Europe
Focus on Greece
The European insurance market is facing a tough economic climate but none more so than the Greek market with its government’s financial debt crisis. Edward Murray reports on how the industry is coping.
Insurance Insight Interview: Michaela Koller
The European insurance industry is facing a time of increasing regulation and instability. Jonathan Swift talks to the director general of the CEA, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, about lessons to be learnt from banking, Solvency II,…
Torus seals deal to "accelerate" European expansion
Torus has today completed the acquisition of Glacier Insurance AG from the Glacier Group.
Ernst & Young names Baldwin new insurance boss
Andy Baldwin has been named managing partner of Ernst & Young’s Europe, Middle East, India and Africa Financial Services business.
Aon Benfield recommends internal models to boost reinsurance value under Solvency II
Aon Benfield has launched a new report that examines the many different facets of the Solvency II framework ahead of the scheduled 2012 inception of the protocol.
European risks not "significantly" increased claims Ceiops
Risks have shifted in the EU/EAA area, although the recent developments concerning sovereign risk in the Euro area means they have not significantly increased compared to 2009.
Swiss Re: global non-life premium dips 0.1% in 2009 to $1 735bn
According to Swiss Re’s latest “World insurance in 2009” sigma study, world insurance premium volume fell 1.1% on an inflation-adjusted basis.
Hiscox to cut Lloyd's capacity by £100m in 2011
Hiscox has published a summary of its initial 2011 business forecast for Syndicate 33. A full 2011 business forecast for Syndicate 33 will be submitted to Lloyd's by 9 July.
Lloyd's insurer Catlin to set up $1bn Swiss reinsurance arm
Catlin plans to form a reinsurance company in Switzerland to "significantly expand the European-based reinsurance business underwritten by the group," it said today.
Execs would not be surpised if Eurozone shrinks, report claims
Rising sovereign debt in the developed world is one of the main concerns for the world’s business leaders and financial executives, according to 440 senior executives who participated in a survey commissioned by RBC Capital Markets.
CNA expands technology underwriting team
CNA Europe has made two appointments to its European technology practice.
Aviva appoints new European CEO
Aviva has appointed Jiri Schneller as chief executive of Aviva Czech Republic.
Aon Benfield agrees Cologne University partnership
Insurance broker Aon Benfield has partnered with the University of Cologne to conduct advanced research into European windstorms.
CEA calls on G20 to distinguish between insurers and banks
The CEA, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has today called on the G20 to take full account of the specific characteristics of insurance when designing regulatory initiatives to respond to the global financial crisis.
CNA Europe appoints underwriting director for Health Pro division
CNA Europe has appointed Kevin McIntosh as European underwriting director of Health Pro.
Hannover Re admits interest in Aegon unit
German reinsurer Hannover Re has expressed a slight interest in a potential acquisition of the reinsurance business of Dutch insurer Aegon, a spokeswoman for Hannover Re told news agency DPA-AFX.
Buffett wins bet against French team
Warren Buffett and the special reinsurance team at Berkshire Hathaway are likely to be extremely relieved after the French were sent home from the World Cup due to a reinsurance contract essentially betting against the team.
AM Best affirms Brit’s A rating
Credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed Brit Insurance’s A rating and Brit Insurance Holding's ICR rating of BBB.
THB profits up in first half
THB this morning reported a 21% rise in broking profit to £3.9m on fees and commissions of £24.6m (H1 2009 £23.3m).
Slovenian results improve slightly
Life and non-life insurers in Slovenia have reported a slight overall rise in gross written premiums.
Ageas 2009 international result improves under new structure
Ageas, formerly known as Fortis, today published 2009 pro forma financial information reflecting the group’s new reporting structure.
Marsh appoints new property and casualty practice leaders
As part of its drive to grow its property, business interruption and casualty risk and insurance solutions Marsh has appointed Caroline Woolley as property practice leader, and Alain Petit-Lambotte as casualty practice leader, for Europe, the Middle East…
Levene laments 2010, the year of "direct hits"
The chairman of Lloyd’s has described 2010 as the year of “direct hits”.
BUDGET 2010: PwC: Budget delivers some positives
Pricewaterhouse Coopers claims the emergency budget has delivered a number of positives for the insurance industry.