Asia
US consolidator aquires Paul Napier
London-based Lloyd's broker Paul Napier has been sold to to US insurance broking consolidator Assured Partners for an undisclosed sum.
Regulatory overhaul threatens Malaysia insurers' margins
Regulatory changes and on-going capital market volatility could challenge the earnings stability of Malaysia's insurance and takaful sector, according to Fitch.
IAG sets sights on Asia growth after UK sales
Insurance Australia Group announced the sale of all its UK operations today as the company aims to strengthen its footprint in Asia.
Islamic microfinance highlighted as only "viable" solution to global poverty
Islamic microfinance is the only viable way of alleviating poverty around the globe.
Asia View from the Top: Insurance risk management support for the board
Regulators everywhere in Asia are focusing their attention on risk.
Munich Re reinsurers guarantees for Chinese PV manufacturer
Munich Re has taken the step of reinsuring the performance guarantees that Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer Yingli Green Energy gives to its customers for multicrystalline modules.
Indian union threatens walkout over proposed FDI hike
An Indian trade union has threatened to go on strike if a proposal to raise the cap on foreign direct investment in the insurance sector is passed by parliament.
Over 50% of UAE residents never buy travel insurance
More than half of UAE residents do not purchase travel insurance when going abroad, according to research published by Zurich this week.
William Russell adds benefits to global health cover
International insurance provider William Russell will include additional benefits in its global health plan range for 2013.
Asian flood deaths down but losses increasing
Mortality from Asian flood events continues to decline but economic losses remain a major cause of concern, according to data from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
IRDA raises cap on infrastructure investments
India's regulator has relaxed rules limiting insurers' investments in infrastructure in a bid to encourage the flow of funds to the sector.
United India to enter Middle East and South Asia markets
State-owned United India Insurance Company plans to enter the Middle East and several South Asian countries owing to the large number of non-resident Indians living in these areas.
Swiss Re forecasts 8% growth in emerging markets in 2013
Global non-life direct premiums are projected to grow by 3% in real terms in 2013, fuelled by emerging market growth of nearly 8%, according to Swiss Re.
Limited damage after Japan quake
The magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday is not expected to have caused significant damage, according to catastrophe modelling firm AIR Worldwide.
Axa moves to divest US assets worth $500m
French insurer Axa is seeking buyers for US life insurance assets worth at least $500m, Bloomberg said yesterday, quoting sources.
Magnitude 7.3 quake hits coast of Japan
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the north-east coast of Japan on Friday, triggering a 1m tsunami.
Magnitude 7.3 quake felt in Tokyo
An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale has struck off the north-east coast of Japan.
Chinese D&O policies set for second round of US claims
'Bump up' claims in the US are threatening Chinese directors' and officers' policies and look set to impact the exclusions within policies in the future.
China's non-life sector stable
China's non-life insurers could see operating margin constrained by capital market volatility and higher acquisition expenses, but declines in operating margins are unlikely to be substantial, Fitch said today.
Rise of the Dragon: challenges and opportunities in the Chinese insurance broking markets
Brokers in the Chinese market currently face threats from technology and opportunities from product differentiation. Solomon Ngan explains why now is the time for the sector to reconsider its role and function.
Aviva non-exec director Goh to retire
Aviva non-executive director Euleen Goh is to step down from the board to pursue activities in Singapore.
Skuld expands in Asia with Singapore hub
Skuld is opening a branch office in Singapore to capitalise on "significant growth opportunities across the region".
Skuld launches Singapore operation
Marine insurer Skuld has announced the opening of its first Singapore branch in a bid to target South Asian business.
Hundreds killed in strongest typhoon to hit Philippines since 1990
At least 270 people are confirmed dead after Typhoon Bopha brought 130mph winds and torrential rain to the Philippines on Tuesday evening.