Equitable Life has long been a trusted name in the Canadian insurance landscape. Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with Martin Reeves, Head of Individual Insurance Business at Equitable Life, following his insightful presentation. Over lunch in a boardroom setting, we delved deeper into what sets Equitable Life apart and how the company’s mutual model benefits policyholders. Here’s a summary of our conversation.

Meet Martin Reeves

Martin Reeves brings a wealth of experience to Equitable Life, having spent 20 years in the insurance industry and the last three and a half years with Equitable. As an actuary, he oversees operations, underwriting, product, and finance teams within the individual insurance line of business. His expertise offers a unique perspective on the trends shaping the insurance world and the inner workings of a mutual company like Equitable Life.

What Makes Equitable Life Different? The Power of the Mutual Model

One of the standout points of our conversation was the mutual structure of Equitable Life. Unlike shareholder-owned companies, Equitable Life is owned by its policyholders. According to Reeves, this creates a powerful alignment of interests:

“We have no shareholders. All of our focus and energy goes into maximizing value for our policyholders,” he explained.

Without the need to carve out profits for shareholders, the company can dedicate its resources to better serving its clients. Decisions in the boardroom are guided by a singular priority: doing what’s right for policyholders.

This unique alignment makes Equitable Life one of the few mutual insurance companies in Canada, and it provides a distinct advantage, especially in products like participating (PAR) life insurance. Reeves highlighted that in the absence of shareholders, policyholders effectively “own the performance of the PAR account,” ensuring dividends and profits benefit them directly.

Life Expectancy and Its Impact on Policyholders

As an actuary, Reeves has a keen understanding of how life expectancy trends impact the insurance industry. Over the past century, life expectancy has been steadily increasing due to medical advances and healthier lifestyles. While environmental concerns might pose challenges, the consensus remains optimistic.

Reeves noted that this increase benefits PAR policyholders at Equitable Life. Longer life expectancy means policyholders pay premiums longer, delay death benefit payouts, and enjoy greater investment returns. All these factors contribute to the financial health of the PAR account, translating into higher dividends for policyholders.

Interestingly, Equitable Life does not currently price in anticipated life expectancy increases, unlike some competitors. This means any positive trends in life expectancy represent a direct benefit for policyholders. Reeves emphasized:

“If life expectancy does increase, that directly benefits the participating policyholders. All that value goes back to them in the form of dividends.”

The Role of Non-Participating Insurance

Another unique feature of Equitable Life is how profits from non-participating (non-PAR) insurance products are handled. Reeves explained:

“The profits from our non-par accounts belong to the par surplus, which is owned by the par policyholders.”

While these profits are not directly distributed as dividends, they are reinvested to enhance services, digital tools, and overall organizational strength. This ensures that every dollar of profit contributes to creating a better experience for policyholders, rather than being distributed to external shareholders.

Looking Ahead

Our conversation with Martin Reeves provided a clear understanding of what makes Equitable Life unique in a competitive industry. Its mutual model ensures policyholders’ interests remain at the forefront, while trends like increasing life expectancy promise continued value for those who hold policies with the company.

Reeves’ insights also highlighted Equitable Life’s commitment to innovation and service enhancement, making it a compelling choice for Canadians seeking life insurance.

We thank Martin Reeves for sharing his expertise and giving us a closer look at Equitable Life’s philosophy and operations. For policyholders and industry professionals alike, it’s reassuring to know the company remains steadfastly focused on maximizing client value in every decision it makes.

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