News
North-South divide in Europe is growing
Northern Europe appears set for a self-reinforcing recovery while countries in the South (such as Italy and Spain) could be stuck in a self-sustaining slump according to Legal & General Investment Management economist James Carrick.
Fitch affirms German Condor's IFS
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Condor Lebensversicherung-AG's), Condor Allgemeine Versicherungs-AG's and Optima Versicherungs-AG's insurer financial strength ratings at 'A+'.
Fitch affirms Generali rating
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Generali and its core subsidiaries' insurer financial strength ratings at AA- and long-term issuer default ratings at 'A+'.
Willis: weather losses cause fall in cat bonds
Willis has blamed unprecedented natural catastrophe losses and changes to US hurricane models for a drop in catastrophe bonds.
Fitch affirms Generali rating
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Generali and its core subsidiaries' insurer financial strength ratings at AA- and long-term issuer default ratings at 'A+'.
Axa seals multi-year Lloyds TSB deal
Axa has won out in its bid to retain the Lloyds TSB travel insurance account for a third consecutive term, following a successful tender process.
Perils extends to Norway and Sweden
Catastrophe data provider Perils has extended its market coverage to include Norway and Sweden so all areas that could be hit by a European windstorm are covered.
Lloyd's broker THB still on the hunt for deals despite AmWINS interest
Lloyd's broker THB this morning reported that fees and commissions were up 6% to £26m for the 6 months to 30 April.
Perils extends to Norway and Sweden
Catastrophe data provider Perils has extended its market coverage to include Norway and Sweden so all areas that could be hit by a European windstorm are covered.
GNL moves to create Takaful and Re-Takaful panel
New Shariah-compliant insurance broker GNL is planning to create a panel of insurers and reinsurers to work on Takaful and Re-Takaful commercial risk solutions.
Editor's comment: The force is with you
No sooner had the details of the dedicated insurance fraud police unit been revealed this week, than the first fearful voices started to emerge, concerned that this initial £9m bill will be just the tip of the iceberg.
Chile quake drives adjuster expansion
Brighton-based claims specialist Fitzgerald Consulting has set up its first international branch in Chile.
Jump targets GI expansion for 2012
Financial adviser Jump Money is planning to expand its general insurance business by setting up an insurer panel early next year.
Career development & CSR: IUA course aims to tackle demand for actuarial skills
A new training course that offers insurers an introduction to actuarial techniques has been accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Insurers fear £9m fraud unit will prompt further cash calls
Figures within the insurance industry have expressed fears that it will be called on to foot the bill for more policing after agreeing to invest £9m over three years in an insurer-funded police fraud unit.
Plantec signs up Taylor
Axa Commercial Lines' former head of strategic programmes has resurfaced at claims management specialist Plantec Holdings.
Career development & CSR: Huge appetite for Allianz internships
Allianz Insurance has received more than four times the amount of applicants for its summer internship scheme compared to last year.
Axa to reward broker professionalism
Axa Commercial Lines has launched a proposition targeting chartered brokers that aims to drive professionalism in the insurance industry.
Gimple's back with new risk management venture
Tony Gimple has returned to the market with a new venture, while his pre- vious failed business Crisis Survivor is expected to be sold imminently.
Blow for Buckley Scott as trio quits for rival firms
Manchester-based loss adjuster Buckley Scott has lost two directors and a manager to rival firms.
Cardiff office to stay despite Zurich job cuts
Zurich has vowed to maintain a presence in Cardiff despite plans to make sweeping redundancies as part of its return to the direct insurance market.
L&G and Merlin set to review partnership deal
A claims partnership between Legal & General and Merlin that was heralded as a benchmark for others is set for review as the deal runs into its third year.
Commercial insurance reform back on agenda
The Law Commission has turned its attention to reforming commercial insurance pre-contract law after confirming a second consultation paper will be published this winter.
EIS French broker links sealed CBL aquisition
The multi-million dollar acquisition of London-based underwriting agency European Insurance Services was part of a strategic purchase by credit insurer CBL Group to gain access to a network of almost 500 French brokers.