A.M. Best Special Report: U.S. Fraternal Industry Facing Challenging Demographics

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best has released a report that focuses on the challenges being faced by the U.S. fraternal industry, a segment of not-for-profit organizations that offer life insurance and retirement products.

According to the Best’s Special Report titled, “U.S. Fraternal Industry Facing Challenging Demographics,” A.M. Best has identified several significant challenges over the past decade that are expected to place negative ratings pressure on these fraternal benefit societies (fraternals). These issues include changing demographics, which lead to declining membership; expanding distribution; a shift toward interest-sensitive product lines; pressure on operating margins; and heightened regulatory and technology costs.

Fraternals offer life insurance and retirement products to support members and fund community support through charitable donations, volunteerism and educational support. Fraternals face some challenges that are similar to the issues facing the general U.S. life industry, namely, the need to modernize distribution systems, achieve top-line revenue growth, increase market penetration (particularly in the middle income market), and maintain relevance and appeal to younger generations.

While the rating trend generally remains stable, negative rating actions may occur for those fraternals with declining membership, lower capitalization ratios, a shifting business mix toward heightened interest sensitivity and negative earnings trends.

For a full copy of this special report, please visit: http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=238812.

A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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A.M. Best Co.

Keith Behrmann
Financial Analyst

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5733

keith.behrmann@ambest.com

or

Rosemarie Mirabella
Assistant Vice President

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5892

rosemarie.mirabella@ambest.com

or

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

or

Jim Peavy
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations

(908) 439-2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best Co.