Europe
RSA UK & Europe finance boss heads to energy sector
RSA’s UK and Western Europe finance director is to leave the insurance industry, moving to a Wiltshire-based energy company.
Axa Ireland handed Moody's upgrade
Axa’s Irish general insurance operation has been upgraded by Moody’s to an Insurer Financial Strength Rating of A2, with a stable outlook.
Minister defends Gibraltar against ‘unfair advantage’ perceptions
Gibraltarian minister talks up non-motor insurance expansion.
Penny Black's Insurance Week - 30 January 2014
Oval staff received a treat this week when the area outside their office was transformed into a film set – with none other than Jack Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland, among the famous faces on site filming scenes for the return of TV thriller 24.
Horsemeat Scandal: Making hay
The horsemeat crisis first hit the news in January 2013, leading to more regulation in the food industry. However, not all cases resulted in litigation
Agriculture: Hard times
With a predicted increase in extreme weather events expected to add to the many difficulties already faced by farmers, how can the insurance industry better support the beleaguered sector?
FCA claims review coincides with improving London market service quality
London market insurers have been “upping their game” in terms of claims service quality amid an ongoing Financial Conduct Authority thematic review, according to the results of Gracechurch Consulting’s 2013 claims performance monitor.
Europe: Title insurance
With economies recovering across Europe, the property market is beginning to show signs of movement again. But, as the credit crunch is still relatively fresh in people's memories, insurers are looking to provide reassurance to those feeling more…
Mered appointed chief claims officer at Zurich
Zurich has appointed Saad Mered to the position of chief claims officer for its general insurance business.
Passporting insurers must assess value of rating says Gibraltarian commission
Gibraltar based-passporting insurers will have to consider the value of having a credit rating if the Solicitor's Regulation Authority introduces a minimum standard for qualifying insurers, according to Michael Oliver, head of insurance supervision at…
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions appoints head of EMEA
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, has appointed Tony Buckle as head of its Europe, Middle East and Africa operations
Editor's comment: The ratings game
The ugly issue of rated v unrated insurers has once again been pushed up the agenda, with news this week that the Solicitors Regulation Authority plans to roll out a consultation on the possibility of a ban on unrated or low‑ranking insurers from its …
Costa Concordia: Two years on
Two years after the Costa Concordia ran aground, it has finally been given a date to be removed. What has happened in the marine market in the intervening period?
BMS joins forces with research institute for ERM solution
Independent insurance specialty firm BMS Group has entered into an exclusive partnership with research institute RTI International to offer enterprise risk management services.
Ace enhances D&O cover as liability and cyber top emerging risks poll
Ace has enhanced its directors' and officers' cover for the UK and Irish markets in response to market developments and feedback from its broker panel.
Blue Insurances buyout co-founder for almost €10m
Online travel insurance broker Blue Insurances has completed a buyout of one of its founding directors, and shareholder, Rowan Devereux for just under €10m.
Riskier investments may hit ratings warns Fitch
Increasingly risky investments by European insurers could see the firms suffer in their ratings, Fitch has warned.
Europe: Turkey – The new production powerhouse
Andrew Kemp, regional director, EMEA for freight transport insurance provider TT Club looks at the growing economy of Turkey, its growing trade potential and the ramifications for freight transport operators.
Windstorm Xaver property losses were €680m, according to Perils
Perils, which provides catastrophe insurance data has released an initial loss estimate for December windstorm Xaver, which affected Western and Northern Europe, of €680m for insured property losses.
Sales of cyber-insurance climbed 30% in 2013 at AIG
AIG saw a 30% rise in sales last year compared to 2012 of the specialist insurance that protects companies from data breaches and cyber attacks.
Allianz warns on interconnectivity of risks
Business interruption, the supply chain, natural catastrophes, fire and explosions are the main global risks to businesses according to the third annual Allianz Risk Barometer, which surveyed over 400 corporate insurance experts from 33 countries.
C-Suite: Look east for growth opportunities
To grow and prosper, all businesses need to seek new territories and then adapt their model to the needs of the local market. This is especially true of modern Lloyd’s brokers, for which simply being in London ceased to be the ultimate competitive…
Dual recruits from Jubilee for European business development boss
Hyperion-owned Dual has recruited Jubilee’s group head of marketing for a role as director of European business development.
R&Q completes Chevanstell transfer
The business of Chevanstell, which traded in the UK as Tryg-Baltica International UK before going into run-off, has become part of R&Q Insurance (Malta) following a part VII transfer.