Opinion
Scottish powers already affect industry
The independence debate has been dominating headlines in Scotland, but insurers should keep in mind that the Scottish Parliament already enjoys significant power over issues that are relevant to their business.
Be prepared for move to IFRS
Unlisted insurers and Lloyd’s syndicates need to prepare for a move to IFRS.
View from the Top: MGAs enter the mainstream
Brokers and insurers will need to be transparent to thrive, says Stuart Reid, chief executive, Bluefin.
View from the Top: Better together
Co-operation in the pursuit of common goals will make us all stronger, says Nicolas Aubert, managing director, AIG UK.
Penny speed meets... Edward Shropshire, managing director, Aquarium Software
Being an insatiable socialite, Penny Black is always eager to probe the personalities behind the professional veneer of her industry friends. What better way to squeeze in and share as many intimate revelations as possible than her very own 'speed…
Financing the growing costs of disasters
Reto Schnarwiler, head of global partnerships for Swiss Re, Americas and EMEA says that a lack of insurance and the growing costs of disasters are hitting individuals and governments hard. He explores how government partnerships with insurers can help…
View from the top: Fighting our corner
The industry must draw more attention to its positive achievements in light of bad press, says Andy Watson, chief executive, Ageas UK.
Your Say: Some welcome clarity
In response to the recent series exploring the role of outsourcing in the insurance industry, I wished to congratulate Sam Barrett for providing an excellent insight into what can be a very complicated and at times, perplexing subject.
Penny Black's insurance week
Being the sociable type, Penny loves London – the nightlife, the landmarks, the Queen and so on.
Ask the expert: Recruitment direct
We’ve been recruiting directly for some time and I have seen a number of candidates at first interview that looked great on paper but lacked the ‘true fit’ to warrant progression to the next stage. Where are all the good applicants?
Your say: Argent remains unchanged
I would like to clarify a reference towards the bottom of your story, under the sub-heading of ‘Argent set for rebrand’. You suggest that the Argent Liability Adjusters and Argent Property Adjusters brands are to be grouped under a new Parabis Claims…
Your say: When going out works best
Post’s feature on outsourcing raised some interesting points about how brands measure their outsourcing providers against performance standards and service-level agreements.
North of the Border: SLC proposals look to strike balance
The Scottish government has given a manifesto commitment to reform the law of damages.
Europe View From the Top: Risk engineering when growing abroad
Higher costs of living, lower real wages and reduced access to credit has had a direct impact on the profitability of UK companies. This combined with the Eurozone crisis has taken its toll on UK export growth and investment.
Asia View from the Top: Vietnam in race for quality
Demographic changes, increased education and legal compulsion are factors combining to help support the expansion of insurance and financial services in Vietnam.
Your say: Don’t tar all with the same brush
While Post’s story on the ruling in Webster Dixon v Equity Syndicate Management and Motor Plus on non-panel law firm rates charged for before-the-event legal expenses work highlights the importance of the decision for before-the-event insurers (‘Judge…
Editor's comment: The no competition commission
You learn something new every day, or so the saying goes. Well I certainly learnt something new this week, along with several PRs — judging from the responses I got.
View from the Top: Sending a message
Tougher sentencing in insurance fraud cases can act as a deterrent to potential fraudsters, says Ron Smith-Wright.
Your say: The place to be
Since the age of five when my father first took me onto the floor of Lloyd's I have wished to work in the London insurance market.
Editor's comment: Bowing out from Brussels
Complaining about the influence of the European Union on British affairs is almost as much a talking point as the weather in the UK, but insurers have fair grounds. Since Solvency II was first proposed, many in the UK insurance industry believe the…
Opinion: Dispatches: our side of the story
Direct Line Group responds to Channel 4’s recent allegations of customer detriment.
Your say: Don’t tar all with the same brush
While Post’s story on the ruling in Webster Dixon v Equity Syndicate Management and Motor Plus on non-panel law firm rates charged for before-the-event legal expenses work highlights the importance of the decision for before-the-event insurers, it is…
View from the Top: Steer clear of the C-word
Client retention can be improved by avoiding complacency and treating renewals like new business.
Challenges and opportunities abound in 2013
Against the backdrop of a challenging economic climate and continued uncertainty over both the timescales for implementation of European regulation and varied national approaches to the adoption of it, European insurers face a number of critical…