Promises the payment of an agreed sum of money upon the death of the insured within a specified period of time. Also known as life assurance.

Amount payable on death of life insured.

The economic earnings of a life insurance business.

A company's debts and obligations, shown on the balance sheet as claims on its assets.

Also known as keyperson insurance. Cover designed to protect or compensate a business in the event of the death or incapacity of an important employee regarded as crucial to that organisation.

An insurance contract where two people are insured against death.

Buying and holding assets, such as shares, bonds, property and commodities, to earn income or to make capital gains.

Percentage rate at which money is added to savings or borrowings. The cost of borrowing or lending money.

A contract taken out with an insurer to protect against loss from a perceived risk. The person taking out the insurance is called the insured. Payments for the policy are called premiums.

The first time a company lists on the stock exchange, and asks investors to buy shares in it, is known as an IPO, new share issue, or flotation.