Asia
In Series: Emerging Markets - MENA means business
Despite growing competition in the Middle East and North Africa from local providers, there are still opportunities for foreign insurers in the market
Q&A Christchurch one year on - New Zealand Earthquake Commission
For the last two years New Zealand has seen an unprecedented number of earthquake incidents, Insurance Insight spoke to Hugh Cowan, general manager for research and education at the New Zealand Earthquake Commission, about how claims in the country are…
US targets global insurers with growing Iran sanctions
US lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would extend the remit of sanctions on trading with Iran to global insurers, according to Reuters.
Christchurch one year on: a forgotten city?
A year on from the earthquakes in New Zealand, while the Christchurch disasters may be slipping out of public consciousness, the work to rebuild the city continues.
XL Group recruits AGCS risk head
XL has appointed Roland Brandt as property underwriting manager for risk management, analytics and innovation for the international region.
Aviva Europe operating profits up 26%
Aviva Europe's general insurance and health operating profit increased by 26% to £137m for the full year 2011.
Aviva bemoans 'challenging' UK commercial sector as CEO Moss heralds 2011 progress
Aviva's UK general insurance continuing operations saw a decrease in operating profit and underwriting result in 2011 to £540m (2010: £567m) and £129m (2010: £184m) respectively. This was mostly as a result of the reduced contribution from Aviva Re.
A winning combination: interview with Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt
Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft merged in late 2011 under the DAC Beachcroft banner. Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt discuss the tie-up and their plans for the future.
Asian air traffic a game changer in aviation market, warns broker boss
Air travel in Asia Pacific is set to significantly surpass that of North America and Europe in the next five years, increasing the exposure of airlines operating in the region to potentially game-changing risks such as reputational risk.
Thomas charged with maximising Willis' $40bn global premium
Willis Group has appointed David Thomas as director of strategy and transformation within its global businesses division.
Fraud rises 70% in Indian general insurance
Indian insurance companies incurred losses of over Rs30,000 crore in 2011 due to fraudulent activity, according to a recent study by Pune-based firm Indiaforensic.
China's state-owned credit insurer warns of export risk
China's only export credit insurer has warned of increased short-term export credit risk for firms in the first quarter.
Insurance Insight – top 10 stories
The top 10 stories from www.insuranceinsight.eu over the past seven days.
Premium rates set for Thai cat fund
The Thai government has settled on premium rates for the state-initiated disaster fund.
Brics are not quick wins, says Lee
The emerging markets of Europe, the Middle East and Asia present "substantial opportunities", but insurers must be prepared to make a long-term commitment, according to RSA's chief executive officer.
Investment in UK infrastructure threatened by Solvency II
Association of British Insurers director-general Otto Thoresen has said that new EU solvency rules must not deter long-term growth and investment in the economy.
Takaful growth attracts domestic and multinational providers
Takaful insurance across the Middle East and South East Asia has seen rapid growth over the past five years. Francesca Nyman reports on what the future looks like for this sector.
Trade credit – Asian boom
Marsh China recently observed a significant increase in demand for trade credit insurance from Asian firms wanting to protect their balance sheets against the potential default of eurozone trading partners. Francesca Nyman asked several market insiders…
Zurich operating profit down 12%, but net income up 10%
Zurich Financial Services Group reported net income after tax of $3.8bn for the full year 2011, up 10% from $3.8bn in the prior year period.
JLT to reveal international underwriting ‘success’ in 2013
Footman James CEO will join Thistle in July to spearhead global roll-out of application.
Asian results help JLT offset difficult European trading period in 2011
Strong retail revenue growth and margins in Asia helped Jardine Lloyd Thompson offset difficult trading environments in Europe and deliver profit before tax of £147.6m for the full-year ending 31 December 2011.
Overseas revenue surge drives 13% pre-tax profit rise at JLT
Strong retail revenue growth and margins in Asia and Latin America helped offset difficult trading environments in Europe and Canada to deliver an overall 13% pre-tax profit rise for Jardine Lloyd Thompson for the full-year ending 31 December 2011.
Editor's comment: Leaving on a jet plane
Reports that the Prudential is looking at jumping into Asia after 164 years has made some obvious waves around the sector.
Markel opens second Malaysian office
Specialist insurer, Markel International, has opened a marketing office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in response to increased demand for specialist products from the Asian market.