Willis Towers Watson
To list or not to list? More Chinese insurers tipped to seek IPOs in 2013
Chinese insurers have started to raise money from equity issuance in the past two years as regulations and market appetite make the option more attractive, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
South Korea, Turkey, Indonesia and Mexico next economic "juggernauts," claims Willis
Preparing for a new wave of emerging markets is one of the key risks businesses face over the next 12 months according to broker Willis.
Weather and emerging markets key 2013 risks, warns Willis
Extreme weather and a new generation of emerging markets are among a new list of risks faced by businesses over the next 12 months identified by Willis.
Rising kidnap risk amid Eurozone unrest
The rising risk of abductions as a result of social unrest in the Eurozone is creating opportunities for insurers specialising in kidnap and ransom policies.
Plumeri rounds on contingent commissions
Outgoing Willis chief executive Joe Plumeri has criticised a resurgence in the payment of contingent commissions to brokers by insurer partners.
Ex-Aon MD Martin to lead Willis UK
David Martin, former managing director of Aon's UK corporate business, has been appointed chairman and chief executive of Willis' UK retail business.
Broking: Lloyd's & London market - Capital investment
Strong US interest in the Lloyd's and London market is driving acquisition activity in the broking sector, but will the City continue to prove popular with overseas investors in 2013?
Superstorm Sandy puts downwards pricing pressure on reinsurers
Natural catastrophe losses for 2012 are estimated to be 50% less than 2011's $120bn, and most reinsurers are not facing any material capital impact and remain within annual catastrophe budgets.
Catastrophe reinsurance rates unharmed by Sandy, says Willis Re
Property catastrophe reinsurance rates adjusted flat to -5% globally in January renewals.
Editor's comment: Paying the price for profitability
As 2012 draws to an end, UK insurance industry debate centres on the one topic most likely to dominate headlines come the new year: profitability pressures in the motor insurance market.
UK motor profits could take fresh hit as reinsurers mitigate exposure to PPOs
The prevalence of periodic payment orders is expected to undermine underwriting profitability in the motor market in 2013, as reinsurers become increasingly reluctant to take on a rising number of variables.
Top five European news stories
The top five European news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Willis launches cover for offshore decommissioning risks
The energy industry faces new risks associated with decommissioning and dismantling oil and gas installations when they reach the end of their productive life, Willis Energy has warned.
Towers Watson motor report warns insurers to move with the times
Insurers have been told to refresh internal approaches to keep pace with a changing motor market, which is expected to break into profitable territory in 2012.
French motor market counts cost of annuity changes
French motor insurers are set to take on costs previously covered by the state. Edmund Tirbutt asks how they plan to cope with the burden.
Insurers face most challenging P&I renewals in a decade, Willis warns
The upcoming P&I renewal could be the toughest in a decade as difficult economic conditions for ship operators, poor underwriting results and a slew of large claims threaten to create a "perfect storm", according to Willis.
Review of the Year: Lloyd's - Highs and lows
After major losses following 2011's natural catastrophes, the Lloyd's market recovered to post its best results in five years in the first half of 2012 - only for Superstorm Sandy to bring fresh woes in October.
Market moves: Willis reshuffle and new Marsh Asia-Pacific CEO among biggest changes
This week represented a big seven days for the broking community, with key changes at Willis and Marsh.
Review of the Year: Brokers - A bumpy ride
Brokers have experienced a somewhat tumultuous year, with imminent regulatory changes, big-name departures and the ongoing financial crisis all leaving their mark on 2012. What next for the sector?
Large bodily injury claims increasingly settled by periodic payment orders, Willis Re finds
Periodic Payment Orders are becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK motor market, with the larger, more serious bodily injury claims more frequently settled in this way, according to a report by Willis Re.
Latin America offers ripe markets for foreign insurers
Latin America holds great promise for new entrants from Europe that understand the nuances of these insurance markets and are willing to use technical know-how and innovation to succeed, explain Matias Berasategui and Lidia Leonardi.
Willis in referral agreement with Hay Group
Broker Willis has formed a mutual referral agreement with international management consultancy Hay Group.
Willis splits European operations
Global broker Willis is dividing its European operation into two distinct regions: Western and Central & Eastern Europe.
Willis restructures Europe operation
Willis is dividing its continental Europe operation into two regions: Western and Central & Eastern Europe.