Germany
"Allianz shareholders are happy," says Torrance despite COR deterioration
Allianz UK chief executive Andrew Torrance has called the insurer's retail non-motor combined operating ratio of 101.7% for the first nine months of 2012 a "decent result" given recent poor weather.
Germany-based businesses more likely to succeed, says Coface report
Corporate insolvency laws, profitability and stable sources of funding are among the reasons German companies are less likely to fail than those based in France, a Coface report has found.
Generali profit up 37.3% for first nine months despite cat losses
Italian insurer Generali posted 37.3% growth in net profit to €1,133m in the first nine months of 2012, driven by progress in production and strong growth in the life operating result.
German joint venture and expansion in Asia help Markel Int return to underwriting profit
Markel International has reported gross written premiums up 4% to $705m for the nine months ended 30 September 2012.
First Central unveils motor breakdown product
First Central has launched a new breakdown cover product to help motorists with day-to-day problems.
Jumping into the multi-national risk pool
Multinational pooling of group risk products seems to have so many benefits it's a 'no-brainer' but, as Edmund Tirbutt reports, the European market is holding back and wondering whether it's too good to be true.
Georgia's health insurance reforms based on German model
An overhaul of Georgia's medical insurance market will be based on the German Bismarck model, according to comments made by one of the country's MPs.
Former Ergo managers charged over sex scandal
Two former staff of Munich Re-owned primary insurer Ergo are facing charges related to a 2007 trip to Budapest, according to reports in the German media.
Solvency II: To 2015 and beyond
Solvency II implementation is almost upon us but, as Martin Bradley and Jan Leiding explain, European insurers' preparedness varies significantly between countries and companies.
More pragmatic solution for Solvency II needed, says L&G chief
The head of UK insurer Legal & General has lambasted proposed Solvency II measures, saying they are unlikely to work in their current form and may need to be redrawn, Reuters reported.
Munich Re Foundation report highlights 200% rise in microinsurance
A new study of African microinsurance markets, published by Making Finance Work For Africa and Munich Re Foundation, found that the number of low-income households benefiting from insurance services has grown by over 200% in three years to more than 44…
Allianz raises profit expectations for 2012
Allianz has raised its 2012 full-year operating profit expectations to over €9bn, assuming a normal business development during the rest of the year.
Axa reports P&C growth in Turkey, Mexico and Gulf with Q3 results
Axa Group has reported total revenues up 1% to €68.4bn for the first nine months of 2012.
European financial services firms struggling to create paperless offices
A new study ahead of World Paper Free Day on 25 October suggests that the paperless office remains beyond the reach of many European firms.
European insurers still not transparent on exec pay and tax havens, claims report
Analysis of 31 European banks and insurance companies in four areas of corporate social responsibility has found that nearly 50 points separate the best and worst scores.
E+S Rück predicts stable prices for German renewals
E+S Rück, the Hannover Re Group company responsible for German domestic business, anticipates stable or rising prices in the market for the upcoming treaty renewals on 1 January.
German broker Unison hires Toben for linked business in Chicago
Hamburg-headquartered Unison Brokers has appointed Heidrun Toben as associate director for European linked business to work in its Chicago office.
Allianz recruits Liberty Mutual financial lines underwriter
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has appointed Elke Vagenende as head of product development, financial lines (UK).
Generali rejigs business structure
Italian insurer Generali has overhauled its business structure in a bid to ensure the group is managed "in a more integrated way".
Q&A: Zurich's Steve Green
Regulation, compliance and a difficult trading environment are posing problems for insurance companies in Europe, but the region still has huge potential. Steve Green, middle market network leader at Zurich, explains how to grasp the opportunities for…
Nearly half of insurers won't be Solvency II ready by 2014
While 57% of insurers across Europe think they are on track to comply with Solvency II by January 2014, readiness varies significantly by country, according to Ernst & Young.
BrokersLink adds 13 new members
BrokersLink today announced the addition of 13 new members at its fourth annual conference in Madrid.
Top five European news stories
The top five European stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
JLT Re makes additions to CEE team
JLT Re has expanded its team serving Central and Eastern Europe with the addition of Sergey Grazhdankin and Edmond Wodehouse as partners.