Articles by Andrew Tjaardstra
China and Asean countries agree to $1trn of trade investment by 2020
China and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) agreed at this week's Asean conference to upgrade two-way trade to $1trn by 2020.
Huge powerful typhoon heading towards India
A potentially destructive storm called Phailin is heading towards India this weekend.
Cannock making his mark at Markel
Less than 12 months after joining Markel from the Lloyd's market, Matthew Cannock was promoted to managing director, Asia.
Hong Kong Federation of Insurers revamps website
The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers has upgraded its website with increased functionality and enhanced consumer, broker and member sections.
Government to chair Hong Kong regulatory working group
The Financial Services and Treasury Bureau in Hong Kong is to chair a cross-industry working group to help with the establishment of the Independent Insurance Authority.
Raffard appointed at MetLife as head of regional strategy
Serge Raffard has left McKinsey in Asia to become regional head of strategy and business development for MetLife's Asian operation.
FP Marine cites costs of claims and poor returns for rising premiums
A director at broker FP Marine Risks based in Hong Kong agrees with Lloyd's broker Tysers that P&I clubs will likely raise shipowners' premiums at a rate on average of 7.5% this year, similar to last year.
Machell accepts consultancy and Tesco roles
Aviva's former head of emerging markets Simon Machell (pictured) has joined Dutch consultancy firm CPI's Asian arm in Singapore to become chairman of its advisory board.
Governments count cost of September catastrophes
The latest Aon Benfield Impact Forecasting Global Catastrophe Report reveals $15bn of economic losses.
Thailand's catastrophe fund 'returns rates to normal'
Payungsak Chartsutipol, chairman of the board of the National Catastrophe Fund, has claimed that Thai insurance rates have returned to a normal level thanks to the fund.
Indian Prime Minister warns over natural disaster threat
The Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh has warned India needs to take greater preventative measures towards the onset of natural disasters.
Typhoon Fitow hits Eastern China
Yet another typhoon has hit Eastern China cutting power and causing damage to homes.
Taiwan insurers have $10bn for overseas property
Following new government rules on relaxing investments overseas, Taiwan insurers have $10bn to spend in overseas properties.
Thailand to host flood conference
Thailand will host a flood control conference in Bangkok at the end of October.
Climate change: HSBC study finds Australia is warming quickly
Australia, which has just experienced its hottest 12 months on record, has seen temperatures rise faster than any other G20 country in the last two years according to HSBC's latest climate report.
Swiss Re opens commercial insurance office in Singapore
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has received a license to sell commercial insurance at its new office in Singapore.
Hong Kong welcomes young UK reinsurance professionals
The Future Insurance Leaders in Hong Kong group, in partnership with the Insurance Institute of Hong Kong, hosted the 'The U35 Reinsurance Group' from the UK for a knowledge sharing forum and networking event on 23 September in central Hong Kong.
Insurers' data confirms GI underwriting profit down in Hong Kong last year
In Hong Kong, the overall underwriting profit of general insurance business decreased from HK$2.6bn in 2011 to HK$2bn in 2012, mainly due to adverse claims experience according to the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.
Obama cancels Asia trip
Following the shutdown of the US government, President Obama has been forced to cancel his trip to Asia.
Strongest growth in private wealth for six years, according to Allianz
The global gross financial assets of private households grew by 8.1% in 2012 according to the fourth Allianz Global Wealth Report which monitors 50 countries.
The importance of data and analytics in insurance
Over 100 insurance professionals gathered in Hong Kong last week to discuss how to use data and analytics in their day to day businesses.
Singapore welcomes online life model
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has approved that basic life insurance products can be sold online by the middle of next year.
75 missing as typhoon Wutip approaches Vietnam
Two vessels have sunk with another missing as typhoon Wutip struck the South China Sea on Monday.
Chinese regulator backs Shanghai free trade zone
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission has backed a new free trade zone in Shanghai.