Asia
QBE targets Malaysia with marine insurance product
QBE Asia and P&I specialist British Marine have launched a marine product up to $500m liability.
Indian regulator wants more affordable insurance
The chairman of the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority TS Vijayan wants more affordable insurance to help low-income families buy insurance.
US offers $2.5m safety grant to Bangladesh
The US government has offered a grant of $2.5m to Bangladesh to help improve fire and safety standards and the protection of workers at factories.
This week's Asia highlights
The top five Asian highlights of the week.
Markel eyes trade credit opportunities in Asia
William Stovin, president of Markel International, has commented that his company sees significant opportunities to grow its trade credit book from Mumbai to Singapore.
Microinsurance becoming very popular in the Philippines
The number of microinsurance policies in the Philippines has almost doubled since the end of 2010 according to the Department of Finance.
World Bank cuts growth forecasts
The World Bank has cut its economic growth forecasts for China and the world.
Singapore's appetite for construction
Singapore is in the middle of a construction boom as the government seeks to dramatically increase the city's population. Justin Harper finds out the implications for Singapore's insurance industry.
Sompo Japan expands presence in Brazil
Japanese general insurer Sompo Japan has raised its stake in Sao Paulo-based Maritima Seguros to 87% from 50% through its subsidiary Yasuda Seguros.
Foreign owned insurers can use yuan as capital
China's State Council has changed the rules for foreign-owned insurers in the country by allowing them to use yuan as capital from 1 August.
Opinion: The dangers of sandwich panel construction
Following a recent deadly fire at a Chinese poultry factory which killed 120, Professor James Lygate explains how poor materials in sandwich panel buildings often make fires worse.
Zurich seeks quick sale in Malaysia
The Swiss insurer needs to sell its 40% stake in MCIS Zurich after an acquisition in 2011.
China Taiping establishes new unit
China Taiping's new business unit China Taiping Insurance Group Co. has officially opened after a restructure at the group.
XL to offer Shariah products in Malaysia and Singapore
XL Group will offer Shariah-compliant insurance to large corporate and middle market clients, including companies in Malaysia and Singapore.
China lessens insureds' claims' obligations
China's Supreme People's Court has raised the responsibility on insurers for when querying claimants.
Berkshire India to stop online sales
Berkshire India, the Indian arm of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway has failed to see its online offering spark into life.
Thailand's premiums up 21%
Premiums in Thailand grew 21% in the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012.
Peak Re CEO: Japan has been a surprise
Five months since its launch, Peak Re's CEO Franz Josef Hahn says business is going to plan and the reinsurer has been particularly well received in Japan.
InterGlobal expands sales team
Twenty four sales staff have been appointed or promoted by international medical insurer InterGlobal.
Study suggests majority of Bangladeshi factories vulnerable
A survey by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology suggests around 60% of garment factories in Bangladesh are vulnerable to collapse.
Hong Kong's marine challenge
Hong Kong’s marine insurance industry is facing a growing challenge from its regional rivals. Nicky Burridge investigates why.
Cyclone Mahasen destroyed over 100 000 homes
Over 130 000 poorly constructed homes in Bangladesh were destroyed by the powerful cyclone in May.
4% of China's market to be foreign owned by 2018
The Chinese market could see non-domestic insurers’ market share quadruple over the next five years according to Ernst & Young.
Japan's insurers see motor market recovery
Japan's motor market, which makes up 50% of general insurers' premiums, has seen a recovery in its underwriting profits to the end of the fiscal year March 2013.