Virginia Law

Article 1. General Provisions.

This chapter applies to and regulates the investments of all domestic insurers as defined in this chapter. Upon petition to, and approval by, the Commission, any one or more provisions of this chapter shall not apply to a domestic insurer in receivership in this Commonwealth pursuant to Chapter 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.) of this title. A foreign or alien insurer may invest its funds and assets in any investments that are permitted by the laws of its state or country of domicile and are of the same general character and quality as those authorized under this chapter. A foreign or alien insurer whose domiciliary jurisdiction does not regulate the investments of its insurers shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.1; 1986, c. 562; 1990, c. 893; 1992, c. 588; 1993, c. 55.

As used in this chapter:

"Admitted assets" means, for purposes of the limitations and standards imposed by Articles 1 and 2 of this chapter, the amount thereof as permitted to be reported on the statutory financial statement of the insurer most recently required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to §§ 38.2-1300 and 38.2-1301 or other similar provisions within this title, but excluding the assets allocated to separate accounts pursuant to Article 3 (§ 38.2-1443 et seq.) of this chapter.

"Business entity" means a corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, trust, church, or religious body.

"Cap" means an agreement obligating the seller to make payments to the buyer, with each payment based on the amount by which a reference price or level or the performance or value of one or more underlying interests exceeds a predetermined number, sometimes called the strike rate or strike price.

"Category 1 investment" means any investment complying with Article 1 (§ 38.2-1400 et seq.) and either Article 2 (§ 38.2-1412 et seq.) or 3 (§ 38.2-1443 et seq.), or both Articles 2 and 3, of this chapter.

"Category 2 investment" means any investment complying with Article 1, but with neither Article 2 nor Article 3, of this chapter.

"Claimants" means any owners, beneficiaries, assignees, certificate holders, or third-party beneficiaries of any insurance benefit or right arising out of and within the coverage of an insurance policy, annuity contract, benefit contract, or subscription contract.

"Collar" means an agreement to receive payments as the buyer of an option, cap, or floor and to make payments as the seller of a different option, cap, or floor.

"Counterparty exposure amount" means the amount of credit risk attributable to an over-the-counter derivative instrument, which amount of credit risk is equal to (i) the market value of the over-the-counter derivative instrument if the liquidation of the derivative instrument would result in a final cash payment to the insurer or (ii) zero if the liquidation of the derivative instrument would not result in a final cash payment to the insurer. However, if an over-the-counter derivative instrument is entered into under a written master agreement that provides for netting of payments owed by the respective parties, and the domicile of the counterparty is either within the United States or, if not within the United States, within a foreign jurisdiction listed in the Purposes and Procedures Manual of the Securities Valuation Office as eligible for netting, the amount of credit risk attributable to the over-the-counter derivative instrument shall be the greater of zero or the net sum of (a) the market value of the over-the-counter derivative instruments entered into under the agreement, the liquidation of which would result in a final cash payment to the insurer, and (b) the market value of the over-the-counter derivative instruments entered into under the agreement, the liquidation of which would result in a final cash payment by the insurer to the business entity. With respect to open transactions, the market value of the over-the-counter derivative instrument shall be determined at the end of the most recent quarter of the insurer's fiscal year and shall be reduced by the market value of acceptable collateral held by the insurer or placed in escrow by one or both parties.

"Date of investment" means the date on which funds are disbursed for an investment.

"Derivative instrument" means an agreement, instrument, or a series or combination thereof (i) to make or take delivery of, or assume or relinquish, a specified amount of one or more underlying interests or to make a cash settlement in lieu thereof or (ii) that has a price, performance, value, or cash flow based primarily upon the actual or expected price, level, performance, value, or cash flow of one or more underlying interests. Derivative instruments include options, warrants used in a hedging transaction and not attached to another financial instrument, caps, floors, collars, swaps, forwards, futures, and any other agreements, options, or instruments substantially similar thereto or any series or combination thereof and any agreements or instruments permitted under rules adopted under § 38.2-1428.

"Derivative transaction" means a transaction involving the use of one or more derivative instruments.

"Domestic governmental entity" means the United States, any state, or any municipality or district in any such state, or any political subdivision, civil division, agency or instrumentality of one or more of the foregoing.

"Fair market value" means the price that property will bring when (i) offered for sale by one who desires, but who is not obligated, to sell it; (ii) bought by one who is under no necessity of having it; and (iii) sufficient time has elapsed to allow interested buyers the opportunity to become informed of the offer for sale.

"Fixed charges" means actual interest incurred in each year on funded and unfunded debt, excluding interest on bank deposit accounts, and annual apportionment of debt discount or premium. Where interest is partially or entirely contingent upon earnings, "fixed charges" includes contingent interest payments.

"Floor" means an agreement obligating the seller to make payments to the buyer in which each payment is based on the amount by which a predetermined number, sometimes called the floor rate or price, exceeds a reference price, a level, or the performance or value of one or more underlying interests.

"Forward" means an agreement, other than a future, to make or take delivery of, or effect a cash settlement based on the actual or expected price, level, performance or value of, one or more underlying interests.

"Future" means an agreement, traded on a qualified exchange or qualified foreign exchange, to make or take delivery of, or effect a cash settlement based on the actual or expected price, level, performance or value of, one or more underlying interests and includes an insurance future.

"Hedging transaction" means:

1. A derivative transaction that is entered into and maintained to reduce:

a. The risk of a change in the value, yield, price, cash flow, or quantity of assets or liabilities that the insurer has acquired or incurred or anticipates acquiring or incurring; or

b. The currency exchange rate risk or the degree of exposure as to assets or liabilities that the insurer has acquired or incurred or anticipates acquiring or incurring; or

2. Any other derivative transaction specified as constituting a hedging transaction in rules adopted pursuant to § 38.2-1428.

"High grade obligations" means obligations which (i) are rated one or two by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or (ii) if not rated by the Securities Valuation Office, are rated in an equivalent grade by a national rating agency recognized by the Commission.

"Insurance future" means a future relating to an index or pool that is based on insurance-related items.

"Insurance futures option" means an option on an insurance future.

"Insurer" means a company licensed pursuant to Chapter 10 (§ 38.2-1000 et seq.), 11 (§ 38.2-1100 et seq.), 12 (§ 38.2-1200 et seq.), 25 (§ 38.2-2500 et seq.), 26 (§ 38.2-2600 et seq.), 38 (§ 38.2-3800 et seq.), 39 (§ 38.2-3900 et seq.), 40 (§ 38.2-4000 et seq.), 41 (§ 38.2-4100 et seq.), 42 (§ 38.2-4200 et seq.), 43 (§ 38.2-4300 et seq.), 45 (§ 38.2-4500 et seq.), 46 (§ 38.2-4600 et seq.), 51 (§ 38.2-5100 et seq.), or 61 (§ 38.2-6100 et seq.) of this title.

"Life insurer" means any insurer authorized to transact life insurance or to grant annuities as defined in §§ 38.2-102 through 38.2-107 or authorized pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 38, 39, 40 or 41, or any other chapter of this title, to provide any one of the following contractual benefits in any form: death benefits, endowment benefits, annuity benefits or monument or tombstone benefits.

"Lower grade obligations" means obligations which (i) are rated four, five, or six by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or (ii) if not rated by the Securities Valuation Office, are rated in an equivalent grade by a national rating agency recognized by the Commission.

"Medium grade obligations" means obligations which (i) are rated three by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or (ii) if not rated by the Securities Valuation office, are rated in an equivalent grade by a national rating agency recognized by the Commission.

"Minimum capital and surplus" means the minimum surplus to policyholders, or minimum net worth, a particular insurer must have to obtain and maintain its license to transact business in this Commonwealth pursuant to the applicable provisions of this title. In no case shall an insurer's minimum capital and surplus be less than zero.

"Net earnings available for fixed charges" means income minus operating expenses, maintenance expenses, taxes other than income taxes, depreciation, and depletion. Extraordinary nonrecurring income and expense items are excluded from the calculation of "net earnings available for fixed charges."

"Obligation" means a bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness.

"Option" means an agreement giving the buyer the right to buy or receive, sell or deliver, enter into, extend, terminate, or effect a cash settlement based on the actual or expected price, level, performance, or value of one or more underlying interests. "Option" includes an insurance futures option.

"Over-the-counter derivative instrument" means a derivative instrument that is entered into with a business entity other than through a qualified exchange or qualified foreign exchange or that is cleared other than through a qualified clearinghouse.

"Potential exposure" means the amount determined in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Annual Statement Instructions.

"Prohibited investment" means any investment prohibited by § 38.2-1407.

"Qualified clearinghouse" means a clearinghouse for, and that is subject to the rules of, a qualified exchange or a qualified foreign exchange, which clearinghouse provides clearing services, including acting as a counterparty to each of the parties to a transaction such that the parties no longer have credit risk as to each other.

"Qualified exchange" means:

1. A securities exchange registered as a national securities exchange, or a securities market regulated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. § 78a et seq.), as amended;

2. A board of trade or commodities exchange designated as a contract market by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any successor thereof;

3. Private Offerings, Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages (PORTAL);

4. A designated offshore securities market as defined in Securities Exchange Commission Regulation S, 17 C.F.R. Part 230, as amended; or

5. A qualified foreign exchange.

"Qualified foreign exchange" means a foreign exchange, board of trade, or contract market located outside the United States:

1. That has received regulatory comparability relief under Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Rule 30.10 (as set forth in Appendix C to Part 30 of the CFTC's regulations at 17 C.F.R. Part 30);

2. That is, or whose members are, subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign futures authority that has received regulatory comparability relief under CFTC Rule 30.10 (as set forth in Appendix C to Part 30 of the CFTC's regulations at 17 C.F.R. Part 30) as to futures transactions in the jurisdiction where the exchange, board of trade, or contract market is located; or

3. Upon which foreign stock index futures contracts are listed that are the subject of no-action relief issued by the CFTC's Office of General Counsel, provided that an exchange, board of trade, or contract market that qualifies as a "qualified foreign exchange" only under this subsection shall only be a "qualified foreign exchange" as to foreign stock index futures contracts that are the subject of no-action relief.

"Replication transaction" means a derivative transaction that is intended to replicate the performance of one or more assets that an insurer is authorized to acquire under this chapter. A derivative transaction that is entered into as a hedging transaction shall not be considered a replication transaction.

"Reserve liabilities" means those liabilities which are required to be established by an insurer for all of its outstanding insurance policies, annuity contracts, benefit contracts and subscription contracts, in accordance with this title, as amended or as hereafter amended.

"Statement value" means the amount determined in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Annual Statement Instructions.

"Swap" means an agreement to exchange or to net payments at one or more times based on the actual or expected price, level, performance, or value of one or more underlying interests.

"Underlying interest" means the assets, liabilities, or other interests, or a combination thereof, underlying a derivative instrument, such as any one or more securities, currencies, rates, indices, commodities, or derivative instruments.

"Warrant" means an instrument that gives the holder the right to purchase an underlying financial instrument at a given price and time or at a series of prices and times outlined in the warrant agreement. Warrants may be issued alone or in connection with the sale of other securities.

"Wrap-around mortgage" means a loan made by an insurer to a borrower, secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on real property encumbered by a first mortgage or first deed of trust, where the total amount of the obligation of the borrower to the insurer under the loan is not less than the sum of (i) the principal amount initially disbursed by the insurer on account of the loan and (ii) the unpaid principal balance of the obligation secured by the preexisting mortgage or deed of trust.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.2; 1986, c. 562; 1992, c. 588; 1994, c. 503; 1998, c. 42; 2004, c. 668; 2008, c. 216; 2011, c. 198.

A. A domestic insurer may invest its funds and assets in accordance with this chapter. All investments of a domestic insurer shall be classified as (i) Category 1 investments, (ii) Category 2 investments, or (iii) prohibited investments.

B. The Commission, upon application by an insurer, may classify any investments made or proposed to be made and not otherwise specifically classified in Articles 1 (§ 38.2-1400 et seq.) and 2 (§ 38.2-1412 et seq.) of this chapter as a Category 1 investment.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.3; 1986, c. 562.

The value of Category 2 investments shall be excluded from the value of admitted assets to the extent the value of Category 2 investments exceeds seventy-five percent of the amount by which an insurer's surplus to policyholders exceeds its minimum capital and surplus.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.4; 1986, c. 562; 1992, c. 588; 1998, c. 414.

Any investment held on July 1, 1983, that was permitted at the time it was made under former § 38.1-181 or former §§ 38.1-183 through 38.1-217, shall be classified as a Category 1 investment.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.5; 1986, c. 562.

A. The classification by investment category of each investment, based on type of investment as set forth in §§ 38.2-1415 through 38.2-1442, inclusive, shall be determined as of the date of investment.

B. In applying any percentage limitations based on the insurer's total admitted assets or surplus to policyholders, there shall be used as a base, without regard to percentage limitations, those assets or surplus to policyholders as shown by the insurer's most recent annual or quarterly statement on file with the Commission pursuant to §§ 38.2-1300 and 38.2-1301.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.6; 1986, c. 562; 1992, c. 588.

Investments converted to a new form and resulting in a different investment classification under § 38.2-1402, at the election of the insurer, shall retain their previous investment classification for a period not exceeding three years unless the Commission prescribes in writing that a longer period is reasonable. Any prohibited investments shall be divested within that period. The investment conversions shall include those resulting (i) from investments acquired in satisfaction of or on account of loans, mortgages, liens, judgments, or other debts previously owing to the insurer in the course of its business, or (ii) from investments acquired through lawful distributions of assets, lawful plans of reorganization, or lawful and bona fide agreements of bulk reinsurance or of consolidation.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.7; 1986, c. 562.

A. No domestic insurer shall invest in or loan funds secured by:

1. Issued shares of its own capital stock without the Commission's approval. This approval shall be based on an evaluation that indicates the investment does not adversely affect the insurer or its policyholders. The insurer shall not invest in or own more than 20 percent of its outstanding issued stock, except for the purpose of mutualization;

2. Securities of an insolvent entity;

3. Securities that, by their terms, will subject the insurer to any assessment other than for taxes or for wages; however, the term "assessment" shall not include ordinary contractual payments or the transfer of collateral or margin made under derivative instruments invested in or owned under § 38.2-1428;

4. Investments that, as determined by the Commission, are designed to evade any prohibition of this title; or

5. Any obligation or investment prohibited by § 38.2-1411.2.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Commission may order a domestic insurer to limit or withdraw from certain investments, or discontinue certain investment practices, to the extent the Commission finds that such investment or investment practice endangers the solvency of the insurer or is otherwise hazardous to policyholders, creditors or the public in this Commonwealth.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.8; 1986, c. 562; 1992, c. 588; 2011, c. 198.

No domestic insurer shall make any loan, investment, or any sale or exchange of a loan or investment, except policy loans of an insurer issuing life insurance policies or annuities, unless authorized or approved. Authorization or approval shall be made by (i) its board of directors, or other governing body, or (ii) a committee authorized by the governing body or bylaws, to make investments, loans, sales or exchanges. The minutes of the committee shall be recorded, and reports of the investments, loans, sales or exchanges authorized or approved shall be submitted to the board or other governing body at its next meeting.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.9; 1986, c. 562.

Subject to any applicable limitations and restrictions in this chapter, a domestic insurer may own, hold, maintain, manage, operate, lease, sell, convey, and collect and receive income from any property acquired as permitted in this chapter.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.10; 1986, c. 562.

In construing and applying this title, the following shall not be deemed prior liens or encumbrances: easements; rights-of-way; joint driveways; party wall agreements; current taxes and assessments not delinquent; restrictions as to building, use and occupancy unless there is a right of reentry or forfeiture for violation; instruments reserving mineral, oil, or timber rights; title matters for which the insurer is insured against loss by a title insurer; and leases under which rents are reserved to the owner of the real estate.

1983, c. 457, § 38.1-217.11; 1986, c. 562.

Repealed by Acts 1992, c. 588.

A. Any securities described in 15 U.S.C. § 77r-1 shall be subject to all the limitations prescribed by this chapter for investments not guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States. However, upon prior written application by an insurer, the Commission may, until July 1, 1992, at its discretion, allow such insurer to increase its investments in § 77r-1 securities to an amount not to exceed ten percent of the insurer's total admitted assets.

B. On and after July 1, 1992, investments made in any securities described in 15 U.S.C. § 77r-1 shall be subject to the percentage limitations and requirements set forth in this chapter.

1991, c. 283; 1992, c. 588.

A. No domestic insurer shall acquire, directly or indirectly, any medium grade or lower grade obligations of any business entity if, after giving effect to any such acquisition, the aggregate amount of all medium grade and lower grade obligations then held by the domestic insurer would exceed twenty percent of its admitted assets, provided that:

1. No more than ten percent of its admitted assets consists of lower grade obligations;

2. No more than three percent of its admitted assets consists of lower grade obligations rated five or six by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; and

3. No more than one percent of its admitted assets consists of lower grade obligations rated six by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Attaining or exceeding the limit of any one category shall not preclude an insurer from acquiring obligations in other categories subject to the specific and multi-category limits.

B. No domestic insurer may invest more than an aggregate of one percent of its admitted assets in medium grade obligations issued, guaranteed or insured by any one business entity nor may it invest more than one-half of one percent of its admitted assets in lower grade obligations issued, guaranteed or insured by any one business entity. In no event may a domestic insurer invest more than one percent of its admitted assets in any medium or lower grade obligations issued, guaranteed or insured by any one business entity.

C. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit a domestic insurer from acquiring any obligation which it has committed to acquire if the insurer would have been permitted to acquire that obligation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter on the date on which such insurer committed to purchase that obligation.

D. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a domestic insurer may acquire any obligation of a business entity in which the insurer already has one or more obligations, if the obligation is acquired in order to protect an investment previously made in the obligations of the business entity; however, all such acquired obligations shall not exceed one-half of one percent of the insured's admitted assets.

E. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit a domestic insurer from acquiring any obligation as a result of a restructuring of any obligation already held.

F. Nothing contained in this section shall require a domestic insurer to sell or otherwise dispose of any obligations legally acquired prior to July 1, 1992.

G. The Board of Directors of any domestic insurer which acquires or invests, directly or indirectly, more than two percent of its admitted assets in medium grade or lower grade obligations of any individual business entity, shall adopt a written plan for the making of such investments. The plan shall contain, in addition to guidelines with respect to the quality of the issues invested in, diversification standards including, but not limited to, standards for issuer, industry, duration, liquidity and geographic location.

H. If the Commission finds that economic or other conditions render any rating of any obligation by the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners obsolete or unreflective of a diminished creditworthiness of the business entity issuing such obligations, the Commission may assign the obligations to a lower grade based on the findings of a national rating agency recognized by the Commission.

1992, c. 588; 2000, c. 187.