Middle East
Analysis: Beirut blast – cost of humanitarian crisis could top $10bn
The explosion in Beirut, Lebanon at around 6pm local time on Tuesday 4 August tragically killed at least 157 people and wounded another 5000, with more than a hundred still missing as rescue efforts continue.
RSA moves back to underwriting profit in UK
RSA has delivered an underwriting profit of £3m in the UK for 2019, reversing the underwriting loss of £93m the year before.
Tractable targets SE Asia and mulls property diversification after $25m raise
Insurtech Tractable is targeting new clients in South East Asia, the Middle East and Latin America after unveiling a $25m (£19.2m) Series C investment, led by Georgian Partners
Interview: Amanda Blanc on life in the NED seat
The former Zurich, Axa and Towergate leader discusses her portfolio of NED positions, challenges for insurers in the current market, the partnership opportunities for insurtech businesses as well as rugby and schools.
Integro rebranded as Tysers and RFIB deal completes
Integro has completed the rebrand of its trading names as Tysers, having bought the broker in June 2018.
Sedgwick restructures UK leadership team
Sedgwick UK deputy CEO Paul White has been promoted to lead the business, following the appointment of current CEO Stewart Steel as head of a combined Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa division.
Zurich names Amanda Blanc's successor
Alison Martin has been appointed Zurich CEO EMEA and bank distribution, following Amanda Blanc stepping down after nine months in the role.
Interview: Amanda Blanc, Zurich
Amanda Blanc’s move from Axa to Zurich was perhaps the most talked about people move of 2018. The Association of British Insurers chair spoke to Jen Frost about her plans for the business in the coming year
Argo Global appoints EMEA CUO
Argo Global has appointed Alfredo Alonso as chief underwriting officer for Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Markerstudy Gibraltar business cost Qatar Re owner £37.9m
The acquisition of Markerstudy's Gibraltar-based insurance business cost Qatar Re just £37.9m once cash assets were taken into consideration.
Trust Re ratings withdrawn due to financial statement delays
AM Best and S&P have withdrawn their financial strength ratings for Bahrain-based Trust Re, due to delays in the reinsurer publishing its financial statements for 2017.
XL Catlin's Nicola Harris on why insurers need to change their approach to the energy sector
Challenging times for the oil and gas industry call for a change in the way insurers address energy risks, writes Nicola Harris, head of energy for Europe, Middle East and Africa at XL Catlin.
US sanctions a threat to Lloyd’s Iranian business
The return of US sanctions on Iran are likely to prevent the use of a Lloyd's IT platform for any Iranian insurance business, the markets chairman has said.
Risk management: Analysis: Cargo theft on the rise
International cargo theft has a huge impact on the frequency and severity of insurance claims and the problem is increasing.
Analysis: Social media is making virtual kidnap and ransom a reality
In a world where political volatility is rife and where an individual’s net worth and lifestyle are discoverable through a Google search or Instagram feed, kidnap for ransom has never been easier or more lucrative. As the threat to clients increases, so…
Week in Post: Picking up the pieces after Biba 2018
The possibility of physical and mental collapse is now very real. No sympathy for the Devil. Buy the ticket, take the ride.
Analysis: How Lloyd's is faring in the Middle East
As economies in the Middle East diversify, new opportunities for insurers and reinsurers are beginning to show themselves. Is the London Market taking full advantage?
Markerstudy capacity owner QIC sees profit fall
Markerstudy capacity owner, Qatar Insurance Company, has reported a 24% fall in profits.
This week in Post: BIA shortlist and other insurance news
This week we unveiled the long-awaited shortlist for the British Insurance Awards.
Analysis: Takaful, all promise and little delivery
With more than three million Muslims in the UK, there has long been a feeling that sharia-compliant insurance products should find a market but the reality has proved the opposite. So far, every attempt to establish a takaful insurer in the UK domestic…
Marsh combines Middle East and Africa operations, appoints CEO
Marsh has combined its Middle East and Africa businesses and named Christos Adamantiadis as CEO.
Blog: What is Amanda Blanc’s legacy at Axa as she heads to Zurich?
Following the news yesterday that Amanda Blanc is to leave Axa to join Zurich as its CEO for Europe, Middle East & Africa, Jonathan Swift looks back at her time at the French insurer and assesses her legacy
BHSI gets the green light for Dubai business
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company has received its insurance license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority and established an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Chubb names Church as international property head
Chubb has named Brian Church executive vice president and head of international property for Chubb’s overseas general business, effective 1 January 2018.