to become ABB. Premium volume was now around $180 million, nearly all written 

on a proportional basis.

In 1990 Göran Thorstensson became CEO of Sirius. The company added non-proportional business and 

improved profitability. Sirius gradually emerged as a leading excess of loss reinsurer.

By 2000, Sirius was the only major Nordic reinsurer. Merely 15 years earlier, some 35-40 Nordic compa-

nies were writing assumed reinsurance accounts; alas, without sustainable results.

In 2004, history then repeated itself as Sirius’ second owner also ran into financial difficulties, enabling 

White Mountains to acquire Sirius for $428 million and record a gain of $111 million.

In 2011 on July 1 the wholly owned Syndicate 1945 started to underwrite. In the autumn Sirius America 

(former White Mountains Re America) became part of the Sirius Group.

A combination of strong underwriting controls and uniquely experienced management – most of the 

team has been with the company for more than 20 years – has allowed Sirius to outperform the reinsur-

ance industry over an extended period. Nearly all of Sirius’ customers have been business partners for a 

long time, many for more than 40 years.

The company’s philosophy has always been to write for profit only – every company says so but few 

walk the walk.

Management has no volume targets, avoids legacy problems by maintaining a strong balance sheet, and 

always sticks to what it knows.

Since the acquisition by White Mountains, Sirius has an average combined ratio of 86% and

cumulative underwriting profits in excess of $500 million. This long-term track record is perhaps 

unparalleled.

84

Annual Report 2011

Art and pr oduction:  Studio Ringvall

85