ABSTRACT

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ABSTRACT:The purpose of this study are to investigate the patterns of the use of derivatives by Japanese insurance companies, and to examine which firms-specific factors determine the decision of Japanese insurance companies to use derivatives. Using a sample of Japanese life insurance and non life insurance companies during the period of 2001-2008, we find that the participation rate for the use of derivatives by insurance companies in Japan is 72.4%, much higher than those found in the US, the UK or Australia. Using probit regression models, we examine the determinants of the use of derivatives, and we find that the decision to use derivatives by insurance companies is positively associated with firm size, leverage, and proportion of asset invested in stock, but negatively related with asset liability mismatch. We also find that the decision of Japanese insurance companies to extend their markets to operate globally increase the need to use derivatives.