Europe
SMEs' concerns over competition increasing, Zurich research finds
Small and medium-sized enterprises globally are increasingly concerned about the impact of competition on margins and a lack of consumer demand, according to Zurich's third annual global SME survey.
Vincenz takes up post as Helvetia chairman
Pierin Vincenz has today (1 October) taken up the role of chairman of the board of directors at Helvetia group.
Ageas eyes Indonesia after Hong Kong sale
Ageas CEO Bart de Smet has said the insurer is interested in expanding in Asia's less developed markets.
D&O insurers facing VW payout as emissions scandal rumbles on
The increased use of technology in motor vehicles has been highlighted as a grey area in determining where product liability falls, in light of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, which will likely see directors and officers' insurers on the hook.
Eurozone insolvencies to exceed 2007 level by 67% in 2016
Insolvencies in the Eurozone are 75% higher in 2015 than they were in 2007 with trade credit insurer Atradius predicting they will remain 67% higher than the 2007 level in 2016.
Europe: Can insurers navigate the Arctic waters?
Insurers have traditionally been reluctant to underwrite Arctic shipping: the risks of injuries and pollution have been high and unpredictable.
Volkswagen's coverage questioned as £4.7bn is earmarked for emissions scandal
Volkswagen is unlikely to be able to rely on insurance to protect it from exposure relating to falsified US emission tests in particular diesel models of its vehicles, loss adjuster Cunningham Lindsey anticipates.
Argo Global hires senior underwriter for French push
Argo Global, the specialist European insurer and member of Argo Group, has appointed Gabriel Rodrigues as senior underwriter for professional lines, France.
UK motor market value set to decline over coming years
The real value of motor insurance markets in the UK and Italy are likely to decline over the next few years, as emerging Asian markets continue rapid expansion, according to Finaccord.
Zurich abandons RSA approach
Zurich has abandoned its bid to buy UK rival RSA after poor trading in its general insurance business.
Willaert to succeed Graham as Ferma president
The Federation of European Risk Management Associations has announced its 2015/2016 executive committee to be led by president Jo Willaert.
Europe: Russian insurance news roundup
The Russian insurance market grew by 2% over the first half of the year, increasing at a smaller rate than the number of complaints and sanctions against insurers.
Turkish market still overly reliant on underperforming motor says Fitch
The Turkish insurance sector's profitability remains driven by the performance of the motor insurance segment, according to a new report by Fitch.
Shipowners' Club agrees delegated authority arrangement with Swedish underwriter
The Shipowners' Club has entered into a strategic partnership with Swedish marine underwriting agency Svensk Assurans to offer a P&I product through a delegated underwriting agreement.
Swiss Re reveals £841bn shortfall in global property cover over past decade
In the past decade the total shortfall in insurance cover for global property risks was $1.3tn (£841bn) with only 30% of losses over that period covered by insurance, Swiss Re research has found.
Benign claims period leads to Skuld's £5.8m six-month result
Marine insurer Skuld has reported a $9m (£5.8m) half-year result and a combined operating ratio of 95%.
Gable supportive of new Liechtenstein GI entrants
Liechtenstein-based insurer Gable Holdings would welcome other general insurance companies entering the principality as it revealed it has spoken to the Liechtenstein regulator about companies interested in positioning themselves in the territory.
Europe: Lure of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein has more companies than citizens, but are UK insurers keen to join its corporate club?
Reserving elimination caused Gable to report H1 pre-tax loss of £2.4m
Liechtenstein-based insurer Gable Holdings has reported a pre-tax profit loss of £2.4m for the six months ended 30 June 2015.
Blog: Do we need a Royal Society for the Protection of British Insurers?
Speaking to someone yesterday they wondered aloud why more noise had not been made about the fact that an increasing number of traditional British insurance brands were potentially on the chopping block.
Vienna Insurance Group adds four to managing board
Vienna Insurance Group is expanding its managing board by adding two members and two deputy members.
Mitsui Sumitomo in talks to buy Amlin
Japan's Mitsui Sumitomo is in talks to buy Lloyd's (re)insurer Amlin according to Nikkei.
Zurich's global GI CEO Kerner to step down
Mike Kerner, Zurich's global CEO of general insurance, is leaving the business at the end of 2015 citing personal reasons.
C-Suite Europe: Technology opening up new avenues for insurer partnerships
New technology is changing the nature of the partnerships insurers are getting into, says Ageas CEO Bart De Smet.