PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Takaful growth attracts domestic and multinational providers
Takaful insurance across the Middle East and South East Asia has seen rapid growth over the past five years. Francesca Nyman reports on what the future looks like for this sector.
Commercial lags behind personal as major insurers reveal their 2011 hands
The results season is more than halfway through and, while analysts have highlighted the increased profit in personal lines despite market saturation, they claim commercial is lagging behind and could worsen.
Household: Insurers weathering the cold
After a mild 2011, this year got off to a cold start as snow hit the UK. Will this force insurers to look beyond the past year and start pricing household and contents cover long term?
Collaboration key to tackling Malaysian motor fraud
Collaboration is needed between insurance practitioners, adjusters and motor workshops in to improve fraud detection in Malaysia’s motor industry, according to industry sources in the region.
Solvency II Timetable Uncertainty: Stopping the clock?
Despite the EC's denials, rumoured delays to the implementation of Solvency II continue to echo around the industry. What are the implications of a postponement to the directive?
Economic, regulatory and talent issues holding back growth for insurance CEOs
Over two thirds (70%) of insurance CEOs are planning on changing their strategy over the next 12 months as they try to see past the current difficult economic and regulatory backdrop, according to PwC.
Comparison sites starting to make waves in Asia
Price comparison websites are a significant part of the financial landscape in the UK. Nicky Burridge asks whether Asia will look the same in the future.
How will the ECJ gender ruling impact European insurers?
As the national press continues to probe the impact of the European Court of Justice’s gender ruling on the European consumer, Francesca Nyman asks if European insurers can comply and still retain their competitive edge.
News analysis: Management buyouts on the rise as teams tire of waiting
Following MBOs at Europ Assistance and A&A Group, could 2012 see a rise in such deals?
Broker focus - Personal lines: Survival tactics
Embattled personal lines brokers are facing a tough climate with falling incomes and business volumes, but those willing to adapt to the new environment can survive and prosper.
Reinsurance - January renewals: Toughen up
Despite the catastrophes of 2011, the predicted — and much needed — January renewal rate hardening has failed to materialise.
Spotlight on environment: Providing protection
With climate change increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, insurers must influence the debate on how businesses and governments manage risks such as supply chain failure.
Reinsurers reluctant to cover Thai cat fund
Global reinsurers may be reluctant to cover the recently announced Thai catastrophe fund if asked to by the nation’s government, according to market analysts.
Thai cat fund could prove too costly for reinsurers
International reinsurers will have to be “seriously convinced” the Thailand government’s catastrophe fund is profitable if they are to insure it.
Broking - Mergers & acquisitions: Do not disturb
2011 was a relatively sleepy year for merger & acquisition activity in the broker sector. Could 2012 be a wake-up call or will the market stay snoozing?
Employment: Hiring and firing
There are two sides to the recruitment story in the insurance industry — while some are reducing their headcount, others are looking to bring in fresh faces.
Solvency II vote pushed back to spring
The European Parliamentary vote on Omnibus II has been delayed until the spring, Post understands.
Ex-Garwyn, Crawford and Cunningham staff launch new claims firm
A six-strong team of casualty claims experts has founded a new London Market-based consultancy called Applied Claims Consultancy.
Brokers hit harder than insurers, says CBI/PwC survey
Insurance brokers’ profitability dropped back after an unexpectedly strong fall in the volume of business and value of premium income, according to the latest PwC survey for the Confederation of British Industry.
A windstorm for the insurance market
As the market gradually starts to digest the recent European renewals, Francesca Nyman considers the increasing challenge that European windstorms pose and whether insurers are adequately protected against this risk.
Stormy weather creates conditions for household rate rise
The recent winter storms in England and Scotland could lead to further rises in household premiums, according to PwC.
Hastings stands by Utley as he prepares to face disciplinary board
Hastings Direct has vowed to stand by chairman Neil Utley, pictured, as he prepares to face the Lloyd’s disciplinary board later this month, as part of an investigation into Equity Red Star.
Review of the year - General insurance: Regulatory dramas
2011, a year dominated by regulatory and legislative change, could yet prove to be a landmark 12 months for the insurance industry.
Overseas focus - China: a market of opportunity?
With an enormous population and low insurance penetration, China should be a market ripe for entering. Jakki May finds out it isn't as simple as it sounds but reveals an appetite for change and growth.