This paper develops a contingent claim framework to examine swap transactions between a life insurer and a bank that bilaterally price default risks. We show that the insurer (the protection buyer in the swap transaction market) regards the optimal bank loan rate as a strategic complement. In contrast, the bank (the protection seller) considers the optimal insurer guaranteed rate as a strategic substitute. Hedging conducted by the insurer enhances profits but hurts policyholder protection. Bank capital regulation harms policyholder protection. Insurer capital regulation leads to bank risk-taking. Capital regulations, as such, would jeopardize insurer-bank performance from a financial stability standpoint.
