Swiss Re takes $878M subprime hit

The October loss stems from a pair of credit default swaps written by the firm’s Credit Solutions unit.
NOV 19, 2007
Swiss Reinsurance Co. today reported that it lost $878 million after taxes due to its subprime-mortgage exposure. The loss, which occurred in October, stemmed from a pair of credit default swaps written by the Zurich-based firm’s Credit Solutions unit. The swaps were made to protect portfolios against a risk of loss, but the mortgage crisis has made the value of the underlying assets plummet, Swiss Re said. These portfolios contained mostly mortgage-backed securities, including some exposure to subprime and asset backed securities in the form of collateralized debt obligations. Swiss Re has marked down the ABS CDOs to zero, while the subprime assets have lost 62% of their original value. The market value of the portfolio is now $5.4 billion. Still, Swiss Re will stick with its targets: a 10% rise in earnings per share and a year-end return on equity of 13%.

Latest News

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human
Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up
Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up

Shareholder targets FS KKR Capital's directors over alleged portfolio valuation and dividend missteps.

UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin
UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin

UBS has a history of costly litigation stemming from the sale of volatile investment products.

'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds
'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds

New director David Woodcock puts firms on notice over fees, conflicts, and liquidity risk as private credit shows signs of stress.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline