Europe
Financial stress takes toll on Italian insurers
Pressure on premium income in Italy is likely to continue throughout 2013 as the deep recession and austerity measures in Italy squeeze households' disposable income, according to Fitch.
SSP appoints European head of client delivery programme
Insurance technology provider SSP has appointed Gary Glennard as its head of client programme delivery for Europe.
Industry divided over Eiopa's Solvency II guidelines
Industry players have been divided in their response to the draft Solvency II guidelines released by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority.
Eiopa chairman defends Solvency II guidelines
The chairman of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions authority has defended its draft Solvency II guidelines as “an important step in the right direction that will help national authorities”.
Early implementation of SII elements 'burdensome' for UK firms
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority has published four consultation papers containing guidelines on the elements of Solvency II that it wants national supervisors implemented by national supervisors from 1 January 2014 on a "comply…
Post magazine – 28 March 2013
The latest edition of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Prudential fined £30m over failed AIA bid
The UK's Financial Service Authority has fined Prudential £30m for failing to report the AIA acquisition plans to the regulator.
Captives: Eastern promise
Chinese companies are mulling over the idea of captives as a risk management tool and it seems that the trend might spread to Eastern Europe. Anna Pitton investigates.
Lloyd's profit hits £2.8bn after lower cat losses
Lloyd's has reported a 2012 pre-tax profit of £2.77bn following a loss of £516m in 2011.
Talanx enjoys results boost following IPO
Talanx showed strong underwriting performance in the first full year results since its initial public offering, but there is still room for improvement according to analysts.
E&Y welcomes long term financing consultation
Ernst & Young has joined Insurance Europe in welcoming the green paper on long-term investment issued by the European Commission yesterday.
Argo International hires Barbican PI underwriter
Lloyd’s insurer Argo International has appointed James McPartland as an underwriter in its professional indemnity team.
Emerging market megacities will be "gamechanger" says Swiss Re
Eight of the top megacities in the world will be in emerging markets by 2025, according to Swiss Re.
Regulation must not jeopardise long-term investment says Insurance Europe
Insurance Europe has welcomed the European Commission’s adoption of a Green Paper on the long-term financing of the European economy.
Regulation must not harm long-term investment says Insurance Europe
Insurance Europe has welcomed the European Commission’s adoption of a Green Paper on the long-term financing of the European economy.
CCR net profit surges despite €55m Thai flood loss
State owned French reinsurer CCR posted net profit of €242.3m for 2012, up from €119.4m 2011.
New regulator pledges to 'act more decisively' than FSA
The Financial Services Authority has outlined the risks that will be a priority in the next 12 months for its successor, the Financial Conduct Authority, when it takes over on 1 April.
AM Best withdraws ratings of Allianz France and subsidiaries
AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and issuer credit rating of "AA-" of Allianz IARD and Allianz Vie, the main subsidiaries of Allianz France SA, and the ICR of "A-" for Allianz France SA.
View from the Top: Business customers want enforceable transparency
In about four months, the European Parliament will vote on the revised version of the Insurance Mediation Directive. If the directive is adopted in its present form, it will cover only individual customers and small businesses.
Post magazine – 21 March 2013
The latest edition of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Gender Directive: Continental drift
The ban on gender as an insurance rating factor has made waves in the UK market but how has it impacted mainland Europe? Francesca Nyman investigates.
Is Biba’s new chief executive the White man for the job?
Improving the broking sector’s public profile, representing smaller firms and standing up to the incoming financial regulator are among the early challenges facing incoming British Insurance Brokers’ Association chief executive Steve White.
Austrian lawyer annointed as Van Hulle successor
The European Commission has appointed Klaus Wiedner to replace Karel Van Hulle as head of unit dealing with pensions and insurance in the Internal Market Directorate General.
Mapfre subsidiary to insure Maltese trade union
Mapfre subsidiary, Middlesea Assist, is to provide home assistance services to the members of the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, a major worker's organisation in Malta.