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Published On : 02/08/2018

Largest ever sovereign risk transfer protects World Bank against natural hazard exposure in four countries

Aon Securities, the investment banking division of global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor Aon Benfield, has assisted the World Bank in structuring the largest ever catastrophe bond covering earthquake, providing the organization with USD1.36 billion of capital markets protection.

The bond, which mitigates balance sheet risk for the World Bank in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru by offering protection against earthquake risk on a parametric basis, is the second largest catastrophe bond on record, and represents the largest sovereign risk transfer in the history of the insurance-linked securities sector.

The issuance was made across five tranches of notes – one for each of Chile, Colombia and Peru, and two for Mexico. Under the issuance, Chile will receive USD500 million, Colombia USD400 million, Mexico USD260 million and Peru USD200 million in earthquake risk protection.

The bond’s parametric trigger is based on U.S. Geological Survey data. Coverage is provided on a three-year basis for the Chile, Colombia and Peru notes, and on a two-year basis for the Mexico notes.

The transaction brings the total amount of risk transfer facilitated by the World Bank to USD3.6 billion, and is part of the organization’s broader work to support Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru – all member countries of the Pacific Alliance – in managing risk from natural disasters.

Paul Schultz, CEO of Aon Securities, said: “We are honored to support the Pacific Alliance members and World Bank in bringing this pioneering transaction to the market. This record-breaking issuance highlights the strategic partnership between nations seeking efficient sources of capital to fund emergency costs and investors seeking to invest in diversifying risks and support sustainable development initiatives. We are optimistic that this transaction will pave the way for other governments to develop more resilient risk management programs for their uninsured exposures.

Wanda Rich

Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.