Related insights

Global Insurance

Global Insurance: Setting the scene for another 25 years

Nick Martin

6 Dec 2023

Global Insurance

Tailwinds for non-life insurers could point to positive times ahead

Dominic Evans

29 Jun 2023

Global Insurance

Non-life insurance and its vital differences to banks and other financials

Nick Martin

17 Mar 2023

Risks:

Capital is at risk and there is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective. Investors should make sure their attitude towards risk is aligned with the risk profile of the Fund before investing.

Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. The value of investments may go down as well as up and you might get back less than you originally invested as there is no guarantee in place.

The value of a fund’s assets may be affected by uncertainties such as international political developments, market sentiment, economic conditions, changes in government policies, restrictions on foreign investment and currency repatriation, currency fluctuations and other developments in the laws and regulations of countries in which investment may be made. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for details of all risks.
The Fund invests in the shares of companies, and share prices can rise or fall due to several factors affecting global stock markets.
The Fund uses derivatives which carry the risk of reduced liquidity, substantial loss, and increased volatility in adverse market conditions, such as failure amongst market participants.
The Fund invests in assets denominated in currencies other than the Fund's base currency. Changes in exchange rates may have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. If the share class currency is different from the currency of the country in which you reside, exchange rate fluctuations may affect your returns when converted into your local currency.
The Fund invests in a relatively concentrated number of companies and industries based in one sector. This focused strategy can produce high gains but can also lead to significant losses. The Fund may be less diversified than other investment funds.

Important Information: This is a marketing communication and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to any person to buy or sell any related securities or financial instruments. Any opinions expressed may change. This website does not contain information material to the investment objectives or financial needs of the recipient. This website is not advice on legal, taxation or investment matters. Tax treatment depends on personal circumstances. Investors must rely on their own examination of the fund or seek advice. Investment may be restricted in other countries and as such, any individual who receives this website must make themselves aware of their respective jurisdiction and observe any restrictions.

A decision may be taken at any time to terminate the marketing of the Fund in any EEA Member State in which it is currently marketed. Shareholders in the affected EEA Member State will be given notification of any decision and provided the opportunity to redeem their interests in the Fund, free of any charges or deductions, for at least 30 working days from the date of the notification.

Investment in the Fund is an investment in the shares of the Fund and not in the underlying investments of the Fund. Further information about fund characteristics and any associated risks can be found in the Fund’s Key Investor Document or Key Investor Information Document (“KID” or “KIID”), the Prospectus (and relevant Fund Supplement), the Articles of Association and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. Please refer to these documents before making any final investment decisions. These documents are available free of charge at Polar Capital Funds plc, Georges Court, 54-62 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, via email by contacting Investor-Relations@polarcapitalfunds.com or at www.polarcapital.co.uk. The KID is available in the languages of all EEA member states in which the Fund is registered for sale; the Prospectus, Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and KIID are available in English.

The Fund promotes, among other characteristics, environmental or social characteristics and is classified as an Article 8 fund under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). For more information, please see the Prospectus and relevant Fund Supplement.

ESG and sustainability characteristics are further detailed on the investment manager’s website: (https://www.polarcapital.co.uk/ESG-and-Sustainability/Responsible-Investing/).

A summary of investor rights associated with investment in the Fund is available online at the above website, or by contacting the above email address. This document is provided and approved by both Polar Capital LLP and Polar Capital (Europe) SAS.

Polar Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in the United States. Polar Capital LLP’s registered address is 16 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JD, United Kingdom.

Polar Capital (Europe) SAS is authorised and regulated by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. Polar Capital (Europe) SAS’s registered address is 18 Rue de Londres, Paris 75009, France.

Polar Capital LLP is a registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. Polar Capital LLP is the investment manager and promoter of Polar Capital Funds plc – an open-ended investment company with variable capital and with segregated liability between its sub-funds – incorporated in Ireland, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and recognised by the FCA. Bridge Fund Management Limited acts as management company and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Address: Percy Exchange, 8/34 Percy Place, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.

Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.

Benchmark: The Fund is actively managed and uses the MSCI Daily TR World Net Insurance Index as a performance target and to calculate the performance fee. The benchmark has been chosen as it is generally considered to be representative of the investment universe in which the Fund invests. The performance of the Fund is likely to differ from the performance of the benchmark as the holdings, weightings and asset allocation will be different. Investors should carefully consider these differences when making comparisons. Further information about the benchmark can be found www.mscibarra.com. The benchmark is provided by an administrator on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.

Performance: The performance shown has been calculated to account for the deduction of fees and expenses and includes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. £ or GBP/US$/JPY/EUR/CHF = Currency abbreviations of: British Pound sterling/US Dollar/Japanese Yen/Euro/Swiss Franc, respectively.

Risk: Factors affecting fund performance may include changes in market conditions (including currency risk) and interest rates, as well as other economic, political, or financial developments. The Fund’s investment policy allows for it to enter into derivatives contracts. Leverage may be generated through the use of such financial instruments and investors must be aware that the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to greater risks, including, but not limited to, unanticipated market developments and risks of illiquidity, and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guide to or indicative of future results. Future returns are not guaranteed and a loss of principal may occur. Polar Capital may also receive a performance fee based on the appreciation in the NAV per share and accordingly the performance fee will increase with regard to unrealised appreciation, as well as realised gains. The performance fee may create an incentive for Polar Capital to make investments for Polar Capital Funds plc which are riskier than would be the case in the absence of a fee based on the performance of Polar Capital Funds plc.

Country Specific Disclaimers When considering an investment into the Fund, you should make yourself aware of the relevant financial, legal and tax implications. Neither Polar Capital LLP nor Polar Capital Funds plc shall be liable for, and accept no liability for, the use or misuse of this document.

The Fund is registered for sale to all investors in the countries listed above. Investors should make themselves aware of the relevant financial, legal and tax implications if they choose to invest.

Statements/Opinions/Views: All opinions and estimates constitute the best judgment of Polar Capital as of the date hereof, but are subject to change without notice, and do not necessarily represent the views of Polar Capital. This material does not constitute legal or accounting advice; readers should contact their legal and accounting professionals for such information. All sources are Polar Capital unless otherwise stated.

Fund Overview

Investment Objective

The Fund aims to provide an attractive total return, irrespective of broader economic and financial market conditions, by investing in companies operating within the international insurance sector.

Investment Philosophy

The portfolio is managed as a pool of underwriting capital on behalf of the Fund’s shareholders. The Fund seeks to identify 30-35 underwriting specialists that when combined offer a level of diversification that is important in investing in this sector. The Fund Manager flexes the portfolio composition to particular classes of business as premium rates, terms and conditions, and loss activity change. The Fund Manager seeks to identify and allocate capital to the best in class proven companies, where underwriting is absolutely key. This naturally leads the Fund Manager to invest in companies which have more focused underwriting strategies and where management have a meaningful ownership stake and are incentivised on growing book value per share and dividends over time. We believe this is the ultimate driver of share price performance over the long term.

The team do all their own analysis and research with great importance placed on meeting management. Insurance is a promise to pay and therefore an assessment of management integrity is a key part of the investment process.

Key Facts

Managed by industry professionals
Low correlation to broader equity markets
25+ year track record (since launch)
Typically own 30‑35 holdings with low turnover
No benchmark or tracking error constraints
Fundamentally-driven analysis and stock selection

Key Fund Literature

Morningstar Managed Investment Report

13 Jun 2023

Fund Managers & Analysts

Nick Martin

Lead Fund Manager

Dominic Evans

Fund Manager

Nick Martin

Nick joined Polar Capital in September 2010 and is fund manager of the Polar Capital Global Insurance Fund (previously the Hiscox Insurance Portfolio Fund).

Nick has worked on the Fund since 2001 when he joined Hiscox plc. He participated in the management buyout of Hiscox Investment Management in 2007 when the business was renamed HIM Capital Ltd. He has developed a broad knowledge of the insurance sector during this time and from working for the chartered accountants, Mazars Neville Russell, where he specialised in audit and consultancy work for insurance companies and brokers.

Academic qualificationsBSc (1st Class Hons) in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science
Professional qualificationsChartered Accountant. Member of the ICAEW
Industry experience25 years

Dominic Evans

Dominic joined Polar Capital as an investment analyst in October 2012 from KPMG and, since March 2022, is a fund manager on the Global Insurance Fund.

Dominic previously worked as part of KPMG's insurance segment which he joined as a graduate trainee. At KPMG, he obtained broad experience working on a range of global insurance companies through roles within M&A and IPO due diligence, audit and markets. Prior to KPMG he worked for a year in corporate finance focusing on natural resource companies.

Academic qualificationsBA (1st Class Hons) in History, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Professional qualificationsChartered Accountant. Member of the ICAEW
Industry experience15 years

Related Insights

Global Insurance

Global Insurance: Setting the scene for another 25 years

Nick Martin

6 Dec 2023

Global Insurance

Tailwinds for non-life insurers could point to positive times ahead

Dominic Evans

29 Jun 2023

Global Insurance

Non-life insurance and its vital differences to banks and other financials

Nick Martin

17 Mar 2023

Polar Capital

SVB’s collapse: Exposure and Implications

13 Mar 2023

Countries in which this fund is available

Please click on each country to see share class availability

Risks:

Capital is at risk and there is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective. Investors should make sure their attitude towards risk is aligned with the risk profile of the Fund before investing.

Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. The value of investments may go down as well as up and you might get back less than you originally invested as there is no guarantee in place.

The value of a fund’s assets may be affected by uncertainties such as international political developments, market sentiment, economic conditions, changes in government policies, restrictions on foreign investment and currency repatriation, currency fluctuations and other developments in the laws and regulations of countries in which investment may be made. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for details of all risks.
The Fund invests in the shares of companies, and share prices can rise or fall due to several factors affecting global stock markets.
The Fund uses derivatives which carry the risk of reduced liquidity, substantial loss, and increased volatility in adverse market conditions, such as failure amongst market participants.
The Fund invests in assets denominated in currencies other than the Fund's base currency. Changes in exchange rates may have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. If the share class currency is different from the currency of the country in which you reside, exchange rate fluctuations may affect your returns when converted into your local currency.
The Fund invests in a relatively concentrated number of companies and industries based in one sector. This focused strategy can produce high gains but can also lead to significant losses. The Fund may be less diversified than other investment funds.