Europe
Solvency II is biggest challenge for captives says AM Best
European captives have weathered the global economic downturn well, but the implementation of Solvency II remains among the biggest challenges for the sector, according to a report from AM Best.
French consumers least likely to go online for insurance purchases
Online comparison sites are the fastest growing distribution channel for motor and household insurance in Europe, according to Finaccord.
"On request" system better for GI says Bernardino
A shift towards mandatory commission disclosure for Europe’s general insurance intermediaries is unnecessary, according to the head of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority.
Europe View From the Top: Risk engineering when growing abroad
Higher costs of living, lower real wages and reduced access to credit has had a direct impact on the profitability of UK companies. This combined with the Eurozone crisis has taken its toll on UK export growth and investment.
Time to address International PMI fraud
As European Union members get closer to introducing the Directive on patient mobility Edmund Tirbutt asks how private medical insurers are tackling fraud in health care.
Market moves: Brokers lead recruitment drive with major hires at Reich, Russell Scanlan and RFIB
The recruitment space belonged to broking this week, with Reich, Russell Scanlan and RFIB all recruiting senior staff. Reich welcomed a new head of group operations, while Russell Scanlan and RFIB added directors to their respective teams. Meanwhile,…
Mapfre reports 2012 revenues up 7.5%
Spanish insurer and reinsurer Mapfre has reported an increase of revenues for the year ended 31 December 2012, attributing the growth to its Brazilian and USA businesses.
Torbjörn Magnusson elected VP of Insurance Europe
Torbjörn Magnusson, president and chief executive of If P&C Insurance, Sweden, has been elected vice-president of Insurance Europe.
Former Lockton International CEO Julian James returns with Allied World
Former Lockton International chief executive Julian James is to return to the market as European president of Swiss insurer and reinsurer Allied World.
Munich Re profit quadruples in 2012 to €3.2bn
Munich Re’s preliminary figures show a profit of €3.2bn for 2012 (2011: €0.71bn).
London insurance market's progress with ECF understated, claims IUA
The use of electronic claims files in the London company market is much more extensive than previously stated, according to new analysis by the International Underwriting Association.
Allianz: increased number of clinical trials raises underwriting issues for insurers
The rising number of clinical trials poses significant challenge for insurers, according to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty.
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.