Articles by Francesca Nyman
Fonsai downgraded to 'BB' along with main subsidiary
Italy’s second largest motor insurer Fondaria-Sai has been downgraded from ‘B+’ to ‘BB’ along with its main subsidiary Milano Assicurazioni.
Biometrics organisation wants to found Europe-wide network
The "European Association for Biometrics” wants to found a Europe-wide network to bring together industry, regulators and user groups.
Mapfre IDR downgraded following sovereign
Fitch Ratings has downgraded the issuer default rating for Spanish insurer Mapfre SA and its core subsidiaries from ‘A-‘ to ‘A’.
Generali could be downgraded if Italy's IDR falls any lower
A further sovereign downgrade for Italy is likely to result in a downgrade for Italian insurer Assicurazioni Generali, ratings agency Fitch has said.
French P&C sector can weather 'economic headwinds'
Moody's has changed its outlook for the French property and casualty sector from negative to stable, saying it expects better 2011 underwriting results for the sector than the previous two years.
Willis targets multinationals with new MD of Global Solutions
Global broker Willis has appointed Bruce Trigg as managing director of Global Solutions, with effect from 1st April 2012.
Qatar and Luxembourg continue financial services cooperation
Qatar Financial Centre Authority and Luxembourg for Finance, the agency for that promotes Luxembourg as a financial centre, held a joint seminar today as part of the continued cooperation between the two countries in financial services.
Economic uncertainty to impact European construction in 2012
The health of the European construction sector will depend on austerity plans in 2012, according to credit insurer Coface.
Weakened capital adequacy behind Generali downgrade
Standard & Poor's has lowered its long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings on Italy-based Assicurazioni Generali SpA and its related core entities to 'A' from 'A+'.
Global tanker fleet hit by EU oil sanctions
New European Union sanctions on Iranian oil will impact around 95% of the global tanker fleet, including those operated by a major Bermuda shipping company, because they are insured under rules governed by European law.
Chartis Europe SA assigned "A" IFS ratings
Chartis Europe SA (France) and Chartis Europe (UK) have been assigned "A" (Excellent) financial strength ratings and "A" issuer credit ratings by AM Best.
Italy's sovereign IDR slashed two notches by Fitch
Italy’s sovereign long-term issuer default rating has been downgraded to ‘A-‘ from ‘A+’ by Fitch.
EC data privacy proposals costly for EU businesses
Proposals for new privacy regulations for companies handling EU citizens’ data may increase demand for cyber liability solutions, according to Lockton.
Asian Expansion: Local experts explain the market's attraction
Insurance Insight recently extended its coverage to include Asia. As part of the new remit Francesca Nyman spoke to some of the region’s major players about where they have a presence in the market, why Asian is attractive and the opportunities for…
Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad has "A-" IFS rating affirmed
AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “A-” of Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad, the wholly owned subsidiary of MNRB Holdings Berhad.
Japenese life insurers to provide 100 billion yen loan to Tokyo Electric
Four major Japanese life insurers including major shareholders Nippon Life Insurance Co and Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co are planning to provide a 100 billion yen ($1.30bn) syndicated loan to Tokyo Electric Power Co as early as April, according to Reuters.
XL expands political risk and trade credit team
XL Group is expanding its global political risk and trade credit team with four new appointments based in London.
Tawa, Skuld and Paraline complete Whittington deal
A consortium comprised of Tawa, Skuld, and Paraline Group has completed on the acquisition of Whittington Insurance Market.
Zurich's 2011 cat losses may trigger aggregate reinsurance
Zurich Financial Services expects the impact of the floods in Thailand and the increased cost of the earthquakes in New Zealand in the fourth quarter of 2011 to range between $200 and $250m (€189.9m).
Gcube increases offshore capacity to $100m
Renewables specialist Gcube has increased its underwriting capacity by $50m (€37.9m) for offshore renewable energy projects.
Perils estimates €300m windstorm Joachim loss
Independent Zurich-based firm, Perils, today disclosed an initial loss estimate of €300m for windstorm Joachim, which occurred in Western Europe from 15-17 December 2011.
Benevista launches international employee benefits index
Belgian consultancy firm, Benevista, has launched an international employee benefits index to raise awareness of the advantages of multinational pooling.
Guernsey leads non-UK entities listed on LSE
Guernsey is home to more non-UK entities listed on the London Stock Exchange than any other jurisdiction globally, according to figures from the market authority.
Reinsurance rates in Spain fell at January renewal
Reinsurance rates in Spain fell at the January 1, 2012, renewal, despite the effects of the European financial situation on the primary market.