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Value of Data in Managing Cell Captives

This piece unpacks how poor-quality data distorts solvency assessments, complicates regulatory reporting, and limits strategic decision-making, while showing why strong data governance is now a strategic advantage for insurers.
Written by
Simengethemba Mlangeni
Published on
November 14, 2025
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I own a 2000 model Toyota Corolla 160i GLE, which has been on the road for 25 years. Interestingly, on cold winter mornings during my commute to work, the speedometer behaves erratically - jumping from 40 km/h to 160 km/h and back within a second. This sudden fluctuation can confuse the driver, especially when travelling on a 60 km/h road and feeling confident about adhering to the speed limit.

This scenario serves as a compelling analogy for the risks associated with poor data in the cell captive insurance space. Just as a faulty speedometer distorts a driver’s perception of speed, inaccurate data can mislead insurers evaluating the solvency of cells operating under their license. The insurer is obligated to meet regulatory requirements and uphold its commitment to policyholders by ensuring the timely and reliable delivery of benefits.

An insurer might appear solvent under IFRS 4, yet under IFRS 17’s more stringent measurement standards, that same insurer could be deemed insolvent. This underscores the critical importance of accurate, consistent data in maintaining financial integrity and regulatory compliance.

Data received from each cell enables the insurer to fulfil a variety of critical functions, including:

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance
  • Monitoring market conduct and regulatory compliance risks
  • Meeting several IFRS 4/9/17 requirements
  • Submitting the CBR (Conduct of Business Return)
  • Compiling and submitting QRTs (Quarterly Reporting Templates)
  • Facilitating robust data quality audit processes
  • Meeting PPR (Policyholder Protection Rules) requirements through an established data framework
  • Providing data-driven oversight through a robust third-party risk management framework  

Business development/portfolio management function:

Supporting each cell's uniqueness - To effectively manage individual cells, cell-captive insurers maintain a dedicated portfolio management function. This is essential, as no two cells are identical in their business models or deal structures. By equipping this team with accurate portfolio management reports, insurers can: Add tangible value to each cell, foster stakeholder trust and confidence and promote strategic decision-making across varying operational models.

“Poor-quality data doesn’t just create administrative challenges, it distorts reality, undermining solvency assessments, compliance, and the integrity of the entire cell captive ecosystem.”

Simengethemba Mlangeni
Senior Data Analyst, Old Mutual Insure

The Policy Administration System Debate - Discussions among colleagues reveal mixed views on the necessity of a policy administration system for cell captives.

Against Implementation: Seen as an unnecessary cost, particularly because cell-captive insurers are not in direct contact with policyholders.

In Favor: Advocates argue that a unified system could simplify data consolidation across cells, avoiding the complexity of diverse ETL processes and facilitating a single, consistent view

Bridging the Maturity Gap - Cells vary in their data administration maturity, some rely on Excel workbooks, while others use dedicated systems. To navigate this disparity, a hybrid approach is recommended:

  • Establish a unified data framework and specification
  • Implement a policy administration platform to support less mature cells
  • Enable all cells to scale and grow efficiently with the insurer’s support

Just as a malfunctioning speedometer can mislead a driver and create unnecessary risk, poor-quality or inconsistent data can have significant consequences in the cell captive insurance space-undermining solvency assessments, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity.  

To navigate this complex landscape, insurers must prioritize accurate, standardized data collection and reporting across all cells, regardless of their maturity level. A hybrid approach, supported by a strong business development function and potentially unified policy administration systems, enables insurers to not only meet regulatory demands but also drive meaningful value for each cell.  

In an environment where precision and reliability are paramount, robust data governance is not just a compliance requirement, it is a strategic imperative.

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