Q1 2017 market outlook: A Tale of Two Segments

The insurance-linked securities (ILS) market is firing on all cylinders in early 2017. There is a robust pipeline with a nearly record level of deals completed. ILS funds are raising capital and putting it to work. Sponsors are responding to the attractive spread environment by seeking new protection backed by liquid ILS (cat bonds) as well as continuing to ramp up protection in other forms. A record year seems possible.