Japan Accounting Group Seeks to Ease Insurer Bond Loss Rule (2)

A Japanese accounting group is seeking to ease rules on how life insurers book paper losses on government bonds, a move that would provide a relief for the major holders of the nation’s debt.

Under the proposal, bonds held by life insurers to match long-term policies would be treated as held to maturity if certain conditions are met, and would not be subject to impairment accounting. The Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants is seeking public comments on the proposal, which was posted on its website on Tuesday.

Shares of insurers led gains on Wednesday in Tokyo. The Topix Insurance ...