Europe
Surging US APH claims likely to hit European insurers
European insurers have been urged to manage their asbestos, pollution and health hazard liabilities as the US sees an upsurge in claims.
Helvetia posts reduced profit for H1
Swiss insurer Helvetia posted profit of CHF162.7m (€135.4m) for the first half of 2012, down from CHF171.5m in the first half of 2011.
Ergo at centre of further scandal over staff "rewards"
Munich Re owned primary insurer Ergo is once again courting controversy after reports that the firm paid for employees to visit a swingers' party in Jamaica and a brothel in Spain.
Further delays to Omnibus II
Omnibus II has been delayed again with the new date of implementation set at 20 November, Post understands.
Charles Taylor posts rise in revenue for H1
Loss adjusting firm Charles Taylor reported an increase in revenue to £53.2m (H1 2011: £2.6m) in the first half of 2012.
Global warming to lead to stronger tropical cyclones
Scientists predict that global warming is likely to lead to stronger tropical cyclones, but that the overall global frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes is likely to decrease.
Zurich seeks Chinese licences for emerging markets push
Zurich Insurance has applied for licences to expand into Chinese cities as part of a renewed focus on emerging markets, according to chief executive Martin Senn.
Ace expands its surety practice into continental Europe
Ace Group has appointed Luc Reuter as senior vice president and head of surety, Europe as the firm expands its international surety capabilities into its continental Europe region.
Supply chain problems and insurer solutions
There is a common belief that supply chain claims are linked most often to natural disasters, but research shows that this is not true. Jacqueline Legrand explains why highlighting this myth to customers can go a long way to mitigate against the real…
Admiral to slow UK growth despite 9% rise in profit
Admiral's pre-tax profit rose to £171.8m in the first half of 2012 (H1 2011: £160.6m) having increased the number of vehicles insured by 11%, or 350 000, to 3.5 million.
Russia's WTO entry offers hope to foreign insurers
Russia’s entry to the World Trade Organisation on 22 August is likely to have a significant impact on the insurance market, according to broker Willis.
Vienna Insurance Group offloads Russian interests
Vienna Insurance Group has completed the previously announced sale of its stakes in three Russian insurance companies.
William Russell expands expat dental cover
Global expatriate insurer William Russell has launched a new optional dental benefit plans for businesses.
Swiss Re unveils new Middle East and Africa boss O'Neill
Swiss Re has appointed Frank O'Neill as market executive for the company's reinsurance operations in the Middle East & Africa region, effective 1 January 2013.
Bartlett opens Australian office
Lloyd's broker Bartlett & Company has opened and office in Sydney, Australia, to serve clients with businesses in the region.
European results poll
How is European results season going?
Asia View from the Top: Risk and opportunity abound
The economy of Asia has been rapidly growing. It now accounts for one-third of world gross domestic product and is likely to exceed 50% by 2050.
European View From The Top: Growth opportunities
Among all the doom and gloom you might think the chances of growth in the near term are slight, if not negligible.
Howden expands energy division with two appointments
Howden Insurance Brokers has entered the second phase of the development of its Energy division with the appointments of Greg Stenzhorn and Richard Bateman.
Top five European news stories
The top five European stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
UK seizes one-millionth uninsured vehicles
UK police have seized one million vehicles since 2005 when they were given powers to stop vehicles identified as being driven without insurance.
Swedish insurer on cusp of record private equity sale
Swedish insurance group Länsförsäkringar is close to selling a €1.5bn portfolio of private equity interests, which if completed would be one of the largest divestments by a European institution.
Ambiental joins forces with Aon-Benfield on flood mapping
Aon-Benfield has collaboration with Ambiental to enhance its flood model development capabilities.
Travelers appoints Abramson European head of Legal from Flagstone
Travelers has appointed John Abramson as head of legal and compliance for its European businesses.