home

Saudi Reinsurance Company (Saudi Re) and Saudi Housing Guarantee Services Company (Damanat) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes a collaboration framework between the two parties with the objective of developing insurance and reinsurance solutions for the mortgage financing sector. The MoU paves the way to design innovative risk management solutions that support the growth and stability of the mortgage financing sector, the housing program, and the financial sector’s development. As part of the MoU, both companies will collaborate on the technical matters for insurance product development and reinsurance services, including pricing models, underwriting mechanisms, and claims management. This partnership also seeks to align with international investors’ expectations and foster Saudi-international collaborations to enhance risk management in the mortgage financing industry. Commenting on the agreement, Ahmed Al-Jabr, CEO of Saudi Re, emphasized that the MoU lays the foundation for a constructive partnership that aligns efforts for sustainable growth in the insurance and mortgage financing sectors. He expressed Saudi Re’s keenness to working with Damanat to develop innovative solutions that contribute to both industries. Meanwhile, Osama Al-Othman, CEO of Damanat, highlighted the importance of collaboration between national companies in reinforcing insurance as a key driver of financial stability in critical economic sectors. He noted that this MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The agreement serves as a broad framework to define areas of collaboration between the two entities, with a focus on developing future initiatives and projects that advance mutual interests.

Saudi Reinsurance Company “Saudi Re” Announces that Moody’s has affirmed its rating at A3 Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) with a positive outlook. The financial rating of Saudi Re reflects its: 1- Strong brand and market position in Saudi Arabia as the sole Saudi professional reinsurer as well as a growing presence in its target markets of the Middle East, Asia and Africa. 2- Preferential position in Saudi market due to a right of first refusal on a portion of premiums ceded by primary carriers in the Saudi market 3- Strong asset quality exemplified by its conservative investment portfolio. 4- Good capital adequacy, both in terms of capital levels and limited exposure to natural catastrophe risk. 5- Strong financial flexibility with non-existent leverage and good access to capital markets in Saudi Arabia given its listing on the Saudi stock exchange, and broad investor base. The positive outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that Saudi Re’s business and financial profiles are likely to improve materially over the next 12-18 months accompanied by increased capital and supported by a favorable operating environment and government initiatives to support growth of the local insurance industry. In addition, a strategic equity subscription agreement with the Public Investment Fund will further strengthen Saudi Re’s business and financial profile and support its plans to grow both locally and internationally.

Saudi Re announces an agreement with UK-headquartered insurance company Aviva Insurance Limited or the sale of Saudi Re’s entire 49.9% stake in Probitas Holdings (Bermuda) Limited including its subsidiaries, for a consideration of GBP 120 million subject to final closing adjustments. Commenting on the transaction, Fahad Al-Hesni, Managing Director and CEO of Saudi Re, said “We believe the transaction will enable Saudi Re to strengthen its competitive position and reorient our financial resources towards new growth opportunities domestically and internationally.” Al-Hesni further noted that the transaction was agreed on terms very attractive to Saudi Re and creates a substantial shareholder value, generating nearly five times return on the initial investment. As Saudi Re embarks on an ambition growth journey, the proceeds will further reinforce Saudi Re’s capital base and provide ample support for future expansion and diversification. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals from relevant authorities and is expected to close in mid-2024. Tadawul Announcement