Publications
Publications
- September 2004 (Revised December 2004)
- HBS Case Collection
Bank Leu's Prima Cat Bond Fund
Abstract
In 2001, Bank Leu, a Swiss private bank, is considering creating the world's first public fund for catastrophe bonds. Cat bonds are securities whose payments depend on the probability of a catastrophe occurring, such as an earthquake or hurricane. Cat bonds are traditionally issued by large insurance or reinsurance companies. This case outlines the traditional reinsurance market and securitization efforts that have taken place in the past and focuses on Bank Leu's decision as a buy-side participant in the cat bond market.
Keywords
Risk Management; Bonds; Natural Disasters; Insurance; Capital Markets; Banks and Banking; Banking Industry; Insurance Industry; Switzerland
Citation
Chacko, George C., Peter A. Hecht, Vincent Dessain, Anders Sjoman, and Adam J. Plotkin. "Bank Leu's Prima Cat Bond Fund." Harvard Business School Case 205-005, September 2004. (Revised December 2004.)