Europe
Scor catastrophe bond to protect against European perils
As part of a strategy to diversify its capital protection tools, Scor has launched a multi-million pound catastrophe bond to provide protection against European windstorms, US hurricanes and earthquakes.
Scor places catastrophe bond against Europe and US perils
Scor has launched a multi-million pound catastrophe bond to provide protection against US hurricanes and earthquakes and European windstorms as part of a strategy to diversify its capital protection tools.
Spain's Mapfre has 7.1% share of Latin America market
Mapfre continues to have the second largest market share in the Latin America insurance market, behind Bradesco Seguros, according to a survey published by the Insurance Sciences Institute of Fundación Mapfre.
Eurobase continues hiring spree
Global software provider Eurobase Insurance Solutions has appointed David Towning as projects director and Caroline Bedford as senior business analyst.
Solvency II: To 2015 and beyond
Solvency II implementation is almost upon us but, as Martin Bradley and Jan Leiding explain, European insurers' preparedness varies significantly between countries and companies.
Competition keeps prices low for Italian PI
Italian legislation making professional indemnity insurance compulsory presents opportunities for insurers, but competition is keeping prices low, according to Davide Balloco, head of PI for Markel in Italy.
Economy is biggest underwriting concern for Europe's credit insurers
The main underwriting issue for credit insurers in the European markets is the worsening of the economic situation in the Eurozone, according to Mapfre director of credit insurance Felipe Buhigas.
Europe View from the Top: Risk management in a recession
The global recession has forced companies to rethink their business models, strategies and operations, says Ferma president Jorge Luzzi.
More pragmatic solution for Solvency II needed, says L&G chief
The head of UK insurer Legal & General has lambasted proposed Solvency II measures, saying they are unlikely to work in their current form and may need to be redrawn, Reuters reported.
Emerging markets expansion rewarded by equities analysts
Insurance equity analysts expect higher profitability from the best-performing insurers, despite difficult market conditions, and will reward those that expand into emerging markets, a global survey by Accenture found.
Ferrets help to boost BGL sales in France
BGL Group has rebranded its French price comparison business as Lesfurets.com, or 'The Ferrets'.
Former RSA chief executive resurfaces at Lloyd's
Lloyd's has appointed Andy Haste as senior independent deputy chairman on the Council of Lloyd's.
Top five European news stories
The top five European news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Ace hires Zotti to develop Italian consumer lines
Ace Group has recruited Renato Zotti as director of accident and health, life and travel in Italy as the firm continues to invest in consumer lines insurance propositions for the Italian market.
Insurer stocks dipped ahead of Hurricane Sandy landfall
Stocks for European insurers, including Allianz SE and Zurich Insurance Group, fell on Monday as the US prepared for Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to cause $5bn-$10bn in insured losses, according to modelling firm Eqecat.
Migdal sale provides liquidity boost for Generali
Generali has completed the sale of its 69.1% share in Migdal Insurance and Financial Holdings to Eliahu Insurance Company for €705m.
Technology-centric business models key to insurer survival
Continued economic pressure will force insurers to take a more innovative approach to the role of technology in decision-making and operations, according to a new report from technology research firm Ovum.
QBE Europe hires Siesko as claims director
QBE has recruited David Siesko as claims director for its European operations.
SSP hires chief technology officer
Kevin Gaut has joined technology solutions provider SSP as chief technology officer for the company's insurer division.
Marsh hires EMEA cyber head
Marsh has appointed Stephen Wares as leader of the cyber risk practice in the firm's Europe, Middle East and Africa risk practices group.
RSA expands marine offering with Dutch deal
RSA is to provide up to $100m of charterers' liability capacity to Charterama, a Rotterdam-based underwriting agency.
Europe's climate change risks in the spotlight
Natural catastrophes and disasters are an important area of research and development in the insurance world, says BrokersLink's Paul Bitner.
US APH liabilities may come back to haunt European insurers
European insurers wanting an idea of the trends coming their way often look to their cousins across the water, knowing that the problems for US insurers today are likely to plague European carriers tomorrow.
S&P affirms Axa Ireland rating
Standard & Poor's has affirmed its 'BBB+' long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings for Axa Ireland.