Analysis
In series: Solvency II - Making it work
Andrew Power urges insurers to focus on the opportunities Solvency II creates, rather than getting bogged down in the mechanics of implementation.
In Series: Solvency II - Getting the message through
Insurer thinking has evolved over the issue of Solvency II and Sam Barrett explains how they are being won round to seeing the potential benefits of implementation.
News analysis: Merlin Refinancing - Magic lessons
Merlin Claims Services recently breached its banking covenants, triggering it to seek a refinancing deal. Jonathan Swift talks to CEO Richard Webster about the perils of boom-time private equity backed deals.
Groupama outlines float and buy plan
Jean Azéma, Groupama CEO, details his ideas for the group in interview.
Groupama outlines float and buy plan
Jean Azéma, Groupama CEO, details his ideas for the group in interview.
Editor's comment: Esure sale is yardstick for personal lines deals
The January sales may not have thrown up much in the way of bargains for those hoping to acquire insurance-related companies. But February is looking like it could prove a more successful month for those seeking a nice little earner at a knockdown price.
Business Interruption - Valuations: Setting sums
The risk of commercial underinsurance can leave brokers in the firing line and the insured financially distressed. Terri Adams and Richard Powell report on how this can be avoided.
Mergers & Acquisitions- Insurers: Coming back up
After a downturn in 2009, insurer merger and acquisition activity looks set to make a resurgence in the coming year. Amy Ellis reports.
Broking Mergers & Acquisitions: Calmer waters
Many have predicted the death of the insurance broking mergers and acquisition market. Roger Brown explains why this has not happened and why the current situation is just a return to historical norms.
Public Sector - Reserving: Emerging into the sun?
After the harsh winter, John O'Neill takes a look at the challenges facing local authorities in terms of reserving for future events. Is the outlook still bleak or is the sun on the horizon?
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: The big freeze
With much criticism being levelled at local authorities for their handling of the recent heavy snowfall, Caroline Elson details the defence against winter maintenance claims.
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: Smoothing things over
With a pothole being repaired every 33 seconds in England and Wales, Edward Murray reports on the issue of public liability claims concerning this road hazard.
Takaful - UK viability: Taking up Takaful
Shariah-compliant Takaful insurance has had a rocky start in the UK. Daniel Dunkley reports on the problems it has encountered and where its strengths may lie.
In Series: Solvency 2 - Capital ideas
Alex Arterton explains how the prospect of more demanding capital requirements is already shaping insurer strategies.
In Series: Solvency 2 - A year of achievement
With implementation deadlines for Solvency II fast approaching, Sam Barrett looks at how these are driving market developments and insurer action.
News analysis: Financial Services Bill - Nuts and bolts
The Financial Services Bill is going through the legilslative process. Daniel Preddy and Martin Langley explain why more debate is needed about some of the proposals.
News analysis: Scottish LIon - Sting in the tail
Although the Scottish Lion appeal was a victory for creditor democracy, many legal arguments over solvent schemes of arrangement remain to be settled. Tim Goodger and Ed Stanley explain how the judgment places a heavy burden on scheme administrators to…
Blog-re: Just a normal Wednesday
Some of this month's blog-re entries
Inflation reservations
Any return to high rates of inflation would be a challenge to writers of long-tail reinsurance business, especially when it comes to reserving. New modelling techniques will help to cope with this uncertainty, says Andrew English of EMB
LMA and technology
This is a year in which the London Market will make a concerted push in implementing further market reform and embracing technology, especially regarding the second phase of electronic claims handling being brought in. Richard Garnett, managing director…
Roundtable: Solvency II in depth
In this extended roundtable discussion, group editor-in-chief Ant Gould and industry big hitters from the UK and continental Europe consider the progress made by (re)insurance as the once-distant spectre of Solvency II now looms large and close
Terror and reinsurance in 2010
While state-run pools take much of the terrorism reinsurance burden, there is a specialist market growing within Lloyd's. Katherine Blackler looks at how well the risks of terrorism are understood and what 2010 may bring
Aviation: Turbulence ahead
The series of air disasters in 2009 were a human tragedy, yet made for only an average loss year for reinsurers. The market should be prepared for tougher times though, argues Eric Alexander