Europe
Argo poaches Aon's marine claims director
Argo today unveiled Robert Dobson as its new marine claims manager.
Lonmar hires Balchin to grow international marine account
Independent Lloyd’s broker Lonmar Global Risks has appointed marine cargo specialist Ian Balchin to help develop its international cargo account.
BLD appoints new partner in Munich
German law firm BLD Bach Langheid Dallmayr has appointed Joachim Krane as new partner as of 1 February 2013.
Lloyd's investment return improve in 2012 according to latest analysis
Latest figures from investment information specialist Camradata indicate improved performance for investment returns in the Lloyd’s market for 2012.
Willis: Cat bonds hit a new high in 2012 with 37% increase
Last year saw the second highest level of catastrophe bond issuance on record signalling strong growth in the market, according to Willis Capital Markets & Advisory.
Spain's criminal code reforms could impact D&O, broker warns
Reform of Spanish regulations governing the criminal liability of companies could impact the directors and officer’s insurance market, according to Guy Carpenter.
Whitehair appointed MD of SPB UK
French affinity insurance specialist SPB plans to grow its business in the UK through its ownership of Citymain Group.
New MD for renamed Citymain Group
SPB has renamed its insurance administrator Citymain Group as SPB UK and appointed Colin Whitehair as managing director of the newly named division.
Microinsurance to reach 1 billion by 2020
The number of low income people covered by microinsurance is expected to hit one billion by the end of the decade, according to the Luxembourg-based Microinsurance Network.
Editor's comment: Bowing out from Brussels
Complaining about the influence of the European Union on British affairs is almost as much a talking point as the weather in the UK, but insurers have fair grounds. Since Solvency II was first proposed, many in the UK insurance industry believe the…
UK regulator committed to risk-based regulation regardless of EU status
Plans to implement Solvency II will not be derailed by the Prime Minister’s pledge to hold a referendum on European Union membership if he is re-elected at the next general election.
QBE introduces top-up commercial cover for European businesses
QBE has launched a top up commercial credit insurance facility developed to operate above an existing, non-QBE, primary whole-turnover policy.
Ace boss Greenberg hails "growing presence" in Asia and Europe
Ace has reported a 76% increase in net income to $2.71bn (£1.72bn) in 2012 compared to the previous year (2011: $1.54bn).
Challenges and opportunities abound in 2013
Against the backdrop of a challenging economic climate and continued uncertainty over both the timescales for implementation of European regulation and varied national approaches to the adoption of it, European insurers face a number of critical…
EMEA commercial market to remain stable in 2013
The insurance market across Europe, the Middle East and Africa is expected to remain broadly stable in 2013, according to Marsh's Insurance Market Report 2013.
Marsh forecasts 10% rate increases across Europe
European financial institutions can expect challenging conditions in 2013 amid ongoing concerns about the Eurozone and increased regulatory action, according to broker Marsh.
QBE Credit & Surety offers top-up cover for European firms
QBE has launched a top-up commercial credit insurance facility that operates above an existing, non-QBE, primary whole-turnover policy.
Half of insurers doubt effectiveness of social media marketing
Marketers in the insurance sector could inadvertently turn customers off by irritating them with their online behavior, according to a new study.
Delta Lloyd sounds warning note on regulation
Regulatory changes could threaten the economic recovery in the Netherlands, the chairman of Dutch insurer Delta Lloyd said yesterday.
Firm launches social media compliance tool for insurers
Many insurers are shying away from social media due to compliance fears, according to information capture and content management provider Integritie.
Pan-European insurance contract law a 'logistical minefield'
The principles behind a pan-European insurance contract law are sound, but any attempt to implement such a framework would be a logistical minefield, according to industry insiders.
Top five European news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Only 16% of firms have dedicated CIO for cyber risk
Many European firms still do not devote sufficient attention to cyber risks, despite an increase in frequency, scope, and sophistication - and harsher penalties for lack of regulatory compliance and loss of sensitive data.
LGTA could spell further delays for Solvency II
Trade body Insurance Europe has welcomed the launch by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority of an assessment to find the most appropriate treatment of long-term guarantees under Solvency II.