RGA releases ESG report, highlights digital tools

Reinsurance Group of America released its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, which outlines the global life and health reinsurer's commitment to responsible and ethical business practices, sustainability strategies, and its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The report highlights that many of RGA's initiatives are driven by digital tools – sustainability, accessibility, and employee wellness and development are just some of the company's top priorities undergoing digital transformation. 

Matt Blakely, vice president, corporate social responsibility and sustainability of RGA, tells Digital Insurance: "As a global company with offices around the world, sharing information digitally is the most efficient and the most energy-efficient way for our distributed teams to share their ESG activities and efforts. Digital platforms can also help insurance companies reach more clients which helps expand access to financial protection."

Digital technology is essential to RGA's commitment to innovating access to global insurance. By developing new digital products and customized solutions for clients around the world, RGA reduces costs and heightens the customer experience. The report highlights the significance and rising use of microinsurance, insurance targeted to low-income individuals, and how RGA actively supports companies and innovations focused on accessibility for underserved communities through technology. RGA invested in the insurtech Inclusivity Solutions, as an example, which works with cellphone operators and mass-market aggregators to provide digital insurance products to over a million uninsured or underinsured individuals all throughout Africa. 

The report states that "exciting advancements in technology are rapidly transforming the industry. This has been vital in reducing the barriers in the delivery and administration of products, enabling access for millions of clients. RGA is excited by efforts to make the industry more inclusive and is actively supporting these emerging innovations."

COVID-19 also accelerated RGA's digital transformation and use of data analytics to expand insurance outreach, according to the report. During the surge of the pandemic, the reinsurer introduced digital tools in the claims process, risk modeling capabilities from actuaries and data scientists, and data-driven digital solutions to virtually reach consumers and limit in-person interactions. 

The ESG report also addresses RGA's strategies for employee well-being and development through virtual and in-person training programs and learning modules that are available to empower employees and continue professional career development at RGA. Career growth opportunities include ESG-related topics, ranging from diversity and inclusion strategies to sustainable financial practices. 

Employee development and well-being involves "developing a highly skilled workforce through mentorship, coaching, training and other career growth opportunities," the report notes. "Additionally, [RGA] considers the extent in which care is exhibited for employees through benefits that support physical, mental, emotional, and financial health and a work-life balance through technology, training, corporate culture, and regulatory compliance."

Technology also plays a significant role in RGA's environmental efforts; the report notes the company's strategy to implement technologies to combat the impacts of climate change and transition to a lower-carbon economy through various climate-related metrics and targets. In 2021, RGA announced plans to achieve net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2026, and pledged its commitment to increasing its investments in green and social bonds. 

"We use a variety of digital platforms to track our ESG efforts, whether it's sharing information on sustainability efforts through our existing digital methods, digital platforms to help with ESG investing, or online platforms to support employee volunteerism and philanthropic efforts," explains Blakely.