AXIS Capital Holdings Limited has announced a new policy addressing thermal coal and oil sands-related underwriting and investments.

In a statement, AXIS explained that its new policy was a component of a broader corporate citizenship program led by the company's general counsel, Conrad Brooks, and overseen by its president and chief executive officer, Albert Benchimol, and the corporate governance and nominating committee of the company's board of directors.

The program focuses on four key areas: environment, diversity and inclusion, philanthropy, and advocacy.

The new thermal coal and oil sands underwriting and investment policy, effective January 1, 2020, addresses:

Underwriting:

  • AXIS will not provide new insurance or facultative reinsurance for the construction of new thermal coal plants or mines and their dedicated infrastructure or oil sands extraction and pipeline projects and their dedicated infrastructure, or to companies that generate 30 percent or more of their revenues from thermal coal mining, generate 30 percent or more of their power from thermal coal, or hold more than 20 percent of their reserves in oil sands.
  • Renewals will be considered on a case-by-case basis until January 1, 2023. Exceptions to this policy may be considered on a limited basis until January 1, 2025 in countries where sufficient access to alternative energy sources is not available.

Investments:

  • AXIS will not make new investments in companies that generate 30 percent or more of their revenues from thermal coal mining, that generate 30 percent or more of their power from thermal coal, or that hold more than 20 percent of their reserves in oil sands.

"We believe insurers have an important role to play in mitigating climate risk and transitioning to a low-carbon economy," said Mr. Benchimol. "This policy is in line with our broader strategies such as reducing investments in lines that do not align with our long-term approach; investing in growth areas, such as renewable energy insurance, where we are a top five global player; and growing our corporate citizenship program, a core focus of which is creating a positive environmental impact."

Added Mr. Brooks, "We strive to ensure that every business decision we make is guided by our corporate values, and we believe this new thermal coal and oil sands policy is the right thing to do for our planet and our business."

Learn more: www.axiscapital.com.

Victoria Spears

Victoria Spears

Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].

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