In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, welcomes Paul Norris, Head of Securitized Assets at Conning, for an in-depth discussion on esoteric ABS. With insurers seeking yield in a low-rate environment, Paul explains how these asset-backed securities, spanning collateral types like shipping containers, aircraft, railcars, and timeshares, offer compelling risk-adjusted returns.
Stewart and Paul dive into the mechanics of esoteric ABS, why these mission-critical assets remain resilient, and how post-financial crisis structural protections have strengthened the market. They also explore liquidity considerations, inflation's impact on global supply chains, and what insurers should look for in an esoteric ABS manager.