Master Criteria describe the basic foundation for our ratings within a sector. 

Criteria Complements are referenced in the Insurance Rating Criteria, and constitute criteria outputs.

Cross-Sector Criteria explain Fitch’s approach to topics that relate to multiple areas or audiences. 

Sector-Specific Criteria describe Fitch’s analytical approach for individual sectors, and address specific credit factors. Criteria is applied consistently, making Fitch's ratings comparable across global financial markets. We link to the Criteria Reports used to assign a particular rating at the bottom of every Rating Action Commentary.

01Master Criteria

02Criteria Complements

The reports in this section are instrumental to the analysis, and are amended or updated, depending on country-specific developments and the evolution of Fitch’s analytical understanding of the provisions included in these reports. 

Special Report

Industry Profile and Operating Environment (IPOE) - Insurance Summary

Fitch evaluates the relative strengths and weaknesses of an insurer’s insurance markets and sectors, and overall operating environment from several perspectives. - Regulatory Oversight - Technical Sophistication of Insurance Market; Diversity and Breadth - Competitive Profile - Financial Markets Development - Country Risks

Special Report

Fitch Regulatory Classification - Insurance Summary

The form of regulation establishes a theoretical foundation throughout these notching criteria. Fitch Ratings classifies regulation as being either 'Group Solvency', 'Ring Fencing' or 'Other'. Please see Fitch's Insurance Criteria for details about the above regulatory definitions.

Special Report

Reserve Adequacy - Insurance Summary

In most developed markets, a combined ranking of 'neutral' above meets an ‘A’ IFS scoring guideline. For certain developing market countries, Fitch Ratings revises this neutral guideline when the agency believes reserving sophistication is below that of developed markets.

03Sector-Specific

04Cross-Sector

05Bespoke