Asia
Acquisition appeal in China warms up
Regulatory changes in China look set to make it easier for local and foreign players to expand in the world’s fourth-largest insurance market.
Zurich sees Q1 global premiums inch upwards
Zurich's gross written premiums and profits showed marginal progress for Q1 2014.
Hong Kong issues Vietnam travel warning
Following riots targeted at Chinese businesses, the Hong Kong government has raised a red warning (raised from amber) for travel to Vietnam.
Over $60m of damage from rain in Guangdong
Heavy rain over the last week in the Chinese province of Guangdong has seen 15 000 claims so far.
Catlin's GWP increased 9.3% in first quarter
Gross written premiums at insurer Catlin climbed 9.3% in the first quarter of 2014 to $2.01bn compared to $1.84bn in Q1 2013.
FIFA extends World Cup injury insurance
FIFA has extended its insurance coverage for players on national team duty that are injured before its squad deadline date of 26 May.
Cunningham Lindsey names Richard Ward as chairman
Loss adjusting giant Cunningham Lindsey has recruited former Lloyd’s boss Richard Ward as its new chairman, while also picking up a new global chief executive.
Japanese insurers to offer mandatory motor cover in China
Tokio Marine, NKSJ Holdings and MS&AD Insurance have been approved to offer mandatory motor cover in China.
Hong Kong Independent Insurance Authority moves a step closer
The passage of the Insurance Companies (Amendment) Bill 2014 into Legco has brought an independent regulator a step closer in Hong Kong.
Marsh targets growth in Thailand
International broker Marsh wants to hire staff and grow business by 20% this year at its Thai joint venture Marsh PB.
Heavy rain kills 21 and causes disruption in China, Macau and Hong Kong
Four days of heavy rain in China, Macau and Hong Kong, killed at least 21 people, flooded many areas, disrupted flights and train services.
Warmelink rejoins Towers Watson in Hong Kong
Towers Watson has appointed Marco Warmelink as regional director of its risk management practice for Asia-Pacific.
Black rain hits Hong Kong again
For the second time this year the Hong Kong Observatory has raised the black rain warning as thunderstorms hit the city on 8 and 9 May.
Munich Re's Q1 2014 profit falls 5%; April pricing weakens 8%
Profits fell 5% in the first quarter at global reinsurer Munich Re and April renewal prices declined 8%.
ING injects further €850m of capital ahead of listing
So far this year ING has provided €1.85bn of capital to its insurance arm the NN Group ahead of an expected listing in Amsterdam.
French adjuster hires Hong Kong claims manager from Marsh
French specialist loss adjuster GM Consultant has appointed Alex Lui as a senior manager in Hong Kong.
Multiple billion dollar natural disasters in April
Tornadoes and extensive crop damage led to multiple billion dollar natural disasters in April according to catastrophe modeler Impact Forecasting.
Novae recruits four to agriculture team
Novae has made four appointments in its agriculture reinsurance team including Robert Solloway who will underwrite business in the Asia Pacific region.
Swiss Re posts net income of $1.2bn for Q1
Swiss Re reported net income of $1.2bn (£707m) for the first three months of 2014, aided by benign natural catastrophe experience during the quarter.
First insurer with foreign investment sets-up in Shanghai free trade zone
Insurer Sino-US MetLife has become the first Chinese insurer with foreign investment to set-up in Shanghai's fledgling free trade zone.
New Zealand regulator clears IAG's Wesfarmers deal
After several delays the New Zealand Commerce Commission has agreed to Insurance Australia Group's acquisition of Wesfarmers' Lumley insurance business.
Asia-Pacific rates declined in first quarter, says Marsh
According to international broker Marsh, insurance rates declined by as much as 25% in the first quarter of 2014 in the Asia-Pacific region.
17 injured in Tokyo quake
A magnitude six earthquake south of Tokyo disrupted transport and injured 17 people.
White House to warn climate change is already here
The National Climate Assessment, a report compiled by 300 leading scientists and experts, is set to reveal the US is already suffering from the affects of climate change.