Asia
Chinese regulator to rule on HSBC's Ping An stake sale
The Chinese Insurance Regulatory Commission is expected to rule on HSBC's proposed stake sale to Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group on 1 February.
Willis: Cat bonds hit a new high in 2012 with 37% increase
Last year saw the second highest level of catastrophe bond issuance on record signalling strong growth in the market, according to Willis Capital Markets & Advisory.
Microinsurance to reach 1 billion by 2020
The number of low income people covered by microinsurance is expected to hit one billion by the end of the decade, according to the Luxembourg-based Microinsurance Network.
China's soft landing aids other rapid growth markets
An increase in intra-regional trade, easing of monetary and fiscal policy, and higher demand for commodities will lead to an improvement in the economic outlook for the rapid-growth markets in 2013, according to Ernst & Young.
Where is the service culture?
Praveen Gupta, ceo and country manager of Raheja, QBE in Mumbai, and senior member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, wants emerging markets in Asia to place less emphasis on sales and more on service.
Munich Re study predicts greater storm activity in Asia
A study by Munich Re and the German Aerospace Centre predicts we are coming up to the end of a 10-year cycle which will bring greater storm activity in east and south east Asia.
Ace boss Greenberg hails "growing presence" in Asia and Europe
Ace has reported a 76% increase in net income to $2.71bn (£1.72bn) in 2012 compared to the previous year (2011: $1.54bn).
AIG secures HSBC distribution rights in Turkey and France for $55m
American International Group signed a 10-year bancassurance deal with HSBC Group, which see it become the exclusive provider of non-life insurance products to HSBC customers in Turkey and France.
Weak economy to hurt commercial lines more than personal, says Moody's
The outlook for property & casualty insurers is stable in 2013, despite macroeconomic conditions, Moody's said today.
Outlook for global reinsurers stable but pricing to stagnate, says Fitch
The outlook for the global reinsurance sector remains stable, as capital, underwriting and operating trends are expected to support reinsurers' ratings over the next one to two years, according to Fitch.
Argo hires general liability underwriter from Besso
Argo International, the Lloyd’s insurer and member of Argo Group, has appointed Vanessa Lampard as an underwriter in its general liability team.
Fire and natural catastrophes top business concerns in Asia, says Allianz
Business and supply chain interruption caused by natural disasters is the number one risk faced by companies in Asia according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2013.
India's middle class boom not confined to megacities
Firms looking to supply goods and services to India’s growing middle classes should not ignore those in smaller towns and cities, according to Ambitabh Kundu, Professor of Economics, Jawakarlal Nehru university.
Insured losses 36% above 10-year-average in 2012
Natural catastrophes globally caused total economic losses of £200bn in 2012, only slightly above the 10-year-average of $187bn.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five Asian stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Escort service sails through troubled waters
Typhon has launched a marine convoy escort service designed to enable ship operators to transit the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean in safety.
Axa UK recruits new execs from Italian and French arms
Axa Insurance has raided Europe to appoint two new senior executives for its UK Direct & Partnerships arm.
Identity cards compulsory for Singapore agents
Insurance agents in Singapore must carry a special identity card before they can conduct business, to help customers identify authorised and registered insurance agents.
MSIG partner Dual to offer financial lines products in Singapore
In association with Dual, MSIG Insurance (Singapore) is to provide specialised insurance solutions for financial lines products.
Energy changes offer opportunities for insurers
The changing energy landscape will provide new growth opportunities for insurers, according to Swiss Re's latest report.
Asian insurers urged to be selective in current climate
Growth opportunities exist for insurers in wealth management and personal insurance, despite the economic slowdown and evolving regulatory change in Asia Pacific, according to Ernst and Young.
Agricultural insurance could rise 'three to four times' in emerging markets, says Swiss Re
Increases in agricultural production and lack of insurance cover in Asian countries is good news for the emerging market agricultural insurance sector, according to Swiss Re.
China's economy grew 7.9% in Q4 2012
Year-on-year Q4 Chinese economic growth of 7.9% beats expectations of 7.8%, but growth slowed to 7.8% overall in 2012 compared with 9.3% in 2011.
Large number of claims reported from Jakarta floods
Loss adjusting firm Cunningham Lindsey has been notified of a large number of losses resulting from flooding in Jakarta on Thursday.