Fitch upgrades Athene’s financial strength ratings to A+
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Insurer Financial Strength ratings for operating subsidiaries of Athene Holding Ltd. from A to A+ (strong). The ratings upgrades apply to Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co., Athene Annuity and Life Co., Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co. of New York, and Athene Life Re Ltd. Fitch has also upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of Athene Holding Ltd. from BBB+ to A-. The rating outlook for Athene and subsidiaries is stable. Ratings upgrades generally enable financial services companies to obtain more favorable borrowing rates. The rating action “reflects improvement in Athene’s company profile, which has been bolstered through organic and inorganic growth across multiple product lines and geographies, while the company’s earnings and capital have remained in line with Fitch’s expectations,” the rating agency said. Fitch expects Athene’s profitability metrics to remain in line with rating expectations in 2022. Bermuda-based Athene Holding, the parent company of Athene USA, based in West Des Moines, reported record profitability in 2021.