“DallBogg: Life and Health”, which has been in existence since May 2021, has almost doubled its customers in the first half of this year. In December they were 6,588 and in June 2023 they are now 11,021. It also had the highest receipts of social security contributions on average per person for the half-year period.
The full article can be read here in Bulgarian.
Three generations of experts in insurance and pension fund development: Todor Todorinski – Executive Director; Maria Mineva – Head of General Insurance Department; Nikolay Sotirov – Member of the Board of Directors
(collective answers to Maria Kouzmanova)
– We live in times of rapid change and constant technological evolution. How fast can a company grow in relatively conservative sectors such as insurance and retirement savings?
– The short answer is: as fast as it fully absorbs and exploits the vast theoretical and applied knowledge in the sector and keeps pace with the advances of the digital revolution. Since its establishment in 2008 as a health insurance company, DallBogg has reached a leadership position in just 5 years. Since then, we have been preparing for the unbundling of the National Health Fund, and in the meantime, in 2013, we expanded our license as an insurance joint stock company with a primary focus in general insurance and offered products in over 10 insurance classes – motor insurance, property, casualty, surety, liability, transportation and agricultural insurance. We have virtually stopped the advance of age and have remained forever young and in demand. After obtaining the license for the compulsory motor third party liability (MTPL) insurance in 2014, DallBogg achieved remarkable results in a record period – from 8125 policies in the same year, in 2015 we have already reached over 89 thousand, or almost 12 times more, to exceed 255 thousand policies in 2018. Since then, DallBogg has been among the leading insurers in Bulgaria, and to date we are firmly in the top three with over 515 thousand policies.
In 2015, our entry into new European markets also began – we have effectively launched operations in Greece, have a solid position in Italy and Romania, and have recently expanded into Spain and are growing in the Polish market. We are diligently preparing to enter Europe’s most competitive market – Germany – by the end of the year. At the same time, we have permission to operate in 10 more EU countries. Thus, in this otherwise conservative market, thanks to the knowledge and deep true continuity within the company, we have built and preserved over the years our impeccable reputation and the DallBogg brand has become highly recognizable in the sector, both at home and abroad. Our excellent performance and perfect capital adequacy have earned us the respect of regulators and the trust of customers on the one hand, and the strong support of our partners, including leading reinsurers such as SwissRe, MunichRe, AXA.
In mid-2016, we obtained a Guarantees insurance licence and here too the growth was not delayed – the premium income at the end of that year was only BGN 1,634 and BGN 20,673 in 2017 and already BGN 646,736 in 2018 to reach the impressive BGN 89 million total income for the last three years. These results have brought us into the top three insurers offering this important insurance for business development, especially in attracting large investments and the construction of key infrastructure projects for the country.
With the establishment of the DallBogg: Life and Health Pension Assurance Company in 2021, whose three pension funds achieved impressive returns in the first quarter of this year alone, DallBogg’s non-banking group has made the country’s financial sector very attractive to savers and investors. This is the only way the geopolitical and other challenges can be overcome, because otherwise our, the citizens’, inactive financial attitude to everyday life leads only to an unhindered, centralized and patriarchal – non-market budgeted – national economy: weak economy, weak nation.
– You really have a wide view! The dynamic development is also impressive, and what is the real recipe for success?
– Excellent financial discipline, strict adherence to sector regulation and general legislation, a linear profitable and flexible structure, investment acumen, a company culture of success with constant training of young professionals and development of competent creativity, management strictly based on expertise and predictability. Over the years, we have remained true to our spirit of openness and respect for client needs, along with a constant drive to provide well-informed choices within a competitive insurance and now retirement savings market. We have our feet firmly planted on the ground and have dreams for centuries to come: every day we are inspired by the constant challenges of team play and continuity – the experienced management and maturity of our veteran experts combine with the drive and modern solutions of our younger ones. Last but not least – the positive attitude on the implementation of new technologies. Because technical innovations have long been no longer just adding value to the services in the insurance sector, but in fact determining its growth and development. In recent years, the logic of the digital world, mobile networks, GPS devices and social media have had a huge impact on the way we communicate with our customers, research and respond to their needs, store, process and use information, process insurance claims – with much greater speed and accuracy.
– Clearly not afraid of European and global competition in Bulgaria! Is it true and if yes – why?
– We are naturally afraid, we are normal and honest, that’s why we mobilize – a few “fighting” millions against many but unorganized billions! We believe that is why every stone weighs in its place!
Imagine a near future of market capture and organized, intellectual and inspired supremacy! Regional entrepreneurial enterprises will never be surpassed in profitability and flexibility, in management dedication and honesty – this is recognized on Wall Street, in the City of London, in Frankfurt and Paris, in Singapore and Tokyo and even in Hong Kong, now China!
– How do you see the future of the sector going forward?
– With the rise of digitalisation and advances in data collection and analytics, insurance companies can better understand their customers and contribute to the modernisation of the country. In addition to anticipating inflation’s emergence from the darkness of unpredictability earlier than many, we are increasingly providing customised insurance products tailored to individual needs, risks and preferences – the customer receives optimally tailored coverages, terms and services. Our advice and requirements in each specific context often help increase productivity in individual businesses. In short, the future includes customised insurance and especially pension products, retirement savings for the modern man and his entrepreneurship.
Although the NZIA (Net Zero Insurance Alliance), established by the UN two years ago, is about to collapse due to the withdrawal of major insurance companies, we are convinced that the “green transition” cannot stop and must continue, supported by all legal means and forms.
Advanced algorithms can handle tasks such as coverage recommendations, risk assessment and fraud detection. This means faster and more accurate service at an affordable price. The so-called “Internet of Things” (IoT) is at the heart of the digitalisation of the global economy. Data collected in real time through electronic tags, sensors and cameras could be used in various types of insurance – health, export and especially pensions. For example, wearable technologies could monitor health parameters, telematics could assess driver behaviour in car insurance, and smart home devices would help us detect potential risks such as fire or water or gas leaks. We are well ahead in investment solutions thanks to our dedicated specialists in our Bulgarian and overseas offices.
Blockchain technology is also increasingly entering our work. The features of a transparent, decentralised digital register of traceable data, the so-called “blockchain trail”, are becoming part of the toolkit for fraud prevention, contract verification and claims. This technology has already shown us more than promising possibilities for creating a decentralised, transparent and efficient system for managing insurance processes – we are working towards wider implementation.
– And what is AI’s role in your field? Will you be cutting jobs?
– Many aspects of the insurance and pensions industry, from underwriting to claims processing or from savings to second pensions, can be automated using AI and machine learning. Telemedicine is entering, on a serious scale, with increasing success. This is helping to reduce costs, increase efficiency and limit human error. AI can automate the claims process, making it faster and more efficient. It can analyze damage in photos, understand the extent of damage, and even determine the appropriate amount to pay out.
Since its inception, DallBogg has continuously increased company employment with the discovery and development of talented, highly skilled and well-paid jobs. There is only growth and prospects that dictate this trend to continue – not only because the applications, direct regulation and “fine-tuning” of AI for various walks of life, including insurance, have yet to be more precisely developed, but also because our employees are in a constant mode of training and refinement to utilize, not be replaced by, AI’s potential, which in any case seems great:
Of course, we would very much like to see higher education in Bulgaria reformed towards and with a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). Society and we still have a lot of work to do to create and implement a regulatory framework that ensures AI takes into account the ethical implications and complexities of each individual situation, such as fears around data storage and privacy.
But one thing is certain: the future is already here and we are building it.
On the basis of Article 175a, paragraph 4 of the Social Insurance Code, „PAC DallBogg: Life and Health“ informs the assured persons that by the decision of the Board of Directors dated 26.07.2023, amendments and additions have been made to the investment policies of the funds managed by the Company for supplementary pension assurance. The changes are related to amendments in the regulatory framework as well as to the refinement texts as following:
Announcements of changes to investment policies of the „DallBogg: Life and Health“ UPF, „DallBogg: Life and Health“ OPF and „DallBogg: Life and Health“ VPF have been published in the Telegraf and Trud newspapers.
The current investment policies are available in Bulgarian and can be found here.
According to the CEO of PAC DallBogg: Life and Health, it is a time of crisis now, but in the long term the money in pension funds is protected
One of the worrying mantras that has been circulating recently is that, as a result of the serious crises Bulgaria is facing, pension money from the funded pillars of the pension system is melting away, that citizens are losing their stake.
– Is this true, Mr Terziev?
– Investments in voluntary pension funds are long-term savings. That is why returns must be viewed in the long term. We are currently in a period of several simultaneous crises. It is also logical that there should be a reduction in the amounts in the funds. But usually the rate of increase after a crisis is significantly faster than the rate of decline during the crisis. One of the assets in which funds invest the money they accumulate is government securities. We are currently observing a decline in the value of government securities in numerous countries – in some places by more than 50%. And this is considered one of the safest investments.
Probably due to the collapse in the prices of this type of securities, the third quarter of 2022 demonstrates a change in the investments of universal pension funds. The share of debt securities of sovereigns and international financial organisations remains the largest, but as of the end of September it has decreased to 53.17% compared to 55% in 2021. The share of investment in equities rose to 35.32% from 33.18% a year earlier, while corporate bonds fell to 8.79% from 9.51%.
The war in Ukraine is further worsening the situation – the European economy is slowing, inflation is rising. We have record inflation for the last 2 decades.
However, it must be borne in mind that this is a momentary situation. If you analyse the last 10 years since pension funds exist, their returns have been positive. The funds have the capacity to come out positive.
– What is being done to minimise the damage from the crisis?
– At a time like this, ports of stability are being sought. The stock market reacts to different news and as a result there are price spikes, which funds try to capture to protect people’s money.
The legislator has provided full protection for the funds and gross contributions that insured persons put into the second pillar. That is to say, companies and pension funds will never pay out less than each insured person’s investment. Everything else will be additional income.
And this again makes the funds a safer haven for people’s investments than bank deposits, as only amounts up to BGN 196 000 are protected there.
– What is the solution?
– Equity schemes are one of the best investment alternatives at the moment. If people save for a third pension from the start of their working lives, they are likely to have peace of mind when the time comes to retire. But even by then, the money saved could prove to be a valuable resource in the event of an emergency or simply as a means of preserving earned money from inflation. Currently, an investment in an equity retirement plan may be considered a more efficient investment than one in real estate or a bank deposit. If a person needs funds, he cannot sell a room of his investment home urgently, but he can withdraw some of the funds in his personal retirement fund account. Moreover, without losing, as would happen if he withdrew money from a bank deposit before maturity. Accounts in supplementary pension funds are personal and can be inherited.
– Are the advantages of supplementary pensions clear enough for people?
– The superannuation sector has seen remarkable developments in the last three years. The investment portfolios of pension funds are well structured and highly diversified, with adequate reserves to guarantee the payment of lifetime pensions.
Pension fund assets are subject to daily monitoring by the FSC. And the supplementary pension business is one of the most tightly regulated.
– How can this type of saving be made more attractive?
– Legal changes are needed to make this type of saving more attractive. Under current legislation, monthly taxable income is reduced by personal contributions made during the month on behalf of individuals to voluntary pension insurance if they amount to 10 per cent of that income. In this way, the income tax payable by individuals is reduced and almost one third of the contribution is on account of the tax saved.
For sole traders, the taxable income formed under the TCGA is reduced by the personal contributions made for voluntary pension insurance up to 10 per cent of that income. The relief is available when filing the annual tax return.
For persons exercising liberal professions (architects, lawyers, general practitioners, etc.), the taxable income reduced by the statutory expenses is reduced by the personal contributions made for voluntary pension insurance up to 10% of this income. The relief can be claimed both in advance and annually when filing the tax return.
The same applies to persons employed under management and control contracts as well as under civil contracts – the taxable income reduced by the legally recognised expenses is reduced by the personal contributions made and the relief may be claimed both in advance and annually when filing the tax return.
This norm has not been changed for more than 10 years. Increasing the tax relief percentage would motivate more Bulgarians to invest in equity schemes – and this would make them independent after retirement. Moreover, these people would not rely on the pension system, and when they need more money, they would turn to the funds accumulated in their own pension account. This money, in turn, would return to the economy in the form of investments.
It is a curious fact that even the rulers in China have seen through the benefits of funded schemes. Recently, the population there has been allowed in certain areas to invest in pension funds. Because this is an investment in the future.
Among the four ‘money-making’ and ‘clients-attrackting’ funds is the latest ‘Dall Bogg: Life and Health’, which actually started operating at the beginning of 2022. It is currently attracting more clients than the other companies due to more promising terms.
You can read the full article here in Bulgarian.
On 23.06.2022, with the signing of the first contract for payment of an additional lifelong pension to a person insured in the Universal pension fund „DallBogg: Life and Health”, the Board of Directors of Pension assurance company „DallBogg: Life and Health” took a decision to establish a Lifelong pensions payment fund „DallBogg: Life and Health”.
Today, by Decision №546-FIPP dated 30.06.2022, the Financial supervision commission entered Lifelong pensions payment fund „DallBogg: Life and Health” in the register under Article 30, paragraph 1, item 13 of the Financial supervision commission act.
The amount of the monthly payments cannot be less than 15 percent of the minimum amount of the retirement pension under Article 68, paragraph 1 of the SIC.
The rules of Lifelong pensions payment fund „DallBogg: Life and Health” can be found here.
Just a few months after the legislative changes came into force and the payment of the additional pensions from the second pension pillar started, we are proud of the trust placed in us.
The youngest pension assurance company in Bulgaria – „PAC DallBogg: Life and Health“ has signed its first contract for payment of supplementary lifelong pension.
Our client has an accumulated amount in her individual account at the Universal pension fund „DallBogg: Life and Health” that gives her the opportunity to make a choice between the three types of life-long pensions and she decided to have a pension including deferred payments of her funds.
We wish her good health and let her smile and unceasing energy be her longtime partners in her golden years.
Neglecting post-retirement time in favor of a more relaxed livingg today could have serious negative consequences in the future, this philosophy is disastrous. – said DallBogg Pension Assurance Fund specialists.
Read the full interview here in Bulgarian.
According to Article 21a, paragraph 6 of Ordinance No. 9 of 19.11.2003. on the method and procedure for the valuation of the assets and liabilities of the pension insurance company and the funds managed by it, the value of the net assets of the funds, the calculation and announcement of the value of a share, the calculation and comparison of the yield on investment properties and the requirements for the maintenance of individual accounts and analytical accounts in a deferred payment fund, due to an error in determining the value of a share for 23.05.2022, the following corrections are made for the day of the error:
The Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) announced the final results of the change of participation and transfer of funds of insured persons from one to another respective pension fund for the fourth quarter of 2021.
In this quarter, Pension Assurance Company „DallBogg: Life and Health“ participated in the procedure for changing partnership through its newly established funds – Universal Pension Fund „DallBogg: Life and Health“ and Occupational Pension Fund „DallBogg: Life and Health“.
As a result of the tireless and vocational work of our employees and insurance intermediaries, the first insured persons wishing to become members of our pension funds are now a fact.
Comparing the net results of all pension insurance funds in the country, the data shows that in Universal Pension Fund „DallBogg: Life and Health“ and Occupational Pension Fund „DallBogg: Life and Health“ reported the highest average net amount of transferred resources to the individual accounts of the insured persons – BGN 7 876 in the Universal and BGN 8 972 in the Occupational Pension Fund.
You can get acquainted with the results of the completed procedure for changing the participation by the FSC here.