Europe
Peak Re hires Burri as reinsurer targets Zurich office
Jacqus Burri has been hired by Hong Kong-headquartered reinsurer Peak Re to work in Zurich.
Less than 6% of SMEs have cyber insurance, says ABI Research
Global research firm ABI Research has found that less than 20% of large companies and less than 6% of SMEs have cyber insurance within the global insurance market.
C-Suite Europe: Healthcare - trends highlight need for structural reform
The healthcare sector in Europe is changing - and this is throwing up opportunities for savvy insurers, says Bart de Smet
Fagen appointed QBE group chief strategy officer
Colin Fagen, QBE's CEO for Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed to a newly created role as group chief strategy officer.
Zurich says any offer for RSA will likely be cash only
Swiss giant Zurich has said that any forthcoming offer for buying RSA will likely solely be in cash.
Willis's after tax profit falls 4.4% in first half
Global broker Willis had net income of $280m for the six months to 30 June 2015 compared to $293m in the same period last year.
JLT's profit margin hit by US build-out
JLT's first half profit margin declined from 19.7% last year to 17.3% as it made a net trading loss of £12.6m on its US specialty business. The broker said this was in line with expectations.
Zurich considers takeover offer for RSA
Zurich has confirmed it is evaluating an offer to buy UK-headquartered insurer RSA.
Mapfre takes 31% hit on H1 net profit
Spanish insurer Mapfre has reported a 31% drop in post-tax profit for the first six months of 2015 to €315.6m (£223m).
Europe: Time to tune up D&O policies in Spain
XL Catlin's Estefania Taboada looks at the impact of new company governance rules on Spanish D&O policies.
Allied World's profits hammered in Q2 by catastrophes and investment losses
Allied World's after tax profits fell 94% to $9.5m (£6m) in the second quarter compared with the same period last year when profits hit $151.9m.
Building Block to target networks for distribution in UK launch
Malta-domiciled business Building Block is to target a range of networks to distribute its products as part of a two-pronged business plan.
Malta business Building Block launches in UK
A Malta-domiciled insurance business offering guaranteed asset protection insurance has launched in the UK market.
Axa in talks to buy Genworth's lifestyle protection arm
Axa has entered into exclusive negotiations with Genworth Financial for the potential acquisition of its lifestyle protection insurance division for €475m (£332m).
More mega mergers expected as low interest rates and investment returns fuel M&A
Weak investment returns and ongoing soft market conditions have been cited by AM Best as driving factors behind an uptick in acquisitions activity among insurance companies that are seeking to deploy capital and create scale.
Europe: Almost ready won't wash with regulators on 1 January
If someone were to ask the question of whether insurers are ready for Solvency II, the answer would be, "almost". But this simple response doesn't fully express the extent of work still to be done as we approach the biggest regulatory change the industry…
Europe: Opportunities in Middle and Eastern Europe despite geopolitical risks (26 Feb)
Despite the Russian-Ukraine crisis, 2014 brought hope of a revival for the regional market in Middle and Eastern Europe. Economic prospects have been positive, regardless of the continual geopo
Peak Re targets non-Asian markets with underwriting appointment
Railovy Boyer, former head of property and casualty pricing actuarial at Partner Re Paris, has joined Peak Re as director for underwriting.
Europe C-Suite: Time to tune up D&O policies in Spain
How will the Spanish Companies Act affect companies' liability risks - especially when it comes to board members and corporate officers?
Europe: The Terrorism Threat
Recent events in France, Kuwait and Tunisia clearly illustrate the evolving nature of the terror threat and its potential to affect people and businesses in unexpected ways.
Non-payment may be insufficient grounds to deny cover following Grexit
European insurers’ credit exposure to Greece is likely to be ‘manageable’ in the event of a Eurozone exit, but firms underwriting Greek individuals and business could face protracted contract disputes, market sources have warned.
Insurers warned to 'remain cautious' if Iran sanctions are lifted
The possible relaxing of sanctions against Iran offers a tempting source of new business but insurers must remain vigilant when considering entering into business arrangements with the state, international lawyers have warned.
Natural Catastrophes: Pool party
Insurers and governments are having to adapt to a world in which natural catastrophes are increasing in frequency and severity. It’s time for a new approach to nat cat.
C-Suite - MGA: Facing up to more Greek tragedies
If the Greek debt crisis leads to the failure of the euro, the industry may face a new set of risks.