Ukraine
Political risk cover becoming difficult in Ukraine and Russia, says Marsh
Insurers are pulling out of the political risk market in Russia and the Ukraine according to political risk experts at Marsh with existing policyholders facing increases on renewals.
Crimea crisis could cause rates increase as analysts predict strain on capacity
Commentators split on potential impact of sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian market shows signs of strong recovery
Profitability in the Ukrainian non-life insurance sector has recovered strongly in recent years but standards of regulation and financial reporting continue to act as a drag on ratings, according to Fitch’s market update.
Coface report highlights uneven growth in CEE markets
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe are experiencing a slowdown in GDP growth, rising insolvency rates and high unemployment due to the economic crisis in the Eurozone, according to the latest Panorama report from credit insurer, Coface.
Vienna Insurance Group sees premium growth of 9.5%
Vienna Insurance Group posted 9.5% premium growth in the in its preliminary full year results for 2012, published today.
BrokersLink adds 13 new members
BrokersLink today announced the addition of 13 new members at its fourth annual conference in Madrid.
Lemma Insurance Company downgraded
Lemma Insurance Company of the Ukraine has had its issuer credit rating downgraded to 'bb' from 'bb+' and its financial strength rating of B (Fair) affirmed. The outlook for both ratings has been revised from stable to negative.
Lemma faces liquidation after deterioration in finances
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission has confirmed that Lemma Insurance Company has gone into liquidation.
Grant Thornton appointed as Gibraltar insurer Lemma goes into liquidation
Lemma Insurance Company has gone into liquidation, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission has confirmed.
Hannover Re develops reinsurance for Ukraine market
German insurer Hannover Re has developed a bespoke reinsurance programme for the Ukranian market, according to a report by Romania-based news agency Xprimm.
Third-party motor penetration reaches 90% in Russia
Third-party motor liability gross premiums written by Russian insurers in 2011 reached RUB106bn (€2.61bn), a 15.2% increase on the year before, according to Russia's Motor Insurers' Association.
FSC in bid to wind up Lemma in Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission has been granted leave to apply for the winding up for Gibraltar-based Lemma Europe, according to a report in The Gibraltar Chronicle.
UIB wins European solar deal as part of bid to double property porfolio
International reinsurance broker UIB has been appointed to provide reinsurance for the Activ Solar GmbH Solar Park in southern Ukraine.
UIB wins reinsurance contract for Europe's 'largest solar park'
International reinsurance broker UIB has secured a deal to provide reinsurance for the Activ Solar GmbH Solar Park in southern Ukraine.
13% growth in CEE helps VIG Group profit grow 7%
The Vienna Insurance Group has posted a 7% increase in profit for the first half of 2012 compared to 2011, helped by a 13% growth in profit from Central and Eastern Europe.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five Asian stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Lemma downgraded over 'deteriorating Ukrainian economy'
Ukranina insurer Lemma's financial strength rating has dropped to 'B' (fair) from 'B+' (good), reflecting economic deterioration and political uncertainty in its core Ukrainian market.
Uniqa sees 4.4% growth in 2011
Uniqa group as increased it premiums by 4.4% to €5.37bn (2010: €5.14bn) and in the growth markets in Eastern Europe by 6.5% €1.08bn (2010: €1,02bn).
Ace heads to Kiev
Global (re)insurer Ace has opened an office in the Ukrainian capital Kiev in order to foster relations with the local market and capitalise on the region’s growing economy.
Poland, Hungary and Ukraine lead the way in Coface top 500 ranking
For European financial services companies 2010 saw a return to profitability and a significant growth in turnover, with Polish, Hungarian and Ukrainian companies leading the way, according to Coface's top 500 rankings.
Uniqa tops enterprise poll for Ukraine non-life insurers
Uniqa has come top in The League of the Best International Economic Rating survey for non-life insurance.
Broking supplement - Interview Toby Esser: Expansive thinking
Toby Esser talks about striking serious deals, his acquisitive ambitions and plans to penalise paper-lovers
AM Best removes rating of Lemma from under review
AM Best Europe has removed the rating of Lemma Insurance Company from under review with negative implications and affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb-”.
Interview - Bart de Smet: Return to fitness
Despite being one of the most high-profile casualties of the financial crisis, Ageas is now focusing on the future rather than the past. Jonathan Swift meets group CEO Bart De Smet to discuss its UK plans, acquisitions and why big is not necessarily…