XML 69 R27.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.22.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2022
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Investments

Purchased Credit Deteriorated (PCD) Securities

We purchase certain RMBS securities that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. These are referred to as PCD assets. At the time of purchase an allowance is recognized for these PCD assets by adding it to the purchase price to arrive at the initial amortized cost. There is no credit loss expense recognized upon acquisition of a PCD asset. When determining the initial allowance for credit losses, management considers the historical performance of underlying assets and available market information as well as bond-specific structural considerations, such as credit enhancement and the priority of payment structure of the security. In addition, the process of estimating future cash flows includes, but is not limited to, the following critical inputs:

Current delinquency rates;

Expected default rates and the timing of such defaults;

Loss severity and the timing of any recovery; and

Expected prepayment speeds.

Subsequent to the acquisition date, the PCD assets follow the same accounting as other structured securities that are not high credit quality.
Reinsurance

7. Reinsurance

Fortitude RE

Fortitude Re is the reinsurer of the majority of AIG’s run-off operations. The reinsurance transactions are structured as modco and loss portfolio transfer arrangements with funds withheld (funds withheld). In modco and funds withheld arrangements, the investments supporting the reinsurance agreements, and which reflect the majority of the consideration that would be paid to the reinsurer for entering into the transaction, are withheld by, and therefore continue to reside on the balance sheet of, the ceding company (i.e., AIG) thereby creating an obligation for the ceding company to pay the reinsurer (i.e., Fortitude Re) at a later date. Additionally, as AIG maintains ownership of these investments, AIG will maintain its existing accounting for these assets (e.g., the changes in fair value of available for sale securities will be recognized within Other comprehensive income (loss)). As a result of the deconsolidation resulting from the Majority Interest Fortitude Sale, AIG has established a funds withheld payable to Fortitude Re while simultaneously establishing a reinsurance asset representing reserves for the insurance coverage that Fortitude Re has assumed. The funds withheld payable contains an embedded derivative and changes in fair value of the embedded derivative related to the funds withheld payable are recognized in earnings through Net realized gains (losses). This embedded derivative is considered a total return swap with contractual returns that are attributable to various assets and liabilities associated with these reinsurance agreements.

For additional information on Fortitude Re see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2021 Annual Report.

There is a diverse pool of assets supporting the funds withheld arrangements with Fortitude Re. The following summarizes the composition of the pool of assets:

 

March 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

(in millions)

 

Value

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

Value

 

Corresponding Accounting Policy

Fixed maturity securities - available for sale(a)

$

26,513

$

26,513

 

$

31,815

$

31,815

 

Fair value through other comprehensive income (loss)

Fixed maturity securities - fair value option

 

2,711

 

2,711

 

 

1,983

 

1,983

 

Fair value through net investment income

Commercial mortgage loans

 

3,889

 

3,940

 

 

3,637

 

3,859

 

Amortized cost

Real estate investments

 

178

 

414

 

 

201

 

395

 

Amortized cost

Private equity funds / hedge funds

 

1,724

 

1,724

 

 

1,606

 

1,606

 

Fair value through net investment income

Policy loans

 

373

 

373

 

 

380

 

380

 

Amortized cost

Short-term investments

 

81

 

81

 

 

50

 

50

 

Fair value through net investment income

Funds withheld investment assets

 

35,469

 

35,756

 

 

39,672

 

40,088

 

 

Derivative assets, net(b)

 

72

 

72

 

 

81

 

81

 

Fair value through net realized gains (losses)

Other(c)

 

653

 

653

 

 

602

 

602

 

Amortized cost

Total

$

36,194

$

36,481

 

$

40,355

$

40,771

 

 

(a)The change in the net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities related to the Fortitude Re funds withheld assets was $(3.3) billion ($(2.6) billion after-tax) and $(2.9) billion ($(2.3) billion after-tax), respectively for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

 

(b) The derivative assets and liabilities have been presented net of cash collateral. The derivative assets and liabilities supporting the Fortitude Re funds withheld arrangements had a fair market value of $349 million and $16 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2022. The derivative assets and liabilities supporting the Fortitude Re funds withheld arrangements had a fair market value of $389 million and $10 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. These derivative assets and liabilities are fully collateralized either by cash or securities.

(c) Primarily comprised of Cash and Accrued investment income.

 

The impact of the funds withheld arrangements with Fortitude Re was as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

2022

2021

Net underwriting income

$

-

$

-

Net investment income - Fortitude Re funds withheld assets

 

291

 

486

Net realized gains (losses) on Fortitude Re funds withheld assets:

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) - Fortitude Re funds withheld assets

 

(140)

 

173

Net realized gains - Fortitude Re embedded derivatives

 

3,318

 

2,382

Net realized gains on Fortitude Re funds withheld assets

 

3,178

 

2,555

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

 

3,469

 

3,041

Income tax expense(a)

 

728

 

639

Net income

 

2,741

 

2,402

Change in unrealized depreciation of all other investments(a)

 

(2,638)

 

(2,340)

Comprehensive income

$

103

$

62

(a)The income tax expense (benefit) and the tax impact in AOCI was computed using AIG’s U.S. statutory tax rate of 21 percent.

 

Various assets supporting the Fortitude Re funds withheld arrangements are reported at amortized cost, and as such, changes in the fair value of these assets are not reflected in the financial statements. However, changes in the fair value of these assets are included in the embedded derivative in the Fortitude Re funds withheld arrangements and the appreciation of these assets is the primary driver of the comprehensive income (loss) reflected above.

Reinsurance – Credit Losses

The estimation of reinsurance recoverables involves a significant amount of judgment, particularly for latent exposures, such as asbestos, due to their long-tail nature. Reinsurance assets include reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses that are estimated as part of our loss reserving process and, consequently, are subject to similar judgments and uncertainties as the estimation of gross loss reserves. Similarly, Other assets include reinsurance recoverables for contracts which are accounted for as deposits.

We assess the collectability of reinsurance recoverable balances in each reporting period, through either historical trends of disputes and credit events or financial analysis of the credit quality of the reinsurer. We record adjustments to reflect the results of these assessments through an allowance for credit losses and disputes that reduces the carrying amount of reinsurance and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets (collectively, reinsurance recoverables). This estimate requires significant judgment for which key considerations include:

paid and unpaid amounts recoverable;

whether the balance is in dispute or subject to legal collection;

the relative financial health of the reinsurer as determined by the Obligor Risk Ratings (ORRs) we assign to each reinsurer based upon our financial reviews; reinsurers that are financially troubled (i.e., in run-off, have voluntarily or involuntarily been placed in receivership, are insolvent, are in the process of liquidation or otherwise subject to formal or informal regulatory restriction) are assigned ORRs that will generate a significant allowance; and

whether collateral and collateral arrangements exist.

An estimate of the reinsurance recoverables lifetime expected credit losses is established utilizing a probability of default and loss given default method, which reflects the reinsurer’s ORR rating. The allowance for credit losses excludes disputed amounts. An allowance for disputes is established for a reinsurance recoverable using the losses incurred model for contingencies.

The total reinsurance recoverables as of March 31, 2022 were $77.7 billion. As of that date, utilizing AIG’s ORRs, (i) approximately 93 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were investment grade, of which 53 percent related to General Insurance and 40 percent related to Life and Retirement; (ii) approximately 6 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were non-investment grade, the majority of which related to General Insurance; (iii) less than one percent of the non-investment grade reinsurance recoverables related to Life and Retirement and (iv) approximately one percent of the reinsurance recoverables related to entities that were not rated by AIG.

The total reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2021 were $76.3 billion. As of that date, utilizing AIG’s ORRs, (i) approximately 92 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were investment grade, of which 52 percent related to General Insurance and 40 percent related to Life and Retirement; (ii) approximately 7 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were noninvestment grade, the majority of which related to General Insurance; (iii) less than one percent of the non-investment grade reinsurance recoverables related to Life and Retirement and (iv) approximately one percent of the reinsurance recoverables related to entities that were not rated by AIG.

As of both March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 71 percent of our non-investment grade reinsurance exposure related to captive insurers. These arrangements are typically collateralized by letters of credit, funds withheld or trust agreements.

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Loss Reserves)

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Loss Reserves)

Loss reserves represent the accumulation of estimates of unpaid claims, including estimates for claims incurred but not reported and loss adjustment expenses, less applicable discount. We regularly review and update the methods used to determine loss reserve estimates. Because these estimates are subject to the outcome of future events, changes in estimates are common given that loss trends vary and time is often required for changes in trends to be recognized and confirmed. Any adjustments resulting from this review are reflected currently in pre-tax income, except to the extent such adjustment impacts a deferred gain under a retroactive reinsurance agreement, in which case the ceded portion would be amortized into pre-tax income in subsequent periods. Reserve changes that increase previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as unfavorable or adverse development or reserve strengthening. Reserve changes that decrease previous estimates of ultimate cost are referred to as favorable development or reserve releases.

Accounting Standards Adopted During 2021 and Future Application of Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Adopted

Reference Rate Reform

On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued an accounting standard that provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The standard allows us to account for certain contract modifications that result from the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate as a continuation of the existing contract without additional analysis. This standard may be elected and applied prospectively over time from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 as reference rate reform activities occur.

Where permitted by the guidance, we have accounted for contract modifications stemming from the discontinuation of LIBOR or another reference rate as a continuation of the existing contract. As part of our implementation efforts, we have and will continue to assess our operational readiness and current and alternative reference rates’ merits, limitations, risks and suitability for our investment and insurance processes. The adoption of the standard has not had, and is not expected to have, a material impact on our reported consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and required disclosures.

Future Application of Accounting Standards

Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts

In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update with the objective of making targeted improvements to the existing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity.

The Company will adopt the standard on January 1, 2023. We continue to evaluate and expect the adoption of this standard will impact our financial condition, results of operations, statement of cash flows and disclosures, as well as systems, processes and controls.

The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition method relating to liabilities for traditional and limited payment contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs associated therewith. The Company will adopt the standard in relation to market risk benefits (MRBs) on a retrospective basis. Based upon this transition method, the Company currently estimates that the January 1, 2021 transition date (Transition Date) impact from adoption is likely to result in a decrease in AIG’s equity between approximately $1.0 billion and $3.0 billion in AIG’s Life and Retirement business. The most significant drivers of the transition adjustment are expected to be (1) changes related to market risk benefits in our Individual Retirement and Group Retirement segments, including the impact of non-performance adjustments (2) changes to the discount rate which will most significantly impact our Life Insurance and Institutional Markets segments and (3) the removal of balances recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) related to changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.

Market risk benefits: The standard requires the measurement of all MRBs associated with deposit (or account balance) contracts at fair value at each reporting period. Changes in fair value compared to prior periods will be recorded and presented separately within the income statement, with the exception of instrument-specific credit risk changes (non-performance adjustments), which will be recognized in other comprehensive income. MRBs will impact both retained earnings and AOCI upon transition.

As MRBs are required to be accounted for at fair value, the quarterly valuation of these items will result in variability and volatility in the Company’s results following adoption.

Discount rate assumption: The standard requires the discount rate assumption for the liability for future policy benefits to be updated at the end of each reporting period using an upper-medium grade (low credit risk) fixed income instrument yield that maximizes the use of observable market inputs. Upon transition, the Company currently estimates an adjustment to AOCI due to the fact that the market upper-medium grade (low credit risk) interest rates as of the Transition Date differ from reserve interest accretion rates. Lower interest rates result in a higher liability for future policy benefits, and are anticipated to more significantly impact our Life Insurance and Institutional Markets segments.

Following adoption, the impact of changes to discount rates will be recognized through other comprehensive income. Changes resulting from unlocking the discount rate each reporting period will primarily impact term life insurance and other traditional life insurance products, as well as pension risk transfer and structured settlement products.

Removal of balances related to changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments: Under the standard, the majority of balances recorded in AOCI related to changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments will be eliminated.

In addition to the above, the standard also:

Requires the review and if necessary, update of future policy benefit assumptions at least annually for traditional and limited pay long duration contracts, with the recognition and separate presentation of any resulting re-measurement gain or loss (except for discount rate changes as noted above) in the income statement.

Simplifies the amortization of DAC to a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts with adjustments for unexpected terminations, but no longer requires an impairment test.

Increased disclosures of disaggregated roll-forwards of several balances, including: liabilities for future policy benefits, deferred acquisition costs, account balances, market risk benefits, separate account liabilities and information about significant inputs, judgments and methods used in measurement and changes thereto and impact of those changes.

We expect that the accounting for Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Fortitude Re) will continue to remain largely unchanged. With respect to Fortitude Re, the reinsurance assets, including the discount rates, will continue to be calculated using the same methodology and assumptions as the direct policies. Accounting for modified coinsurance (modco) remains unchanged.

The Company has created a governance framework and a plan to support implementation of the updated standard. As part of its implementation plan, the Company has also advanced the modernization of its actuarial technology platform to enhance its modeling, data management, experience study and analytical capabilities, increase the end-to-end automation of key reporting and analytical processes and optimize its control framework. The Company has designed and begun implementation and testing of internal controls related to the new processes created as part of implementing the updated standard and will continue to refine these internal controls until the formal implementation in the first quarter of 2023.

Troubled Debt Restructuring and Vintage Disclosures

In March 2022, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings for creditors and amends the guidance on “vintage disclosures” to require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination. The standard also updates the requirements for accounting for credit losses by adding enhanced disclosures for creditors related to loan refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Because the Company has already adopted the current expected credit loss (CECL) model, the amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those years. We are assessing the impact of this standard.

Credit Losses

Reinsurance – Credit Losses

The estimation of reinsurance recoverables involves a significant amount of judgment, particularly for latent exposures, such as asbestos, due to their long-tail nature. Reinsurance assets include reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses that are estimated as part of our loss reserving process and, consequently, are subject to similar judgments and uncertainties as the estimation of gross loss reserves. Similarly, Other assets include reinsurance recoverables for contracts which are accounted for as deposits.

We assess the collectability of reinsurance recoverable balances in each reporting period, through either historical trends of disputes and credit events or financial analysis of the credit quality of the reinsurer. We record adjustments to reflect the results of these assessments through an allowance for credit losses and disputes that reduces the carrying amount of reinsurance and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets (collectively, reinsurance recoverables). This estimate requires significant judgment for which key considerations include:

paid and unpaid amounts recoverable;

whether the balance is in dispute or subject to legal collection;

the relative financial health of the reinsurer as determined by the Obligor Risk Ratings (ORRs) we assign to each reinsurer based upon our financial reviews; reinsurers that are financially troubled (i.e., in run-off, have voluntarily or involuntarily been placed in receivership, are insolvent, are in the process of liquidation or otherwise subject to formal or informal regulatory restriction) are assigned ORRs that will generate a significant allowance; and

whether collateral and collateral arrangements exist.

An estimate of the reinsurance recoverables lifetime expected credit losses is established utilizing a probability of default and loss given default method, which reflects the reinsurer’s ORR rating. The allowance for credit losses excludes disputed amounts. An allowance for disputes is established for a reinsurance recoverable using the losses incurred model for contingencies.

The total reinsurance recoverables as of March 31, 2022 were $77.7 billion. As of that date, utilizing AIG’s ORRs, (i) approximately 93 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were investment grade, of which 53 percent related to General Insurance and 40 percent related to Life and Retirement; (ii) approximately 6 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were non-investment grade, the majority of which related to General Insurance; (iii) less than one percent of the non-investment grade reinsurance recoverables related to Life and Retirement and (iv) approximately one percent of the reinsurance recoverables related to entities that were not rated by AIG.

The total reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2021 were $76.3 billion. As of that date, utilizing AIG’s ORRs, (i) approximately 92 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were investment grade, of which 52 percent related to General Insurance and 40 percent related to Life and Retirement; (ii) approximately 7 percent of the reinsurance recoverables were noninvestment grade, the majority of which related to General Insurance; (iii) less than one percent of the non-investment grade reinsurance recoverables related to Life and Retirement and (iv) approximately one percent of the reinsurance recoverables related to entities that were not rated by AIG.

As of both March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 71 percent of our non-investment grade reinsurance exposure related to captive insurers. These arrangements are typically collateralized by letters of credit, funds withheld or trust agreements.

Reinsurance Recoverable Allowance

The following table presents a rollforward of the reinsurance recoverable allowance:

Three Months Ended March 31,

2022

 

2021

 

 

General

 

Life and

 

 

 

 

General

 

Life and

 

 

(in millions)

Insurance

Retirement

 

Total

 

Insurance

Retirement

 

Total

Balance, beginning of year

$

281

$

101

$

382

 

$

292

$

83

$

375

Addition to (release of) allowance for expected credit losses and disputes, net

 

5

 

4

 

9

 

 

1

 

4

 

5

Write-offs charged against the allowance for credit losses and disputes

 

(2)

 

-

 

(2)

 

 

(4)

 

-

 

(4)

Other changes

 

2

 

-

 

2

 

 

2

 

-

 

2

Balance, end of period

$

286

$

105

$

391

 

$

291

$

87

$

378

There were no material recoveries of credit losses previously written off for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

Past-Due Status

We consider a reinsurance asset to be past due when it is 90 days past due. The allowance for credit losses is estimated excluding disputed amounts. An allowance for disputes is established using the losses incurred method for contingencies. Past due balances on claims that are not in dispute were not material for any of the periods presented.