Asia
Qatar and Luxembourg continue financial services cooperation
Qatar Financial Centre Authority and Luxembourg for Finance, the agency for that promotes Luxembourg as a financial centre, held a joint seminar today as part of the continued cooperation between the two countries in financial services.
Economic uncertainty to impact European construction in 2012
The health of the European construction sector will depend on austerity plans in 2012, according to credit insurer Coface.
Lancashire increases Japan quake loss estimate by 56%
Lancashire Holdings has increased its estimated exposure to the Tohoku earthquake by $42.2m, or 56%, to a net loss estimate of $117.3m (£74.8m).
Q&A Asia: Generali
As part of Insurance Insights new remit to cover Asia, Assicurazioni Generali’s deputy general manager Valter Trevisani (pictured) spoke to Francesca Nyman to discussed the insurer’s plans there.
Q&A Asia: Zurich
As part of Insurance Insight's new remit to cover Asia Francesca Nyman spoke to Zurich’s regional chairman for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Geoffrey Riddell, to find out what the rapidly growing population means for the insurer.
Asian Expansion: Local experts explain the market's attraction
Insurance Insight recently extended its coverage to include Asia. As part of the new remit Francesca Nyman spoke to some of the region’s major players about where they have a presence in the market, why Asian is attractive and the opportunities for…
Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad has "A-" IFS rating affirmed
AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of "A-" (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “A-” of Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad, the wholly owned subsidiary of MNRB Holdings Berhad.
Japenese life insurers to provide 100 billion yen loan to Tokyo Electric
Four major Japanese life insurers including major shareholders Nippon Life Insurance Co and Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co are planning to provide a 100 billion yen ($1.30bn) syndicated loan to Tokyo Electric Power Co as early as April, according to Reuters.
Zurich's 2011 cat losses may trigger aggregate reinsurance
Zurich Financial Services expects the impact of the floods in Thailand and the increased cost of the earthquakes in New Zealand in the fourth quarter of 2011 to range between $200 and $250m (€189.9m).
View from the top: A case of déjà vu in the market
The current economic situation means now is the right time to generate rate rises, says Toby Esser.
Mergers & Acquisitions: Bucking the trend
As the market weighs up the value of assets such as Groupama and Brit’s UK arms, deal making by insurers appears to be buoyant, especially when compared to other industry sectors. But is this a trend that is set to continue?
Spotlight on environment: Providing protection
With climate change increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, insurers must influence the debate on how businesses and governments manage risks such as supply chain failure.
Insurer most trusted financial services brand in India according to report
The Life Insurance Corporation of India has come out top in a poll to find the country's most trusted brand in the banking and financial institution space, for the second consecutive time.
Tough conditions for EMEA commercial markets, Marsh warns
Insurance rates for businesses with exposure to natural catastrophe and supply chain risks are expected to keep increasing in 2012 across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to a report published today by Marsh.
HCC: Thai flooding cost $10m in Q4
HCC Insurance Holdings has revealed fourth quarter Thailand flooding catastrophe loss estimates of $10m (£6.4m), taking the year’s losses to $117m.
Reinsurers reluctant to cover Thai cat fund
Global reinsurers may be reluctant to cover the recently announced Thai catastrophe fund if asked to by the nation’s government, according to market analysts.
Thai cat fund could prove too costly for reinsurers
International reinsurers will have to be “seriously convinced” the Thailand government’s catastrophe fund is profitable if they are to insure it.
A sustainable future?
Solar powered cities and hydrogen run transport systems might be close to reality than people realise. Christian Müller explains why insurers have an integral role to play in this world and must be at the forefront of embracing innovation.
Fairfax takes 25% Thai Re stake
Financial services company Fairfax is to acquire approximately 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of Thai Re in a deal worth approximately $70m.
Haymarket expands marine security in face of piracy threat
Haymarket Risk Management is expanding its maritime security division in response to the growing threat of piracy.
Axa SA and Ace believed to be vying for HSBC
Axa SA and Ace are believed to be in the final running for HSBC Holdings’s non-life insurance operations.
Swiss Re appoints new CEO to replace Lippe
Swiss Re's board of directors has appointed Michel Liès as the new group chief executive officer as of 1 February 2012.
Chartis re-jig creates three world regions
Chartis is splitting itself into three major geographic areas: the Americas; Asia; plus Europe, Middle East and Africa.
AIA tipped to make $6bn ING bid
AIA Group may make a bid for the $6bn Asian insurance operations of ING Groep, according to reports.