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Swiss Reinsurance Co.

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FY2013 Annual Report · Swiss Reinsurance Co.
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Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated
2013 Annual Report

Content

02	
02	
03	
04	
06	
08	

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

	106	 	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd
	106	 	Annual	Report
	109		Income	statement
	110		Balance	sheet
	112		notes	
	122		Proposal	for	allocation	of	

disposable	profit

	123		Report	of	the	statutory	auditor

10	

	Notes	to	the	Group	financial	
statements

124	 	General	information
124			Cautionary	note	on	forward-looking	

10		 note	1	organisation	and	summary	

statements

of	significant	accounting	policies

126			note	on	risk	factors

18		 note	2	Investments
26		 note	3	Fair	value	disclosures
44	

	note	4	Derivative	financial	
instruments

50		 note	5	Deferred	acquisition	costs	
(DAC)	and	acquired	present	value	
of	future	profits	(PVFP)
51		 note	6	Debt	and	contingent	

capital	instruments

54		 note	7	Unpaid	claims	and	claim	

adjustment	expenses	
56		 note	8	Insurance	information
61		 note	9	Premiums	written
62		 note	10	Income	taxes
65		 note	11	Benefit	plans
73		 note	12	Share-based	payments
76		 note	13	Commitments	and	
contingent	liabilities
77		 note	14	Information	on		
business	segments

88		 note	15	Significant	subsidiaries	

and	equity	investees

92	 note	16	Variable	interest	entities
96	 note	17	Restructuring	provision
97	 note	18	Related	parties
102	 	note	19	Risk	assessment
104		Report	of	the	statutory	auditor

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	
Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	(“SRZ”),	together	with	its	consolidated	subsidiaries	(collectively,	the	“Group”),	is	a	leading	and 	
highly	diversified	global	reinsurer	and	part	of	the	Swiss	Re	group	of	companies.	t he	Group	operates	through	offices	in	more	than	20	
countries.	Founded	in	Zurich,	Switzerland,	in	1863,	the	Group	offers	financial	services	products	that	enable	risk-taking	essential	to	
enterprise	and	progress.	the	Groups’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,	Aa3	by	Moody’s	and	A+	by	A.M.	Best.	

the	structure	of	the	Group	was	largely	reflected	in	its	financial	statements	beginning	with	the	first	quarter	of	2012.	During	2012, 	
SRZ	transferred	Swiss	Re	Corporate	Solutions	Ltd	and	Swiss	Re	Life	Capital	Ltd,	and	their	respective	subsidiaries,	to	Swiss	Re	Ltd 	
through	dividends-in-kind.	During	2013,	SRZ	transferred	the	shares	of	Swiss	Re	Principal	Investments	Company	Ltd	to	Swiss	Re	Ltd. 	
Following	these	transfers,	the	results	of	the	respective	transferred	entities	are	only	reported	as	part	of	the	Swiss	Re	group	of	companies.	

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report	 1

	
	
FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	
FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	|	GRoUP	FInAnCIAL	StAteMentS

	InCoMe	StAteMent

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Revenues
Premiums	earned
Fee	income	from	policyholders
net	investment	income	–	non-participating
net	realised	investment	gains	–	non-participating	
(total	impairments	for	the	years	ended	31	December	were	197	in	2012	and	34	in	2013,		
of	which	149	and	34,	respectively,	were	recognised	in	earnings)
net	investment	result	–	unit-linked	and	with-profit
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/benefit
Net	income	before	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests

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

Interest	on	contingent	capital	instruments
Net	income	attributable	to	common	shareholder

the	accompanying	notes	are	an	integral	part	of	the	Group	financial	astatements.

note

2012

2013

8
8
2

2
2

8
8

8

10

21	496
122
3	124

879
223
80
25	924

–6	337
–6	952
–439
–4	132
–2	511
–748
–21	119

4	805
–1	122
3	683

–136
3	547

–56
3	491

24	905
162
3	120

427
249
71
28	934

–7	907
–8	665
–631
–4	449
–2	814
–777
–25	243

3	691
–219
3	472

–2
3	470

–67
3	403

2	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report

FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	
FINaNCI aL	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	(tax:	–322	in	2012	and	954	in	2013)
Change	in	other-than-temporary	impairment	(tax:	–38	in	2012	and	–11	in	2013)
Change	in	foreign	currency	translation	(tax:	43	in	2012	and	41	in	2013)
Change	in	adjustment	for	pension	benefits	(tax:	61	in	2012	and	–131	in	2013)
Total	comprehensive	income	before	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests	

Interest	on	contingent	capital	instruments
Comprehensive	income	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests
Total	comprehensive	income	attributable	to	common	shareholder

Reclassification	out	of	accumulated	other	comprehensive	income
For	the	year	ended	31	December	

2012
3	683

927
74
707
–180
5	211

–56
–136
5	019

2013
3	472

–2	318
21
–347
457
1	285

–67
–2
1	216

2013	
USD	millions
Balance	as	of	1	January
Change	during	the	period
Amounts	reclassified	out	of	accumulated	other	comprehensive	income
tax
Balance	as	of	period	end

Unrealised	gains/
losses1
3	059
–2	842
–430
954
741

other-than-
temporary	
impairment1
–27
32

Foreign	
currency	
translation1,2
–3	180
–388

–11
–6

41
–3	527

Adjustment	
from	pension	
benefits3
–928
530
58
–131
–471

accumulated	other	
comprehensive	
income
–1	076
–2	668
–372
853
–3	263

1		Reclassification	adjustment	included	in	net	income	is	presented	in	the	“net	realised	investment	gains/losses	–	non-participating	business”	line.	this	line	also	includes		

a	shadow	adjustment,	please	refer	to	note	5	“Deferred	acquisition	costs	and	acquired	present	value	of	future	profits”.

2		Reclassification	adjustment	is	limited	to	translation	gains	and	losses	realised	upon	sale	or	upon	complete	or	substantially	complete	liquidation	of	an	investment		

in	a	foreign	entity.

3	Reclassification	adjustment	included	in	net	income	is	presented	in	the	“other	expenses”	line.

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

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report	 3

	
	
FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	
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	BALAnCe	Sheet

As	of	31	December

Assets

USD	millions
Investments
Fixed	income	securities:

Available-for-sale,	at	fair	value	(including	9	256	in	2012	and	11	155	in	2013	subject	to	securities	
lending	and	repurchase	agreements)	(amortised	cost:	2012:	62	762;	2013:	58	774)
trading	(including	196	in	2012	and	1	in	2013	subject	to	securities	lending	and	repurchase	
agreements)
equity	securities:

Available-for-sale,	at	fair	value	(including	0	in	2012	and	65	in	2013	subject	to	securities	lending	
and	repurchase	agreements)	(cost:	2012:	2	263;	2013:	4	594)
trading

Policy	loans,	mortgages	and	other	loans	
Investment	real	estate
Short-term	investments,	at	amortised	cost	which	approximates	fair	value	(including	3	454	in	2012		
and	3	194	in	2013	subject	to	securities	lending	and	repurchase	agreements)
other	invested	assets
Investments	for	unit-linked	and	with-profit	business	(including	equity	securities	trading:	841	in	2012	
and	988	in	2013)
Total	investments

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	(including	75	in	2012	and	4	in	2013	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
Deferred	tax	assets1
other	assets

note
2,	3,	4

2012

2013

66	827

59	123

1	795

1	522

2	538
671
3	713
772

16	103
12	383

841
105	643

8	662
743
10	157
8	175
14	427
3	811
1	986
4	075
417
4	867
4	971

8

5
5

5	294
615
4	340
820

17	777
9	233

988
99	712

5	883
690
10	806
6	654
13	451
4	424
2	085
4	091
425
5	023
2	973

Total	assets

167	934

156	217

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

4	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report

FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	
FINaNCI aL	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	taxes1
Short-term	debt
Accrued	expenses	and	other	liabilities
Long-term	debt
Total	liabilities

Equity
Contingent	capital	instruments
Common	stock,	ChF	0.10	par	value

2012:	344	052	565;	2013:	344	052	565	shares	authorised	and	issued

Additional	paid-in	capital
treasury	shares,	net	of	tax
Shares	in	Swiss	Re	Ltd,	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
Shareholder’s	equity

non-controlling	interests
Total	equity

Total	liabilities	and	equity

note

2012

2013

58	904
20	270
6	512
7	535
3	275
3	666
498
7	863
6	551
13	436
16	482
144	992

56	338
20	324
6	690
8	127
3	218
2	488
593
6	913
5	992
9	551
14	722
134	956

1	102

1	102

3

6

6

6

32
8	875
0
–144

3	059
–27
–3	180
–928
–1	076

14	129
22	918

24
22	942

32
8	853
0
–148

741
–6
–3	527
–471
–3	263

14	660
21	236

25
21	261

167	934

156	217

1		the	Group	updated	its	balance	sheet	presentation	of	deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities.	Deferred	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	presented	on	a	gross	basis	as	per	the	first	
quarter	2013.	the	comparative	period	has	been	adjusted	accordingly	and	is	consistent	with	the	relevant	income	tax	disclosure	in	the	notes	to	the	financial	statements		
in	the	prior	year.

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

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report	 5

	
	
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	StAteMent	oF	ShARehoLDeRS’	eqUIty

2012

2013

0
1	102
1	102

35
–3
32

8	958
–18
–29
–36

1	102

1	102

32

32

8	875

13
–35

8	875

8	853

–1	032
1	032
0

–102
–42
–144

4	223
–2	091
927
3	059

–118
17
74
–27

–3	924
37
707
–3	180

–775
27
–180
–928

0

0

–144
–4
–148

3	059

–2	318
741

–27

21
–6

–3	180

–347
–3	527

–928

457
–471

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Contingent	capital	instruments

Balance	as	of	1	January
Issued
Balance	as	of	period	end

Common	shares

Balance	as	of	1	January
Issue/cancellation	of	common	shares
Balance	as	of	period	end
additional	paid-in	capital
Balance	as	of	1	January
Contingent	capital	instruments’	issuance	cost	
Share-based	compensation
Realised	gains/losses	on	treasury	shares
Dividends	on	common	shares
Balance	as	of	period	end
Treasury	shares,	net	of	tax
Balance	as	of	1	January
Cancellation	of	treasury	shares1
Balance	as	of	period	end

Shares	in	Swiss	Re	Ltd,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
Change	of	shares	in	Swiss	Re	Ltd1
Balance	as	of	period	end

Net	unrealised	gains/losses,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
other	changes	during	the	period3
Balance	as	of	period	end

Other-than-temporary	impairment,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
other	changes	during	the	period
Balance	as	of	period	end

Foreign	currency	translation,	net	of	tax

Balance	as	of	1	January
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
other	changes	during	the	period3
Balance	as	of	period	end

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

Balance	as	of	1	January
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
Change	during	the	period	
Balance	as	of	period	end

6	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report

FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	
FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	|	GRoUP	FInAnCIAL	StAteMentS

Retained	earnings

Balance	as	of	1	January
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
net	income	after	attribution	of	non-controlling	interests
Interest	on	contingent	capital	instruments,	net	of	tax
Dividends	on	common	shares	and	dividends-in-kind3
Cumulative	effect	of	adoption	of	ASU	2010-264,	net	of	tax
Cancellation	of	treasury	shares1
effect	of	transfer	of	Aurora	national	Life	Assurance	Company
effect	of	new	reinsurance	agreements5,6
Balance	as	of	period	end

Shareholder’s	equity	
Non-controlling	interests
Balance	as	of	1	January
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
Change	during	the	period
Income	attributable	to	non-controlling	interests
effect	of	transfer	of	Aurora	national	Life	Assurance	Company
Balance	as	of	period	end

Total	equity	

22	229
–8	536
3	547
–56
–2	636
–24
–1	029
191
443
14	129
22	918

1	697
–414
–1	935
136
540
24
22	942

14	129

3	470
–67
–2	973

101
14	660
21	236

24

–1
2

25
21	261

1		Based	on	a	resolution	adopted	at	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd’s	Annual	General	Meeting,	held	19	March	2012,	to	reduce	the	share	capital,	the	former		

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	shares	have	been	cancelled.	the	Group	presents	all	transactions	related	to	common	shares	of	Swiss	Re	Ltd,	the	parent	company	of		
Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd,	in	a	separate	section	“Shares	in	Swiss	Re	Ltd,	net	of	tax”	in	its	“Statement	of	equity”.

2		on	27	April	2012,	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	transferred	the	shares	of	Swiss	Re	Corporate	Solutions	Ltd	and	Swiss	Re	Life	Capital	Ltd	through	a	dividend	in-kind	to	
Swiss	Re	Ltd.	Following	the	transfer,	Swiss	Re	Corporate	Solutions	Ltd	and	Swiss	Re	Life	Capital	Ltd	ceased	to	be	subsidiaries	of	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	and,	
therefore,	the	Corporate	Solutions	Business	Unit	and	Admin	Re®	Business	Unit	were	no	longer	part	of	the	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Group.	

3		Includes	the	impact	of	the	transfer	of	the	shares	of	Swiss	Re	Principal	Investments	Company	Ltd	through	a	dividend-in-kind	to	Swiss	Re	Ltd.	Please	refer	to	note	1	

“organisation	and	summary	of	significant	accounting	policies”.

4		the	Group	adopted	a	new	accounting	pronouncement,	ASU	2010-26	“Accounting	for	Costs	Associated	with	Acquiring	or	Renewing	Insurance	Contracts”	as	of		

1	January	2012,	which	required	the	release	of	USD	24	million	of	deferred	acquisition	costs	against	retained	earnings.

5		Due	to	the	sale	of	Admin	Re®	US	business	to	Jackson	national	by	the	Swiss	Re	Group,	certain	blocks	of	business	were	retained	by	the	Swiss	Re	Group	mainly	by		

way	of	retrocession	to	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Group	legal	entities	effective	1	July	2012.	this	resulted	in	an	increase	in	retained	earnings	by	USD	443	million.	

6	effective	31	December	2013,	a	novation	of	a	reinsurance	contract	to	a	Group	legal	entity	resulted	in	an	increase	in	retained	earnings	of	USD	101	million.	

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

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report	 7

	
	
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StAteMent	oF	CASh	FLow

For	the	years	ended	31	December

USD	millions
Cash	flows	from	operating	activities
net	income	attributable	to	common	shareholder
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	items
net	realised	investment	gains/losses
Change	in:

technical	provisions,	net
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,	net1
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
Proceeds	from	the	issuance	of	contingent	capital	instruments,	net	of	issuance	cost
Purchase/sale	of	shares	in	Swiss	Re	Ltd
Dividends	paid	to	parent
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
effect	of	change	in	Group	structure2
effect	of	transfer	of	Aurora	national	Life	Assurance	Company
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	as	of	31	December

2012

2013

3	491
136

3	403
2

3	305
–1	069

–5	047
1	291
–179
–40
1	195
–340
–1	350
844
2	237

95	954
–94	683
–4	259

1	228
–1	868
–483
1	105
–3	006

931
532
1	084
–133
–2	636
–222

–991
42
–949
11	298
–2	138
451
8	662

3	318
–637

–4	809
–550
908
1	546
–130
–76
–877
84
2	182

74	527
–70	477
–1	954

2	095
–4	403

–170
–382

40
–2	554

4
–1	871
–4	381

–2	581
–198
–2	779
8	662

5	883

1		new	California	holdings,	Inc.	was	acquired	for	USD	548	million	in	cash	in	2012.	In	addition,	Swiss	Re	Private	equity	Partners	AG,	Swiss	Re’s	private	equity	fund-of-fund	

business,	has	been	sold	to	BlackRock,	Inc.	for	USD	65	million	in	cash.	Swiss	Re	continues	to	be	invested	as	a	limited	partner	in	the	funds.	

2	Please	refer	to	note	1	“organisation	and	summary	of	significant	accounting	policies”.

8	 Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	Annual	Report

FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	
FINaNCI aL	STaTEmENTS	|	GRoUP	FInAnCIAL	StAteMentS

Interest	paid	was	USD	887	million	and	USD	939	million	for	the	years	ended	31	December	2012	and	2013,	respectively.	

tax	paid	was	USD	54	million	and	USD	352	million	for	the	years	ended	31	December	2012	and	2013,	respectively.

effective	1	January	2013,	Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Ltd	transferred	its	shares	in	Swiss	Re	Principal	Investments	Company	Ltd	
through	a	USD	1	102	million	dividend-in-kind	to	Swiss	Re	Ltd.	the	dividend-in-kind	mainly	consisted	of	investments	in	equity	investees	
and	equity	securities	available	for	sale.

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

Swiss	Reinsurance	Company	Consolidated	2013	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 offices around the globe, the Group serves a client base made up of insurance 
companies and public sector clients.

srZ is a wholly owned subsidiary of swiss re ltd. swiss re ltd is the ultimate parent company of the swiss re Group, which consists  
of three separate business units: the swiss reinsurance company Group, swiss re corporate solutions ltd (“swiss re corporate 
solutions”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “corporate solutions Business unit”) and swiss re life capital ltd (“swiss re life 
capital”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “admin re® Business unit”) as well as other strategic investments.

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 intra-group transactions and balances have been 
eliminated on consolidation. 

on 25 march 2013, srZ transferred the shares of principal investments through a dividend-in-kind to swiss re ltd. following the 
transfer, principal investments ceased to be a subsidiary of swiss reinsurance company ltd. principal investments instead became a 
subsidiary of swiss re ltd. risks and benefits related to this entity passed to swiss re ltd as of 1 January 2013. consequently these 
financial statements were prepared as if principal investments had been transferred to swiss re ltd as of 1 January 2013.

Principles of consolidation
the Group’s financial statements include the consolidated financial statements of srZ and its subsidiaries. Voting entities which srZ 
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 it directly 
or indirectly exercises significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method or the fair value option 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.

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 
shareholder’s 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 shareholder’s equity.

10  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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- 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. although 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 2013, 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 shareholder’s 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 in earnings.

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.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  11

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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 
shareholder’s 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 existing 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 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 instrument 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 shareholder’s 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.

12  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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.

modifications of insurance and reinsurance contracts
the Group accounts for modifications of insurance and reinsurance contracts that result in a substantially unchanged contract as a 
continuation of the replaced contract. the associated deferred acquisition costs and present value of future profits (pVfp) will continue 
to be amortised. for modifications of insurance and reinsurance contracts that result in a substantially changed contract, the Group 
accounts for as an extinguishment of the replaced contract. the associated Dac or pVfp are written off immediately through income 
and any new deferrable costs associated with the replacement contract are deferred.

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.

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. the earned rate encompasses both, the current earned rate or the original earned rate depending on the business  
written. the rate is consistently applied for the entire life of the applicable business. 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 or to other comprehensive income for shadow loss recognition.

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, 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. 

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

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  13

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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 and life and health insurance and 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.

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. the Group does not discount life and health claim reserves except for disability income claims in payment which are 
recognised at the estimated present value of the remaining ultimate net costs of the incurred claims.

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 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 (re)insurance benefits 
liabilities range from 0.2% to 12.6%. assumed mortality rates are generally based on experience multiples applied to the actuarial select 
and ultimate tables based on industry experience. 

liabilities for life and health policy benefits are increased with a charge to earnings if it is determined that future cash flows, including 
investment income, are insufficient to cover future benefits and expenses. Where assets backing liabilities for policy benefits are held at 
available for sale these liabilities for policyholder benefits are increased by a shadow adjustment, with a charge to other comprehensive 
income, where future cash flows at market rates are insufficient to cover future benefits and expenses.

Policyholder account balances
policyholder account balances relate to universal life-type contracts and investment contracts. interest crediting rates for policyholder 
account balances range from 1.3% to 8.9%.

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 except for investments for unit-linked and with-profit business, which are presented in a 
separate line item on the face of the balance sheet. 

14  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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 except for unit-linked and with-profit 
business which is presented in a separate line item on the face of the income statement.

unit-linked and with-profit business are presented together as they are similar in nature. for unit-linked contracts, the investment  
risk is borne by the policyholder. for with-profit contracts, the majority of the investment risk is also borne by the policyholder, although 
there are certain guarantees that limit the down-side risk for the policyholder, and a certain proportion of the returns may be retained  
by swiss re Group (typically 10%). additional disclosures are provided in Note 2.

Funds held assets and liabilities
on the asset side,funds held by ceding companies consist mainly of amounts retained by the ceding company for business written  
on a funds withheld basis. in addition, amounts arising from the application of the deposit method of accounting to ceded retrocession 
or reinsurance contracts are included. 

on the liability side, funds held under reinsurance treaties consist mainly of amounts arising from the application of the deposit method 
of accounting to inward insurance and reinsurance contracts. in addition, amounts retained from ceded business written on a funds 
withheld basis are included.

funds withheld assets are assets that would normally be paid to the Group but are withheld by the cedent to reduce a potential credit 
risk or to retain control over investments. in case of funds withheld liabilities, it is the Group that withholds assets related to ceded 
business in order to reduce its credit risk or retain control over the investments.

the deposit method of accounting is applied 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.

funds withheld balances are presented together with assets and liabilities arising from the application of the deposit method because 
of their common deposit type character.

Shadow adjustments
shadow adjustments are recognized in other comprehensive income reflecting the offset of adjustments to deferred acquisition costs 
and pVfp, typically related to universal life-type contracts, and policyholder liabilities. the purpose is to reflect the fact that certain 
amounts recorded as unrealised investment gains and losses within shareholder’s equity will ultimately accrue to policyholders and not 
the shareholder.

shadow loss recognition testing becomes relevant in low interest rate environments. the test considers whether the hypothetical sale of 
afs securities and the reinvestment of proceeds at lower yields would lead to negative operational earnings in future periods and 
thereby causing a loss recognition event. for shadow loss recognition testing, the Group uses current market yields to determine best 
estimate Gaap reserves rather than using locked in or current book yields. if the unlocked best estimate Gaap reserves based on 
current market rates are in excess of reserves based on locked in or current book yields, then a shadow loss recognition reserve is 
recognized. shadow loss recognition is recognized in other comprehensive income and does not impact net income. in addition, 
shadow losses recognized can reverse up to the amount of losses recognized due to a loss recognition event.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 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.

reinstatement premiums are due where coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract 
terms. the recognition of reinstatement premiums as written depends on individual contract features. reinstatement premiums are 
either recognised as written at the time a loss event occurs or in line with the recognition pattern of premiums written of the underlying 
contract. the accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on actuarial estimates of ultimate losses. reinstatement premiums are 
generally earned in proportion to the amount of reinsurance provided.

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 balance sheet.

the Group provides reserves for uncollectible amounts on reinsurance balances ceded, based on management’s assessment of the 
collectability 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 the age of the receivable and/or any 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 leadership performance plan, a fixed option plan, a restricted share plan, an employee 
participation plan and a global share participation plan. these plans are described in more detail in Note 12. 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 shareholder’s equity.

Shares in Swiss Re ltd
shares in swiss re ltd are reported at cost in shareholder’s equity. they also include stand-alone derivative instruments indexed to the 
swiss re ltd shares that meet the requirements for classification in shareholder’s equity.

Subsequent events
subsequent events for the current reporting period have been evaluated up to 17 march 2014. this is the date on which the financial 
statements are available to be issued.

16  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

Recent accounting guidance
in December 2011, the fasB issued “Disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities” (asu 2011-11), an update to topic 210 – 
Balance sheet. in January 2013, a scope clarification of asu 2011-11 was issued, “clarifying the scope of Disclosures about offsetting 
assets and liabilities” (asu 2013-01). asu 2011-11 requires additional disclosures on derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase 
agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions that are netted in accordance with current us Gaap guidance. the 
Group adopted this guidance as of 1 January 2013. the additional disclosure requirements are reflected in Note 2.

in July 2012, the fasB issued “testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment” (asu 2012-02), an update to topic 350 – 
intangibles – Goodwill and other. the update allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to 
perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. the Group adopted this guidance as of 1 January 2013.  
the adoption did not have an impact on the Group’s financial statements.

in october 2012, the fasB issued “subsequent accounting for an indemnification asset recognized at the acquisition Date as a result 
of a Government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution” (asu 2012-06), an update to topic 805 – Business combinations.  
this asu gives guidance on the subsequent accounting of an indemnification asset in a government-assisted acquisition. the Group 
adopted this guidance as of 1 January 2013. the adoption did not have an impact on the Group’s financial statements.

in february 2013, the fasB issued “reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income” (asu 
2013-02), an update to topic 220 – comprehensive income. this update supersedes and replaces the presentation requirements for 
reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in asu 2011-05 and asu 2011-12. the new guidance requires an 
entity to provide additional information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. the Group adopted 
this guidance as of 1 January 2013. the additional disclosures are presented below the statement of comprehensive income.

on 17 July 2013, the fasB issued “inclusion of the fed funds effective swap rate (or overnight index swap rate) as a Benchmark 
interest rate for hedge accounting purposes” (asu 2013-10), an update to topic 815 – Derivatives and hedging. this asu allows 
explicitly the use of the fed funds effective swap rate as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. the Group adopted 
this guidance as of 17 July 2013. the adoption did not have an impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  17

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

2  investments

investment income
Net investment income by source (excluding 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
Net result from deposit-accounted contracts
Deposits with ceding companies
Gross investment income
investment expenses
interest charged for funds held
Net investment income – non-participating

2012
1 888
74
94
134
93
24
452
66
142
544
3 511
–378
–9
3 124

2013
1 932
118
100
139
100
82
193
45
150
613
3 472
–343
–9
3 120

Dividends received from investments accounted for using the equity method were usD 112 million and usD 117 million for 2012  
and 2013, respectively.

Realised gains and losses
realised gains and losses for fixed income equity securities and other investments (excluding 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

Net realised/unrealised gains/losses on insurance-related derivatives
foreign exchange gains/losses
Net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating

2012

2013

1 935
–336

154
–67
–149
58
65

–195
–164
–422
879

857
–623

233
–37
–34
–4
–38

296
–256
33
427

18  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

proceeds from sales of fixed income securities available-for-sale amounted to usD 90 338 million and usD 70 759 million 2012 and 
2013, respectively. sales of equity securities available-for-sale were usD 1 230 million and usD 2 094 million for 2012 and 2013, 
respectively.

investment result – unit-linked and with-profit business
the net investment result on unit-linked and with-profit business credited to policyholders amounted to gains of usD 223 million  
and usD 249 million for 2012 and 2013, respectively, mainly originating from gains/losses on equity securities. 

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 by 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 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 other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses recognised in earnings was as follows:

usD millions
Balance as of 1 January1

effect of change in Group structure2
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

2012
515
–122
10
–145

46
–49
5
260

2013
295

1
–52

9
–35

218

1  During 2013 the Group revised the other-than-temporary impairment on fixed income securities related to credit losses. the revision had no impact on net income and 

shareholders’ equity of the Group.

2 please refer to Note 1 “organisation and summary of significant accounting policies”.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 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:

2012 
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 

2013 
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

11 618
3 844

88
9 653
3 339
5 224
2 855
6 543
43 164
13 906
850
2 510
2 332
62 762
2263

606
109

11
461
756
240
225
383
2 791
1 271
37
198
29
4 326
318

–34
–7

–1
–40
–1
–7
–5
–35
–130
–31
–23
–30
–6
–220
–43

12 190
3 946

98
10 074
4 094
5 457
3 075
6 891
45 825
15 128
850
2 676
2 348
66 827
2538

–18
–14
–2
–7
–41

amortised cost 
or cost

Gross  
unrealised  
gains

Gross 
unrealised 
losses

other-than-temporary 
impairments 
recognised in other 
comprehensive income

estimated 
 fair value

4 717
3 554

731
7 659
2 797
4 047
2 434
6 359
32 298
21 032
778
2 320
2 346
58 774
4 594

102
35

6
83
309
86
99
135
855
739
54
151
27
1 826
761

–152
–74

–37
–324
–64
–37
–11
–269
–968
–441
–11
–33
–16
–1 469
–61

4 667
3 515

700
7 418
3 042
4 096
2 522
6 225
32 185
21 327
818
2 438
2 355
59 123
5 294

–3
–3

–2
–8

the “other-than-temporary impairments recognised in other comprehensive income” column includes only 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 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

investments trading
fixed income securities and equity securities classified as trading (excluding unit-linked and with-profit business) 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 – non-participating
equity securities trading – non-participating

2012
1 432
177
186
1 795
671

2013
1 202
132
188
1 522
615

investments held for unit-linked and with-profit business
investments held for unit-linked business consist of equity securities trading. as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, these amounted to 
usD 841 million and usD 988 million, respectively.

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 2012 and 2013, usD 8 536 million and usD 9 792 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
1 885
16 536
11 769
27 170
5 402
62 762

2012
estimated  
fair value
1 902
16 978
12 603
29 763
5 581
66 827

amortised  
cost or cost
2 373
15 358
10 829
24 967
5 247
58 774

2013
estimated  
fair value
2 358
15 569
10 951
24 832
5 413
59 123

assets pledged
as of 31 December 2013, investments with a carrying value of usD 7 250 million were on deposit with regulatory agencies in 
accordance with local requirements, and investments with a carrying value of usD 10 451 million were placed on deposit or pledged  
to secure certain reinsurance liabilities, including pledged investments in subsidiaries.

as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, securities of usD 12 981 million and usD 14 419 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral 
in securities lending transactions and repurchase agreements. the associated liabilities of usD 4 237 million and usD 1 991 million, 
respectively, were recognised in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

a real estate portfolio with a carrying value of usD 261 million serves as collateral for short-term senior operational debt of 
usD 731 million.

Collateral accepted which the Group has the right to sell or repledge
as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, the fair value of the government and corporate bond securities received as collateral was 
usD 4 339 million and usD 7 816 million, respectively. of this, the amount that was sold or repledged as of 31 December 2012  
and 2013 was usD 1 205 million and usD 4 921 million respectively. the sources of the collateral are reverse repurchase  
agreements and derivative transactions. 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  21

 
 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

Offsetting of derivatives, financial assets and financial liabilities
offsetting of derivatives, financial assets and financial liabilities as of 31 December was as follows:

2012 
usD millions
Derivative financial instruments – assets
reverse repurchase agreements
securities borrowing
total

Gross amounts of  
recognised  
financial assets
7 960
5 897

collateral set off  
in the balance sheet
–5 644
–3 434

13 857

–9 078

Net amounts of financial 
assets presented in the 
balance sheet
2 316
2 463
0
4 779

related financial  
instruments not set off  
in the balance sheet
–411
–2 462

–2 873

2012 
usD millions
Derivative financial instruments – liabilities
repurchase agreements
securities lending
total

Gross amounts of  
recognised  
financial liabilities
–8 716
–3 896
–2 135
–14 747

collateral set off  
in the balance sheet
4 990
3 434

8 424

Net amounts of financial 
liabilities presented  
in the balance sheet
–3 726
–462
–2 135
–6 323

related financial  
instruments not set off  
in the balance sheet
93
462
2 062
2 617

2013 
usD millions
Derivative financial instruments – assets
reverse repurchase agreements
securities borrowing
total

Gross amounts of  
recognised  
financial assets
4 133
3 953

collateral set off  
in the balance sheet
–2 877
–1 811

8 086

–4 688

Net amounts of financial 
assets presented  
in the balance sheet
1 256
2 142
0
3 398

related financial  
instruments not set off  
in the balance sheet
–380
–2 142

–2 522

2013 
usD millions
Derivative financial instruments – liabilities
repurchase agreements
securities lending
total

Gross amounts of  
recognised  
financial liabilities
–4 108
–2 009
–1 792
–7 909

collateral set off  
in the balance sheet
2 656
1 811

4 467

Net amounts of financial 
liabilities presented  
in the balance sheet
–1 452
–198
–1 792
–3 442

related financial  
instruments not set off  
in the balance sheet
157
198
1 655
2 010

Net amount
1 905
1
0
1 906

Net amount
–3 633
0
–73
–3 706

Net amount
876
0
0
876

Net amount
–1 295
0
–137
–1 432

collateral pledged or received between two counterparties with a master netting arrangement in place, but not subject to balance 
sheet netting is disclosed at fair value. the fair values represent the gross carrying value amounts at the reporting date for each financial 
instrument received or pledged by the Group. management believes that master netting agreements provide for legally enforceable 
setoff in the event of default, which substantially reduces credit exposure. upon occurrence of an event of default the non-defaulting 
party may set off the obligation against collateral received regardless if offset on balance sheet prior to the defaulting event. the net 
amounts of the financial assets and liabilities presented on the balance sheet were recognised in “other invested assets”, and “accrued 
expenses and other liabilities”, respectively.

22  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

 
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 2012 and 2013. 
as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, usD 26 million and usD 58 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 17 million and usD 3 million, respectively, to declines in 
value for more than 12 months.

2012 
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 

2013 
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

2 840
757

34
2 741
173
506
147
1 852
9 050
1 411
60
175
478
11 174

34
7

1
40
1
7
5
32
127
23
2
11
6
169

2
14

32
48
256
423
340
98
1 165

2 840
757

34
2 741
175
520
147
1 884
9 098
1 667
483
515
576
12 339

3
3
26
35
21
7
92

less than 12 months

12 months or more

34
7

1
40
1
7
5
35
130
49
37
32
13
261

total

fair value unrealised losses

fair value unrealised losses

fair value unrealised losses

2 342
2 105

522
5 838
801
1 630
492
3 137
16 867
9 264
35
548
966
27 680

152
69

37
324
62
33
9
193
879
400
1
28
11
1 319

49

2

11
199
47
643
951
344
252
159
131
1 837

5

2
4
2
76
89
44
13
5
7
158

2 342
2 154

524
5 838
812
1 829
539
3 780
17 818
9 608
287
707
1 097
29 517

152
74

37
324
64
37
11
269
968
444
14
33
18
1 477

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  23

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

mortgages, loans and real estate
as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, the carrying values of investments in mortgages, policy and other loans, and real estate  
(excluding unit-linked and with-profit business) were as follows:

usD millions
policy loans
mortgage loans
other loans
investment real estate

2012
270
656
2 787
772

2013
257
1 069
3 014
820

the fair value of the real estate as of 31 December 2012 and 2013 was usD 2 531 million and usD 2 546 million, respectively.  
the carrying value of policy loans, mortgages and other loans approximates fair value. 

Depreciation expense related to income-producing properties was usD 24 million and usD 25 million for 2012 and 2013, respectively. 
accumulated depreciation on investment real estate totalled usD 549 million and usD 577 million as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, 
respectively.

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

24  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

this page intentionally left blank

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  25

 
 
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 unadjusted 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 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 liabilities for life and health policy benefits in 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 2013, these adjustments were not 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 appropriate level based on the lowest level input that is significant to 
the determination of the fair value.

26  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

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, 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 mortgage-backed 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 invested 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 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). 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  27

 
 
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 and 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 credit default swaps (cDs) referencing mortgage-backed securities, 
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.

Governance around level 3 fair valuation
the swiss re Group’s Group risk & capital committee, chaired by the Group chief risk officer, has a primary responsibility for 
governing and overseeing all of the Group’s valuation policies and operating parameters (including level 3 measurements). the Group 
risk & capital committee delegates the responsibility for implementation and oversight of consistent application of the Group’s  
pricing and valuation policies to the pricing and Valuation committee, which is a management control committee. Key functions of the 
pricing and Valuation committee include: oversight over the entire valuation process, approval of internal valuation methodologies, 
approval of external pricing vendors, monitoring of the independent price verification (ipV) process and resolution of significant or 
complex valuation issues.

a formal ipV process is undertaken monthly by members of the ipV team within a financial risk management function. the process 
includes monitoring and in-depth analyses of approved pricing methodologies and valuations of the Group’s financial instruments 
aimed at identifying and resolving pricing discrepancies.

the risk function is responsible for independent validation and ongoing review of the Group’s valuation models. the product control 
group within finance is tasked with reporting of fair values and is empowered to challenge vendor- and model-based valuations.

28  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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

2012 
usD millions
assets
fixed income securities held for proprietary  
investment purposes

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

fixed income securities backing unit-linked and  
with-profit life and health policies
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 invested 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

total

11 689

56 296

637

11 689

3 450

841

2 609
261
194
26
34

7
747
16 147

–273
–205
–12
–42

–14

–885
–1 158

626
3 953

30 989
14 681
920
2 770
2 357

624

13

526

74

526
6 689
5 240
415
508
393
133
1 372
64 883

–5 578
–3 977
–792
–380
–412
–17

–2 556
–8 134

74
1 010

636
223
151
2 071
3 792

–5 644

–5 644

–2 865

4 990

–232
–271
–2 362
–272
–1 625
–4 762

4 990

68 622

12 315
3 953

30 989
15 305
920
2 783
2 357

0
4 050

841

3 209
2 316
5 434
441
1 178
616
291
4 190
79 178

–3 726
–4 182
–804
–654
–683
–2 393
–272
–5 066
–9 064

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 2013 annual report  29

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

2013 
usD millions
assets
fixed income securities held for proprietary  
investment purposes

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

fixed income securities backing unit-linked and  
with-profit life and health policies
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 invested 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

total

4 182

55 844

619

4 182

6 332

988

5 344
31
8

23

1 476
12 021

–14

–14

–1 634
–1 648

1 204
3 530

24 471
20 852
896
2 519
2 372

607

12

554

11

554
3 597
2 377
267
842
18
93
210
60 205

–3 100
–2 127
–428
–527
–11
–7

–1 271
–4 371

11
505

401
28
76
1 791
2 926

–2 877

–2 877

–994

2 656

–190
–38
–766
–145
–1 656
–2 795

2 656

60 645

5 386
3 530

24 471
21 459
896
2 531
2 372

0
6 897

988

5 909
1 256
2 385
267
1 266
46
169
3 477
72 275

–1 452
–2 127
–428
–731
–49
–773
–145
–4 561
–6 158

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.

30  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

transfers between level 1 and level 2
transfers between level 1 and level 2 for the year ended 31 December 2012 were as follows:

2012 
usD millions
assets
transfer into1
transfer out of1

liabilities
transfer into1
transfer out of1

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

significant other 
observable inputs 
(level 2)

278
–160

2 583
–1 590

–1 933
589

1  transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. With the introduction of asu No. 2011-4, the Group has reassessed 
the observability of fair value inputs as of 1 January 2012. Yield curves for instruments with maturities above 20 years were deemed observable and related positions were 
therefore reclassified from level 3 to level 2. the inputs of one level 2 position were assessed to be unobservable, the respective assets and liabilities were therefore shifted 
to level 3. 

there were no material transfers between level 1 and level 2 for the year ended 31 December 2013. 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  31

 
 
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, the reconciliation of the fair values of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis using significant 
unobservable inputs were as follows:

2012 
usD millions
assets
Balance as of 1 January 2012
effect of change in Group structure

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income 
included in other comprehensive income

purchases
issuances
sales
settlements
transfers into level 31
transfers out of level 31
impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2012

liabilities
Balance as of 1 January 2012
effect of change in Group structure

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income
included in other comprehensive income

purchases
issuances
sales
settlements
transfers into level 31
transfers out of level 31
impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2012

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  

other invested 

investment purposes

rate contracts

exchange contracts

contracts

contracts

contracts

assets

total

1 111
–520

28
50

–19
–32
18
–12

624

4

–4

0

8
–5

6

5
–1

13

16

32

–32
–9

–7

0

69

20

3

–18

1

–1

74

–2

2

1 075

0

7

–7

2

0

–200

266

0

1 471

112

41

986

–192

–430

–1 473

–112

–34

–80

37

–256

223

–3 489

–45

–49

–90

–29

256

–2 362

828

–41

636

7

–126

343

–2

–271

0

–170

54

59

–19

96

–368

116

–232

36

44

44

–13

40

151

2 041

–32

–16

124

192

–214

–1

41

–74

10

2 071

813

5 895

–557

–567

155

324

0

–317

–142

972

–1 981

10

3 792

1 793

9

0

0

–70

911

–83

–723

2 056

–108

–4 762

1

–272

–107

–1 625

Derivative interest 

Derivative foreign  

Derivative equity  

Derivative credit  

other derivative  

liabilities for life and 

accrued expenses 

rate contracts

exchange contracts

contracts

contracts

contracts

health policy benefits

and other liabilities

total

–1 075

–66

–1 075

–341

–2 331

–8 547

582

1 084

68

1  transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. With the introduction of asu No. 2011-4 the Group has reassessed  

the observability of fair value inputs as of 1 January 2012. Yield curves for instruments with maturities above 20 years were deemed observable and related positions were 
therefore reclassified to level 2. the inputs of one level 2 position were assessed to be unobservable, the respective assets and liabilities were therefore shifted to level 3. 

32  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

1 111

–520

28

50

–19

–32

18

–12

624

4

–4

0

8

–5

6

5

–1

13

16

32

–32

–9

–7

0

2012 

usD millions

assets

Balance as of 1 January 2012

effect of change in Group structure

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income 

included in other comprehensive income

purchases

issuances

sales

settlements

transfers into level 31

transfers out of level 31

impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2012

liabilities

Balance as of 1 January 2012

effect of change in Group structure

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income

included in other comprehensive income

purchases

issuances

sales

settlements

transfers into level 31

transfers out of level 31

impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2012

1  transfers are recognised at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. With the introduction of asu No. 2011-4 the Group has reassessed  

the observability of fair value inputs as of 1 January 2012. Yield curves for instruments with maturities above 20 years were deemed observable and related positions were 

therefore reclassified to level 2. the inputs of one level 2 position were assessed to be unobservable, the respective assets and liabilities were therefore shifted to level 3. 

corporate debt 

mortgage-backed  

mortgage-backed  

other asset-backed 

securities

securities

securities

securities

residential  

commercial  

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 invested 
assets

69

20
3

–18

1
–1

74

1 471

112

41

986

7

–192

–430

–7
2
–1 473

0

–112

0

828
–41

636

–34
–80
37
–256

223

36

44

44

–13
40

151

2 041
–32

–16
124
192

–214
–1
41
–74
10
2 071

Derivative interest 
rate contracts

Derivative foreign  
exchange contracts

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

other derivative  
contracts

liabilities for life and 
health policy benefits

accrued expenses 
and other liabilities

–1 075

–66

–2
2

1 075

0

–200
266

0

–170
54

59

–19
96

–368
116

–232

–1 075

–3 489
–45

–341

–2 331

582

1 084

68

–49

–90
–29
256

–2 362

7
–126
343
–2
–271

813

1
–272

–107
–1 625

total

5 895
–557

–567
155
324
0
–317
–142
972
–1 981
10
3 792

total

–8 547
9

1 793
0
0
–70
911
–83
–723
2 056
–108
–4 762

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  33

 
 
corporate debt 
securities

commercial  
mortgage-backed  
securities

other asset-backed 
securities

equity securities held 

for proprietary 

investment purposes

Derivative equity  

contracts

Derivative credit  

contracts

other derivative  

contracts

other invested assets

624

–2
–2
38

–21
–30

607

13

0

16

–16

0

–1

12

74

1

–64

–232

53

–11

636

–235

–271

–14

160

87

223

44

13

–182

–70

–2 362

1 682

–62

52

–76

2 071

57

8

342

–568

134

–280

27

1 791

151

–138

12

99

–51

3

–272

131

11

401

28

76

Derivative equity  

contracts

Derivative credit  

contracts

other derivative  

liabilities for life and 

accrued expenses and  

contracts

health policy benefits

other liabilities

total

–1 625

–4 762

–190

–38

–766

–4

–145

–31

–1 656

total

3 792

–273

6

421

99

–902

–98

134

–280

27

2 926

1 852

–62

212

0

0

0

0

0

–35

–2 795

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

2013 
usD millions
assets
Balance as of 1 January 2013

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income 
included in other comprehensive income

purchases
issuances
sales
settlements
transfers into level 3
transfers out of level 3
impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2013

liabilities
Balance as of 1 January 2013

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income
included in other comprehensive income

purchases
issuances
sales
settlements
transfers into level 3
transfers out of level 3
impact of foreign exchange movements
Closing balance as of 31 December 2013

34  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

corporate debt 

mortgage-backed  

other asset-backed 

securities

securities

securities

commercial  

equity securities held 
for proprietary 
investment purposes

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

other derivative  
contracts

other invested assets

624

–2

–2

38

–21

–30

607

13

–1

12

16

–16

0

0

636

–235

74

1

–64

223

44

13

–182
–70

151

–138

12
99
–51
3

11

401

28

76

2 071

57
8
342

–568

134
–280
27
1 791

Derivative equity  
contracts

Derivative credit  
contracts

other derivative  
contracts

liabilities for life and 
health policy benefits

accrued expenses and  
other liabilities

total

3 792

–273
6
421
99
–902
–98
134
–280
27
2 926

total

–232

53

–11

–271

–14

160
87

–2 362

1 682

–62
52
–76

–272

131

–190

–38

–766

–4
–145

–31
–1 656

–1 625

–4 762

1 852
0
0
–62
212
0
0
0
–35
–2 795

2013 

usD millions

assets

Balance as of 1 January 2013

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income 

included in other comprehensive income

purchases

issuances

sales

settlements

transfers into level 3

transfers out of level 3

impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2013

liabilities

Balance as of 1 January 2013

realised/unrealised gains/losses:

included in net income

included in other comprehensive income

purchases

issuances

sales

settlements

transfers into level 3

transfers out of level 3

impact of foreign exchange movements

Closing balance as of 31 December 2013

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  35

 
 
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) for the 
years ended 31 December 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

2012
1 226
983

2013
1 579
1 437

36  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

this page intentionally left blank

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  37

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

Quantitative information about level 3 fair value measurements
unobservable inputs for major level 3 assets and liabilities as of 31 December were as follows:

usD millions
assets
corporate debt securities

surplus notes with a mortality underlying
private placement corporate debt
private placement credit tenant leases

Derivative equity contracts

otc equity option referencing correlated equity indices

Derivative credit contracts

credit default swaps referencing various asset-backed securities (aBs)
credit correlation tranche transactions

liabilities
Derivative equity contracts

otc equity option referencing correlated equity indices
option contract referencing a private equity underlying

Derivative credit contracts

credit default swaps referencing various asset-backed securities (aBs)
credit correlation tranche transactions

other derivative contracts and liabilities for life and health policy benefits

Variable annuity and fair valued GmDB contracts

embedded derivatives in mod-co and coinsurance with funds Withheld treaties

–170

–125

Discounted cash flow model

1 represents average input value for the reporting period.

38  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

2012 

fair value

2013 

Fair value

Valuation technique

unobservable input

range (weighted average)

624

168

378

72

636

636

223

109

112

–232

–81

–144

–271

–86

–171

–2 634

–2 287

607

195

341

68

401

401

28

22

6

–190

–49

–137

–38

–7

–29

–911

–677

Discounted cash flow model

illiquidity premium

75 bps (n.a.)

corporate spread matrix

illiquidity premium

15 bps–250 bps (78 bps)

Discounted cash flow model

illiquidity premium 75 bps–200 bps (129 bps)

proprietary option model

correlation

–10%–100% (45%)1

credit spreads derived based on a  

up-front credit default  

reciprocal of a reference instrument

Base correlation model

swap premium

correlation

5%–94% (81%)

40%–88% (64%)1

proprietary option model

option model

correlation

Volatility

Growth rate

–10%–100% (45%)1

100%

6% (n.a.)

credit spreads derived based on a  

up-front credit default  

reciprocal of a reference instrument

Base correlation model

swap premium

correlation

1%–91% (65%)

40%–88% (64%)1

Discounted cash flow model

risk margin

Volatility

lapse

mortality adjustment

Withdrawal rate

lapse

mortality adjustment

4% (n.a.)

4%–42%

0.5%–24%

–10%–0%

0%–90%

3%–10%

80% (n.a.)

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

2012 
fair value

2013 
Fair value

Valuation technique

unobservable input

range (weighted average)

624
168
378
72

636
636

223

109
112

–232
–81
–144

–271

–86
–171

–2 634
–2 287

607
195
341
68

401
401

28

22
6

–190
–49
–137

–38

–7
–29

–911
–677

Discounted cash flow model
corporate spread matrix
Discounted cash flow model

75 bps (n.a.)
illiquidity premium
illiquidity premium
15 bps–250 bps (78 bps)
illiquidity premium 75 bps–200 bps (129 bps)

proprietary option model

correlation

–10%–100% (45%)1

credit spreads derived based on a  
reciprocal of a reference instrument
Base correlation model

up-front credit default  
swap premium
correlation

5%–94% (81%)
40%–88% (64%)1

proprietary option model
option model

correlation
Volatility
Growth rate

–10%–100% (45%)1
100%
6% (n.a.)

credit spreads derived based on a  
reciprocal of a reference instrument
Base correlation model

up-front credit default  
swap premium
correlation

1%–91% (65%)
40%–88% (64%)1

Discounted cash flow model

risk margin
Volatility
lapse
mortality adjustment
Withdrawal rate
lapse
mortality adjustment

4% (n.a.)
4%–42%
0.5%–24%
–10%–0%
0%–90%
3%–10%
80% (n.a.)

embedded derivatives in mod-co and coinsurance with funds Withheld treaties

–170

–125

Discounted cash flow model

usD millions

assets

corporate debt securities

surplus notes with a mortality underlying

private placement corporate debt

private placement credit tenant leases

Derivative equity contracts

otc equity option referencing correlated equity indices

Derivative credit contracts

credit default swaps referencing various asset-backed securities (aBs)

credit correlation tranche transactions

liabilities

Derivative equity contracts

otc equity option referencing correlated equity indices

option contract referencing a private equity underlying

Derivative credit contracts

credit default swaps referencing various asset-backed securities (aBs)

credit correlation tranche transactions

other derivative contracts and liabilities for life and health policy benefits

Variable annuity and fair valued GmDB contracts

1 represents average input value for the reporting period.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  39

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

Sensitivity of recurring level 3 measurements to changes in unobservable inputs
the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s surplus notes, private placement debt securities 
and private placement credit tenant leases is illiquidity premium. a significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation would result 
in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. 

the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s otc equity option referencing correlated equity 
indices is correlation. Where the Group is long correlation risk, a significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation would result  
in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Where the Group is short correlation risk, a significant increase (decrease) in 
this input in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s credit default swaps referencing aBs is a current 
up-front credit default swap premium. Where the Group is long protection, a significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation 
would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Where the Group is short protection, a significant decrease 
(increase) in this input in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. 

the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s credit correlation tranche transactions is 
correlation. Where the Group is long correlation, a significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation would result in a significantly 
higher (lower) fair value measurement. Where the Group is short correlation, a significant increase (decrease) in this input in isolation 
would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. 

the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s option referencing private equity underlying  
are: volatility and growth rate. Where the Group is long vega, a significant increase (decrease) in volatility in isolation would result in a 
significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Where the Group is short vega, a significant increase (decrease) in volatility in 
isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Where the Group is long delta, a significant increase 
(decrease) in the growth rate in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Where the Group is short 
delta, a significant increase (decrease) in the growth rate in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value 
measurement.

the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Group’s variable annuity and fair valued guaranteed 
minimum death benefit (GmDB) contracts are: risk margin, volatility, lapse, mortality adjustment rate and withdrawal rate. a significant 
increase (decrease) in isolation in each of the following inputs: risk margin, volatility and withdrawal rate would result in a significantly 
higher (lower) fair value of the Group’s obligation. a significant increase (decrease) in isolation in a lapse rate for in-the-money contracts 
would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value of the Group’s obligation, whereas for out-of-the-money contracts, an isolated 
increase (decrease) in a lapse assumption would increase (decrease) fair value of the Group’s obligation. changes in the mortality 
adjustment rate impact fair value of the Group’s obligation differently for living-benefit products, compared to death-benefit products. 
for the former, a significant increase (decrease) in the mortality adjustment rate (i.e. increase (decrease) in mortality, respectively) in 
isolation would result in a decrease (increase) in fair value of the Group’s liability. for the latter, a significant increase (decrease) in the 
mortality adjustment rate in isolation would result in an increase (decrease) in fair value of the Group’s liability. 

the significant unobservable inputs underlying the fair valuation of an embedded derivative bifurcated from the Group’s modified 
coinsurance (mod-co) and coinsurance with funds Withheld treaties are lapse and mortality adjustment to published mortality tables; 
both are applied to build an expectation of cash flows associated with the underlying block of term business. Both inputs are not 
expected to significantly fluctuate over time.

40  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

Other invested assets measured at net asset value
other invested assets measured at net asset value as of 31 December, respectively, were as follows:

usD millions
private equity funds
hedge funds
private equity direct
real estate funds
total

2012 
fair value
673
1 140
96
223
2 132

2013 
fair value
687
749
68
231
1 735

unfunded 
commitments
291

97
388

redemption frequency 
(if currently eligible)

redemption  
notice period

non-redeemable

redeemable1

non-redeemable

non-redeemable

n.a.
90–180 days2

n.a.

n.a.

1 the redemption frequency varies from monthly to up to three years.
2 cash distribution can be delayed for up to three years depending on the sale of the underlyings.

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 10 to 12 years.

the redemption frequency of hedge funds varies depending on 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:

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.

Other invested assets
the Group elected the fair value option for certain investments classified as equity method investees within other invested assets in the 
balance sheet. the Group applied the fair value option, as the investments are managed on a fair value basis. the changes in fair value 
of these elected investments are recorded in earnings.

liabilities for life and health policy benefits
the Group elected the fair value option for existing 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.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  41

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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 were as follows:

usD millions
assets
equity securities trading held for proprietary investment purposes

of which at fair value pursuant to the fair value option

other invested assets

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

2012

671
509

2013

615
544
9 233
57

–20 270
–272

–20 324
–145

Changes in fair values for items measured at fair value pursuant to election of the fair value option
Gains/losses included in earnings for the years ended 31 December for items measured at fair value pursuant to election of the fair 
value option including foreign exchange impact were as follows:

usD millions
equity securities trading held for proprietary investment purposes
other invested assets
liabilities for life and health policy benefits
total

2012
54

71
125

2013
35
18
125
178

fair value changes from equity securities trading are reported in “Net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating business”. 
fair value changes from other invested assets are reported in “Net investment income – non-participating”. fair value changes from the 
GmDB reserves are shown in “life and health benefits”.

42  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

assets and liabilities not measured at fair value but for which the fair value is disclosed
assets and liabilities not measured at fair value but for which the fair value is disclosed for the year ended 31 December, were  
as follows:

2012  
usD millions
assets
policy loans
mortgage loans
other loans
investment real estate
total assets

liabilities
Debt
total liabilities

2013 
usD millions
assets
policy loans
mortgage loans
other loans
investment real estate
total assets

liabilities
Debt
total liabilities

significant other 
observable inputs 
(level 2)

significant  
unobservable 
inputs (level 3)

270
656
2 787
2 531
6 244

total

270
656
2 787
2 531
6 244

–9 970
–9 970

–13 270
–13 270

–23 240
–23 240

significant other 
observable inputs 
(level 2)

significant  
unobservable 
inputs (level 3)

257
1 069
3 014
2 546
6 886

total

257
1 069
3 014
2 546
6 886

–9 703
–9 703

–10 998
–10 998

–20 701
–20 701

policy loans, other loans and certain mortgage loans are classified as level 3 measurements, as they do not have an active exit market. 
the majority of these positions need to be assessed in conjunction with the corresponding insurance business. considering these 
circumstances, the Group presents the carrying amount as an approximation for the fair value.

investments in real estate are fair valued primarily by external appraisers based on proprietary discounted cash flow models that 
incorporate applicable risk premium adjustments to discount yields and projected market rental income streams based on market-
specific data. these fair value measurements are classified in level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. 

Debt positions, which are fair valued based on executable broker quotes or based on the discounted cash flow method using 
observable inputs, are classified as level 2 measurements. fair value of the majority of the Group’s level 3 debt positions is judged  
to approximate carrying value due to the highly tailored nature of the obligation and short-notice termination provisions.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  43

 
 
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.

44  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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

2012 
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

129 217
25 739
17 917
33 204
23 129
229 206

2 828
1 609
4 437

4 614
441
1 178
616
291
7 140

820

820

–4 182
–785
–654
–683
–2 393
–8 697

–19
–19

432
–344
524
–67
–2 102
–1 557

820
–19
801

total derivative financial instruments

233 643

7 960

–8 716

–756

amount offset

Where a right of setoff exists 
Due to cash collateral

total net amount of derivative financial instruments

2013 
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 

–4 466
–1 178
2 316

4 466
524
–3 726

–1 410

Notional amount  
assets/liabilities

fair value 
 assets

fair value 
 liabilities

carrying value  
assets/liabilities

83 250
15 580
20 111
2 676
23 176
144 793

2 385
252
1 266
46
169
4 118

–2 127
–417
–731
–49
–773
–4 097

1 472
1 472

15
15

–11
–11

258
–165
535
–3
–604
21

0
4
4

25

–196

total derivative financial instruments

146 265

4 133

–4 108

amount offset

Where a right of setoff exists 
Due to cash collateral

total net amount of derivative financial instruments

–2 353
–524
1 256

2 353
303
–1 452

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 2012 and 2013.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  45

 
 
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, 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

2012

2013

–123
–547
–775
–77
1 085
–437

–223
–584
–962
–71
1 731
–109

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 2012 and 2013, 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, 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

2012
Gains/losses on  
hedged items 

Gains/losses  
on derivatives

2013
Gains/losses on  
hedged items 

–26
–24
–50

33
11
44

–240
2
–238

255
–1
254

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 2012 and 2013, the Group recorded an accumulated net unrealised foreign currency 
remeasurement gain of usD 100 million and a loss of usD 57 million, respectively, in shareholder’s equity. these offset translation 
gains and losses on the hedged net investment.

46  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 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 2012 and 2013 was approximately usD 3 494 million and usD 1 780 million, respectively. 
the maximum potential loss is based on the positive market replacement cost assuming non-performance of all counterparties, 
excluding 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 1 446 million 
and usD 855 million as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, respectively. for derivative financial instruments containing credit risk-related 
contingent features, the Group posted collateral of usD 524 million and usD 303 million as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, 
respectively. in the event of a reduction of the Group’s credit rating to below investment grade, a fair value of usD 552 million additional 
collateral would have had to be posted as of 31 December 2013. the total equals the amount needed to settle the instruments 
immediately as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, 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 2012 and 2013, 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 2012 
and 2013, the total purchased credit protection based on notional values was usD 16 689 million and usD 2 061 million, respectively, 
of which usD 8 220 million and usD 514 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 2013 annual report  47

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

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

2012 
usD millions
Credit Default Swaps
credit spread in basis points

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

total 

Credit index Products
credit spread in basis points

0–250
251–500

total 

total Return Swaps
credit spread in basis points
No credit spread available

total 

total credit derivatives written/sold

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

9
–1
–11
–91
–94

–63
30
–33

72
72

–55

1 174
38
96
213
1 521

14 400
427
14 827

773
773

17 121

1 174
38
130
346
1 688

14 400
427
14 827

773
773

34
133
167

0

0

167

17 288

0

0

0

0

48  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

2013 
usD millions
Credit Default Swaps
credit spread in basis points

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

total 

Credit index Products
credit spread in basis points

0–250
251–500

total 

total Return Swaps
credit spread in basis points
No credit spread available

total 

total credit derivatives written/sold

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

–15

–15

15

15

1
1

1

59

59

96

96

25
25

180

0

400

400

0

400

60

60

0

0

60

119
0
0
0
119

496
0
496

25
25

640

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  49

 
 
FiNaNCial StatemeNtS | Notes to the Group fiNaNcial statemeNts

5  Deferred acquisition costs (Dac) and acquired present value of future profits (pVfp)

as of 31 December, the Dac were as follows:

2012 
usD millions
opening balance as of 1 January 2012
effect of change in Group structure1
cumulative effect of adoption of asu No. 2010-26
Deferred
effect of acquisitions/disposals and retrocessions
amortisation
effect of foreign currency translation 
Closing balance as of 31 December 2012

1 please refer to Note 1 “organisation and summary of significant accounting policies”.

2013 
usD millions
opening balance as of 1 January 2013
effect of change in Group structure
Deferred
effect of acquisitions/disposals and retrocessions
amortisation
effect of foreign currency translation 
Closing balance as of 31 December 2013

property & casualty 
reinsurance
1 247

life & health 
reinsurance
2 663

2 119

–2 266
3
1 103

–35
399

–367
53
2 713

property & casualty 
reinsurance
1 103

life & health 
reinsurance
2 713

3 217

–2 710
–19
1 591

491
57
–397
–19
2 845

other
13
–17

23
2
–28
2
–5

other
–5

–18

9
2
–12

total
3 923
–17
–35
2 541
2
–2 661
58
3 811

total
3 811
0
3 690
57
–3 098
–36
4 424

retroceded Dac 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.

as of 31 December, the pVfp was as follows:

usD millions
opening balance
effect of change in Group structure1
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

life & health 
reinsurance
1 674

–206
–201
51
40

1 358

other
2 552
–2 552
615
–18
2

29
628

2012

total
4 226
–2 552
409
–219
53
40
29
1 986

life & health 
reinsurance
1 358

206
–151
35
3

1 451

2013

total
1 986
0
176
–141
39
3
22
2 085

other
628

–30
10
4

22
634

1 please refer to Note 1 “organisation and summary of significant accounting policies”.

retroceded 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 7%, 6%, 6%, 6% and 6%.

50  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

FinanCiaL STaTeMenTS | noTeS To The GRoUp fInAncIAl STATemenTS

6  Debt and contingent capital instruments

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 not greater 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 operational 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 2014
Due in 2015
Due in 2016
Due in 2017
Due in 2018
Due after 2018
Total carrying value

 1 Balance was reclassified to short-term debt.

2012
3 753
2 798
6 551

4 952
1 900
4 302
5 328
16 482

23 033
23 240

2012
1 959
708
2 136
1 428
0
10 251
16 482

2013
2 896
3 096
5 992

3 233
708
5 367
5 414
14 722

20 714
20 701

2013
01
730
2 151
1 341
0
10 500
14 722

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 Annual Report  51

  
 
FinanCiaL STaTeMenTS | noTeS To The GRoUp fInAncIAl STATemenTS

Senior long-term debt

Instrument
emTn
emTn
emTn
Senior notes1
Senior notes
Senior notes1
Senior notes1
Senior notes
payment undertaking agreements

maturity
2015
2015
2017
2019
2022
2026
2030
2042
Various
Total senior debt as of 31 December 2013
Total senior debt as of 31 December 2012

1 Assumed in the acquisition of Ge Insurance Solutions.

Subordinated long-term debt

maturity
2024
2042
2045

2047

2057

Instrument
Subordinated contingent write-off loan notes
Subordinated fixed-to-floating rate loan note
Subordinated contingent write-off  securities
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 2013
Total subordinated debt as of 31 December 2012

Issued in
2001
2010
2011
1999
2012
1996
2000
2012
various

currency
chf
chf
chf
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD
USD

nominal in millions
150
500
600
234
250
397
193
500
559

Interest rate
4.00%
2.00%
2.13%
6.45%
2.88%
7.00%
7.75%
4.25%
various

Book value in USD millions
169
561
671
282
248
530
285
488
707
3 941
6 852

Issued in
2013
2012
2013

currency
USD
eUR
chf

nominal in 
millions
750
500
175

Interest rate
6.38%
6.63%
7.50%

 first call in
2019
2022
2020

Book value 
in USD millions
831
679
234

2007

GBp

1 355

4.90%

2007
2006
2006
2007
2007

GBp
eUR
USD
GBp
AUD

1 929
1 000
752
500
750

4.77%
5.25%
6.85%
6.30%
various

2016
2016
2019
2017

2 223

3 191
1 376
752
826
669
10 781
9 630

52  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 Annual Report

FinanCiaL STaTeMenTS | noTeS To The GRoUp fInAncIAl STATemenTS

interest expense on long-term debt and contingent capital instruments
Interest expense on long-term debt for the years ended 31 December was as follows:

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

2012
161
109
238
251
759

2013
148
49
286
246
729

Interest expense on contingent capital instruments was USD 56 million and USD 67 million for the years ended 31 December 2012  
and 2013, respectively.

Long-term debt issued in 2013
In march 2013, Swiss Reinsurance company ltd issued subordinated contingent write-off loan notes with a scheduled maturity in 
2024. The instrument has a face value of USD 750 million, with a fixed coupon of 6.375% per annum until the optional redemption  
date (1 September 2019). The full principal amount of the instrument is mandatorily written off if Swiss Reinsurance company ltd 
reports a Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio of less than 125% to the Swiss financial market Supervisory Authority (fInmA).

In october 2013, Swiss Reinsurance company ltd issued 32-year subordinated contingent write-off securities with a scheduled 
maturity in 2045. The instrument has a face value of chf 175 million, with a fixed coupon of 7.5% per annum until the first optional 
redemption date (1 September 2020). The full principal amount of the instrument will be written off upon the earlier to occur of: 1) 
Swiss Reinsurance company ltd reporting a Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio of less than 135% to fInmA, or 2) the occurrence of an 
Atlantic hurricane which causes insured industry losses defined in an USD billion amount exceeding those of a 1-in-200 year event, 
subject to an annual reset assessment to adjust for changes in insured values, while neutralising any impact due to model changes.

Contingent capital instruments issued in 2012
In february 2012, Swiss Reinsurance company ltd issued a perpetual subordinated instrument with stock settlement.  
The instrument has a face value of chf 320 million, with a fixed coupon of 7.25% per annum until the first optional redemption date  
(1 September 2017).

In march 2012, Swiss Reinsurance company ltd issued a perpetual subordinated capital instrument with stock settlement.  
The instrument has a face value of USD 750 million, with a fixed coupon of 8.25% per annum until the first optional redemption date  
(1 September 2018).

Both instruments may be converted, at the option of the issuer, into Swiss Re ltd shares at any time through at market conversion using 
the retrospective five-day volume weighted average share price with a 3% discount or within six months following a solvency event  
at a pre-set floor price (chf 26 for the instrument with face value of chf 320 million and USD 32 for the instrument with face value  
of USD 750 million, respectively). These instruments are referred to in these financial statements as “contingent capital instruments”.

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7  Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses

The liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses as of 31 December is analysed as follows:

USD millions
non-life
life & health
Total

2012
48 650
10 254
58 904

2013
45 756
10 582
56 338

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
effect of change in Group structure1
net balance as of 1 January

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 balance as of 31 December

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

2012
53 827
–6 610
–320
–2 675
44 222

7 638
–1 460
64
6 242

–1 598
–7 191
–8 789

798
246
42 719

5 702
229
48 650

2013
48 650
–5 702
–229
0
42 719

8 954
–1 282
151
7 823

–1 717
–8 438
–10 155

220
220
40 827

4 873
56
45 756

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.

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Prior-year development
net claims development on prior years was favourable overall during 2013, driven by reserve releases from property, liability, 
accident and health and several of the special lines, especially engineering. In most cases, the releases were the result of better-
than-expected claims experience helped, particularly in the case of accident and health, by commutations. These releases  
come about despite further strengthening for US and UK asbestos and environmental claims, strengthening on motor business  
in several european countries and adverse development of claims arising from the new Zealand earthquakes, partly offset by 
favourable development on claims from hurricane Sandy in the US. 

A summary of prior year claims development by lines of business is shown below:

USD millions
line of business:
property
casualty
Specialty

Total 

2012

2013

–288
–688
–484
–1 460

–397
–468
–417
–1 282

US 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 1986 as well as business acquired subsequently through reinsurance arrangements with affiliated 
companies within the Swiss Re Group, but outside Swiss Reinsurance company consolidated, in particular in the area of US asbestos 
and environmental liability. 

At the end of 2013 the Group carried net reserves for US asbestos and environmental liabilities equal to USD 1 784 million. During 
2013, the Group incurred net losses of USD 320 million and paid net against these liabilities USD 300 million. 

estimating ultimate asbestos and environmental liabilities is particularly complex for a number of reasons relating in part to the long 
period between exposure and manifestation of claims, and in part to other factors, which include risks and lack of predictability inherent 
in complex litigation, changes in projected costs to resolve, and in the projected number of, asbestos and environmental claims,  
the effect of bankruptcy protection, insolvencies, and changes in the legal, legislative and regulatory environment. As a result, the  
Group believes that projection of exposures for asbestos and environmental claims is subject to far less predictability relative to non-
environmental and non-asbestos exposures. management believes that its reserves for asbestos and environmental claims are 
appropriately established based upon known facts and the current state of the law. however, reserves are subject to revision as new 
information becomes available and as claims develop. Additional liabilities may arise for amounts in excess of reserves, and the  
Group’s estimate of claims and claim adjustment expenses may change. Any such additional liabilities or increases in estimates cannot 
be reasonably estimated in advance but could result in charges that could be material to operating results.

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.

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8  Insurance information

for the year ended 31 December

Premiums earned and fees assessed against policyholders

2012 
USD millions
Premiums earned, thereof:

Direct
Reinsurance
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Premiums earned before retrocession to external parties

Reinsurance ceded to external parties

net premiums earned

Fee income from policyholders, thereof:

Direct
Reinsurance
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Gross fee income before retrocession to external parties

fee income ceded to external parties

net fee income

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

16 319
17
16 336
–4 007
12 329

0

179
10 756

10 935
–1 885
9 050

72

72

72

other

83
99
–17
165
–48
117

11
39

50

50

Total

262
27 174
0
27 436
–5 940
21 496

11
111
0
122
0
122

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for the year ended 31 December

Premiums earned and fees assessed against policyholders

2013 
USD millions
Premiums earned, thereof:

Direct
Reinsurance
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Premiums earned before retrocession to external parties

Reinsurance ceded to external parties

net premiums earned

Fee income from policyholders, thereof:

Direct
Reinsurance
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Gross fee income before retrocession to external parties

fee income ceded to external parties

net fee income

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

16 912
28
16 940
–2 398
14 542

0

624
10 735

11 359
–1 392
9 967

57

57
–1
56

other

288
181
–28
441
–45
396

21
85

106

106

Total

912
27 828
0
28 740
–3 835
24 905

21
142
0
163
–1
162

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for the year ended 31 December

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

2012 
USD millions
Claims paid, thereof:

Gross claims paid to external parties
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Claims before receivables from retrocession to external parties

Receivables from retrocession to external parties

net claims paid

Change in unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses;  
life and health benefits, thereof:
Gross - with external parties
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses; life and health 
benefits before impact of retrocession to external parties

Reinsurance ceded to external parties

net unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses;  
life and health benefits

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

–10 408
–8
–10 416
1 664
–8 752

1 888
–23

1 865
581

2 446

–8 468
–3
–8 471
2 210
–6 261

–136
8

–128
–398

–526

other

–255
11
–244
22
–222

–43
15

–28
54

26

Total

–19 131
0
–19 131
3 896
–15 235

1 709
0

1 709
237

1 946

Claims and claim adjustment expenses; life and health benefits

–6 306

–6 787

–196

–13 289

acquisition costs

2012 
USD millions
acquisition costs, thereof:

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

Total

Gross acquisition costs with external parties
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

acquisition costs before impact of retrocession to external parties

Retrocession to external parties

net acquisition costs

–3 559
–3
–3 562
1 246
–2 316

–2 071

–2 071
284
–1 787

–38
3
–35
6
–29

–5 668
0
–5 668
1 536
–4 132

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for the year ended 31 December

Claims and claim adjustment expenses

2013 
USD millions
Claims paid, thereof:

Gross claims paid to external parties
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Claims before receivables from retrocession to external parties

Receivables from retrocession to external parties

net claims paid

Change in unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses;  
life and health benefits, thereof:
Gross – with external parties
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses; life and health 
benefits before impact of retrocession to external parties

Reinsurance ceded to external parties

net unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses;  
life and health benefits

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

Total

–11 947
–6
–11 953
1 826
–10 127

3 096
–12

3 084
–841

–8 894
–4
–8 898
1 230
–7 668

–365
4

–361
–46

2 243

–407

–629
10
–619
27
–592

–49
8

–41
20

–21

–21 470
0
–21 470
3 083
–18 387

2 682
0

2 682
–867

1 815

Claims and claim adjustment expenses; life and health benefits

–7 884

–8 075

–613

–16 572

acquisition costs

2013 
USD millions
acquisition costs, thereof:

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

Total

Gross acquisition costs with external parties
Intra-group transactions (assumed and ceded)

acquisition costs before impact of retrocession to external parties

Retrocession to external parties

net acquisition costs

–3 485
–8
–3 493
732
–2 761

–2 007

–2 007
309
–1 698

–8
8

10
10

–5 500
0
–5 500
1 051
–4 449

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

2012 
USD millions
assets
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and 
policy benefits
Deferred acquisition costs

Liabilities
Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses
liabilities for life and health policy benefits
policyholder account balances

2013 
USD millions
assets
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and 
policy benefits
Deferred acquisition costs

Liabilities
Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses
liabilities for life and health policy benefits
policyholder account balances

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

consolidation

Total

5 583
1 103

48 465

2 447
2 713

9 505
17 439
1 466

191
–5

983
2 831
5 046

–46

–49

8 175
3 811

58 904
20 270
6 512

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

consolidation

Total

4 752
1 591

45 578

1 756
2 845

9 869
17 392
1 595

193
–12

941
2 932
5 095

–47

–50

6 654
4 424

56 338
20 324
6 690

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and policy benefits
for the year ended 2013 the Group recorded a reinsurance recoverable of USD 6.7 billion. The concentration of credit risk is regularly 
monitored and evaluated. The reinsurance programme with Berkshire hathaway and subsidiaries accounts for 72% of the Group’s 
reinsurance recoverable.

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

2012
980
264

1 320
–80

2013
1 143
361

1 270
–70

Policyholder dividends
policyholder dividends are recognised as an element of policyholder benefits. The amount of policyholder dividend expense in 2012 
and 2013 was USD 9 million and nil, respectively. 

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9  premiums written

for the years ended 31 December

2012 
USD millions
Gross premiums written, thereof:

Direct
Reinsurance
Intra-group transactions (assumed)

Gross premiums written

Intra-group transactions (ceded)

Gross premiums written before retrocession 
to external parties

Reinsurance ceded to external parties

net premiums written

2013 
USD millions
Gross premiums written, thereof:

Direct
Reinsurance
Intra-group transactions (assumed)

Gross premiums written

Intra-group transactions (ceded)

Gross premiums written before retrocession 
to external parties

Reinsurance ceded to external parties

net premiums written

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

consolidation

Total

15 841
24
15 865

15 865
–3 458
12 407

387
10 715

11 102

11 102
–1 871
9 231

104
94

198
–24

174
–59
115

491
26 650
0
27 141
0

27 141
–5 388
21 753

–24
–24
24

0

property & casualty  
Reinsurance

life & health 
Reinsurance

other

consolidation

Total

17 548
46
17 594

17 594
–1 437
16 157

643
10 712

11 355

11 355
–1 383
9 972

321
174

495
–46

449
–49
400

964
28 434
0
29 398
0

29 398
–2 869
26 529

–46
–46
46

0

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10  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
Income tax expense

2012
465
657
1 122

2013
578
–359
219

Tax rate reconciliation
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
Tax exempt income/dividends received deduction
Change in valuation allowance
Tax effects of losses not recognised
Basis differences in subsidiaries
Change in statutory tax rates
Change in liability for unrecognised tax benefits including interest and penalties
Other, net

Total 

2012
1 009

163
3
–26
–184
60
–207
–44
145
203
1 122

2013
775

6
–8
–121
–312

–152
47
–196
180
219

For 2013, the Group reported a tax expense of USD 219 million. This represents an effective tax rate of 5.9%, compared to an effective  
tax rate of 23.4% in the prior year. The lower tax rate in the current year is primarily due to lower taxes on the geographical mix of earnings, 
non-taxable income in Switzerland and the release of uncertain tax liabilities upon effective settlements with local tax authorities.

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

USD millions
Deferred tax assets
Income accrued/deferred
Technical provisions
pension provisions
Benefit on loss carryforwards
Currency translation adjustments
Other
Gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities
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
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities

2012

2013

415
533
335
3 312
474
830
5 899
–1 032
4 867

–360
–581
–187
–676
–1 979
–1 107
–490
–288
–716
–6 384

442
759
175
3 216
505
674
5 771
–748
5 023

–377
–627
–199
–708
–2 450
–364
–408
–123
–568
–5 824

liability for unrecognised tax benefits including interest and penalties

–1 479

–1 089

Total deferred and other non-current tax liabilities

net deferred and other non-current taxes

–7 863

–6 913

–2 996

–1 890

As of 31 December 2013, 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 3.4 billion. 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 2013, the Group had USD 9 749 million net operating tax loss carryforwards, expiring as follows: USD 70 million  
in 2017, USD 152 million in 2018, USD 6 313 million in 2019 and beyond and USD 3 214 million never expire. 

The Group also had capital loss carryforwards of USD 12 million, expiring as follows: USD 1 million in 2016 and USD 11 million  
never expire. 

net operating tax losses of USD 1 693 million and net capital tax losses of USD 24 million were utilised during the period ended  
31 December 2013.

Income taxes paid in 2012 and 2013 were USD 54 million and USD 352 million, respectively.

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

USD millions
Balance, beginning of year 
effective change to group structure
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions related to the prior years 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years 
Settlements 
Other (including foreign currency translation)
Balance as of 31 December

2012
1 047
–13
240
88
–156
–8
16
1 214

2013
1 214

101
88
–387
–83
19
952

The amount of gross unrecognised tax benefits within the tabular reconciliation that, if recognised, would affect the effective tax rate 
were approximately USD 856 million and USD 718 million at 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2013, respectively.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognised tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense. Such expense for the period ending   
31 December 2013 was USD 128 million (USD 56 million for the period ending 31 December 2012). As of 31 December 2012 and  
31 December 2013, USD 265 million and USD 137 million, respectively, were accrued for the payment of interest (net of tax benefits) 
and penalties. The accrued interest balance as of 31 December 2013 is included within the deferred and other non-current taxes 
section reflected above and in the balance sheet. 

The balance of gross unrecognised tax benefits as of 31 December 2013 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 exclusion of accrued interest and 
penalties (USD 137 million). 

During the year, certain tax positions and audits in Switzerland and Germany 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 of limitation. h owever, 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
Belgium
Brazil
Canada 
China
Denmark
France
Germany
hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan

2009 – 2013
2010 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2003 – 2013
2009 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2007 – 2013
2007 – 2013
2005 – 2013
2010 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2009 – 2013
2009 – 2013

Korea
luxembourg
malaysia
mexico
netherlands
new Zealand
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States

2009 – 2013
2008 – 2013
1996 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2010 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2008 – 2013
2009 – 2013
2004, 2009 – 2013
2009 – 2013
2009 – 2013
2008, 2011 – 2013
2009 – 2013

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11  Benefit plans

Defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefits
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.

2012 
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
Benefit obligation as of 31 December

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 curtailment and termination benefits
effect of foreign currency translation
Fair value of plan assets as of 31 December
Funded status

Swiss plan
3 328
106
78

231
–158
25

1
80
3 691

2 983
205
88
–158
25

1
69
3 213
–478

Foreign plans
1 952
6
75
2
188
–62

–370
–56
39
1 774

1 814
141
56
–62

–357
–56
33
1 569
–205

Other benefits
363
6
13

23
–15

–9

1
382

15
–15

0
–382

Total
5 643
118
166
2
442
–235
25
–379
–55
120
5 847

4 797
346
159
–235
25
–357
–55
102
4 782
–1 065

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2013 
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
Benefit obligation as of 31 December

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 curtailment and termination benefits
effect of foreign currency translation
Fair value of plan assets as of 31 December
Funded status

Swiss plan
3 691
118
72

Foreign plans
1 774
7
69

Other benefits
382
6
11

–338
–137
26

1
97
3 530

3 213
221
227
–137
26

1
109
3 660
130

–8
–60

23
1 805

1 569
99
111
–60

23
1 742
–63

–47
–15

4
341

15
–15

0
–341

Amounts recognised in the balance sheet, as of 31 December were as follows:

2012 
USD millions
non-current assets
Current liabilities
non-current liabilities
net amount recognised

2013 
USD millions
non-current assets
Current liabilities
non-current liabilities
net amount recognised

Swiss plan

–478
–478

Swiss plan
130

130

Foreign plans
37
–3
–239
–205

Foreign plans
44
–2
–105
–63

Other benefits

–16
–366
–382

Other benefits

–16
–325
–341

Total
5 847
131
152
0
–393
–212
26
0
1
124
5 676

4 782
320
353
–212
26
0
1
132
5 402
–274

Total
37
–19
–1 083
–1 065

Total
174
–18
–430
–274

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Amounts recognised in accumulated other comprehensive income, gross of tax, as of 31 December were as follows:

2012 
USD millions
net gain/loss
prior service cost/credit
Total

2013 
USD millions
net gain/loss
prior service cost/credit
Total

Swiss plan
1 035
–1
1 034

Swiss plan
522
–2
520

Foreign plans
343
2
345

Other benefits
–68
–99
–167

Foreign plans
301
2
303

Other benefits
–109
–88
–197

Components of net periodic benefit cost
The components of pension and post-retirement cost for the years ended 31 December were as follows:

2012 
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
net periodic benefit cost

2013 
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
net periodic benefit cost

Swiss plan
106
78
–100

Foreign plans
6
75
–75

Other benefits
6
13

42

1
127

13

10
29

–8
–11

0

Swiss plan
118
72
–102

Foreign plans
7
69
–76

Other benefits
6
11

57

1
146

17

17

–6
–10

1

Total
1 310
–98
1 212

Total
714
–88
626

Total
118
166
–175

47
–11
11
156

Total
131
152
–178

68
–10
1
164

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Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognised in other comprehensive income for the years ended 31 December 
were as follows:

2012 
USD millions
net gain/loss
prior service cost/credit
Amortisation of:
   net gain/loss
   prior service cost
effect of settlement, curtailment and termination
effect of change in Group structure1
exchange rate gain/loss recognised during the year
Total recognised in other comprehensive income, gross of tax
Total recognised in net periodic benefit cost 
and other comprehensive income, gross of tax

2013 
USD millions
net gain/loss
prior service cost/credit
Amortisation of:
   net gain/loss
   prior service cost
effect of settlement, curtailment and termination
effect of change in Group structure1
exchange rate gain/loss recognised during the year
Total recognised in other comprehensive income, gross of tax
Total recognised in net periodic benefit cost 
and other comprehensive income, gross of tax

1 please refer to note 1 “Organisation and summary of significant accounting policies”.

Swiss plan
126

Foreign plans
122
2

Other benefits
23

–42

84

211

–13

–10
–38
11
74

103

8
11

2
44

44

Swiss plan
–457

Foreign plans
–31

Other benefits
–46

–57

–17

–514

–368

6
–42

–25

6
10

–30

–29

Total
271
2

–47
11
–10
–38
13
202

358

Total
–534
0

–68
10
0
0
6
–586

–422

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 2014 are USD 56 million and USD 1 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 2014 are USD 11 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 5 350 million and USD 5 235 million as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, respectively.

pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of 31 December were as follows:

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

2012
4 650
4 582
3 937

2013
592
591
490

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Principal actuarial assumptions

assumptions used to determine  
obligations at the end of the year
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

assumptions used to determine net  
periodic pension costs for the year ended
Discount rate
expected long-term return 
on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

assumed medical trend rates 
at year end
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

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2.0%
2.3%

2.4%

3.3%
2.3%

2.3%
2.3%

2.0%

3.3%
2.3%

4.1%
2.1%

4.9%

5.1%
2.2%

4.4%
3.2%

4.1%

4.9%
3.1%

3.1%
3.4%

3.5%
2.1%

3.5%

3.1%

3.9%

3.4%

6.2%
4.5%

2019

6.0%
4.5%

2018

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 2013:

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

1 percentage point 
increase
1
23

1 percentage point 
decrease
–1
–21

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Plan asset allocation by asset category
The actual asset allocation by major asset category for defined benefit pension plans as of the respective measurement dates in 2012 
and 2013 is as follows:

asset category
equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Other
Total

Swiss plan allocation

Foreign plans allocation

2012

2013 Target allocation

2012

2013 Target allocation

27%
45%
19%
9%
100%

27%
41%
19%
13%
100%

25%
48%
21%
6%
100%

35%
56%
1%
8%
100%

33%
60%
1%
6%
100%

32%
61%
2%
5%
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 5 million (0.1% of total plan assets) and USD 7 million (0.1% of total plan 
assets) as of 31 December 2012 and 2013, 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.

assets measured at fair value
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.

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

2012 
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
Total assets at fair value
Cash
Total plan assets

2013 
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
Total assets at fair value
Cash
Total plan assets

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

Significant other  
observable inputs  
(level 2)

Significant  
unobservable  
inputs  
(level 3)

2 383

62

788
1 474
49
5
5

547

20
48
2 998

2 998

866
3
50

919
168
1 087

572
125
697

697

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

Significant other  
observable inputs  
(level 2)

Significant  
unobservable  
inputs  
(level 3)

2 562

136

752
1 647
21
1
5

573

17
61
3 213

3 213

1 030
16
54
136
1 236
190
1 426

631
132
763

763

Total

2 383

62

788
1 474
49
5
5

1 413
3
642
173
4 614
168
4 782

Total

2 562

136

752
1 647
21
1
5

1 603
16
702
329
5 212
190
5 402

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assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
For the years ended 31 December, the reconciliation of fair value of pension plan assets using significant unobservable inputs were  
as follows:

2012 
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
Closing balance as of 31 December

2013 
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
Closing balance as of 31 December

Real estate
549

Other assets
119

1

10

12
572

–13
3
15

1
125

Real estate
572

Other assets
125

31

11

17
631

1
4
–1

3
132

Total
668

–12
3
25
0
13
697

Total
697

32
4
10
0
20
763

expected contributions and estimated future benefit payments
The employer contributions expected to be made in 2014 to the defined benefit pension plans are USD 169 million and to the  
post-retirement benefit plan are USD 16 million.

As of 31 December 2013, the projected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, not adjusted for transfers in and  
for employees’ voluntary contributions, are as follows:

USD millions
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Years 2019–2023

Swiss plan
216
210
210
208
206
982

Foreign plans
63
66
70
73
75
411

Other benefits
16
17
18
19
20
107

Total
295
293
298
300
301
1500

Defined contribution pension plans
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 2012 and in 2013 
was USD 65 million and USD 69 million, respectively.

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12  Share-based payments

Since 2012 compensation arrangements are part of Swiss Re Group arrangements. Compensation awards for the Group, including 
those granted prior to 2012, settle in shares of Swiss Re ltd. performance measures of the compensation awards are measured at the 
Swiss Re Group level. 

As of 31 December 2012 and 2013, the Group had the share-based compensation plans described below.

Total compensation cost for share-based compensation plans recognised in net income was USD 64 million and USD 121 million in 
2012 and 2013, respectively. The related tax benefit was USD 15 million and USD 26 million, respectively.

Stock option plans
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:

2013
Outstanding as of 1 January
Options sold
Options forfeited or expired 
Outstanding as of 31 December 
exercisable as of 31 December 

Weighted average  
exercise price in ChF
72
68
76
89
89

number of options
958 902
–713 772
–145 130
100 000
100 000

The weighted remaining contractual life is 2.3 years and all stock options outstanding are also exercisable. The fair value of each option 
grant was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The underlying strike price for the outstanding option 
series has been adjusted for the special dividend payout in 2013.

Restricted shares
The Group granted 38 930 and 10 458 restricted shares to selected employees in 2012 and 2013, respectively. moreover, as an 
alternative to the Group’s cash bonus programme, 273 946 and 295 535 shares were delivered during 2012 and 2013, respectively, 
which are not subject to forfeiture risk.

A summary of the movements in shares relating to outstanding awards granted under the restricted share plans for the year ended 
31 December 2013 is as follows:

non-vested at 1 January 
Granted
Delivery of restricted shares
Forfeitures
Outstanding as of 31 December 

Weighted average  
grant date fair value in ChF
50
76
46
59
67

number of shares
485 009
305 993
–254 939
–7 089
528 974

The weighted average fair value of restricted shares, which equals the market price of the shares on the date of the grant, was  
ChF 50 and ChF 67 in 2012 and 2013, respectively.  

Board level Performance Share Plan
In 2010, the Group granted a share plan for the Chairman and one Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Since 2011 no more plan 
was granted. The plan has a requisite service period of three years and is settled in shares. The plan is 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 2010 plan is based on the share price as of the date of grant, which was ChF 53.60. The 2010 plan vested in 2013. 

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long-term Incentive Plan
Between 2006 and 2011, the Group annually granted 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 plans include a payout factor which was 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 values of the plans are 
based on stochastic models which consider the likelihood of achieving performance targets and the impact of dividends.

The 2010 lTI grant was settled in shares in march 2013. The payout factor was 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. 

As of 31 December 2013 the 2011 lTI grant was outstanding. The plan is expected to be settled in shares in march 2014. The payout 
factor is driven by average ROe and average epS over the vesting period. The unit grant date fair value was ChF 39.39.

For the year ended 31 December 2013, the outstanding units were as follows: 

non-vested at 1 January 
Forfeitures
Vested 1
Outstanding as of 31 December 

1 Refers to the number of units before the application of the payout factor

lTI 2010
961 350

–961 350
0

lTI 2011
928 505
–54 710

873 795

leadership Performance Plan 
During 2011 the Compensation Committee reviewed the existing long-term incentive scheme, and in march 2012, the lTI was replaced 
by a new plan called the leadership performance plan (lpp). The lpp plans are expected to be settled in shares, and the requisite 
service as well as the maximum contractual term are three years. At grant date the award is split equally into two underlying 
components - Restricted Share Units (RSU) and performance Share Units (pSU). The RSU component is measured against a Roe 
performance condition and will vest within a range of 0–100%. The pSU is based on relative total shareholder return, measured against 
a pre-defined basket of peers and will vest within a range of 0–200%. The fair values of both components are measured separately, 
based on stochastic models.

The fair value assumptions included in the grant valuation are based on market estimates for dividends (and an additional special 
dividend of ChF 4.00 for the lpp 2013) and the risk free rate based on the average of the 5-year US government rate taken monthly 
over each annual period in the performance period. This resulted in risk free rates between 1.0% and 2.3% for lpp 2012 and lpp 2013.

For the lpp 2012, the grant date fair value of the RSU component is ChF 42.00 and of the pSU component ChF 35.60. For the lpp 
2013, the grant date fair value of the RSU component is ChF 61.19 and of the pSU component ChF 52.59.

For the year ended 31 December 2013, the outstanding units were as follows:

non-vested at 1 January 
Granted
Forfeitures
Outstanding as of 31 December 

RSU
482 775

–24 135
458 640

lpp 2012
pSU
569 180

–28 460
540 720

RSU

356 560
–6 355
350 205

lpp 2013
pSU

414 955
–7 390
407 565

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Unrecognised compensation costs
As of 31 December 2013, the total unrecognised compensation cost (net of forfeitures) related to non-vested, share-based 
compensation awards was USD 56 million and the weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognised  
is 1.8 years.

The number of shares authorised for the Group’s share-based payments to employees was 8 172 503 and 5 538 418 as of 
31 December 2012 and 2013, respectively.

employee Participation Plan
The 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 2012, 1 635 890 options were issued to employees. From 2013 onwards, the employee participation plan was discontinued and  
no more options were issued. To the outstanding plans the Group contributed USD 36 million and USD 29 million, respectively. 

Global Share Participation Plan 
In June 2013, the Swiss Re Group introduced the Global Share participation plan 2013 which is a share purchase plan that was rolled 
out globally for the benefit of employees of companies within the Swiss Re Group. The Group makes a financial contribution to 
participants in the plan, by matching the commitment that they make during the plan cycle with additional Swiss Re ltd shares.

If the employee is still employed by the Group at the end of a plan cycle, the employee will receive an additional number of shares equal 
to 30% of the total number of purchased and dividend shares held at that time. In 2013, the Group contributed USD 3 million to the plan 
and authorised 28 218 shares as of 31 December 2013. 

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13  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 2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
After 2018
Total operating lease commitments
Less minimum non-cancellable sublease rentals
Total net future minimum lease commitments

USD millions
80
75
71
65
53
311
655
–51
604

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

2012
60
–2
58

2013
63
–1
62

Other commitments
As a participant in limited and other 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 2013 were USD 2 841 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 matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, consolidated 
financial position or results of operations.

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14  Information on business segments

The Group provides reinsurance and insurance 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 performance of the Group.

The Group presents two core operating business segments: property & Casualty Reinsurance and Life & health Reinsurance. 

Property & Casualty Reinsurance and Life & Health Reinsurance
Reinsurance consists of two segments, property & Casualty and Life & health. The Reinsurance business operates globally, both through 
brokers and directly with clients, and provides a large range of solutions for risk and capital management. Clients include insurance 
companies and mutual as well as public sector and governmental entities. As well as traditional reinsurance solutions, the business unit 
offers insurance linked securities and other insurance related capital market products in both property & Casualty and Life & health. 
property & Casualty includes the business lines property, Casualty, including motor, and Specialty. Life & health includes the life and 
health sub-segments.

Other
Items not allocated to the business segments are included in the “other” column which encompasses non-core activities. The “other” 
column includes 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.

Consolidation
Segment information is presented net of external and internal retrocession and other intra-group arrangements. The Group total is 
obtained after elimination of intra-group transactions in the “Consolidation” column. In the periods presented, significant intra-group 
transactions related to intra-group reinsurance arrangements and certain treasury-related activities are included.

each segment’s balance sheet is closely aligned to the segment’s legal entity structure. The assignment of assets and liabilities for 
entities that span more than one segment are determined by considering local statutory requirements, legal and other constraints,  
the economic view of duration and currency requirements of the reinsurance business written, and the capacity of the segments to  
absorb risks. This consideration determined each segment’s initial capital position under the new structure.

The segment income statement follows the segmental balance sheets and provides enhanced information regarding investment 
income, realised investment gains and losses, interest expense, and tax expense and benefit. Investment income is the actual income 
earned on the invested assets. Investment gains and losses are based on the asset portfolios assigned to the segment. Interest expense  
is incurred from the segment’s capital funding position and tax is derived from legal entity tax obligations. 

The accounting policies of the business segments are in line with those described in the summary of significant accounting policies  
(see note 1 to the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements).

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a) Business segments – income statement
for the years ended 31 December

2012 
USD millions
Revenues
premiums earned
fee income from policyholders
net investment income – non-participating
net realised investment gains – non-participating
net investment result – unit-linked and with-profit
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/loss before income tax expense
Income tax expense/benefit
net income/loss before attribution of non-controlling interests

Income attributable to non-controlling interests
net income/loss after attribution of non-controlling interests

Interest on contingent capital instruments
net income/loss attributable to common shareholder

Claims ratio in %
expense ratio in %
Combined ratio in %
Management expense ratio in %
operating margin in %

property & Casualty 
Reinsurance

Life & health 
Reinsurance

other Consolidation

Total

117
50
290
58
1
2
518

–36
–160
–168
–29
–353
–51
–797

–279
43
–236

–2
–238

–238

21 496
122
3 124
879
223
80
25 924

–6 337
–6 952
–439
–4 132
–2 511
–748
–21 119

4 805
–1 122
3 683

–136
3 547

–56
3 491

18

–18
0

5
–5

0

0

0

0

0

12 329

1 451
259

95
14 134

–6 306

–2 316
–1 325
–111
–10 058

4 076
–934
3 142

–134
3 008

–18
2 990

51.2
29.5
80.7

9 050
72
1 365
562
222
1
11 272

–6 787
–271
–1 787
–833
–586
–10 264

1 008
–231
777

777

–38
739

7.9
8.6

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Business segments – income statement
for the years ended 31 December

2013 
USD millions
Revenues
premiums earned
fee income from policyholders
net investment income – non-participating
net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating
net investment result – unit-linked and with-profit
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/loss before income tax expense
Income tax expense/benefit
net income/loss before attribution of non-controlling interests

Income attributable to non-controlling interests
net income/loss after attribution of non-controlling interests

Interest on contingent capital instruments
net income/loss attributable to common shareholder

Claims ratio in %
expense ratio in %
Combined ratio in %
Management expense ratio in %
operating margin in %

property & Casualty 
Reinsurance

Life & health 
Reinsurance

other Consolidation

Total

24 905
162
3 120
427
249
71
28 934

–7 907
–8 665
–631
–4 449
–2 814
–777
–25 243

3 691
–219
3 472

–2
3 470

–67
3 403

20

–20
0

0

0

0

0

0

14 542

1 098
184

61
15 885

–7 884

–2 761
–1 472
–207
–12 324

3 561
–249
3 312

–1
3 311

–19
3 292

54.2
29.1
83.3

396
106
560
–26

30
1 066

–23
–590
–345
10
–396
–26
–1 370

–304
60
–244

–1
–245

–245

9 967
56
1 442
269
249

11 983

–8 075
–286
–1 698
–946
–544
–11 549

434
–30
404

404

–48
356

8.3
5.2

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Business segments – balance sheet
As of 31 December

2012 
USD millions
Total assets1

property & Casualty 
Reinsurance
93 459

Life & health 
Reinsurance
63 914

other
18 120

Consolidation
–7 559

Total
167 934

1  The Group updated its balance sheet presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented on a gross basis as per the first  

quarter 2013. The comparative period has been adjusted accordingly and is consistent with the relevant income tax disclosure in the notes to the financial statements in the 
prior year.

2013 
USD millions
Total assets

property & Casualty 
Reinsurance
86 463

Life & health 
Reinsurance
60 499

other
16 484

Consolidation
–7 229

Total
156 217

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Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 Annual Report  81

 
 
–6 306
–2 316
–1 325
–9 947

2 382

1 451
259
95
–111
4 076

51.2
29.5
80.7

FinanCiaL STaTemenTS | noTeS To The GRoUp fInAnCIAL STATeMenTS

b) Property & Casualty Reinsurance business segment – by line of business
for the year ended 31 December

2012 
USD millions
Premiums earned 

expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses
Acquisition costs
other expenses
Total expenses before interest expenses

property
5 795

Casualty
4 630

Specialty
1 904

Total
12 329

–2 832
–781
–687
–4 300

–2 818
–1 128
–406
–4 352

–656
–407
–232
–1 295

Underwriting result

1 495

278

609

net investment income
net realised investment gains/losses
other revenues
Interest expenses
income before income tax expenses

Claims ratio in %
expense ratio in %
Combined ratio in %

48.9
25.3
74.2

60.9
33.1
94.0

34.4
33.6
68.0

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Property & Casualty Reinsurance business segment – by line of business
for the year ended 31 December.

2013 
USD millions
Premiums earned

expenses
Claims and claim adjustment expenses
Acquisition costs
other expenses
Total expenses before interest expenses

property
6 945

Casualty
5 366

Specialty
2 231

Total
14 542

–3 342
–883
–764
–4 989

–3 563
–1 408
–495
–5 466

–979
–470
–213
–1 662

Underwriting result

1 956

–100

569

net investment income
net realised investment gains/losses
other revenues
Interest expenses
income before income tax expenses

Claims ratio in %
expense ratio in %
Combined ratio in %

48.1
23.7
71.8

66.4
35.5
101.9

43.9
30.6
74.5

–7 884
–2 761
–1 472
–12 117

2 425

1 098
184
61
–207
3 561

54.2
29.1
83.3

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c) Life & Health Reinsurance business segment – by line of business 
for the years ended 31 December

2012 
USD millions
Revenues
premiums earned
fee income from policyholders
net investment income – non-participating
net investment income – unit-linked and with-profit
net realised investment gains/losses – unit-linked and with-profit
net realised investment gains/losses – insurance-related derivatives
other revenues
Total revenues before non-participating realised gains/losses

expenses
Life and health benefits
Return credited to policyholders
Acquisition costs
other expenses
Total expenses before interest expenses

Life

health

Total

6 176
72
899
32
190
–147
1
7 223

–4 625
–271
–1 299
–613
–6 808

2 874

466

3 340

–2 162

–488
–220
–2 870

9 050
72
1 365
32
190
–147
1
10 563

–6 787
–271
–1 787
–833
–9 678

Operating income

415

470

885

net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating and excluding  
insurance-related derivatives
Interest expenses
income before income tax expenses

Management expense ratio in %
operating margin1 in %

8.6
5.9

6.6
14.1

1  operating margin is calculated as operating income divided by total operating revenues. Total operating revenues are total revenues excluding unit-linked and  

with-profit revenues.

709
–586
1 008

7.9
8.6

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Life & Health Reinsurance business segment – by line of business 
for the years ended 31 December

2013 
USD millions
Revenues
premiums earned
fee income from policyholders
net investment income – non-participating
net investment income – unit-linked and with-profit
net realised investment gains/losses – unit-linked and with-profit
net realised investment gains/losses – insurance-related derivatives
other revenues
Total revenues before non-participating realised gains/losses

expenses
Life and health benefits
Return credited to policyholders
Acquisition costs
other expenses
Total expenses before interest expenses

Life

health

Total

6 678
56
915
39
210
–123

3 289

527

6

7 775

3 822

–5 216
–286
–1 207
–685
–7 394

–2 859

–491
–261
–3 611

9 967
56
1 442
39
210
–117
0
11 597

–8 075
–286
–1 698
–946
–11 005

Operating income

381

211

592

net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating and excluding  
insurance-related derivatives
Interest expenses
income before income tax expenses

Management expense ratio in %
operating margin1 in %

9.0
5.1

6.8
5.5

1  operating margin is calculated as operating income divided by total operating revenues. Total operating revenues are total revenues excluding unit-linked and  

with-profit revenues.

386
–544
434

8.3
5.2

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d) Gross premiums earned and fee income from policyholders by geography
Gross 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

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

USD millions
United States
United Kingdom
China
Australia
france
Canada
Germany
Japan
Ireland
Italy
Switzerland
other
Total

2012
11 087
10 431
6 040
27 558

2012
8 471
2 503
2 416
1 734
2 384
1 241
1 135
887
589
482
504
5 212
27 558

2013
12 239
10 414
6 250
28 903

2013
9 476
2 520
2 255
1 987
1 642
1 296
1 284
844
812
549
545
5 693
28 903

Gross premiums earned and fee income from policyholders are allocated by country based on the underlying contract.

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15 Significant subsidiaries and equity investees

Significant subsidiaries and equity investees
europe

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

Denmark
Swiss Re Denmark Services A/S, Copenhagen

Germany
Swiss Re Germany AG, Unterföhring bei München

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

malta
Bodensee Limited, Sliema

Switzerland
european Reinsurance Company of Zurich Ltd, Zurich
Swiss Re Investments Ltd, Zurich

United Kingdom
Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited, London
Swiss Re GB Limited, London
Swiss Re Investment Management Limited, London
Swiss Re Services Limited, London

method of consolidation
f  full
e   equity
fv fair value
1  net asset value instead of share capital

88  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 Annual Report

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(Chf millions)

Affiliation in % as 
of 31.12.2013

Method of 
consolidation

0

0

62

0

14
6

0

0

55

0

12
5

145
482
0
8 547

129
429
0
7 600

100

100

100

100

100
100

100
100
100
100

f

f

f

f

f
f

f
f
f
f

1 136

1010

49

fv

291
1

60
0
0
4

258
1

53
0
0
3

100
100

100
100
100
100

f
f

f
f
f
f

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americas and Caribbean

Barbados
european finance Reinsurance Company Ltd., Bridgetown
european International Reinsurance Company Ltd., Bridgetown
Gasper funding Corporation, Bridgetown
Milvus I Reassurance Limited, Bridgetown

Bermuda
CoRe Reinsurance Company Limited, hamilton
Group Ark Insurance holdings Limited, hamilton
Swiss Re Global Markets Limited, hamilton
Swiss Re Capital Management (Bermuda) Ltd., hamilton
Swiss Re Investments (Bermuda) Ltd., hamilton

Brazil
Swiss Re Brasil Resseguros S.A., Sao paulo
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Brasil Seguros S.A., Sao paulo

United States
Aurora national Life Assurance Company, Wethersfield
facility Insurance Corporation, Austin
facility Insurance holding Corporation, Dallas
Rialto Re I Inc., Burlington
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 Risk Solutions Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Solutions holding Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Re Treasury (US) Corporation, Wilmington
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation, Armonk

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(Chf millions)

Affiliation in % as 
of 31.12.2013

Method of 
consolidation

5
1
17
0

0
235
0
0
0

51
38

0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2 116
0
0
4
368
0
9
0
6

4
1
15
0

0
209
0
0
0

45
34

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 882
0
0
4
327
0
8
0
5

100
100
100
100

100
14
100
100
100

100
84

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

f
f
f
f

f
fv
f
f
f

f
f

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

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africa

South africa
Swiss Re Life and health Africa Limited, Cape Town

asia-Pacific

australia
Swiss Re Australia Ltd, Sydney
Swiss Re Life & health Australia Limited, Sydney

China
Alltrust Insurance Company of China Limited, Shanghai

india
Swiss Re Shared Services (India) private Ltd., Bangalore

Vietnam
Vietnam national Reinsurance Corporation, hanoi

Share capital 
(USD millions)

Share capital 
(Chf millions)

Affiliation in % as 
of 31.12.2013

Method of 
consolidation

0

0

100

667
787

593
700

100
100

126

112

5

2

32

2

28

100

25

f

f
f

fv

f

e

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16 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 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.

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. 

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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 into 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 if 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 2013, 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 2 470 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, Swiss Re 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.

As of 31 December 2013, the total assets of the vehicles in which the Group is the primary beneficiary were USD 6 708 million.

investment vehicles
Investment vehicles are private equity limited partnerships, in which the Group is invested as part of its investment strategy. Typically, 
the Group’s variable interests arise through limited partner ownership interests in the vehicles. The Group does not own the general 
partners of the limited partnerships, and does not have any significant kick-out or participating rights. Therefore the Group lacks power 
over the relevant activities of the vehicles and, consequently, does not qualify as the primary beneficiary. The Group is exposed to losses 
when the values of the investments held by the vehicles decrease. The maximum exposure to loss equals the carrying amount of the 
ownership interest. 

As of 31 December 2013, the total assets of investment vehicles in which the Group holds variable interests but is not the primary 
beneficiary were USD 2 499 million. The total assets of the vehicles in which the Group is the primary beneficiary were USD 8 million.

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 residential real estate and other. 

As of 31 December 2013, the total assets of other VIes in which the Group holds variable interests but is not the primary beneficiary 
were USD 1 294 million. The total assets of the vehicles in which the Group is the primary beneficiary were USD 82 million.

The Group did not provide financial or other support to any VIes during 2013 that it was not previously contractually required to provide. 

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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: 

2012
Carrying value Whereof restricted:
6896
610
258
177
44
1
7 986

6896
610
258
177
44
19
8 004

2013
Carrying value Whereof restricted:
6 490
61

6 490
61
8
162
60
17
6 798

162
60

6 773

Carrying value
504
76
5 328
5 908

Whereof 
limited recourse:
504
76
5 328
5 908

Carrying value
62
20
5 414
5 496

Whereof  
limited recourse:
62
20
5 414
5 496

USD millions
fixed income securities available-for-sale 
Short-term investments 
other invested assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accrued investment income 
other assets 
Total assets

Short-term debt 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Total liabilities

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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 held a variable 
interest but was not the primary beneficiary as of 31 December:

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

other invested assets
Total assets 

Short-term debt
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total liabilities

2012

2013

72
12
1 138
1 222

399
385
784

71
15
966
1 052

417
422
839

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

USD millions
Insurance-linked/ 
Credit-linked securitisations
Swaps in trusts
Investment vehicles
other
Total

Total assets Total liabilities 

Maximum 
exposure to loss

2012
Difference  
between exposure 
and liabilities

Total assets Total liabilities

Maximum  
exposure to loss

2013
Difference  
between exposure 
and liabilities

212
149
829
32
1 222

240

544
784

842
–1
829
1 622
–1

842
–
829
1 078
–

72
96
853
31
1 052

284

555
839

90
–1
853
1 702
–1

90
–
853
1 147
–

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

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 are recognised for certain debt financing VIes when losses occur. To date, the respective debt financing 
VIes have not incurred any losses. Liabilities of USD 555 million recognised for the “other” category relate mainly to collateral received.

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17 Restructuring provision

In 2013, the Group set up total provisions of USD 46 million, and released USD 2 million.

The increase of the provision in the property & Casualty Reinsurance business segment of USD 46 million is mostly related to  
leaving benefits.

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:

2012  
USD millions
Balance as of 1 January 
effect of change in Group structure1
Increase in provision
Release of provision
Costs incurred
Balance as of 31 December

2013  
USD millions
Balance as of 1 January 
Increase in provision
Release of provision
Costs incurred
Balance as of 31 December

property & Casualty  
Reinsurance
43

Life & health 
Reinsurance
2

7
–4
–14
32

property & Casualty  
Reinsurance
32
46
–2
–12
64

–1
1

Life & health 
Reinsurance
1

–1
0

other
9
–9

0

other

0

Total
54
–9
7
–4
–15
33

Total
33
46
–2
–13
64

1 please refer to note 1 “organisation and summary of significant accounting policies”.

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18  Related parties

insurance activities
The Group assumes and cedes certain re/insurance contracts from/to affiliated companies within the Swiss Re Group, but outside the 
Swiss Reinsurance Company Group, resulting in the following related party transactions on the income statement and balance sheet:

for the year ended 31 December 2012
USD millions
premiums earned
fee income from policyholders
net investment income – non-participating
other revenues
Total revenues

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

As of 31 December 2012
USD millions
premiums and other receivables
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and policy benefits
funds held by ceding companies
Deferred acquisition costs
other assets
Total assets

Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Unearned premiums
funds held under reinsurance treaties
Reinsurance balances payable
Total liabilities

Corporate Solutions
–296

77

–219

431

58
489

Corporate Solutions
59
271
2 097
–39
601
2 989

7 393

91

447
7 931

Admin Re®
274
16
102

392

–264
–64
–19
–347

Admin Re®
145
10
2

157

115
7

122

other
56

56

–28

–26
–54

other
43
1

30

74

42

78
1
1
122

Total
34
16
179
0
229

403
–264
–64
13
88

Total
247
282
2 099
–9
601
3 220

7 550
7
169
1
448
8 175

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For the year ended 31 December 2013
USD millions
premiums earned
fee income from policyholders
net investment income – non-participating
other revenues
Total revenues

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

as of 31 December 2013
USD millions
premiums and other receivables
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and policy benefits
funds held by ceding companies
Deferred acquisition costs
other assets
Total assets

Unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses
Liabilities for life and health policy benefits
Unearned premiums
funds held under reinsurance treaties
Reinsurance balances payable
Total liabilities

Corporate Solutions
–256

Admin Re®
254

74

–182

301

57
358

Corporate Solutions
30
471
1 413
–49
337
2 202

6 209

77

379
6 665

27
281

–213

–2
–215

Admin Re®
105
24
2

131

8
6

14

other
86

86

–46

–35
–81

other
4

7

11

48

19
2

69

Total
84
0
74
27
185

255
–213
0
20
62

Total
139
495
1 415
–42
337
2 344

6 265
6
96
2
379
6 748

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investment activities
The Group conducts various investing activities with affiliated companies in the Swiss Re Group. These include loans, funding 
agreements and derivatives and result in the following related party transactions on the income statement and balance sheet:

for the year ended 31 December 2012
USD millions
net investment income/loss – non-participating
net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating

As of 31 December 2012
USD millions
policy loans, mortgages and other loans
other invested assets
Accrued investment income
Accrued expenses and other liabilities

For the year ended 31 December 2013
USD millions
net investment income/loss – non-participating
net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating

as of 31 December 2013
USD millions
policy loans, mortgages and other loans
other invested assets
Accrued investment income
Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Corporate Solutions
–4
4

Corporate Solutions

1

Corporate Solutions

Corporate Solutions

Admin Re®
52
41

Admin Re®
634

24

Admin Re®
44

Admin Re®
646

24

other
4
3

other
508
30

4

other
5
17

other
530
34

4

Total
52
48

Total
1 142
31
24
4

Total
49
17

Total
1 176
34
24
4

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Financing activities
The Group enters into various financing activities where it borrows funds from affiliated companies in the Swiss Re Group.  
These activities result in the following related party transactions on the income statement and balance sheet:

for the year ended 31 December 2012
USD millions
net investment income/loss – non-participating
net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating
Interest expense

As of 31 December 2012
USD millions
policy loans, mortgages and other loans
Accrued investment income
Short-term debt
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt

For the year ended 31 December 2013
USD millions
net investment income/loss – non-participating
net realised investment gains/losses – non-participating
Interest expense

as of 31 December 2013
USD millions
policy loans, mortgages and other loans
Accrued investment income
Short-term debt
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt

Admin Re®

–2

Admin Re®

Admin Re®

Admin Re®

other
6
–69
–30

other
1 6251
41
3 513
1 6441
196

other
7
–67
–37

other
1 6561
51
2 757
1 6651

Total
6
–69
–32

Total
1 625
4
3 513
1 644
196

Total
7
–67
–37

Total
1 656
5
2 757
1 665
0

1  The balances reported in “policy loans, mortgages and other loans” and “Accrued investment income”, which are offset in “Accrued expenses and other liabilities”, are part of 

two funding transactions of the Swiss Re Group. The counterparty of these balances is Swiss Re Specialised Investments holdings (UK) Ltd. 

Issued in
2005
2008
2012
2013
Total short-term debt as of 31 December 2013

Instrument
Senior loan
Senior loan
Senior loan
Senior loans

Maturity
2028
2028
2014
2014

Currency
GBp
GBp
GBp
USD

nominal in millions
100
240
120
1 995

Interest rate
1 month LIBoR
4.98%
2.41%
3 months LIBoR + 0.1%

Book value in USD millions
166
397
199
1 995
2 757

100  Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 Annual Report

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Operating transactions
The Group enters into various arrangements with affiliated companies in the Swiss Re Group for the provision of services.  
These activities result in the following related party transactions on the income statement and balance sheet:

for the year ended 31 December 2012
USD millions
net investment income/loss – non-participating
other revenues
other expenses
Interest expense

As of 31 December 2012
USD millions
other assets1
Accrued expenses and other liabilities1

Corporate Solutions
1
13
498
–1

Corporate Solutions
104
–11

Admin Re®
2
29
50

Admin Re®
32

other

1
–59

other
–2
84

Total
3
43
489
–1

Total
134
73

1  During 2013 the Group revised the balances with affiliated companies within the Swiss Re Group and excluded impact of intragroup expense recharges from Related parties 

disclosures. The revision had no impact on net income and shareholder’s equity of the Group.

For the year ended 31 December 2013
USD millions
net investment income/loss – non-participating
other revenues
other expenses
Interest expense

as of 31 December 2013
USD millions
other assets
Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Corporate Solutions

Admin Re®

other

11
450

9
17

Corporate Solutions
169
125

Admin Re®
37

–124

other
8
89

Total
0
20
343
0

Total
214
214

As of 31 December 2012 and 2013, the Group’s investment in mortgages and other loans included USD 279 million and  
USD 304 million, respectively, of loans due from employees, and USD 215 million and USD 233 million, respectively, due from officers. 
These loans generally consist of mortgages offered at variable and fixed interest rates.

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19  Risk assessment

Risk management, including the identification, assessment and control of risk exposures of the Group is integrated within, and forms 
part of, the Swiss Re Group’s risk management organisation and processes. Therefore, references below to “Group“ are to the Swiss Re 
Group, to “Business Units“ include the Group as a business unit, and to “Reinsurance“ are to the Group. 

The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the Group’s governance principles and policies; these include the Group Risk policy, 
which establishes both the guiding principles of risk management as well as the overall risk tolerance of the Group.  

The Board of Directors generally 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) implements the risk management framework through four sub-committees:
 ̤ The Group Risk and Capital Committee has responsibility for establishing the Group’s Risk Governance framework, including setting 

and monitoring risk capacity limits and determining changes to the internal risk and capital measurement methodology. It also 
oversees Swiss Re’s economic value measurement framework, including the principles for the allocation of capital and funding 
resources.

 ̤ 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 underwriting standards, sets transaction 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 (CRo), 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 CRo is a member of the four Group eC committees, serving as the chairman of both the Group 
Risk and Capital Committee and the Group Regulatory Committee. In addition, the Group CRo leads the Group’s Risk Management 
function, which is responsible for risk oversight and control across the Group.

The Group Risk Management function is comprised of central departments providing shared services (such as Risk Reporting), along 
with dedicated departments for the Reinsurance, Corporate Solutions, and Admin Re® Business Units.

each of these Business Unit departments has a dedicated Chief Risk officer who reports directly to the Group CRo, with a secondary 
reporting line to the respective Business Unit Ceo. The Business Unit CRos are responsible for risk oversight in their respective Business 
Units, establishing the proper risk governance to ensure efficient risk identification, assessment, and control. There are also Regional 
CRos (Americas, Asia, and eMeA) with reporting duties to the Reinsurance regional management teams. They also provide functional 
support to the Regional presidents.presidents.

for Swiss Re’s major legal entities, the Business Unit CRos are supported by designated legal entity CRos who are responsible for 
overseeing specific risk management issues that arise at the legal entity level.

The central departments support both the Group CRo and the Business Unit CRos in discharging their oversight responsibilities.  
They do so by providing specialised risk category expertise and accumulation control, risk modelling and reporting services, regulatory 
relations management, and central risk governance framework development. The central departments also oversee Group liquidity  
and capital adequacy and maintain the Group frameworks for controlling these risks throughout Swiss Re.

While in Reinsurance the setting of the reserves is performed by valuation actuaries working with the Business Management Unit,  
in Corporate Solutions and Admin Re® actuarial management is an integral part of Risk Management. The monitoring of reserves for  
the three Business Units is provided by a dedicated Actuarial Control Unit within Risk Management.

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Senior managers of Business and corporate Units are responsible for managing operational risks in their areas of activity, based on  
a centrally coordinated methodology. Their self-assessments are reviewed and challenged by dedicated operational risk managers.  
Risk management experts also review Swiss Re’s underwriting decision processes.

Risk management activities are also supported by Group Internal Audit and Compliance. The 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 the Group’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules,  
and the Code of Conduct, as well as managing compliance risk. It assists the Board of Directors, the Group eC and management in 
discharging their respective duties to identify, mitigate, and manage compliance risks.

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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 Reinsurance Company Ltd, which comprise the 
balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, comprehensive income and notes 
(pages 2 to 103), for the year ended 31 December 2013. 

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 2013 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.

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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

Alex finn  
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge 

Bret Griffin

Zürich, 17 March 2014 

Swiss Reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 Annual Report  105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

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 for the Reinsurance Business unit. the company is a wholly-owned subsidiary 
of Swiss Re ltd, the ultimate parent company domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland.

Financial year 2013
net income for 2013 amounted to cHF 2 091 million, compared to cHF 3 600 million in the prior year.

the financial year under review showed a reduced reinsurance result, compared to the prior year, mainly driven by an one-off 2012 
transaction, reserving assumption updates and a new intragroup retrocession treaty in the life & Health Reinsurance. the latter covered 
the recaptured pre-2004 yearly renewable term life business, which was originally retroceded by Swiss Re life & Health America inc.  
to Berkshire Hathaway. the overall negative result impact of life & Health Reinsurance, compared to 2012, was partially offset by the 
positive development of property & casualty Reinsurance, which was driven by new business written and increased reinsurance 
retrocessions from other Swiss Re Group companies, following the expiry of a major quota share agreement.

the lower investment result, compared to 2012, was driven by higher valuation adjustments on investments in subsidiaries, partly offset 
by higher investment income, mostly in connection with dividends received from subsidiaries.

Reinsurance result
Reinsurance result amounted to cHF 257 million in 2013, compared to cHF 1 290 million in 2012.

premiums earned decreased from cHF 11 579 million in 2012 to cHF 10 493 million in 2013. excluding the effect of foreign exchange 
movements, total premiums earned amounted to cHF 10 737 million in 2013.

property and casualty premiums earned increased from cHF 5 084 million in 2012 to cHF 6 139 million in 2013. the increase was 
mainly driven by the expiry of a major quota share agreement, resulting in higher net retained business. the quota share expiry also 
resulted in higher reinsurance retrocessions from other Swiss Re Group companies.

life and health premiums earned decreased from cHF 6 495 million in 2012 to cHF 4 354 million in 2013. comparing the two financial 
years, the reported decrease in premiums earned resulted mainly from an one-off transaction in 2012. the initial impact of the 
assumption of certain blocks of business from Reassure America life insurance company, before its disposal in 2012, was partly offset 
by the new intragroup retrocession treaty in 2013 with Swiss Re life & Health America inc. excluding the initial entries of these two  
one-off transactions, life and health premiums earned increased from cHF 3 518 million in 2012 to cHF 3 978 million in 2013.

claims and claim adjustment expenses increased from cHF 6 016 million in 2012 to cHF 6 302 million in 2013. excluding the effect of 
foreign exchange movements, total claims and claim adjustment expenses amounted to cHF 6 475 million in 2013. property and 
casualty claims and claim adjustment expenses remained materially unchanged at cHF 2 724 million in 2013, compared to the prior 
year, despite higher business volume. this was primarly due to a benign year 2013 in respect of natural catastrophe events and positive 
development on prior year's claims. nonetheless, the financial year under review was impacted by flooding in canada, central and 
eastern europe and by claims adjustments in asbestos and environmental liabilities. As last year, the company further strengthened its 
reserves by increasing the equalisation provision by cHF 400 million.

life and health claims and claim adjustment expenses increased by cHF 338 million to cHF 3 578 million in 2013, compared to 2012, 
driven by the additional business from Reassure America life insurance company, following the assumption of certain blocks of 
business in late 2012, and the new retrocession treaty from Swiss Re life & Health America inc.

life and health benefits increased by cHF 307 million to cHF 2 578 million in 2013, compared to 2012, mainly due to the new 
retrocession treaty with Swiss Re life & Health America inc. and reserving assumption updates. the prior year was impacted by the 
initial portfolio entry and the setup of a liability for life and health policy benefits relating to the assumed blocks of business from 
Reassure America life insurance company. 

106  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report

 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

investment result
investment result amounted to cHF 2 638 million in 2013, compared to cHF 3 077 million in 2012.

investment income increased by cHF 1 186 million to cHF 7 419 million in 2013, driven by a dividend received from a subsidiary in 
liquidation and higher valuation readjustments on derivative financial instruments, mainly related to the life and health variable  
annuity business. the increase in investment result, compared to the prior year, was partially offset by lower realised gains on sale  
of fixed income securities and shares in investment funds.

investment expenses increased from cHF 2 768 million in 2012 to cHF 4 355 million in 2013, driven by a significant valuation 
adjustment on the investment in a subsidiary in liquidation, following its dividend payment.

Result from other income and expenses
other net expenses increased by cHF 164 million, impacted by higher administration expenses and increased interest expenses  
for debt.

assets
total assets decreased by 6% to cHF 75 919 million as of 31 december 2013, compared to the prior year. excluding the effect  
of foreign exchange movements, total assets amounted to cHF 78 532 million as of 31 december 2013.

in 2013, the company transferred its real estate portfolio, including own used properties, to a new wholly-owned subsidiary.  
this transfer was concluded through a contribution in-kind and the setup of an intragroup loan.

investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies decreased by cHF 1 878 million in 2013, mainly as a result of a valuation 
adjustment on the investment in a subsidiary in liquidation and the transfer of the investment in Swiss Re principal investments 
company ltd through a dividend in-kind to Swiss Re ltd, partially offset by capital contributions in cash made to affiliated companies.

loans to subsidiaries and affiliated companies increased by cHF 3 191 million in 2013, mainly due to the transfer of several loans in 
context with a received dividend in-kind and a new credit line loan by a subsidiary. Furthermore, a new intragroup loan was setup in 
connection with the transfer of the real estate portfolio.

in 2013 proceeds from the disposal of short-term investments and shares in investment funds as well as from cash and cash equivalents 
were primarily reinvested in equity securities and corporate bonds as well as used for the ordinary dividend payment to Swiss Re ltd.

Assets in derivative financial instruments decreased from cHF 1 700 million as of 31 december 2012 to cHF 354 million as of 
31 december 2013, mainly as a result of the lower market value of derivative financial instruments in connection with the hedge of the 
life and health variable annuities business.

Funds held by ceding companies decreased slightly, mainly due to commutation of property and casualty treaties. the decrease in other 
assets related mostly to security lending collateral and reverse repurchase transactions.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  107

 
 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

Liabilities
total liabilities decreased by 6% to cHF 64 122 million as of 31 december 2013. excluding the effect of foreign exchange movements, 
total liabilities amounted to cHF 66 565 million as of 31 december 2013.

technical provisions increased slightly by 2% to cHF 39 817 million as of 31 december 2013. the increase was mainly driven by the 
new retrocession treaty with Swiss Re life & Health America inc., resulting in additional liabilities for life and health policy benefits.
unpaid claims, however, decreased due to claims settlement and favourable loss experience for 2012 and prior natural catastrophe 
losses as well as the commutation of intragroup property and casualty treaties. this decrease in unpaid claims was partly offset by 
claims accruals due to additional business from Swiss Re Group companies and higher retained business, following the expiry of a 
major quota share agreement. in addition, the equalisation provision was increased by cHF 400 million in 2013.

the decrease in debts from cHF 11 629 million as of 31 december 2012 to cHF 9 518 million as of 31 december 2013 was mainly 
driven by the net change in loans from the parent company of cHF 936 million, from intragroup companies of cHF 552 million and from 
external counterparties of cHF 1 350 million, partially offset by the issuance of external subordinated loans of cHF 842 million.

liabilities from derivative financial instruments decreased from cHF 2 087 million as of 31 december 2012 to cHF 756 million as  
of 31 december 2013, mainly in connection with the life and health variable annuities business, following the reserving assumption 
updates.

Shareholder’s equity 
Shareholder’s equity decreased from cHF 12 342 million as of 31 december 2012 to cHF 11 797 million as of 31 december 2013.

the decrease mainly resulted from the ordinary dividend in cash of cHF 1 831 million and from the transfer of its investments in 
Swiss Re principal investments company ltd through an extraordinary dividend in-kind of cHF 805 million, partly offset by the net 
income for 2013 of cHF 2 091 million.

108  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 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

notes 
2  

2012

2013

3

11 579
–6 016
–2 271
–400
–1 581
419
–828
388
1 290

6 233
–2 768
–388
3 077

50
–436
229
–324
–481

3 886
–286
3 600

10 493
–6 302
–2 578
–400
–1 604
1 141
–919
426
257

7 419
–4 355
–426
2 638

40
–481
269
–473
–645

2 250
–159
2 091

the accompanying notes are an integral part of Swiss Reinsurance company ltd’s financial statements.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

BAlAnce SHeet
SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

As of 31 december

Assets

cHF millions
non-current assets
investments
investments in real estate
investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies
loans to subsidiaries and affiliated companies
mortgages and other loans
equity securities
Fixed income securities
Shares in investment funds
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

2012

2013

1 232
17 214
3 683
740
860
15 865
3 560
8 912
2 082
1 700
55 848

673
33

 –
15 336
6 874
792
1 524
16 317
3 372
6 379
1 716
354
52 664

63
41

56 554

52 768

4 980
12 979
443
3 194
179
2 245
168

5 241
12 407
604
2 194
442
1 883
380

24 188

23 151

80 742

75 919

4
4
4

the accompanying notes are an integral part of Swiss Reinsurance company ltd’s financial statements.

110  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 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
legal reserves from capital contributions
other reserves
Retained earnings/loss brought forward
net income for the financial year

total shareholder’s equity

total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

notes

2012

2013

5

5
5

6

26 592
9 959
2 060
159
400
39 170

159
1 397
491
2 047

6 073
5 556
11 629

5 236
3 197
2 087
4 769
265

24 255
12 135
2 459
168
800
39 817

57
858
540
1 455

6 100
3 418
9 518

4 460
2 901
756
4 986
229

68 400

64 122

34
650
8 057
14
–13
3 600

34
650
8 057
928
37
2 091

12 342

11 797

80 742

75 919

the accompanying notes are an integral part of Swiss Reinsurance company ltd’s financial statements.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

noteS
SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

1  Significant accounting principles

Basis of presentation
on 1 January 2013, new Swiss accounting and financial reporting legislation entered into force based on partial revisions of the Swiss 
code of obligations. Based on the transitional provisions, the new provisions have to be implemented for annual accounts from the 
2015 financial year onwards, at the latest. therefore, the Swiss Reinsurance company ltd's financial statements for the 2013 financial 
year have been prepared based on the accounting provisions of the Swiss code of obligations in effect until 31 december 2012.

time period
the 2013 financial year comprises the accounting period from 1 January 2013 to 31 december 2013.

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 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.

Cash and cash equivalents
cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank, short-term deposits and certain investments in money-market funds with an original 
maturity of three months or less. Such current assets are held at nominal value.

investments
the following assets are carried at cost, less necessary and legally permissible depreciation:
 ̤ investments in real estate
 ̤ investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies
 ̤ equity securities
 ̤ Fixed income securities (other than zero-coupon bonds)
 ̤ Shares in investment 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-coupon 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.

112  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report

FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

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.

Deferred acquisition costs
deferred acquisition costs consist principally of commissions and are related to the production of new reinsurance business. property 
and casualty deferred acquisition costs are generally amortised in proportion to premiums earned. life and health deferred acquisition 
costs will run-off on a prudent basis, typically linearly in a shorter term than the liabilities. the amortisation schedule can also be 
determined to be in line with the expected profits of the business so no statutory profits are shown until the deferred acquisition costs  
is fully amortised.

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 business written directly by the company, or via a branch of the company, liabilities are based on gross premium valuation 
or the cedant-reported information. Reference is made to cedant-reported information given the importance of deposit reserves in 
europe. if the data the company receives is sufficiently granular, however, a prospective gross premium valuation approach can also be 
adopted using assumptions based on estimates of own experience drawn from internal studies. with respect to the business ceded by 
the company's subsidiaries, a prospective gross premium valuation is applied. the method is prospective as it takes into account 
expected future cash flows inherent in the reinsurance contract from the valuation date until expiry of the contract obligations. the 
assumptions used in the valuation are based on estimates on experience studies. cash flows include primarily premiums, claims, 
commissions and expenses, with margins 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 at the reinsurance treaty level, 
with the exception of a prudent allowance for deferred acquisition costs on financing treaties. the zeroisation was extended to a large 
block of corporate owned life insurance business (coli) assumed from Jackson national life Reinsurance company where dedicated 
policyholder assets are held, which directly support the liability. Zeroisation was applied such that the liability is not lower than the  
value of the respective assets which led to an increase in reserves of cHF 412 million, compared to the prior year.

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 proportionally 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.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  113

 
 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

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.

non-technical provisions
the provision for currency fluctuation comprises the net effect of foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the revaluation of the 
opening balance sheet and the translation adjustment of the income statement from average to closing exchange rates at year-end. 
these net impacts are recognised in the income statement over a time period of up to nine years, based on the average duration of the 
technical provisions. where the provision for currency fluctuation is insufficient to absorb net foreign exchange losses for the financial 
year, the provision for currency fluctuation is reduced to zero and the excess foreign exchange loss is recognised in the income statement.

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.

114  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report

FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

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

Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses
Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from foreign exchange transactions are recognised in the income statement and reported  
in other expenses or other income, respectively.

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.

Balance sheet and income statement classification
the company has revised the classification between certain balance sheet and income statement categories. Specifically, the shares in 
investment funds were reclassified in the balance sheet from equity securities and fixed income securities to shares in investments 
funds and in the income statement from income from equity securities and fixed income securities to income from shares in investment 
funds. in addition, the securities lending fees were reclassified from other income to investment income and from other expenses to 
investment expenses respectively. therefore, the previously reported 2012 figures have been changed accordingly.

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  115

 
 
FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

Gross
16 348
464
16 812

–8 998
314
–8 684

–2 364

–400

–2 875
–256
–3 131

140
737
877

Retro
–5 680
447
–5 233

3 162
–494
2 668

93

 –

1 514
36
1 550

–78
–380
–458

2  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 

Life and health benefits

Change in equalisation provision

Fixed commissions
profit commissions
acquisition costs

other reinsurance income and expenses
Result from deposits
Other reinsurance result

Operating costs

allocated investment return

Reinsurance result

3  investment result

cHF millions
income from real estate
income from subsidiaries and affiliated companies
income from equity securities
income from fixed income securities, mortgages and other loans
income from shares in investment funds
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

116  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report

2012
net
10 668
911
11 579

–5 836
–180
–6 016

Gross
16 223
–756
15 467

–10 681
1 994
–8 687

Retro
–5 195
221
–4 974

3 069
–684
2 385

2013
net
11 028
–535
10 493

–7 612
1 310
–6 302

–2 271

–1 649

–929

–2 578

–400

–400

 –

–400

–2 664
–226
–2 890

192
819
1 011

1 219
67
1 286

–95
225
130

–1 361
–220
–1 581

62
357
419

–828

388

1 290

2012
106
2 564
33
586
112
10
59
68
60
1 212
1 423
6 233

 –
–247
–2 160
–361
–2 768

–388
3 077

–1 445
–159
–1 604

97
1 044
1 141

–919

426

257

2013
107
3 413
30
720
30
1
61
133
80
1 566
1 278
7 419

–4
–226
–3 768
–357
–4 355

–426
2 638

FinanCiaL StatementS | SwiSS ReinSuRAnce compAny ltd

4  Assets from reinsurance

cHF millions
premiums and other receivables from reinsurance
Funds held by ceding companies
deferred acquisition costs
assets from reinsurance

Gross
4 820
12 979
1 166
18 965

Retro
160
–
–723
–563

5  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

6  change in shareholder’s equity

Gross
32 664
12 144
4 541
193
400
19
1 498
51 459

Retro
–6 072
–2 185
–2 481
–34
–
5 217
1 699
–3 856

cHF millions
Shareholder’s equity as of 1 January
ordinary cash dividend paid for the previous year
ordinary dividend in-kind paid for the previous year
extraordinary cash dividend paid
capital reduction due to cancellation of treasury shares
net income for the financial year
Shareholder’s equity on 31 December before proposed dividend payments
proposed dividend payments
Shareholder’s equity on 31 December after proposed dividend payments

1 details on the proposed dividend payment for the financial year 2013 are disclosed on page 122.

2012
net
4 980
12 979
443
18 402

2012
net
26 592
9 959
2 060
159
400
5 236
3 197
47 603

Gross
5 417
12 407
1 325
19 149

Retro
–176
–
–721
–897

Gross
29 309
13 268
4 988
215
800
–
1 681
50 261

Retro
–5 054
–1 133
–2 529
–47
–
4 460
1 220
–3 083

2012
17 751
–1 028
–5 810
–1 438
–733
3 600
12 342
–1 831
10 511

2013
net
5 241
12 407
604
18 252

2013
net
24 255
12 135
2 459
168
800
4 460
2 901
47 178

2013
12 342
–1 831
–805
–
–
2 091
11 797
–2 7561
9 041

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  117

 
 
FinanCiaL STaTemenTS | SwISS ReInSURAnCe CoMpAny LTD

7  Contingent liabilities

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 3 027 million  
(2012: CHF 3 774 million) of debt issued by certain subsidiaries and letter of credit facilities benefiting various subsidiaries and affiliated 
companies of which no amount was utilised as of 31 December 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In the context with the establishment of a new real estate subsidiary of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd in 2013 and hence  
following the Merger Act article 75 the Company remains liable for claims arising before this transaction for a period of three years  
by a joint-and-several liability with a new subsidiary, unless waived by the counterparties.

8  Unfunded commitments

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 2013, total commitments remaining 
uncalled were CHF 1 360 million (2012: CHF 1 711 million).

9  Leasing contracts

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

CHF millions
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
After 2018
Total operating leases, net

2012
21
20
18
13
10
21
103

2013
 –
24
19
16
13
24
96

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

In 2013, a new financial lease of IT hardware was recognised on the balance sheet with a value of CHF 9 million.

10  Security deposits

To secure the technical provisions at the 2013 balance sheet date, securities with a value of CHF 16 057 million (2012: 
CHF 16 318 million) were deposited in favour of ceding companies, of which CHF 5 399 million (2012: CHF 4 866 million) referred  
to affiliated companies.

In 2012, a real estate portfolio with a carrying amount of CHF 673 million serves as collateral for short-term senior operational debt  
of CHF 650 million with an external counterparty. In the context with the establishment of a new real estate subsidiary in 2013 the real 
estate portfolio and the short-term loan were transferred.

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11  Securities lending and repurchase agreements

To enhance the performance of its investment portfolio, the Company enters into securities lending and 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 collateral for the  
Swiss Re Group, providing funding diversification, enabling secured cash investment and yield enhancement. 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.

An overview of the fair value of securities transferred under securities lending and 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

12  Fire insurance value of tangible assets

2012
9 143
7 608
16 751

2013
11 461
10 505
21 966

As of 31 December 2013, the insurance value of tangible assets amounted to CHF 169 million, compared to CHF 2 506 million in 2012. 
The 2013 insurance value only comprised other tangible assets, whereas in 2012 this value included also the insurance value of 
CHF 2 329 million of the real estate portfolio, which was fully transferred to a new established subsidiary.

13  obligations towards employee pension fund

As of 31 December 2013, other liabilities included CHF 127 million (2012: CHF 5 million) payable to the employee pension fund.

14  public placed debentures

As of 31 December 2013, the following public placed debentures were outstanding:

Instrument
Subordinated bond
Subordinated bond
Subordinated bond
Subordinated bond
Subordinated bond
Senior bond
Senior bond

Issued in
2013
2013
2012
2012
2012
2011
2010

Currency
CHF
USD
CHF
USD
eUR
CHF
CHF

nominal 
in millions
175
750
320
750
500
600
500

Interest rate
7.500%
6.375%
7.250%
8.250%
6.625%
2.125%
2.000%

Maturity/ 
First call in
2020
2019
2017
2018
2022
2017
2015

Book value 
CHF millions
175
667
320
667
613
600
500

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15  Investments in subsidiaries

Details on the Company’s subsidiaries are disclosed on pages 88 to 90.

16  Share capital

The share capital of the Company amounted to CHF 34 million. It is divided into 344 052 565 registered shares, each with a nominal 
value of CHF 0.10. The shares were fully paid-in and held directly by Swiss Re Ltd.

17  Deposit arrangements

The following balances were related to deposit accounted reinsurance contracts:

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

18  Claims on and obligations towards affiliated companies

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

19  Release of undisclosed reserves

2012
22
153
672
19
1 032

2012
1 119
7 165
119
26
4 906
5 034
1 216
3 801

2013
77
177
652
 –
1 005

2013
865
6 906
369
164
3 418
4 279
1 253
4 021

In the year under report, undisclosed reserves on investments or on provisions were released by a net amount of CHF 1 147 million  
(2012: CHF 233 million).

20  Major shareholders

As of 31 December 2013 and 2012, the Company was a fully owned subsidiary of Swiss Re Ltd.

21  Conditional capital and authorised capital

As of 31 December 2013, the Company had the following conditional capital and authorised capital:

Conditional capital for equity-Linked Financing instruments
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.

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authorised capital
The Board of Directors is authorised to increase the share capital of the Company at any time up to 25 March 2015 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).

Joint provision for conditional capital for equity-Linked Financing instruments and for the above-mentioned  
authorised capital
The total of registered shares issued from the authorised capital, where the existing shareholders’ subscription rights were excluded, 
and from the shares issued from conditional capital, where the existing shareholders’ advance subscription rights on the equity-Linked 
Financing Instruments were excluded, may not exceed 74 000 000 registered shares up to 25 March 2015.

22  personnel information

As of 31 December 2013, Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd employed a worldwide staff of 4 173 (2012: 3 878). personnel expenses  
for the 2013 financial year amounted to CHF 1 252 million (2012: CHF 1 058 million).

23  Management fee contribution

In 2013, management expenses of CHF 806 million (2012: CHF 574 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”.

24  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 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 102 to 103.

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pRopoSAL FoR ALLoCATIon  
oF DISpoSABLe pRoFIT 

The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting to be held in Zurich on 28 March 2014 to approve the following 
allocation and dividend payment:

CHF millions
Retained earnings/loss brought forward
net income for the financial year
Disposable profit
Allocation to other reserves
Retained earnings after allocation

CHF millions
other reserves brought forward
Allocation from retained earnings
Cash dividend
Dividend in-kind of Swiss Re principal Investments Company Ltd
Other reserves after allocation and dividend payment

1 The dividend in-kind was resolved by the extraordinary General Meeting on 25 March 2013.

2012
–13
3 600
3 587
–3 550
37

2012
14
3 550
–1 831
 –
1 733

2013
37
2 091
2 128
–2 100
28

2013
1 733
2 100
–2 756
–8051
272

Dividend
If the Board of Directors’ proposal for allocation and dividend payment is accepted, a cash dividend of CHF 2 756 million will be paid  
out of other reserves.

Zurich, 17 March 2014

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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 Financial Statements
As statutory auditor, we have audited the financial statements of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd, which comprise the income 
statement, balance sheet and notes (pages 109 to 121), for the year ended 31 December 2013.

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 2013 comply with Swiss law and the Company’s articles  
of incorporation.

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 financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

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

pricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd

Alex Finn  
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Zurich, 17 March 2014

Bret Griffin

Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd 2013 Annual Report  123

 
 
 
 
 
 
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:
 ̤ instability affecting the global financial system and developments related thereto;
 ̤ 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 one or more group 

companies, and developments adversely affecting the group’s ability to achieve 
improved ratings;

 ̤ the cyclicality of the reinsurance industry;
 ̤ uncertainties in estimating reserves;

124  Swiss reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

general information | Cautionary note on forward-looking statements

 ̤ 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, morbidity and longevity 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; and
 ̤ operational factors, including the efficacy of risk management and other internal 

procedures in managing the foregoing risks. 

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 2013 annual report  125

 
general information

note on risk faCtors

general impact of adverse market conditions 
the recent temporary federal government shutdown in the united states and politicised 
discussions over increasing the u.s. debt limit, the market reaction to prospects of a 
tapering of the federal reserve’s asset purchase programme, and recent pessimistic 
global growth forecasts by the organisation of economic Cooperation and development 
and the international monetary fund, among others, highlight the continued uncertainties 
around the post-crisis recovery and the risks that the world economy continues to face.  
in the european union, it remains unclear whether proposals for a single resolution 
mechanism and other components of a banking union, as well as actions of the european 
Central Bank, will create the conditions necessary for increased bank lending and greater 
economic growth. as a result of the foregoing, bank funding and capital markets continue 
to be volatile. 

the volatility in the financial and credit markets 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 the investment results of 
swiss reinsurance Company ltd (“swiss re”) and its subsidiaries’ (collectively, the 
“group”), its ability to access the capital markets and the bank funding market, the ability 
of counterparties to meet their obligations to the group and the short-term outlook for the 
life insurance industry, particularly in north america and europe, with a corresponding 
negative impact on the group’s life & Health business.

the foregoing developments could have material adverse effects on the group’s industry 
and on the group.

regulatory changes
swiss re and its subsidiaries 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 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 the group’s industry include the establishment of 
a pan- european regulator for insurance companies, the european insurance and 
occupational Pension authority (the “eioPa”), which has the power to overrule national 
regulators in certain circumstances. in addition, swiss re is subject to the swiss solvency 
test, and will be subject to solvency ii, which is expected to enter into force on 1 January 
2016. in the united states, as a possible step towards federal oversight of insurance, the 
us Congress created the federal insurance office within the department of treasury. in 
addition, provisions of the wall street reform and Consumer Protection act of 2010, as 
well as provisions in the proposed european market infrastructure regulation and 
proposed changes to the markets in financial instruments directive (mifid), in respect of 
derivatives could have a significant impact on the group.

126  Swiss reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

general information | note on risk faCtors

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 “systemically important,” a designation which is expected to result in 
enhanced regulatory supervision and heightened capital, liquidity and diversification 
requirements under evolving reforms. there is an emerging focus on classifying certain 
insurance companies as systemically important as well. the group could be designated 
as a global systemically important financial institution. separately, the international 
association of insurance supervisors, an international body that represents insurance 
regulators and supervisors, published a methodology for identifying global systemically 
important insurers (g-siis) and on a framework for supervision of internationally active 
insurance groups. initial designation of insurers as g-siis took place in July 2013, and 
initial designation of reinsurers as g-siis is expected in July 2014. the group could be 
subject to one or both of the resulting regimes, once implemented. in particular, the 
group believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that it will be designated as a g-sii 
when the initial reinsurance designations are issued. 

significant policy decisions on a range of regulatory changes that could affect us and our 
operations remain undecided. the group cannot predict which legislative and regulatory 
initiatives ultimately will be enacted or promulgated, what the scope and content of these 
initiatives ultimately will be, when they will be effective and what the implications will be 
for the industry, in general, and for the group, in particular. Certain of these initiatives 
could have a material impact on the group’s business.

in addition, regulatory changes could occur in areas of broader application, such as 
competition policy and tax laws. Changes in tax laws, for example, 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, or inconsistencies between 
the various regimes that apply to the group, 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 in place an extensive 

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hedging programme covering its existing variable annuity business that it believes is 
sufficient, 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. 

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 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. in addition, the group 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.

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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 effect on the group.

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. 

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. 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 

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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
in the ordinary course of business, the group is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other 
formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which determine 
rights and obligations under insurance, reinsurance and other contractual agreements. 
from time to time, the group may institute, or be named as a defendant in, legal 
proceedings, and the group may be a claimant or respondent in arbitration proceedings. 
these proceedings could involve coverage or other disputes with ceding companies, 
disputes with parties to which the group transfers risk under reinsurance arrangements, 
disputes with other counterparties or other matters. the group cannot predict the 
outcome of any of the foregoing, which could be material for the group.

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 the group’s 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 also is subject to audits 
and challenges from time to time by tax authorities, which could result in increases in tax 
costs, changes to internal structures, and interest and penalties. 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 affect its 
business.

insurance, operational and other risks
as part of the group’s ordinary course of 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, 
acts of terrorism, man-made disasters such as industrial accidents, explosions, and fires, 
and pandemics) may expose the group to unexpected large losses (and related 
uncertainties in estimating future claims in respect of such events); changes in the 
insurance industry that affect ceding companies; competitive conditions; cyclicality of the 
industry; risks related to emerging claims and coverage issues (including, for example, 
trends to establish stricter building standards, which can lead to higher industry losses for 
earthquake cover based on higher replacement values); 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.

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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, and such actual data 
could deviate from the group’s 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. 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
following the realignment of the corporate structure of swiss re ltd in 2012, the asset 
base, liquidity position, capital profile and/or other characteristics of the group of 
relevance to its counterparties have changed.  most importantly, the group is now a 
wholly owned subsidiary of swiss re ltd. furthermore, the group represents only two of 
the four principal operating segments of the swiss re ltd group. with a changed legal 
entity profile, the reinsurance business unit and its constituent subsidiaries are impacted 
differently than under the group’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. 

Swiss reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report  131

 
© 2014 swiss re. all rights reserved.

title:
swiss reinsurance Company Consolidated
2013 annual report 

Production:
swiss re Corporate real estate & logistics/ 
media Production, Zurich

this report is available only at: www.swissre.com 

132  Swiss reinsurance Company Consolidated 2013 annual report

general information

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