Europe
Insolvent insurers not a systemic risk
An insolvent global insurer would not pose systemic risk to the global financial system, according to the latest report by insurance think tank, The Geneva Association.
Oil companies need to embrace risk management
Global oil companies have inconsistent and insufficient risk strategies arising from their approach to governance and controls, according to a report released at Marsh’s oil company's conference in Dubai.
Liberty Mutual Europe appoints senior claims figures
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe has made three senior appointments to its claims operations as part of its quest to provide claims service on a local basis.
Countdown to EIS: Q&A with keynote speaker Bart De Smet
Bart De Smet, group chief executive officer for Ageas is the keynote speaker at Insurance Strategy Europe taking place in Brussels on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 23 March. In the first of a series of articles counting down to the event Insurance Insight…
How will the ECJ gender ruling impact European insurers?
As the national press continues to probe the impact of the European Court of Justice’s gender ruling on the European consumer, Francesca Nyman asks if European insurers can comply and still retain their competitive edge.
The supply chain disappointment
Recent natural catastrophes have highlighted the need to insure supply chain risks, however, risk managers have said they want better products. Jane Bernstein finds out what more the insurance industry can do.
The PPI party
Payment protection is a dirty term in the UK while it thrives on the Continent Jakki May finds out why.
Ace names head of A&H EMEA
Ace has appointed Craig Parfitt to head up the analytics and management information team for the accident and health business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Eiopa chairman 'concerned' about Solvency II delays
Gabriel Bernardino, chairman of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, has said in a letter to the European Commission what supervisors, industry and consumers would "benefit most from is certainty on the implementation of Solvency…
Cyber liability poll results
Will proposed privacy regulation increase the need for cyber liability insurance?
European insurers face ongoing capital challenges
European life and non-life insurers must make difficult strategic decisions in 2012 with the recent European sovereign downgrades adding to capital pressures, according to Ernst & Young’s new Insurance Industry outlook.
KBC has no plans to sell Bulgarian subsidiary
Belgium's KBC has denied claims in the local media that it plans to divest itself of Bulgarian insurance subsidiary DZI.
XL appoints construction manager for Ireland, UK and Nordics
XL insurance has appointed Ian Lushington as construction underwriting manager for the UK, Ireland and Nordic regions.
Fonsai downgraded to 'BB' along with main subsidiary
Italy’s second largest motor insurer Fondaria-Sai has been downgraded from ‘B+’ to ‘BB’ along with its main subsidiary Milano Assicurazioni.
Biometrics organisation wants to found Europe-wide network
The "European Association for Biometrics” wants to found a Europe-wide network to bring together industry, regulators and user groups.
Mapfre IDR downgraded following sovereign
Fitch Ratings has downgraded the issuer default rating for Spanish insurer Mapfre SA and its core subsidiaries from ‘A-‘ to ‘A’.
French P&C sector can weather 'economic headwinds'
Moody's has changed its outlook for the French property and casualty sector from negative to stable, saying it expects better 2011 underwriting results for the sector than the previous two years.
Willis targets multinationals with new MD of Global Solutions
Global broker Willis has appointed Bruce Trigg as managing director of Global Solutions, with effect from 1st April 2012.
Economic uncertainty to impact European construction in 2012
The health of the European construction sector will depend on austerity plans in 2012, according to credit insurer Coface.
Weakened capital adequacy behind Generali downgrade
Standard & Poor's has lowered its long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings on Italy-based Assicurazioni Generali SpA and its related core entities to 'A' from 'A+'.
Europ Assistance completes MBO
Europ Assistance Holdings has completed a management buyout to become an independent entity.
Chartis Europe SA assigned "A" IFS ratings
Chartis Europe SA (France) and Chartis Europe (UK) have been assigned "A" (Excellent) financial strength ratings and "A" issuer credit ratings by AM Best.
Italy's sovereign IDR slashed two notches by Fitch
Italy’s sovereign long-term issuer default rating has been downgraded to ‘A-‘ from ‘A+’ by Fitch.
EC data privacy proposals costly for EU businesses
Proposals for new privacy regulations for companies handling EU citizens’ data may increase demand for cyber liability solutions, according to Lockton.