Europe
One fifth of European insurers not using technology to fight fraud
More than half of European insurers using business analytics saw detected fraud increase by more than 4% year-on-year, according to research from software firm SAS.
Solvency II Delegated Acts published
The Solvency II Delegated Acts, published today, have been welcomed by Insurance Europe which says it is examining their impact on insurers and policyholders.
Europe: Q&A with Bart de Smet, Ageas
Ageas is committed to the UK's motor sector despite its volatility, according to group chief executive Bart de Smet, who adds that the firm is always keen to gain from consolidation elsewhere.
Brokerslink expands Eastern European and African footprint
Brokerslink has expanded its Eastern European and African presence and has announced the incorporation of its holding company.
Markel buying German travel broker MDT
Markel is to purchase Frankfurt-based managing general agent and broker MDT, which focuses on the German travel sector.
LV adds quads, trikes and buggies cover to Open GI
LV Broker’s highway quads, trikes and buggies product is now available on Open GI.
Generali announces double resignation
Italian insurer Generali has announced two resignations of top executives including group chief insurance officer Sergio Balbinot.
AGCS names Hirs as CEO as Booth retires
Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty is to promote chief financial officer Chris Fischer Hirs to chief executive as the insurer restructures following the retirement of Clement Booth.
Europe: Commission disclosure - disaster averted?
The Insurance Mediation Directive has been the subject of much conjecture in recent times. So what will the trialogue decide on - and what will the impact on insurers be?
Munich Re in director reshuffle for global marine launch
Following the appointment of John Wilkinson as head of global marine partnership, Dieter Berg has taken up a business development role for the new division.
Gable agrees deal with Norwegian SME trade body
Liechtenstein-based insurer Gable Holdings has partnered with a Norwegian trade association in a deal worth £15m GWP per year.
Insurers face major restructuring or increase in VAT after ECJ tax decision
European Court of Justice ruled that offshore entities should be subject to VAT
Editor's comment: A taxing sting in the tail
As Benjamin Franklin said, only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. But the latest tax decision to come from the European Court of Justice has a particularly nasty sting in the tail for the UK insurance industry.
Volatility adjustment approval process could disadvantage UK firms
Proposals to make the Solvency II volatility adjustment subject to pre-approval by the Prudential Regulation Authority could put UK firms at a competitive disadvantage, according to EY’s head of insurance regulation and risk Martin Bradley.
40% of 20 largest ex-nat cat losses in 2013 from oil and gas
Globally, excluding those caused by natural disasters, oil and gas losses were worth $3.2bn (£1.95bn) in 2013.
Europe: New rules for Dutch-based insurers
Martijn van Broeckhuijsen looks at the tough new rules Dutch-based insurers could be facing around remuneration
Insurers to face 'soaring' VAT bills following ECJ ruling
A ruling from the European Court of Justice is likely to add hundreds of millions to European insurers’ VAT bills, according to tax experts.
Moore Stephens hires ex Mazars insurance partner
International consultancy firm Moore Stephens has appointed Omar Ripon as partner in its insurance industry group.
Skuld reports record H1 contingency reserves
Norwegian marine insurer Skuld has reported record contingency reserves of $354m (£217.7m) for the first half of the year.
Europe: Promising economic outlook in Eastern Europe brings opportunities to flexible insurers
The current environment in central and Eastern Europe represents a unique opportunity for insurers and insurance brokers.
Gable partners with Iprism on £100m UK agreement
Lichtenstein-based insurer Gable has partnered with Iprism Underwriting Agency to write commercial business in the UK market.
Conservative peer awarded top EC finance brief
Conservative peer Jonathan Hill, a former PR man and education minister, has been appointed as the new European commissioner for financial stability and regulation.
Swedish flood claims more than double in 2014
Sweden’s insurers face a heavy hit from natural catastrophe claims, as the number of flood damage claims lodged reaches more than double the previous year’s total.
Chubb promotes Rehman to Europe CEO
Chubb Insurance has appointed Jalil Rehman as chief executive of its European business.