Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Insurance - Brokers / Swiss Reinsurance Co.

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

swcef · OTC Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker swcef
Exchange OTC
Sector Financial Services
Industry Insurance - Brokers
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2011 Annual Report · Swiss Reinsurance Co.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated
2011 Annual Report

Financial	statements

Content

03	
03	
04	
06	

08	

09	

10	

10	

18	
25	
36	

42	

44	
47	

49	
51	
54	
62	
66	

67	

74	

83	
84	
86	

	Group	financial	statements
	Income	statement
	Balance	sheet
	Statement	of	shareholders’	
equity
	Statement	of	comprehensive	
income
	Statement	of	cash	flow

	 88	 	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd
	 88	 	Annual	Report
	 91	 	Income	statement
	 92	 	Balance	sheet
	 94	 	Notes	
	103	 	Proposal	for	allocation	of	

disposable	profit

	104	 	Report	of	the	statutory	auditor

106	 	General	information
106	 	Cautionary	note	on	forward-looking	

statements

108	 	Note	on	risk	factors
113		 	Corporate	calendar	

and	contact	information

	Notes	to	the	Group	financial	
statements
	Note	1	Organisation	and	summary	
of	significant	accounting	policies
	Note	2	Investments
	Note	3	Fair	value	disclosures
	Note	4	Derivative	financial	
instruments
	Note	5	Deferred	acquisition	costs	
(DAC)	and	acquired	present	value	
of	future	profits	(PVFP)
	Note	6	Debt
	Note	7	Unpaid	claims	and	claim	
adjustment	expenses
	Note	8	Reinsurance	information	
	Note	9	Income	taxes
	Note	10	Benefit	plans
	Note	11	Share-based	payments
	Note	12	Commitments	and	
contingent	liabilities
	Note	13	Information	on	business	
segments
	Note	14	Subsidiaries,	equity	
investees	and	variable	interest	
entities
	Note	15	Restructuring	provision
	Note	16	Risk	assessment
	Report	of	the	statutory	auditor

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	
Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	is	a	leading	and	highly	diversified	global	reinsurer	and	part	of	the	Swiss	Re	group	of	companies.	The	
company	operates	through	offices	in	more	than	20	countries.	Founded	in	Zurich,	Switzerland,	in	1863,	Swiss	Re	offers	financial	services	
products	that	enable	risk-taking	essential	to	enterprise	and	progress.	The	company’s	traditional	reinsurance	products	and	related	services		
for	property	and	casualty,	as	well	as	the	life	and	health	business	are	complemented	by	insurance-based	corporate	finance	solutions	and	
supplementary	services	for	comprehensive	risk	management.	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	is	rated	AA–	by	Standard	&	Poor’s,	A1	by	
Moody’s	and	A+	by	A.M.	Best.	

The	new	Swiss	Re	corporate	structure	will	be	reflected	in	the	Group	financial	statements	beginning	with	the	first	quarter	of	2012.	During		
the	first	half	of	2012,	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	will	transfer	Corporate	Solutions	and	Admin	Re®	entities	through	a	dividend	in-kind	to	
Swiss	Re	Ltd.	These	transfers	are	subject	to	the	approval	of	our	principal	regulator,	the	Swiss	Financial	Market	Supervisory	Authority,	FINMA.	
Following	these	transfers,	the	Corporate	Solutions	and	Admin	Re®	entities	will	no	longer	be	subsidiaries	of	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	
and	will	instead	become	subsidiaries	of	Swiss	Re	Ltd.

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report	 1

	
Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

This	page	intentionally	left	blank

2	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report

Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

	Income	statement

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Revenues
Premiums	earned
Fee	income	from	policyholders
Net	investment	income
Net	realised	investment	gains	
(total	impairments	for	the	years	ended	31	December	were	683	in	2010	and	439	in	2011,	
of	which	423	and	258,	respectively,	were	recognised	in	earnings)
Other	revenues
Total	revenues

Expenses
Claims	and	claim	adjustment	expenses
Life	and	health	benefits
Return	credited	to	policyholders
Acquisition	costs
Other	expenses
Interest	expenses
Total	expenses

Income	before	income	tax	expense
Income	tax	expense
Net	income	before	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests

Income	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests
Net	income	after	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests

Convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument	
Net	income	attributable	to	common	shareholders

The	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	statements.

Note

8,	13
8,	13
2,	13

2,	13
13

8,	13
8,	13
13
8,	13
13
13

9

2010

2011

19	652
918
5	422

2	783
60
28	835

–7	254
–8	236
–3	371
–3	679
–2	526
–1	094
–26	160

2	675
–541
2	134

–154
1	980

–1	117
863

21	300
876
5	469

409
51
28	105

–8	810
–8	414
–61
–4	021
–3	115
–851
–25	272

2	833
–83
2	750

–172
2	578

0
2	578

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report	 3

	
Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

	Balance	sheet

As	of	31	December

Assets

USD	millions
Investments
Fixed	income	securities:

Available-for-sale,	at	fair	value	(including	5	157	in	2010	and	7	034	in	2011	
subject	to	securities	lending	and	repurchase	agreements)	
(amortised	cost:	2010:	79	443;	2011:	86	984)
Trading	(including	2	187	in	2010	and	620	in	2011	subject	to	securities	
lending	and	repurchase	agreements)

Equity	securities:	

Available-for-sale,	at	fair	value	(including	0	in	2010	and	45	in	2011	
subject	to	securities	lending	and	repurchase	agreements)	
(cost:	2010:	1	241;	2011:	1	907)
Trading

Policy	loans,	mortgages	and	other	loans
Investment	real	estate
Short-term	investments,	at	amortised	cost	which	approximates	fair	value	(including	1	319	in	
2010	and	87	in	2011	subject	to	securities	lending	and	repurchase	agreements)
Other	invested	assets
Total	investments

Cash	and	cash	equivalents		
(including	4	139	in	2010	and	36	in	2011	subject	to	securities	lending)
Accrued	investment	income
Premiums	and	other	receivables
Reinsurance	recoverable	on	unpaid	claims	and	policy	benefits
Funds	held	by	ceding	companies
Deferred	acquisition	costs
Acquired	present	value	of	future	profits
Goodwill
Income	taxes	recoverable
Other	assets

Note
2,	3,	4

2010

2011

80	950

93	770

11	252

7	548

1	474
19	513
5	630
2	040

21	446
14	642
156	947

16	928
1	085
11	095
12	637
9	346
3	571
4	565
4	083
426
7	720

1	960
16	753
8	325
1	983

14	394
19	821
164	554

11	298
1	226
11	441
11	837
9	064
3	923
4	226
4	051
703
5	797

8

5,	8
5

Total	assets

228	403

228	120

The	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	statements.

4	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report

Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

Liabilities	and	equity

USD	millions
Liabilities
Unpaid	claims	and	claim	adjustment	expenses
Liabilities	for	life	and	health	policy	benefits
Policyholder	account	balances
Unearned	premiums
Funds	held	under	reinsurance	treaties
Reinsurance	balances	payable
Income	taxes	payable
Deferred	and	other	non-current	taxes
Short-term	debt
Accrued	expenses	and	other	liabilities
Long-term	debt
Total	liabilities

Equity
Common	stock,	CHF	0.10	par	value

2010:	370	704	153;	2011:	370	706	931	shares	authorised	and	issued

Additional	paid-in	capital
Treasury	shares,	net	of	tax

Accumulated	other	comprehensive	income:

Net	unrealised	investment	gains/losses,	net	of	tax
Other-than-temporary	impairment,	net	of	tax
Cumulative	translation	adjustments,	net	of	tax
Accumulated	adjustment	for	pension	and	post-retirement	benefits,	net	of	tax

Total	accumulated	other	comprehensive	income

Retained	earnings
Shareholders’	equity

Non-controlling	interests
Total	equity

Total	liabilities	and	equity

The	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	statements.

Note

7
3,	8
8

6

6

2010

2011

64	690
39	551
36	478
6	305
4	399
4	376
708
1	716
10	798
14	049
18	427
201	497

35
10	530
–1	483

1	042
–169
–3	742
–522
–3	391

19	651
25	342

1	564
26	906

64	878
39	044
34	162
8	299
2	436
3	962
440
2	853
4	101
20	213
16	541
196	929

35
8	958
–1	134

4	223
–118
–3	924
–775
–594

22	229
29	494

1	697
31	191

228	403

228	120

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report	 5

	
Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

	Statement	of	shareholders’	equity

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument	(CPCI)

Balance	as	of	1	January
Reclassification	of	convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument1
Balance	as	of	period	end

Common	shares

Balance	as	of	1	January
Issue	of	common	shares
Balance	as	of	period	end
Additional	paid-in	capital
Balance	as	of	1	January
Share-based	compensation
Realised	gains/losses	on	treasury	shares
Sale	of	Swiss	Re	Specialised	Investments	Holdings	(UK)	Ltd2
Dividends	on	common	shares4
Balance	as	of	period	end
Treasury	shares,	net	of	tax
Balance	as	of	1	January
Purchase	of	treasury	shares
Issuance	of	treasury	shares,	including	share-based	compensation	to	employees
Balance	as	of	period	end

Net	unrealised	gains/losses,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
Other	changes	during	the	period	
Cumulative	effect	of	adoption	of	ASU	No.	2009-173
Balance	as	of	period	end

Other-than-temporary	impairment,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
Other	changes	during	the	period
Balance	as	of	period	end

Foreign	currency	translation,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
Other	changes	during	the	period	
Balance	as	of	period	end

Adjustment	for	pension	and	other	post-retirement	benefits,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
Change	during	the	period	
Balance	as	of	period	end

Retained	earnings

Balance	as	of	1	January
Net	income	after	non-controlling	interests
Convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument	(net	income)1
Dividends	on	common	shares4
Cumulative	effect	of	adoption	of	ASU	No.	2009-173
Balance	as	of	period	end

Shareholders’	equity	
Non-controlling	interests
Balance	as	of	1	January
Change	during	the	period
Income	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests
Balance	as	of	period	end

Total	equity	

6	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report

2010

2011

2	670
–2	670
0

35

35

10	472
48
10

10	530

–1	477
–49
43
–1	483

–993
2	070
–35
1	042

–397
228
–169

–3	560
–182
–3	742

–453
–69
–522

19	047
1	980
–1	117
–319
60
19	651
25	342

0
1	410
154
1	564
26	906

0

0

35

35

10	530
–87
–421
–29
–1	035
8	958

–1	483
–270
619
–1	134

1	042
3	181

4	223

–169
51
–118

–3	742
–182
–3	924

–522
–253
–775

19	651
2	578

22	229
29	494

1	564
–39
172
1	697
31	191

Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

1	The	CPCI	was	reclassified	from	equity	to	short-term	debt	upon	termination	on	4	November	2010.	The	final	cash	settlement	was	made	in	January	2011.
2		On	3	May	2011,	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	sold	its	subsidiary	Swiss	Re	Specialised	Investments	Holdings	(UK)	Limited	to	Swiss	Re	Ltd.	As	the	transaction	has	been	

accounted	for	in	a	manner	similar	to	a	transaction	between	entities	under	common	control,	the	difference	between	the	proceeds	received	and	the	book	value	was	accounted		
for	as	a	capital	transaction.

3		The	Group	adopted	a	new	accounting	pronouncement,	ASU	No.	2009-17	(FAS167),	an	update	to	Topic	810	–	Consolidation,	as	of	1	January	2010,	which	resulted	in	the	full	

consolidation	of	certain	VIEs.	This	resulted	in	a	transition	impact	to	retained	earnings	of	USD	60	million	and	to	net	unrealised	gains/losses	of	USD	–35	million.

4		In	2011,	dividends	to	shareholders	were	paid	in	the	form	of	a	withholding	tax	exempt	repayment	of	legal	reserves	from	capital	contributions.

The	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	statements.

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report	 7

	
Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

	Statement	of	comprehensive	income

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Net	income	before	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests
Other	comprehensive	income,	net	of	tax:
Change	in	unrealised	gains/losses	
Change	in	other-than-temporary	impairment	
Change	in	foreign	currency	translation	
Change	in	adjustment	for	pension	benefits	

Total	comprehensive	income	before	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests	

Comprehensive	income	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests
Total	comprehensive	income	attributable	to	common	shareholders

1	After	interest	on	convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument.

The	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	statements.

2010
1	0171

2	035
228
–182
–69
3	029

–154
2	875

2011
2	750

3	181
51
–182
–253
5	547

–172
5	375

8	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report

Financial	statements	|	Group	financial	statements

Statement	of	cash	flow

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Cash	flows	from	operating	activities
Net	income	attributable	to	common	shareholders
Add	net	income	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests

Adjustments	to	reconcile	net	income	to	net	cash	provided/used	by	operating	activities:

Depreciation,	amortisation	and	other	non-cash	items1
Net	realised	investment	gains/losses
Convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument
Change	in:

Technical	provisions,	net1
Funds	held	by	ceding	companies	and	other	reinsurance	balances
Reinsurance	recoverable	on	unpaid	claims	and	policy	benefits
Other	assets	and	liabilities,	net
Income	taxes	payable/recoverable
Income	from	equity-accounted	investees,	net	of	dividends	received
Trading	positions,	net
Securities	purchased/sold	under	agreement	to	resell/repurchase,	net

Net	cash	provided/used	by	operating	activities

Cash	flows	from	investing	activities
Fixed	income	securities:
Sales	and	maturities
Purchases
Net	purchase/sale/maturities	of	short-term	investments

Equity	securities:

Sales
Purchases

Cash	paid/received	for	acquisitions/disposal	of	reinsurance	transactions,	net
Net	purchases/sales/maturities	of	other	investments
Net	cash	provided/used	by	investing	activities

Cash	flows	from	financing	activities
Issuance/repayment	of	long-term	debt
Issuance/repayment	of	short-term	debt

Issuance
Repayment

Purchase/sale	of	treasury	shares
Interest	on	convertible	perpetual	capital	instrument
Dividends	paid	to	shareholders
Net	cash	provided/used	by	financing	activities

Total	net	cash	provided/used
Effect	of	foreign	currency	translation
Change	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	as	of	1	January
Impact	of	adoption	of	ASU	No.	2009-172	
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	as	of	30	September

2010

863
154

2	442
–2	783
1	117

–3	915
13
–1	366
–1	610
85
–265
1	452
–2	273
–6	086

2011

2	578
172

3	112
–409

–4	093
–1	501
275
–20
–546
–225
2	880
–785
1	438

137	361
–127	848
–10	621

142	952
–145	148
6	952

102
–923

–123
–2	052

2	351
–3	173
80
–454
3	560

1	052

–181

2	929
–7	094
–6
–323
–319
–3	761

–11	899
224
–11	675
27	810
793
16	928

114
–9	158
–270

–1	035
–10	530

–5	532
–98
–5	630
16	928

11	298

1		From	1	January	2011,	the	Group	presents	the	amortisation	of	deferred	acquisition	cost	in	“Depreciation,	amortisation	and	other	non-cash	items”.	Comparatives	for	2010	are	

presented	accordingly.

2		As	of	1	January	2010,	the	Group	adopted	ASU	No.	2009-17	(FAS167),	an	update	to	Topic	810	–	Consolidation,	which	resulted	in	the	full	consolidation	of	certain	VIEs.

Interest	paid	was	USD	1	278	million	and	USD	1	099	million	for	the	twelve	months	ended	31	December	2010	and	2011,	respectively.		
Tax	paid	was	USD	476	million	and	USD	706	million	for	the	twelve	months	ended	31	December	2010	and	2011,	respectively.

The	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	statements.

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2011	Annual	Report	 9

	
Financial statements

Notes to the Group financial statements

1  Organisation and summary of significant accounting policies

Nature of operations
The Swiss Reinsurance Company Group, which is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, comprises Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd  
(the parent company, referred to as “SRZ”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Swiss Reinsurance Company Group” or the “Group”).  
The Swiss Reinsurance Company Group is a wholesale provider of reinsurance, insurance and other insurance-based forms of risk transfer. 
Working through brokers and a network of more than 60 offices around the globe, its client base consists of insurance companies,  
mid-to-large-sized corporations and public sector clients.

Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America (US GAAP) and comply with Swiss law. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been 
eliminated on consolidation. 

Effective 20 May 2011, SRZ became a subsidiary of Swiss Re Ltd, a new holding company formed through an exchange offer in which  
SRZ shareholders were offered the opportunity to exchange their SRZ shares for shares of Swiss Re Ltd. On 8 December 2011, SRZ shares 
were delisted from the SIX Swiss Exchange and effective 13 December 2011, SRZ became a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Ltd. 
Consequently, in accordance with the relevant US GAAP guidance, no earnings per share disclosures were included in these financial 
statements. 

During the second quarter but prior to 20 May 2011, Swiss Re Specialised Investments Holdings (UK) Ltd (“SRSIH”) was transferred from 
SRZ to Swiss Re Ltd and became a related party of the Swiss Reinsurance Company Group. As a result of the transfer, contractual relationships 
between the Swiss Reinsurance Company Group and SRSIH (consisting mainly of other loans granted to SRSIH of USD 2 686 million and 
accrued expenses and other liabilities in respect of SRSIH of USD 2 331 million as of 31 December 2011) are presented as external party 
transactions in these financial statements.

The Swiss Re Group (Swiss Re Ltd and its consolidated subsidiaries) is implementing a new organisational structure which will be  
reflected in the financial statements of the Swiss Re Group beginning with the first quarter of 2012. During the first half of 2012,  
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd will transfer Corporate Solutions and Admin Re® entities through a dividend in-kind to Swiss Re Ltd.  
These transfers are subject to the approval of our principal regulator, FINMA. Following these transfers, the Corporate Solutions and  
Admin Re® entities will cease to be subsidiaries of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd and, therefore, will no longer be part of the  
Swiss Reinsurance Company Group; these entities will instead become subsidiaries of Swiss Re Ltd.

The new Group reporting structure will be reflected in the Group financial statements from the first quarter of 2012. It will consist of the 
Property & Casualty, the Life & Health and the Other segment. The Other segment will include mainly certain costs not allocated to the 
Reinsurance business segments, certain Treasury activities as well as the remaining non-core activities which have been in run-off since 
November 2007.

Principles of consolidation
The Group’s financial statements include the consolidated financial statements of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd and its subsidiaries. 
Voting entities which Swiss Re Reinsurance Company directly or indirectly controls through holding a majority of the voting rights are 
consolidated in the Group’s accounts. Variable interest entities (VIEs) are consolidated when the Group is the primary beneficiary. The Group 
is the primary beneficiary when it has power over the activities that impact the VIE’s economic performance and at the same time has the 
obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Companies which the Group does 
not control, but over which the Group directly or indirectly exercises significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method and  
are included in other invested assets. The Group’s share of net profit or loss in investments accounted for under the equity method is included 
in net investment income. Equity and net income of these companies are adjusted as necessary to be in line with the Group’s accounting 
policies. The results of consolidated subsidiaries and investments accounted for using the equity method are included in the financial 
statements for the period commencing from the date of acquisition.

Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as the related disclosure including contingent assets and liabilities. The Group’s liabilities for 
unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses and policy benefits for life and health include estimates for premium, claim and benefit data not 
received from ceding companies at the date of the financial statements. In addition, the Group uses certain financial instruments and invests in 
securities of certain entities for which exchange trading does not exist. The Group determines these estimates based on historical information, 
actuarial analyses, financial modelling and other analytical techniques. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates described above.

10  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Foreign currency remeasurements and translation
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured to the respective subsidiary’s functional currency at average quarterly 
exchange rates. Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured to the functional currency at closing exchange rates, whereas non-monetary 
assets and liabilities are remeasured to the functional currency at historical rates. Remeasurement gains and losses on monetary assets  
and liabilities and trading securities are reported in earnings. Remeasurement gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, investments 
in consolidated subsidiaries and investments accounted for using the equity method are reported in shareholders’ equity.

For consolidation purposes, assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with functional currencies other than US dollars are translated from the 
functional currency to US dollars at closing rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Translation adjustments 
are reported in shareholders’ equity.

Valuation of financial assets
The fair value of the majority of the Group’s financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets or observable inputs. These 
instruments include government and agency securities, commercial paper, most investment-grade corporate debt, most high-yield debt 
securities, exchange-traded derivative instruments, most mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and listed equity securities. In 
markets with reduced or no liquidity, spreads between bid and offer prices are normally wider compared to spreads in highly liquid markets. 
Such market conditions affect the valuation of certain asset classes of the Group, such as some asset-backed securities as well as certain 
derivative structures referencing such asset classes.

The Group considers both the credit risk of its counterparties and own risk of non-performance in the valuation of derivative instruments and 
other over-the-counter financial assets. In determining the fair value of these financial instruments, the assessment of the Group’s exposure 
to the credit risk of its counterparties incorporates consideration of existing collateral and netting arrangements entered into with each 
counterparty. The measure of the counterparty credit risk is estimated with incorporation of the observable credit spreads, where available, 
or credit spread estimates derived based on the benchmarking techniques where market data is not available. The impact of the Group’s 
own risk of non-performance is analysed in the manner consistent with the aforementioned approach, with consideration of the Group’s 
observable credit spreads. The value representing such risk is incorporated into the fair value of the financial instruments (primarily 
derivatives), in a liability position as of the measurement date. The change in this adjustment from period to period is reflected in realised 
gains and losses in the income statement.

For assets or derivative structures at fair value, the Group uses market prices or inputs derived from market prices. A separate internal price 
verification process, independent of the trading function, provides an additional control over the market prices or market input used to 
determine the fair values of such assets. Whilst management considers that appropriate values have been ascribed to such assets, there  
is always a level of uncertainty and judgment over these valuations. Subsequent valuations could differ significantly from the results of the 
process described above. The Group may become aware of counterparty valuations, either directly through the exchange of information  
or indirectly, for example, through collateral demands. Any implied differences are considered in the independent price verification process  
and may result in adjustments to initially indicated valuations. As of 31 December 2011, the Group had not provided any collateral on 
financial instruments in excess of its own market value estimates.

Investments
The Group’s investments in fixed income and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale (AFS) or trading. Fixed income securities 
AFS and equity securities AFS are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices, with the difference between original cost and fair 
value being recognised in shareholders’ equity. Trading fixed income and equity securities are carried at fair value with unrealised gains and 
losses being recognised in earnings.

The cost of equity securities AFS is reduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to realised investment losses if the decline in value, 
expressed in functional currency terms, is other-than-temporary. Subsequent recoveries of previously recognised impairments are not 
recognised.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  11

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

For debt securities AFS which are other-than-temporary impaired and there is not an intention to sell, the impairment is separated into (i) the 
estimated amount relating to credit loss, and (ii) the amount relating to all other factors. The estimated credit loss amount is recognised in 
earnings, with the remainder of the loss amount recognised in other comprehensive income. In cases where there is an intention or requirement 
to sell, the accounting of the other-than-temporary impairment is the same as for equity securities AFS described above.

Interest on fixed income securities is recorded in net investment income when earned and is adjusted for the amortisation of any purchase 
premium or discount. Dividends on equity securities are recorded on the basis of the ex-dividend date. Realised gains and losses on sales are 
included in earnings and are calculated using the specific identification method.

Policy loans, mortgages and other loans are carried at amortised cost. Interest income is recognised in accordance with the effective yield 
method.

Investment in real estate that the Group intends to hold for the production of income is carried at depreciated cost, net of any write-downs 
for impairment in value. Impairment in value is recognised if the sum of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows from the use of the real 
estate is lower than its carrying value. Impairment in value, depreciation and other related charges or credits are included in net investment 
income. Investment in real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, and is not depreciated. 
Reductions in the carrying value of real estate held for sale are included in realised investment losses.

Short-term investments are carried at amortised cost, which approximates fair value. The Group considers highly liquid investments with  
a remaining maturity at the date of acquisition of one year or less, but greater than three months, to be short-term investments. 

Other invested assets include affiliated companies, equity accounted companies, derivative financial instruments, collateral receivables, 
securities purchased under agreement to resell, and investments without readily determinable fair value (including limited partnership 
investments). Investments in limited partnerships where the Group’s interest equals or exceeds 3% are accounted for using the equity method. 
Investments in limited partnerships where the Group’s interest is below 3% and equity investments in corporate entities which are not 
publicly traded are accounted for at estimated fair value with changes in fair value recognised as unrealised gains/losses in shareholders’ 
equity. 

The Group enters into security lending arrangements under which it loans certain securities in exchange for collateral and receives securities 
lending fees. The Group’s policy is to require collateral, consisting of cash or securities, equal to at least 102% of the carrying value of the 
securities loaned. In certain arrangements, the Group may accept collateral of less than 102% if the structure of the overall transaction offers 
an equivalent level of security. Cash received as collateral is recognised along with an obligation to return the cash. Securities received as 
collateral that can be sold or repledged are also recognised along with an obligation to return those securities. Security lending fees are 
recognised over the term of the related loans.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Group uses a variety of derivative financial instruments including swaps, options, forwards and exchange-traded financial futures for  
the Group’s trading and hedging strategy in line with the overall risk management strategy. Derivative financial instruments are primarily 
used as a means of managing exposure to price, foreign currency and/or interest rate risk on planned or anticipated investment purchases, 
existing assets or liabilities and also to lock in attractive investment conditions for funds which become available in the future. The Group 
recognises all of its derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are 
adjusted to fair value through earnings.

If the derivative is designated as a hedge of the fair value of assets or liabilities, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognised in 
earnings, together with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. If the derivative is designated as a hedge of the variability in  
expected future cash flows related to a particular risk, changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income 
until the hedged item is recognised in earnings. The ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised in earnings. When hedge accounting is 

12  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

discontinued on a cash flow hedge, the net gain or loss remains in accumulated other comprehensive income and is reclassified to earnings 
in the period in which the formerly hedged transaction is reported in earnings. When the Group discontinues hedge accounting because it is 
no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur within the required time period, the derivative continues to be carried on the 
balance sheet at fair value, and gains and losses that were previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are recognised 
in earnings. 

The Group recognises separately derivatives that are embedded within other host instruments if the economic characteristics and risks are 
not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and if it meets the definition of a derivative if it 
were stand-alone. 

Derivative financial instrument assets are generally included in other invested assets, and derivative financial instrument liabilities are 
generally included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

The Group also designates non-derivative monetary financial instruments as a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of its net investment 
in certain foreign operations. From the inception of the hedging relationship, remeasurement gains and losses on the designated non-
derivative monetary financial instruments and translation gains and losses on the hedged net investment are reported as translation gains 
and losses in shareholders’ equity. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, short-term deposits, certain short-term investments in money market funds, and highly 
liquid debt instruments with a remaining maturity at the date of acquisition of three months or less.

Deferred acquisition costs
Acquisition costs, which vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of new insurance and reinsurance business, are deferred to 
the extent they are deemed recoverable from future gross profits. Deferred acquisition costs consist principally of commissions. Deferred 
acquisition costs for short-duration contracts are amortised in proportion to premiums earned. Future investment income is considered in 
determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs for short-duration contracts. Deferred acquisition costs for long-duration contracts 
are amortised over the life of underlying contracts. Deferred acquisition costs for universal-life and similar products are amortised based on 
the present value of estimated gross profits. Estimated gross profits are updated quarterly.

Business combinations
The Group applies the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. This method allocates the cost of the acquired entity to 
the assets and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

Admin Re® blocks of business can be acquired in different legal forms, either through an acquisition of an entity’s share capital or through a 
reinsurance transaction. The Group’s policy is to treat these transactions consistently regardless of the form of acquisition. Accordingly, the 
Group records the acquired assets and liabilities directly to the balance sheet. Premiums, life and health benefits and other income 
statement items are not recorded in the income statement on the date of the acquisition. 

The underlying liabilities and assets acquired are subsequently accounted for according to the relevant GAAP guidance, including specific 
guidance applicable to subsequent accounting for assets and liabilities recognised as part of the purchase method of accounting, including 
present value of future profit, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  13

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Acquired present value of future profits
The acquired present value of future profits (PVFP) of business in force is recorded in connection with the acquisition of life and/or health 
business. The initial value is determined actuarially by discounting estimated future gross profits as a measure of the value of business 
acquired. The resulting asset is amortised on a constant yield basis over the expected revenue recognition period of the business acquired, 
generally over periods ranging up to 30 years, with the accrual of interest added to the unamortised balance at the earned rate. For 
universal-life and similar products, PVFP is amortised in line with estimated gross profits, and estimated gross profits are updated quarterly. 
The carrying value of PVFP is reviewed periodically for indicators of impairment in value. Adjustments to reflect impairment in value are 
recognised in earnings during the period in which the determination of impairment is made.

Goodwill
The excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill, which  
is reviewed periodically for indicators of impairment in value. Adjustments to reflect impairment in value are recognised in earnings in the 
period in which the determination of impairment is made.

Other assets
Other assets include deferred expenses on retroactive reinsurance, separate account assets, prepaid reinsurance premiums, receivables 
related to investing activities, real estate for own use, property, plant and equipment, accrued income, certain intangible assets and prepaid 
assets. 

The excess of estimated liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses payable over consideration received in respect of retroactive 
property and casualty reinsurance contracts is recorded as a deferred expense. The deferred expense on retroactive reinsurance contracts is 
amortised through earnings over the expected claims-paying period. 

Separate account assets are carried at fair value. The investment performance (including interest, dividends, realised gains and losses and 
changes in unrealised gains and losses) of separate account assets and the corresponding amounts credited to the contract holder are offset 
to zero in the same line item in earnings.

Real estate for own use, property, plant and equipment are carried at depreciated cost. 

Capitalised software costs
External direct costs of materials and services incurred to develop or obtain software for internal use, payroll and payroll-related costs  
for employees directly associated with software development and interest cost incurred while developing software for internal use are 
capitalised and amortised on a straight-line basis through earnings over the estimated useful life.

Deferred income taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognised based on the difference between financial statement carrying amounts and the 
corresponding income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates and laws. A valuation allowance is recorded against 
deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset may not be realised.

Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for property and casualty reinsurance contracts are accrued when insured 
events occur and are based on the estimated ultimate cost of settling the claims, using reports and individual case estimates received from 
ceding companies. A provision is also included for claims incurred but not reported, which is developed on the basis of past experience 
adjusted for current trends and other factors that modify past experience. The establishment of the appropriate level of reserves is an inherently 
uncertain process, involving estimates and judgments made by management, and therefore there can be no assurance that ultimate claims 
and claim adjustment expenses will not exceed the loss reserves currently established. These estimates are regularly reviewed, and 
adjustments for differences between estimates and actual payments for claims and for changes in estimates are reflected in income in the 
period in which the estimates are changed or payments are made.

14  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

The Group does not discount liabilities arising from prospective property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts, including 
liabilities which are discounted for US statutory reporting purposes. Liabilities arising from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance 
contracts acquired in a business combination are initially recognised at fair value in accordance with the purchase method of accounting.

Experience features which are directly linked to a reinsurance asset or liability are classified in a manner that is consistent with the  
presentation of that asset or liability.

Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits from reinsurance business are generally calculated using the net level premium method, based  
on assumptions as to investment yields, mortality, withdrawals, lapses and policyholder dividends. Assumptions are set at the time the 
contract is issued or, in the case of contracts acquired by purchase, at the purchase date. The assumptions are based on projections from 
past experience, making allowance for possible adverse deviation. Interest assumptions for life and health reinsurance benefits liabilities  
range from 1% to 11%. Assumed mortality rates are generally based on experience multiples applied to the actuarial select and ultimate tables 
based on industry experience. Liabilities for policy benefits are increased if it is determined that future cash flows, including investment 
income, are insufficient to cover future benefits and expenses. 

The liability for accident and health policy benefits consists of active life reserves and the estimated present value of the remaining  
ultimate net costs of incurred claims. The active life reserves include unearned premiums and additional reserves. The additional reserves 
are computed on the net level premium method using assumptions for future investment yield, mortality and morbidity experience. The 
assumptions are based on projections of past experience and include provisions for possible adverse deviation.

Policyholder account balances
Policyholder account balances relate to universal life-type contracts and investment contracts. Interest crediting rates for policyholder 
account balances range from 2% to 9%.

Universal life-type contracts are long-duration insurance contracts, providing either death or annuity benefits, with terms that are not fixed 
and guaranteed. 

Investment contracts are long-duration contracts that do not incorporate significant insurance risk, ie there is no mortality and morbidity  
risk, or the mortality and morbidity risk associated with the insurance benefit features offered in the contract is of insignificant amount or 
remote probability. Amounts received as payment for investment contracts are reported as policyholder account balances. Related assets  
are included in general account assets. 

Amounts assessed against policyholders for mortality, administration and surrender are shown as fee income. Amounts credited to 
policyholders are shown as interest credited to policyholders. Investment income and realised investment gains and losses allocable  
to policyholders are included in net investment income and net realised investment gains/losses.

Funds held assets and liabilities
Funds held assets and liabilities include amounts retained by the ceding company or the Group for business written on a funds withheld 
basis, and amounts arising from the application of the deposit method of accounting to insurance and reinsurance contracts that do not 
indemnify the ceding company or the Group against loss or liability relating to insurance risk. 

Under the deposit method of accounting, the deposit asset or liability is initially measured based on the consideration paid or received. For 
contracts that transfer neither significant timing nor underwriting risk, and contracts that transfer only significant timing risk, changes in 
estimates of the timing or amounts of cash flows are accounted for by recalculating the effective yield. The deposit is then adjusted to the 
amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the inception of the contract. The revenue and expense 
recorded for such contracts is included in net investment income. For contracts that transfer only significant underwriting risk, once a loss  
is incurred, the deposit is adjusted by the present value of the incurred loss. At each subsequent balance sheet date, the portion of the 
deposit attributable to the incurred loss is recalculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows. The resulting changes in the carrying 
amount of the deposit are recognised in claims and claim adjustment expenses.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  15

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Premiums
Property and casualty reinsurance premiums are recorded when written and include an estimate for written premiums receivable at period 
end. Premiums earned are generally recognised in income over the contract period in proportion to the amount of reinsurance provided. 
Unearned premiums consist of the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided. Life reinsurance premiums are earned when due. Related 
policy benefits are recorded in relation to the associated premium or gross profits so that profits are recognised over the expected lives of  
the contracts. 

Life and health reinsurance premiums for group coverages are generally earned over the term of the coverage. For group contracts that allow 
experience adjustments to premiums, such premiums are recognised as the related experience emerges.

Reinsurance ceded
The Group uses retrocession arrangements to increase its aggregate underwriting capacity, to diversify its risk and to reduce the risk of 
catastrophic loss on reinsurance assumed. The ceding of risks to retrocessionaires does not relieve the Group of its obligations to its ceding 
companies. The Group regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires and monitors the concentration of credit risk to 
minimise its exposure to financial loss from retrocessionaires’ insolvency. Premiums and losses ceded under retrocession contracts are 
reported as reductions of premiums earned and claims and claim adjustment expenses. Amounts recoverable for ceded short- and long-
duration contracts, including universal life-type and investment contracts, are reported as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheet.

The Group provides reserves for uncollectible amounts on reinsurance balances ceded, based on management’s assessment of the 
collectibility of the outstanding balances. 

Receivables
Premium and claims receivables which have been invoiced are accounted for at face value. Together with assets arising from the application 
of the deposit method of accounting that meet the definition of financing receivables they are regularly assessed for impairment. Evidence  
of impairment is ageing and financial difficulties of the counterparty. Allowances are set up on the net balance, meaning all balances related 
to the same counterparty are considered. The amount of the allowance is set up in relation to the time a receivable has been due and financial 
difficulties of the debtor, and can be as high as the outstanding net balance.

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
The Group accounts for its pension and other post-retirement benefit costs using the accrual method of accounting. Amounts charged to 
expense are based on periodic actuarial determinations.

Share-based payment transactions
The Group has a long-term incentive plan, a fixed option plan, a restricted share plan, and an employee participation plan. These plans are 
described in more detail in Note 11. The Group accounts for share-based payment transactions with employees using the fair value method. 
Under the fair value method, the fair value of the awards is recognised in earnings over the vesting period. 

For share-based compensation plans which are settled in cash, compensation costs are recognised as liabilities, whereas for equity-settled 
plans, compensation costs are recognised as an accrual to additional paid-in capital within shareholders’ equity.

Treasury shares
Treasury shares are reported at cost in shareholders’ equity. Treasury shares also include stand-alone derivative instruments indexed to the 
Group’s shares that meet the requirements for classification in shareholders’ equity.

Subsequent events
Subsequent events for the current reporting period have been evaluated up to 15 March 2012. This is the date on which the financial 
statements are available to be issued.

16  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Recent accounting guidance
In January 2010, the FASB issued “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (ASU No. 2010-06), an update to Topic 820 – 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This new standard implements additional disclosure requirements for the three fair value levels. 
As required by the update, the Group adopted some of the requirements as of 1 January 2010. The remaining requirements were adopted  
as of 1 January 2011 and can be found in Note 3.

In December 2010, the FASB issued “When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative 
Carrying Amounts” (ASU No. 2010-28), an update to Topic 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. This update provides guidance under 
what circumstances a company is required to perform step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative 
carrying amounts. The Group adopted this guidance as of 1 January 2011. The adoption did not have an impact on the Group’s financial 
statements.

Also in December 2010, the FASB issued “Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” (ASU No. 2010-29), 
an update to Topic 805 – Business Combinations. This update specifies that an entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined 
entity as though the business combinations that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior 
annual reporting period only. The Group adopted this update as of 1 January 2011. The adoption did not have an impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring” (ASU No. 2011-02), 
an update to Topic 310 – Receivables. This update provides clarifications on the determination whether a restructuring of debt constitutes  
a troubled debt restructuring. The Group adopted this guidance as of 1 July 2011. The adoption did not have an impact on the Group’s  
financial statements.

In October 2010, the FASB issued “Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts” (ASU No. 2010-26), 
an update to Topic 944 – Financial Services – Insurance. This new guidance limits the definition of deferrable acquisition costs to costs 
directly related to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts. The Group will adopt ASU No. 2010-26 in the first quarter  
of 2012. We do not expect that the adoption will have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  17

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

2  Investments

Investment income
Net investment income by source (including unit-linked and with-profit business) was as follows:

USD millions
Fixed income securities
Equity securities
Policy loans, mortgages and other loans 
Investment real estate
Short-term investments
Other current investments
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees
Cash and cash equivalents
Deposits with ceding companies
Gross investment income
Investment expenses
Interest charged for funds held
Net investment income

2010
4 031
509
428
188
88
–32
351
102
513
6 178
–591
–165
5 422

2011
3 688
662
770
213
104
–173
276
101
478
6 119
–551
–99
5 469

Dividends received from investments accounted for using the equity method were USD 86 million and USD 51 million for 2010 and 2011, 
respectively.

Net investment income includes income on unit-linked and with-profit business, which is credited to policyholders.

USD millions
Unit-linked investment income
With-profit investment income

2010
593
145

2011
685
158

Realised gains and losses
Realised gains and losses for fixed income, equity securities and other investments (including unit-linked and with-profit business) were  
as follows:

USD millions
Fixed income securities available-for-sale:

Gross realised gains
Gross realised losses

Equity securities available-for-sale:

Gross realised gains
Gross realised losses

Other-than-temporary impairments
Net realised investment gains/losses on trading securities
Change in net unrealised investment gains/losses on trading securities
Other investments:

Net realised/unrealised gains/losses

Foreign exchange gains/losses
Net realised investment gains/losses 

2010

2011

2 193
–1 149

22
–1
–423
108
2 372

213
–552
2 783

2 599
–612

96
–234
–258
478
–1 063

–935
338
409

18  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities available-for-sale amounted to USD 118 947 million and USD 115 775 million for 2010  
and 2011, respectively. Sales of equity securities available-for-sale were USD 105 million and USD 2 389 million for 2010 and 2011, 
respectively.

Net realised investment gains/losses include net realised gains/losses on unit-linked and with-profit business, which are credited to 
policyholders.

USD millions
Unit-linked realised gains/losses
With-profit realised gains/losses

2010
2 034
196

2011
–1 272
26

Impairment on fixed income securities related to credit losses
Other-than-temporary impairments for debt securities are bifurcated between credit and non-credit components, with the credit component 
recognised through earnings and the non-credit component recognised in other comprehensive income. The credit component of other-
than-temporary impairments is defined as the difference between a security’s amortised cost basis and expected cash flows. Methodologies 
for measuring the credit component of impairment are aligned to market observer forecasts of credit performance drivers. Management 
believes that these forecasts are representative of median market expectations.

For securitised products, cash flow projection analysis is conducted integrating forward-looking evaluation of collateral performance drivers, 
including default rates, prepayment rates and loss severities, and deal-level features, such as credit enhancement and prioritisation among 
tranches for payments of principal and interest. Analytics are differentiated by asset class, product type and security-level differences in 
historical and expected performance. For corporate bonds and similar hybrid debt instruments, an expected loss approach based on default 
probabilities and loss severities expected in the current and forecast economic environment is used for securities identified as credit-impaired 
to project probability-weighted cash flows. Expected cash flows resulting from these analyses are discounted, and net present value is 
compared to the amortised cost basis to determine the credit component of other-than-temporary impairments.

A reconciliation of the other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses recognised in earnings was as follows:

USD millions
Balance as of 1 January

Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognised
Reductions for securities sold during the period 
Increase of credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognised previously, 
when the Group does not intend to sell, or more likely than not will not be required to sell before recovery
Impact of increase in cash flows expected to be collected 
Impact of foreign exchange movements

Balance as of 31 December

2010
1 409
196
–775

96
–69
–28
829

2011
829
141
–418

54
–85
–6
515

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  19

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Investments available-for-sale
Amortised cost or cost, estimated fair values and other-than-temporary impairments of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale 
as of 31 December were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Debt securities issued by governments 
and government agencies:

US Treasury and other US government 
corporations and agencies
US Agency securitised products
States of the United States and political 
subdivisions of the states
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
France
Other

Total
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities
Fixed income securities available-for-sale 
Equity securities available-for-sale 

2011 
USD millions
Debt securities issued by governments 
and government agencies:

US Treasury and other US government 
corporations and agencies
US Agency securitised products
States of the United States and political 
subdivisions of the states
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
France
Other

Total
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities
Fixed income securities available-for-sale 
Equity securities available-for-sale 

Amortised cost 
or cost

Gross  
unrealised  
gains

Gross 
unrealised 
losses

Other-than-temporary 
impairments 
recognised in other 
comprehensive income

Estimated 
 fair value

18 868
4 894

172
12 221
3 022
3 369
2 022
5 032
49 600
19 234
4 178
4 364
2 067
79 443
1 241

337
123

1
332
384
33
32
242
1 484
1 387
180
155
79
3 285
258

–539
–22

–7
–150
–18
–28
–21
–90
–875
–250
–155
–178
–66
–1 524
–25

18 666
4 995

166
12 403
3 388
3 374
2 033
5 184
50 209
20 359
4 020
4 304
2 058
80 950
1 474

–12
–183
–37
–22
–254

Amortised cost 
or cost

Gross  
unrealised  
gains

Gross 
unrealised 
losses

Other-than-temporary 
impairments 
recognised in other 
comprehensive income

Estimated 
 fair value

20 387
3 866

245
15 182
3 078
4 791
3 068
6 849
57 466
21 467
2 119
3 820
2 112
86 984
1 907

1 881
144

24
1 865
806
200
45
453
5 418
2 065
30
222
64
7 799
201

–1
–3

–6
–51
–2
–51
–52
–56
–222
–265
–154
–141
–54
–836
–148

22 267
4 007

263
16 996
3 882
4 940
3 061
7 245
62 661
23 254
1 885
3 863
2 107
93 770
1 960

–1
–1
–13
–110
–38
–15
–177

The “Other-than-temporary impairments recognised in other comprehensive income” column only includes securities with a credit-related 
loss recognised in earnings. Subsequent recovery in fair value of securities previously impaired in other comprehensive income is presented 
in the “Other-than-temporary impairments recognised in other comprehensive income” column.

20  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Investments trading
Fixed income securities and equity securities classified as trading as of 31 December were as follows:

USD millions
Debt securities issued by governments and government agencies
Corporate debt securities
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
Fixed income securities trading
Equity securities trading

2010
8 324
2 497
431
11 252
19 513

2011
4 492
2 774
282
7 548
16 753

Fixed income securities and equity securities classified as trading as of 31 December include securities held for unit-linked and with-profit 
business:

USD millions
Fixed income securities trading held for unit-linked business
Fixed income securities trading held for with-profit business
Fixed income securities trading
Equity securities trading held for unit-linked business
Equity securities trading held for with-profit business
Equity securities trading

2010
2 302
1 648
3 950
17 405
1 135
18 540

2011
2 354
1 741
4 095
15 231
951
16 182

Maturity of fixed income securities available-for-sale
The amortised cost or cost and estimated fair values of investments in fixed income securities available-for-sale by remaining maturity are shown 
below. Fixed maturity investments are assumed not to be called for redemption prior to the stated maturity date. As of 31 December 2010 
and 2011, USD 13 107 million and USD 10 274 million, respectively, of fixed income securities available-for-sale were callable.

USD millions
Due in one year or less
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities with no fixed maturity
Total fixed income securities available-for-sale

Amortised  
cost or cost
2 342
16 601
14 628
30 604
15 268
79 443

2010
Estimated  
fair value
2 379
16 891
15 189
31 360
15 131
80 950

Amortised  
cost or cost
3 020
19 696
17 955
38 594
7 719
86 984

2011
Estimated  
fair value
3 040
20 156
19 072
43 977
7 525
93 770

Assets pledged
As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, investments with the carrying value of USD 1 769 million and USD 1 961 million, respectively, were  
on deposit with regulatory agencies in accordance with local requirements.

As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, investments (including cash and cash equivalents) with a carrying value of approximately  
USD 8 573 million and USD 7 954 million, respectively, were placed on deposit or pledged to secure certain reinsurance liabilities.

As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, securities of USD 12 802 million and USD 7 823 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral  
in securities lending transactions and repurchase agreements. The associated liabilities of USD 1 750 million and USD 8 681 million, 
respectively, were recognised in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

A real estate portfolio with a carrying amount of USD 266 million serves as collateral for short-term senior operational debt of  
USD 695 million.

Collateral accepted which the Group has the right to sell or repledge
As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the fair value of the government and corporate bond securities received as collateral was  
USD 6 539 million and USD 4 241 million, respectively. Of this, the amount that was sold or repledged as of 31 December 2010 and 2011 
was USD nil million and USD nil million, respectively. The sources of the collateral are typically highly rated banking market counterparties.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  21

 
 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Unrealised losses on securities available-for-sale
The following table shows the fair value and unrealised losses of the Group’s fixed income securities, aggregated by investment category 
and length of time that individual securities were in a continuous unrealised loss position as of 31 December 2010 and 2011. As of 
31 December 2010 and 2011, USD 25 million and USD 144 million, respectively, of the gross unrealised loss on equity securities  
available-for-sale relates to declines in value for less than 12 months and USD nil million and USD 4 million, respectively, to declines in value 
for more than 12 months.

2010 
USD millions
Debt securities issued by governments 
and government agencies:

US Treasury and other US government 
corporations and agencies
US Agency securitised products
States of the United States and political 
subdivisions of the states
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
France
Other

Total
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities
Total

2011
USD millions
Debt securities issued by governments 
and government agencies:

US Treasury and other US government 
corporations and agencies
US Agency securitised products
States of the United States and political 
subdivisions of the states
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
France
Other

Total
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities
Total

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair value Unrealised losses

Fair value Unrealised losses

Fair value Unrealised losses

10 100
2 157

117
3 045
483
1 715
862
1 760
20 239
3 696
1 134
371
478
25 918

454
20

5
92
6
27
19
59
682
131
112
36
1
962

283
3

11
578
76
7
7
165
1 130
699
1 356
1 145
384
4 714

85
2

2
58
12
1
2
31
193
131
226
179
87
816

10 383
2 160

128
3 623
559
1 722
869
1 925
21 369
4 395
2 490
1 516
862
30 632

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

539
22

7
150
18
28
21
90
875
262
338
215
88
1 778

Total

Fair value Unrealised losses

Fair value Unrealised losses

Fair value Unrealised losses

337
500

37
2 832
79
1 027
1 133
1 210
7 155
2 760
829
812
662
12 218

1
3

1
50
1
50
52
44
202
145
111
123
15
596

40
47
2
10
4
142
245
700
702
342
184
2 173

5
1
1
1

13
21
133
153
56
54
417

337
500

77
2 879
81
1 037
1 137
1 352
7 400
3 460
1 531
1 154
846
14 391

1
3

6
51
2
51
52
57
223
278
264
179
69
1 013

During the second quarter of 2011 the Group reviewed the categorisation of fixed income securities available-for-sale between those securities 
that are in an unrealised loss position for less than 12 months and more than 12 months. Based on the review, the Group determined that the 
split, as presented in prior-period financial statements starting in the second quarter 2010, had to be revised. The split for the 2010 year-end 
comparative numbers is re-presented accordingly. As a result, additional fixed income securities with a fair value of USD 4 619 million and 
unrealised losses of USD 788 million are now shown in the unrealised loss position for more than 12 months as of 31 December 2010. These 
securities were presented in the unrealised loss position for less than 12 months in prior-period financial statements. The revision has no impact 
on net income, net equity or the balance sheet classification of the Group.

22  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Mortgages, loans and real estate
As of 31 December, the carrying values of investments in mortgages, policy and other loans, and real estate were as follows:

USD millions
Policy loans
Mortgage loans
Other loans
Investment real estate

2010
3 658
1 337
635
2 040

2011
3 664
1 336
3 325
1 983

The fair value of the real estate as of 31 December 2010 and 2011 was USD 3 306 million and USD 3 324 million, respectively. The carrying 
value of policy loans, mortgages and other loans approximates fair value.

As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the Group’s investment in mortgages and other loans included USD 270 million and USD 270 million, 
respectively, of loans due from employees, and USD 356 million and USD 357 million, respectively, due from officers. These loans generally 
consist of mortgages offered at variable and fixed interest rates.

As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, investments in real estate included USD 6 million and USD 6 million, respectively, of real estate held  
for sale.

Depreciation expense related to income producing properties was USD 40 million and USD 39 million for 2010 and 2011, respectively. 
Accumulated depreciation on investment real estate totalled USD 528 million and USD 558 million as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, 
respectively.

Substantially all mortgages, policy loans and other loan receivables are secured by buildings, land or the underlying policies. 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  23

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

This page intentionally left blank

24  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

3  Fair value disclosures

Fair value, as defined by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic, is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic requires all assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value to be categorised within 
the fair value hierarchy. This three-level hierarchy is based on the observability of the inputs used in the fair value measurement. The levels  
of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group has the ability to access. Level 1 inputs are 
the most persuasive evidence of fair value and are to be used whenever possible. 

Level 2 inputs are market-based inputs that are directly or indirectly observable but not considered level 1 quoted prices. Level 2 inputs 
consist of (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (ii) quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in non-active 
markets (eg markets which have few transactions and where prices are not current or price quotations vary substantially); (iii) inputs other 
than quoted prices that are observable (eg interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates); and 
(iv) inputs derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. These inputs reflect the Group’s own assumptions about market pricing using the best internal and 
external information available.

The types of instruments valued, based on quoted market prices in active markets, include most US government and sovereign obligations, 
active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  
The Group does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments, even in situations where it holds a large position and a sale could reasonably 
impact the quoted price.

The types of instruments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active, but are valued based on quoted market prices, broker  
or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most government agency securities, 
investment-grade corporate bonds, certain mortgage- and asset-backed products, less liquid listed equities, and state, municipal and 
provincial obligations. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Exchange-traded derivative instruments typically fall within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether they are 
considered to be actively traded or not.

Certain financial instruments are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, because they trade infrequently and therefore have little 
or no price transparency. Such instruments include private equity, less liquid corporate debt securities and certain asset-backed securities. 
Certain over-the-counter derivatives trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information, and the determination of fair value for these 
derivatives is inherently more difficult. Such instruments are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Pursuant to the election of the  
fair value option, the Group classifies certain Life & Health policy reserves to level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. When appropriate, valuations 
are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads, and credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on 
available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

The fair values of assets are adjusted to incorporate the counterparty risk of non-performance. Similarly, the fair values of liabilities reflect the 
risk of non-performance of the Group, captured by the Group’s credit spread. These valuation adjustments from assets and liabilities measured 
at fair value using significant unobservable inputs are recognised in net realised gains and losses. For the year ended 31 December 2011, 
these adjustments were non-material. Whenever the underlying assets or liabilities are reported in a specific business segment, the valuation 
adjustment is allocated accordingly. Valuation adjustments not attributable to any business segment are reported in Group items. 

In certain situations, the Group uses inputs to measure the fair value of asset or liability positions that fall into different levels of the fair value 
hierarchy. In these situations, the Group will determine the level in which the fair value falls based upon the lowest level input that is significant 
to the determination of the fair value.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  25

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Valuation techniques
US government securities typically have quoted market prices in active markets and are categorised as level 1 instruments in the fair value 
hierarchy. Non-US government holdings are generally classified as level 2 instruments and are valued on the basis of the quotes provided  
by pricing services, which are subject to the Group’s pricing validation reviews and pricing vendor challenge process. Valuations provided  
by pricing vendors are generally based on the actual trade information as substantially all of the Group’s non-US government holdings are 
traded in a transparent and liquid market.

Corporate debt securities mainly include US and European investment-grade positions, which are priced on the basis of quotes provided  
by third-party pricing vendors and first utilise valuation inputs from actively traded securities, such as bid prices, bid spreads to Treasury 
securities, Treasury curves, and same or comparable issuer curves and spreads. Issuer spreads are determined from actual quotes and 
traded prices and incorporate considerations of credit/default, sector composition, and liquidity and call features. Where market data is not 
available, valuations are developed based on the modelling techniques that utilise observable inputs and option-adjusted spreads and 
incorporate considerations of the security’s seniority, maturity and the issuer’s corporate structure.

Values of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and other asset-backed 
securities (Other ABS) are obtained both from third-party pricing vendors and through quoted prices, some of which may be based on the 
prices of comparable securities with similar structural and collateral features. Values of certain ABS for which there are no significant 
observable inputs are developed using benchmarks to similar transactions or indices. For both RMBS and CMBS, cash flows are derived 
based on the transaction-specific information which incorporates priority in the capital structure and are generally adjusted to reflect 
benchmark yields, market prepayment data, collateral performance (default rates and loss severity) for specific vintage and geography, 
credit enhancements, and ratings. For certain RMBS and CMBS with low levels of market liquidity, judgments may be required to determine 
comparable securities based on the loan type and deal-specific performance. CMBS terms may also incorporate lock-out periods that 
restrict borrowers from prepaying the loans or provide disincentives to prepay and therefore reduce prepayment risk of these securities,  
as compared to RMBS. The factors specifically considered in valuation of CMBS include borrower-specific statistics in a specific region,  
such as debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios, as well as the type of commercial property. 

The category Other ABS primarily includes debt securitised by credit card, student loan and auto loan receivables. Pricing inputs for these 
securities also focus on capturing, where relevant, collateral quality and performance, payment patterns, and delinquencies. 

The Group uses third-party pricing vendor data to value agency securitised products, which mainly include collateralised mortgage obligations 
(CMO) and MBS government agency securities. The valuations generally utilise observable inputs consistent with those noted above for 
RMBS and CMBS.

Equity securities held by the Group for proprietary investment purposes are mainly classified in levels 1 and 2. Securities classified in level 1 
are traded on public stock exchanges for which quoted prices are readily available. Level 2 equities include equity investments fair valued 
pursuant to the fair value option election and certain hedge fund positions; all valued based on primarily observable inputs. 

The category Other assets mainly includes the Group’s private equity and hedge fund investments, which are made directly or via ownership 
of funds. Substantially all these investments are classified as level 3 due to the lack of observable prices and significant judgment required  
in valuation. Valuation of direct private equity investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market 
prices and the lack of liquidity. Initial valuation is based on the acquisition cost, and is further refined based on the available market information 
for the public companies that are considered comparable to the Group’s holdings in the private companies being valued, and the private 
company-specific performance indicators, both historic and projected. Subsequent valuations also reflect business or asset appraisals, as 
well as market transaction data for private and public benchmark companies and the actual companies being valued, such as financing rounds 
and mergers and acquisitions activity. The Group’s holdings in the private equity and hedge funds are generally valued utilising net asset 
values (NAV), subject to adjustments, as deemed necessary, for restrictions on redemption (lock-up periods and amount limitations on 
redemptions). 

26  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

The Group holds both exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate, foreign exchange, credit and equity derivative contracts for 
hedging and trading purposes. The fair values of exchange-traded derivatives measured using observable exchange prices are classified  
in level 1. Long-dated contracts may require adjustments to the exchange-traded prices which would trigger reclassification to level 2 in the 
fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives are generally valued by the Group based on the internal models, which are consistent with industry 
standards and practices, and use both observable (dealer, broker or market consensus prices, spot and forward rates, interest rate and credit 
curves and volatility indices) and unobservable inputs (adjustments for liquidity, inputs derived from the observable data based on the 
Group’s judgments and assumptions). 

The Group’s OTC interest rate derivatives primarily include interest rate swaps, futures, options, caps and floors, and are valued based on the 
cash flow discounting models which generally utilise as inputs observable market yield curves and volatility assumptions.

The Group’s OTC foreign exchange derivatives primarily include forward, spot and option contracts and are generally valued based on the 
cash flow discounting models utilising as main inputs observable foreign exchange forward curves. 

The Group’s investments in equity derivatives primarily include OTC equity option contracts on single or baskets of market indices and equity 
options on individual or baskets of equity securities, which are valued using internally developed models (such as the Black-Scholes option 
pricing model, various simulation models) calibrated with the inputs, which include underlying spot prices, dividend curves, volatility 
surfaces, yield curves, and correlations between underlying assets.

The Group’s OTC credit derivatives include index and single name credit default swaps, as well as more complex structured credit derivatives. 
Plain vanilla credit derivatives, such as index and single-name credit default swaps, are valued by the Group based on the models consistent 
with the industry valuation standards for these credit contracts, and primarily utilising observable inputs published by market data sources, 
such as credit spreads and recovery rates. These valuation techniques warrant classification of plain vanilla OTC derivatives as level 2 
financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy. 

The Group also holds complex structured credit contracts, such as collateralised debt securities (CDS) referencing MBS, certain types of 
collateralised debt obligation (CDO) transactions, and the products sensitive to correlation between two or more underlying parameters 
(CDO-squared), all of which are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. A CDO is a debt instrument collateralised by various debt 
obligations, including bonds, loans and CDS of differing credit profiles. In a CDO-squared transaction, both the primary instrument and  
the underlying instruments are represented by CDOs. Generally, for CDO and CDO-squared transactions, the observable inputs such as  
CDS spreads and recovery rates are modified to adjust for correlation between the underlying debt instruments. The correlation levels are 
modelled at the portfolio level and calibrated at a transaction level to liquid benchmark rates.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  27

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the fair values of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis by level of input were as follows:

As of 31 December 2010 
USD millions
Assets
Fixed income securities

Debt securities issued by US government 
and government agencies
US Agency securitised products
Debt securities issued by non-US  
governments and government agencies
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities

Equity securities

Equity securities backing unit-linked and  
with-profit life and health policies
Equity securities held for proprietary  
investment purposes

Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts

Other assets
Total assets at fair value

Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts

Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value

Quoted prices in  
active markets for  
identical assets 
and liabilities  
(Level 1)

Significant other 
observable 
inputs 
(Level 2)

Significant  
unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3)

Impact of  
netting1

16 043

74 278

1 881

16 043

19 972

18 495

1 477
579
389
40
142

8
20
36 614

–577
–402
–41
–123

–11

–398
–975

3 041
5 011

34 438
21 108
4 210
4 427
2 043
812

45

767
6 850
4 000
1 098
1 170
369
213
–12
81 928

–5 649
–3 579
–1 103
–531
–317
–119

–1 290
–6 939

1 748
7
3
123
203

203
2 417
839
162

1 214
202
1 411
5 912

–4 532
–825
–72
–56
–1 007
–2 572
–271

–6 560

–6 560

5 772

–4 803

5 772

Total

92 202

19 084
5 011

34 438
22 856
4 217
4 430
2 166
20 987

18 540

2 447
3 286
5 228
1 300
1 312
1 583
423
1 419
117 894

–4 986
–4 806
–1 216
–710
–1 324
–2 702
–271
–1 688
–6 945

1  The netting of derivative receivables and derivative payables is permitted when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between two counterparties. A master 
netting agreement provides for the net settlement of all contracts, as well as cash collateral, through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of default, or on the  
termination of any one contract.

28  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

As of 31 December 2011 
USD millions
Assets
Fixed income securities

Debt securities issued by US government 
and government agencies
US Agency securitised products
Debt securities issued by non-US  
governments and government agencies
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities

Equity securities

Equity securities backing unit-linked and  
with-profit life and health policies
Equity securities held for proprietary  
investment purposes

Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts

Other assets
Total assets at fair value

Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts

Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total liabilities at fair value

Quoted prices in  
active markets for  
identical assets 
and liabilities  
(Level 1)

Significant other 
observable 
inputs 
(Level 2)

Significant  
unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3)

Impact of  
netting1

20 383

79 796

1 139

20 383

18 161

16 173

1 988
50

3
40

7
2 773
41 367

–33
–16
–4
–6

–7

–2 926
–2 959

2 194
4 018

40 558
24 917
2 031
3 962
2 116
483

9

474
7 010
4 147
866
1 400
391
206
1 860
89 149

–4 902
–3 439
–764
–376
–238
–85

–3 546
–8 448

1 111
4
8
16
69

69
2 646
1 512
112

986
36
2 041
5 895

–5 875
–1 191
–66
–54
–1 075
–3 489
–341
–2 331
–8 547

–7 252

–7 252

5 950

5 950

Total

101 318

22 577
4 018

40 558
26 028
2 035
3 970
2 132
18 713

16 182

2 531
2 454
5 659
981
1 440
1 377
249
6 674
129 159

–4 860
–4 646
–834
–436
–1 313
–3 581
–341
–8 803
–14 004

1  The netting of derivative receivables and derivative payables is permitted when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between two counterparties. A master 
netting agreement provides for the net settlement of all contracts, as well as cash collateral, through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of default, or on the  
termination of any one contract.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  29

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the reconciliation of the fair values of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis using 
significant unobservable inputs were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Assets
Balance as of 1 January 2010
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU No. 2009-17

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income 
Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases, issuances, and settlements
Transfers into level 31
Transfers out of level 31
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2010

Liabilities
Balance as of 1 January 2010

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income
Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases, issuances, and settlements
Transfers into level 31
Transfers out of level 31
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2010

Debt securities 
issued by non-US  
governments and  
government agencies

Corporate debt 
securities

Residential  
mortgage-backed  
securities

Commercial  
mortgage-backed  
securities

Other  
asset-backed  
securities

Equity securities held 

for proprietary 

Derivative interest 

Derivative foreign  

Derivative equity  

Derivative credit  

Other derivative  

investment purposes

rate contracts

exchange contracts

contracts

contracts

contracts

Other assets

Total

82

2 085

1 302

199

19
–5
–115
106
–85
–2
0

115
7
–77
87
–440
–29
1 748

–4
29
–73
90
–1 3332
–4
7

1
–4
44
–238
1
3

2 047
–84

–36
55
–1 430
176
–600
–5
123

170

–27

–2

65

–3

203

1 162

–58

–206

91

–148

–2

839

–293

22

3

54

48

56

1

162

–948

123

57

21

–88

10

–41

–31

0

1 214

–788

–314

–54

–2

2 316

283

1 321

–45

19

2

–48

–9

202

731

–35

129

64

31

–97

–2

1 411

–95

–220

11 027

–84

–784

214

–2 111

693

–2 989

–54

5 912

748

–220

Liabilities for life and 

Derivative interest 

Derivative foreign  

Derivative equity  

Derivative credit  

Other derivative  

health policy benefits

rate contracts

exchange contracts

contracts

contracts

contracts

Total

–1 738

–2 257

–5 331

–271

–825

–72

–56

–1 007

–2 572

–4 803

1 Transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
2  The Group has mainly transferred residential mortgage-backed securities with a maturity longer than 20 years from level 3 to level 2 as the valuation of those products is based 

on observable inputs.

30  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

2010 

USD millions

Assets

Balance as of 1 January 2010

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU No. 2009-17

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income 

Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases, issuances, and settlements

Transfers into level 31

Transfers out of level 31

Impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2010

Liabilities

Balance as of 1 January 2010

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income

Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases, issuances, and settlements

Transfers into level 31

Transfers out of level 31

Impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2010

1 Transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

2  The Group has mainly transferred residential mortgage-backed securities with a maturity longer than 20 years from level 3 to level 2 as the valuation of those products is based 

on observable inputs.

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Debt securities 

issued by non-US  

governments and  

government agencies

securities

securities

securities

Corporate debt 

mortgage-backed  

mortgage-backed  

Residential  

Commercial  

Other  

asset-backed  

securities

Equity securities held 
for proprietary 
investment purposes

Derivative interest 
rate contracts

Derivative foreign  
exchange contracts

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

Other derivative  
contracts

Other assets

Total

82

2 085

1 302

199

19

–5

–115

106

–85

–2

0

115

7

–77

87

–440

–29

1 748

–4

29

–73

90

–4

7

–1 3332

–238

1

–4

44

1

3

2 047

–84

–36

55

–1 430

176

–600

–5

123

170

–27
–2
65

–3
203

1 162

–58

–206
91
–148
–2
839

3

54

48
56

1
162

57

21

–88
10

–788

–314

0

1 214

–45

19
2
–48
–9
202

–35
129
64
31
–97
–2
1 411

2 316

283

1 321

Liabilities for life and 
health policy benefits

Derivative interest 
rate contracts

Derivative foreign  
exchange contracts

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

Other derivative  
contracts

11 027
–84

–784
214
–2 111
693
–2 989
–54
5 912

Total

–293

22

–948

123

–41

–31

–54

–2

–1 738

–2 257

–5 331

731

–95

–220

748

–220

–271

–825

–72

–56

–1 007

–2 572

–4 803

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  31

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

2011
USD millions
Assets
Balance as of 1 January 2011

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income 
Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases2
Issuances2
Sales2
Settlements2
Transfers into level 31
Transfers out of level 31
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2011

Liabilities
Balance as of 1 January 2011

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income
Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases2
Issuances2
Sales2
Settlements2
Transfers into level 31
Transfers out of level 31
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2011

Corporate debt 
securities

Residential  
mortgage-backed  
securities

Commercial  
mortgage-backed  
securities

US Agency 
securitised 
products

Other  
asset-backed  
securities

Equity securities held 

for proprietary 

Derivative interest 

Derivative foreign  

Derivative equity  

Derivative credit  

Other derivative  

investment purposes

rate contracts

exchange contracts

contracts

contracts

contracts

Other assets

1 748

–1
–1
76

–670
–147
223
–99
–18
1 111

7

–4
4

–3
4
–3
–1
4

3

–5

49

–30

17
–28
2
8

0

10

–10

0

123

–15
–15
163

–218
–12
10
–21
1
16

839

851

206

–397

13

1 512

–825

–413

46

1

0

1

11

–1

–11

0

–56

2

162

–63

95

–85

3

112

–72

13

–7

1 214

–77

163

–239

–23

–52

986

202

–48

–134

20

–4

36

1 411

39

20

1 136

–501

–1

9

–70

–2

2 041

–158

–771

90

1

8

–154

Total

5 912

716

12

1 930

–2 471

–153

264

–294

–21

5 895

–1 396

–7

144

–152

Liabilities for life and 

Derivative interest 

Derivative foreign  

Derivative equity  

Derivative credit  

Other derivative  

Accrued expenses 

health policy benefits

rate contracts

exchange contracts

contracts

contracts

contracts

and other liabilities

Total

–1 007

–2 572

–2 349

–7 152

–1 191

–66

–54

–3 489

–1

–1 075

18

–2 331

16

–8 547

203

38

4

21

–196

1

–2

69

–271

–69

–1

–341

1 Transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
2  ASU No. 2010-06, gross presentation of activity within level 3 roll forward, presenting separately information about purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements. 

The standard needs to be applied prospectively.

32  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

2011

USD millions

Assets

Balance as of 1 January 2011

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income 

Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases2

Issuances2

Sales2

Settlements2

Transfers into level 31

Transfers out of level 31

Impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2011

Liabilities

Balance as of 1 January 2011

Realised/unrealised gains/losses:

Included in net income

Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases2

Issuances2

Sales2

Settlements2

Transfers into level 31

Transfers out of level 31

Impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2011

Corporate debt 

mortgage-backed  

mortgage-backed  

securities

securities

securities

Residential  

Commercial  

US Agency 

securitised 

products

Other  

asset-backed  

securities

Equity securities held 
for proprietary 
investment purposes

Derivative interest 
rate contracts

Derivative foreign  
exchange contracts

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

Other derivative  
contracts

Other assets

1 748

–1

–1

76

–670

–147

223

–99

–18

1 111

7

–4

4

–3

4

–3

–1

4

3

–5

49

–30

17

–28

2

8

0

10

–10

0

123

–15

–15

163

–218

–12

10

–21

1

16

203

38
4
21

–196

1

–2
69

839

851

206

–397
13

1 512

162

–63

95

–85

3
112

0

1

11

–1

–11

0

1 214

–77

163

–239
–23

–52

986

202

–48

–134
20

–4
36

1 411

39
20
1 136

–501
–1
9
–70
–2
2 041

Liabilities for life and 
health policy benefits

Derivative interest 
rate contracts

Derivative foreign  
exchange contracts

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

Other derivative  
contracts

Accrued expenses 
and other liabilities

Total

5 912

716
12
1 930

–2 471
–153
264
–294
–21
5 895

Total

–271

–69

–1
–341

–825

–413

46
1

–56

2

–72

13

–7

–1 007

–2 572

–2 349

–7 152

–158

–771

90
1

8
–154

–1 396

–7
144
–152

–1 191

–66

–54

–1
–1 075

–3 489

18
–2 331

16
–8 547

1 Transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

2  ASU No. 2010-06, gross presentation of activity within level 3 roll forward, presenting separately information about purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements. 

The standard needs to be applied prospectively.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  33

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Gains and losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis 
using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
The gains and losses relating to the assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) were as 
follows:

USD millions
Gains/losses included in net income for the period

Whereof change in unrealised gains/losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date

2010
–36
–825

2011
–680
–1 286

Other assets measured at net asset value
Other assets measured at net asset value as of 31 December 2010 and 2011 were as follows:

USD millions
Private equity funds
Hedge funds
Private equity direct
Real estate funds
Total

2010 
Fair value
646
332
232
168
1 378

2011 
Fair value
679
1 030
171
172
2 052

Unfunded 
commitments
351

66
417

Redemption frequency 
(if currently eligible)

Redemption  
notice period

non-redeemable

na

redeemable1

90 – 180 days2

non-redeemable

non-redeemable3

na

na

1 The redemption frequency varies from once a month to once every three years.
2 Cash distribution can be delayed for up to three years depending on the sale of the underlyings.
3 One exception is a real estate fund that can be redeemed annually based on a 90-day notice period. This fund was fully redeemed in the second quarter of 2011.

The hedge fund investments employ a variety of strategies including global macro, relative value, and event-driven strategies across various 
asset classes including long/short equity and credit investments.

The private equity direct portfolio consists of equity and equity-like investments directly in other companies. These investments have no 
contractual term and are generally held based on financial or strategic intent.

Private equity and real estate funds generally have limitations imposed on the amount of redemptions from the fund during the redemption 
period due to illiquidity of the underlying investments. Fees may apply for redemptions or transferring of interest to other parties. 
Distributions are expected to be received from these funds as the underlying assets are liquidated over the life of the fund, which is generally 
from ten to twelve years.

The redemption frequency of hedge funds varies depending upon the manager as well as the nature of the underlying product. Additionally, 
certain funds may impose lock-up periods and redemption gates as defined in the terms of the individual investment agreement.

Fair value option
The fair value option under the Financial Instruments Topic permits the choice to measure specified financial assets and liabilities at fair value 
on an instrument-by-instrument basis.

The Group elected the fair value option for positions in the following line items in the balance sheet:

Fixed income securities trading
The Group elected the fair value option for the specific investments acquired within a transaction. These securities are classified as debt 
securities under the Group’s accounting policies. Upon election of the fair value option the securities were classified as trading, with changes 
in fair value recorded in earnings. The primary reason for electing the fair value option is to mitigate volatility in earnings as a result of using 
different measurement attributes. In the second quarter of 2010, these fixed income securities matured.

34  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Equity securities trading
The Group elected the fair value option for an investment previously classified as available-for-sale within other invested assets in the 
balance sheet. The Group economically hedges the investment with derivative instruments that offset this exposure. The changes in fair 
value of the derivatives are recorded in earnings. Electing the fair value option eliminates the mismatch previously caused by the economic 
hedging of the investment and reduces the volatility in the income statement.

Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
The Group elected the fair value option for existing guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) reserves related to certain variable annuity 
contracts which are classified as universal life-type contracts. The Group has applied the fair value option as the equity risk associated with 
those contracts is managed on a fair value basis, and it is economically hedged with derivative options in the market.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to election of the fair value option
Pursuant to the election of the fair value option for the items described, the balances as of 31 December 2010 and 2011 were as follows:

USD millions
Assets
Fixed income securities trading

of which at fair value pursuant to the fair value option

Equity securities trading

of which at fair value pursuant to the fair value option

Liabilities
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits

of which at fair value pursuant to the fair value option

2010

2011

11 252
01
19 513
475

7 548
0
16 753
455

–39 551
–271

–39 044
–341

1 These fixed income securities matured in the second quarter of 2010. Related changes in fair values are presented in the table below.

Changes in fair values for items measured at fair value pursuant to election of the fair value option
Gains/losses included in earnings for items measured at fair value pursuant to election of the fair value option including foreign exchange 
impact were as follows:

USD millions
Fixed income securities trading
Equity securities trading
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Total

2010
–23
–17
22
–18

2011
0
–20
–71
–91

Fair value changes, interest and dividends from fixed income securities trading and equity securities trading are reported in net realised 
investment gains/losses. Fair value changes from liabilities for life and health policy benefits are shown in life and health benefits.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  35

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

4  Derivative financial instruments

The Group uses a variety of derivative financial instruments including swaps, options, forwards, credit derivatives, and exchange-traded 
financial futures in its trading and hedging strategies, in line with the Group’s overall risk management strategy. The objectives include 
managing exposure to price, foreign currency and/or interest rate risk on planned or anticipated investment purchases, existing assets or 
liabilities, as well as locking in attractive investment conditions for future available funds.

The fair values represent the gross carrying value amounts at the reporting date for each class of derivative contract held or issued by the 
Group. The gross fair values are not an indication of credit risk, as many over-the-counter transactions are contracted and documented under 
ISDA master agreements or their equivalent. Management believes that such agreements provide for legally enforceable setoff in the event 
of default, which substantially reduces credit exposure.

36  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Fair values and notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the fair values and notional amounts of the derivatives outstanding were as follows:

As of 31 December 2010 
USD millions
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts
Total 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Total 

Notional amount  
assets/liabilities

Fair value 
 assets

Fair value 
 liabilities

Carrying value  
assets/liabilities

452 349
41 372
13 450
53 087
28 949
589 207

4 582
3 012
7 594

4 646
1 270
1 312
1 583
423
9 234

582
30
612

–4 796
–1 201
–710
–1 324
–2 702
–10 733

–10
–15
–25

–150
69
602
259
–2 279
–1 499

572
15
587

Total derivative financial instruments

596 801

9 846

–10 758

–912

Amount offset

Where a right of setoff exists 
Due to cash collateral

Total net amount of derivative financial instruments

–5 437
–1 123
3 286

5 437
335
–4 986

–1 700

As of 31 December 2011 
USD millions
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts
Total 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Total 

Notional amount  
assets/liabilities

Fair value 
 assets

Fair value 
 liabilities

Carrying value  
assets/liabilities

153 706
28 714
9 338
45 241
24 039
261 038

2 914
2 077
4 991

4 780
981
1 440
1 377
249
8 827

879

879

–4 642
–766
–436
–1 313
–3 581
–10 738

–4
–68
–72

138
215
1 004
64
–3 332
–1 911

875
–68
807

Total derivative financial instruments

266 029

9 706

–10 810

–1 104

Amount offset

Where a right of setoff exists 
Due to cash collateral

Total net amount of derivative financial instruments

–5 756
–1 496
2 454

5 756
194
–4 860

–2 406

The notional amounts of derivative financial instruments give an indication of the Group’s volume of derivative activity. The fair value assets 
are included in other invested assets and the fair value liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The fair value amounts 
that were not offset were nil as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  37

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Non-hedging activities
The Group primarily uses derivative financial instruments for risk management and trading strategies. Gains and losses of derivative financial 
instruments not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in net realised investment gains/losses in the income statement. For the 
years ended 31 December 2010 and 2011, the gains and losses of derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments 
were as follows:

USD millions
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity contracts
Credit contracts
Other contracts
Total gain/loss recognised in income

2010

–64
494
–2
–73
–116
239

2011

18
361
143
–219
–799
–496

Hedging activities
The Group designates certain derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments. The designation of derivative financial instruments is 
primarily used for overall portfolio and risk management strategies. As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the following hedging relationships 
were outstanding:

Fair value hedges
The Group enters into interest rate and foreign exchange swaps to reduce the exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange volatility for 
certain of its issued debt positions. These derivative instruments are designated as hedging instruments in qualifying fair value hedges. 
Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedging instruments are recorded in net realised investment 
gains/losses in the income statement. For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2011, the gains and losses attributable to the hedged 
risks were as follows:

USD millions
Fair value hedging relationships
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Total gain/loss recognised in income

Gains/losses  
on derivatives

2010
Gains/losses on  
hedged items 

Gains/losses  
on derivatives

2011
Gains/losses on  
hedged items 

183
–57
126

–147
116
–31

406
–69
337

–398
74
–324

Hedges of the net investment in foreign operations
The Group designates non-derivative monetary financial instruments as hedging the foreign currency exposure of its net investment in 
certain foreign operations.

For the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2011, the Group recorded an accumulated net unrealised foreign currency remeasurement 
gain of USD 171million and a gain of USD 397 million, respectively, in shareholders’ equity. These offset translation gains and losses on  
the hedged net investment.

38  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Maximum potential loss
In consideration of the rights of setoff and the qualifying master netting arrangements with various counterparties, the maximum potential 
loss as of 31 December 2010 and 2011 was approximately USD 4 409 million and USD 3 950 million, respectively. The maximum potential 
loss is based on the positive market replacement cost, assuming non-performance of all counterparties, net of cash collateral.

Credit risk-related contingent features
Certain derivative instruments held by the Group contain provisions that require its debt to maintain an investment-grade credit rating. If the 
Group’s credit rating were downgraded or no longer rated, the counterparties could request immediate payment, guarantee or an ongoing 
full overnight collateralisation on derivative instruments in net liability positions.

The total fair value of derivative financial instruments containing credit risk-related contingent features amounted to USD 1 975 million and 
USD 1 538 million as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively. For derivative financial instruments containing credit risk-related 
contingent features, the Group posted collateral of USD 335 million and USD 194 million as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively. 
In the event of a reduction of the Group’s credit rating to below investment grade, a fair value of USD 1 344 million additional collateral  
would have had to be posted as of 31 December 2011. The total equals the amount needed to settle the instruments immediately as of  
31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Credit derivatives written/sold
The Group writes/sells credit derivatives, including credit default swaps, credit spread options and credit index products, and total return 
swaps. The total return swaps, for which the Group assumes asset risk mainly of variable interest entities, qualify as guarantees under  
FASB ASC Topic 460. These activities are part of the Group’s overall portfolio and risk management strategies. The events that could require 
the Group to perform include bankruptcy, default, obligation acceleration or moratorium of the credit derivative’s underlying.

The following tables show the fair values and the maximum potential payout of the credit derivatives written/sold as of 31 December 2010 
and 2011, categorised by the type of credit derivative and credit spreads, which were based on external market data. The fair values 
represent the gross carrying values, excluding the effects of netting under ISDA master agreements and cash collateral netting. The maximum 
potential payout is based on the notional values of the derivatives and represents the gross undiscounted future payments the Group would 
be required to make, assuming the default of all credit derivatives’ underlyings.

The fair values of the credit derivatives written/sold do not represent the Group’s effective net exposure as the ISDA master agreement and 
the cash collateral netting are excluded.

The Group has purchased protection to manage the performance/payment risks related to credit derivatives. As of 31 December 2010 and 
2011, the total purchased credit protection based on notional values was USD 30 304 million and USD 26 367 million, respectively. Thereof 
USD 12 025 million and USD 8 159 million, respectively, were related to identical underlyings for which the Group sold credit protection.  
For tranched indexes and baskets, only matching tranches of the respective index were determined as identical. In addition to the purchased 
credit protection, the Group manages the performance/payment risks through a correlation hedge, which is established with non-identical 
offsetting positions.

The maximum potential payout is based on notional values of the credit derivatives. The Group enters into total return swaps mainly with 
variable interest entities which issue insurance-linked and credit-linked securities.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  39

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the fair values and maximum potential payout of the written credit derivatives outstanding were as 
follows:

As of 31 December 2010 
USD millions
Credit Default Swaps
Credit spread in basis points

0–250
251–500
501–1 000
Greater than 1 000
No credit spread available

Total 

Credit Index Products
Credit spread in basis points

0–250
251–500
501–1 000
Greater than 1 000

Total 

Total Return Swaps
Credit spread in basis points
No credit spread available

Total 

Total fair values  
of credit  
derivatives  
written/sold 

 Maximum potential payout (time to maturity)

0–5 years

5–10 years

Over 10 years

Total maximum 
potential payout

29
–43
–9
–307

–330

–273
29
43
1
–200

95
95

5 223
285
301
85
200
6 094

1 436
2 814
48

4 298

1 485
1 485

2 416

2 416

9 061
128
29
10
9 228

581
581

185

562

747

0

0

7 639
470
301
647
200
9 257

10 497
2 942
77
10
13 526

2 066
2 066

Total credit derivatives written/sold

–435

11 877

12 225

747

24 849

40  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

As of 31 December 2011 
USD millions
Credit Default Swaps
Credit spread in basis points

0–250
251–500
501–1 000
Greater than 1 000
No credit spread available

Total 

Credit Index Products
Credit spread in basis points

0–250
251–500
501–1 000
Greater than 1 000

Total 

Total Return Swaps
Credit spread in basis points
No credit spread available

Total 

Total fair values  
of credit  
derivatives  
written/sold

 Maximum potential payout (time to maturity)

0–5 years

5–10 years

Over 10 years

Total maximum 
potential payout

–89
–40
–17
–331

–477

–280
–57
–47
–56
–440

100
100

3 874
95
145
154

4 268

11 778

12

11 790

997
997

1 692

5

1 697

134
106
71
116
427

0

17
143
37
495

692

0

0

5 583
238
182
654
0
6 657

11 912
106
83
116
12 217

997
997

Total credit derivatives written/sold

–817

17 055

2 124

692

19 871

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  41

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

5  Deferred acquisition costs (DAC) and acquired present value of future profits (PVFP)

For the years ended 31 December, the DAC and PVFP were as follows:

2010
USD millions
Opening balance as of 1 January 2010
Deferred
Effect of acquisitions/disposals and retrocessions
Amortisation
Interest accrued on unamortised PVFP
Effect of foreign currency translation 
Effect of change in unrealised gains/losses
Closing balance as of 31 December 2010

2011
USD millions
Opening balance as of 1 January 2011
Deferred
Effect of acquisitions/disposals and retrocessions
Amortisation
Interest accrued on unamortised PVFP
Effect of foreign currency translation 
Effect of change in unrealised gains/losses
Closing balance as of 31 December 2011

Non-Life
869
1 734

–1 805

–6

792

Non-Life
792
2 432
–10
–1 985

–2

Life & Health
3 025
313
–212
–365

DAC
Total
3 894
2 047
–212
–2 170

18

12

2 779

3 571

Life & Health
2 779
254

–314

–23

DAC
Total
3 571
2 686
–10
–2 299

–25

1 227

2 696

3 923

PVFP

6 054

–1 154
–449
247
–75
–58
4 565

PVFP

4 565

247
–631
231
–20
–166
4 226

Retroceded DAC and PVFP may arise on retrocession of reinsurance portfolios, including reinsurance undertaken as part of a securitisation. 
The associated potential retrocession recoveries are determined by the nature of the retrocession agreements and by the terms of the 
securitisation.

The percentage of PVFP which is expected to be amortised in each of the next five years is 8%, 8%, 7%, 7% and 7%.

42  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

This page intentionally left blank

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  43

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

6  Debt

The Group enters into long- and short-term debt arrangements to obtain funds for general corporate use and specific transaction financing. 
The Group defines short-term debt as debt having a maturity at the balance sheet date of less than one year and long-term debt as having  
a maturity of greater than one year. Interest expense is classified accordingly. 

The Group’s debt as of 31 December was as follows:

USD millions
Senior financial debt
Senior financial debt – convertible perpetual capital instrument
Senior operational debt
Subordinated financial debt
Short-term debt – financial and operational debt

Senior financial debt
Senior operational debt
Subordinated financial debt
Subordinated operational debt
Long-term debt – financial and operational debt

Total carrying value
Total fair value

Maturity of long-term debt
As of 31 December, long-term debt as reported above had the following maturities:

USD millions
Due in 2012
Due in 2013
Due in 2014
Due in 2015
Due in 2016
Due after 2016
Total carrying value

 1 Balance was reclassified to short-term debt.

2010
33
3 966
5 018
1 781
10 798

2 590
6 976
3 634
5 227
18 427

29 225
28 017

2010
2 310
1 621
1 773
697
2 456
9 570
18 427

2011
279

3 822

4 101

2 976
4 854
3 587
5 124
16 541

20 642
19 996

2011
01
1 605
1 735
691
2 304
10 206
16 541

44  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Senior long-term debt

Instrument
Maturity
EMTN
2013
EMTN
2013
Insurance-linked placements
2013
EMTN
2014
EMTN
2014
EMTN
2014
EMTN
2014
EMTN
2015
EMTN
2015
Credit-linked note
2016
EMTN
2017
Senior note1
2019
Senior note1
2026
Senior note1
2030
Various
Payment undertaking agreements
Total senior debt as of 31 December 2011
Total senior debt as of 31 December 2010

1 Assumed in the acquisition of Insurance Solutions.

Issued in
2009
2009
2007
2009
2009
2009
2010
2001
2010
2007
2011
1999
1996
2000
various

Currency
CHF
USD
USD
EUR
CHF
CHF 
CHF 
CHF
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
USD
USD
USD

Nominal in millions
700
750
47
600
500
50
250
150
500
235
600
400
600
350
732

Interest rate
4.25%
4.13%
various
7.00%
3.25%
2.94%
1.75%
4.00%
2.00%
1M Libor
2.13%
6.45%
7.00%
7.75%
various

Book value in USD millions
756
773
47
806
543
53
267
161
531
235
636
514
888
585
1 035
7 830
9 566

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  45

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

2 225

2 899
1 294
752
774
767
8 711
8 861

2011
80
283
230
256
849

2016
2016
2019
2017

2010
75
349
266
248
938

Subordinated long-term debt

Maturity

2047

2057

Instrument
Subordinated private placement  
(amortising, limited recourse)
Subordinated private placement  
(amortising, limited recourse)
Subordinated perpetual loan note
Subordinated perpetual loan note
Subordinated perpetual loan note
2 subordinated perpetual loan notes

Total subordinated debt as of 31 December 2011
Total subordinated debt as of 31 December 2010

Issued in

Currency

Nominal in millions Interest rate…

… first call in

Book value 
in USD millions

2007

2007
2006
2006
2007
2007

GBP

GBP
EUR
USD
GBP
AUD

1 432

4.90%

1 866
1 000
752
500
750

4.78%
5.25%
6.85%
6.30%
various

Interest expense on long-term debt
Interest expense on long-term debt for the periods ended 31 December was as follows:

USD millions
Senior financial debt
Senior operational debt
Subordinated financial debt
Subordinated operational debt
Total 

Long-term debt issued in 2011
In December 2011, the Group issued CHF 600 million under the EMTN programme, due in 2017 with a coupon of 2.125%.

46  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

7  Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses

The liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is analysed as follows:

USD millions
Non-Life
Life & Health
Total

2010
53 345
11 345
64 690

2011
53 827
11 051
64 878

A reconciliation of the opening and closing reserve balances for non-life unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for the period is 
presented as follows:

USD millions
Balance as of 1 January 
Reinsurance recoverable
Deferred expense on retroactive reinsurance
Net

Incurred related to:
Current year
Prior year

Amortisation of deferred expense on retroactive reinsurance and impact of commutations
Total incurred

Paid related to:
Current year
Prior year

Total paid

Foreign exchange
Effect of acquisitions, disposals, new retroactive reinsurance and other items

Net
Reinsurance recoverable
Deferred expense on retroactive reinsurance
Balance as of 31 December 

2010
57 015
–6 307
–455
50 253

7 255
–240
66
7 081

–1 202
–8 501
–9 703

–562
158

47 227
5 717
401
53 345

2011
53 345
–5 717
–401
47 227

10 322
–1 735
73
8 660

–1 694
–7 899
–9 593

–441
1 044

46 897
6 610
320
53 827

The Group does not discount liabilities arising from prospective property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts, including 
liabilities which are discounted for US statutory reporting purposes. Liabilities arising from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance 
contracts acquired in a business combination are initially recognised at fair value in accordance with the purchase method of accounting.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  47

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Asbestos and environmental claims exposure
The Group’s obligation for claims payments and claims settlement charges also includes obligations for long-latent injury claims arising out 
of policies written prior to 1985, in particular in the area of US asbestos and environmental liability. 

Due to the inherent uncertainties and assumptions on which these estimates are based, however, the Group cannot exclude the need to 
make further additions to these provisions in the future.

At the end of 2011, the Group carried net reserves for US asbestos, environmental and other long-latent health hazards equal to  
USD 2 214 million. During 2011, the Group incurred net losses of USD 128 million and paid net against these liabilities USD 183 million.

The Group maintains an active commutation strategy to reduce exposure. When commutation payments are made, the traditional “survival 
ratio” is artificially reduced by premature payments which should not imply a reduction in reserve adequacy.

Prior-year development
Claims development on prior years were driven by favourable experience in property, liability, credit and other specialty lines. Some reserve 
strengthening was absorbed in the overall number, on US Workers’ Compensation business, UK Motor business and an increase for  
US asbestos and environmental losses. The adverse development cover with Berkshire Hathaway, which covers losses from 2008 or  
earlier, remains in place but had no impact on the result for 2011, as it was already recognised at the minimum commutation value at  
year-end 2010 and remains recognised at that value.

48  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

8  Reinsurance information

For the years ended 31 December

Premiums written, premiums earned and fees assessed against policyholders

USD millions
Premiums written
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Total premiums written

Premiums earned
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Total premiums earned

Fee income from policyholders
Direct
Assumed
Ceded
Total fee income from policyholders

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

USD millions
Claims paid
Gross
Retro
Net

Change in unpaid claims and claim 
adjustment expenses; 
life and health benefits

Gross
Retro
Net

Claims and claim adjustment  
expenses; life and health benefits

Acquisition costs

USD millions
Acquisition costs

Acquisition costs, gross
Acquisition costs, retro

Acquisition costs, net

Non-Life

Life & Health

1 760
12 023
–3 114
10 669

1 721
12 157
–2 985
10 893

1 222
9 751
–2 209
8 764

1 220
9 752
–2 213
8 759

682
254
–18
918

Non-Life

Life & Health

–11 460
1 757
–9 703

–10 475
1 831
–8 644

2010
Total

2 982
21 774
–5 323
19 433

2 941
21 909
–5 198
19 652

682
254
–18
918

2010
Total

–21 935
3 588
–18 347

Non-Life

Life & Health

1 940
15 241
–3 610
13 571

1 837
13 539
–3 301
12 075

1 169
10 314
–2 186
9 297

1 165
10 251
–2 191
9 225

650
238
–12
876

Non-Life

Life & Health

–11 401
1 808
–9 593

–11 241
2 381
–8 860

2011
Total

3 109
25 555
–5 796
22 868

3 002
23 790
–5 492
21 300

650
238
–12
876

2011
Total

–22 642
4 189
–18 453

3 285
–836
2 449

–79
487
408

3 206
–349
2 857

194
589
783

535
–89
446

729
500
1 229

–7 254

–8 236

–15 490

–8 810

–8 414

–17 224

Non-Life

Life & Health

–2 739
886
–1 853

–2 155
329
–1 826

2010
Total

–4 894
1 215
–3 679

Non-Life

Life & Health

–3 050
1 015
–2 035

–2 330
344
–1 986

2011
Total

–5 380
1 359
–4 021

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  49

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Reinsurance assets and liabilities
The reinsurance assets and liabilities as of 31 December were as follows:

USD millions
Assets
Reinsurance recoverable
Deferred acquisition costs

Liabilities
Unpaid claims and claim adjustment 
expenses
Life and health policy benefits
Policyholder account balances

Non-Life

Life & Health

5 717
793

6 920
2 778

53 345

11 345
39 551
36 478

2010
Total

12 637
3 571

64 690
39 551
36 478

Non-Life

Life & Health

6 610
1 227

5 227
2 696

53 827

11 051
39 044
34 162

Reinsurance receivables
Reinsurance receivables as of 31 December were as follows:

USD millions
Premium receivables invoiced
Receivables invoiced from ceded re/insurance business
Assets arising from the application of the deposit method of accounting 
and meeting the definition of financing receivables
Recognised allowance

2010
1 598
695

568
–152

2011
Total

11 837
3 923

64 878
39 044
34 162

2011
1 916
512

707
–132

Sales inducements
Sales inducements are offered to contract holders of certain universal life and annuity products. The amounts deferred equal the sum of 
persistency bonuses credited to the account value plus the non-interest related increase in the persistency bonus liability. These costs are 
amortised in constant proportion to estimated gross profits over the life of the contract, using the credited interest rates as the discount rate. 

Sales inducements as of 31 December were as follows:

USD millions
Balance as of 1 January
Sales inducements deferred
Sales inducements amortised
Impact of foreign exchange and other movements
Unamortised balance of sales inducements

2010
1 035
234
–219
–31
1 019

2011
1 019
265
–257
–7
1 020

Policyholder dividends
Policyholder dividends are recognised as an element of policyholder benefits. The relative percentage of participating insurance of the life 
and health policy benefits was 7% in 2010 and 2011. The amount of policyholder dividend expense in 2010 and 2011 was USD 110 million 
and USD 134 million, respectively.

50  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

9  Income taxes

The Group is generally subject to corporate income taxes based on the taxable net income in various jurisdictions in which the Group 
operates. The components of the income tax charge were:

USD millions
Current taxes
Deferred taxes
Incometaxexpense

2010
696
–155
541

Taxratereconciliation
The following table reconciles the expected tax expense at the Swiss statutory tax rate to the actual tax expense in the accompanying 
income statement:

USD millions
Income tax at the Swiss statutory tax rate of 21.0% 
Increase (decrease) in the income tax charge resulting from:

Foreign income taxed at different rates
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Disallowed expenses
Tax exempt income /dividends received deduction
Change in valuation allowance
Basis differences in subsidiaries
Change in statutory tax rates
Change in liability for unrecognised tax benefits including interest and penalties
Life tax adjustments
Other, net

Total

2010
562

39
65
2
–47
68

14
–50
14
–126
541

2011
112
–29
83

2011
596

138
–38
7
–45
–143
–368
–122
99
–9
–32
83

For 2011, the Group reported a tax expense of USD 83 million. This represents an effective tax rate of 2.9%, compared to an effective tax 
rate of 20.2% in the prior year. The decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to a non-recurring benefit from the change in tax basis in a 
subsidiary based on a write-down in the value of a Group subsidiary required in 2011 local statutory statements, changes in local country tax 
rates and the release of valuation allowances.



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  51

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Deferredandothernon-currenttaxes
The components of deferred and other non-current taxes were as follows:

USD millions
Deferredtaxassets
Income accrued /deferred
Technical provisions
Unrealised losses on investments
Pension provisions
Benefit on loss carryforwards
Currency translation adjustments
Other
Grossdeferredtaxasset
Valuation allowance

Total

Deferredtaxliabilities
Present value of future profits
Income accrued /deferred
Bond amortisation
Deferred acquisition costs
Technical provisions
Unrealised gains on investments
Untaxed realised gains
Foreign exchange provisions
DFI losses
Other
Total

Deferredincometaxes

Liabilityforunrecognisedtaxbenefitsincludinginterestandpenalties

Deferredandothernon-currenttaxes

2010

2011

606
785
63
243
4 222
483
1 004
7 406
–1 602
5 804

–1 059
–591
–184
–538
–1 642
–529
–336
–416
–99
–930
–6 324

599
1 531
10
292
3 965
481
1 368
8 246
–1 337
6909

–1 082
–629
–139
–687
–2 446
–1 932
–373
–418
–17
–783
–8506

–520

–1597

–1 196

–1256

–1 716

–2853

As of 31 December 2011, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with investment in subsidiaries, branches and 
associates and interests in joint ventures, for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised, amount to approximately 
USD 3 850 million. In the remote scenario in which these temporary differences were to reverse simultaneously, the resulting tax liabilities 
would be very limited due to participation exemption rules.

As of 31 December 2011, the Group had USD 12 829 million net operating tax loss carryforwards, expiring as follows: USD 8 million  
in 2012, USD 218 million in 2015, USD 1 million in 2016, USD 7 169 million in 2017 and beyond, and USD 5 433 million never expire.  
The Group also had capital loss carryforwards of USD 46 million, expiring as follows: USD 1 million in 2013 and USD 45 million in 2014. 
Net operating tax losses of USD 730 million were utilised or expired during the period ended 31 December 2011.

Income taxes paid in 2011 and 2010 were USD 707 million and USD 476 million, respectively.

52  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Unrecognisedtaxbenefits
A reconciliation of the opening and closing amount of gross unrecognised tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows:

USD millions
Balance as of 1 January
Additions based on tax positions of current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Settlements
Lapse of statute of limitations
Balanceasof31December

2010
1 138
69
–126
46
–147

980

2011
980
373
9
–219
–1
–95
1047

The amount of gross unrecognised tax benefits within the tabular reconciliation that, if recognised, would affect the effective tax rate were 
approximately USD 630 million and USD 726 million at 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively.  

Interest and penalties related to unrecognised tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense. Such benefit for the period ending  
31 December 2011 was USD 6 million (USD 21 million for the period ending 31 December 2010). As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, 
USD 216 million and USD 209 million, respectively, were accrued for the payment of interest (net of tax benefits) and penalties. The accrued 
interest balance as of 31 December 2011 is included within the deferred and other non-current taxes section reflected above and in the 
statement of financial position.

The balance of gross unrecognised tax benefits as of 31 December 2011 presented in the table above is less than the liability for 
unrecognised tax benefits reflected in the deferred and other non-current taxes section due to the removal of interest expense 
(USD 209 million). 

During the year, certain tax positions and audits in Switzerland, the UK and the US were effectively settled.

The Group continually evaluates proposed adjustments by taxing authorities. The Group believes that it is reasonably possible (more than 
remote and less than likely) that the balance of unrecognised tax benefits could increase or decrease over the next 12 months due to settlements 
or expiration of statutes. However, quantification of an estimated range cannot be made at this time.

The following table summarises jurisdictions and tax years that remain subject to examination:

Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
Denmark
France
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan

2004 – 2011
2007– 2011
2006 – 2011
2003 – 2011
2008 – 2011
2007– 2011
2007– 2011
1994 – 2011
2005 – 2011
2010 – 2011
2008 – 2011
2007– 2011
2008 – 2011

Korea
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States

2008 – 2011
2005 – 2011
2007– 2011
2009 – 2011
2006 – 2011
2004 – 2011
2007– 2011
2010 – 2011
2007– 2011
2007– 2011
2003, 2004, 2008 – 2011
2009 – 2011



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  53

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

10 Benefit plans

Definedbenefitpensionplansandpost-retirementbenefits
The Group sponsors various funded defined benefit pension plans. Employer contributions to the plans are charged to income on a basis 
which recognises the costs of pensions over the expected service lives of employees covered by the plans. The Group’s funding policy for 
these plans is to contribute annually at a rate that is intended to maintain a level percentage of compensation for the employees covered.  
A full valuation is prepared at least every three years. 

The Group also provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees and their dependants. Employees become 
eligible for these benefits when they become eligible for pension benefits.

The measurement date of these plans is 31 December for each year presented.

2010 
USD millions
Benefit obligation as of 1 January
Service cost
Interest cost
Amendments
Actuarial gains /losses
Benefits paid
Employee contribution
Acquisitions /disposals /additions
Effect of curtailment and termination benefits
Effect of foreign currency translation
Benefitobligationasof31December

Fair value of plan assets as of 1 January
Actual return on plan assets
Company contribution
Benefits paid
Employee contribution
Acquisitions /disposals /additions
Effect of foreign currency translation
Fairvalueofplanassetsasof31December
Fundedstatus

Swiss plan
2 688
82
84

Foreign plans
1 915
12
101

157
–149
20

3
317
3 202

2 723
128
73
–149
20
3
306
3 104
–98

–18
–61

1
–4
–44
1 902

1 670
149
58
–61

–38
1 778
–124

Other benefits
305
6
13
–7
12
–13

–3

17
330

15
–14

–1

0
–330

Total
4 908
100
198
–7
151
–223
20
–2
–1
290
5 434

4 393
277
146
–224
20
2
268
4 882
–552

54  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

2011
USD millions
Benefit obligation as of 1 January
Service cost
Interest cost
Amendments
Actuarial gains /losses
Benefits paid
Employee contribution
Acquisitions /disposals /additions
Effect of curtailment and termination benefits
Effect of foreign currency translation
Benefitobligationasof31December

Fair value of plan assets as of 1 January
Actual return on plan assets
Company contribution
Benefits paid
Employee contribution
Acquisitions /disposals /additions
Effect of foreign currency translation
Fairvalueofplanassetsasof31December
Fundedstatus

Swiss plan
3 202
113
91
–39
118
–163
25

1
–20
3328

3 104
–71
91
–163
25
1
–4
2983
–345

Foreign plans
1 902
10
102

Other benefits
330
5
13

31
–69

–24
1952

1 778
73
58
–69

–26
1814
–138

32
–15

–2
363

15
–15

0
–363

Amounts recognised in the balance sheet, as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively, were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Netamountrecognised

2011
USD millions
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Netamountrecognised

Swiss plan

–98
–98

Swiss plan

–345
–345

Foreign plans
96
–1
–219
–124

Foreign plans
78
–2
–214
–138

Other benefits

–15
–315
–330

Other benefits

–16
–347
–363

Total
5 434
128
206
–39
181
–247
25
0
1
–46
5643

4 882
2
164
–247
25
1
–30
4797
–846

Total
96
–16
–632
–552

Total
78
–18
–906
–846



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  55

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Amounts recognised in accumulated other comprehensive income, gross of tax, in 2010 and 2011, respectively, were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Net gain /loss
Prior service cost /credit
Total

2011
USD millions
Net gain /loss
Prior service cost /credit
Total

Swiss plan
671
44
715

Swiss plan
951
–1
950

Foreign plans
224

224

Other benefits
–143
–122
–265

Foreign plans
271

271

Other benefits
–100
–111
–211

Componentsofnetperiodicbenefitcost
The components of pension and post-retirement cost for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively, were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Service cost (net of participant contributions)
Interest cost
Expected return on assets
Amortisation of:
   Net gain /loss
   Prior service cost
Effect of settlement, curtailment and termination
Netperiodicbenefitcost

2011
USD millions
Service cost (net of participant contributions)
Interest cost
Expected return on assets
Amortisation of:
   Net gain /loss
   Prior service cost
Effect of settlement, curtailment and termination
Netperiodicbenefitcost

Swiss plan
82
84
–126

Foreign plans
12
101
–106

Other benefits
6
13

10
6
3
59

16

–1
22

–11
–11
–1
–4

Swiss plan
113
91
–128

Foreign plans
10
102
–106

Other benefits
5
13

37
6
1
120

17

23

–11
–11
–2
–6

Total
752
–78
674

Total
1 122
–112
1010

Total
100
198
–232

15
–5
1
77

Total
128
206
–234

43
–5
–1
137

56  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognised in other comprehensive income were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Net gain /loss
Prior service cost /credit
Amortisation of:
   Net gain /loss
   Prior service cost
Exchange rate gain /loss recognised during the year
Totalrecognisedinothercomprehensiveincome,grossoftax
Totalrecognisedinnetperiodicbenefitcost
andothercomprehensiveincome,grossoftax

2011
USD millions
Net gain /loss
Prior service cost /credit
Amortisation of:
   Net gain /loss
   Prior service cost
Exchange rate gain /loss recognised during the year
Totalrecognisedinothercomprehensiveincome,grossoftax
Totalrecognisedinnetperiodicbenefitcost
andothercomprehensiveincome,grossoftax

Swiss plan
155

Foreign plans
–61

Other benefits
11
–7

–10
–6

139

198

Swiss plan
317
–39

–37
–6

235

355

–19

–8
–88

–66

11
11

26

22

Foreign plans
64

Other benefits
32

–17

–1
46

69

11
11

54

48

Total
105
–7

–18
5
–8
77

154

Total
413
–39

–43
5
–1
335

472

The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortised from accumulated other 
comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2012 are USD 54 million and USD nil million, respectively. The estimated net gain 
and prior service credit for the other defined post-retirement benefits that will be amortised from accumulated other comprehensive  
income into net periodic benefit cost in 2012 was USD 7 million and USD 11 million, respectively.

The accumulated benefit obligation (the current value of accrued benefits excluding future salary increases) for pension benefits was 
USD 5 035 million and USD 5 185 million as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows:

USD millions
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

2010
4 607
4 562
4 290

2011
4 275
4 235
3 717



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  57

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Principalactuarialassumptions

Assumptionsusedtodetermine
obligationsattheendoftheyear
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

Assumptionsusedtodetermine
netperiodicpensioncostsfor
theyearended
Discount rate
Expected long-term return 
on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

Assumedmedicaltrendrates
atyearend
Medical trend – initial rate
Medical trend – ultimate rate
Year that the rate reaches 
the ultimate trend rate

Swiss plan

Foreign plans weighted average

Other benefits weighted average

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2.8%
2.3%

3.3%

4.5%
2.3%

2.4%
2.3%

2.8%

4.0%
2.3%

5.4%
2.5%

5.6%

6.4%
3.5%

4.9%
2.2%

5.4%

6.0%
2.5%

4.0%
4.1%

3.5%
3.9%

4.5%

4.0%

4.1%

4.1%

6.5%
4.7%

2015

6.3%
4.7%

2015

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets are based on long-term expected inflation, interest rates, risk premiums and targeted 
asset category allocations. The estimates take into consideration historical asset category returns.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare plans. A one percentage point 
change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have had the following effects for 2011:

USD millions
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation

1 percentage point 
increase
1
29

1 percentage point 
decrease
–1
–24

58  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Planassetallocationbyassetcategory
The actual asset allocation by major asset category for defined benefit pension plans as of the respective measurement dates in 2010 and 
2011, is as follows:

Assetcategory
Equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Other
Total

Swiss plan allocation

Foreign plans allocation

2010

2011

Targetallocation

2010

2011

Targetallocation

30%
41%
18%
11%
100%

27%
44%
20%
9%
100%

25%
48%
21%
6%
100%

40%
54%
2%
4%
100%

36%
54%
2%
8%
100%

38%
56%
2%
4%
100%

Actual asset allocation is determined by a variety of current economic and market conditions and considers specific asset class risks.

Equity securities include Swiss Re common stock of USD 4 million (0.1% of total plan assets) and USD 3 million (0.1% of total plan assets)  
as of 31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The Group’s pension plan investment strategy is to match the maturity profiles of the assets and liabilities in order to reduce the future 
volatility of pension expense and funding status of the plans. This involves balancing investment portfolios between equity and fixed income 
securities. Tactical allocation decisions that reflect this strategy are made on a quarterly basis.

Assetsmeasuredatfairvalue
For a description of the different fair value levels and valuation techniques see Note 3 Fair value disclosures.

Certain items reported as pension plan assets at fair value in the table below are not within the scope of Note 3, namely two positions:  
real estate and an insurance contract. 

Real estate positions classified as level 1 and level 2 are exchange-traded real estate funds where a market valuation is readily available.  
Real estate reported on level 3 is property owned by the pension funds. These positions are accounted for at the capitalised income value. 
The capitalisation based on sustainable recoverable earnings is conducted at interest rates that are determined individually for each 
property, based on the property’s location, age and condition. If properties are intended for disposal, the estimated selling costs and taxes 
are recognised in provisions. Sales gains or losses are allocated to income from real estate when the contract is concluded. 

The fair value of the insurance contract is based on the fair value of the assets backing the contract.

Other assets classified within level 3 mainly consist of private equity investments valued with the same methodology as mentioned  
in Note 3.



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  59

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

For the years ended 31 December, the fair values of pension plan assets by level of input were as follows: 

2010 
USD millions
Assets
Fixed income securities:

Debt securities issued by the US government 
and government agencies
Debt securities issued by non-US governments 
and government agencies
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities

Equity securities:

Equity securities held for proprietary investment purposes

Derivative financial instruments
Real estate
Other assets
Totalassetsatfairvalue
Cash
Totalplanassets

2011
USD millions
Assets
Fixed income securities:

Debt securities issued by the US government 
and government agencies
Debt securities issued by non-US governments 
and government agencies
Corporate debt securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Other asset-backed securities

Equity securities:

Equity securities held for proprietary investment purposes

Derivative financial instruments
Real estate
Other assets
Totalassetsatfairvalue
Cash
Totalplanassets

Quoted prices in  
active markets for  
identical assets 
(Level 1)

Significant other  
observable inputs  
(Level 2)

Significant  
unobservable inputs  
(Level 3)

2 204

27

996
1 046
113
7
15

612

38
49
2 903

2 903

1 042
57
28
2
1 129
198
1 327

539
113
652

652

Quoted prices in  
active markets for  
identical assets 
(Level 1)

Significant other  
observable inputs  
(Level 2)

Significant  
unobservable inputs  
(Level 3)

2 355

40

1 140
1 116
50
5
4

650

41
48
3094

3094

804
–47
51
2
810
225
1035

549
119
668

668

Total

2 204

27

996
1 046
113
7
15

1 654
57
605
164
4 684
198
4 882

Total

2 355

40

1 140
1 116
50
5
4

1 454
–47
641
169
4572
225
4797

60  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Assetsmeasuredatfairvalueusingsignificantunobservableinputs(Level3)
For the years ended 31 December, the reconciliation of fair value of pension plan assets using significant unobservable inputs were as follows:

2010 
USD millions
Balance as of 1 January
Realised /unrealised gains /losses:

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Relating to assets sold during the period

Purchases, issuances and settlements
Transfers in and /or out of Level 3
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Closingbalanceasof31December

2011
USD millions
Balance as of 1 January
Realised /unrealised gains /losses:

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Relating to assets sold during the period

Purchases, issuances and settlements
Transfers in and /or out of Level 3
Impact of foreign exchange movements
Closingbalanceasof31December

Real estate
465

Other assets
95

16

5
53
539

8

12
–2
113

Real estate
539

Other assets
113

6

7

–3
549

–9
1
16

–2
119

Total
560

24
0
0
17
51
652

Total
652

–3
1
23
0
–5
668

Expectedcontributionsandestimatedfuturebenefitpayments
The employer contributions expected to be made in 2012 to the defined benefit pension plans are USD 150 million and to the post-retirement 
benefit plan are USD 16 million.

As of 31 December 2011, the projected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, not adjusted for transfers in and for 
employees’ voluntary contributions, are as follows:

USD millions
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Years 2017–2021

Swiss plan
149
148
153
152
159
818

Foreign plans
70
72
74
77
80
450

Other benefits
16
17
18
18
19
108

Total
235
237
245
247
258
1 376

Definedcontributionpensionplans
The Group sponsors a number of defined contribution plans to which employees and the Group make contributions. The accumulated 
balances are paid as a lump sum at the earlier of retirement, termination, disability or death. The amount expensed in 2010 and 2011 was 
USD 39 million and USD 58 million, respectively.



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  61

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

11  Share-based payments

Group Compensation awards settled in equity are settled in Swiss Re Ltd shares.

As of 31 December 2010 and 2011, the Group had the share-based compensation plans described below.

Total compensation cost for share-based compensation plans recognised in net income was USD 129 million and USD 52 million in 2010 
and 2011, respectively. The related tax benefit was USD 34 million and USD 16 million, respectively.

Stockoptionplans
Stock option plans include a fixed-option plan and an additional grant to certain members of executive management. No options were 
granted under these plans from 2007 onwards.

Under the fixed-option plan, the exercise price of each option is equal to the market price of the shares on the date of the grant. Options 
issued vest at the end of the fourth year and have a maximum life of ten years.

A summary of the activity of the Group’s stock option plans is as follows:

2011
Outstanding as of 1 January
Options sold
Options forfeited or expired 
Reclassification to liabilities
Outstandingasof31December
Exercisableasof31December

Weighted average  
exercise price in CHF
116
73
186
88
109
109

Number of shares
5 255 044
–51 350
–990 960
–1 849 000
2363734
2 363 734

The following table summarises the status of stock options outstanding as of 31 December 2011:

Range of exercise  
prices in CHF
67–100
144 - 166
67–166

Number of  
options
1 152 252
1 211 482
2363734

Weighted average remaining 
contractual life in years
2.3
1.0
1.7

Weighted average exercise 
price in CHF
72
145
109

All stock options outstanding are also exercisable and the status of these exercisable options is reflected in the table above. 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option pricing model.

62  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

 
Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

Restrictedshares
The Group issued 3 727 and 14 834 restricted shares to selected employees in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Moreover, as an alternative to 
the Group’s cash bonus programme, 234 560 and 425 154 shares were issued during 2010 and 2011, respectively. 

A summary of the movements in shares relating to outstanding awards granted under the restricted share plans as of 31 December 2011 is 
as follows:

Non-vested at 1 January 
Granted
Delivery of restricted shares
Outstandingasof31December

Number of shares
1 303 913
439 988
–963 713
780188

Weighted average  
grant date fair value in CHF
65
58
76
48

The weighted average fair value of restricted shares, which equals the market price of the shares on the date of the grant, was CHF 65 and 
CHF 48 in 2010 and 2011, respectively.  

Performanceshareplan
In 2009 and 2010, the Group granted a share plan for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Group did not grant a 
further plan in 2011. The plans have a requisite service period of three years and are settled in shares. The plans are measured based on 
Swiss Re’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR), representing the share price performance plus paid dividend in any performance period, against 
a selected peer group. The final number of shares to be released upon vesting can vary between 0% and 150% of the original grant. The fair 
value of the 2009 and 2010 plans were based on the share price as of the date of grant, which was CHF 36.00 and CHF 53.60, respectively.  
111 111 and 83 957 units were issued under these plans in 2009 and 2010, respectively, and the same number of units remains 
outstanding as of 31 December 2011.

Long-termIncentiveplan
The Group annually grants a Long-term Incentive plan (LTI) to selected employees with a three-year vesting period. The requisite service 
period as well as the maximum contractual term for each plan is three years and the final payment, if any, occurs at the end of this 
performance measurement period. The plan includes a payout factor which is derived from return on equity (ROE) and earnings per share 
(EPS) targets over the vesting period. The payout ratio can vary between 0 and 2 and the final payment for each plan will depend on 
whether the performance targets have been achieved over the plan period. The fair value of the plans are based on stochastic models which 
consider the likelihood of achieving performance targets and the impact of dividends. Each of the plan grants that were outstanding  
during 2011 is described below. 

The 2008 LTI grant was expected to be settled in cash. The payout factors are driven by average ROE and EPS compound annual growth 
over the vesting period. The LTI grant from 2008 vested in March 2011 and there was no payout as the plan performance targets were not 
achieved.

The LTI plan granted in 2009 is expected to be settled in shares. The payout factor is driven by average ROE and EPS compound annual 
growth over the vesting period. At grant, the plan was expected to be settled in cash; however, the Group subsequently changed its intention 
to settle in shares. As a result, the share price used for measurement was CHF 42.40 which was set as of the date the share settlement 
decision was made in November 2009.



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  63

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

The LTI plans granted in 2010 and 2011 are expected to be settled in shares. The payout factors are driven by average ROE and average  
EPS over the vesting period. The share price used for measurement is based on the date of grant and was CHF 48.15 and CHF 39.39 for the 
2010 and 2011 plans, respectively.

Valuealignmentincentive
In 2009, the Group issued a compensation plan to selected employees. The plan has a requisite service period of three years and is 
expected to be settled in cash and shares. The settlement is based on a three-year risk-free interest rate, the Swiss Re share price 
performance and dividend yield over the vesting period. The grant price was based on the closing share price as of 19 February 2009  
of CHF 16.74. A total of 140 570 units were outstanding as of 1 January 2011, and after forfeitures during 2011, 131 361 units were 
outstanding as of 31 December 2011.

Stockappreciationrights
In 2006, the Group issued 3 million stock appreciation rights (SAR) as an extraordinary grant following the Insurance Solutions acquisition. 
The plan was expected to be settled in cash. The requisite service period was two years, while the maximum contractual term was five 
years. The plan vested in 2008; however, holders of the award were still able to exercise their rights until the maximum contractual period 
expired, in 2011. The fair value of the appreciation rights were estimated at date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model and was 
revised at every balance sheet date until exercise. The plan expired in 2011 with no value.

Unrecognisedcompensationcosts
As of 31 December 2011, the total unrecognised compensation cost (net of expected forfeitures) related to non-vested, share-based 
compensation awards was USD 31 million, and the weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognised was  
1.7 years.

The number of shares authorised for the Group’s share-based payments to employees was 12 619 829 and 11 351 951 as of  
31 December 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Employeeparticipationplan
The Group’s employee participation plan consists of a savings scheme lasting two or three years. Employees combine regular savings with 
the purchase of either actual or tracking options. The Group contributes to the employee savings over the period of the plan.

At maturity, either the employee receives shares or cash equal to the accumulated savings balance, or the employee may elect to exercise 
the options.

In 2010 and 2011, 656 569 and 1 878 895 options, respectively, were issued to employees and the Group contributed USD 67 million and 
USD 77 million, respectively, to the plan. 

64  SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Notes to the Group financial statements

This page intentionally left blank



SwissReinsuranceCompanyConsolidated2011 Annual Report  65

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

12  Commitments and contingent liabilities

Leasing commitments
As part of its normal business operations, the Group enters into a number of lease agreements. Such agreements, which are operating 
leases, total the following obligations for the next five years and thereafter:

As of 31 December 2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
After 2016
Total operating lease commitments
Less minimum non-cancellable sublease rentals
Total net future minimum lease commitments

USD millions
75
76
71
68
60
395
745
–63
682

The following schedule shows the composition of total rental expenses for all operating leases as of 31 December (except those with terms 
of a month or less that were not renewed):

USD millions
Minimum rentals
Sublease rental income
Total

2010
52
–3
49

2011
60
–3
57

Other commitments
As a participant in limited investment partnerships, the Group commits itself to making available certain amounts of investment funding, 
callable by the partnerships for periods of up to 10 years. The total commitments remaining uncalled as of 31 December 2011 were 
USD 1 243 million.

The Group enters into a number of contracts in the ordinary course of reinsurance and financial services business which, if the Group’s credit 
rating and /or defined statutory measures decline to certain levels, would require the Group to post collateral or obtain guarantees. The 
contracts typically provide alternatives for recapture of the associated business.

Legal proceedings
In the normal course of business operations, the Group is involved in various claims, lawsuits and regulatory matters. In the opinion of 
management, the disposition of these or any other legal matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, 
consolidated financial position or results of operations.

66  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

13  Information on business segments

The Group provides reinsurance, insurance and capital market solutions for clients that complement its re /insurance offering throughout  
the world through its business segments. The business segments are determined by the organisational structure and by the way in which 
management reviews the operating result of the Group.

The Group presents three operating business segments: Property & Casualty, Life & Health and Asset Management. Items not allocated to 
these three business segments are included in the “Group items” column.

The Property & Casualty segment consists of the following sub-segments: Property traditional, Casualty traditional, Specialty traditional  
and Non-traditional business. The Property & Casualty business segment includes Property & Casualty insurance-linked securities, 
Environmental & Commodity Markets business and, in the Specialty traditional sub-segment, Credit Reinsurance, Bank Trade Finance, and 
Credit securitisations. 

The Life & Health segment consists of the following sub-segments: Life traditional, Health traditional and Admin Re®. The Life & Health 
business segment includes variable annuity business and Life & Health insurance-linked securities.

The Asset Management business segment includes two separate sub-segments, Credit & Rates and Equity & Alternative Investments, 
resulting from the aggregation of Asset Management Risk Stripes. The Asset Management business segment includes proprietary returns  
on the Group’s invested fixed-income securities, equity securities and alternative investments.

Group items include certain costs of Corporate Centre functions not allocated to the business segments, certain foreign exchange items, 
interest expenses on operating and financial debt and other items not considered for the performance of the operating segments. From  
1 January 2011 non-core activities which are largely in run-off (formerly presented in the business segment Legacy) are being reported 
within Group items. 2010 comparatives are presented accordingly.

Certain investment results, including investment income and realised gains on unit-linked business, with-profit business and reinsurance 
derivatives, are excluded from the performance of the Asset Management business segment and directly allocated to the Property & Casualty 
and Life & Health business segments.

The allocation of investment result to Property & Casualty and Life & Health is determined based on US GAAP re /insurance liabilities. The 
allocation methodology applies a risk-free return to the nominal net reserves at the end of the prior quarter. The risk-free interest rate applied 
to the reserves is determined by currency and duration of the underlying Property & Casualty and Life & Health reserves. The “Allocation” column 
eliminates the calculated investment result allocated to either the Property & Casualty or the Life & Health business segments.

The accounting policies of the business segments are in line with those described in the summary of significant accounting policies  
(see Note 1).

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  67

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

a) Business segment results
For the years ended 31 December

2010 
USD millions
Revenues
Premiums earned
Fee income from policyholders
Net investment income /loss
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment  
expenses; life and health benefits
Return credited to policyholders
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Interest expenses
Total expenses

Property & Casualty

Life & Health  Asset Management Group items

Allocation

Total

3 639
808
25
4 472

10 871

1 738
110

8 759
918
3 052
2 331

12 719

15 060

–7 200

–1 859
–1 184

–8 236
–3 371
–1 826
–817

–10 243

–14 250

0

22

319
–466
35
–90

–54

6
–525
–1 094
–1 667

19 652
918
5 422
2 783
60
28 835

–15 490
–3 371
–3 679
–2 526
–1 094
–26 160

–3 326

–3 326

0

Operating income /loss

2 476

810

4 472

–1 757

–3 326

2 675

2011 
USD millions
Revenues
Premiums earned
Fee income from policyholders
Net investment income /loss
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment  
expenses; life and health benefits
Return credited to policyholders
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Interest expenses
Total expenses

Property & Casualty

Life & Health  Asset Management Group items

Allocation

Total

3 750
1 264
25
5 039

12 046

1 421
48
2
13 517

–8 812

–2 027
–1 389

9 225
876
3 081
–1 230

11 952

–8 414
–61
–1 986
–1 025

–12 228

–11 486

0

29

225
327
24
605

2

–8
–701
–851
–1 558

21 300
876
5 469
409
51
28 105

–17 224
–61
–4 021
–3 115
–851
–25 272

–3 008

–3 008

0

Operating income /loss

1 289

466

5 039

–953

–3 008

2 833

The allocation is based on technical reserves and other information, including duration of the underlying liabilities, and was allocated in the 
years ended 31 December 2010 and 2011 as follows:

USD millions, for the year ended 31 December 2010
Net investment income /loss

USD millions, for the year ended 31 December 2011
Net investment income /loss

Property & Casualty
1 588

Life & Health  Asset Management
0

1 738

Property & Casualty
1 310

Life & Health  Asset Management
0

1 698

Allocation
–3 326

Allocation
–3 008

68  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

b) Property & Casualty business segment – by line of business
For the years ended 31 December

2010 
USD millions
Revenues
Premiums earned 
Net investment income
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Total expenses

Operating income

Claims ratio in %
Expense ratio in %
Combined ratio in %

2011 
USD millions
Revenues
Premiums earned 
Net investment income
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Total expenses

Property  
traditional

Casualty  
traditional

Specialty  
traditional

Total traditional

Non-traditional

Total

4 575
115
–80
–2
4 608

–2 904
–571
–489
–3 964

644

63.4
23.2
86.6

3 292
1 202

4 494

–2 692
–655
–424
–3 771

723

81.8
32.8
114.6

2 621
266
103

2 990

–1 346
–551
–220
–2 117

873

51.4
29.4
80.8

10 488
1 583
23
–2
12 092

–6 942
–1 777
–1 133
–9 852

2 240

66.2
27.7
93.9

383
155
87
2
627

–258
–82
–51
–391

236

10 871
1 738
110
0
12 719

–7 200
–1 859
–1 184
–10 243

2 476

Property  
traditional

Casualty  
traditional

Specialty  
traditional

Total traditional

Non-traditional

Total

5 220
71
–52

5 239

–5 088
–623
–542
–6 253

3 875
1 001

2 568
182
3

11 663
1 254
–49

4 876

2 753

12 868

–2 566
–804
–491
–3 861

–920
–516
–297
–1 733

383
167
97
2
649

–238
–84
–59
–381

268

12 046
1 421
48
2
13 517

–8 812
–2 027
–1 389
–12 228

1 289

–8 574
–1 943
–1 330
–11 847

1 021

73.5
28.1
101.6

Operating income /loss

–1 014

1 015

1 020

Claims ratio in %
Expense ratio in %
Combined ratio in %

97.5
22.3
119.8

66.2
33.4
99.6

35.8
31.7
67.5

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  69

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

c) Life & Health business segment – by line of business 
For the year ended 31 December

2010
USD millions
Revenues
Premiums earned
Fee income from policyholders
Net investment income
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses; life and health benefits
Return credited to policyholders
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Total expenses

Operating income /loss

Net investment income – unit-linked
Net investment income – with-profit business
Net investment income – non-participating
Net realised investment gains /losses – unit-linked
Net realised investment gains /losses – with-profit business
Net realised investment gains /losses – non-participating

Operating revenues1

Management expense ratio in %
Benefit ratio2 in %

Life traditional

Health traditional

Admin Re®

Total

5 869
64
668
97

6 698

–4 492
–69
–1 244
–377
–6 182

516

36

632
–23

120

6 565

5.7

2 110

303
–3

2 410

–1 543

–355
–149
–2 047

363

303

–3

2 413

6.2

780
854
2 081
2 237

5 952

–2 201
–3 302
–227
–291
–6 021

–69

557
145
1 379
2 057
196
–16

3 013

9.7

8 759
918
3 052
2 331

15 060

–8 236
–3 371
–1 826
–817
–14 250

810

593
145
2 314
2 034
196
101

11 991

6.8
88.7

1  Operating revenues exclude net investment income and net realised investment gains /losses from unit-linked and with-profit business as these are passed through to contract 

holders. Operating revenues also exclude net realised investment gains /losses from non-participating business. 

2  The benefit ratio is calculated as claims paid and claims adjustment expenses in relation to premiums earned, both of which exclude unit-linked and with-profit business. 
Additionally, the impact of guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) products is excluded, as this ratio is not indicative of the operating performance of such products.

70  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Life & Health business segment – by line of business 
For the year ended 31 December

2011
USD millions
Revenues
Premiums earned
Fee income from policyholders
Net investment income
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses; life and health benefits
Return credited to policyholders
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Total expenses

Operating income /loss

Net investment income – unit-linked
Net investment income – with-profit business
Net investment income – non-participating
Net realised investment gains /losses – unit-linked
Net realised investment gains /losses – with-profit business
Net realised investment gains /losses – non-participating

Life traditional

Health traditional

Admin Re®

Total

6 071
64
640
–20

6 755

–4 871
–6
–1 250
–415
–6 542

213

30

610
–55

35

2 363

274
–8

791
812
2 167
–1 202

9 225
876
3 081
–1 230

2 629

2 568

11 952

–1 632

–446
–162
–2 240

–1 911
–55
–290
–448
–2 704

–8 414
–61
–1 986
–1 025
–11 486

389

–136

466

655
158
1 354
–1 217
26
–11

685
158
2 238
–1 272
26
16

274

–8

Operating revenues1

6 745

2 637

2 957

12 339

Management expense ratio in %
Benefit ratio2 in %

6.2

6.1

15.2

8.3
87.9

1  Operating revenues exclude net investment income and net realised investment gains /losses from unit-linked and with-profit business as these are passed through to contract 

holders. Operating revenues also exclude net realised investment gains /losses from non-participating business.

2  The benefit ratio is calculated as claims paid and claims adjustment expenses in relation to premiums earned, both of which exclude unit-linked and with-profit business. 
Additionally, the impact of guaranteed minimum death benefit (GMDB) products is excluded, as this ratio is not indicative of the operating performance of such products.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  71

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

d) Asset Management
For the years ended 31 December

2010 
USD millions
Revenues
Net investment income
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Operating income

2011 
USD millions
Revenues
Net investment income
Net realised investment gains /losses
Other revenues
Total revenues

Operating income

Credit & Rates

Equity & Alternative 
Investments

3 316
769

4 085

4 085

323
39
25
387

387

Credit & Rates

Equity & Alternative 
Investments

3 397
1 368

4 765

4 765

353
–104
25
274

274

Total

3 639
808
25
4 472

4 472

Total

3 750
1 264
25
5 039

5 039

72  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

e) Net premiums earned and fee income from policyholders by geography
Net premiums earned and fee income from policyholders by regions for the years ended 31 December

USD millions
Americas
Europe (including Middle East and Africa)
Asia-Pacific
Total

Net premiums earned and fee income from policyholders by country for the years ended 31 December

USD millions
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
China
Canada
Germany
France
Japan
Italy
Netherlands
Switzerland
Other
Total

2010
9 105
8 476
2 989
20 570

2010
7 244
2 921
1 111
684
1 107
945
718
574
581
452
417
3 816
20 570

2011
9 275
8 613
4 288
22 176

2011
7 205
2 925
1 511
1 383
1 237
1 109
770
643
504
458
446
3 985
22 176

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  73

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

14  Subsidiaries, equity investees and variable interest entities
14  Subsidiaries, equity investees and variable interest entities

Subsidiaries and equity investees
Europe

Belgium
Swiss Re Treasury (Belgium) N.V., Brussels

Denmark
Swiss Re Denmark Services A /S, Copenhagen

France
Protegys Assurance, Paris

Germany
ASS Assekuranz, Service-und Sachverständigengesellschaft mbH,  
Sundern
EXTREMUS Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft, Cologne
Paarl Grundbesitzverwaltung GmbH & Co. KG Objekt Köln Sterrenhofweg,  
Munich
ROLAND Partner Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH, Cologne
Swiss Re Germany AG, Unterföhring bei München

Hungary
Swiss Re Treasury (Hungary) Group Financing Limited Liability Company, 
Budapest

Ireland
Swiss Re International Treasury (Ireland) Ltd., Dublin

Liechtenstein
Elips Life AG, Vaduz
Elips Versicherungen AG, Vaduz

Luxembourg
Swiss Re Europe Holdings S.A., Luxembourg
Swiss Re Europe S.A., Luxembourg
Swiss Re Finance (Luxembourg) S.A., Luxembourg
Swiss Re Funds (Lux) I, Senningerberg1
Swiss Re International SE, Luxembourg

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(CHF millions)

Affiliation in % as of 
31.12.2011

Method of 
consolidation

0

0

32

0
65

6
0
58

0

0

13
5

0

0

30

0
61

6
0
55

0

0

12
5

136
454
0
10 410
236

127
425
0
9 735
221

100

100

34

100
15

22
20
100

100

100

100
100

100
100
100
100
100

f

f

e

e
e

e
e
f

f

f

f
f

f
f
f
f
f

Method of consolidation
f  full
e   equity
1  Net asset value instead of share capital

74  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(CHF millions)

Affiliation in % as of 
31.12.2011

Method of 
consolidation

Netherlands
Algemene Levensherverzekering Maatschappij N.V., Amsterdam

Switzerland
European Reinsurance Company of Zurich Ltd, Zurich
Swiss Re Asset Management Geneva SA, Geneva
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Ltd, Zurich
Swiss Re Life Capital Ltd, Zurich
Tertianum AG, Zurich

United Kingdom
Admin Re UK Limited, Shropshire
Banian Investments UK Limited, St. Helier
BL Telford Limited, Shropshire
European Credit and Guarantee Insurance PCC Limited, St. Peter Port
NM Insurance Holdings Limited, Shropshire
NM Life Group Limited, Shropshire
NM Life Limited, Shropshire
NM Pensions Limited, Shropshire
Reassure Life Limited, London
Reassure Limited, Shropshire
Reassure UK Life Assurance Company Limited, London
SR Delta Investments (UK) Limited, London
Swiss Re BHI Limited, London
Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited, London
Swiss Re Frankona LM Limited, London
Swiss Re GB Limited, London
Swiss Re Services Limited, London
Swiss Re Specialty Insurance (UK) Limited, London
The Mercantile & General Reinsurance Company Limited, Glasgow
The Palatine Insurance Company Limited, London

1

274
0
119
0
10

114
0
47
0
204
233
148
209
23
409
43
6
0
60
11
0
4
28
0
12

1

256
0
111
0
10

106
0
44
0
191
218
138
195
22
382
40
5
0
56
10
0
3
26
0
11

Americas and Caribbean

Barbados
European Finance Reinsurance Company Ltd., Bridgetown
European International Holding Company Ltd., Bridgetown
European International Reinsurance Company Ltd., Bridgetown
Gasper Funding Corporation, Bridgetown
Milvus I Reassurance Limited, Bridgetown

3 089
0
1
17
0

2 888
0
1
16
0

100

100
100
100
100
21

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

f

f
f
f
f
e

f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
e
f
e
f
f
f
f
f

f
f
f
f
f

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  75

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Bermuda
CORE Reinsurance Company Limited, Hamilton
Old Fort Insurance Company, Ltd., Hamilton
Swiss Re Global Markets Limited, Hamilton
Swiss Re Capital Management (Bermuda) Ltd., Hamilton
Swiss Re Investments (Bermuda) Ltd., Hamilton

Brazil
UBF Seguros S.A., Sao Paulo

Canada
7547552 Canada Inc., Toronto
SwissRe Holdings (Canada) Inc., Toronto

Cayman Islands
Ampersand Investments (UK) Limited, George Town
SR Alternative Financing II SPC, George Town
SR Cayman Holdings Ltd, George Town
Swiss Re Strategic Investments UK Limited, George Town

United States
Facility Insurance Corporation, Austin
Facility Insurance Holding Corporation, Dallas
First Specialty Insurance Corporation, Jefferson City
North American Capacity Insurance Company, Manchester
North American Elite Insurance Company, Manchester
North American Specialty Insurance Company, Manchester
Reassure America Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne
Rialto Re I Inc, Burlington
SR Corporate Solutions America Holding Corporation, Wilmington
Sterling Re Inc., Burlington
Swiss Re America Holding Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Atrium Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation, New York
Swiss Re Financial Products Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Financial Services Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Life & Health America Holding Company, Wilmington
Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc., Hartford
Swiss Re Partnership Holding, LLC, Dover
Swiss Re Solutions Holding Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Treasury (US) Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation, Armonk
Washington International Insurance Company, Manchester
Westport Insurance Corporation, Jefferson City

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(CHF millions)

Affiliation in % as of 
31.12.2011

Method of 
consolidation

0
0
0
0
0

48

0
0

932
0
0
0

0
0
5
4
4
13
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
2 116
0
0
4
368
9
0
6
4
6

0
0
0
0
0

45

0
0

872
0
0
0

0
0
5
4
3
12
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 979
0
0
4
344
8
0
6
4
6

100
100
100
100
100

84

100
100

100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

f
f
f
f
f

f

e
e

f
f
f
f

f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f
f

76  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(CHF millions)

Affiliation in % as of 
31.12.2011

Method of 
consolidation

Australia
Swiss Re Australia Ltd, Sydney
Swiss Re Life & Health Australia Limited, Sydney

Africa

South Africa
Eastern Foreshore Investments Limited, Cape Town
Swiss Re Life and Health Africa Limited, Cape Town

Asia

China
Beijing Prestige Health Consulting Services Company Limited, Beijing

21
159

19
149

1
0

6

1
0

6

Vietnam
Vietnam National Reinsurance Corporation, Hanoi

48

45

100
100

100
100

100

25

f
f

f
f

e

e

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  77

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Variable interest entities
The Group enters into arrangements with variable interest entities (VIEs) in the normal course of business. The involvement ranges from 
being a passive investor to designing, structuring, and managing the VIEs. The variable interests held by the Group arise as a result of the 
Group’s involvement in a modified coinsurance agreement, certain insurance-linked and credit-linked securitisations, swaps in trusts, debt 
financing and other entities which meet the definition of a VIE.

When analysing the status of an entity, the Group mainly assesses if (1) the equity is sufficient to finance the entity’s activities without 
additional subordinated financial support, (2) the equity holders have the right to make significant decisions affecting the entity’s operations, 
and (3) the holders of the voting rights substantively participate in the gains and losses of the entity. When one of these criteria is not met, 
the entity is considered a VIE and needs to be assessed for consolidation under the VIE section of the Consolidation Topic. 

The party that has a controlling financial interest is called the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. An enterprise is deemed to have 
a controlling financial interest if it has both of the following:
 ̤ the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and
 ̤ the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity 

that could potentially be significant to the VIE. 

The Group assesses for all its variable interests in VIEs whether it has a controlling financial interest in these entities and, thus, is the primary 
beneficiary. For this, the Group identifies the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s performance and determines whether the 
Group has the power to direct those activities. In conducting the analysis, the Group considers the purpose, the design, and the risks that the 
entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. In a second step, the Group assesses if it has the obligation  
to absorb losses or if it has the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. If both criteria are met, the 
Group has a controlling financial interest in the VIE and consolidates the entity.

Whenever facts and circumstances change, a review is undertaken of the impact these changes could have on the consolidation assessment 
previously performed. When the assessment might be impacted, a reassessment to determine the primary beneficiary is performed.

78  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Modified coinsurance agreement
The Group assumes insurance risk via a modified coinsurance agreement from a direct insurer which qualifies as a VIE. The Group assumes 
the majority of the mortality and investment risk in the VIE. In addition, the Group has the power over the investment management and 
policyholder administration. As these are the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, the Group qualifies 
as the primary beneficiary and consolidates the entity. The Group will incur losses if mortality risk or the investment returns of the entity 
develop unfavourably. 

The total assets of the modified coinsurance vehicles in which the Group is the primary beneficiary were USD 3 473 million as of  
31 December 2011.

Insurance-linked and credit-linked securitisations
The insurance-linked and credit-linked securitisations transfer pre-existing insurance or credit risk to the capital markets through the issuance 
of insurance-linked or credit-linked securities. In insurance-linked securitisations, the securitisation vehicle assumes the insurance risk 
through insurance or derivative contracts. In credit-linked securitisations, the securitisation vehicle assumes the credit risk through credit 
default swaps. The securitisation vehicle generally retains the issuance proceeds as collateral. The collateral held predominantly consists  
of investment-grade securities. 

Typically, the variable interests held by the Group arise through ownership of insurance-linked and credit-linked securities, or through 
protection provided under a total return swap for the principal of the collateral held by the securitisation vehicle. 

Generally, the activities of a securitisation vehicle are pre-determined at formation. There are substantially no ongoing activities during the 
life of the VIE that could significantly impact the economic performance of the vehicle. Consequently, the main focus to identify the primary 
beneficiary is on the activities performed and decisions made when the VIE was designed. Typically, the Group is considered the primary 
beneficiary of a securitisation vehicle when the Group acts as a sponsor of risk passed to the VIE and enters at the same time in a total return 
swap with the VIE to protect the VIE’s assets from market risk. Under the total return swap, the Group would incur losses when some or all  
of the securities held as collateral in the securitisation vehicle decline in value or default. Therefore, the Group’s maximum exposure to loss 
equals the principal amount of the collateral protected under the total return swap.

As of 31 December 2011, the total assets of the insurance-linked and credit-linked securitisation vehicles in which the Group holds variable 
interests but is not the primary beneficiary were USD 2 587 million. The total assets of the vehicles in which the Group is the primary 
beneficiary were USD 730 million.

Swaps in trusts
The Group provides risk management services to certain asset securitisation trusts which qualify as VIEs. As the involvement of the Group  
is limited to interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives, the Group does not have power to direct any activities of the trusts and therefore 
does not qualify as primary beneficiary of any of these trusts. These activities are in run-off.

Debt financing vehicles
Debt financing vehicles issue preference shares or loan notes to provide the Group with funding. The Group is partially exposed to the asset 
risk by holding equity rights or by protecting some of the assets held by the VIEs via guarantees or derivative contracts. The assets held by 
the VIEs consist of investment-grade securities, structured products, hedge fund units, derivatives and others.

The Group consolidates certain debt financing vehicles as it has power over the investment management in the vehicles, which is considered 
to be the activity that most significantly impacts the entities’ economic performance. In addition, the Group absorbs the variability of the 
investment return so that both criteria for a controlling financial interest are met.

The total assets of the debt financing vehicles in which the Group is the primary beneficiary were USD 7 051 million as of 31 December 2011.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  79

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Other
The VIEs in this category were created for various purposes. Generally, the Group is exposed to the asset risk of the VIEs by holding an equity 
stake in the VIE or by guaranteeing a part or the entire asset value to third-party investors. A significant portion of the Group’s exposure is 
either retroceded or hedged. The assets held by the VIEs consist mainly of private equity investments, residential real estate and others. 

As of 31 December 2011, the total assets of other VIEs in which the Group holds variable interests but is not the primary beneficiary were 
USD 3 684 million. The total assets of the vehicles in which the Group is the primary beneficiary were USD 712 million.

The Group did not provide financial or other support to any VIEs during 2011 that it was not previously contractually required to provide. 

Consolidated VIEs
The following table shows the total assets and liabilities on the Group’s balance sheet relating to VIEs of which the Group is the primary 
beneficiary as of 31 December: 

USD millions
Fixed income securities:
Available-for-sale 

Policy loans, mortgages and other loans 
Short-term investments 
Other invested assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accrued investment income 
Premiums and other receivables 
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and policy benefits 
Funds held by ceding companies 
Income taxes recoverable 
Acquired present value of future profits 
Other assets 
Total assets

Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses 
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits 
Policyholder account balances 
Funds held under reinsurance treaties 
Reinsurance balances payable
Deferred and other non-current taxes 
Short-term debt 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities

2010
Carrying value Whereof restricted:

2011
Carrying value Whereof restricted:

8 842
596
1 329
2 045
968
82
10
11
6
19
36
63
14 007

8 842
203
1 329
195
966
82
10
11
6
19
36
63
11 762

9 254
191
998
202
928
78
9
7
2
1
23
273
11 966

9 254
191
998
202
928
78
9
7
2
1
23
253
11 946

Carrying value
23
1 182
1 440
133
8
76
3 200
530
5 938
12 530

Whereof 
limited recourse:
23
1 182
1 440
133
8
76
1 485
136
5 938
10 421

Carrying value
15
1 165
1 365

Whereof 
limited recourse:
15
1 165
1 365

5
180
973
633
5 172
9 508

5
180
973
633
5 172
9 508

As of 31 December 2011, the consolidation of the VIEs resulted in non-controlling interests in the balance sheet of USD 414 million  
(31 December 2010: USD 402 million). The net non-controlling interests in income were USD 6 million and USD 12 million net of tax for 
2010 and 2011, respectively.

80  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Non-consolidated VIEs
The following table shows the total assets and liabilities in the Group’s balance sheet related to VIEs in which the Group holds a variable 
interest but is not the primary beneficiary as of 31 December:

USD millions
Fixed income securities:
Available-for-sale
Trading

Other invested assets
Premiums and other receivables
Reinsurance recoverable
Deferred acquisition costs
Total assets 

Funds held under reinsurance treaties
Short-term debt
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total liabilities

2010

60
9
1 406
2
1 631
2
3 110

1 614
406
885
2 905

2011

99
20
680

799

393
509
902

The following table shows the Group’s assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss which are related to VIEs in which the Group holds a 
variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary as of 31 December:

USD millions
Insurance-linked /
credit-linked 
securitisations
Swaps in trusts
Debt financing
Other
Total

Total assets

Total liabilities 

Maximum  
exposure to loss

2010
Difference between 
exposure 
and liabilities

Total assets

Total liabilities

Maximum exposure 
to loss

2011
Difference between 
exposure 
and liabilities

1 890
423
468
329
3 110

1 665
643

597
2 905

2 197
–1
126
1 184
–1

532
–
126
587
–

261
212

326
799

316

586
902

1 168
–1

1 152
–1

1 168
–

566
–

1 The maximum exposure to loss for swaps in trusts cannot be meaningfully quantified due to their derivative character.

In 2011, an insurance-linked securitisation vehicle in which the Group held a variable interest, but was not the primary beneficiary, was 
restructured in order to unwind the related structure. As a result, the vehicle no longer qualified as a VIE and was consolidated as a voting 
interest entity from the third quarter of 2011.  A further unconsolidated insurance-linked securitisation vehicle was being unwound as of end 
of December 2011, at which time the Swiss Re Group no longer had any variable interests in the entity. Consequently, neither vehicle was 
part of the VIE disclosures as of 31 December 2011.

The assets and liabilities for the swaps in trusts represent the positive and negative fair values of the derivatives the Group has entered into 
with the trusts. Liabilities of USD 586 million recognised for the “Other” category relate mainly to collateral received.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  81

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

This page intentionally left blank

82  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

15  Restructuring provision

In 2011, the Group set up total provisions of USD 26 million, related to the cost savings and efficiency programmes announced in early 
2010, and released USD 7 million.

The increase of the provision in the Property & Casualty and the Life & Health business segments of USD 10 million and USD 14 million, 
respectively, in 2011 are related to leaving benefits, office structure simplification costs and cost for the concentration of support resources 
allocated to the Property & Casualty and the Life & Health business segments.

Changes in restructuring provisions are disclosed in the “Other expenses” line in the Group’s income statement.

For the years ended 31 December, restructuring provision developed as follows:

2010                                                                                                                                      
USD millions
Balance as of 1 January 
Increase in provision
Release of provision
Costs incurred
Balance as of 31 December

2011                                                                                                                                      
USD millions
Balance as of 1 January 
Increase in provision
Release of provision
Costs incurred
Balance as of 31 December

Property & Casualty
87
55
–9
–73
60

Property & Casualty
60
10
–3
–30
37

Life & Health
24
27
–5
–41
5

Life & Health
5
14
–1
–17
1

Asset Management
45
11
–2
–22
32

Asset Management
32
2
–3
–15
16

Total
156
93
–16
–136
97

Total
97
26
–7
–62
54

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  83

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

16  Risk assessment

Article 663b sub-para. 12 of the Swiss Code of Obligations requires disclosure of information on the performance of a risk assessment.

The bodies and committees mentioned below belong to the Swiss Re Group as the identification, assessment and control of risk exposures of the 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Group is integrated in and covered by the Group risk management organisation and processes of Swiss Re Group.

The Board of Directors of Swiss Re Ltd is ultimately responsible for the Group’s governance principles and policies, including approval of the 
Group’s overall risk tolerance. The Board mainly deals with risk management through two committees:
 ̤ The Finance and Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing the Group Risk Policy and capacity limits, as well as for monitoring risk 

tolerance and reviewing top risk issues and exposures.

 ̤ The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing internal controls and compliance procedures.

The Group Executive Committee (Group EC) is responsible for implementing the risk management framework through four
further committees:
 ̤ The Group Risk and Capital Committee has responsibility for allocating capital and insurance risk capacity, approving investment risk 

limits, and determining changes to the internal risk and capital methodology.

 ̤ The Group Asset-Liability Committee oversees the management of Swiss Re’s balance sheet, in particular its liquidity, capital and funding 

positions and related policies.

 ̤ The Group Products and Limits Committee determines Swiss Re’s product policy and standards, sets reinsurance and counterparty credit 

risk limits, and decides on large or non-standard transactions.

 ̤ The Group Regulatory Committee is the central information and coordination platform for regulatory matters and compliance. It ensures a 

consistent approach to external communication on regulatory issues.

The Group Chief Risk Officer, who is a member of the Group EC, reports directly to the Group CEO as well as to the Board’s Finance and  
Risk Committee. The Group Chief Risk Officer participates in the four committees described above and chairs both the Group Risk and 
Capital Committee and the Group Regulatory Committee. In addition, the Group Chief Risk Officer leads the global Risk Management 
function, which is responsible for risk oversight and control across the Group.

The global Risk Management function operates through dedicated units for property and casualty risk, life and health risk, and financial 
market and credit risk. Each unit is entrusted with Group-wide responsibility for identifying, assessing and controlling their allocated risks 
and for risk governance at the risk category level. The units also work closely with each other, where necessary, on transaction reviews and 
other cross-category issues. Actuarial management is an integral part of the insurance risk units, ensuring reserving adequacy.

Senior managers of business and corporate units are responsible for managing operational risks in their area of activity, based on a centrally 
coordinated methodology. Their self-assessments are reviewed and challenged by operational risk specialists in partnership with the dedicated 
risk management units. Risk management experts also review the Group’s underwriting decision processes.

Liquidity risk, capital adequacy, and emerging risks are managed at Group level. Risk management activities that are also performed globally 
at Group level, across all risk categories include risk governance, risk modelling, risk reporting and the steering of the Group’s regulatory 
activities. Swiss Re’s Group Internal Audit department carries out independent, objective assessments of the adequacy and effectiveness of 
internal control systems. It evaluates the execution of processes within Swiss Re, including those within Risk Management.

The Compliance function is principally responsible for overseeing Swiss Re’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules and  
the Code of Conduct, as well as management of Compliance Risk. It serves to assist the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and 
Management in discharging their respective duties to effectively identify, mitigate and manage Compliance Risks.

The Risk Management function continuously reviews Swiss Re’s organisation in order to ensure alignment with the Group’s structure.

84  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

This page intentionally left blank

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  85

 
Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Report of the statutory auditor

Report of the statutory auditor
to the General Meeting of
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd
Zurich

Report of the statutory auditor on the consolidated financial statements
As statutory auditor, we have audited the consolidated financial statements of Swiss Re Group, which comprise the income statement, 
balance sheet, statement of shareholders’ equity, statement of comprehensive income, statement of cash flow, and notes (pages 3 to 85)  
for the year ended 31 December 2011.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP) and the requirements of Swiss law. This responsibility 
includes designing, implementing and maintaining an internal control system relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Board of Directors is further 
responsible for selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the 
circumstances.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance 
with Swiss law, Swiss Auditing Standards and auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the consolidated financial statements are free from 
material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. 
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 
financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control system 
relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that  
are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control 
system. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence 
we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011 present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position, the results of operations and the cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America (US GAAP) and comply with Swiss law.

86  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Notes to the Group financial statements

Report on other legal requirements
We confirm that we meet the legal requirements on licensing according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA) and independence  
(article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our independence.

In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists 
which has been designed for the preparation of consolidated financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Dawn M Kink 

Alex Finn  
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Zurich, 15 March 2012

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Annual Report
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Reinsurance and sub-holding company
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (the Company), domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland, performs a dual role within the Swiss Re Group as both a 
reinsurance company and a sub-holding company.  

In conjunction with the restructuring of the Swiss Re Group, Swiss Re Ltd was incorporated on 2 February 2011 and established as the new 
ultimate holding company of the Swiss Re Group through an exchange offer. Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd shareholders were offered the 
opportunity to exchange their shares in Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd for shares in Swiss Re Ltd on a one-for-one basis. Effective 
20 May 2011, Swiss Re Ltd became the ultimate holding company of the Swiss Re Group, and hence Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 
became a fully owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Ltd. The shares of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd were delisted from the SIX Swiss Exchange 
on 8 December 2011. 

Financial year 2011
The after-tax loss for the 2011 financial year amounted to CHF 63 million, compared to a profit of CHF 380 million in the previous year.

The business year under report was characterised by the establishment of the new corporate structure. Hence, the Company’s investment 
portfolio in subsidiaries and affiliated companies showed considerable movements, as well as impacted the corresponding income 
statement lines. Along with the restructuring, the technical result was impacted by various recaptures of reinsurance treaties by affiliated 
companies of the Company in the life and health business.

Property and casualty was significantly impacted by the extraordinary accumulation of natural catastrophe events but benefited from 
successful renewals and new business written following these losses.

In 2011, the Swiss franc fluctuated against the majority of the main currencies which markedly affected the comparison of year-on-year 
reported income statement and balance sheet figures.

Reinsurance result
The total reinsurance result amounted to a gain of CHF 3.0 billion, compared to a gain of CHF 1.3 billion in 2010.

Premiums earned decreased from CHF 12.2 billion to CHF 8.8 billion in the year under report. Without the effect of foreign exchange 
movements, total premiums earned amounted to CHF 10.1 billion in 2011. Property and casualty premiums earned declined from 
CHF 6.3 billion in 2010 to CHF 5.6 billion in 2011, mainly driven by a weakening of most of our underlying business currencies against the 
Swiss franc resulting in a negative impact of CHF 0.8 billion. This deterioration was partially offset by successful renewals and new business 
written, notably with large clients in Asia.

Premium volume for life and health business decreased significantly from CHF 5.9 billion in 2010 to CHF 3.2 billion in 2011, driven by non-
recurring initial premiums received in 2010 for the integration of the life and health portfolio of a subsidiary of the Company into a branch of 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd. Excluding this one-off transaction and foreign exchange movements, life and health premiums earned 
increased by 4%.

Claims and claim adjustment expenses increased significantly from CHF 7.8 billion in 2010 to CHF 10.0 billion in 2011. Without the effect of 
foreign exchange movements, total claims and claim adjustment expenses amounted to CHF 11.6 billion in 2011. This financial year was 
driven by extraordinary natural catastrophe losses including floods and cyclones in Australia, earthquakes in New Zealand, earthquakes and 
tsunami in Japan, tornados and hurricane Irene in the US, and floods in Thailand. Nevertheless, claims and claim adjustment expenses for 
property and casualty decreased during 2011 by CHF 1.0 billion to CHF 3.1 billion benefiting from more retrocession coverage, positive claims 
experience as well as the deterioration of most currencies against the Swiss franc with an impact of CHF 0.5 billion.

Life and health claims and claim adjustment expenses rose by CHF 3.2 billion to CHF 6.9 billion in 2011, primarily driven by recaptures of 
reinsurance treaties with affiliated companies of the Company, but partially offset by the recapture of the external retrocession treaty with 
ALPSII. In return, these transactions reduced the Company’s liability for life and health benefits, partially offset by less favourable mortality, of 
CHF 6.4 billion. In the financial year 2010, life and health claims and claim adjustment expenses as well as life and health benefits, included 
in the result of the initial recognition of the technical provisions assumed at the inception of a portfolio from a subsidiary of the Company, 
offset the initial premium received. 

88  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report

 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Investment result
The net investment result declined by CHF 2.6 billion to a loss of CHF 2.3 billion in 2011.

Investment income increased by CHF 1.6 billion to CHF 4.9 billion. This increase was mostly driven by higher dividend income and higher 
realised gains on derivative financial instruments which hedged the life and health variable annuity business.

In 2011, investment expenses increased by CHF 4.5 billion to CHF 6.6 billion, mainly as a result of valuation adjustments on investments in 
subsidiaries and affiliated companies in conjunction with the restructuring of the Swiss Re Group and higher valuation adjustments on 
derivative financial instruments related to reinsurance business.

Other income and expenses
Other net expenses decreased by CHF 0.5 billion to CHF 0.6 billion in 2011. The decrease mainly consisted of the one-time termination 
expense in 2010 for the convertible perpetual capital instrument (CPCI) issued to National Indemnity Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire 
Hathaway Inc., and reduced trademark license fee income. Since the establishment of the new ultimate holding company, 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd did not receive any trademark license fee income, but paid license fees to Swiss Re Ltd instead.

The Company has revised the classification between certain income statement categories. Specifically, the capital tax and indirect taxes of 
CHF 68 million were reclassified in 2011 from tax expense to other expenses. Therefore, the previously reported 2010 figures of tax expense 
and other expenses with a respective amount of CHF 60 million have been reclassified accordingly.

Assets
Compared to 2010, total assets decreased 12% to CHF 83.9 billion. Without the effect of foreign exchange movements, total assets 
amounted to CHF 84.1 billion.

As a result of the restructuring, investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies increased by CHF 1.2 billion reflecting various capital 
contributions, partially offset by valuation adjustments as well as capital repayments. 

The repayment of the CPCI to National Indemnity Company in early 2011 resulted in higher balances of cash and short-term investments as 
of 2010, compared to the year under report.

Various recaptures of reinsurance treaties in the life and health business caused the funds held to decrease by CHF 6.3 billion to 
CHF 11.4 billion. The increase in other assets related mostly to security lending collateral and reverse repurchase transactions.

Liabilities
In comparison to 2010, total liabilities decreased 13% to CHF 66.2 billion. Without the effect of foreign exchange movements, total liabilities 
amounted to CHF 66.4 billion. 

Technical provisions declined 13% to CHF 37.9 billion. Life and health policy benefits decreased significantly, mainly as a result of the 
recaptures of reinsurance treaties by affiliated companies of the Company, partially offset by the recapture of the retrocession treaty with 
ALPSII. Life and health unpaid claims remained stable compared to 2010. Property and casualty gross unpaid claims increased by 8% 
mainly due to the 2011 natural catastrophe events. As a result of these losses the equalisation provision of CHF 0.6 billion was completely 
released in the year under report.

Debts decreased significantly to CHF 7.0 billion as a result of the redemption of the CPCI issued in 2009 to National Indemnity Company. 
The redemption agreement was signed effective 2010 with a repayment of CHF 3.7 billion in early 2011. Liabilities from derivative financial 
instruments increased mainly due to derivatives in connection with the life and health variable annuity business.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report  89

 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Shareholder’s equity
As of 31 December 2010, shareholder’s equity amounted to CHF 18.8 billion before allocation of the disposable profit. After the dividend 
payment of CHF 943 million for 2010, and the inclusion of the loss for the 2011 financial year, shareholder’s equity decreased to 
CHF 17.8 billion at the end of 2011.

As a result of guidance issued by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration in connection with the capital contribution principle introduced in 
Swiss Tax Law, which became effective as of 1 January 2011, the Annual General Meeting on 15 April 2011 approved a reclassification of 
reserves of CHF 9 762 million from other reserves to legal reserves from capital contributions on the Company’s stand-alone balance sheet 
as of 31 December 2010.

As of 31 December 2011, legal reserves from capital contributions decreased to CHF 8 995 million due to the net effect of the dividend 
payment of CHF 943 million, the inclusion of additional reserves from newly issued shares and a reclassification from other reserves to legal 
reserves from capital contributions of issuance costs related to capital increases in previous years.

The nominal share capital of the Company increased slightly due to newly issued shares from the conditional capital for employee 
participation programmes. As of 31 December 2011, the nominal share capital amounted to CHF 37 million.

90  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Income statement
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

For the years ended 31 December

CHF millions
Reinsurance
Premiums earned
Claims and claim adjustment expenses
Life and health benefits
Change in equalisation provision
Acquisition costs
Other reinsurance result
Operating costs
Allocated investment return
Reinsurance result

Investments
Investment income
Investment expenses
Allocated investment return
Investment result

Other income and expenses
Other interest income
Other interest expenses
Other income
Other expenses
Result from other income and expenses

Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income /loss

Notes 
1  

2010

2011

2

12 173
–7 774
–1 868
 –
–1 584
412
–912
858
1 305

3 327
–2 151
–858
318

67
–792
655
–984
–1 054

569
–189
380

8 825
–9 970
4 538
550
–867
271
–914
592
3 025

4 927
–6 648
–592
–2 313

67
–410
69
–330
–604

108
–171
–63

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd’s financial statements.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report  91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Balance sheet
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

 As of 31 December

Assets

CHF millions
Non-current assets
Investments
Investment real estate
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliated companies
Mortgages and other loans
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Short-term investments
Alternative investments
Assets in derivative financial instruments
Total investments

Tangible assets
Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Premiums and other receivables from reinsurance
Funds held by ceding companies
Deferred acquisition costs
Cash and cash equivalents
Other receivables
Other assets
Accrued income

Total current assets

Total assets 

Notes

2010

2011

1 130
21 389
4 227
705
1 585
17 109
6 714
2 335
120
55 314

711
35

1 095
22 552
4 636
714
1 708
17 179
3 726
2 430
214
54 254

696
26

56 060

54 976

5 067
17 655
565
6 247
3 591
5 837
165

5 865
11 385
592
3 527
2 981
4 422
173

39 127

28 945

95 187

83 921

3
3
3

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd’s financial statements.

92  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Liabilities and shareholder’s equity

CHF millions
Liabilities
Technical provisions
Unpaid claims
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Unearned premiums
Provisions for profit commissions
Equalisation provision
Total technical provisions

Non-technical provisions
Provision for taxation
Provision for currency fluctuation
Other provisions
Total non-technical provisions

Debt
Debentures
Loans
Total debt

Funds held under reinsurance treaties
Reinsurance balances payable
Liabilities from derivative financial instruments
Other liabilities
Accrued expenses

Total liabilities

Shareholder’s equity
Share capital
Other legal reserves
Reserve for own shares
Legal reserves from capital contributions
Other reserves
Retained earnings brought forward
Profit /loss for the financial year

Total shareholder’s equity

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

Notes

2010

2011

4
4
4
4
4

4
4

5

27 548
12 658
2 677
162
550
43 595

128
1 465
513
2 106

8 214
2 109
10 323

4 801
2 785
2 637
10 013
170

26 895
7 892
3 002
143
 –
37 932

53
1 735
441
2 229

4 459
2 571
7 030

4 029
2 686
3 466
8 613
185

76 430

66 170

37
650
1 449
9 762
6 429
50
380

37
650
748
8 995
7 334
50
–63

18 757

17 751

95 187

83 921

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd’s financial statements.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report  93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Notes
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Significant accounting principles

Basis of presentation
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Swiss Company Law.

Time period
The 2011 financial year comprises the accounting period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.

Use of estimates in the preparation of annual accounts
The preparation of the annual accounts requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses as well as the related disclosures. Actual results could differ significantly from these 
estimates.

Foreign currency translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into Swiss francs at year-end exchange rates with the exception of 
significant participations which are maintained in Swiss francs at historical exchange rates.

Income and expenses are converted into Swiss francs at average exchange rates for the reporting year.

All exchange rate differences arising from the revaluation of the opening balance sheet, the adjustments from application of year-end or 
average rates and foreign exchange transactions are booked to the provision for currency fluctuation. Recognition through the income 
statement only occurs when the provision is not sufficient to absorb a negative difference.

Investments
The following assets are carried at cost, less necessary and legally permissible depreciation:
 ̤ Investment real estate
 ̤ Investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies
 ̤ Equity securities
 ̤ Fixed income securities (other than zero bonds)
 ̤ Investments in funds
 ̤ Alternative investments
 ̤ Assets in derivative financial instruments

Subsequent recoveries of previously recorded downward value adjustments may be recognised up to the lower of historical cost or market 
value at the balance sheet date. The valuation rules prescribed by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA are observed.

Zero bonds reported under fixed income securities are valued at their amortised cost values.

Assets in derivative financial instruments include reinsurance contracts or features embedded in reinsurance contracts that fulfil the 
characteristics of derivative financial instruments.

Short-term investments contain investments with an original duration between three months and one year. Such investments are generally 
held until maturity and are maintained at their amortised cost values.

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliated companies, mortgages and other loans are carried at nominal value. Value adjustments are recorded 
where the expected recovery value is lower than the nominal value.

Tangible assets
Property for own use is valued at the purchase or construction cost less necessary and legally permissible depreciation.

Other tangible assets are carried at cost, less individually scheduled straight-line depreciation over their useful lives. Items of minor value are 
not capitalised.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets, consisting of capitalised development costs for software for internal use, are stated at cost less straight-line amortisation 
over the estimated useful lives.

94  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Deferred acquisition costs
Deferred acquisition costs consist principally of commissions and are related to the production of new reinsurance business. Deferred 
acquisition costs for short duration contracts are amortised in proportion to premiums earned. Deferred acquisition costs for long duration 
contracts are amortised over the life of the underlying contracts.

Other assets
Other assets include deferred expenses on retroactive reinsurance policies, which are amortised through earnings over the expected  
claims-paying period, as well as receivables in connection with securities lending collateral and reverse repurchase transactions, which are 
carried at nominal value.

Other current assets
Other current assets are carried at nominal value after deduction of known credit risks if applicable.

Technical provisions
Unpaid claims are based on information provided by clients and own estimates of expected claims experience, which are drawn from 
empirical statistics. These include provisions for claims incurred but not reported. Unpaid insurance obligations are set aside at the full 
expected amount of future payment.

Liabilities for life and health policy benefits are determined on the basis of actuarially calculated present values taking experience into 
account. For external business, liabilities are the greater of cedent-reported information and estimates of own experience drawn from 
internal studies. With respect to the business ceded by the Company’s life and health subsidiaries, a prospective gross premium valuation  
is applied, taking into account expected future cash flows inherent in the reinsurance contract from the valuation date until expiry of the 
contract obligations. Cash flows include premiums, claims, commissions, investment income and expenses, with a margin added for 
prudence to reflect the uncertainties of the underlying best estimates. The gross premium valuation approach could result in a negative 
liability provision, which is typically set to zero.

Accounting principles for life and health business require that no contract is treated as an asset on the balance sheet, with the exception  
of specific contracts where an offsetting amount has been paid and is recoverable from the ceding company.

Modified coinsurance arrangements are treated on a gross basis with the separate recognition of the funds withheld, as well as the liabilities 
for life and health policy benefits.

Premiums written relating to future periods are stated as unearned premiums and are normally calculated by statistical methods. The accrual 
of commissions is determined correspondingly and is reported under “Deferred acquisition costs”.

Provisions for profit commissions are based on contractual agreements with clients and depend on the results of reinsurance treaties.

The equalisation provision is established to achieve a protection of the balance sheet and to break peaks of incurred claims in individual 
financial years with an exceptionally high claims burden by releasing appropriate amounts from the provision.

The shares of technical provisions pertaining to retroceded business are determined or estimated according to the contractual agreement 
and the underlying gross business data per treaty.

Liabilities assumed and consideration provided in connection with portfolio transactions are established through the respective lines in the 
income statement. The initial recognition of assumed outstanding claims is recorded as change in unpaid claims, with the consideration 
being recognised as negative claims paid. The assumption of the provision for unearned premiums is established through the change in 
unearned premiums, with the respective consideration accounted for as premiums written. The liability for life and health policy benefits is 
established as a charge against life and health benefits, with the initial premium consideration recorded as premiums written.

The initial set up of assets and liabilities in respect of property and casualty retroactive treaties with external counterparties is accounted for 
as a balance sheet transaction.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report  95

 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Non-technical provisions
The provision for taxation reflects the related tax expense for the financial year under report.

The provision for currency fluctuation comprises all currency differences arising from the revaluation of the opening balance sheet, the 
adjustments from application of year-end or average rates and foreign exchange transactions.

Other provisions are determined according to business principles and are based on estimated needs and in accordance with tax regulations.

Debt
Debt is held at redemption value.

Funds held under reinsurance treaties
Funds held under reinsurance treaties mainly contain cash deposits withheld from retrocessionaires, which are stated at redemption value.

Reinsurance balances payable
Reinsurance balances payable are held at redemption value.

Liabilities from derivative financial instruments
Liabilities from derivative financial instruments are generally maintained at the highest commitment amount as per a balance sheet date 
during the life of the underlying contracts. Premiums received in respect of derivative financial instruments are not realised until expiration  
or settlement of the contract.

Included in this position are reinsurance contracts or features embedded in reinsurance contracts that fulfil the characteristics of derivative 
financial instruments. For such contracts, premiums received may be recognised as income prior to contract expiration or settlement, in 
cases where the recorded commitment has already reached the maximum liability amount potentially payable under the terms of the respective 
contracts. Decreases in the liability amounts prior to expiration or settlement are only recognised as income for contracts for which hedges 
are in place.

Other liabilities
Other liabilities include payables in connection with repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions, which are held at 
redemption value.

Deposit arrangements
Contracts which do not meet risk transfer requirements, defined as transferring a reasonable probability of a significant loss to the reinsurer, 
are accounted for as deposit arrangements. Deposit amounts are adjusted for payments received and made, as well as for amortisation or 
accretion of interest.

Allocated investment return
The allocated investment return contains the calculated interest generated on the investments covering the technical provisions. The interest 
rate reflects the currency-weighted, five-year average yield on five-year government bonds.

Management expenses
Overall management expenses are allocated to the reinsurance business, the investment business and to other expenses on an imputed basis.

Capital and indirect taxes
Capital and indirect taxes related to the financial year are included in other expenses. Value-added taxes are included in the respective 
expense lines in the income statement.

Income tax expense
The income tax expense relates to the financial year under report.

Income statement classification
The Company has revised the classification between certain income statement categories. Specifically, the capital tax and indirect taxes 
were reclassified from tax expense to other expenses. Therefore, the previously reported 2010 figures of tax expense and other expenses 
have been changed accordingly.

96  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report

Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Notes
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Additional information on the financial statements

1  Reinsurance result

CHF millions
Premiums written 
Change in unearned premiums
Premiums earned

Claims paid and claim adjustment expenses
Change in unpaid claims
Claims and claim adjustment expenses 

Gross
15 541
–20
15 521

–7 568
157
–7 411

Retro
–3 486
138
–3 348

–152
–211
–363

2010
Net
12 055
118
12 173

–7 720
–54
–7 774

Gross
13 850
–1 244
12 606

–13 930
–2 220
–16 150

Retro
–4 696
915
–3 781

3 528
2 652
6 180

2011
Net
9 154
–329
8 825

–10 402
432
–9 970

Life and health benefits

–3 825

1 957

–1 868

5 751

–1 213

4 538

Change in equalisation provision

 –

 –

 –

550

 –

550

Fixed commissions
Profit commissions
Acquisition costs

Other reinsurance income and expenses
Result from cash deposits
Other reinsurance result

Operating costs

Allocated investment return

Reinsurance result

2  Investment result

CHF millions
Income from real estate investment
Income from subsidiaries and affiliated companies
Income from equity securities
Income from fixed income securities, mortgages and other loans
Income from derivative financial instruments
Income from short-term investments
Income from alternative investments
Income from investment services
Valuation readjustments on investments
Realised gains on sale of investments
Investment income

Expenses from derivative financial instruments
Investment management expenses
Valuation adjustments on investments
Realised losses on sale of investments
Investment expenses

Allocated investment return
Investment result

–2 323
–276
–2 599

248
863
1 111

975
40
1 015

–81
–618
–699

–1 717
–242
–1 959

148
574
722

1 052
40
1 092

–51
–400
–451

–1 348
–236
–1 584

167
245
412

–912

858

1 305

2010
100
556
13
621
72
52
46
71
440
1 356
3 327

 –
–300
–1 527
–324
–2 151

–858
318

–665
–202
–867

97
174
271

–914

592

3 025

2011
98
2 335
33
638
23
65
61
40
29
1 605
4 927

–13
–268
–6 082
–285
–6 648

–592
–2 313

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report  97

 
Financial statements | Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

3  Assets from reinsurance

CHF millions
Premiums and other receivables from reinsurance
Funds held by ceding companies
Deferred acquisition costs
Assets from reinsurance

4  Liabilities from reinsurance

CHF millions
Unpaid claims
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits 
Unearned premiums
Provisions for profit commissions
Equalisation provision
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
Reinsurance balances payable
Liabilities from reinsurance

5  Shareholder’s equity

Change in shareholder’s equity

Gross
5 007
17 655
850
23 512

Gross
31 427
16 073
3 799
211
550
2
1 155
53 217

Retro
60
–
–285
–225

Retro
–3 879
–3 415
–1 122
–49
–
4 799
1 630
–2 036

2010
Net
5 067
17 655
565
23 287

2010
Net
27 548
12 658
2 677
162
550
4 801
2 785
51 181

Gross
5 668
11 385
1 324
18 377

Retro
197
–
–732
–535

Gross
33 597
9 987
5 146
176
–
1
769
49 676

Retro
–6 702
–2 095
–2 144
–33
–
4 028
1 917
–5 029

2011
Net
5 865
11 385
592
17 842

2011
Net
26 895
7 892
3 002
143
–
4 029
2 686
44 647

CHF millions
Shareholder’s equity as of 1 January
Dividend paid for the previous year
Capital increase including premium
Profit /Loss for the financial year
Shareholder’s equity on 31 December before dividend payments
Dividend payments
Shareholder’s equity on 31 December after dividend payments

2010
18 720
–343
0
380
18 757
–9421
17 815

2011
18 757
–9431
0
–63
17 751
–6 8382
10 913

1  The number of registered shares eligible for dividend at the dividend payment date increased since the proposal for allocation of profit, dated 22 March 2011, due to the issuance 
of 2 778 new registered shares from options being exercised and the transfer of 347 512 shares for employee participation purposes from not eligible to eligible for dividend. This 
resulted in a higher dividend of CHF 963 298 compared to the Board of Directors’ proposal.

2  Details on the dividend payments for the financial year 2011 are disclosed on page 103.

98  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

6  Further notes to the financial statements

Contingentliabilities
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd has issued a number of guarantees to several of its subsidiaries in support of their business activities by 
securing either their overall capital positions or specific transactions. These guarantees are generally not limited by a nominal amount but 
rather by the exposure of the underlying business.

In addition, as a component of the Swiss Re Group’s financing structure, the Company has guaranteed CHF 5 678 million  
(2010: CHF 6 020 million) of debt issued by certain subsidiaries and letter of credit facilities benefiting various subsidiaries of which no 
amount  was utilised as of 31 December 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

Unfundedcommitments
As a participant in limited investment partnerships, the Company commits itself to making available certain amounts of investment funding, 
callable by the partnerships in general for periods of up to 10 years. As of 31 December 2011, total commitments remaining uncalled were 
CHF 660 million (2010: CHF 854 million).

Leasingcontracts
Total off-balance-sheet commitments from operating leases for the next five years and there after are as follows:

CHF millions
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
After 2016
Totaloperatingleases,net

2010
17
13
12
11
10
14
77

2011
–
22
21
18
15
35
111

These commitments pertain to the non-cancellable contract periods and refer primarily to office and apartment space rented by the Company.

In addition, a financial lease of IT hardware is recognised on the balance sheet. The corresponding asset and liability of CHF 10 million 
(2010: CHF 16 million) are included in tangible assets and other liabilities, respectively.

Securitydeposits
To secure the technical provisions at the 2011 balance sheet date, securities with a value of CHF 9 486 million (2010: CHF 9 858 million) 
were deposited in favour of ceding companies, of which CHF 9 200 million (2010: CHF 9 297 million) referred to affiliated companies of the 
Company.

In addition, a real estate portfolio with a carrying amount of CHF 673 million (2010: CHF 676 million) serves as collateral for short-term 
senior operational debt of CHF 650 million with an external counterparty.

Securitieslendingandrepurchaseagreements
To enhance the performance of its investment portfolio, the Company enters into securities lending and reverse repurchase transactions.  
In the context of such transactions securities are transferred to the counterparty.

Additionally, the Company performs the role of the collateral clearer for the Swiss Re Group, centrally managing and reducing counterpart 
credit exposure for the asset holding entities, providing funding diversification and enabling secured cash investment. As such the Company 
acts as principal in collateral transactions, borrowing securities from its affiliated companies and entering into lending and borrowing as well 
as repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with third parties. As a matter of policy, the Company requires that collateral, consisting 
of cash or securities, is provided to cover the assumed counterparty risk associated with such transactions.



SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report  99

Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

An overview of the fair value of securities transferred under securities lending and borrowing as well as repurchase agreements is provided 
in the following table as of 31 December:

CHF millions
Fair value of securities transferred to third parties
Fair value of securities transferred to affiliated companies
Total

2010
954
–
954

2011
5646
5682
11328

These securities were transferred with the right to be sold or pledged by the borrowing entity. The securities which were held and lent by 
investment funds are excluded from the table above.

Investmentfunds
As of 31 December 2011, fixed income securities of CHF 4 581 million (2010: CHF 5 881 million) were held in investment funds, which are 
owned by its affiliated companies. The securities in these funds and their revenues are reported in the corresponding asset category.

Fireinsurancevalueoftangibleassets
As of 31 December 2011, the insurance value of tangible assets, comprising the real estate portfolio and other tangible assets, amounted to 
CHF 2 555 million (2010: CHF 2 563 million).

Obligationstowardsemployeepensionfund
Other liabilities include CHF 5 million (2010: CHF 5 million) payable to the employee pension fund.

Publicplaceddebentures
As of 31 December 2011, the following public placed debentures were outstanding:

Instrument
Senior bond
Senior bond
Senior bond

Issued in
2011
2010
2009

Currency
CHF
CHF
CHF

Nominal 
in millions
600
500
700

Interest rate
2.125%
2.000%
4.250%

Maturity/ 
First call in
2017
2015
2013

Book value 
CHF millions
600
500
700

Investmentsinsubsidiaries
Details on the Company’s subsidiaries are disclosed on pages 74 to 77.

Ownshares
As of 31 December 2011, the Swiss Re Group held 370 706 931 Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd shares, of which Swiss Re Ltd owned 
344 052 565 shares and the Company owned directly 26 654 366 shares.

In connection with the exchange offer Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd contributed all its own shares to Swiss Re Ltd in exchange for an 
equivalent number of new Swiss Re Ltd shares. The total of contributed shares was 26 654 366, including 20 000 Swiss Reinsurance 
Company Ltd shares that were contributed by a third party on behalf of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd, with a total book value of 
CHF 747 830 958. This book value consisted of 11 678 802 shares contributed with a par value of CHF 0.10 per share and 14 975 564 
shares contributed with an average price of CHF 49.86 per share.

Depositaccount
Deposit arrangements generated the following balances, which are included in:

CHF millions
Reinsurance result
Premiums and other receivables from reinsurance
Funds held by ceding companies
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
Reinsurance balances payable

100  SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report

2010
80
469
66
2
617

2011
41
263
55
1
396

Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

ClaimsonandobligationstowardsaffiliatedcompaniesoftheCompany

CHF millions
Premiums and other receivables from reinsurance
Funds held by ceding companies
Other receivables
Other assets
Loans
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
Reinsurance balances payable
Other liabilities

2010
986
15 524
2 435
1 347
1 459
3 189
962
7 404

2011
1183
9074
2836
77
1921
3862
1330
6519

Conditionalcapitalandauthorisedcapital
At Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd’s Annual General Meeting, held in Zurich 15 April 2011, shareholders approved the adaptation of the 
conditional capital and authorised capital structure as described below.

As of 31 December 2011, the Company has therefore the following conditional capital and authorised capital:

ConditionalcapitalforEquity-LinkedFinancingInstruments
The share capital of the Company shall be increased by an amount not exceeding CHF 5 000 000 through the issuance of a maximum of  
50 000 000 registered shares, payable in full, each with a nominal value of CHF 0.10 through the voluntary or mandatory exercise of 
conversion and /or option rights granted in connection with bonds or similar instruments including loans or other financial instruments by  
the Company or Group companies of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (hereinafter collectively the “Equity-Linked Financing Instruments”). 
Existing shareholders’ subscription rights are excluded.

Authorisedcapital
The Board of Directors is authorised to increase the share capital of the Company at any time up to 20 May 2013 by an amount not exceeding 
CHF 8 500 000 through the issuance of up to 85 000 000 registered shares, payable in full, each with a nominal value of CHF 0.10. 
Increases by underwriting as well as partial increases are permitted. The date of issue, the issue price, the type of contribution and any 
possible acquisition of assets, the date of dividend entitlement as well as the expiry or allocation of non exercised subscription rights will be 
determined by the Board of Directors.

With respect to a maximum of CHF 5 000 000 through the issuance of up to 50 000 000 registered shares, payable in full, each with a 
nominal value of CHF 0.10 out of the total amount of authorised capital referred to above, the subscription rights of shareholders may not  
be excluded.

With respect to a maximum of CHF 3 500 000 through the issuance of up to 35 000 000 registered shares, payable in full, each with a 
nominal value of CHF 0.10 out of the total amount of authorised capital referred to above, the Board of Directors may exclude or restrict the 
subscription rights of the existing shareholders for the use of shares in connection with (i) mergers, acquisitions (including take-over) of 
companies, parts of companies or holdings, equity stakes (participations) or new investments planned by the Company and /or Group 
companies of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd, financing or re-financing of such mergers, acquisitions or new investments, the conversion 
of loans, securities or equity securities, and /or (ii) improving the regulatory capital position of the Company or Group companies of 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd in a fast and expeditious manner if the Board of Directors deems it appropriate or prudent to do so 
(including by way of private placements).



SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report  101

Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Releaseofundisclosedreserves
In the year under report, no net undisclosed reserves on investments or on provisions were released (2010: CHF 88 million).

Majorshareholders
As of 31 December 2011, the Company was a fully owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Ltd.

Personnelinformation
As of 31 December 2011, Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd employed a worldwide staff of 3 654 (2010: 3 513). Personnel expenses for  
the 2011 financial year amounted to CHF 885 million (2010: CHF 967 million).

Managementfeecontribution
In 2011, management expenses of CHF 282 million (2010: CHF 171 million) were recharged to affiliated companies of the Company and 
invoiced to third parties. These recharges were reported net under “Operating costs”, “Investment expenses” and “Other expenses”.

Riskassessment
Article 663b sub-para. 12 of the Swiss Code of Obligations requires disclosure of information on the performance of a risk assessment.

The identification, assessment and control of risk exposures of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd on a stand-alone basis are integrated in  
and covered by Swiss Re’s Group risk management organisation and processes.

Details are disclosed on page 84.

Outlook2012
As a result of the new Swiss Re Group corporate structure, during the first half of 2012, Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd will transfer its 
investments in Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Ltd and Swiss Re Life Capital Ltd through a dividend in-kind to Swiss Re Ltd. These transfers are 
subject to the approval of Swiss Re’s principal regulator, Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. Following these transfers, 
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Ltd and Swiss Re Life Capital Ltd will no longer be subsidiaries of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd and will instead 
become direct subsidiaries of Swiss Re Ltd.

102  SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report

Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Proposal for allocation  
of disposable profit/loss

The Annual General Meeting of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd to be held in Zurich on 19 March 2012 has at its disposal the following loss:

In CHF
Retained earnings brought forward
Profit /loss for the financial year
Disposableprofit/loss

2010
50 211 859
380 219 312
430 431 171

2011
50431171
–63439410
–13008239

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd to allocate the disposable loss and to 
pay dividends as follows:

In CHF
Balance carried forward
Allocati on to other reserves
Withdrawal from other reserves for dividend payments
Reclassification of legal reserves from capital contributions to other reserves
Dividend payment out of other reserves
Dividend in-kind of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Ltd and Swiss Re Life Capital Ltd out of other reserves2
Disposableprofit/loss

2010
50 431 171
380 000 000

–942 206 4381
942 206 4381
–
430 431 171

2011
–13008239
–
– –6837899198
–
1028209497
5809689701
–13008239

1  The number of registered shares eligible for dividend at the dividend payment date increased since the proposal for allocation of profit, dated 22 March 2011, due to the issuance 
of 2 778 new registered shares from options being exercised and the transfer of 347 512 shares for employee participation purposes from not eligible to eligible for dividend. This 
resulted in a higher dividend of CHF 963 298 compared to the Board of Directors’ proposal.

2  Subject to FINMA approval

Dividends
If this Board of Directors’ proposal for allocation is accepted, the following dividends will be paid:
 ̤ a cash dividend of CHF 1 028 209 497 out of other reserves
 ̤ a dividend in-kind of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Ltd and Swiss Re Life Capital Ltd of total CHF 5 809 689 701 out of other reserves

Zurich, 15 March 2012



SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report  103

Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Report of the statutory auditor

Report of the statutory auditor 
to the General Meeting of 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd   
Zurich

ReportofthestatutoryauditorontheFinancialStatements
As statutory auditor, we have audited the financial statements of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd, which comprise the income statement, 
balance sheet and notes (pages 91 to 102), for the year ended 31 December 2011.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of Swiss law  
and the company’s articles of incorporation. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining an internal control system 
relevant to the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Board of 
Directors is further responsible for selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are reasonable 
in the circumstances. 

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with 
Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The 
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to  
the entity’s preparation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for 
the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control system. An audit also includes evaluating the 
appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011 comply with Swiss law and the company’s articles of 
incorporation.

Reportonotherlegalrequirements
We confirm that we meet the legal requirements on licensing according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA) and independence  
(article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our independence.

In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists 
which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

We further confirm that the proposal for allocation of disposable profit/loss complies with Swiss law and the company’s articles of 
incorporation. We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Alex Finn 
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Zurich, 15 March 2012

Dawn M Kink

104  SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report

 
Financialstatements| Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

This page is intentionally left blank



SwissReinsuranceCompanyLtd2011 Annual Report  105

General information

Cautionary note on forward-looking 
statements

Certain statements and illustrations contained herein are forward-looking. These statements 
and illustrations provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions 
and include any statement that does not directly relate to a historical fact or current fact.

Forward-looking statements typically are identified by words or phrases such as “anticipate”, 
“assume”, “believe”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “foresee”, “intend”, “may increase” and 
“may fluctuate” and similar expressions or by future or conditional verbs such as “will”, 
“should”, “would” and “could“. These forward-looking statements involve known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Group’s actual results 
of operations, financial condition, solvency ratios, liquidity position or prospects to be 
materially different from any future results of operations, financial condition, solvency ratios, 
liquidity position or prospects expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors 
include, among others:
 ̤ further instability affecting the global financial system and developments related thereto, 
including as a result of concerns over, or adverse developments relating to, sovereign 
debt of euro area countries;

 ̤ further deterioration in global economic conditions;
 ̤ the Group’s ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and access to capital markets, including 
sufficient liquidity to cover potential recapture of reinsurance agreements, early calls of 
debt or debt-like arrangements and collateral calls due to actual or perceived 
deterioration of the Group’s financial strength or otherwise;

 ̤ the effect of market conditions, including the global equity and credit markets, and the 
level and volatility of equity prices, interest rates, credit spreads, currency values and 
other market indices, on the Group’s investment assets;

 ̤ changes in the Group’s investment result as a result of changes in its investment policy or 
the changed composition of its investment assets, and the impact of the timing of any 
such changes relative to changes in market conditions;

 ̤ uncertainties in valuing credit default swaps and other credit-related instruments;
 ̤ possible inability to realise amounts on sales of securities on the Group’s balance sheet 

equivalent to their mark-to-market values recorded for accounting purposes;

 ̤ the outcome of tax audits, the ability to realise tax loss carryforwards and the ability to 

realise deferred tax assets (including by reason of the mix of earnings in a jurisdiction or 
deemed change of control), which could negatively impact future earnings;
 ̤ the possibility that the Group’s hedging arrangements may not be effective;
 ̤ the lowering or loss of financial strength or other ratings of Group companies, and 
developments adversely affecting the Group’s ability to achieve improved ratings;

106  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report 

General information | Cautionary note on forward-looking statements

 ̤ the cyclicality of the reinsurance industry;
 ̤ uncertainties in estimating reserves;
 ̤ uncertainties in estimating future claims for purposes of financial reporting, particularly 

with respect to large natural catastrophes, as significant uncertainties may be involved in 
estimating losses from such events and preliminary estimates may be subject to change 
as new information becomes available;

 ̤ the frequency, severity and development of insured claim events;
 ̤ acts of terrorism and acts of war;
 ̤ mortality and morbidity experience;
 ̤ policy renewal and lapse rates;
 ̤ extraordinary events affecting the Group’s clients and other counterparties, such as 

bankruptcies, liquidations and other credit-related events;

 ̤ current, pending and future legislation and regulation affecting the Group or its ceding 

companies;

 ̤ legal actions or regulatory investigations or actions, including those in respect of industry 

requirements or business conduct rules of general applicability;

 ̤ changes in accounting standards;
 ̤ significant investments, acquisitions or dispositions, and any delays, unexpected costs or 

other issues experienced in connection with any such transactions;

 ̤ changing levels of competition; 
 ̤ operational factors, including the efficacy of risk management and other internal 

procedures in managing the foregoing risks; and

 ̤ challenges in implementation, adverse responses of counterparties, regulators or rating 

agencies, or other issues arising from, or otherwise relating to, the changes in the Group’s 
corporate structure.

These factors are not exhaustive. The Group operates in a continually changing environment 
and new risks emerge continually. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on 
forward-looking statements. The Group undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update 
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or 
otherwise.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  107

 
General information

Note on risk factors

General impact of adverse market conditions and deterioration in global 
financial markets 
The euro area sovereign debt crisis, coupled with weak demand and mild fiscal contraction 
in the US, is slowing global growth. Recession cannot be ruled out for a number of 
developed economies, and emerging markets, while continuing to expand, are doing so at a 
slower pace than in 2011, or than expected. Economic developments, in the form of adverse 
growth trends, and the political environment, in the form of fiscal tightening, 
accommodative monetary policy and governance challenges, are resulting in low interest 
rates, threats to holders of sovereign debt and holders of debt of financial institutions with 
exposure to sovereign debt, and adverse trends in emerging markets. 

Concerns are increasing about rising sovereign debt burdens, possible sovereign defaults 
and the future of the euro, which in turn could affect economic growth rates, interest rates 
and inflation. Failure to reach an early resolution of the euro area sovereign debt crisis, and 
continued uncertainty over the stability of the euro and the European Monetary Union, could 
increase the severity and duration of economic recession, cause more economic turmoil in 
the near term, cause further disruptions in the global financial markets and impact foreign 
currency exchange rates. These developments in turn could have an adverse impact on our 
investment results, our ability to access the capital markets and the bank funding market, 
the ability of counterparties to meet their obligations to us and the short-term outlook for the 
life insurance industry, particularly in North America and Europe, with a corresponding 
negative impact on our Life & Health business. Concerns over the stability of the euro could 
also have a broad effect on contractual arrangements denominated in, or otherwise tied to, 
the euro. 

The foregoing developments could have material adverse effects on our industry and on us.

Regulatory changes
Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (“Swiss Re”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) 
are regulated in a number of jurisdictions in which they conduct business. New legislation as 
well as changes to existing legislation have been proposed and/or recently adopted in a 
number of jurisdictions that are expected to alter, in a variety of ways, the manner in which 
the financial services industry is regulated. Although it is difficult to predict which proposals 
will become law and when and how new legislation ultimately will be implemented by 
regulators (including in respect of the extraterritorial effect of reforms), it is likely that 
significant aspects of existing regulatory regimes governing financial services will change. 
These may include changes as to which governmental bodies regulate financial institutions, 
changes in the way financial institutions generally are regulated, enhanced governmental 
authority to take control over operations of financial institutions, restrictions on the conduct 
of certain lines of business, changes in the way financial institutions account for transactions 
and securities positions, changes in disclosure obligations and changes in the way rating 
agencies rate the creditworthiness and financial strength of financial institutions. 

Legislative initiatives directly impacting our industry include the establishment of a pan-
European regulator for insurance companies, the European Insurance and Occupational 
Pension Authority, which gained its regulatory powers on 1 January 2011 and will be able  
to overrule national regulators in certain circumstances. In addition, Swiss Re is subject to 
the Swiss Solvency Test, and Solvency II is currently expected to be transposed into law in 
January 2013, but will not be binding on insurers until a year later in January 2014. In the 
US, as a possible step towards federal oversight of insurance, the US Congress created the 
Federal Insurance Office within the Department of Treasury. 

Other changes are focused principally on banking institutions, but some could have direct 
applicability to insurance or reinsurance operations and others could have a general impact 
on the regulatory landscape for financial institutions, which might indirectly impact capital 
requirements and/or required reserve levels or have other direct or indirect effects on  
the Group. Changes are particularly likely to impact financial institutions designated as 

108  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report 

General information | Note on risk factors

“systemically important”, which designation is expected to result in enhanced regulatory 
supervision and heightened capital, liquidity and diversification requirements under evolving 
reforms. Although, to date, the focus of reforms in respect of systemically important financial 
institutions principally has been on banks, there is an emerging focus on insurance companies 
as well. Swiss Re could be designated as a global systemically important financial institution. 
In addition, there appears to be a trend towards a more coordinated, centralised and stricter 
approach to insurance regulation specifically, in both the EU and the US. 

Regulatory changes may also occur in areas of broader application, such as competition 
policy and tax laws. Changes in tax laws could increase the taxes the Group pays, the 
attractiveness of products offered by the Group, the Group’s investment activities and the 
value of deferred tax assets. Any number of these changes could apply to the Group  
and its operations. These changes could increase the costs of doing business, reduce 
access to liquidity, limit the scope of business or affect the competitive balance, or could 
make reinsurance less attractive to primary insurers.

Market risk
Volatility and disruption in the global financial markets can expose the Group to significant 
financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity 
prices and foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely impact the Group’s 
financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital position. The Group’s exposure 
to interest rate risk is primarily related to the market price and cash flow variability 
associated with changes in interest rates. Exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to 
market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads. When 
credit spreads widen, the net unrealised loss position of the Group’s investment portfolio 
can increase, as could other-than-temporary impairments. With respect to equity prices, the 
Group is exposed to changes in the level and volatility of equity prices, as they affect the 
value of equity securities themselves as well as the value of securities or instruments that 
derive their value from a particular equity security, a basket of equity securities or a stock 
index. The Group is also subject to equity price risk to the extent that the values of life-
related benefits under certain products and life contracts, most notably variable annuity 
business, are tied to financial market values; to the extent market values fall, the financial 
exposure on guarantees related to these contracts would increase to the extent this 
exposure is not hedged. While the Group has discontinued writing new variable annuity 
business and has an extensive hedging programme covering its existing variable annuity 
business, certain risks cannot be hedged, including actuarial risks, basis risk and correlation 
risk. Exposure to foreign exchange risk arises from exposures to changes in spot prices and 
forward prices as well as to volatile movements in exchange rates.

These risks can have a significant effect on investment returns and market values of 
securities positions, which in turn may affect both the Group’s results of operations and 
financial condition. The Group continues to focus on asset-liability management for its 
investment portfolio, but pursuing even this strategy has its risks – including possible 
mismatch – that in turn can lead to reinvestment risk. The Group seeks to manage the  
risks inherent in its investment portfolio by repositioning the portfolio from time to time,  
as needed, and to reduce risk and fluctuations through the use of hedges and other risk 
management tools. The Group has reduced risk to the portfolio by repositioning the 
components of the portfolio and, as a result, profitability could potentially be impacted and, 
unless offset by underwriting returns, reduced.

Credit risk
Although the Group has taken significant steps to de-risk its portfolio and reposition its 
assets, if the credit markets were again to deteriorate and further asset classes were to be 
impacted, the Group could experience further losses. Changes in the market value of the 
underlying securities and other factors impacting their price could give rise to market value 
losses. If the credit markets were to deteriorate again, the Group could also face further 
write-downs in other areas of its portfolio, including other structured instruments, and the 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  109

 
General information | Note on risk factors

Group and its counterparties could once again face difficulties in valuing credit-related 
instruments. Differences in opinion with respect to valuations of credit-related instruments 
could result in legal disputes among the Group and its counterparties as to their respective 
obligations, the outcomes of which are difficult to predict and could be material.

Liquidity risks
The Group’s business requires, and its clients expect, that it has sufficient capital and 
sufficient liquidity to meet its reinsurance obligations, and that this would continue to be the 
case following the occurrence of any event or series of events, including extreme 
catastrophes, that would trigger insurance or reinsurance coverage obligations. The Group’s 
uses of funds include obligations arising in its reinsurance business (including claims and 
other payments as well as insurance provision repayments due to portfolio transfers, 
securitisations and commutations), which may include large and unpredictable claims 
(including catastrophe claims), funding of capital requirements and operating costs, payment 
of principal and interest on outstanding indebtedness and funding of acquisitions. The 
Group also enters into contracts or trading arrangements that could give rise to significant 
short-term funding obligations and, in connection with the Group’s trading operations, it 
could be subject to unexpected calls to deliver collateral or unwind trading positions at a net 
cost to it. The Group also has unfunded capital commitments in its private equity and hedge 
fund investments, which could result in funding obligations at a time when it is subject to 
liquidity constraints. The Group also has potential collateral requirements in connection with 
a number of reinsurance arrangements, the amounts of which may be material and the 
meeting of which could require the Group to liquidate cash equivalents or other securities.

The Group manages liquidity and funding risks by focusing on the liquidity stress that is likely 
to result from extreme capital markets scenarios or from extreme loss events or 
combinations of the two. Generally, the ability to meet liquidity needs could be adversely 
impacted by factors that the Group cannot control, such as market dislocations or 
interruptions, adverse economic conditions, severe disruption in the financial and worldwide 
credit markets and the related increased constraints on the availability of credit; changes in 
interest rates, foreign exchange rates and credit spreads, or by perceptions among market 
participants of the extent of the Group’s liquidity needs.

The Group may not be able to secure new sources of liquidity or funding, should projected or 
actual liquidity fall below levels it requires. The ability to meet liquidity needs through asset 
sales may be constrained by market conditions and the related stress on valuations, and 
through third-party funding may be limited by constraints on the general availability of credit 
and willingness of lenders to lend. In addition, the Group’s ability to meet liquidity needs may 
also be constrained by regulatory requirements that require regulated entities to maintain or 
increase regulatory capital, or that restrict intra-Group transactions, the timing of dividend 
payments from subsidiaries or the fact that certain assets may be encumbered or otherwise 
non-tradable. Failure to meet covenants in lending arrangements could give rise to collateral-
posting or defaults, and further constrain access to liquidity. Finally, any adverse ratings action 
could trigger a need for further liquidity (for example, by triggering termination provisions or 
collateral delivery requirements in contracts to which the Group is a party) at a time when the 
Group’s ability to obtain liquidity from external sources is limited by such ratings action.

Counterparty risks
The Group’s general exposure to counterparty risk was heightened during the credit crisis, 
and this risk could still be exacerbated to the extent defaults, or concerns about possible 
defaults, by certain market participants trigger more systemic concerns about liquidity. 
Losses due to defaults by counterparties, including issuers of investment securities (which 
include structured securities) or derivative instrument counterparties, could adversely affect 
the Group. In addition, trading counterparties, counterparties under swaps and other 
derivative contracts, and financial intermediaries may default on their obligations due to 
bankruptcy, insolvency, lack of liquidity, adverse economic conditions, operational failure, 
fraud or other reasons, which could also have a material adverse impact on the Group. 

110  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report 

General information | Note on risk factors

The Group could also be adversely affected by the insolvency of, or other credit constraints 
affecting, counterparties in its reinsurance operations. Moreover, the Group could be 
adversely affected by liquidity issues at ceding companies or at third parties to whom the 
Group has retroceded risk, and such risk could be exacerbated to the extent any such 
exposures are concentrated. The Group’s most significant single counterparty risk is in 
respect of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., with which it has a quota share arrangement, an 
adverse development cover and a retrocession arrangement in respect of a closed block of 
US individual life reinsurance business. 

Risks relating to credit rating downgrades
Ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of reinsurance 
companies, and market conditions could increase the risk of downgrade. Third-party rating 
agencies assess and rate the financial strength of reinsurers and insurers such as Swiss Re. 
These ratings are intended to measure a company’s ability to repay its obligations and are 
based upon criteria established by the rating agencies. 

The Group’s ratings reflect the current opinion of the relevant rating agencies. One or more 
of its ratings could be downgraded or withdrawn in the future. Rating agencies may increase 
the frequency and scope of ratings reviews, revise their criteria or take other actions that 
may negatively impact the Group’s ratings. In addition, changes to the process or methodology 
of issuing ratings, or the occurrence of events or developments affecting the Group, could 
make it more difficult for the Group to achieve improved ratings which it would otherwise 
have expected.

As claims paying and financial strength ratings are key factors in establishing the 
competitive position of reinsurers, a decline in ratings alone could make reinsurance 
provided by the Group less attractive to clients relative to reinsurance from competitors with 
similar or stronger ratings. A decline in ratings could also cause the loss of clients who are 
required by either policy or regulation to purchase reinsurance only from reinsurers with 
certain ratings. A decline in ratings could also impact the availability and terms of unsecured 
financing and obligate the Group to provide collateral or other guarantees in the course of its 
reinsurance business or trigger early termination of funding arrangements. Any rating 
downgrades could also have a material adverse impact on the Group’s costs of borrowing 
and limit its access to the capital markets. Further negative ratings action could also impact 
reinsurance contracts.

Legal and regulatory risks
The Group has been named, from time to time, as a defendant in various legal actions in 
connection with its operations. The Group is also involved, from time to time, in investigations 
and regulatory proceedings, certain of which could result in adverse judgments, settlements, 
fines and other outcomes. The number of these investigations and proceedings involving the 
financial services industry has increased in recent years, and the potential scope of these 
investigations and proceedings has also increased, not only in respect of matters covered by 
our direct regulators, but also in respect of compliance with broader business conduct rules 
such as market abuse regulations, anti-bribery legislation, anti-money laundering legislation 
and trade sanctions legislation. The Group could be subject to risks arising from alleged,  
or actual, violations of any of the foregoing, and could also be subject to risks arising from 
potential employee misconduct, including non-compliance with internal policies and 
procedures. Substantial legal liability could materially adversely affect the Group’s business, 
financial condition or results of operations or could cause significant reputational harm, 
which could seriously harm its business.

Insurance, operational and other risks
As part of the Group’s ordinary course operations, the Group is subject to a variety of risks, 
including risks that reserves may not adequately cover future claims and benefits, risks that 
catastrophic events (including hurricanes, windstorms, floods, earthquakes, industrial 
accidents, explosions, industrial actions, fires and pandemics) may expose the Group to 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report  111

 
General information | Note on risk factors

unexpected large losses, changes in the insurance industry that affect ceding companies, 
competitive conditions, cyclicality of the industry, risks related to emerging claims and 
coverage issues, risks arising from the Group’s dependence on policies, procedures and 
expertise of ceding companies, risks related to investments in emerging markets, and risks 
related to the failure of operational systems and infrastructure. In addition, the occurrence  
of future risks that the Group’s risk management procedures fail to identify or anticipate 
could have a material adverse effect on the Group. Any of the foregoing, as well as other 
concerns in respect of the Group’s business, could also give rise to reputational risk.

Use of models; accounting matters
The Group is subject to risks relating to the preparation of estimates and assumptions that 
management uses, for example, as part of its risk models as well as those that affect the 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the Group’s financial 
statements, including assumed and ceded business. For example, the Group estimates 
premiums pending receipt of actual data from ceding companies, which actual data could 
deviate from the estimates. In addition, particularly with respect to large natural catastrophes, 
it may be difficult to estimate losses, and preliminary estimates may be subject to a high 
degree of uncertainty and change as new information becomes available. Deterioration in 
market conditions could have an adverse impact on assumptions used for financial reporting 
purposes, which could affect possible impairment of present value of future profits, fair value 
of assets and liabilities, deferred acquisition costs or goodwill. To the extent that management’s 
estimates or assumptions prove to be incorrect, it could have a material impact on 
underwriting results (in the case of risk models) or on reported financial condition or results 
of operations, and such impact could be material.

The Group’s results may be impacted by changes in accounting standards, or changes in  
the interpretation of accounting standards. The Group’s results may also be impacted if 
regulatory authorities take issue with any conclusions the Group may reach in respect of 
accounting matters. Changes in accounting standards could impact future reported results 
or require restatement of past reported results.

The Group uses non-GAAP financial measures in its external reporting, including in this 
report. These measures are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP or any other 
comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, and should not be viewed as a 
substitute for measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Moreover, these may be 
different from or otherwise inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other 
companies. These measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly 
applied and are not audited.

Risks related to realignment of the Swiss Re corporate structure 
As Swiss Re Ltd moves to fully implement the realignment of its corporate structure in 2012 
by separating the Corporate Solutions business unit and the Admin Re® business unit from 
the Reinsurance business unit, the Reinsurance business unit (comprised of Swiss Re and 
the legal entities remaining in the Group following the separation) could face operational 
risks relating to the implementation of the new structure. Following full implementation, with 
a changed legal entity profile, the Reinsurance business unit and its constituent subsidiaries 
will be impacted differently than would have been the case under Swiss Re’s historical 
structure, including, without limitation, in respect of legal and regulatory requirements 
(including as to capital and liquidity), ratings considerations, and lender and other counterparty 
considerations. Among other things, the realigned Group’s asset base will change, and 
capital, funding, reserve and cost allocations will be adjusted across the three business 
units, as a result of which the realigned Group’s liquidity and capital profiles will likely 
change and Swiss Re’s SST risk ratio may change. 

112  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2011 Annual Report 

General information

Corporate calendar  
and contact information

Corporate calendar
13 April 2012 
Annual General Meeting Swiss Re Ltd

4 May 2012 
First quarter 2012 results

9 August 2012 
Second quarter 2012 results

8 November 2012 
Third quarter 2012 results

Contact information
Investor Relations
Telephone +41 43 285 4444
Fax +41 43 282 4444
investor_relations@swissre.com

Media Relations
Telephone +41 43 285 7171
Fax +41 43 282 7171
media_relations@swissre.com

Share Register
Telephone +41 43 285 3294
Fax +41 43 282 3294
share_register@swissre.com

© 2012 Swiss Re. All rights reserved.

Title:
Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated
2011 Annual Report 

Production:
Logistics /Media Production

This report is available only at: www.swissre.com 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 
Mythenquai 50 /60 
P.O. Box 
8022 Zurich 
Switzerland

Telephone +41 43 285 2121 
Fax +41 43 285 2999 
www.swissre.com