Switzerland
Swiss Re targets European marine with two new teams
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has expanded its marine insurance footprint in Continental Europe through the formation of two dedicated underwriting teams in Zurich and Genoa, which will be led by Patrizia Kern-Ferretti and Andrea Cupido, respectively.
Kiln launches into specialist property with appointment in Paris
Kiln has appointed a new underwriter in Paris to focus on a broad range of property facultative reinsurance risks across Europe.
European construction – back to good health?
Construction markets have suffered across the globe with the financial downturn biting hard. Edward Murray investigates whether there are any glimmers of hope for the European market in 2012.
Swiss Re reports $2.6bn profit despite nat cats hitting P&C combined ratio
Global reinsurer Swiss Re exceeded analyst expectations to report net income of $2.6bn for the full year 2011.
Perils expects €267m losses from Windstorm Andrea
Independent Zurich-based firm Perils has disclosed its initial loss estimate for windstorm Andrea as €267m.
Systemic risk poll result
Is it right not to label insurance companies as systemically risk institutions?
Zurich sees 19% drop in GI profits after US$1bn cat losses in 2011
Zurich recorded a general insurance business operating profit of US$2.3bn in 2011, a decrease of US$403m or by 15% in US dollar terms and 19% on a local currency basis.
New year European windstorm damage estimated at €267m
Perils has today disclosed an initial loss estimate for windstorm Andrea, which occurred in Western Europe from 4-5 January 2012, of €267m.
Torus recruits XL underwriting manager
Specialty insurer, Torus, has appointed former XL property underwriting manager Gilles Rousseau as a senior underwriter for its general property division.
Zurich applauds request for global compliance database
Zurich has applauded Airmic's and FERMA's focus on increasing the clarity of international insurance requirements.
Perils estimates €300m windstorm Joachim loss
Independent Zurich-based firm, Perils, today disclosed an initial loss estimate of €300m for windstorm Joachim, which occurred in Western Europe from 15-17 December 2011.
A sustainable future?
Solar powered cities and hydrogen run transport systems might be close to reality than people realise. Christian Müller explains why insurers have an integral role to play in this world and must be at the forefront of embracing innovation.
Portugal, Spain and Turkey lead the way in European banassurance
Banks are most important distributors of insurance in Portugal, Spain and Turkey, according to recent research.
Paul Napier hires Cross for world push
Lloyd’s Broker Paul Napier has taken on Edward Cross as divisional director responsible for the development, distribution and marketing of commercial, professional and financial lines worldwide.
Helvetia Switzerland concludes sale of health and accident portfolio
Helvetia Switzerland has concluded the sale of its health and accident portfolio.
Zurich launches competition to redesign its headquarters
Zurich Financial Services Group has launched a competition for architects to redevelop its global headquarters in Zurich.
Swiss Re rating upgraded due to "limited" exposure to eurozone debt
AM Best has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) to “aa-” from “a+” of Swiss Re and its subsidiaries.
Swiss Re reports on 'promising' future for emerging markets
Swiss Re’s latest sigma report claims insurance in emerging markets has experienced strong growth over the past decade and the outlook for the next decade remains promising.
Swiss Re chief announces early retirement
Swiss Re’s chief executive officer Stefan Lippe is to step down in 2012, bringing his tenure as the head of the reinsurer to a premature end.
Nationale Suisse rated at 'A-'
Schweizerische National-Versicherungs-Gesellschaft AG has achieved a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-".
Swiss Re announces delisting of outstanding shares
Swiss Re has announced the delisting and squeeze out of outstanding shares in Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd.
Torus adds senior members to European P&C team
Insurer Torus has made two senior appointments with the aim of strengthening its European property and casualty platform.
Torus completes double underwriting recruitment coup
Global insurer Torus has bolstered its European offering following the appointment Brian Byrnes as senior underwriter for property and Marco Sonntag as senior underwriter for casualty.
Zurich names group treasurer
Zurich Financial Services Group has appointed Colm Holmes as group treasurer, with immediate effect.