Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

4. INVESTMENTS

Ambac’s non-VIE invested assets are primarily comprised of fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale and interests in pooled investment funds which are reported within Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interests in pooled investment funds in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock are classified as trading securities, while limited partner interests in such funds are reported using the equity method. Other investments also included equity interests held by AFG, including the equity Certificates in Corolla Trust, an unconsolidated trust created in connection with its sale of Segregated Account junior surplus notes on August 28, 2014. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on January 22, 2021, AAC completed the Corolla Note Exchange transaction whereby it acquired 100% of the outstanding obligations and the Certificates of, and subsequently dissolved, the Corolla Trust.

Disclosures in this Note for the period ended December 31, 2021, are in accordance with the new CECL standard adopted January 1, 2020, which is more fully described in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies. To the extent disclosures for periods prior to January 1, 2020, made in accordance with prior GAAP rules differ from disclosures under the new CECL standard, such differences are explained below.

Fixed Maturity Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments, excluding VIE investments, at December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Allowance for Credit Losses		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2021
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations	$	315	$	—	$	28	$	3	$	340
Corporate obligations	612		—		10		9		613
Foreign obligations	89		—		—		2		87
U.S. government obligations	45		—		1		1		45
Residential mortgage-backed securities	182		—		70		—		252
Collateralized debt obligations	128		—		—		—		128
Other asset-backed securities (2)	234		—		32		—		265
	1,605		—		141		16		1,730
Short-term	415		—		—		—		414
	2,020		—		141		16		2,145
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral:
U.S. government obligations	15		—		—		—		15
Short-term	105		—		—		—		105
	120		—		—		—		120
Total available-for-sale investments	$	2,140	$	—	$	141	$	16	$	2,265

	Amortized Cost		Allowance for Credit Losses		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2020
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations	$	321	—		37		—		358
Corporate obligations (1)	1,059		—		24		6		1,077
Foreign obligations	97		—		1		—		98
U.S. government obligations	105		—		2		1		106
Residential mortgage-backed securities	256		—		46		—		302
Collateralized debt obligations	74		—		—		—		74
Other asset-backed securities (2)	263		—		40		—		303
	2,175		—		149		8		2,317
Short-term	492		—		—		—		492
	2,667		—		149		8		2,809
Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral:
U.S. government obligations	15		—		—		—		15
Short-term	125		—		—		—		125
	140		—		—		—		140
Total available-for-sale investments	2,807		$	—	$	149	$	8	$	2,949

(1)Includes Ambac's holdings of the LSNI Secured Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions.

(2)Consists primarily of Ambac's holdings of military housing and student loan securities.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments, excluding VIE investments, at December 31, 2021, by contractual maturity, were as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	565	$	565
Due after one year through five years	457		457
Due after five years through ten years	406		411
Due after ten years	168		188
	1,596		1,620
Residential mortgage-backed securities	182		252
Collateralized debt obligations	128		128
Other asset-backed securities	234		265
Total	$	2,140	$	2,265

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Unrealized Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities

The following table shows gross unrealized losses and fair values of Ambac’s available-for-sale investments, excluding VIE investments, which at December 31, 2021, did not have an allowance for credit losses under the CECL standard. This information is aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2021 and 2020:

	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss
December 31, 2021
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations	$	117	$	3	$	2	$	—	$	118	$	3
Corporate obligations	363		8		17		1		380		9
Foreign obligations	75		2		3		—		78		2
U.S. government obligations	25		—		2		—		27		1
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		—		1		—		2		—
Collateralized debt obligations	68		—		3		—		71		—
Other asset-backed securities	6		—		—		—		6		—
	654		14		28		1		682		16
Short-term	114		—		13		—		128		—
	768		14		41		1		810		16
Fixed maturity securities, pledged as collateral:
U.S. government obligations	15		—		—		—		15		—
Total collateralized investments	15		—		—		—		15		—
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	783	$	14	$	41	$	1	$	825	$	16

	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss
December 31, 2020
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations	$	25	$	—	$	6	$	—	$	31	$	—
Corporate obligations	543		6		—		—		543		6
Foreign obligations	3		—		—		—		3		—
U.S. government obligations	17		1		—		—		17		1
Residential mortgage-backed securities	14		—		—		—		14		—
Collateralized debt obligations	27		—		15		—		42		—
Other asset-backed securities	—		—		4		—		4		—
	629		7		25		—		654		8
Short-term	187		—		—		—		187		—
	816		7		25		—		841		8
Fixed maturity securities, pledged as collateral:
U.S. government obligations	—		—		—		—		—		—
Total collateralized investments	—		—		—		—		—		—
Total securities	$	816	$	7	$	25	$	—	$	841	$	8

Management has determined that the securities in the above table do not have credit impairment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 based upon (i) no actual or expected principal and interest payment defaults on these securities; (ii) analysis of the creditworthiness of the issuer and financial guarantor, as applicable, and (iii) for debt securities that are non-highly rated beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, analysis of whether there was an adverse change in projected cash flows. Management's evaluation as of December 31, 2021, includes the expectation that all principal and interest payments on securities guaranteed by AAC or Ambac UK will be made timely and in full.

Ambac’s assessment about whether a security is credit impaired reflects management’s current judgment regarding facts and circumstances specific to the security and other factors. If that judgment changes, Ambac may record a charge for credit impairment in future periods.

Net Investment Gains (Losses), including Impairments

The following table details amounts included in net investment gains (losses) and impairments included in earnings for the affected periods:

Year Ended December 31,	2021		2020		2019
Gross realized gains on securities	$	14	$	38	$	64
Gross realized losses on securities	(2)		(12)		(5)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(5)		(4)		22
Credit impairments	—		—		—
Intent / requirement to sell impairments	—		—		—
Net realized gains (losses)	$	7	$	22	$	81

The following table presents a roll-forward of Ambac’s cumulative credit losses on debt securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income under prior GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2019:

Year Ended December 31,	2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	12
Reductions for credit impairments previously recognized on:
Securities that matured or were sold during the period	(1)
Balance, end of period	$	12

Ambac had zero allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Ambac did not purchase any financial assets with credit deterioration for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Counterparty Collateral, Deposits with Regulators and Other Restrictions

Ambac routinely pledges and receives collateral related to certain transactions. Securities held directly in Ambac’s investment portfolio with a fair value of $120 and $140 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were pledged to derivative counterparties. Ambac’s derivative counterparties have the right to re-pledge the investment securities and as such, these pledged securities are separately classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Fixed maturity securities pledged as collateral, at fair value” and "Short-term investments pledged as collateral, at fair value". Refer to Note 9. Derivative Instruments for further information on cash collateral. There was no cash or securities received from other counterparties that were re-pledged by Ambac.

Securities carried at $17 and $8 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were deposited by Ambac's insurance subsidiaries with governmental authorities or designated custodian banks as required by laws affecting insurance companies. Invested assets

carried at $1 as December 31, 2021 were deposited as security in connection with a letter of credit issued for an office lease.

Securities with a fair value of $— and $178 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were pledged as collateral and as sources of funding to repay the LSNI Ambac Note. AAC also pledged for the benefit of the holders of LSNI Secured Notes (other than AAC) the proceeds of interest payments and partial redemptions of the LSNI Secured Notes held by AAC. The amount of such proceeds held by AAC was $— and $9 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is included in Restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on July 6, 2021, the LSNI Secured Notes were fully redeemed.

Securities with a fair value of $669 at December 31, 2021 were held by Ambac UK, the capital stock of which was pledged as collateral on the Sitka AAC Note. Refer to Note 12. Long-term Debt for further information about the Sitka AAC Note.

Guaranteed Securities

Ambac’s fixed maturity portfolio includes securities covered by guarantees issued by AAC and other financial guarantors (“insured securities”). The published rating agency ratings on these securities reflect the higher of the financial strength rating of the financial guarantor or the rating of the underlying issuer. Rating agencies do not always publish separate underlying ratings (those ratings excluding the insurance by the financial guarantor). In the event these underlying ratings are not available from the rating agencies, Ambac will assign an internal rating. The following table represents the fair value and weighted-average underlying rating of insured securities in Ambac's investment portfolio at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively: 

	Municipal Obligations		Corporate Obligations (2)		Mortgage and Asset- backed Securities		Total		Weighted Average Underlying Rating (1)
December 31, 2021:
Ambac Assurance Corporation	$	316	$	—	$	439	$	754	B
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation	2		—		—		2		BBB-
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation	1		—		—		1		A-
Total	$	318	$	—	$	439	$	757	B
December 31, 2020:
Ambac Assurance Corporation	$	320	$	465	$	481	$	1,266	CCC+
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation	6		—		—		6		BBB-
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation	1		—		—		1		C
Total	$	327	$	465	$	481	$	1,273	CCC+

(1)Ratings are based on the lower of Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s rating. If unavailable, Ambac’s internal rating is used.

(2)Represents Ambac's holdings of LSNI Secured Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions. These secured notes were insured by AAC. As further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description, on July 6, 2021, the LSNI Secured Notes were fully redeemed.

Other Investments

Ambac's investment portfolio includes interests in various pooled investment funds. Fair value and additional information about investments in pooled funds, by investment type, is summarized in the table below. Except as noted in the table, fair value as reported is determined using net asset value ("NAV") as a practical expedient. Redemption of certain funds valued using NAV may be subject to

withdrawal limitations and/or redemption fees which vary with the timing and notification of withdrawal provided by the investor. In addition to these investments, Ambac has unfunded commitments of $74 to private credit and private equity funds at December 31, 2021.

Class of Funds December 31,	2021		2020		Redemption Frequency	Redemption Notice Period
Hedge funds (1)	$	216	$	196	quarterly or semi-annually	90 days
Investment grade floating rate income (2)	107		73		weekly	0 days
Equity market investments (3) (10)	98		73		daily or quarterly	0 - 90 days
Private credit (4)	88		65		quarterly if permitted	180 days if permitted
High yield and leveraged loans (5) (10)	78		78		daily	0 - 30 days
Private equity (6)	37		13		quarterly if permitted	90 days if permitted
Real estate properties (7)	33		16		quarterly	10 business days
Emerging markets debt (8) (10)	24		25		daily	0 days
Insurance-linked investments (9)	2		3		see footnote (9)	see footnote (9)
Total equity investments in pooled funds	$	683	$	543

(1)    This class seeks to generate superior risk-adjusted returns through selective asset sourcing, active trading and hedging strategies across a range of asset types.

(2)    This class of funds includes investments in high quality floating rate debt securities including ABS and corporate floating rate notes.

(3)    This class of funds aim to achieve long-term growth through diversified exposure to global equity markets.

(4)    This class aims to obtain high long-term returns primarily through credit and preferred equity investments with low liquidity and defined term.

(5)     This class of funds includes investments in a range of instruments including high-yield bonds, leveraged loans, CLOs, ABS and floating rate notes to generate income and capital appreciation.

(6)    This class seeks to generate long-term capital appreciation through investments in private equity, equity-related and other instruments.

(7)    Investments consist of UK property to generate income and capital growth.

(8)    This class seeks long-term income and growth through investments in the bonds of issuers in emerging markets.

(9)    This class seeks to generate returns from insurance markets through investments in catastrophe bonds, life insurance and other insurance linked investments. This investment is restricted in connection with the unwind of certain insurance linked exposures. Ambac has redeemed its investment to the extent permitted by the fund.

(10)    These categories include fair value amounts totaling $106 and $89 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that are readily determinable and are priced through pricing vendors, including for High yield and leveraged loans products of $— and $3; for Equity market investments of $82 and $60; for Emerging markets debt of $24 and $25.

Ambac held preferred equity investments with a carrying value of $8 and $— as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that do not have readily determinable fair values and are carried at cost, less any impairments as permitted under the Investments — Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. There were no impairments recorded on these investments or adjustments to fair value to reflect observable price changes in identical or similar investments from the same issuer during the periods presented.

Ambac held direct equity interests as of December 31, 2020, including in an unconsolidated trust created in connection with the 2014 sale of Segregated Account junior surplus notes, which was accounted for under the equity method.

Investment Income (Loss)

Net investment income (loss) was comprised of the following for the affected periods:

Year Ended December 31,	2021		2020		2019
Fixed maturity securities	$	78	$	103	$	183
Short-term investments	—		5		17
Loans	—		1		1
Investment expense	(6)		(6)		(6)
Securities available-for-sale and short-term	74		103		196
Other investments	66		19		32
Total net investment income (loss)	$	139	$	122	$	227

Net investment income (loss) from Other investments primarily represents changes in fair value on equity securities including certain pooled investment funds, and income from investment limited partnerships and other equity interests accounted for under the equity method.

The portion of net unrealized gains (losses) related to securities classified as trading and equity securities, excluding those reported using the equity method, still held at the end of each period is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,	2021		2020		2019
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities	$	23	$	—	$	24
Less: net gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities sold during the period	1		(18)		7
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date	$	22	$	18	$	17