Swiss Life Network wishes you and your family a
Transcription
Swiss Life Network wishes you and your family a
NewsLetter December 2007 Swiss Life Network wishes you and your family a peaceful holiday season! 2 Editorial Dear Readers Our top priority is to work with our Network Partners to deliver the employee benefit solutions our customers need, wherever and whenever you require them. Following Anatole France’s words: “to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe,” our activities in 2007 were dedicated to our dream for the Swiss Life Network to be the partner of first choice for our customers, Network Partners and employees. This Newsletter gives some examples of how we have gone about this: at our Asia Pacific Conference in Shanghai, and our customer event with Icatu Hartford in Brazil. We have also worked hard behind the scenes to improve our services day by day. Although dreams never completely come true, we continue strongly to believe, so we have been looking carefully at the trends of tomorrow. Our Network Conference in Lucerne gave a platform to customers and consultants to discuss the key challenges they are facing and how best to handle these. Heading for another New Year, I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you – customers, consultants, Network Partners and employees – for your support throughout 2007. I’m looking forward to continuing to take up the challenges together with you, and to turning these into effective solutions. With best seasonal greetings, and wishing you very enjoyable holidays, Yours sincerely Margrit Schmid Head Swiss Life Network Table of Content Contents. 4 Partner News • Danica Pension & PFA Pension, Denmark • Swiss Life, Germany • Swiss Life, Luxembourg • Icatu Hartford, Brazil • Seguros Bolivar, Colombia • Momentum, South Africa • Icatu Hartford, Brazil 10 Network News • Asia Pacific Conference 2007: Review • Network Conference 2007: Interviews • Network Conference 2007: Presentations • International Employee Benefits Association 21 Country News • Ireland: Pensions „Green Paper“ published 22 Client News • Interview with Nadine Weber, Richemont Publisher Swiss Life Network, General-Guisan-Quai 40, P.O. Box, 8022 Zurich • Editor Swiss Life Network in cooperation with network partners, clients and Openline • Photos Swiss Life Network in cooperation with network partners, clients and Bomotion • Photo Front Portrait of a couple standing by a snowman • Design Swiss Life, Corporate Marketing • Print Bomotion AG • Copyright Swiss Life Network • Reprint authorisation on agreement with the Publisher The quarterly Swiss Life Network Newsletter is available online: www.swisslife-network.com/newsletter 3 4 Partner News Denmark: Top marks for client satisfaction for both Danish Network Partners. The annual benchmark survey on customer satisfaction, loyalty and image within the Danish pension industry carried out by Aalund Business Research, demonstrated that both Swiss Life Network Partners – Danica Pension and PFA Pension – have maintained their sound reputations in 2007. Each company Danica Pension emphasizes prompt and professional service when a pension scheme is established, when changes are made, and if an accident occurs. The survey indicates that Danica Pension ranks as one of the best performers in the market in terms of processing, advice and service to clients. This is mainly due to Danica’s ability to understand each company’s situation, and to adjust its services to meet employees’ needs. Shortest processing times in the industry explains its results below. Danica Pension maintains higher than average client satisfaction In the latest survey of clients of Danish commercial life and pension companies conducted by Aalund Business Research, Danica once again achieved better than industry-average ratings from corporate clients with 10–499 employees. Danica Pension has the highest client satisfaction rating among the largest players in the Danish pensions market. A couple of minor pension companies have performed slightly better, but Danica Pension will proactively try to influence this picture over the coming years. Not content with its already good results, Danica Pension is working to further improve its performance. Despite having the shortest processing times in the industry, in 2006 Danica decided to focus even more on this. As a result, Danica is the first and only pension company in Denmark to offer financial compensation of DKK 300 to customers if their pension scheme is not set up within 20 working days of signing the application form. The scheme has been a great success. Having budgeted for compensation of DKK 2 million the first year, total compensation paid in 2006 “only” amounted to DKK 192,000. From October 2006 to September 2007, some 77.2% of all new pension schemes were established within five working days. Danica Pension’s goal is to process 90% of all new pension schemes within five working days. You can track how well the company is achieving its goals by checking processing times on Danica Pension’s website. Danica Pension reduces prices Satisfaction index for clients serviced directly by pension companies 78 Speedy service – top performance 76 Danica Pension Industry average 74 72 70 2007 10–499 employees 2006 Since spring 2006, Danica Pension has reduced its prices three times. The company plans to drop its premiums even further, giving a total estimated impact of DKK 500 million in savings for clients over five years. The survey also showed that client understanding of Danica Pension’s prices has improved – which is very gratifying. For more information please visit www.danicapension.dk or contact Mr. Peter Mørch, Danica Pension E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +45 45 135 93 5 Partner News 5 Visibility in media through advertisement and press coverage Leading within counselling Leading within product development High return compared with the competitors Positively distinguished from others PFA Pension achieves more satisfied customers. The best to ensure that savings are increased as much as possible PFA Pension Low level of expenses According to the results of Aalund Business Research surveys, PFA has experienced increased customer satisfaction over the last few years. This has been reflected in customer assessments of the advice and levels of service delivered by account managers, as well as by responses to PFA’s handling of administration by its customer services departments. Industry average 3 Neither agree nor disagree 3,5 Partly agree 4 PFA’s image profile 2007 The figure above illustrates PFA’s image among existing customers with more than 500 employees on a 1–5 scale. It shows how PFA outperformed the industry average both when it comes to a high return and a low level of expenses. Focus on large and medium-sized customers PFA Pension’s core business area is large and medium-sized companies, and the Aalund Business Research survey clearly 78 proves that PFA hasPension been able to maintain focus and reap Danica Industry average 76 benefits of this segmentation. As the below graph the illustrates, PFA has the highest client satisfaction within 74 the Danish pension industry when it comes to companies with 72 50–499 employees and companies with more than 500 employees on a 1–5 scale. 70 2007 2006 Decision makers for employee benefit plans in the large and 10–499 employees medium-sized companies and organisations are indeed very satisfied with PFA. In a survey of customers who are directly serviced, 95% were satisfied or very satisfied with PFA. 91% would be willing to recommend PFA as a pension supplier, which reflects a very high level of customer loyalty. PFA has yet again reduced the expenses significantly in connection with their market rate product, PFA Unit Linked. Effective as from 1 June 2007, deposit expenses were reduced by more than 60 per cent and the maximum amount of annual deposit expenses were reduced from DKK 4,670 to DKK 1,335. With this, a typical customer with a deposit of DKK 500,000 will save more than DKK 1,300 annually. The outlook for 2008 PFA Pension will not be resting on its laurels: there are still several improvements to carry out, although it is extremely satisfactory that so many large and medium-sized customers have given PFA such high scores for visibility and reputation. Good and impartial advice regarding savings, and accurate and professional treatment in connection with health issues, clearly matter most when it comes to customer satisfaction. With this in mind, PFA intends to strengthen its efforts to communicate directly with decision makers about PFA’s value creation model, counselling and services. PFA Pension Industry average Source: Aalund Business Research Survey 2007 4 50–499 employees Low level of expenses means larger savings more than 500 employees For more information please visit www.pfa.dk or contact Ms. Lotte Elsborg, PFA Pension, International Service E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +45 39 175 48 0 Strongly agree Source: Aalund Business Research Survey 2007 Sound reputation 4,5 6 Partner News Germany: Swiss Life Germany wins top employee benefits awards. The annual AssCompact Awards were handed out again this September to the top insurance companies in Germany selected by brokers. Swiss Life won third place overall for occupational retirement pension plans and disability plans. In the individual evaluations, the company was declared the best provider of support funds solutions (Unterstützungskasse). Swiss Life was placed second for the funding of pension promises, and third for direct insurance and retirement funds. Since the introduction of the bAV awards, Swiss Life has been the only provider to have consistently occupied one of the leading positions. The top companies are decided by independent insurance and finance brokers, who are randomly selected for the survey. “We are delighted that the brokers have recognized the high level of Swiss Life’s expertise in both areas, and have judged us so highly,” said CMO Klaus G. Leyh, who had the honour of receiving the certificates at the awards event held in Neuss. “We are particularly proud of the fact that during the awards ceremony for the occupational retirement and disability categories, Swiss Life was the only company consistently represented on the podium.” Various criteria are evaluated for the awards, including company management, product management, distribution support and execution services. In the case of occupational retirement benefits, the willingness of brokers to recommend products depends mainly on how the provider handles new business, their software for quotes, and the level of professional support offered. In the case of occupational disability plans, it is claims handling, quality of processing, and the cost/benefit relationship of the products that are decisive. For further information please visit www.swisslife.de or contact Ms. Marion Vintz, Swiss Life Germany E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +49 89 381 09 18 72 bAV stands for “betriebliche Altersvorsorge”, the German expression for employee benefits Partner News 7 Luxembourg: Fifth success in a row for group insurance solutions of Swiss Life. Luxembourg HR professionals gathered again in October to award the title of “Best HR Manager of the Year” and present the “HR Awards 2007”. Swiss Life in Luxembourg was honoured with the “Best Pension Solutions Award” for the 5th consecutive year. The awards ceremony took place at the HR Annual Conference, which was opened by François Biltgen, Luxembourg Minister of Labour and Employment. Around 700 people attended the event. For more information please visit www.swisslife.lu or contact Ms. Stéphanie Langelez, Swiss Life E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +352 42 395 92 59 Photo: @Blitz The HR Awards are awarded to companies that provide the best services to human resources professionals. Voted on by HR professionals, they cover a variety of assessment criteria. For the “Best Pension Solutions” category, the assessment criteria are: the technical quality of the sales people, flexibility of solutions, clarity of follow-up, range of administration tools, and support provided to HR directors when introducing group insurance into their companies. Having collected one third of the votes, Swiss Life was far ahead of the other pension providers nominated. “We are very pleased indeed – as we have been in each of the past four years – to receive this award, which so clearly demonstrates your trust,” said Pierre Dubru, Employee Benefits Director. “In 2007, we ran a survey of our customers in order to identify their expectations even more clearly. So we are looking forward to continuing to develop our products and services further in 2008.” Gilles Finkestein from Swiss Life Network holding the award, together with his colleagues from Luxembourg (they actually won the prize!) Martial Beguin, Pierre Dubru, Olivier Demory, and Steve Goedert (fltr). 8 Partner NetworkNews News Brazil: Pension market updates -Icatu Hartford innovates based on US experience -Strong trend towards multi-sponsored pension plans In Brazil, two main types of corporate pension vehicles are available for long-term savings: closed pension plan and open pension plan. Closed pension plans are private and have their own management structure. Open pension plans can be either collective or individual, and may be operated by insurance companies, banks, or non-profit organisations. The most common open pension plans available are the Plano Gerador de Beneficios Livres (PGBL) – a product similar to the US 401k plan, and the Vida Gerador de Beneficios Livres (VGBL), for employee’s contribution, as a choice based on the individual income tax treatment. Swiss Life Network Partner Icatu Hartford, as the biggest bank-independent insurance company in group life, corporate pension and capitalisation, offers to companies a complete pension solution by working not only with PGBL/ VGBL in Open Pension Plan but also multi-sponsored in Closed Pension Plan. First lifecycle funds available in Brazil Icatu Hartford’s most recent open pension plan innovation is a new range of investment funds which takes into account an employee’s lifecycle. Icatu Hartford is the first insurance company in Brazil to offer this “Minha Aposentadoria” (My Retirement) fund system, similar to lifecycle funds in the US. With “Minha Aposentadoria” investment funds, the asset allocation is actively managed according to each participant‘s age. The product offers investments in shares without a substantial increase in risk. The mix of shares and bonds is adjusted by Icatu Hartford Asset Management according to the insured’s situation: a high proportion of shares when the client is young and a high proportion of bonds when retirement age approaches. Icatu Hartford was recently awarded Best Pension Provider in Brazil by “GazetaInvest”, an important business publication. Multi-sponsored plans In 1996, Icatu Hartford created “IhPrev”, as one of the few insurance companies specialized in Multi-Sponsored Plan. This product allows a sponsoring company to outsource its pension fund administration and/or asset management. This can be to Icatu Hartford Administração de Recursos, which specializes in the administration of financial resources, including long-term savings, or to another external asset manager, without any interests’ conflict since Icatu Hartford is not affiliated to any banking group. There is currently a strong trend in Brazil for companies with in-house management of their pension plans to transfer their reserves to a multi-sponsored solution. This is because it offers several advantages: •Lower fixed costs through outsourced administration and shared infrastructure with other sponsors •Improved services for plan participants, mainly via the internet – insurance companies’ core business •Externalised liabilities (by Law) •Modernised governance structure (provided by “IhPrev”) •Choice of joining the investment funds offered by Icatu Hartford or establishing a fund with a preferred bank (provided by “IhPrev”) Partner News Among the features of the IhPrev multi-sponsored plan are: •Total segregation from other sponsors’ plans •Individual plan cost structure •Possibility of nominating board members •Possibility of nominating a plan director and plan committee •Annual sponsors meeting every April •Freedom of choice when hiring the actuarial consultant •High-tech services platform and dedicated consultants available to HR managers and plan participants. According to the local regulator responsible for closed entities, between 90% and 95% of new plans created as closed entities tend to be managed in a multi-sponsored solution, and migration from current in-house plans to multi-sponsored plans is high. This trend has also been confirmed by a survey of the top 13 pension consultants in Brazil, conducted by Icatu Hartford. For more information please visit www.icatu-hartford.com.br or contact Ms. Vanessa Donke, Icatu Hartford E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +55 11 347 23 916 9 10 Network News Colombia: Swiss Life Medica Bolivar – with you anywhere, at anytime… Multinational clients of the Swiss Life Network with subsidiaries in Colombia can now take advantage of sophisticated medical coverage with “Swiss Life Medica Bolivar”. covers all expenses related to: hospitalisation, intensive care, physicians’ fees, maternity care, new-born baby care, special diagnostic tests and ambulatory care. It covers cancer, HIV, transplants, prostheses, home care, medical emergencies abroad and outpatient treatment. Additional coverages This flexible, comprehensive and cost-effective medical insurance plan is designed exclusively for the employees and their families of multinational companies. Backed by a strategic partnership between Swiss Life and Seguros Bolivar, this sophisticated plan meets the highest quality standards. Additional coverages include: primary care, basic dental care, ambulatory medicines, travel insurance for medical emergencies abroad, emergencies in Colombia, and home health care. Highly recommended “Swiss Life Medica Bolivar” is ISO 9001:2000 certified. Its many satisfied policyholders include a large number of major international corporations from a wide variety of industry sectors. Local, tailor-made benefits “Swiss Life Medica Bolivar” provides access to services through its medical network of over 5,000 providers and/ or through out-of-network providers. Primary care services are delivered by its own medical centres. Second medical opinions are available, as well as travel insurance and 24/7 medical guidance through its Telefono Verde contact centre. Access to services Please ask for information on how your employees in Colombia can enjoy better medical coverage. For more information please visit www.segurosbolivar.com or contact Mr. Juan Pablo Sánchez, Seguros Bolivar S.A. E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +57 1 312 26 00 Ext. 7031 For primary care, plan members may self-refer to a specialist, either in-network or out-of-network, at full benefit, without first obtaining a referral from a primary care provider. For basic coverages, insureds may visit a doctor in the Seguros Bolivar medical network, or an out-of-network provider, in which case reimbursement applies. A clause outlining reasonable and customary charges* applies to all medical procedures that are reimbursed. Basic coverage Basic coverage includes medical assistance with a maximum benefit amount ranging from COP 150 million to COP 500 million per person, per annual medical event. This benefit *Charges determined to be normal for a particular medical procedure in a specific geographic area. If charges are higher than what the insurer considers normal, the full amount will not be paid by the insurer and the balance is the responsibility of the insured. Network News South Africa: Momentum shows the way with support for blind golfers. In August this year, four players from the South African Blind Golf Association (SABGA) were selected to participate in the inaugural Phoenix Cup, staged near Toronto, Canada. The South African team was supported by Momentum Collective Benefits, which was proud to donate towards the costs of the trip, as well as to provide golf shirts and sports bags. The three-day competition was for teams comprising blind players and their sighted guides, who not only watch the golf ball, but also assist players with club selection and line-up. According to the players, they definitely had Momentum on their side, and played very well indeed. South African players and guides in their Momentum shirts. For more information please visit www.momentum.co.za or contact Mr. Nazeem Khan, Momentum Collective Benefits E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +27 11 544 34 63 11 12 Partner News Partner News Brazil: Successful Icatu Hartford/Swiss Life Network joint seminar on sustainability. The second Icatu Hartford/ Swiss Life Network seminar took place in São Paulo on August 9, with 86 guests participating in a stimulating programme covering one of today’s most important concerns: sustainability. This topic affects not only our private lives but also our professional environment. The event was opened by José Medeiros, Sales Director of Icatu Hartford, and Margrit Schmid, Head of the Swiss Life Network. Ms Schmid noted: “We all aim in one way or another for sustainable wellbeing, growth and development. Our business model and business content are marked by questions related to sustainability. We are focused on sustainable relationships with our partners and customers, who enable us to grow our businesses in a sustainable manner.” The highlight of the seminar was the address by two speakers specialized in sustainability: Sérgio Abranches and Clarissa Lins. Sérgio Abranches is a well-known personality in Brazil with several responsibilities, including his role as a commentator on eco-politics on CBN radio. Clarissa Lins is Director of the Brazilian Foundation for Sustainable Development. During the seminar, Mr Abranches focused on environmental concerns and global attitudes, while Ms Lins looked at corporate sustainability. Highly positive participant feedback from the seminar has ensured that plans are already being drawn up to repeat this outstanding experience. For more information please visit www.icatu-hartford.com.br or contact Ms. Vanessa Donke, Icatu Hartford E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +55 11 347 23 91 6 Guest speakers Clarissa Lins and Sérgio Abranches Margrit Schmid, Daniel Dubach, and Carmen del Carpio from Swiss Life Network together with Vanessa Donke from Icatu Hartford, Brazil (2nd on the right) José Medeiros, Sales Director of Icatu Hartford 13 14 Network News News Asia Pacific Conference 2007 The Swiss Life Network Asia Pacific Conference 2007 took place in Shanghai, China, at the end of August sions will liberalise further, due to increasing incomes, lifestyle requirements, the ageing population and the rising costs of healthcare. 2007. The event, which was co-hosted by Ping An Annuity Insurance Co. and the Swiss Life Network, focused on employee benefits in China and Asia. With over 250 participants, this conference was the largest Swiss Life Network event ever held in the region. Tian Wei Wei, Human Resource Director of Shanghai Roche Pharmaceutical (‘Roche’), Shanghai, explained the strategies of multinational companies when dealing with geographic diversity. Focusing on trends and developments on the mainland, she said that specific compensation and benefit policies are key to handling the many challenges that arise. The conference provided a packed programme of up-todate information sessions presented by speakers from the Chinese Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MOLSS), the Chinese Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), as well as representatives of several leading multinational companies and key markets in the Asia Pacific region. Louis Cheung, Executive Director and General Manager of Ping An Insurance (Group), Margrit Schmid, Head of Swiss Life Network, and Du Yongmao, Chairman and CEO of Ping An Annuity Insurance Company, opened the event by welcoming the participants. Keynote speakers included: Chen Liang, Director-General, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Beijing, and Liang Tao, Director of Life Insurance Department, CN Insurance Regulator CIRC, Beijing. An official welcome address was also given by Hans-Peter Willi, acting Consul General of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai, who described the well-established and growing political and economic relationship between China and Switzerland, noting that there are currently over 250 Swiss companies present in Shanghai. Participants also had the chance to hear objective views on how the products and services offered by the Swiss Life Network benefit multinational companies. Fintan Nunes, Managing Director of IKANO S.A., Luxembourg, described his experiences of working with an international employee benefits network. He shared his views that employee benefits provi- Hans-Peter Willi, acting Consul General, describes the well-established and growing political and economic relations between China and Switzerland The participation of Swiss Life Network Partners from India (Kotak Life), Japan (Meiji Yasuda Life), Korea (Korea Life), the Philippines (First Guarantee Life), Taiwan (Kuo Hua Life), Thailand (Bangkok Life) and Singapore (NTUC Income), gave participants an opportunity to have their questions answered in person, and learn from a vast pool of international knowledge. There were also several updates by Network Partner representatives, setting out major employee benefit developments and trends on the international level. Network News Group photo at the Swiss Life Network Asia Pacific Conference 2007 Fintan Nunes, Managing Director of IKANO S.A., Luxembourg, and Kees Hijmans, Manager Retirement Benefits and Life Insurance of IKEA (left) Tian Wei Wei, Human Resource Director of Shanghai Roche Pharmaceutical, Shanghai, exchanges business cards with Swiss Life Network Partners Peter Coyiuto and Ronaldo Roque of First Guarantee Life (Philippines), and Sandeep Shrikhande of Kotak Life (India) Describing the goals of the conference, Margrit Schmid said: “This conference showed our commitment to providing our multinational clients in this important region with access to top quality employee benefits through leading Network Partners. The conference sessions also illustrated our dedication to delivering timely, relevant and useful information – true added value – to all our business partners.” Feedback on the conference was very positive – with 76% of participants rating the conference as “very good” or “good”. All the participants said that they were looking forward to attending future Asia Pacific Conferences. For more information please visit www.swisslife-network.com/apc07 or contact Mr. Simon Wirth, Swiss Life Network E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +41 43 284 46 81 15 16 Network News Swiss Life Network Conference: New Network Partners share positive impressions. Lucerne was the setting for the most recent Swiss Life Network Conference held on September 26 to 28, 2007, at which Network Partners from around the world gathered to discuss sales and coordination issues. The event also offered expert information on employee benefit developments in various regions and countries. As an added bonus, three customers and two brokers provided an insight into their needs and requirements from the Swiss Life Network. We were delighted to welcome several new members of the Swiss Life Network who attended the Conference for the first time and asked the following participants to share their impressions with us: Daniel Cassieri, Sales Director, Galicia Seguros S.A., Argentina; Dana Vásquez, Marketing&Sales Manager, Aseguradora Mundial S.A., Panama; and Marcelo Assunção, Sales Director for Corporate Business, Icatu Hartford Seguros S.A., Brazil. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to the Network Conference? Daniel Cassieri (Galicia Seguros): I received interesting and useful information about market trends and pooling strategies. Furthermore I had the opportunity to develop very important personal and business relationships. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere congratulations on your conference organisation, and say how much I enjoyed this year’s special celebration. Dana Vásquez (Aseguradora Mundial): It showed the potential of being a Network Partner and the commitment of the Swiss Life Network to supporting Network Partners to generate new business. Marcelo Assunção (Icatu Hartford): A great chance to get an update on the latest developments in the employee benefit market, prospects, customers and best practices. Did your participation change your view of the Swiss Life Network? Daniel Cassieri (Galicia Seguros): This participation confirmed our opinion about the strong potential of the Swiss Life Network and the business opportunities it offers. Dana Vásquez (Aseguradora Mundial): Yes, I have learned how important collaboration with sales executives from the Swiss Life Network is, in order to get relevant information about clients. Marcelo Assunção (Icatu Hartford): Since this is my first time at the Network Conference, I would not call it a change, but an improvement of my overview of the good opportunities and partnership ahead due to the great team and organisation of the Swiss Life Network. What was the most important session for you at the Network Conference? Daniel Cassieri (Galicia Seguros): I think the client and broker presentations were the most important sessions. Dana Vásquez (Aseguradora Mundial): Friday was the most important session, because for the first time we had personal meetings with sales executives of the Swiss Life Network, and we were able to discuss sales cases. It was important for us to obtain more information on clients. Marcelo Assunção (Icatu Hartford): All the discussion panels were very interesting, but the Marketplace brings real life to the concept of network pooling. There’s no doubt, this is a great part of the conference. Network News Daniel Cassieri, Sales Director, Galicia Seguros S.A., Argentina Dana Vásquez, Marketing & Sales Manager, Aseguradora Mundial S.A., Panama Marcelo Assunção, Sales Director for Corporate Business, Icatu Hartford Seguros S.A., Brazil What are your conclusions after attending the presentations of our multinational clients? What would you like to say to colleagues around the world who have never attended a Network Conference? Daniel Cassieri (Galicia Seguros): The local Swiss Life Network clients focus on low costs, whereas the multinational client headquarters are also looking for modular options, flexibility and transparent reports on all the employee benefit programs running in their subsidiaries. Daniel Cassieri (Galicia Seguros): The Network Conference offers an excellent opportunity to expand existing business and obtain new business prospects. Dana Vásquez (Aseguradora Mundial): For multinational clients pooling is very important. One key for customers is to increase knowledge about the pool in their country and how it works. The headquarters of the multinational clients are an important part of this strategy. Marcelo Assunção (Icatu Hartford): I got a clear picture of the great relationship between Swiss Life Network headquarters and our customers. I saw how satisfied they are with our work and the importance of the Swiss Life Network to them as preferred providers. Dana Vásquez (Aseguradora Mundial): The Network Conference is an ideal opportunity to learn more about international employee benefit solutions in the different regions, and the needs of customers and brokers. In addition, we learned how important it is for us to be more involved in all the procedures. The more we know how everything works, the more opportunities we have with new clients. Marcelo Assunção (Icatu Hartford): Do not miss this great event! Your networking capabilities will be improved through many opportunities during the conference. Editor’s note: If you‘d like to offer feedback about this article, we‘d welcome getting your comments on the e-mail below. Did you enjoy the Sales Performance Awards ceremony? Will you strive to be one of the laureates in the future? Daniel Cassieri (Galicia Seguros): It’s a good challenge for us. I hope we can achieve a successful performance just like our colleagues from Latin America. Dana Vásquez (Aseguradora Mundial): Yes, we enjoyed the Sales Performance Awards ceremony and we are working very hard to receive an award next year. Marcelo Assunção (Icatu Hartford): Without doubt, a special moment at the conference. You can all be sure that Brazil will do its best to always be one of the laureates. For more information please visit www.swisslife-network.com/nwc07 or contact Mr. Christian Scherff, Swiss Life Network E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +41 43 284 47 64 17 18 Network News News Swiss Life Network Conference 2007: Employee benefits trends. The recent Swiss Life Network Conference included many important insights into regional trends in employee benefits, and the needs of clients and brokers. We are pleased to share a summary of these below. Trends in Latin America Marcelo Assunção, Sales Director for Corporate Business, Icatu Hartford Seguros SA, Brazil •With a population of almost 600 million and growing, and with insurance penetration and density that are still very low, there is a high level of business opportunity in the Latin American market. •The stable economic situation in most of Latin America, with declining unemployment and inflation rates, has brought a steady increase in long-term investments by national and international companies. •There have been high growth rates for life insurance over the last ten years, especially for pension solutions. There are excellent market opportunities in this area, as in most Latin American countries less than 50% of companies have pension plans. •Another positive result of economic stability over the past few years is that people are starting to think about the future. This is a further factor strengthening market opportunities for the insurance industry in the region. Trends in North America David Henry, Managing Director, Great-West Life Assurance Company, Canada The ageing population in North America is putting pres•������������������������������������������������������� sure on the social security system. The health care system in particular will face increasing expenditures in future. So the quality and cost of health care is a big issue, which is also being driven by longer life expectancy. •Society is having to deal with a sharp rise in long-term disability caused by diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental illness. The mental health aspect is becoming an increasingly im•�������������������������������������������������������� portant topic for employers, although further steps are needed to raise the awareness and recognition of mental illness. Companies that promote the mental health and well-being of their workforce are gaining a strong competitive advantage. Marcelo Assunção, Sales Director for Corporate Business, Icatu Hartford Seguros SA, Brazil David Henry, Managing Director, Great-West Life Assurance Company, Canada •The identification and treatment of mental illness is very important, as in Canada over 30% of disability claims relate to this. Insurance companies which specialise in insurance solutions for disability hold a key positive differentiator. Trends in the UK Cheryl Brewer, Customer Solutions Director, Unum, UK •����������������������������������������������������� On the one hand we are seeing a trend towards occupational pension schemes. Defined benefit schemes are being replaced by defined contribution schemes. A further on going trend is that insurers are acting increasingly as service providers, and self-insured clients are moving to insured benefits. These changes offer great opportunities, especially in the group risk markets. •On the other hand, the market is becoming increasingly competitive and the retention of existing customers is thus essential to business success. Trends in the Asia Pacific region Cedric Luah, Head Sales Region Asia Pacific, Swiss Life Network •The Asia Pacific region accounts for around 60% of the world’s population, with the two most rapidly growing countries being China and India. However, there is also strong population growth in other parts of the region. •Insurance companies and politicians need to take steps to prevent a pension time bomb. One of the major challenges will be the retirement of the baby-boom generation, for example in Japan, Korea and Singapore. Network News Cheryl Brewer, Customer Solutions Director, Unum UK •For cultural reasons, risk products are still unpopular for individuals. As a result, insurance products are largely marketed as savings and investment instruments. It is also commonly offered as part of employee benefits programme by corporate entities. The trend towards high savings rates and massive invest•�������������������������������������������������������� ment needs continues, which means a high demand for financial products and more investment options/vehicles. •Rapid talent growth is attracting global resources, and this is increasing the urgent need to offer more advanced employee benefit programmes. Trends in South Africa Nico van der Walt, Head Momentum Collective Benefits, South Africa •A new National Security Saving System (NSSS) is expected to be introduced in 2010. This will be compulsory for all employed citizens, and it is proposed that it will provide risk benefits. This could potentially halve the size of the risk market in South Africa, as these private benefits may be provided in future by the state fund. •The retirement industry had to deal with a poor public image over the last few years and a very competitive market. Price is the main determinant of where business is placed. •The impact of AIDS continues, but this can be priced for in group schemes and we have seen mortality rates for some companies lower than previously estimated. Due to educational and treatment programmes, it is easier for people to remain productive, which is positive for employees, employers and insurance companies. •Opportunities for new business will come from a stronger focus on specific products such as disability income benefits, and from expansion into other African markets over time. Employment benefits trends, and requirements of Network Partners/SLN from customers’ and brokers’ points of view Nadine Weber, Group Benefits&Stock Option Manager, Richemont International S.A., Switzerland; Urs Wuethrich, Cedric Luah, Head Sales Region Asia Pacific, Swiss Life Network Nico van der Walt, Head Momentum Collective Benefits, South Africa Head Global Benefits, Syngenta International AG, Switzerland; and Kathrin Schiffer, responsible for Group HR Global Benefits, UBS AG, Switzerland, provided us with the latest trends and developments from the customer’s point of view. The broker’s viewpoint was given by Paul Kelly, Senior Consultant, Towers Perrin, Foster&Crosby Inc., UK, and Denis Stainier, Worldwide Partner & Director Client Development, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, France •Due to ongoing globalisation, multinational companies are increasingly having to use employee benefit solutions to help retain their employees. •This development means that flexible benefits and pension solutions are becoming more important. •Locally-sourced information is vital to getting an overview of the different social security systems and benefit solutions worldwide. Multinational companies need an overview of the employee benefit situations in countries where they operate, and it is important to find reliable providers in these countries. •A further significant step many multinational companies are working on is to gather all the information from their subsidiaries regarding existing employee benefit solutions, claims experience and market situation and benchmarks into a central database to optimize their worldwide employee benefit activities. •Multinational companies set a high value on pool transparency, especially regarding claims. Cost transparency also plays a key role for customers, as risk and cost management are becoming more and more important. •International dividends remain an attractive argument for pooling, although other insurance solutions and general consultancy are gaining in significance. For more information please visit www.swisslife-network.com/nwc07 or contact Mr. Christian Scherff, Swiss Life Network E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +41 43 284 47 64 19 20 Network News The International Employee Benefits Association is now in Switzerland. The IEBA is a leading international association provid- IEBA’s mission and activities ing education, information and professional development opportunities in the constantly evolving world of international employee benefits. On October 23, 2007, the Swiss Life Network hosted the inaugural meeting of IEBA Switzerland. The IEBA formally created a branch in Switzerland in September 2007, and held its first meeting, hosted by the Swiss Life Network at its Zurich offices, at the end of October. This was attended by Tim Reay, Chairman of the IEBA, and representatives of well-known Swiss multinational companies and consultants. The IEBA creates an environment for the development of knowledge about international employee benefit provisions. Working with the UK‘s Pensions Management Institute, IEBA runs a Diploma in International Employee Benefits (Dip. IEB) to meet the professional needs of individuals working for consultancies, insurance companies and pensions/remuneration and benefits departments of commercial companies around the globe. The association holds an annual dinner, as well as regular meetings on special topics. The annual conference is a highlight of the year, with the next one planned for March 2008 in Brussels. Switzerland is an important employee benefits market After branches in the UK and the Netherlands, the IEBA decided to expand its activities to Switzerland, where there was already extensive interest in IEBA’s activities. In addition, Switzerland is home to the European HQs of many large multinationals, and has a well-developed employee benefits market. This means that there is great demand from practitioners for knowledge and networking opportunities. IEBA plans to run a structured lecture course preparing practitioners for the Diploma. In addition, there will be regular meetings as well as an annual dinner. In future, the IEBA plans to expand its membership from its current 300 members worldwide, and to continue to organise meetings and conferences worldwide. For more information please visit www.ieba.org.uk or contact Mr. Simon Brimblecombe, Hewitt Associates E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +41 22 363 65 15 fltr: Ray Kroebl, Tim Reay, Rachid Belarbi, Roelof Kistemaker, Simon Brimblecombe at the inaugural IEBA Switzerland meeting Country News Network Ireland: Pensions Green Paper published. The Irish Government published its Green Paper on Pensions in October. A Green Paper is a document produced in the research phase of a major government initiative with the aim of setting out all the issues in a clear and structured manner. The Green Paper on Pensions establishes the context for future changes in government policy on public and private pension provision. It also poses a number of questions to be considered by interested parties, and invites them to submit their views. State pensions The Green Paper describes the current pension provision approach in Ireland as ‘a tripartite arrangement between the state, employers and individuals’. It acknowledges the impact of economic and demographic trends on the pensions issue, and identifies pension adequacy, coverage and sustainability as key government policy challenges to be tackled in the years ahead. There is a considerable degree of uncertainty associated with the projection of demographic trends in Ireland, in particular in relation to migration and fertility. However, it is safe to predict that the Irish population will age rapidly over the next fifty years, leading to a much higher proportion of retired people in the population, and putting the state pension system under considerable funding pressure. The Green Paper asserts that the current state pension system ‘is not sustainable on the basis of current projections without adjustments to the overall policy mix’. Private pensions The Green Paper identifies a mismatch between the private pension expectations of Irish workers, and the reality of the provision being made by them, or on their behalf. Many workers expect private pensions to be their main source of income in retirement. However, unless there is a change in pension planning behaviour, this is unlikely to be feasible. Currently, many people are not covered by any supplementary pension arrangement, and of those who are, many are not saving enough to provide a satisfactory pension in retirement. The Green Paper discusses some of the issues arising from the current approach to supporting private pension saving, and possible approaches to future development. Some parties have raised concerns about the equity of the current system, which grants generous tax relief at the marginal tax rate for pension contributions. There is also concern that the current restrictions on how the pension fund can be used act as a barrier to pension saving. Four approaches to future pensions development are proposed for consideration: improve or re-target current incentives for voluntary pen•���������������������������������������������������������� sion savings •����������������������������������������������������� introduce mandatory employer-sponsored pension provision for all employees •introduce a ‘soft mandatory’ system, and •enhance social welfare benefits, probably in tandem with an increase in the normal retirement age. The Green Paper also deals with several technical pensions issues, and proposes a review of the fixed retirement age. The Irish Life view Irish Life’s view is that the best solution would take the form of a mix of various initiatives to tackle the knowledge and incentive gaps inherent in the current system: Simplify the pension tax relief regime and improve tax re•���������������������������������������������������������� lief incentives for lower earners •Allow employees to be automatically enrolled in employer pension schemes, with an opt-out on request •Introduce government investment in financial education •����������������������������������������������������������� Allow limited access to pension savings in specific circumstances up to age 40 •Extend flexible retirement investment options (ARFs) to all •Move from the concept of a fixed retirement date to a more flexible and phased form of gradual retirement. The full Green Paper and an executive summary can be downloaded from the dedicated website: www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie. Interested parties can also make submissions in response to the questions raised in the Green Paper via this website. For more information please visit www.irishlife.ie or contact Mr. Damian Fadden, Irish Life E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +353 1 704 12 72 21 22 Client News Network News Interview with Nadine Weber, Group Benefits&Stock Option Manager, Richemont International S.A. Following her presentation at a recent Swiss Life Network Conference, Nadine Weber agreed to be interviewed by the Newsletter. Please tell us something about yourself. Nadine Weber: I grew up near Trier, and have a MSc. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Finance. I’ve worked for Richemont in Geneva since 2005. After studying mathematics and finance I never thought I’d work in HR. But I accepted the post of Stock Option Manager at Richemont and I’ve never regretted the decision. Especially with the additional function of Benefits Manager, it’s a challenging and interesting job. Richemont is in luxury goods. Are there special employee benefit characteristics for your industry? Nadine Weber: The luxury market has the reputation of paying its employees well, which raises expectations, but people tend to forget the benefits part of their remuneration. We have to periodically remind them and communicate updated information. Since the information is not always easily available, this can be challenging. What employee benefit trends and changing employee needs are you experiencing? Nadine Weber: I see five main trends or needs: 1)Fair benefits: Benefits, especially pension schemes, are a crucial part of total remuneration. Employees are in creasingly comparing their benefits with those of other subsidiaries and competitors. So we are working towards country-wide harmonisation of our benefits schemes. Our goal is to provide benefits that are a good local av erage. 2) Adequate benefits: An ageing population means we need pension schemes that provide adequate coverage together with local social security. We are currently conducting a benefits audit and plan to implement new schemes where necessary. We are also reviewing our medical schemes. 3)Safe benefits: All our new pension schemes are Defined Contribution or Cash Balance types. Defined Benefit schemes will be closed. The funding of schemes is appre ciated by our employees and as a company, we are strongly in favour of doing this in a cost-efficient way. 4) Investment co-determination: Employees appreciate hav ing a say in pension asset investment, so we try to intro duce schemes that allow this. 5)Benefits communication: Employees need to be aware of their benefits. For example, medical coverage is often not perceived as a company-provided benefit. Commu nication is constantly necessary, as employees tend to forget the benefits in place. What are your expectations of your employee benefits network and its partners? Nadine Weber: The network needs strong, well-known local partners that react to our needs. They should be competitive in terms of costs and design, as otherwise we cannot ask our local subsidiaries to change their insurance providers. We also need detailed financial information and regular updates on local changes. I expect proactive teamwork, with one contact person who is responsible for Richemont, and regular meetings. The network should share its experience, and I appreciate opportunities to meet other clients and learn about their strategies. Client News Network Nadine Weber, Group Benefits&Stock Option Manager, Richemont International S.A., speaking at the Swiss Life Network Conference in Lucerne How does Richemont handle local employee benefit solutions? Does headquarters decide? Nadine Weber: We have a strict governance structure for benefits. Any changes to benefits schemes must be accepted by our Benefits Committee, which has issued benefits guidelines applicable to all subsidiaries worldwide. Our role at headquarters is to ensure execution of these guidelines. Whenever a subsidiary wants to change a local scheme, they need to work with us at Group HR to find solutions that fit local requirements and Group guidelines. Within these restrictions, local subsidiaries are free to design their schemes and we only act as consultants if required. Profile Richemont International S.A. Richemont was created in 1988. The group has 16 prestigious Maisons and 16,748 employees worldwide. With 1,154 Boutiques worldwide, Richemont is the 2nd leading luxury goods group in the world, and made a net profit of EUR 1,329 million in the last financial year. For more information about Richemont International S.A. Please visit www.richemont.com 23 General-Guisan-Quai 40, 8022 Zurich, Switzerland Telephone +41 43 284 37 97, Fax +41 43 284 39 97 Internet: www.swisslife-network.com, E-mail: [email protected] Network Partners, branch offices and subsidiaries. Country Network Partner Website Contact E-Mail Argentina Galicia Seguros S.A. www.galiciaseguros.com.ar Australia Hannover Life Re of Australasia www.hannoverlifere.com Austria Wiener Städtische www.wienerstaedtische.at Belgium Swiss Life Belgium SA www.swisslife.be Brazil Icatu Hartford www.icatuhartford.com.br Canada Great-West Life Chile Cruz del Sur China Ping An Insurance Company www.paic.com.cn Colombia Seguros Bolívar Telephone Mr. Sergio BARTOLETTI [email protected] +54 11 530 03 12 6 Ms. Kristine Nugent [email protected] +61 2 925 16 91 1 Ms. Monika RUDICH [email protected] +43 50 350 21 07 2 Mr. Michel Moreau [email protected] +32 2 238 89 11 Ms. Vanessa DONKE [email protected] +55 11 347 23 91 6 www.greatwestlife.com Mr. David Henry [email protected] www.cruzdelsur.cl Mr. Juan Pablo ACHONDO [email protected] +56 2 461 83 43 Ms. Nicole ZHANG [email protected] ++86 21 386 38 25 5 +1 416 552 58 02 www.segurosbolivar.com Mr. Alberto Amaya [email protected] +57 1 334 33 11 Czech Republic Kooperativa www.koop.cz Ms. Martina TRUPLOVÁ [email protected] +420 222 82 72 66 Denmark Danica Pension www.danicapension.dk Mr. Peter Mørch [email protected] +45 45 13 59 35 Int’l Health Insurance (IHI) www.ihi.dk Ms. Nicole Lind [email protected] +45 331 53 09 9 PFA Pension www.pfa.dk Ms. Lotte ELSBORG [email protected] +45 391 75 00 0 Swiss Life Network www.swisslife-network.com Mr. Michael HANSEN [email protected] +45 33 93 21 22 Finland Ilmarinen www.ilmarinen.fi Ms. Riitta Räsänen-Rugemalira [email protected] +358 10 284 26 28 France Swiss Life (France) www.swisslife.fr Mr. Eric Dubreuil [email protected] +33 1 408 23 71 4 Germany Swiss Life (Germany) www.swisslife.de Ms. Marion VINTZ [email protected] +49 89 381 09 18 72 Greece Aspis Pronia www.aspis.gr Ms. Zeta Kokolaki [email protected] +30 210 617 67 72 Guatemala Seguros de Occidente www.occidente.com.gt Mr. Manuel Lemus [email protected] +502 227 97 27 8 Hong Kong Sun Life Hong Kong Limited www.sunlife-hk.com Mr. Peter KONG [email protected] +852 286 14 09 2 www.unionbiztosito.hu Ms. Judit SÖRÖS HungaryUnion Biztosító [email protected] +36 1 486 42 48 India Kotak Mahindra Old Mutual Life www.kotaklifeinsurance.com Mr. Sandeep Shrikhande [email protected] +91 22 566 35 11 7 Ireland Irish Life www.irishlife.ie Mr. Damian Fadden [email protected] +353 1 704 12 72 Italy Apulia previdenza www.swisslife-network.com Ms. Donatella CAPONE [email protected] +39 02 725 66 74 5 Japan Meiji Yasuda Life www.meijiyasuda.co.jp Mr. Yasuo SATO [email protected] +81 3 32 83 87 79 Korea Korea Life www.korealife.com Mr. Chang-Mo KIM [email protected] +82 2 789 79 66 Luxembourg Swiss Life (Luxembourg) www.swisslife.lu Mr. Martial BEGUIN [email protected] +352 423 95 92 55 Malaysia Hong Leong Assurance www.hla.com.my Mr. Robbin KHOO [email protected] +60 3 765 01 62 3 Mexico Seguros Inbursa www.segurosinbursa.com.mx Mr. Jorge NAVARRO [email protected] +52 55 532 50 42 3 Netherlands Zwitserleven (Swiss Life) www.zwitserleven.nl New Zealand Ms. Caroline VAN DEN HEUVEL [email protected] +31 20 347 8550 Hannover Life Re of Australasia www.hannoverlifere.com Ms. Kristine Nugent [email protected] +61 2 925 16 91 1 Norway Danica Pensjon www.danica.no Mr. Jan Petter OPEDAL [email protected] +47 7 356 32 38 Vital Forsikring www.vital.no Mr. Tor Myrseth [email protected] +47 934 07 43 4 Panama Aseguradora Mundial www.amundial.com Ms. Dana VÁSQUEZ [email protected] +507 207 66 00 Philippines First Guarantee Life www.firstlife.com.ph Ms. Ninian CEDO [email protected] +632 893 30 24 Poland Compensa S.A. www.compensa.com.pl Mr. Mariusz Remisz [email protected] +48 22 501 63 56 Portugal Groupama Seguros www.groupama.pt Mr. Nuno Silva [email protected] +351 217 92 32 40 Russia Rosgosstrakh www.rosgosstrakh.ru Mr. Mikhail KALININ [email protected] +7 495 518 96 24 Singapore NTUC Income www.income.com.sg Ms. Lee Lian Wee [email protected] +65 687 73 36 3 Swiss Life Network www.swisslife-network.com Mr. Cedric LUAH [email protected] +65 969 14 81 8 Slovakia Kooperativa www.koop.sk Mr. Jan Pavlik [email protected] +421 2 572 99 20 8 South Africa Momentum Life www.momentum.co.za Mr. Nazeem Khan [email protected] +27 11 544 34 63 Spain VidaCaixa www.vidacaixa.es Ms. Ana CARDOSO Delgado [email protected] +34 93 227 89 57 Sweden Danica Fondförsäkring www.danica.se Mr. Patrik UVÄNG [email protected] +46 752 480 437 Switzerland Helsana www.helsana.ch Mr. Andy DIETRICH [email protected] +41 43 340 63 81 Swiss Life (Head Office) www.swisslife.ch Mr. Felix SCHWAN [email protected] +41 43 284 37 93 Taiwan Kuo Hua Life www.khltw.com Mr. Hunter HSU [email protected] +886 2 555 19 78 8 Thailand Bangkok Life Assurance www.bla.co.th Mr. Taweesak Dejprasit [email protected] +662 777 8888 ext: 8441 United KingdomUnum www.unum.co.uk Mr. Colin Fitzgerald [email protected] +44 1306 873 04 7 USA Fort Dearborn Life www.fdl-life.com Mr. Brad GARY [email protected] +1 630 824 56 29 Venezuela Seguros Comerciales Bolívar www.segurosbolivar.com Mr. Max Carriazo [email protected] +58 212 905 99 33