European Union (EU)
Comment- mutuals: Public preference
Mutuals can be overlooked or underused by public bodies, but Allan Guest argues that they are the most cost-effective and appropriate choice for public sector risks.
Brit motor boss warns haulage firms over EU regulation
Haulage companies in the UK have been warned they must increase uptake levels in the new EU-wide regime of driver certification of professional competence or else face "devastating ramifications”.
Swiss Re warns of challenging market for Nordic insurers
In Oslo today, Swiss Re, will use its flagship Nordic Risk & Insurance Summit conference to warn that the economic environment in the wake of the financial crisis is still very challenging and turbulent.
Risk update - Asbestos: Kept safe from harm
With the European Commission ordering the UK to amend legislation to ensure maintenance and repair workers are fully protected from asbestos, John Toms investigates the implications for the insurance industry.
US insurers voice concern as Solvency II equivalency is raised
Connecticut insurance commissioner Thomas Leonardi has cautioned fellow regulators and other industry members that adoption of European regulatory changes, Solvency II as currently proposed could weaken consumer protections and stability of insurers in…
Infrassure Switzerland and Liechtenstein sees capitalisation remain strong
AM Best has affirmed the financial strength ratings of A- Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings of “a-” of Infrassure(Switzerland) and its affiliate, Infrassure Vaduz (Liechtenstein). The outlook for all ratings remains stable.
Solvency II - Implementation day: Putting the brakes on
The timetables for two key initiatives that will affect insurers have slipped recently. Neil Coulson examines the implementation delays to both Solvency II and the international insurance accounting standard.
Captive Domiciles: new entrants cause a stir
New captive domiciles are emerging with clear regulations which are attractive for captives. Jane Bernstein asks if there is room for everyone.
EU corporate governance poll results
Find out what the market voted for on EU corporate governance.
Postbox: Facing the data challenges of Solvency II
I read your article 'Lack of funds to spark Solvency II M&As', with interest. The article tells us that 31% of insurance firms surveyed are fully aware of the implications of Solvency II, and a further 38% are partially aware, but I wonder how many have…
View from the top: More than just words
Tech companies push the boundaries of what is conceivable, while media groups walk a legal tightrope to publish good stories. That's why their insurers and brokers must work so hard to keep up with their clients' risks.
Sustaining work-related road safety in hard times
Research shows 16% of hospitalisation crashes and 24% of fatal crashes involve someone driving for work. Dr Will Murray puts forward the legal and financial case for European organisations implementing a collision free culture.
Post Europe: Sustaining work-related road safety in hard times
Research shows 16% of hospitalisation crashes and 24% of fatal crashes involve someone driving for work. Dr Will Murray puts forward the legal and financial case for European organisations implementing a collision free culture.
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.
Employment law: Tribunals and tribulations?
The increasing number of employment tribunals presents an opportunity for brokers able to offer advice and legal expenses insurance, writes Kevin Pallett.
Regulatory reform poses risk to financial stability
Regulatory and accounting changes faced by the insurance industry will dramatically alter its investment style, meaning companies will face greater problems raising funds to invest in the real economy, a legal firm has warned.
Post history - Five years ago: Exclusions remain for airlines
Looking back through Post’s back catalogue paints a unique picture of more than 150 years of insurance news, as this highlight from five years ago reveals.
News analysis - Aggregators: The challenge of converting quotes
In the 10th quarterly price comparison watch, Tom Cooper finds no slowdown in quote volumes but converting them into sales represents a growing challenge.
10% fall short of capital requirements under Solvency II stress test
One tenth of European insurers would fail Solvency II minimum capital requirements under the adverse stress scenario, according to the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority.
Spotlight on: Insurance scores - Number crunching
Looking at the links between credit data and insurance behaviour is unusual in the UK, but this could be about to change, claims Sam Barrett, as insurers look to develop the data sources they use.
2014 is better Solvency II start date, say 60% of Aon Benfield conference delegates
Aon Benfield has released new findings that show 60% of European insurers attending its recent International Analytics conference think 2014 would be a better starting date for Solvency II.
2014 is better Solvency II start date, say 60% of Aon Benfield conference delegates
Aon Benfield has released new findings that show 60% of European insurers attending its recent International Analytics conference think 2014 would be a better starting date for Solvency II.
EC denies any delay to SII implementation
The European Commission has denied that implementation of the Solvency II directive could be delayed until 1 January 2014, a year later than planned, despite admitting a "short transitional period" is likely to be introduced.