A.M. Best Special Report: Jordan Market Remains Profitable Despite Regulatory, Economic Hurdles

LONDON - Monday, September 1st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Jordan’s insurance market continues to grow amid challenges from unprofitable mandatory motor business, declining capital adequacy and regulatory uncertainty, along with regional unrest on its borders, according to a new Best’s Special Report.

The report, titled, “Jordan Market Remains Profitable Despite Regulatory, Economic Hurdles,” states that Jordan’s insurance market saw growth in gross written premiums of 3% in 2013; however, that growth is down considerably from the double-digit growth seen in 2009 and 2010, reflecting the slide in Jordan’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate from 2009-2013. The insurance market recorded an increase in profit after tax to JOD 13.7 million in 2013, stemming from improved returns on underwriting and investment activities. Partially assisting this recovery has been the bullish performance of the Amman stock exchange.

“As the insurance market’s growth slows in Jordan, there is the potential for market participants to lower rates to maintain or increase market share. Sound underwriting discipline will be necessary; otherwise companies run the risk of impairing performance and ultimately eroding capital,” said Mahesh Mistry, director of analytics.

Deregulation of the tariff for motor third-party liability insurance has been a key issue in the Jordan market over recent years. Additionally, there is the potential for ongoing austerity measures to suppress economic growth. As part of the Jordanian government’s austerity measures, the insurance regulator is being dissolved, with responsibilities for market oversight being transferred to the Companies Control Department and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. A.M. Best believes it is too early to gauge whether there will be a change in the effectiveness of regulation of this market.

Insurers in Jordan are exposed to a high level of earthquake risk, and the country itself also has a relatively high level of economic, political and financial system risks. In recent years, Jordan has faced increasing economic and political pressures due to the large influx of refugees from regional conflicts.

To access a complimentary copy of this special report, please visit: http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=228274

A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited is a subsidiary of A.M. Best Company. A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2014 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

A.M. Best

Michael Dunckley, +44 20 7397 0321

Financial Analyst

michael.dunckley@ambest.com



Mahesh Mistry, +44 20 7397 0325

Director, Analytics

mahesh.mistry@ambest.com



Christopher Sharkey, +1 908-439-2200, ext. 5159

Manager, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com



Jim Peavy, +1 908-439-2200, ext. 5644

Assistant Vice President, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com



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