Europe
Helvetia Holdings to reduce board size
Three board members at Helvetia Holdings will not stand for re-election, following the integration of the (re)insurer with Nationale Suisse and a planned reduction of Helvetia’s board.
Europe: Hold your horses on Brexit planning
While it makes sense for some to be examining all the contingencies, there are a range of routes which could be taken should the UK leave the European Union, and so for most, it makes sense to wait until more detail is known
Aviva benefits from Friends Life acquisition as UK profits slide
Aviva recorded a 20% increase in global profits to £2.67bn in 2015 compared with £2.21bn the previous financial year.
European insurtech investment set to grow as global fintech funding reaches £13.4bn
European insurers are set for the same levels of transformation as the banking sector, according to a KPMG report, which has tipped further growth in the insurance-tech industry in Europe in the coming years.
Zurich promotes for top underwriting role
Jane Hayes has been formally promoted to chief underwriting officer for general insurance in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Zurich Insurance Plc.
Axa invests in German digital health start-up
Axa Strategic Ventures, the €230m (£178m) venture capital fund set up by the French insurance giant, has announced it is leading an investment round in Medlanes, a Berlin-based digital health start-up.
Iprism strikes deals with QBE and Gallaghers after Gable pulls two lines mid-term
Liechtenstein-based insurer Gable Holdings has exited the tradesmen and high-net worth household lines of business it offered through the Iprism Underwriting Agency portal mid-term.
Europe: Telematics and the gender directive
The Gender Directive put a brake on insurers' underwriting purely on the basis of gender. So has it encouraged the development of telematics which helps them price in way that does not differentiate rates between males and females?
Admiral reports motor profit rise as Confused takes hit
Admiral has reported an 8% increase in 2015 group turnover to £2.12bn (2014: £1.97bn) and a UK motor combined ratio of 81% (2014: 83%).
Insurers back Axa's call for consistent injury awards in Ireland amid 30% motor premium increases
Insurers in Ireland are backing a call by Axa for more consistent personal injury awards amid concerns the body established to handle personal injury claims and compensation in 2004 has lost its way.
JLT's profit falls 7% after "challenges" in UK & Ireland employee benefits unit
Global broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson's pre-tax profit fell 7% to £170.1m in 2015 compared with the 2014 fiscal period.
New Hiscox MGA to focus on professional indemnity and motor
Hiscox will this year set up a managing general agent in the UK focusing on areas outside its underwriting appetite, including some classes of professional indemnity and motor insurance.
Skuld announces executive changes and 2016 renewals growth
Norwegian marine insurer Skuld has announced three changes to its management team including appointing Lars Dueled as chief underwriting officer.
RSA unveils record underwriting profit as Hester declares turnaround 'largely complete'
UK-headquartered RSA's after tax profits climbed 221% to £224m in 2015 compared with 2014.
GWP and COR improve for global reinsurer Scor
French reinsurer Scor has posted an upgraded financial rating on the back of a 6.4% increase in 2015 gross written premiums to €13.4bn (£10.6bn).
US sanctions strong disincentive for Iranian cover despite lifting of EU restrictions
Banks' reluctance to process payments is a major barrier for insurers wanting to conduct Iran-related business following European Union sanctions relief last month, while legal research has found remaining US primary sanctions are quelling the appetite…
Swiss Re income jumps 31% as CEO steps down
After four years as CEO, Swiss Re’s Michel Liès will step down on 1 July with reinsurance head Christian Mumenthaler named as his replacement.
Allianz-owned Euler Hermes reports £324m profit in 2015
Allianz trade credit subsidiary Euler Hermes today revealed an operating profit of €417m (£324m) in 2015 on revenue of €2.64bn.
Europe: Talking Turkey on cyber risks
Following recent cyber attacks - purportedly carried out by hacktivist group Anonymous, there is growing understanding of the value of covering cyber liabilities.
C-Suite: Making claims fit for a digital era
There is a still much work ahead for insurance companies to bring claims into the digital era writes Alson Ong.
Garrard promoted at Willis Towers Watson to international role
Adam Garrard, formerly head of Asia at Willis, has been promoted to head of international at Willis Towers Watson following the merger of the two groups.
Industry will have time to deal with business implications of Brexit
Market commentators are divided over whether it is too early to start contingency planning ahead of the planned referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, despite a senior Lloyd's official warning the sector to be prepared for all possible…
Israeli start-up Passportcard planning UK launch
Travel insurance start-up Passportcard is intending to be operational in the UK by the end of 2016.
Norwegian Hull Club to open London office
The Norwegian Hull Club is to open an office in London's EC3 area, its first outside Norway.