GFSC Guidance Note Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons

Version: 1
Publication Date: 14 August 2025 www.gfsc.gi
GFSC Guidance Note
Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 2
Table of Contents

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Circumstances for setting capital add-ons...................................................................................... 3
3. Methodology for calculating a capital add-on ................................................................................ 7
4. Group capital add-ons................................................................................................................... 11
5. Process for setting a capital add-on .............................................................................................. 13
6. Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and removal of a capital add-on ................................................ 14

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 3

1. Introduction
   1.1. This Guidance Note sets out the approach that the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission
   (’GFSC’) expects to use in relation to capital add-ons (‘CAOs’).
   1.2. This Guidance Note is relevant to all insurance undertakings1 and reinsurance undertakings2
   ,
   (which are referred to collectively in this Guidance Note as ‘firms’). This Guidance Note is also relevant to all Gibraltar holding companies.
   1.3. The GFSC recognises the importance of adopting a consistent and transparent approach to
   setting a CAO. The approach set out in this Guidance Note is intended to make CAOs a more practical and effective supervisory tool.
   1.4. This Guidance Note sets out the circumstances in which the GFSC expects to set CAOs (Chapter
   2), the methodologies for their calculation (Chapter 3), information relevant to the use of CAOs at group level (Chapter 4), the process for setting a CAO (Chapter 5), and the ongoing monitoring, reporting, and removal of CAOs by the GFSC (Chapter 6).
   1.5. This Guidance Note should be read in conjunction with:

• The GFSC’s Guidance Note on Solvency II internal models: Permissions and ongoing
  monitoring;
• The ‘Solvency Capital Requirement’ Chapter (3) of Part 6 of the Financial Services
  (Insurance Companies) Regulations 2020 (the ‘Insurance Companies Regulations’);
• The ‘Solvency Capital Requirement Standard Formula’ Chapter (5) and the ‘Capital Add￾On’ Chapter (10) of Part 1 of the Financial Services (Solvency 2)(Technical Standards)
  Regulations 2025
  3
  (the ‘Solvency 2 Technical Standards’);
• The ‘Supervision of Group Undertakings’ Part (11) of the Insurance Companies
  Regulations.
• The ‘Insurance Groups’ Part (2) of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards.

2. Circumstances for setting capital add-ons
   2.1. The GFSC expects to consider setting a CAO under the circumstances specified in regulation 39
   of the Insurance Companies Regulations:
   a) where there is a significant deviation in the risk profile of a firm from the assumptions underlying the Solvency Capital Requirement (‘SCR’), where the firm calculates its SCR using the standard formula (‘SF’); b) where there is a significant deviation in the risk profile of a firm from the assumptions underlying the SCR where the firm calculates part or all of its SCR using an internal model (‘IM’); c) where there is a residual deviation in the risk profile of a firm from the assumptions underlying the SCR, where part or all of the firm’s SCR is calculated, or the firm is applying for it to be calculated, using an IM;4

1
Financial Services (Insurance Companies) Regulations 2020, regulation 3.
2
Ibid.
3
Financial Services (Solvency 2)(Technical Standards) Regulations 2025.
4 Defined as an ‘internal model residual deviation’ in regulation 3 of the Insurance Companies Regulations.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 4 d) where there is a significant system of governance deviation; e) where there is a significant deviation from the assumptions underlying the matching adjustment, volatility adjustment, risk-free interest rate transitional measure (‘TMIR’), or the transitional measure on technical provisions (‘TMTP’); or f) a specific risk existing at group level leading to a risk profile deviation at group level. Assessment of a deviation as regards the SCR
2.2. This section is relevant to the assessment of SCR risk profile deviations (i.e. circumstances (a) to
(c) of paragraph 2.1). In determining the degree to which a firm’s risk profile deviates from the assumptions underlying the SCR, the GFSC will consider all relevant factors, including the following:
a) the nature, type, and size of the deviation; b) the likelihood and severity of any adverse impact on policyholders; c) the level of sensitivity of the assumptions to which the deviation relates; d) the anticipated duration and volatility of the deviation over the duration of the deviation.
2.3. Where the GFSC determines that there is a deviation as regards the SCR it will consider the
appropriate supervisory response, which may include setting a CAO to ensure compliance with the calibration standards in regulation 91(3) to (5) of the Insurance Companies Regulations. The GFSC will assess the size of a risk profile deviation pursuant to paragraph 2.2(a) by considering the outcome of the calculation specified in paragraph 3.2, or in exceptional circumstances, paragraph 3.11 for an IM firm, expressed as a percentage of the firm’s SCR, excluding any previous or simultaneous CAO. The GFSC will apply the quantitative thresholds set out in Table 1 to the outcome of the calculation as part of its determination as to whether a risk profile deviation as regards the SCR is significant.
Table 1: Criteria for assessing whether a risk profile deviation is significant
Result of the calculation specified in paragraph 2.3 Outcome as regards the assessment of the size of the risk profile deviation The GFSC detects a risk profile deviation that is <10% of the SCR. The GFSC may determine that the risk profile of the firm deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying the SCR, based on the factors set out in paragraph 2.2. The GFSC detects a risk profile deviation that is >=10% (and <15%) of the SCR. The GFSC expects to conclude that the risk profile of the firm deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying the SCR, unless there is strong evidence to the contrary, based on the factors set out in paragraph 2.2. The GFSC detects a risk profile deviation that is >=15% of the SCR. The GFSC expects to conclude that the risk profile of the firm deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying the SCR.
2.4. Where the GFSC determines that a firm’s risk profile deviates significantly from the
assumptions underlying the SCR, as calculated using the SF in accordance with Chapter 5 of Part 1 of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards, it will consider setting a CAO in accordance with the circumstances described in paragraph 2.1(a). This is particularly the case where the GFSC

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 5 considers that requiring the firm to develop an IM to calculate part or all of its SCR is inappropriate or has been ineffective as described in paragraph 2.5. In addition where the GFSC does require a firm to develop a full or partial IM, in accordance with Chapter 4 of the GFSC Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models: Permissions and ongoing monitoring, it would consider setting such a CAO while the firm develops the required model.
2.5. Further to paragraph 2.4, the GFSC recognises there may be circumstances where requiring a
firm to develop an IM may be inappropriate, for example where the estimated time, financial, and other resources required to develop an IM (or to extend the scope of an existing partial IM to cover additional risks) are disproportionate to the size of the firm’s risk profile deviation from the assumptions underlying the SCR as calculated using the SF. Where the GFSC has set a requirement for a firm to use an IM it considers that requirement to have been ineffective where the firm fails to develop an IM, or where the developed IM fails to meet the overall standard and requirements for a firm to be granted a permission for a full or partial IM, as set out in the GFSC Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models: Permissions and ongoing monitoring.
2.6. Where the GFSC determines that a firm’s risk profile deviates significantly from the
assumptions underlying the SCR, as calculated using a full or partial IM in accordance with the regulations 101-114 and Schedule 5 of the Insurance Companies Regulations, it will consider setting a CAO specified in paragraph 2.1(b). This may be the case if particular quantifiable risks are captured insufficiently within the firm’s IM and where the adaptation of the model by the firm to better reflect its risk profile has failed within an appropriate timeframe as determined and communicated to the firm by the GFSC.
2.7. Further to paragraph 2.6 in concluding that a firm’s adaptation of its IM to better reflect its risk
profile has failed or that the application of other measures is unlikely to improve deficiencies the GFSC will consider all relevant factors in determining an appropriate timeframe, including the likelihood and severity of any adverse impact on policyholders. The GFSC expects any such timeframe will not exceed six months.
2.8. Where the GFSC determines that the deviation of a firm’s risk profile from the assumptions
underlying the SCR as calculated using a full or partial IM in accordance with regulations 101- 114 and Schedule 5 of the Insurance Companies Regulations does not constitute a significant risk profile deviation, but rather an IM residual deviation (as defined in regulation 3 of the Insurance Companies Regulations), it will consider setting a CAO specified in paragraph 2.1(c). In determining whether to set a ‘residual model limitation (‘RML’) CAO’ in those circumstances5 , either at the point of granting an initial model permission or varying an existing permission, the GFSC will consider all relevant factors, including:
a) those specified in paragraph 2.2; b) the likelihood that the firm is capable of remediating the underlying RML in a reasonable timeframe; 5 Residual model limitations (RMLs) are defined in the Insurance Companies Regulations and are described in more detail in Chapter 3 of the GFSC Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models: Permissions and ongoing monitoring. An RML CAO is a model permission safeguard, designed to address an IM residual deviation stemming from an RML, to ensure compliance with regulation 91(3) and (4) of the Insurance Companies Regulations and mitigate non-compliance with the internal IM requirements.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 6 c) the factors set out in paragraphs 3.5 and 3.16, and in the case of groups, paragraph 3.18 in the GFSC’s Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models: Permissions and ongoing monitoring.
2.9. The GFSC may consider setting one or more RML CAO in such circumstances, depending on the
underlying IM residual deviation. The size of any such RML CAO will be proportionate and consistent with the fact that the size of the deviation does not warrant either rejection of the model permission (or of the variation of an existing permission, where requested, in the case of a major model change application) or the setting of a CAO for IM significant risk profile deviation. The GFSC expects the overall amount of RML CAOs in aggregate, at any given time, to be less than 10% of a firm’s SCR, calculated in accordance with paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3. Assessment of a significant deviation as regards the system of governance
2.10. In determining whether the system of governance of a firm deviates significantly from
the requirements set out in regulations 42 to 51B of the Insurance Companies Regulations and
Chapter 9 of Part 1 of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards,
6 the GFSC expects to consider all relevant factors, including the following:
a) the effect of the deviation from the system of governance requirements set out in regulations 42 to 51B of the Insurance Companies Regulations and Chapter 9 of Part 1 of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards (including pursuant to regulation 223(2) and (3) of the Insurance Companies Regulations) on the sound and prudent management of the business and whether the deviation arises from an inadequate implementation of a requirement(s) relating to the system of governance or a failure to implement such a requirement(s); b) the likelihood and severity of any adverse impact on policyholders; c) the different ways of organising an effective system of governance which is proportionate to the nature, scale, and complexity of the risks inherent in the business of the firm; d) the probable financial loss the firm could incur as a consequence of the deviation; e) the anticipated duration of the deviation.
2.11. Where a firm fails to comply with any requirement set out in Article 5(4) of Regulation
(EU) 2017/2402 (as it forms part of Gibraltar law), by reason of its negligence or omission, the GFSC will assess whether that failure should be considered a significant deviation from the system of governance requirements set out in regulations 42 to 51B of the Insurance Companies Regulations and Chapter 9 of Part 1 of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards.
2.12. The GFSC may consider setting a CAO specified in paragraph 2.1(d) where it determines
that:

• a firm’s system of governance deviates significantly from the system of governance
  requirements set out in regulations 42 to 51B of the Insurance Companies Regulations and
  Chapter 9 of Part 1 of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards (including pursuant to regulation
  223(2) and (3) of the Insurance Companies Regulations where appropriate), and the deviation prevents it from being able to properly identify, measure, monitor, manage, and report the risks that it is or could be exposed to; and 6 Including pursuant to regulation 223(2) and (3) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 7

• the application of other measures is in itself unlikely to sufficiently improve the deficiencies
  within an appropriate timeframe.
  Assessment of a significant deviation as regards adjustments to the relevant risk-free rate and transitional measures
  2.13. In determining whether the risk profile of a firm deviates significantly from the
  assumptions underlying the matching adjustment, the volatility adjustment, the TMIR, or the TMTP, the GFSC expects to consider all relevant factors, including the following:
  a) those specified in paragraph 2.2; b) the impact of the deviation on the SCR and own funds of the firm; and c) for the matching adjustment, the conceptual and technical assumptions underpinning regulations 68-69A of the Insurance Companies Regulations.
  2.14. Where the GFSC determines that a firm’s risk profile deviates significantly from the
  assumptions underlying the adjustments to the relevant risk-free rate (i.e. the matching adjustment or volatility adjustment) or transitional measures (i.e. the TMIR or TMTP), it will consider setting a CAO specified in paragraph 2.1(e). The GFSC expects to set a CAO only in circumstances where the deviation from the assumptions underlying those adjustments or transitional measures is of a temporary nature and does not justify revoking the permission for the use of those adjustments or transitional measures granted by the GFSC.

3. Methodology for calculating a capital add-on
   Calculation of capital add-ons in relation to deviations as regards the SCR
   3.1. The GFSC may decide to express the CAO either as a fixed amount, or with reference to certain
   outputs calculated by the firm to enable the CAO to respond dynamically to changes over time in the business and economic environment. These outputs may be derived from the firm’s IM, SF, or balance sheet calculations. For example, the GFSC may express the CAO as a proportion of the pre (or post) diversified SCR prior to application of the CAO. In cases where the CAO is specified dynamically, the GFSC expects the firm to then calculate the amount of additional capital that it is required to hold in accordance with the dynamic formula set by the GFSC. The GFSC expects to include the frequency and timings for when this amount should be recalculated in the firm’s written notice setting the CAO. The GFSC expects to review these recalculations regularly. The SCR prior to the imposition of the capital add-on, together with the amount of the CAO following its most recent recalculation, will constitute the firm’s SCR.
   3.2. For the purposes of setting a CAO in relation to a deviation in a firm’s risk profile from the
   assumptions underlying the SCR,7 the GFSC expects to calculate the CAO as the difference, at a given point in time, between the following:
   a) the SCR of the firm, excluding any previous or simultaneous CAO, that would be calculated if the SF or IM, as appropriate, were modified to reflect the actual risk profile of the firm,8 to ensure compliance with regulation 91(3)-(5) of the Insurance Companies Regulations; 7 This includes CAO for SF or IM significant risk profile deviation, and RML CAO for internal model residual deviation.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 8 b) the SCR of the firm, excluding any previous or simultaneous CAO.
3.3. For the avoidance of doubt, the GFSC will use the same approach for calculating a CAO for IM
significant risk profile deviation and an RML CAO. The basis for both types of CAO is the same, and the main distinction between them is the magnitude of the deviation, i.e. whether the risk profile deviation as regards the SCR is significant (as described in paragraph 2.3 and Table 1). Furthermore, the GFSC will not consider setting a CAO for IM significant risk profile deviation at the point of granting an initial IM permission, or varying an existing permission to enable a firm to make a major model change; it will only consider setting an RML CAO at that point. The GFSC’s approach to setting CAOs for IM risk profile deviations is described in more detail in paragraphs 3.15 and 3.17 in the GFSC Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models:
Permissions and ongoing monitoring.
Scope and approach of modifications as regards a deviation from SCR assumptions
3.4. In calculating the amount referred to in paragraph 3.2(a), the GFSC expects to consider the
aspects of the SF or the full or partial IM that gave rise to the deviation of the risk profile assumed under the SF or the IM, respectively, from the actual risk profile of the firm. This will include, where relevant, quantifiable risks not taken into account by the SF or the IM, the structure of the SF or the IM, aggregation methods, parameters, and assumptions.
3.5. For the purposes of paragraph 3.4, the GFSC expects to modify the assumptions and
parameters underlying the SCR as calculated using the SF or IM,9 in order for those assumptions or parameters to properly reflect the actual risk profile of the firm and to ensure compliance with regulation 91(3) to (5) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.
3.6. Where the modifications referred to in paragraph 3.5 are insufficient or inappropriate to
calculate the amount referred to in paragraph 3.2(a), the GFSC expects to consider alternative methodologies which go beyond modifying assumptions or parameters to calculate the amount referred to in paragraph 3.2(a).
3.7. The GFSC expects that any modifications referred to in paragraph 3.5 or alternative
methodology referred to in paragraph 3.6 will use adequate, applicable, and relevant actuarial and statistical techniques, and that they will be based on accurate, complete, and appropriate data of the firm to the extent available. Where such data are not available, the GFSC expects firms to use data which is relevant for their operations.
3.8. Where alternative methodologies referred to in paragraph 3.6 are insufficient or inappropriate,
the GFSC may calculate the SCR for the purposes of paragraph 3.2(a) by comparing the SCR of firms with similar risk profiles.
3.9. For the purposes of paragraphs 3.7 and 3.8, where the GFSC uses information relating to other
firms with similar risk profiles, it will clearly state the reasons for its decision to set a CAO in a letter to the firm. The GFSC will ensure that the statement of reasons complies with the professional secrecy requirements in section 46 of the Financial Services Act 2019. 8 To the extent that an RML CAO is imposed at the point of granting a firm an IM permission, the calculation will be between the SCR that would be calculated by the proposed IM modified in accordance with 3.1(a) and the SCR calculated by the proposed IM without any such modifications. 9 For this purpose, modifications include those to a model for which a firm has submitted an IM permission application.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 9
3.10. The GFSC generally expects to not set off aspects of a risk profile deviation that indicate
that a lower SCR would better reflect the firm’s actual risk profile, against the other aspects that indicate that a higher SCR is appropriate. The GFSC will consider whether such set off is appropriate, and only where the firm satisfies all of the following conditions:
a) a modification or a methodology exists which complies with the approach set out in paragraph 3.7 to quantify the impact on the amount referred to in paragraph 3.2(a) of the aspects which indicate a lower SCR; b) it would be inappropriate to address the aspects that indicate a lower SCR by replacing standard parameters with parameters specific to the firm, or by using an IM in accordance with regulations 101-114 and Schedule 5 of the Insurance Companies Regulations; c) the overall SCR that would result after setting off the risk profile deviations against each other complies with regulation 91(3) to (5) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.
3.11. Alternatively, the GFSC would consider the following approach for calculating a CAO for
IM significant risk profile deviation as regards the SCR in exceptional circumstances. Where a firm calculates part or all of its SCR using an IM, and the GFSC has concerns that part or all of the firm’s IM is inadequate or the SCR that the IM generates no longer appropriately reflects the firm’s risk profile better than if the SF were used, the GFSC would consider setting a CAO calculated as:
a) a proportion of the difference between the SCR calculated using the firm’s IM and the SCR that would be calculated if the firm’s model permission was varied so that model components with significant limitations reverted to calculating the SCR using the SF; or b) a proportion of the difference between the SCR calculated using the firm’s IM and the SCR that would be calculated if the firm’s model permission was revoked so that it was required to calculate its entire SCR using SF. The proportion chosen would reflect the strength of concerns around the extent to which the firm’s IM reflects its risk profile as well as the extent to which the firm’s risk profile was significantly different to that underlying the SF calibration.
3.12. The GFSC expects this approach to be a proportionate supervisory action to consider in
particular scenarios such as those described in paragraph 3.36 of the GFSC Guidance Note on Solvency 2 Internal Models: Permissions and Ongoing Monitoring. It may be used in advance of the GFSC considering to exercise its power to vary or revoke IM permission. The GFSC expects that any calculations in accordance with the approaches described in paragraph 3.11 will use adequate, applicable, and relevant actuarial and statistical techniques, and will be based on accurate, complete, and appropriate data of the firm to the extent available. Where such data are not available, the GFSC expects firms to use data that is relevant for their operations. The GFSC considers that the conditions relevant to set off described in paragraph 3.10 are not applicable when applying the approach for calculating a CAO described in paragraph 3.11 (i.e. the GFSC does not consider set off to be appropriate in those circumstances). Calculation of capital add-ons in relation to adjustments to the relevant risk-free rate or transitional measures
3.13. For the purposes of setting a CAO in relation to a significant deviation from the
assumptions underlying the matching adjustment, volatility adjustment, TMIR, or the TMTP,

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 10 the GFSC expects to calculate the CAO as the sum, at a given point in time, of the following amounts:
a) the negative of the amount of eligible own funds that would be calculated if the adjustment or transitional measure were modified in a manner such that the assumptions underlying the adjustment or transitional measure would reflect the actual assets, liabilities, and risk profile of the firm; b) the amount of the SCR, excluding any previous or simultaneous CAO, that would be calculated if the adjustment or transitional measure were modified in a manner such that the assumptions underlying the adjustment or transitional measure would reflect the actual assets, liabilities, and risk profile of the firm, and ensure compliance with regulation 91(3) to (5) of the Insurance Companies Regulations; c) the amount of eligible own funds; and d) the negative of the amount of the SCR, excluding any previous or simultaneous CAO, of the firm.
3.14. The GFSC may decide to express the CAO either as a fixed amount, or with reference to
outputs from the firm’s balance sheet calculations enabling the CAO to respond dynamically to changes over time in the business and economic environment. For example, the GFSC may express the CAO as a proportion of the amount of matching adjustment, volatility adjustment, TMIR or TMTP, as appropriate, prior to application of the CAO. In cases where the CAO is specified dynamically, the firm must then calculate the amount of additional capital that it is required to hold in accordance with the dynamic formula set by the GFSC. The GFSC expects to include in the firm’s written notice setting the CAO, the frequency and timings for when this amount should be recalculated. The GFSC expects to review these recalculations regularly. The SCR prior to the imposition of the capital add-on, together with the amount of the CAO following its most recent recalculation, will constitute the firm’s SCR. Scope and approach of modifications as regards adjustments to the relevant risk-free rate and transitional measures
3.15. In calculating the amounts referred to in paragraphs 3.13(a) and 3.13(b), the GFSC will
consider the features of the firm’s assets, liabilities, or risk profile which gave rise to the deviation from the assumptions underlying the adjustment or transitional measure.
3.16. For the purposes of paragraph 3.15, the GFSC expects to modify the adjustment or
transitional measure and the calculation of the SCR in a manner such that the assumptions underlying the adjustment or transitional measure would reflect the actual assets, liabilities, and risk profile of the firm, and ensure compliance with regulation 91(3) to (5) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.
3.17. The GFSC expects that any modification referred to in paragraph 3.16 will use adequate,
applicable, and relevant actuarial and statistical techniques and will be based on accurate, complete, and appropriate data of the firm, or where these are not available, data that is relevant for the operations of the firm.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 11 Calculation of capital add-ons in relation to deviations from system of governance requirements
3.18. For the purposes of calculating a CAO (either fixed or dynamic) in relation to deviations
from the system of governance requirements set out in regulations 42 to 51B of the Insurance Companies Regulations and Chapter 9 of Part 1 of the Solvency 2 Technical Standards, 10 the GFSC will consider all relevant factors, including the following:
a) where appropriate, the factors referred to in paragraph 2.10; b) where appropriate, CAOs set previously for comparable deviations of other firms with similar risk profiles. Where it does so, the GFSC will clearly state the reasons for its decision to set a CAO in a letter to the firm, and will ensure that the statement of reasons complies with the professional secrecy requirements set out in section 46 of the Financial Services Act 2019. Apportionment of capital add-ons for firms that simultaneously pursue life and non-life insurance activities
3.19. When calculating a CAO in relation to a firm that simultaneously pursues life and non￾life insurance activities, the GFSC expects to calculate a notional life CAO and a notional non-life
CAO.
3.20. Where the causes of the relevant deviations can be objectively apportioned between
the life insurance activity and the non-life insurance activity, the GFSC expects to calculate the notional life CAO and the notional non-life CAO according to the same apportionment.
3.21. Where an apportionment in accordance with paragraph 3.20 is not possible, the GFSC
expects to calculate the notional life CAO and notional non-life CAO consistently with the apportionment between the notional life Minimum Capital Requirement (‛MCR’) and the notional non-life MCR, as set out in regulation 64(2) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.
4. Group capital add-ons
4.1. Where the GFSC is the group supervisor, it will follow the approach as set out in this Guidance
Note when considering whether the consolidated group SCR appropriately reflects the risk profile of the group. The GFSC expects to consider setting a CAO that applies to a group if the specified circumstances defined in the Insurance Companies Regulations and set out in paragraph 2.1 arise at the group level. A capital add-on applied to a related undertaking using Method 1
4.2. The GFSC expects to consider setting a CAO to increase the group SCR where a CAO is set on
any related undertaking within an insurance group due to any of the circumstances set out in in paragraph 2.1(a) to 2.1(e), and that related undertaking is consolidated into the group according to Method 1.11 In making such a determination, the GFSC expects to consider all relevant factors, including those specific to each type of CAO listed in Chapter 2 of this Guidance Note, but applied within the context of the group. In the case of an RML CAO, i.e. the 10 Including pursuant to regulation 223(2) and (3) of the Insurance Companies Regulations. 11 The method for calculating group solvency described in regulation 209(1) to (3) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 12 circumstance in paragraph 2.1(c), the GFSC will also consider the factors set out in paragraph
3.5 of its Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models: Permissions and ongoing monitoring.
A capital add-on applied to a related firm using Method 1
4.3. Where the GFSC has set a CAO that is applied to a related firm due to any circumstances set out
in paragraphs 2.1(a) to 2.1(e), and that related firm is consolidated into the group according to Method 1, the GFSC expects to assess at group level the significance of the deviation, and will consider the need for setting a CAO at the level of the group. A capital add-on applied to a related undertaking using Method 2
4.4. Where all or part of a group’s SCR is calculated using Method 2,12 and a CAO for SCR risk profile
deviation is set on a related undertaking by that undertaking’s solo supervisor for any of the circumstances set out in paragraphs 2.1(a) to 2.1(c), and where the related undertaking is consolidated into the group using Method 2, the CAO will be added to the group SCR according to the proportional share for that related undertaking as referred to in regulation 200 of the Insurance Companies Regulations. The GFSC will seek to avoid any double counting of CAOs to address the same deviation at individual entity and group levels. Assessment of deviation at the level of a firm where there is a group capital add-on
4.5. Where a CAO has been set which applies to a group, the GFSC expects to assess whether it
stems from a deviation for any of the circumstances set out in paragraphs 2.1(a) to 2.1(e), at the level of a firm within the group. If so, the GFSC expects to assess the following factors and consider the need for setting a CAO at the level of the firm:
a) the significance of the deviation of the firm’s risk profile from the assumptions underlying the SCR, as calculated using the SF or a full or partial IM, as described in paragraph 2.3 and
Table 1; in the case of an IM residual deviation, the GFSC will assess the size of the deviation
stemming from an RML at the level of the firm, and also consider the factors set out in paragraph 2.8 above; b) the significance of the deviation from the system of governance requirements set out in paragraph 2.10; and c) the significance of the deviation from the assumptions underlying the matching adjustment, the volatility adjustment, TMIR, or TMTP. Group-specific risks
4.6. In determining whether the circumstances referenced in paragraph 2.1(f) apply to a group, the
GFSC expects to consider the group-specific risks of the firm, in addition to the relevant factors specified in Chapter 2 of this Guidance Note, which may include but are not limited to risks:
a) which are also present at individual entity level, but where the impact of those risks is significantly different (or which behave in a different way) at group level; or b) only present at group level. 12 The method for calculating group solvency described in regulation 212(1) of the Insurance Companies Regulations.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 13
5. Process for setting a capital add-on
5.1. The GFSC intends to set CAOs using its powers under section 70/71 of the Financial Services Act
2019 (and in the case of undertakings within groups that are subject to group supervision by the GFSC, using its powers under regulation 33 of the Insurance Companies Regulations, by virtue of regulation 192 of those Regulations). This chapter does not reproduce relevant requirements that will apply to any exercise of those powers. It rather explains aspects of the process the GFSC ordinarily expects to follow in exercising those powers for the purpose of setting a CAO.
5.2. The GFSC will notify the entity or entities concerned of its intention to set a CAO and the
reasons for setting the CAO.13

5.3. The GFSC expects to set a deadline by which the entity or entities should respond to the
notification referred to in paragraph 5.2. The GFSC will consider any information provided by the entity or entities before taking its decision on whether to set a CAO.
5.4. The GFSC may request the entity or entities to perform the calculation of the CAO in
accordance with specifications set by the GFSC.
5.5. If the information (referenced in paragraph 5.3) received is insufficient, the GFSC may request
the entity or entities to provide further information necessary for taking a decision on setting a CAO by a deadline set by the GFSC.
5.6. When determining the deadline referred to in paragraph 5.5, the GFSC would pay particular
attention to the likelihood and severity of any adverse impact on policyholders.
5.7. The entity or entities should immediately notify the GFSC if it / they cannot meet the deadline
referred to in paragraph 5.5.
5.8. The GFSC will notify the entity or entities in writing of its decision to set a CAO. The decision of
the GFSC will be sufficiently detailed to enable the entity or entities to understand what measures are needed to take or what deficiencies need to be remedied in order to have the CAO removed.
5.9. In providing its decision referred to in paragraph 5.8, the GFSC will inform the entity or entities
of the following:
a) the reasons for setting the CAO; b) the methodology for calculating the CAO and the amount of the CAO; c) the date from which the CAO is applicable; d) where relevant, the deadline by which the entity or entities are expected to remedy the deficiencies that led to setting of the CAO; e) where relevant, the content and frequency of any progress report to be provided in accordance with paragraph 6.2. 13 ‛Entity or entities’ in the context of solo CAOs would refer to a firm, but in the context of group CAOs would refer to the group undertaking that is responsible for calculating the group SCR.

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Guidance Note on Solvency 2: Capital Add-Ons 14
6. Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and removal of a capital add-on
6.1. This chapter explains aspects of the process the GFSC ordinarily expects to follow in exercising
the powers referenced in paragraph 5.1 for the purpose of ongoing monitoring, reporting, and removal of a CAO, subject to following any relevant statutory requirements. As above, this
chapter does not reproduce relevant statutory requirements that will apply to any exercise of
those powers.
6.2. In the cases set out in paragraphs 2.1(a) to (d) and (f), the GFSC may request that the entity or
entities provide an update on the progress made towards remedying the deficiencies that led to the setting of the CAO and the relevant measures taken.14
6.3. Where the GFSC sets a CAO, it will review the CAO on a regular basis. The frequency of this
review will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the GFSC expects to review a CAO if it determines that there is a material change in the circumstances that led to the setting of the CAO. Following a review of a CAO, the GFSC will maintain, change, or remove the CAO.
6.4. When considering whether to maintain, change, or remove a CAO, the GFSC will consider the
following:

• information submitted by the entity or entities during the process of setting and calculating
  the CAO;
• in the case of CAOs referred to in paragraphs 2.1(b), 2.1(c), and 2.1(f) (where appropriate),
  information submitted by the firm as part of the internal model ongoing review (IMOR) framework;15
• information provided in the progress report referred to in paragraph 6.2;
• any other information obtained by the GFSC through the course of its supervision of the firm
  or group; and
• any other relevant information indicating a material change in the circumstances that led to
  the setting of the CAO. Examples of material changes include increased investment in a particular asset class or transfers of business.
  6.5. The GFSC will notify the entity or entities in writing of its decision to change or remove a CAO
  and the effective date of that decision.
  6.6. Where the GFSC decides to change a CAO, it will take a new decision in accordance with the
  relevant statutory requirements, and in a manner consistent with the approach set out in this Guidance Note.
  6.7. The GFSC expects to publish on a regular basis a report summarising at an aggregate level its
  application of significant deviation CAOs. For the avoidance of doubt, this report will not cover safeguards including RML CAOs. 14 As required by regulation 39(5), 102C(2) and 211(4) of the Insurance Companies Regulations 2020. 15 The IMOR framework is described in more detail in Chapter 5 of the GFSC Guidance Note on Solvency 2 internal models: Permissions and ongoing monitoring.

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