Standard & Poor’s (S&P)
This month in Post: The great summer recess
It’s that time of year again. The trains are relatively empty, and out of office replies are basically a given.
GRP's Mike Bruce on win-win consolidation
Mergers and acquisitions take many shapes in the UK retail broking market, writes Mike Bruce, CEO broking at Global Risk Partners, noting some deals can actually support an owner's entrepreneurial spirit.
This week: The consequences of buying big
By far the biggest purchase I ever made was when I bought my house.
Climate change: insurers feeling the heat
The global risk landscape is currently dominated by environmental upheavals caused by climate change. The resulting catastrophes are of concern to people in general and insurers, in particular, tasked as they are with underwriting and managing ever…
Europe: Berating the ratings
Fitch Ratings caused a stir when it criticised the Insurer Financial Strength ratings issued by one of its main rivals, AM Best.
S&P warns on offshore reinsurers using hedge fund strategies
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's is concerned there could be "carcasses on the side of the road" for offshore reinsurers using hedge fund strategies.
Brexit would be negative for UK financial sector
A vote to leave the European Union could threaten the health of the UK economy and its financial sector, according to Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Covéa launches new fleet product to boost commercial growth
Covéa Insurance, the UK subsidiary of French mutual Covéa, will launch a new fleet product for commercial brokers this month.
S&P reaffirms Ageas rating
Standard & Poor’s has affirmed Ageas Insurance’s BBB pi rating, ahead of the planned cessation of pi ratings in its various global territories.
Polish insurance market faces 'moderate' risk, says S&P
Poland's general insurance industry is benefiting from the country's "strong and competitive economy and good growth prospects", according to Standard & Poor's.
Global multiline insurer ratings expected to remain 'robust'
Global multiline insurers’ continue to show strong credit quality according to Standard & Poor’s.
Insurers struggling to grasp flood exposures says S&P
Home insurers may be at risk of understating their flooding exposures due to a combination of poor data and a lack of models, according to Standard & Poor's.
Reinsurers urged to work with governments to improve disaster resilience
Rising losses in the wake of natural catastrophes is increasing economic instability in many developing and emerging economies, according to a report by Standard & Poor’s.
CGSC boss Esser responds as firm's rating outlook slips
Cooper Gay Swett and Crawford chief executive Toby Esser has welcomed Standard and Poor’s decision to maintain its B credit rating, despite a challenging operating environment seeing the firm’s outlook slip to negative.
Flight MH370 loss could impact war risk rates
If Malaysia Airlines' Flight MH370 is classified as a war loss, it would be one of the largest since the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre and would likely lead to rate to rate increases in war policies, according to S&P.
S&P upgrades LV outlook to reflect improved capital position
LV has seen its outlook boosted from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’ by ratings agency Standard & Poor’s.
Concerns remain despite RSA CEO Hester unveiling strategic action plan
S&P upgrades insurer to ‘A’ as boss pledges to transform firm’s fortunes.
RSA upgraded to A by S&P as strategic actions are undertaken
RSA has welcomed the decision by Standard and Poor’s to upgrade its rating to ‘A’ with a stable outlook following a rights issue and wider strategic actions undertaken by the insurer.
S&P upgrades QBE Syndicate 2999 to ‘5’ LSE rating
Ratings agency Standard and Poor’s has upgraded its Lloyd’s Syndicate Assessment rating for QBE Syndicate 2999 to “5/Stable”.
Passporting insurers must assess value of rating says Gibraltarian commission
Gibraltar based-passporting insurers will have to consider the value of having a credit rating if the Solicitor's Regulation Authority introduces a minimum standard for qualifying insurers, according to Michael Oliver, head of insurance supervision at…
S&P forecasts downgrades for reinsurers
Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is predicting downgrades for reinsurers over the next two years due to increased competition and curtailed profitability.
Editor's comment: Bring on the sales
It’s January, and as we all face the prospect of seasonal affective disorder setting in as we return to work and continue to rise before sunrise and head home in the dark, the good news is it’s sale time.
S&P affirms AA- rating for Swiss Re
Ratings agency Standard and Poors has affirmed its AA- rating of Swiss Re and predicts the rating will remain stable in the long-term.
External candidate expected to replace Lee at RSA as sale speculation mounts
Analysts say firm could seek to raise capital by selling international operations