Les mutuelles d’assurance et leur gouvernance

Abstract

Mutual insurance companies are composed of individuals rather than capital : they are founded on the democratic principle of «one person, one vote». They are nowadays an integral part of the insurance market, with a two-fold objective : to meet the needs of their members and to be competitive in terms of economic performance. In terms of governance, as on the economic front, mutual insurance companies cannot afford to ignore the general movement towards best practices in this area. The French mutual companies, in conjunction with the authorities, have been conducting indepth reflections with a view to modernizing and professionalizing the way in which they operate. As a result of this work a clearer, fully operational governance framework has been created, which should contribute towards achieving an appropriate balance in terms of the powers and responsibilities necessary to ensure that these companies are successful. JEL classification : G22, K2