Europe
Willis opens new Eastern European base
Willis has received official approval from local authorities to open a representative office in Kazakhstan.
Xchanging in Italian swoop
Xchanging has signed a letter of intent with SIA-SSB, the European specialist in financial and payment systems services, to form an Enterprise Partnership.
PI law changes offer opportunities for brokers claims expert
New laws making professional indemnity insurance obligatory for a wide range of professions, are leading to increased distribution opportunities for brokers.
DAS makes two senior appointments
DAS Legal Expenses Insurance has named Phil Bellamy as its new group underwriting manger and Andy Westall as group sales manager.
Fitch more positive on German public sector insurers
German public sector insurers have seen a significant improvement in their financial position after having been adversely affected by the global financial crisis in 2008.
Liberty expands French operation
Liberty International Underwriters in Europe has established an underwriting presence in France for trade credit and political risk business with the appointment of Alexandre Egnell as assistant vice president, trade credit and political risk.
Brit shareholders would back improved Apollo bid, claims report
Brit Insurance shareholders would reportedly back an improved bid by Apollo, the US private equity house, if one is forthcoming.
Brokers concerned over Quinn duty of care legal action
Insurance brokers are worried they may not be able to rely on disclaimers given to clients who placed business with Quinn Insurance, according to reports.
Economy on "road to recovery"
Businesses are starting to enjoy a recovery in markets at home and overseas, according to delegates at the Coface - the country risk conference for the UK and Ireland.
Six join broker network ranks
International broker network Brokers Link has added six new international specialised service providers to its membership.
US targets two insurers, banks, shipping and energy sector in new Iran sanctions
The US Treasury on Wednesday blacklisted more companies – putting them off limits to US businesses - including two insurers.
Solvency II to have far-reaching impact
Fitch Ratings has said that it expects Solvency II, the European Union's new insurance regulatory regime, to have far-reaching effects on insurers, with both positive and negative credit rating implications.
Former Lloyd's director Tolle joins Beazley
Rolf Tolle is to join the board of Beazley Furlonge, the Lloyd’s managing agency that forms part of Beazley, the company announced today. The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Marsh: more companies adopting sustainability strategies
As demand grows from consumers, investors and governments for businesses to become more sustainable, companies are beginning to change their strategy and planning.
"Softer" skills key for risk managers finds Ace survey
Risk managers who can demonstrate a mastery of the so-called ‘softer’ skills are increasingly one step ahead of their peers when it comes to unlocking the door to the most senior risk management roles.
RSA's Devitt to leave UK business
RSA’s sales and strategic relationship director Aaron Devitt is to leave the UK business after taking an internal promotion in Copenhagen.
EMB: Company market lags behind Lloyd's on commercial performance
Commercial property insurance rates are unlikely to rise significantly any time soon despite attempts by some companies to talk up the market, according to an assessment by actuarial consultancy EMB.
Guy Carpenter launches French flood map
Guy Carpenter has completed the development of a state-of-the-art probabilistic flood model for mainland France.
Liberty looks to grow construction with new hire
Liberty International Underwriters Europe, a division of Liberty Mutual Group, has appointed Andreas Ofner as senior underwriter – construction.
Axa insists it is committed to UK GI despite proposed life sell off
Axa has insisted it remains committed to its UK general insurance and health operations.
Zurich mulls redomiciling European business to Dublin
Zurich is looking to create a single headquarters in Dublin for its European life assurance business, according to reports.
Munich Re launches IP policy
Munich Re has launched an intellectual property insurance policy that provides cover for European businesses facing the threat of IP infringement allegations.
Mutual and cooperative insurers have 25% share in Europe
This is the main result of a statistical report based on 2008 figures issued by the Association of Mutual Insurers and Insurance Cooperatives in Europe at its Congress in Genoa, Italy.
US insurer in exploratory talks about Quinn takeover
Anglo Irish Bank has held talks with US insurer Liberty Mutual about a possible joint approach to take control of Quinn Insurance it has been reported.