Jonathan Swift
Content director, insurance
Jonathan has written and commented about the insurance industry since 1998 as a reporter, news editor, editor and content director at Incisive Media.
He has appeared on television speaking about topics as diverse as the insurance implications of Michael Jackson's death to the consequences of consolidation on motor premiums; and is a past winner of the British Insurance Brokers' Association journalist of the year and Association of British Insurers general insurance trade journalist prizes.
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Articles by Jonathan Swift
Ahmed takes up new Aon Benfield MENA CEO role
Aon Benfield has appointed Ahmed Rajab as CEO, Middle East and North Africa.
Indian insurers delay reinsurance treaties as primary premiums harden
Indian general insurers have delayed finalisation of the reinsurance treaties for the next financial year, according to a new report.
China unveils latest motor market liberalisation move with premium setting plan
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission is to allow some qualified insurers to set terms and premium rates for private motor insurance.
Aviva bemoans 'challenging' UK commercial sector as CEO Moss heralds 2011 progress
Aviva's UK general insurance continuing operations saw a decrease in operating profit and underwriting result in 2011 to £540m (2010: £567m) and £129m (2010: £184m) respectively. This was mostly as a result of the reduced contribution from Aviva Re.
Admiral overseas losses increase to £15.1m but policycount soars to 4.1m
Admiral Group has reported that its two international operations – motor and aggregator – increased their losses to £15.1m (2010: £12.8m loss) in 2010.
Liberty CEO talks up China, India and Quinn after 87% drop in pre-tax income
Liberty Mutual has reported net income of $284m and $365m for the three and twelve months ended 31 December 2011, decreases of $292m and $1.313bn from the same periods in 2010.
Asian air traffic a game changer in aviation market, warns broker boss
Air travel in Asia Pacific is set to significantly surpass that of North America and Europe in the next five years, increasing the exposure of airlines operating in the region to potentially game-changing risks such as reputational risk.
Thomas charged with maximising Willis' $40bn global premium
Willis Group has appointed David Thomas as director of strategy and transformation within its global businesses division.
Admiral COO describes 2011 as a year of two halves as profit hits £299m
Admiral has reported group profit before tax up 13% at £299m in 2011 (2010: £266m) on a turnover up 38% at £2.19bn (2010: £1.58bn).
HSBC sells GI units to Axa and QBE
Axa and HSBC announced today they have entered into an agreement whereby the French insurance giant would acquire the bank's property and casualty businesses in Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico.
Axa and QBE strike deals with HSBC for Asian and Central/South American P&C businesses
Axa and HSBC announced today they have entered into an agreement whereby the French insurance giant would acquire the bank’s property and casualty businesses in Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico.
Brit 'schtum' on UK sale as profits and GWP drop in 2011
Brit Insurance has reported a profit before tax of £75.8m in 2011 (2010: £116.4m) on gross written premiums of £1.5bn (2010: £1.53bn).
Helphire extends banking agreement until 2014 as it slips into the red
Helphire has announced that it had reached an agreement with the group's bankers for the extension of the expiry date of the existing committed banking facilities from 31 December 2012 to 31 December 2014.
Moneysupermarket CEO predicts "another good year" after insurance revenue breaks £100m barrier
Moneysupermarket has reported a jump in click-based and other reveune from its insurance vertical in 2011.
IAG reports loss of $7m for H1 2012, as CEO hails improvement
Insurance Australia Group has reported that its UK arm made an underwriting loss of Au$7m for the six months to 31 December 2011.
Allianz UK operating profit improves as group net income impacted by Greek debt
Allianz has reported that its UK business logged gross written premiums as stated of €534m in 2011 (2010: €485m).
Former Aspen CFO to replace Culmer as RSA group finance boss
RSA has appointed Richard Houghton as its group chief financial officer.
Lancashire CEO Brindle "cautiously optimistic" for 2012 after $219m year end profit
Lancashire has reported an 8.2%, or $56.8m, drop in gross written premium to $632.3m in 2011.
Swiss Re P&C operating income halves despite $1.3bn reserve releases
Swiss Re has seen its property and casualty operating income almost halved in 2011 to US$1.28bn (US$2.47bn).
RSA UK back-in-black, but commercial hit by "drag" of three-year fleet deal
RSA has reported a 6% rise in UK premiums to £3.1bn in 2011 and an underwriting profit of £40m (2010: £95m loss).
RBSI reports £749m turnaround in profit in 2011, as it sheds 1.3m policies
Royal Bank of Scotland has reported an operating profit of £454m in 2011, compared with a loss of £295m in 2010. Its new underwriting profit was up from £307m to £1.04bn.
Suncorp reports commercial rates hike of 9.3% as reinsurance costs jump
Suncorp Group has reported net profit after tax of Au$389m (£263m) for the half year to 31 December 2011, up from Au$223m in the prior corresponding period.
Suncorp reports commercial rates hike of 9.3% as reinsurance costs jump
Suncorp Group has reported net profit after tax of Au$389m (£263m)for the half year to 31 December 2011, up from Au$223m in the prior corresponding period.
Claims Awards deadline two weeks and counting
Following another tough year for many, the second annual Claims Awards, hosted by Post Magazine's Claims Club, will provide a spectacular opportunity for the entire claims community to showcase and celebrate best practice, innovation and excellence in…