European Union (EU)
Post Europe: Iranian sanctions
Earlier this year the European Union was the first to proscribe sanctions against Iran specifically including insurance. Vic Wyman reports on the reactions and implications for the European insurance market.
Think tanks predict Euro withdrawals
The small, debt-ridden countries on the fringes of the European Union will soon start dropping out of the Euro, according to a new report by two economic think-tanks from both sides of the Atlantic.
Cicero calls for enhanced HMT oversight to new UK financial services regulation
At a joint event with REFORM think tank, Cicero Consulting, director and chief corporate counsel Iain Anderson, has called for the oversight role of HM Treasury to be enhanced in the new UK regulatory framework.
Aviva, Allianz and RSA warned of downgrades due to Irish debt crisis
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has lowered its sovereign credit ratings on the Republic of Ireland to 'A/A-1' from 'AA-/A-1+' and placed the ratings on CreditWatch with negative implications.
Industry relief as plans to reform VAT exemption dropped
The European Union's decision to drop its planned reform of the Europe-wide VAT exemption of insurance and other financial services should be a relief to UK insurers and brokers.
Solvency II "finishing touches" underway
Lloyd's has claimed that European regulators are now putting the “finishing touches” to Solvency II, following a decade in the planning.
Solvency II "finishing touches" underway
Lloyd's has claimed that European regulators are now putting the “finishing touches” to Solvency II, following a decade in the planning.
EU retreat on insurance VAT exemption reform
The European Union has announced that it is unlikely to push forward with the reform and simplification of the VAT exemption on insurance and the wider financial services industry.
Pensions sector rejects EU Solvency II proposals
Proposals by the European Union to introduce Solvency II-style regime for pension funds have been rejected by the UK’s National Association of Pension Funds.
Pensions sector rejects EU Solvency II proposals
Proposals by the European Union to introduce Solvency II-style regime for pension funds have been rejected by the UK’s National Association of Pension Funds.
Post Europe: Environmental damage - who pays?
Now that the Hungarian toxic spill is no longer making headline news, what are the longer-term implications of this environmental catastrophe? Tony Lennon looks at the potential ramifications that this recent environmental disaster will have on the…
Post Europe country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
Insurance Insight country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
Post Europe: Ceiops is dead, long live Eiopa!
Existing committees of EU supervisors for the European insurance sector are being transformed from 1 January 2011 into supervisory authorities with firm powers. Vic Wyman assesses what the impact of this regulatory change will be.
Post Europe View from the Top: Environmental insurance comes of age
Environmental insurance, once labeled as difficult to obtain, data intensive and expensive, has come of age. With a 15-year history in the UK and Europe, and 30 in the US, the environmental market has developed and has the strength and maturity to…
View from the Top: Environmental insurance comes of age
Environmental insurance, once labeled as difficult to obtain, data intensive and expensive, has come of age. With a 15-year history in the UK and Europe, and 30 in the US, the environmental market has developed and has the strength and maturity to…
Editor's comment: Fog clears for Allianz
The news that Allianz is to open its long-delayed office in Newcastle is certainly going to be greeted warmly by North-east brokers.
ECJ ruling delivers blowover outsourcing VAT costs
VAT experts have predicted insurance companies could be liable for increased costs, after being dealt a blow by the European Court of Justice.
MIB mulls appeal followingoverseas motor injury ruling
The Motor Insurers' Bureau is facing a surge in personal injury claims, following a landmark appeal court ruling last week.
PwC: ECJ ruling throws a spanner in the works for outsourcing plans
Pricewaterhouse Coopers has warned outsourcing costs for insurers could jump by 20% following what it described as "unexpected decision".
Claims Event news: Icelandic volcano highlights industry's shortcomings on media handling
The insurance industry must take firmer steps to generate positive press around its handling of crises that generate high volumes of claims, according to a media consultant.
UK insurers warned about new 20% EU tax hit on outsourcing
The UK insurance industry has today been warned it is set for increased costs on outsourcing as other EU countries force through the removal of the VAT exemption on outsourced claims handling.
Global business, hidden danger
The US and EU have new trade sanctions against Iran. (Re)insurers must be aware of both sets of regulations as well as potential for supra-national jurisdiction, argue Jamie Rogers and Pieter van Tol.
Viewpoint: The Hitchhiker's Guide to Solvency II
Solvency II is looming large on the horizon but, argue Henry Sopher and Ann Duffy, despite the guidelines' complex language and detailed instructions, the run-off market can make it through this new universe by simply applying sound business sense and…