European Commission (EC)
EC drops anti-trust probe into marine insurance agreements
An anti-trust inquiry by the European Union into marine insurance agreements among groups of ship owners has been dropped owing to a lack of conclusive evidence.
Insurance Mediation Directive II: Broking new ground
The European Commission's controversial Insurance Mediation Directive II proposals are aimed at unifying the sale of cover across the continent and increasing consumer protection. But how have the recommendations been received by the broking and buying…
EC approves acquisition of Groupama's Gan by Allianz France
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation Allianz's proposed acquisition of a non-life insurance portfolio of Groupama-owned Gan Eurocourtage.
IMD2 - a level playing field?
Legislative proposals released this month by the European Commission for the Insurance Mediation Directive have met with mixed reviews. Victor Fornasier asks whether they will finally create a level playing field.
European Union liability trends raise 'supra-national' challenges
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has hinted that he wants to rein in Europe's legislative power. Ralph Savage looks at the effects it is having on European insurers.
Withey case prompts MP to raise loss adjusting regulation in Westminster
Political pressure for the immediate regulation of loss adjusters is building steadily, after Welsh MP Roger Williams signalled his intention to raise the issue in Westminster.
Post magazine - 19 July 2012
The latest issue of Post is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Editor's comment: Not so jolly holidays for insurers
So school is out for summer and, as children and MPs bask in the knowledge that there is no homework until September, insurers have been left hanging until term starts up again.
Industry left dangling on key issues as parliaments take summer recess
The insurance industry has been left in limbo after the UK and European parliaments failed to address a list of key issues as they broke for summer recess.
Insurers in 'limbo' after Solvency II meeting ends in stalemate
The Association of British Insurers has warned of further Solvency II delays after decision makers in Brussels failed to agree on the final draft of the directive.
View from the top: Eyes wide shut?
It is hard to read news reports that do not contain stories about the latest cyber data breach, or information on 'spyware' and computer espionage.
Brokers insist on level playing field over EC Insurance Mediation Directive
Insurers have been dragged into the mandatory commission disclosure debate by disgruntled brokers demanding a "level playing field", following the latest publication of the revised Insurance Mediation Directive.
Insurers urged to use proposed Solvency II templates
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority has "strongly" advised insurers to start using the proposed reporting templates for Solvency II as a basis to start the implementation phase.
More remuneration data could confuse customers, says Insurance Europe
Insurance Europe believes proposed European regulatory changes fail to ensure an equal level of consumer protection for all distribution channels of insurance products.
Mandatory commission – an necessary evil?
Rumors of mandatory commission disclosure have plagued the market since the start of the year but as the European Commission confirms brokers fears Francesca Nyman assesses the impact on European brokers.
Commission disclosure overhaul could hit Germany hardest
Commission disclosure requirements in the revised Insurance Mediation Directive would have a particular impact on the German market according to law firm Norton Rose.
Biba "disappointed" with IMD revisions
The British Insurance Broker’s Association said it was “very disappointed” by the five year timetable set for mandatory commission disclosure in the draft version of the Insurance Mediation Directive II.
IMD II to spark regulation for adjusters, claims managers and aggregators
Legal experts believe the European Commission’s latest Insurance Mediation Directive – IMD II – will lead to tighter regulation for loss adjusters, claims management companies and aggregators.
Biba slams European timetable for commission disclosure
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has accused the European Commission of ignoring the views of major financial and insurance bodies in its decision to impose a timetable to mandate disclosure of insurance commissions.
IMD draft confirms mandatory disclosure for GI brokers by 2017
A draft of the revised Insurance Mediation Directive released by the European Commission has confirmed broker’s fears regarding commission disclosure.
Information essential to spur cyber market growth
Better research data and an incentive system could galvanise Europe's cyber insurance market, a report from the European Network and Information Security Agency claims.
European Commissioner calls for 'proportionate approach' ahead of IMD II
European Commissioner Michel Barnier has told the European Federation of Insurance and Financial Intermediaries he wants a "proportionate approach" ahead of the publication of the revised Insurance Mediation Directive.
Barnier assures brokers IMD regulation will be 'proportionate'
European Commissioner Michel Barnier has said the revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive is "an important step in restoring consumer confidence in the financial sector".
Your say: Another layer of bureaucracy?
Much opinion has been expressed on the subject of the regulation of loss adjusters, unfortunately often by people with vested interests, says Chris Hall.