Asia
Zurich appoints head of corporate business in Hong Kong
Zurich has appointed Jeremy Lau (pictured) to lead the insurer's corporate and commercial business in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's growing but competitive broking market
As the total amount of insurance premiums rise, brokers are seeing the benefits, however intense competition, recruiting talent and increased regulation are on brokers' minds. Nicky Burridge speaks to some leading brokers in the city.
Asia-Pacific region had average COR of 103% from 2008 to 2012
Aon Benfield research has found 32 of the top 50 insurance markets have a five year (2008-12) average combined ratio under 100% while the EMEA area leads the way regionally with a COR of 98% overall.
LeapFrog's second fund targets 'emerging consumers' in Africa and Asia
LeapFrog, an emerging markets fund manager, has so far raised $204m to invest in LeapFrog Fund II to focus on eight markets in Africa and Asia.
Aon Benfield research finds 32 markets have COR below 100%
Aon Benfield research has found 32 of the top 50 markets have a five year combined ratio under 100% while the EMEA area leads the way regionally with a COR of 98% overall.
$100bn of reinsurance capital to enter market, says Aon Benfield
Aon Benfield has said insurers and reinsurers will benefit from $100bn of alternative capital that will enter the reinsurance market over the next five years.
Chen to chair Zurich's China business
Johnny Chen is to switch roles at Zurich from CEO of Asia-Pacific to chairman of Zurich's life and general insurance business in China.
AIG reviews legal panel
AIG is set to kick off a review of its external legal advisers across the Asia-Pacific region, as the insurance giant sizes up a potential merger of its corporate and claims panels.
Ping An increases stake in bank
Ping An has said it plans to raise its stake to almost 60% in Ping An Bank for a cost of 14.8bn yuan ($2.4bn).
Ergo China Life targets Shandong
Ergo Insurance, owned by Munich Re, has formed a joint venture with the government to launch Ergo China Life in Shandong.
Fosun eyes state-owned Portuguese insurer
Chinese conglomerate Fosun which owns the majority of Peak Re reinsurer has been shortlisted as one of five potential buyers of the largest insurer in Portugal.
Chinese insurers have $14bn to invest in overseas property
Chinese insurance funds have access to $14bn or almost 86bn yuan to invest in property overseas.
DLA Piper's Hong Kong insurance head to leave private practice
The head of DLA Piper's insurance practice in Hong Kong is leaving the firm to pursue opportunities in legal consulting.
Willis expands financial solutions division in Hong Kong
Willis has appointed Les Collett to establish a financial solutions office in Hong Kong starting 1 October.
Q+A: Juan Luis Ortega, regional president, Asia-Pacific, Ace
Juan Luis Ortega (pictured) talks to Insurance Insight after starting his role as regional president, Asia-Pacific, Ace at the beginning of September after his predecessor Damien Sullivan was promoted to chairman of the region.
Hong Kong premiums grew 14.5% in first half
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance says the industry grew 14.5% in the first half of 2013, with total gross premiums for the end of June at HK$143.7bn ($18.5bn).
Chinese insurer sets up joint funds venture
China Life Insurance is the first insurer to utilise new rules allowing Chinese insurance companies to set-up a fund management company offering public mutual funds to retail and institutional investors.
XL Group appoints Dennerstahl to head up professional lines
XL Group has appointed Louise Dennerstahl to head up its international professional lines business, covering Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.
XL appoints head of global professional business
XL has appointed Louise Dennerstahl, former head of the Nordics for Zurich, as head of its international professional insurance business.
Dakshina Kannada to provide livestock insurance again
The Indian region of Dakshina Kannada in the state of Karnataka has reintroduced livestock insurance.
Singapore's health insurance market 'set to quadruple'
According to a new report Singapore's health insurance market is set to triple according to a study by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
Price softening possible in reinsurance market, says Fitch
The outlook for global reinsurance sector ratings remains stable, supported by capital strength and continued profitability, according to Fitch.
Singapore's recruitment challenge
Justin Harper finds out how the battle for talent is being played out in one of Asia's key insurance hubs.
Ping An's profits rise 28.3%
China's largest insurer Ping An has reported a 28.3% rise in its first-half profit.