Analysis
Beware the bite
The legal status of settlement agreements reached on behalf of underwriters by loss adjusters is being called into question, writes Ling Ong.
Captive challenge
The financial crisis, changing regulations and the emergence of new jurisdictions are creating challenges and opportunities for the captive insurance industry, writes Stephen May.
Prognosis:uncertain
Attempting to introduce programmes of reform for the US health insurance system is nothing new but president Obama's latest attempts are posing the first real test to the popularity of his administration, writes Alexander Ferguson.
State of the Union
US reinsurers' financial institutions and directors' and officers' books are in for a hard year but surprisingly few players are looking to make significant moves away from these areas, writes Katherine Blackler.
The glass ceiling
Lloyd's and the London Market have been described as the last great male bastions. Worldwide, from broker to boardroom, women are under-represented in reinsurance. Mairi Mallon looks at how things are changing in the global market - slowly.
The great wall of China
Loss adjusters looking to break into the Chinese market still have to surmount significant obstacles, warns Simon Chick.
Fulfilling eastern promise
Firms hoping to break into the lucrative Chinese market will have to prove that they can add value and sustainability - as well as satisfy the country's thirst for knowledge, says Veronica Cowan.
The right tool for the job
Mediation in disputes has some concrete benefits, including significantly reducing costs, says Leigh Jackson, but forcing parties to use a one-size-fits-all protocol might lead to resentment and the process becoming meaningless.
The winds of change
With the annual Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous starting this weekend, Sarah Hills analyses what the main talking points could be.
Out in the cold
On a trip to meet reservists training in the Arctic Circle, Jonathan Thomas is struck by transferable skills and can-do attitude.
Under the influence
The Financial Services Authority has widened its approved persons regime for employees with 'significant influence'. Adrian Bristow reveals what this means in practice and the steps that should be taken to ensure compliance.
Abort, retry, fail
With online commercial activity an increasing part of everyday business, Edward Murray reports on the worrying trend for small to medium-sized enterprises to completely overlook their website disaster recovery plans.
Hand over the reins
When the financial crisis began, many predicted business process outsourcing would shine. However, as Stephanie Denton finds, although the market has seen growth, the expected surge has not materialised.
Could Corby happen again?
The remediation of the former Corby steelworks between 1983 and 1997 exposed local families to contaminants. Dr Jon Burton looks at the legislation that has been put in place since then to see if it could ever happen again.
Cards on the table
The AA has pressed ahead with its controversial 'pay-as-paid' scheme. Sarah Hills reports on how the bet appears to have paid off and what it could mean for premium finance providers.
Green footprints
Ana Paula Nacif reports on the debate about how to accommodate more sustainable building materials and techniques, without increasing property risk.
The future of modelling
Once the preserve of geeks, financial modelling is almost mainstream today, although there is still much more to achieve. Andrzej Czernusewicz concludes this three-part series with a look into the future of modelling.
Black swan theory
Unlike bankers, insurers have so far averted trouble in the recession. But, how much of this is due in part to the effective use of modelling and can this help them stay out of trouble? Rachel Gordon speaks to key market figures about modelling…
From first steps
It is a decade since Post launched its Rehabilitation First campaign. Mark Baylis charts the progress achieved over the past 10 years, and what more could be done to encourage the use of rehabilitation within the insurance industry.
Running out of time
With tough times ahead, insurers need to forget 'sexy' and go back to basics" understanding risk, pricing it correctly and looking after its investments, says Clare Ryder.
The exchange rate effect
Daniel Dunkley looks at the likely changes to UK accounting rules, as debate surfaces over the extent that exchange rate movements have impacted insurer results.
Tales of the unexpected
The courts have demonstrated the different ways insurance fraud can be dealt with. However, Gavin Rees and Paul Lowe report on how some of the findings are, on the face of it, unexpected.