Insurance Accounting: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the evolution of insurance accounting, with a particular emphasis on the transition from IFRS 4 to IFRS 17. It synthesizes key academic developments and evaluates progress in regulatory, technical, and institutional domains.
Research Problem: Given the significance of the insurance sector and the inherent complexity of accounting for long-term, risk-bearing contracts, it is crucial to assess how insurance accounting practices address persistent challenges related to transparency, comparability, and consistent measurement.
Methodology: Employing a bibliometric approach, this study analyses a dataset of peer-reviewed articles using Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny. This method enables quantitative mapping of academic networks, regional focus, and citation trends while identifying key thematic clusters in the literature.
Findings: The analysis reveals a notable increase in research activity post-2020, coinciding with IFRS 17’s adoption. Prominent themes include liability valuation, fulfilment cash flows, disclosure frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and regional readiness. However, material gaps persist, particularly regarding post-implementation outcomes, stakeholder comprehension, and the practical challenges of applying principle-based standards.
Practical Implications: The findings offer actionable insights for standard setters, regulators, and insurers. They inform IFRS 17 post-implementation reviews, highlight deficiencies in institutional and infrastructural preparedness, and support capacity-building and communication efforts.
Originality/Value: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use bibliometric tools to trace how insurance accounting research has developed under IFRS.