Europe
Willis makes European captive hire
Willis has appointed Lesley Harding as chief executive officer of the Willis Global Captive Practice in Europe.
Willis appoints new European captive head
Lesley Harding has been named chief executive officer of Willis' global captive practice in Europe, effective 1 March.
European M&A opportunities
A range of dynamics influenced mergers and acquisition activity across the CEE in 2012 but as Leonid Zubarev explains the CEE region remains attractive to investors.
DLG posts improved international COR after reserve releases
Direct Line Group saw a return to underwriting profit for the 2012 financial year as it posted a combined operating ratio of 99.2%.
Data Protection: Regulation frustration
A pan-European data protection regulation may enhance transparency and accountability, but could inadvertently hamper insurance activities, harming companies and policyholders.
DLG improves combined ratio to 99.2%
Direct Line Group has reported a 9.3% rise in operating profit for ongoing operations to £461.2m (2011: £421.9m) including an underwriting profit of £28.2m compared to a loss in 2011 of £72.3m and a combined operating ratio of 99.2% (2011: 101.8%).
Expertise in Action: Pricing: A Perfect Storm
The continuing economic downturn and prevalence of large losses make this a difficult period for the insurance industry – but the sector is demonstrating its resilience.
Solvency II delay is "golden oppurtunity" to solve run-off issues
The delay in the implementation of Solvency II offers insurers a golden opportunity to deal with their outstanding run-off and US APH liabilities, according to Ruxley Ventures.
Post magazine – 28 February 2013
The latest edition of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Insurers must embrace mobile to bring "dramatic change" in acquisition ratios
As acquisition costs remain high insurers must invest in mobile and social media channels to keep and capture new customers, according to Capgemini’s World Insurance report.
Aviva to sell Russian life business for €35m
Aviva is selling its Russian life and pensions operation to Blagosostoyanie, a non-state pension fund in Russia, for a consideration of €35m (£30.17m).
Guy Carpenter names head of European casualty strategy
Guy Carpenter has appointed Georg Fuelles head of European casualty strategy.
QBE unveils cost-cutting plan as Burns takes group CFO role
QBE Europe chief executive Steven Burns is to relocate to Australia to take over from Neil Drabsch as group chief financial officer.
QBE European premium up 6% to £3.2bn
QBE has reported an 8% rise in net profit after tax to US$761m (2011: $704m) in 2012, while insurance profit was up 16% to $1.26bn (2011: $1.08bn) supported by a strong investment result.
Guy Carpenter appointment signals focus on European casualty market
Guy Carpenter & Company has appointed Georg Fuelles as head of European casualty strategy.
Hiscox profit soars to £217m
Hiscox has reported a pre-tax profit of £217.1m for the full-year 2012, dwarfing the 2011 result of £17.3m, and improving its group combined ratio by 14 percentage points to 85.5%. Gross written premium increased to £1.57bn (2011: £1.45bn).
Fonseca reveals three-step plan to becoming a broking powerhouse
Treating clients as partners, investing in the future and joining forces with peers from around the world are key to independent brokers becoming powerhouses of the global insurance industry.
Aggregator influence grows as disposable income shrinks
The importance of aggregators as a distribution channel for European insurers is increasing as strapped consumers search for better deals, according to research by CP Consulting.
Sandy hit AIG reports $4bn Q4 loss
American International Group reported a net loss of $3.4bn for the full year 2012, following a net loss of $4bn for the fourth quarter.
Analyst opinion divided on RSA dividend cut
News that RSA plans to cut its dividend has been met with a mixed reaction from the analyst community.
Argo's head of aerospace to become underwriting director
Lloyd’s insurer Argo International has promoted Bruno Ritchie, pictured, to underwriting director.
Europe View from the Top: Testing times for European real estate
It goes without saying that the financial crisis has had an adverse and enduring effect on the global economy.
Swiss Re full year net income rises to $4.2bn
Swiss Re posted net income of $4.2bn for the full year 2012, driven by strong profitability in property and casualty reinsurance and strong investment result.
Kidnap and Ransom: A growing threat?
Kidnap and ransom risk is not traditionally a threat associated with Europe but recent incidents have bought the issue to the fore. Sam Barrett investigates the problem and the response of the insurance industry.