A. Estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the financial statements requires a.s.r. to make estimates, assumptions and judgements in applying accounting policies that have an effect on the reported amounts in the financial statements. These relate primarily to the following:
The fair value and impairments of unlisted financial instruments (see accounting policy B and E);
The estimated useful life, residual value and fair value of property, plant and equipment, investment property, and intangible assets (see accounting policy C, D and U);
The measurement of liabilities arising from insurance contracts (see accounting policy J);
Actuarial assumptions used for measuring employee benefit obligations (see chapter 6.5.17);
When forming provisions, the required estimate of existing obligations arising from past events;
The recoverable amount of impaired assets (see accounting policy B, E and H);
The fair value used to determine the net asset value in acquisitions.
The estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of current facts, actions and events. The actual outcomes may ultimately differ from the results reported earlier on the basis of estimates and assumptions.
A detailed explanation of the estimates and assumptions are given in the relevant notes to the consolidated financial statements.
As mentioned in paragraph 6.3.4 (accounting policy J) a.s.r. applies shadow accounting. In 2022, triggered by increasing interest rates, a.s.r. enhanced the application of shadow accounting by adding the sequencing of applying shadow accounting, resulting in shadow accounting adjustments related to instruments with a revaluation reserve amount below cost that are made to the level that the Liability Adequacy Test (LAT) will not get triggered (i.e. shows a positive margin). This mirrors the existing unrealised gains treatment, whilst ensuring the adequacy of the insurance liabilities. Further details are disclosed in paragraph 6.5.15.
B. Fair value of assets and liabilities
The fair value is the price that a.s.r. would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the transaction date or reporting date in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability and assuming the highest and best use for non-financial assets. Where possible, a.s.r. determines the fair value of assets and liabilities on the basis of quoted prices in an active market. In the absence of an active market for a financial instrument, the fair value is determined using valuation techniques. Although valuation techniques are based on observable market data where possible, results are affected by the assumptions used, such as discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. In the unlikely event that the fair value of a financial instrument cannot be measured, it is carried at cost.
Fair value hierarchy
The following three hierarchical levels are used to determine the fair value of financial instruments and non-financial instruments when accounting for assets and liabilities at fair value and disclosing the comparative fair value of assets and liabilities:
Level 1. Fair value based on quoted prices in an active market
Level 1 includes assets and liabilities whose value is determined by quoted (unadjusted) prices in the primary active market for identical assets or liabilities.
A financial instrument is quoted in an active market if:
Quoted prices are readily and regularly available (from an exchange, dealer, broker, sector organisation, third party pricing service, or a regulatory body); and
These prices represent actual and regularly occurring transactions on an arm’s length basis.
Financial instruments in this category primarily consist of bonds and equities listed in active markets. Cash and cash equivalents and reverse repurchase agreements are also included as level 1.
Level 2. Fair value based on observable market data
Determining fair value on the basis of Level 2 involves the use of valuation techniques that use inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is derived from prices of identical or similar assets and liabilities). These observable inputs are obtained from a broker or third party pricing service and include:
Quoted prices in active markets for similar (not identical) assets or liabilities;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
Input variables other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability. These include interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatility, loss ratio, credit risks and default percentages.
This category primarily includes:
Financial instruments: unlisted fixed-interest preference shares and interest rate contracts;
Financial instruments: loans and receivables (excluding mortgage loans and reverse repurchase agreements);
Other financial assets and liabilities.
I. Financial instruments: unlisted fixed-interest preference shares and interest rate contracts
This category includes unlisted fixed-interest preference shares and interest rate contracts. The valuation techniques for financial instruments use present value calculations and in the case of derivatives, include forward pricing and swap models. The observable market data contains yield curves based on company ratings and characteristics of the unlisted fixed-interest preference shares.
II. Financial instruments: Loans and receivables (excluding mortgage loans and reverse repurchase agreements)
The fair value of the loans and receivables is based on the discounted cash flow method. It is obtained by calculating the present value based on expected future cash flows and assuming an interest rate curve used in the market that includes an additional spread based on the risk profile of the counterparty.
III. Other financial assets and liabilities
For other financial assets and liabilities where the fair value is disclosed these fair values are based on observable market inputs, primarily being the price paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability on initial recognition, assuming that the transactions have taken place on an arm’s length basis. Valuation techniques using present value calculations are applied using current interest rates where the payment terms are longer than one year.
Level 3. Fair value not based on observable market data
The fair value of the level 3 assets and liabilities are determined in whole or in part using a valuation technique based on assumptions that are not supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument and for which any significant inputs are not based on available observable market data. The financial assets and liabilities in this category are assessed individually.
Valuation techniques are used to the extent that observable inputs are not available. The basic principle of fair value measurement is still to determine a fair, arm’s length price. Unobservable inputs therefore reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). These inputs are generally based on the available observable data (adjusted for factors that contribute towards the value of the asset) and own source information.
This category primarily includes:
Financial instruments: private equity investments (or private equity partners) and equity funds third parties directly investing in real estate;
Financial instruments: loans and receivables – mortgage loans, and mortgage equity funds;
Investment property, real estate equity funds associates, rural property contracts, buildings for own use and plant (e.g. wind farms);
Financial instruments: asset-backed securities.
I. Financial instruments: private equity investments and real estate equity funds third parties
The main non-observable market input for private equity investments and equity funds third parties directly investing in real estate is the net asset value of the investment as published by the private equity company (or partner) and real estate equity funds respectively.
II. Financial instruments: loans and receivables – mortgage loans, and mortgage equity funds
The fair value of the mortgage loan portfolio is based on the discounted cash flow method. It is obtained by calculating the present value based on expected future cash flows and assuming an interest rate curve used in the market that includes an additional spread based on the risk profile of the counterparty. The valuation method used to determine the fair value of the mortgage loan portfolio bases the spread on the interest rate curve for discounting the mortgage portfolio cash flows on consumer rates and includes assumptions for originating cost, proposal risk, and the options related to early redemption and moving.
The method of determining the fair value of the mortgage equity funds is similar to that of mortgage loans, however it excludes assumptions for originating cost and is determined within the funds structure.
III. Investment property, real estate equity funds associates, rural property contracts, buildings for own use and plant
The following categories of investment properties, buildings for own use and plant is recognised and methods of calculating fair value are distinguished:
Residential – based on reference transaction and discounted cash flow method;
Retail – based on reference transaction and income capitalisation method;
Rural – based on reference transaction and discounted cash flow method;
Offices – based on reference transaction and discounted cash flow method (including buildings for own use);
Other investment property – based on reference transaction and discounted cash flow method;
Property under development – based on both discounted cash flow and income capitalisation method;
Plant - based on reference transaction and discounted cash flow method.
The following valuation methods are available for the calculation of fair value by the external professional appraisers for investment property, including real estate equity funds associates, rural property contracts, buildings for own use and plant:
Reference transactions
Independent professional appraisers use transactions in comparable properties and plant as a reference for determining the fair value of the property and plant. The reference transactions of comparable objects are generally based on observable data consisting of the land register ‘Kadaster’ and the rural land price monitor as published by the Dutch government ‘grondprijsmonitor’ in an active property market and in some instances accompanied by own use information.
The external professional appraisers valuate the property or plant using the reference transaction in combination with the following valuation methods to ensure the appropriate valuation of the property:
Discounted cash flow method
Under the discounted cash flow method, fair value is estimated using assumptions regarding the benefits and liabilities of ownership over the asset’s life including an exit or terminal value. This method involves the projection of a series of cash flows on the investment property or plant dependent on the duration of the lease contracts.
A market-derived discount rate is applied to these projected cash flow series in order to establish the present value of the cash flows associated with the asset. The exit yield is normally determined separately, and differs from the discount rate.
The duration of the cash flows and the specific timing of inflows and outflows are determined by events such as rent reviews, lease renewal and related re-letting, redevelopment, or refurbishment. The appropriate duration is typically driven by market behaviour, which depends on the class of investment property. Periodic cash flow is typically estimated as gross rental income less vacancy (apart from the rural category), non-recoverable expenses, collection losses, lease incentives, maintenance costs, agent and commission costs and other operating and management expenses. The series of periodic net operating income, along with an estimate of the terminal value anticipated at the end of the projection period, is then discounted.
For the categories residential, offices and other in applying the discounted cash flow method, the significant inputs are the discount rate and market rental value. These inputs are verified with the following market observable data (that are adjusted to reflect the state and condition, location, development potential etc. of the specific property):
Market rent per square meter for renewals and their respective re-letting rates;
Reviewed rent per square meter;
Investment transactions of comparable objects;
10 Year Dutch Government Bond Yield (%) as published by the DNB.
When applying the discounted cash flow method for rural valuations, the significant inputs are the discount rate and market lease values. These inputs are verified with the following market observable data (that are adjusted to reflect the state and condition, location, development potential etc. of the specific property):
When applying the discounted cash flow method for plant, the significant inputs are the discount rate and energy prices.
Income capitalisation method
Under the income capitalisation method, a property’s fair value is estimated based on the normalised net operating income generated by the property, which is divided by the capitalisation rate (the investor’s rate of return). The difference between gross and net rental income includes the same expense categories as those for the discounted cash flow method with the exception that certain expenses are not measured over time, but included on the basis of a time weighted average, such as the average lease up costs. Under the income capitalisation method, rents above or below the market rent are capitalised separately.
The significant inputs for retail valuations are the reversionary yield and the market or reviewed rental value. These inputs are generally verified with the following observable data (that are adjusted to reflect the state and condition, location, development potential etc. of the specific property):
Market rent per square meter for renewals;
Reviewed rent per square meter (based on the rent reviews performed in accordance with Section 303, Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code).
The fair value of investment properties and buildings for own use, are appraised annually. Valuations are conducted by independent professional appraisers who hold recognised and relevant professional qualifications and have recent experience in the location and category of the property being valued. Market value property valuations were prepared in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Valuation Standards, 7th Edition (the ‘Red Book’). a.s.r. provides adequate information to the professional appraisers, in order to conduct a comprehensive valuation. The professional appraisers are changed or rotated at least once every three years.
IV. Financial instruments: asset-backed securities
The fair value of the asset-backed securities is based on quotes published by an independent data vendor.
Transfers between levels
The hierarchical level per individual instrument, or group of instruments, is reassessed at every reporting period. If the instrument, or group of instruments, no longer complies with the criteria of the level in question, it is transferred to the hierarchical level that does meet the criteria. A transfer can for instance occur when the market becomes less liquid or when quoted market prices for the instrument are no longer available.
C. Intangible assets
Intangible assets are carried at cost, less any accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. The residual value and the estimated useful life of intangible assets are assessed on each balance sheet date and adjusted where applicable.
Goodwill
Acquisitions by a.s.r. are accounted for using the acquisition method. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of a.s.r.’s share of the net identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired company at acquisition date. If there is no excess (purchase gain), the carrying amount is directly recognised through the income statement. At the acquisition date, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from the business combination.
Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortised. a.s.r. performs an impairment test annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances warrant so, to ascertain whether goodwill has been subject to impairment. As part of this, the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill has been allocated is compared with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of a CGU’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The carrying value is determined as the net asset value including goodwill. The methodologies applied to arrive at the best estimate of the recoverable amount involves two steps.
In the first step of the impairment test, the best estimate of the recoverable amount of the CGU to which goodwill is allocated is determined separately based on Price to Earnings or Price to EBITDA ratios (fair value less cost to sell model). The ratio used per CGU depends on the characteristics of the entity in question. The main assumptions in this valuation are the multiples for the aforementioned ratios. These are developed internally but are either derived from or corroborated against market information that is related to observable transactions in the market for comparable businesses.
If the outcome of the first step indicates that the difference between the recoverable amount and the carrying value may not be sufficient to support the amount of goodwill allocated to the CGU, step two is performed. In step two an additional analysis is performed in order to determine a recoverable amount in a manner that better addresses the specific characteristics of the relevant CGU.
The additional analysis is based on internal value-in-use models, wherein managements assumptions in relation to cash flow projections for budget periods up to and including five years are used and, if deemed justified, expanded to a longer period given the nature of the insurance activities. Other assumptions, such as the (pre-tax) discount rate and the steady state growth rate, are determined on the advice of an independent external party and are based on a Capital Asset Pricing Model. This methodology is based on a risk-free rate plus a risk premium. Operating assumptions are best estimate assumptions and based on historical data where available. Economic assumptions are based on observable market data and projections of future trends.
If the recoverable amount is lower than its carrying amount, the difference is directly charged to the income statement as an impairment loss.
In the event of impairment, a.s.r. first reduces the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to the CGU. After that, the carrying amount of the other assets included in the unit is reduced pro rata to the carrying amount of all the assets in the unit.
Value of Business Acquired
The Value of Business Acquired (VOBA) represents the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of insurance portfolios that have been acquired, either directly from another insurer or through the acquisition of a subsidiary. VOBA is recognised as an intangible asset with a finite useful life and amortised over the term of the current insurance contracts at acquisition date, in conjunction with the corresponding obligations. With regard to VOBA, allowance is made for the outcome of the annual compulsory LAT for insurance contracts (see accounting policy J). Amortisation charges related to VOBA are included in net claims and benefits. The negative VOBA is amortised based on the weighted average term of the acquired insurance contracts at acquisition date. Negative VOBA, or an additional provision, is recognised and presented under the Liabilities arising from insurance contracts.
Should VOBA’s carrying amount exceed the difference between the carrying amount of the liabilities arising from insurance contracts and the liabilities identified as part of the LAT and no other adjustment is made to the liabilities as a result of the LAT outcomes, VOBA is impaired to a level where the values are equal. This is charged to the income statement as an impairment loss.
D. Investment property
Investment property is property held to earn rent or for capital appreciation or both. Property interests held under operating leases are classified and accounted for as investment property. In some cases, a.s.r. is the owner-occupier of investment properties. If owner-occupied properties cannot be sold separately, they are treated as investment property only if a.s.r. holds an insignificant portion for use in the supply of services or for administrative purposes. Property held for own uses (owner-occupied) is recognised within property, plant and equipment.
Investment property is primarily recognised using the fair value model. After initial recognition, a.s.r. remeasures all of its investment property (see accounting policy B) whereby any gain or loss arising from a change in the fair value of the specific investment property is recognised in the income statement under fair value gains and losses.
Residential property is generally let for an indefinite period. Other investment property is let for defined periods under leases that cannot be terminated early. Some contracts contain renewal options. Rentals are accounted for as investment income in the period to which they relate.
If there is a change in the designation of property, it can lead to:
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment to investment property: at the end of the period of owner-occupation or at inception of an operating lease with a third party; or
Reclassification from investment property to property, plant and equipment: at the commencement of owner-occupation or at the start of developments initiated with a view to selling the property to a third party.
The following categories of investment property are recognised by a.s.r. based primarily on the techniques used in determining the fair value of the investment property:
Property under development for future use as investment property is recognised as investment property. The valuation of investment property takes (expected) vacancies into account.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition or development of an asset are capitalised and are part of the cost of that asset. Borrowing costs are capitalised when the following conditions are met:
Borrowing costs are no longer capitalised when the asset is ready for use or sale. If the development of assets is interrupted for a longer period, capitalisation of borrowing costs is suspended. If the construction is completed in stages and each part of an asset can be used separately, the borrowing costs for each part that reaches completion are no longer capitalised.
E. Investments
Based on the amended IFRS 4, effective as of 1 January 2018, a.s.r. meets the criteria of a predominant insurer as of 31 December 2015 as the percentage of the total carrying amount of its liabilities connected with insurance related activities to the total carrying amount of all its liabilities exceeded 90% at that date. The liabilities connected with insurance, that are not liabilities directly arising from contracts within the scope of IFRS 4, have a carrying amount of € 3.3 billion and primarily relate to the derivative liabilities and due to banks as included in the Non-life and Life segments and the subordinated liabilities.
As a result a.s.r. decided to apply the temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9 by deferral until IFRS 17 (new accounting standard for insurance contracts) is implemented. The implementation of amended IFRS 4 had no significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of a.s.r. The additional disclosure requirements are presented in the chapters on Risk management and Other notes.
When a.s.r. becomes party to a financial asset contract, the related assets are classified into one of the following categories:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss;
Loans and receivables (see accounting policy H); or
Financial assets available for sale.
The classification of the financial assets is determined at initial recognition. The classification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired. For detailed information on the fair value of the financial assets please see accounting policy B.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include:
Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting (see accounting policy B and I);
Financial assets, designated by a.s.r. as carried at fair value through profit or loss. This option is available whenever:
It eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities on different bases (accounting mismatch);
a.s.r. manages a group of financial instruments (assets, liabilities or both) on the basis of fair value in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy; or
The financial assets contain one or more embedded derivatives and a.s.r. does not separate the derivative from the host contract; and
Associates for which a.s.r. uses the fair value option under IAS 28.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are stated at fair value. At initial recognition, transaction costs are recognised in the income statement. Realised and unrealised gains and losses in the fair value are also recognised in the income statement.
Financial assets available for sale
Financial assets available for sale are financial assets that are not accounted for as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, or as loans and receivables. On initial recognition, financial assets available for sale are measured at fair value (including transaction costs). They are subsequently measured at fair value, including any unrealised fair value changes in equity and impairments, taking into account any deferred tax liabilities. Financial assets available for sale include equities (ordinary and preference shares), bonds, other fixed-income securities, unit trusts, variable-income securities and interests in investment pools.
Impairment of financial assets
At the end of each reporting period, a.s.r. assesses whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets may be impaired. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are not subject to impairment testing, because the fair value of these assets reflects any impairment losses.
In the case of equity investments available for sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is objective evidence of impairment. a.s.r. considers as a significant or prolonged decline to have occurred if the fair value:
Fixed-income financial assets available for sale are tested for impairment if objective evidence exists that the counterparty will default. Objective evidence includes: bankruptcy, financial reorganisation or delinquency in payments for more than 30 days. The assessment may also involve circumstances requiring a more detailed estimate, such as in the event of an equity deficit, recurring financial difficulties, downgrading of the credit rating or other creditors reverting to legal action. This assessment is made at each reporting date by the Level of Concern Committee, where the portfolio managers and analysts assign a level of concern from ‘Nil’ to ‘Three’ to each of the fixed-income assets. A level of concern ‘Nil’ means that there is no reason for concern, while a level of concern ‘Three’ indicates that the situation is critical and that an impairment is highly recommended. The final decision to recognise an impairment loss on a financial asset or to reverse a prior impairment loss is taken in the Impairment and Valuation Committee, chaired by the director ASR Vermogensbeheer N.V.
Impairment losses are recognised directly in the income statement and represent the difference between amortised cost and the fair value at the balance sheet date, net of any previously recognised impairments.
If, at a later stage, the fair value of the financial assets available for sale should increase and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through the income statement. Impairment losses on equities available for sale are not reversed, and any increases in fair value are recorded in equity.
F. Investments on behalf of policyholders
Investments made for the account and risk of policyholders mainly concern unit-linked insurance contracts and group contracts with segregated pools. These investments are carried at fair value. Any realised and unrealised value changes of the investments are recognised in the income statement as gains or losses on investments on behalf of policyholders. Where applicable the investments are consolidated in the financial statements and the breakdown is included in the related disclosure.
Investments related to investment contracts comprise investments made for the account and risk of policyholders. These investments are carried at fair value. Any realised and unrealised value changes of the investments are recognised in the income statement as gains or losses on investments related to investment contracts. Where applicable the investments are consolidated in the financial statements and the breakdown is included in the related disclosure.
H. Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are measured at fair value plus transaction costs on initial recognition. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost based on the effective interest rate method, less impairment losses if deemed necessary.
Receivables from customers
Receivables from customers are primarily comprised of business loans and mortgage loans.
Receivables from credit institutions
Receivables from credit institutions concern business loans, deposits and the savings portion of savings mortgages concluded by a.s.r.
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are receivables arising from a.s.r.’s normal business operations.
Impairment of loans and receivables
At each balance sheet date, a.s.r. assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists of the loans and receivables.
An individually assessed asset is considered impaired if objective evidence exists that a.s.r. is unable to collect all the amounts due by the counterparty in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions. The amount of the impairment loss is equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount equals the present value of estimated future cash flows, including amounts realised from guarantees and securities provided, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.
Loans and receivables that are not individually significant are grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.
Impairment based on the collective approach is determined by applying risk models for similar financial assets, taking account of historical information and regularly updated parameters for default.
Incurred but not reported (IBNR) losses are also taken into account. IBNR is estimated by reference to historical loss patterns. The current economic climate is reflected, and account is taken of potentially higher credit risk-based on an analysis of the economic situation.
Impairment losses are charged to the income statement. If, at a later stage, the impairment losses should decrease and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the decrease in the impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.
I. Derivatives
Derivatives are primarily used by a.s.r. for hedging interest rate and exchange rate risks, for hedging future transactions and the exposure to market risks. Derivatives are mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss. a.s.r. does not apply hedge accounting.
J. Liabilities arising from insurance contracts
General
This includes liabilities arising from insurance contracts issued by a.s.r. that transfer significant insurance risks, and in some cases also financial risk (FR), from the policyholder to a.s.r.
Liabilities arising from Non-life insurance contracts
These liabilities comprise a provision for claims, a provision for current risks, and a provision for unearned premiums. The provision for claims is based on estimates of claims payable. Claims payable relate to unpaid claims and claims handling costs, as well as claims IBNR.
The estimates are based on individual assessments of the reported claims, on past experiences and estimates of trends (expert judgement) in claims behaviour, (national) social factors and economic factors and relevant court decisions. In the process of determining the liabilities, allowance is made for amounts recoverable from third parties and expected subrogation reimbursements.
Loss obligations in respect of occupational disability are discounted. The recognised provisions are sufficient to cover the cost of claims and claims handling fees. a.s.r. discounts obligations for losses only for claims with determinable and fixed payment terms.
Additional provisions are generally recognised for realised gains or losses on financial assets allocated to insurance contracts if and to the extent that the current interest rate is lower than the interest rate that was used in the pricing principles at inception of the insurance contract.
The provision for current risks is based on the estimate of future claims taking into account future premiums.
The provision for unearned premiums is equal to gross unearned premium income less commissions paid. The provision is determined on a time proportional basis.
Liabilities arising from life insurance contracts
Future obligations in respect of policy benefits for life insurance contracts are calculated based on a net premium method (the present value of future obligations less the present value of future net premiums) using the same principles as for calculating the premium at inception of the insurance contract. A provision for future administrative expenses is recognised for contracts whose future premium payment period is shorter than the future maturity of the insurance policy, or for which no more premiums are paid. A provision is recognised for part of longevity risk associated with life insurance contracts (e.g. group life and annuity contracts), a.s.r. manages the longevity risk exposure in combination with the mortality risk exposure. No addition to the provision for longevity risk is recognised if the outcome of the LAT (see ‘IFRS LAT Life’ later in this chapter) indicates that the total amount of the provision is adequate.
Additional provisions are generally recognised for realised gains or losses on financial assets allocated to:
Insurance contracts with participation features;
Non-participating insurance contracts if and to the extent that the current interest rate is lower than the interest rate that was used in the pricing principles at inception of the insurance contract.
These financial assets include fixed-income financial assets available for sale, specific financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss, and specific derivatives (i.e. swaptions, interest rate swaps and inflation rate swaps). The realised gains or losses are amortised based on the remaining maturity period of the disposed financial assets. The realised gains or losses and the amortisation thereof are included in net insurance claims and benefits.
Participating contracts include additional obligations relating to contractual dividends or profit sharing and are stated net of capitalised interest rate rebates. These interest rate rebates are amortised in accordance with actuarial principles to the extent that the expected surplus interest is realised.
Reinsurance liabilities
Reinsurance liabilities, with a.s.r. qualifying as the reinsurer and with significant insurance risk being transferred to a.s.r., are accounted for in the same way as regular directly written insurance contracts. They are included under liabilities arising from insurance contracts.
Obligations to insurers where a.s.r. qualifies as the reinsurer, and with no significant insurance risk being transferred to a.s.r., are recognised as debts to policyholders.
Life insurance contracts with a discretionary participation features (DPF)
Under DPF life insurance contracts, policyholders are assigned, in addition to their entitlement to a guaranteed element, an entitlement to potentially significant additional benefits whose amount or timing is contractually at the discretion of a.s.r. These additional benefits are based on the performance of a specified pool of investment contracts, specific investments held by a.s.r. or on the issuer’s operational result.
Expected entitlements to discretionary benefits are recorded in equity. Once a decision has been taken for discretionary participation features, any related benefits are recognised as liabilities.
Shadow accounting
The Group’s insurance accounting policies include the application of shadow accounting which is a specialised accounting treatment commonly utilised in insurance accounting and is permitted under IFRS.
The purpose of shadow accounting is to help reduce potential accounting mismatches which can occur when related assets and liabilities:
Under shadow accounting, adjustments are made to the insurance liability to reflect the unrealised gains or losses from the financial instruments backing these insurance liabilities. For non-participating contracts, adjustments are made to the insurance liability to reflect the unrealised gains from the financial instruments (including derivatives) backing these insurance liabilities. In addition, shadow accounting is applied to the unrealised fair value losses on derivatives held to the extent that they are allocated to the entity.
The shadow accounting policy is applied to certain types of insurance liabilities:
Insurance contracts with participation features;
Non-participating insurance contracts (including disability insurance contracts) if and to the extent that the IFRS LAT would be triggered. This would be the case when current interest rates are lower than the interest rates that were used in the pricing principles at inception of the insurance contract.
Shadow accounting allows a recognised but unrealised gain or loss on an asset to affect the measurement of its insurance liabilities in the same way that a realised gain or loss does.
Shadow accounting is applied to unrealised value changes in fixed-income financial assets available for sale, specific financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss, and specific derivatives (i.e. swaptions and interest rate and inflation rate swaps) that are backing the liabilities arising from insurance contracts. The related adjustment to the insurance liability is recognised in OCI if, and only if, the unrealised gains or losses are recognised in other comprehensive income. Unrealised gains and losses on assets at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in the income statement with a corresponding adjustment for shadow accounting in the income statement under ‘Net insurance claims and benefits’.
No shadow accounting is applied to:
In 2022, triggered by increasing interest rates, a.s.r. enhanced the application of shadow accounting, see accounting policy A.
IFRS Liability Adequacy Test Non-life
The LAT is performed at each reporting date to assess the adequacy of insurance liabilities. The insurance liabilities for the LAT are calculated in accordance with Solvency II, using the Ultimate Forward Rate (UFR) prevailing at the reporting date.
Where the Property & Casualty (P&C) (motor, fire and liability) and Health liabilities business is concerned, the LAT is performed using statistical analyses. Any identified losses are used as a basis for estimating future claims arising from an insurance contract from the portfolio on the balance sheet date. This is the best estimate. An appropriate risk margin is added. The risk margin is determined for each homogeneous risk group using the Cost of Capital (CoC) method that is also used for Life. With effect from 2016 the Non-life CoC rate of 6% is used for all Non-life business, including Disability. The total of best estimate and risk margin is compared to the technical provision recorded in the balance sheet.
The LAT for the disability portfolio is based on cash flow projections using realistic assumptions comparable to the LAT for the life portfolio (see below).
The total of best estimate and risk margin for Non-life segment as a whole, is compared to the technical provision recorded in the balance sheet. If there is a deficiency, the Non-life insurance liabilities are increased to adequate levels through a charge to the income statement.
IFRS Liability Adequacy Test Life
The LAT is performed at each reporting date to assess the adequacy of insurance liabilities. The insurance liabilities for the LAT are calculated in accordance with Solvency II, using the UFR prevailing at the reporting date.
Liabilities are adequate if the technical provision recognised in a.s.r.’s balance sheet for the Life segment as a whole at least equals the best estimate of the life insurance liabilities including an appropriate risk margin. If there is a deficiency in the life insurance liabilities, those liabilities are increased to adequate levels through a charge to the income statement.
Also unrecognised gains and losses from relevant assets that are not carried at fair value in the balance sheet are taken into account to the extent these assets are allocated to cover the insurance liabilities. The various elements of the LAT are further discussed below.
Best estimate
The best estimate of an insurance contract is the net present value of the projected cash flows of benefits and expenses, less the net present value of premiums. These cash flows are estimated using realistic, ‘best estimate’, assumptions in relation to mortality, longevity, lapse rate, expense and inflation. The best estimate assumptions regarding mortality and longevity include recent trend assumptions for life expectancy in the Netherlands, as provided by the Dutch Koninklijk Actuarieel Genootschap (Actuarial Association). The best estimate includes the intrinsic value and the time value of financial options and guarantees (TVOG) and is calculated using stochastic techniques.
Where applicable, the participating features of the insurance contracts, such as profit sharing, are taken into account in the future cash flows. The cash flows are discounted using the Euro swap curve including a credit risk adjustment (CRA), with UFR and volatility adjustment (VA).
In unit-linked contracts, the best estimate equals the fund value of the contract less the net present value of future margins on mortality and expense. Where unit-linked contracts with a guaranteed minimum benefit on expiration are concerned, the best estimate is increased by a TVOG.
Risk margin
The risk margin is determined for each homogeneous risk group using the CoC method. For life a CoC rate of 6% (2021: 6%) is used. a.s.r. uses the latest standard Solvency II model, to quantify the risks. The risks that are incorporated in the risk margin are: insurances risks, counterparty default risk related to reinsurance and operational risk. A projection of expected future risks is made and all these risks are projected into the future. The total risk for every future year is determined based on correlations between the risks described in the Solvency II standard model. The projected total risk for every year is multiplied by a cost of capital charge and discounted at the balance sheet date.
Options embedded in insurance contracts
Options embedded in insurance contracts are not stated separately. They are treated in the same way as the host contract. These options are recognised in the adequacy test, taking into consideration both the intrinsic and the time value.
K. Liabilities arising from insurance contracts on behalf of policyholders
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts for the account and risk of policyholders mainly concern unit-linked contracts.
An investment unit is a share in an investment fund that a.s.r. acquires on behalf of the policyholders using net premiums paid by the policyholders. The gain upon maturity of the contract is equal to the current value of the investment units of the fund in question. The current value of an investment unit (unit value) reflects the fair value of the financial assets held by a.s.r.’s investment funds divided by the number of units.
The fair value of the financial liabilities is obtained by multiplying the number of units attributed to each contract holder at the end of the reporting period by the unit value on the same date. Allowance is also made for liabilities arising from technical insurance risks (death, occupational disability).
Some unit-linked contracts include guaranteed benefits at maturity. To cover these guarantees, an additional obligation is recognised in the balance sheet that depends on the current fund value and the level of the guarantee. Actuarial assumptions about future fund developments and mortality are taken into account in the determination this obligation.
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts on behalf of policyholders also include obligations in connection with savings pools and group pension contracts, with policyholders bearing the investment risk. These liabilities also include a provision for compensation of possible high cost of the unit linked insurance contracts, as agreed in 2008 with the consumer organisations. The additional compensation related to the unit linked insurance contracts for the past has been included in the insurance liability and is therefore included in the investment portfolio. In addition, there is still a provision for compensation for claimants and compassionate and supportive policy ‘flankerend beleid’.
For the LAT relating to the liabilities arising from insurance contracts on behalf of policyholders see accounting policy J.
L. Liabilities arising from investment contracts
Investment contracts comprise investment contracts on behalf of policyholders that bear no insurance risk and for which the actual return on investments allocated to the contract is passed on to the policyholder. Investment contract liabilities are recognised when the contract is entered into and is derecognised when the contact expires, is discharged, cancelled or substantially modified.
M. Employee benefits (IAS 19)
Pension obligations
a.s.r. has with effect 2021, defined contribution (DC) plans for all its employees, including employees that are employed by entities that operate in the Distribution and Service segment. For these DC plans, a.s.r. pays contributions to privately administered pension insurance plans with ASR Levensverzekering N.V. (hereafter a.s.r. life) on a contractual basis. a.s.r. life recognises these contracts as insurance contracts. They are accounted for in accordance with liabilities arising from insurance contracts (accounting policy J).
a.s.r. has no further payment obligations to the employees once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as operating expenses in the income statement during the period the services are rendered. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available.
In addition, a number of defined benefit (DB) plans for own employees exist, which ended at the end of 2020, and were left non-contributory. The defined benefit obligation continues to exist. The plans are schemes under which employees are awarded pension benefits upon retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors, such as years of service and compensation. The defined benefit obligation is calculated at each reporting date by independent actuaries.
The liability in respect of DB plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date, less the fair value of the plan assets where the pension plans are insured by third parties.
a.s.r. life administers most of the post-employment benefit plans and holds the investments that are intended to cover the employee benefit obligation. These investments do not qualify as plan assets in the consolidated financial statements under IFRS.
Pension obligations are calculated using the projected unit credit method. Inherent to this method is the application of actuarial assumptions for discount rates, future salary increases and bonuses, mortality rates and consumer price indices. The assumptions are updated and checked at each reporting date, based on available market data. The assumptions and reports were reviewed by Risk Management.
Actuarial assumptions may differ from actual results due to changes in market conditions, economic trends, mortality trends and other assumptions. Any change in these assumptions can have a significant impact on the defined benefit obligation and future pension costs.
Changes in the expected actuarial assumptions and differences with the actual actuarial outcomes are recognised in the actuarial gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (component of total equity).
When employee benefit plans are modified and when no further obligations exist, a gain or loss, resulting from the changes are recognised directly in the income statement. Consistent with the calculation of a gain or loss on a plan amendment, a.s.r. will use updated actuarial assumptions to determine the current service cost and net interest for the remainder of the annual reporting period upon the time of such amendment. The effect of the asset ceiling, if applicable, is disregarded when calculating the gain or loss on any settlement of the plan.
The financing cost related to employee benefits is recognised in interest expense. The current service costs are included in operating expenses.
Other long-term employee benefits
Plans that offer benefits for long-service (leave), but do not qualify as a post-employment benefit plan, such as jubilee benefits, are measured at present value using the projected unit credit method and changes are recognised directly in the income statement.
Other post-retirements obligations
a.s.r. offers post-employment benefit plans, such as arrangement for mortgage loans at a discount (fixed amount, reference date December 2017). The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment using an accounting methodology that is similar to that for DB plans.
Vacation entitlements
A liability is formed for the vacation days which have not been taken at year-end.
N. Acquisitions (Business combinations)
Acquisitions are accounted for according to the acquisition method, with the cost of the acquisitions being allocated to the fair value of the acquired identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Goodwill, being the difference between the cost of the acquisition and a.s.r.’s interest in the fair value of the acquired identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities on the acquisition date, is capitalised as an intangible asset. Any gain as a result of a purchase is recognised directly in the statement of profit or loss. Any change, in the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities at the acquisition date, determined within one year after acquisition, is recognised as an adjustment charged to goodwill in case of a preliminary valuation. Adjustments that occur after a period of one year are recognised in the income statement.
Adjustments to the purchase price that are contingent on future events, and to the extent that these are not already included in the purchase price, are included in the purchase price of the acquisition at the time the adjustment is likely and can be measured reliably.
Where applicable in the notes to the financial statements the acquisitions are recognised in the changes in the composition of the group.
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