United States of America (USA)
Calm 2013 US hurricane season reduced nat cat claims by 50%
According to Munich Re, insured losses from natural catastrophes globally last year declined to around $31bn compared with $65bn in 2012 and the average for the last ten years of $56bn.
Lance Armstrong settles with US insurer over $3bn lawsuit
Lance Armstrong has reached a settlement with Acceptance Insurance in relation to performance bonuses paid to him between 1999 and 2001.
Terrorism: Global threat
How has the insurance industry adapted to the steady rise in terrorism and civil unrest across the world in the past decade?
Dual International appoints Sorensen
Dual International has announced today that it is appointing industry veteran Larry Sorensen as chairman of its North American underwriting agency operations.
Hyperion acquires US underwriting agency
Hyperion Insurance Group has acquired PGI Commercial through its subsidiary Dual.
Insurance Europe urges IASB to amend draft accounting standard
Insurance Europe has welcomed the revised proposals by the International Accounting Standards Board to account for insurance contracts (IFRS 4 Phase II) but has asked for further amendments to the current proposals to achieve a workable accounting…
Gallagher purchases California-based broker
Arthur J Gallagher has completed a deal for GS Levine, a San Diego based insurance broker established in 1987.
Doodson Broking acquired by Integro
Manchester based Doodson Broking Group has been purchased by Integro. Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Digital Animal reveals US deal and promises more UK action
Online marketing firm Digital Animal has partnered with US software company Vertafore and says similar deals are planned for the UK.
Charles Taylor appoints MD for North America
Charles Taylor Adjusting has promoted Bob Moore to the new position of managing director, North America.
Athene acquires Aviva USA for £1.7bn
Aviva has completed the sale of its US life and annuities business Aviva USA to Athene Holding.
Aviva completes £1.7bn sale of US business to Athene
Aviva has completed the sale of its US life and annuities business Aviva USA to Athene Holding.
Continuing uncertainty causes insurers to seek divergent assets
Continuing uncertainty around a US quantitative easing programme is driving insurers to seek more divergent classes of assets, according to a study by Black Rock and the Economist Intelligence Unit.
IUA urges renewal of US’ Terrorism Insurance Act
The International Underwriting Association has warned underwriting terrorism insurance without a US government backstop is a gamble that could create to economic uncertainty.
Career file - Bertrand Poupart-Lafarge: Axa Canada CFO moves to UK
Axa Canada chief financial officer Bertrand Poupart-Lafarge has been named new CFO at Axa UK.
Aon Benfield research finds 32 markets have COR below 100%
Aon Benfield research has found 32 of the top 50 markets have a five year combined ratio under 100% while the EMEA area leads the way regionally with a COR of 98% overall.
Insurers urged to comply as US regulator turns to Lloyd’s in Iran sanctions inquiry
The New York regulator’s request for information on sanctions breaches from Lloyd’s of London indicates the watchdog’s attentions have shifted away from banks and onto insurers, market insiders have warned.
Equinox Global bolsters Hamburg & New York units
Equinox Global has named Dagmar Böhning as underwriting manager at Equinox Global in Hamburg, Germany and Joe McNamara as vice president of credit and political risk in New York.
Storm surge losses likely to be higher than wind losses in US
There is a 20% chance that storm surge losses will be greater than wind losses for any US hurricane that makes landfall, catastrophe modelling firm RMS has said.
Tysers hires trio to form North American PL team
Tysers has appointed David Doe, Jonathan Doel and Sue Korth to form a North American professional liability team.
Aon faces $1m Superstorm Sandy lawsuit
A New York based-contractor is suing Aon Risk Services for more than $1m for allegedly failing to obtain adequate coverage for the firm, which suffered losses following Superstorm Sandy.
Aon sued for $1m over Superstorm Sandy coverage gaps
Aon Risk Services is being sued by Uberto, a New York-based contractor specialising in home renovation, over allegedly failing to obtain adequate coverage for the firm, which suffered losses following Superstorm Sandy.
Quindell takes 19% stake in US telematics provider
Outsourcer Quindell has completed a deal for a 19% stake in Himex, as US provider of usage-based insurance products.
Greenberg launches Spitzer defamation suit
Maurice “Hank” Greenberg has filed suit against former New York state governor and attorney general Eliot Spitzer, accusing the politician of a campaign of defamatory statements.