Middle East
Outlook for global reinsurers stable but pricing to stagnate, says Fitch
The outlook for the global reinsurance sector remains stable, as capital, underwriting and operating trends are expected to support reinsurers' ratings over the next one to two years, according to Fitch.
Insured losses 36% above 10-year-average in 2012
Natural catastrophes globally caused total economic losses of £200bn in 2012, only slightly above the 10-year-average of $187bn.
Ace reshuffles EMEA claims team
Ace Group has reshuffled its accident and health team for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Insurers should have been prepared for 2011 cat losses, says AIR
Insured losses in 2011 from global natural catastrophes exceeded $110bn, according to industry sources, the second highest figure ever recorded.
Blog: Extra-terrestrial threat
In the wake of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks report many have focused on the impact of climate change, digital wildfires, drug resistant diseases...
S&P warns of "mounting pressure" on global insurers
The credit quality of global multi-line insurers is generally sound, despite a downward trend over the past four years, Standard and Poor's said today.
Legal forecasts: Predictions for the UAE, US and Germany for 2013
In the first of a two-part series Insurance Insight asked members of Insuralex, the global group of specialist insurance and reinsurance lawyers, to highlight their thoughts and predictions for the new year.
Heightened terrorism risk in Turkey following activist killing
The recent killing of a leading PKK activist indicates increasing terrorism risks to state and security assets in Turkey, including in Istanbul, according to a new report by Exclusive Analysis.
UAE insurers baulk at medical tariff rise
A standoff between insurers and one of the largest healthcare groups in the UAE may leave patients footing the bill for medical care from next month.
Interconnectivity of environmental and economic risks is major threat
Environmental and economic risks are on a collision course as cash strapped governments struggle to cope with the increasing economic burden from natural catastrophes, according to the World Economic Forum.
Ace's Andrade appointed COO for overseas insurance
Juan Andrade, Ace's division president for global personal lines and small commercial insurance, has been appointed to the additional post of chief operating officer for the firm's overseas general insurance business.
CII to offer more international-only qualifications
The Chartered Insurance Institute has broadened its options for international insurance agents with new international-only qualifications.
William Russell tackles soaring premiums with low cost UAE network
William Russell is giving price conscious clients in the United Arab Emirates the option to use a cheaper medical network in a bid to tackle premium inflation in the region.
Guy Carpenter launches in Dubai
Guy Carpenter & Company has opened its first office in the Middle East and has received a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to operate as an insurance intermediary in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five Asian news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Aetna bolsters international PMI team
Aetna International has appointed Caroline Pain as head of international marketing and Gary Impett as business development manager to develop its insurance business in continental Europe, the UK and Ireland.
US consolidator aquires Paul Napier
London-based Lloyd's broker Paul Napier has been sold to to US insurance broking consolidator Assured Partners for an undisclosed sum.
Islamic microfinance highlighted as only "viable" solution to global poverty
Islamic microfinance is the only viable way of alleviating poverty around the globe.
AIG launches cyber cover for Middle East firms
American International Group has launched a cyber-attack policy for companies in the Middle East, in what it claims is a first for the region.
GFIA launches official website
The Global Federation of Insurance Associations has launched an official website designed to promote better understanding of the global insurance industry.
Over 50% of UAE residents never buy travel insurance
More than half of UAE residents do not purchase travel insurance when going abroad, according to research published by Zurich this week.
William Russell adds benefits to global health cover
International insurance provider William Russell will include additional benefits in its global health plan range for 2013.
United India to enter Middle East and South Asia markets
State-owned United India Insurance Company plans to enter the Middle East and several South Asian countries owing to the large number of non-resident Indians living in these areas.
JLT Re appoints Aon's Dubecq as partner
JLT Reinsurance Brokers has appointed Thomas Dubecq as partner to support its growing international presence.