Asia
Willis Re names Beedle as Asia chief
Willis Re has promoted James Beedle, pictured, to be chief executive of its Asian operations.
Fringe markets to drive takaful gross contributions to $12bn
Global takaful contributions grew by 19% to $8.3bn in 2010, according to Ernst & Young's World Takaful Report 2012.
Capital requirements threaten stability of Philippines market
The Philippines insurance market has recovered from the turbulence of the global financial crisis but faces significant hurdles with the introduction of higher capital requirements, according to an AM Best report.
Integrated risk management absent in most APAC insurers
Despite strong progress in Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore, most insurance companies in Asia-Pacific are still formalising their enterprise risk management governance structures.
Cyclists and young drivers pose problems for Singapore insurers
Personal injury accidents involving cyclists and young drivers are two critical issues facing the motor insurance industry, according to the General Insurance Association of Singapore.
Transforming the future of insurance
Insurers responded well to the economic crisis by turning their focus to core underwriting, but as pressure continues to mount Jean Lassignardie asks how insurers will differentiate themselves in the future and whether policy administration could help.
Countdown to ISA: Q&A with Swiss Re's Qin Lu
As part of a series counting down to Insurance Strategy Asia, Insurance Insight spoke to Qin Lu about his views on the Chinese insurance market.
IAG expands in Asia with Malaysian acquisition
Insurance Australia Group's Malaysian joint venture, AmG Insurance Berhad, has agreed to acquire Kurnia Insurans Berhad for RM1.55bn (€384m).
Japanese insurers to limit tanker coverage due to sanctions
Japanese oil buyers will be forced to coordinate schedules after insurers warned they will cover only one tanker transporting Iranian oil at a time after the 1 July sanctions deadline.
Non-life premiums may fall amid China's economic slowdown
China's economic slowdown may lead to reduced premium income for the region's non-life insurance market, according to a senior industry figure.
Red 24 to brief CNA clients on kidnap risk
US commercial insurer CNA has appointed crisis response firm Red 24 to provide advice and response for kidnap, ransom and extortion.
Indonesia quake could cause premium hikes
Aftershocks from yesterday's 8.6 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia may lead to cover restrictions and premium and deductible increases, according to industry sources.
Mitsui Sumitomo to acquire 26% stake in New York Life
Japan's largest casualty insurer plans to acquire a 26% stake in Max New York Life Insurance Co to expand its business in the Indian insurance market.
Insured losses from Sumatra earthquake 'not significant'
Yesterday's 8.6 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia is not expected to cause significant insured losses, according to catastrophe modelling firm AIR Worldwide.
AIA Group rejects Singapore move to fee-based model
Proposals to end commission-based remuneration for insurers in Singapore have been criticised by one of Asia's largest insurance firms.
CIRC to tighten capital adequacy supervision
China's Insurance Regulatory Commission is to bolster its supervision of the insurance industry over the next few years to ensure that insurers are able to pay claims.
State-backed cover for Iran shipments likely, says Chinese shipping group
Government-backed insurance coverage for oil shipments from Iran is highly likely, according to China's largest sea-cargo carrier.
India's foreign direct investment u-turn hits IPO plans
The Indian government's move to defer the easing of foreign direct investment in insurance will scupper the plans of large companies considering initial public offerings and may push consolidation, according reports in the Indian press.
500 million microinsurance schemes worldwide, says report
The number of microinsurance schemes has reached an estimated 500 million worldwide, according to the Microinsurance Innovation Facility and the Munich Re Foundation.
Japanese insurers' revenues rise after surge in quake policies
Japan's five major insurance companies experienced year-on-year increases in premium revenue during the 2011 fiscal year, according to Japanese publication The Daily Yomiuri.
State-provided cover needed to insure China's crude supplies
Tankers carrying Iranian oil will not be fully covered by Hong Kong marine insurers after EU sanctions take effect from July, an industry official told Reuters.
Microinsurance up as insurer interest rises
Microinsurance schemes worldwide now reach an estimated 500 million people.
Asian aviation: risk or opportunity?
The Asian aviation market is set to grow rapidly in the next 20 years, bringing many opportunities for insurers. But Edward Murray asks whether underwriters are taking all the future risks into consideration.
The challenges of the solar market
Solar power is a firm part of the green movement in Europe but, with government cuts becoming increasingly common, Jakki May asks whether this renewable energy will continue to be affordable and efficient.