United Kingdom (UK)
Picknett leaves Groupama as restructure continues
Groupama Insurances has confirmed that 20 positions are at risk in the finance, IT, HR and marketing teams as the company moves to reduce expenses and restructure its central support functions.
Allianz recruits Liberty Mutual financial lines underwriter
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has appointed Elke Vagenende as head of product development, financial lines (UK).
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.
Miller bolsters D&O team
Miller has added Colin West and Andy Brett to its directors' and officers' team.
GlobalOptions and IFIC Forensics form partnership
International anti-fraud investigator GlobalOptions has formed a partnership with British firm International Fire and Investigations Consultants, which provides forensic investigations for insurers, loss adjusters and solicitors.
R K Harrison claims art dealers' PI first
R K Harrison Insurance Services, part of the employee-owned broker R K Harrison Group, has developed what it says is the first professional indemnity insurance policy for art market professionals.
Allianz appoints UK marine hull and liability head
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has appointed Chris Turberville as head of marine hull and liability UK.
Groupama downgraded after non-payment of coupon
Groupama Group has been downgraded by Standard and Poor's following the French insurer's statement on Friday that it will not pay the next coupon on 22 October on junior subordinated notes issued in 2007.
UK FSCS in talks over Lemma liquidation
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is stepping in to help customers of Lemma Europe Insurance Company Ltd after declaring the firm in default.
RSA and Groupama sign motor claims agreement
RSA and Groupama Insurances have signed a bilateral agreement to help tackle the industry issue of subrogated motor repair costs.
Lemma faces liquidation after deterioration in finances
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission has confirmed that Lemma Insurance Company has gone into liquidation.
UK private medical cover second most expensive in Europe
UK policyholders of private medical cover pay some of the highest premiums in Europe, despite scaled back cover and a limited choice of providers.
Covéa launches in UK
Covéa Insurance, the business created from the merger of MMA Insurance and Provident Insurance, launched today, promising to deliver "the quality, consistency and financial reassurance that our broker partners and customers value".
Kiln appoints Garland as chief operating officer
Kiln, the international specialist insurance and reinsurance underwriting group and part of Tokio Marine, announced today that it has appointed Denise Garland as chief operating officer.
AIA wins race to buy Aviva's Sri Lanka insurance arm
British insurer Aviva has accepted a bid from AIA group subsidiary, American International Assurance Company, for its 58.44% interest in Aviva NDB Holdings Lanka for £31m.
Kennedys in Dublin recruits Hugh Kennedy
Litigation and dispute resolution specialist Kennedys has appointed Hugh Kennedy as a partner in its Dublin office.
Tysers P&I report predicts market hardening
Rates for protection and indemnity cover could harden by 10% at the next renewal, according to the 2012 P&I Clubs report published by Lloyd's broker Tysers today.
Mondial to trade under Allianz brand
Mondial Assistance UK is changing its trading name to Allianz Global Assistance, aligning the brand with parent the Allianz Group.
Aria Assistance promises service difference following MBO
Aria Assistance has officially launched itself in the insurance and assistance marketplace, following the management buyout of Europ Assistance UK and Ireland.
Milliman and EagleEye target European insurers
Actuarial firm Milliman and insurance technology provider EagleEye Analytics are expanding to offer products for the European market.
Bacon leaves Bowring Marsh
Marsh has appointed Andrew Chester as chief executive of Bowring Marsh, the firm's specialist international placement broking division.
Chinese economic policy threatens country's SMEs
Efforts by China's government to stimulate the country's flagging economy could weaken small to medium sized businesses, causing a wave of payment defaults, according to Coface.
Novae Re appoints new senior management team
Novae Group has reorganised the key management team in its reinsurance division, Novae Re, in Zurich and London, following a number of departures earlier in the summer.
GAB Robins hires former Cunningham Lindsey adjuster
GAB Robins have today announced the appointment of Maggie Cowing to the newly created position of head of major and complex loss.