Regulatory

SVO

Also known as: Securities Valuation Office, SVO designation

status: draft

Securities Valuation Office. The NAIC unit that assigns credit designations (NAIC 1-6) to securities held by insurance companies. SVO designations determine risk-based capital (RBC) charges and thus which investments are economic for insurers.

What to watch

An SVO designation can differ from the rating agency rating, especially for unrated or thinly traded securities. Insurance investors may require SVO pre-clearance before committing to a deal. The filing process takes time, so build it into your timeline if insurers are target buyers. SVO has become more active in reviewing CLO equity and other complex structures.

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