Europe
EC probes impact of insurance contract law on cross-border trade
The European Commission has launched an expert group to consider the creation of a pan-European insurance contract law.
Eiopa to review long-term guarantees proposals
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority will look into the treatment of long-term guarantees in a study starting next week.
Top five European stories
The top five European stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
CV Starr underwriter joins Argo International
Argo International has appointed James Cassidy as an underwriter in its general liability team.
Insurers must back renewable energy, says Swiss Re
The insurance industry can provide key support to the development of renewable energy solutions and the mitigation of climate change, according to Swiss Re.
Philippines government looks to increase natural disaster recovery efforts
The Philippines Department of Agriculture is seeking to develop a centralised preparedness scheme for before, during and after natural disasters.
Ace reshuffles EMEA claims team
Ace Group has reshuffled its accident and health team for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Weathering the growing subsidence risk
Subsidence is increasingly frequent and research shows that, with climates getting hotter, this is only going to continue. Edmund Tirbutt looks at how the market covers subsidence and whether it will continue to do so.
European View from the Top: Meeting the challenge
Independent brokers need to address many challenges in a global environment, says Jose Manuel Dias da Fonseca.
Software firm launches Solvency II tool for Lloyd's market
Insurance investment information specialist Camradata has introduced Solvency II-compliant software to its Lloyd's clients for reporting and accounting.
Axa $850m subordinated notes assigned BBB by S&P
Standard & Poor's has assigned its BBB long-term issue rating to the $850m perpetual subordinated notes issued by French holding company Axa (A-/Stable/A-2).
European Parliament clamps down on rating agencies
Rating agencies are to have their shareholdings in rated firms capped to reduce conflict of interest under new rules approved by the European Parliament.
Insurers should have been prepared for 2011 cat losses, says AIR
Insured losses in 2011 from global natural catastrophes exceeded $110bn, according to industry sources, the second highest figure ever recorded.
Two thirds of German homes not covered for natural hazards
Over two thirds of householders in Germany are not insured against damage by extreme weather conditions, according to Munich Re's primary insurance arm Ergo.
Rising kidnap risk amid Eurozone unrest
The rising risk of abductions as a result of social unrest in the Eurozone is creating opportunities for insurers specialising in kidnap and ransom policies.
MicroEnsure targets Asia with Telnor JV
MicroEnsure has formed a joint venture with mobile operator Telnor, with the aim of providing microinsurance products to four than four million people in Africa and Asia.
Top five European stories
The top five European stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Consumers see insurance as essential not discretionary spend
When it comes to reducing expenses, European consumers are cutting back on discretionary areas such as dining out, holidays and clothing, but still see insurance as essential.
Blog: Extra-terrestrial threat
In the wake of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks report many have focused on the impact of climate change, digital wildfires, drug resistant diseases...
S&P warns of "mounting pressure" on global insurers
The credit quality of global multi-line insurers is generally sound, despite a downward trend over the past four years, Standard and Poor's said today.
Ace hires Achmea's P&C manager
Ace Group has hired Benoît Chasseguet as marine manager for Continental Europe, including the Central and Eastern European region.
Xchanging hails successful launch of settlement platform
Business processing outsourcer Xchanging has gone live with phase one of Netsett, a global net settlement platform launched in September 2012.
Sandy loss "comfortably" within budget, says Hannover Re
Losses arising from Superstorm Sandy are within Hannover Re's major loss budget for 2012 after the firm estimated a €261m net burden of loss from last October's storm.
Scope Technologies joins Amaguiz to launch telematics service
Technology provider Scope Technologies has joined forces with Groupama subsidiary Amaguiz to provide pay-as-you drive insurance for French consumers.