Articles by Francesca Nyman
Asian states lobby EU in hope of Iran oil sanctions U-turn
European Union foreign ministers are expected to consider how the bloc's Iranian oil embargo will affect insurers at a meeting in Brussels next week, under mounting pressure from Asian states to change their stance.
China loses out as Mapfre targets more 'liberal' Asian countries
China's hostile environment for foreign investors has led Spanish insurer Mapfre to seek acquisition targets elsewhere in Asia in order to expand within the region.
Auto traders distribute over 50% of motor premiums in emerging markets
Motor insurance is one of the most important components of non-life in emerging markets, according to recent research by Finaccord.
Scor IDS upgraded to A+
French reinsurer Scor has had its long-term issuer default rating and insurer financial strength ratings upgraded by Fitch, owing to its strong solvency and moderate debt in relation to its risk profile.
EU may exempt liability insurers from Iran sanctions
The European Union is considering relaxing rules on indemnifying Iranian tankers, to allow insurers to provide cover for third-party and environmental liability.
US targets global insurers with growing Iran sanctions
US lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would extend the remit of sanctions on trading with Iran to global insurers, according to Reuters.
XL Group recruits AGCS risk head
XL has appointed Roland Brandt as property underwriting manager for risk management, analytics and innovation for the international region.
Aviva Europe operating profits up 26%
Aviva Europe's general insurance and health operating profit increased by 26% to £137m for the full year 2011.
Scor 'resilient' in the face of nat cats
French reinsurer Scor absorbed natural catastrophe losses of €138m from the Thai floods to record net income of €330m for 2011.
Fraud rises 70% in Indian general insurance
Indian insurance companies incurred losses of over Rs30,000 crore in 2011 due to fraudulent activity, according to a recent study by Pune-based firm Indiaforensic.
Insurers could do more to help space operators, says JLT
Space operators need the insurance community to step up and offer better solutions, according to Peter Elson, global head of space at broker JLT Specialty.
QBE launches new motor products in Dubai
Business insurance specialist QBE has started offering Guaranteed Auto Protection insurance and auto extended warranty on a reinsurance basis for cedants dealing with auto dealers and banks within the GCC market.
Arch acquires Ariel Re's Zurich-based credit business
Arch Capital Group is to acquire Ariel Re's Credit & Surety reinsurance operations based in Zurich.
Management not measurement key in handling risk
Risk management has focused on the harnessing of technology for risk measurement rather than a deeper understanding of risk itself, according to recent research published by Towers Watson.
China's state-owned credit insurer warns of export risk
China's only export credit insurer has warned of increased short-term export credit risk for firms in the first quarter.
Insurers avoid conviction for Irish data breach
Three insurance companies have avoided criminal convictions for possessing personal information obtained by a private detective from a leak in the Department of Social Protection, according to reports in the Irish press.
Zurich in three-year sponsorship deal with Christie's Dubai
General insurer Zurich has entered into a partnership with auction house Christie's to sponsor its sales in Dubai.
Assurant makes senior European appointments
Assurant Solutions today announces the appointments of Graham Luckett as senior compliance officer for Europe and Robert Moorehead-Lane as European chief risk officer.
Premium rates set for Thai cat fund
The Thai government has settled on premium rates for the state-initiated disaster fund.
Brics are not quick wins, says Lee
The emerging markets of Europe, the Middle East and Asia present "substantial opportunities", but insurers must be prepared to make a long-term commitment, according to RSA's chief executive officer.
Insurance Europe calls for parity between IORPs and insurers
Insurance Europe, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has spoken out in support of the European Commission's aim to promote a more harmonious approach to the challenges faced by pension systems in EU member states.
Willis appoints Rainbow MD for Willis Re Europe
Willis Re, the reinsurance arm of global broker Willis Group, has appointed David Rainbow to lead the company's European reinsurance business as managing director for Willis Re Europe.
Zurich operating profit down 12%, but net income up 10%
Zurich Financial Services Group reported net income after tax of $3.8bn for the full year 2011, up 10% from $3.8bn in the prior year period.
We need Solvency II now, demands Eiopa director
Policymakers should not let politics impede the implementation of Solvency II regulations, the head of Eiopa has urged.