Jeremy Grose
The Standard Club’s underwriting result improved significantly for the financial year ended 20 February 2014. The club’s combined ratio strengthened to 101%, from 113% in 2013. Gross premium income net of reinsurance increased by $22m to $253m, whilst claims net of reinsurance and operating expenses came to $257 million, a fall of $14m. This produced an underwriting deficit of $4m (a 101% combined ratio), which was covered by an investment surplus of $10m.
With free reserves of $369m, and the amount set aside to meet outstanding claims and IBNR at $580m, the total reserves available to meet claims stands at $949m.
The club in recent years made the conscious decision to use the financial strength of the club to support members during difficult times in the shipping industry. Despite having held back from increasing premium rates at the same pace as the club’s competitors the club was able to record an improved underwriting result compared to the previous year, reducing the combined ratio to 101%.
The club’s investment portfolio was strongly defensive during the year, resulting in a below benchmark investment return. The Standard Club has benefited from four years of outstanding investment performance relative to its peers and the club’s investment returns over the previous 15 years have been the best of any P&I Club.
Reflecting the club’s strong balance sheet, Standard & Poor’s have assigned the club an ‘A’ rating.
Jeremy Grose, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“The club has achieved a satisfactory and stable result for the year. We have delivered a surplus and achieved a near break-even underwriting performance. The combined ratio has improved substantially, to 101%, which is the clearest sign of our consistent underwriting discipline. The club remains amongst the strongest financially in the International Group with an S&P ‘A’ rating.
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do. Over the last year we have continued to focus on providing first class service and building the strength of the club for the future.”
The Standard Club
The Standard Club is a mutual insurance association and is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs. The Standard Club insures 131m gt of shipping and has an S&P A rating and is managed by Charles Taylor plc group companies.
About Charles Taylor plc
Charles Taylor plc (www.ctplc.com) is a leading provider of professional services to clients across the global insurance market. The Group has been providing services since 1885 and today employs over 1, 000 staff in 60 offices spread across 25 countries in the UK, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
The Group offers services, principally on a fee-based model and operates through three businesses – Management, Adjusting and Insurance Support Services. It also own insurers in run-off.
