United States of America (USA)
US nat cats push global insured losses above 10-year average
Munich Re has called for greater loss prevention measures to be taken in the US, which saw 90% of worldwide insured losses in 2012.
Woodring to succeed Sorensen as IIS chairman
The International Insurance Society has appointed Greig Woodring, president and chief executive of Reinsurance Group of America, as chairman elect.
Insured losses exceed $50bn in 2012
The reinsurance sector is "equipped with ample dedicated capital and stable pricing" as it enters 2013, according to Guy Carpenter.
Aviva sells US business for £1.1bn
Aviva is to sell its US life and annuities business to life insurer Athene in a deal worth £1.1bn.
View from the Top: Premature death notice for networks
Contrary to popular belief, broker networks are thriving domestically and internationally, says Brendan McManus.
Catlin estimates Sandy storm losses at $200m
Catlin Group has said that its Sandy-related losses will be about $200m, net of reinsurance and reinstatements.
US consolidator swoops for Paul Napier, following TPD input
Lloyd's broker Paul Napier has been sold to US-based consolidator Assured Partners in a multimillion pound deal.
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.
Axa moves to divest US assets worth $500m
French insurer Axa is seeking buyers for US life insurance assets worth at least $500m, Bloomberg said yesterday, quoting sources.
Willis in referral agreement with Hay Group
Broker Willis has formed a mutual referral agreement with international management consultancy Hay Group.
Changing regulations could see insurers increase lending role
European insurers have untapped potential as investors and sources of funding, according to a study published by Allen & Overy.
Iran defiant over insurance sanctions
Iran's vice president Mohammad Reza Rahimi has dismissed EU and US sanctions as futile, saying that Tehran has turned the threats into opportunities for the country's insurance sector.
NY governor demands quicker Sandy response from insurers
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered loss adjusters to visit properties damaged by super storm Sandy within six business days instead of 15.
Interview: Reg Brown - Been there, done that, got the t-shirt
Reg Brown has seen it all in more than half a century working in insurance, but the chairman of the Managing General Agents’ Association’s drive to improve the industry and inspire its next generation is stronger than ever.
Market Moves: Liberty makes three additions
Liberty was the most active recruiter this week, with Liberty International Underwriters appointing two senior underwriters to its aviation team and Liberty Syndicates adding a class underwriter to its war and terrorism unit.
Insurance Europe repeats urge for Japan to abide by GATS
Trade body Insurance Europe has criticised the approval of a new Japan Post Insurance education product as disregarding the competition concerns expressed by international organisations.
Sandy to cost Swiss Re $900m
Swiss Re has estimated that its claims burden from superstorm Sandy will cost $900m, net of retrocession and before tax.
S&P: Sandy to hit earnings not capital
Superstorm Sandy is likely to be an earnings rather than a capital event for affected insurers and reinsurers, according to rating agency Standard & Poor's.
Plumeri eager for smooth handover
Outgoing Willis chief executive Joe Plumeri has vowed to do all he can to ensure continuity as the firm shifts to new leadership under Dominic Casserley.
Marsh's Moylan to head global surety practice
Marsh has appointed David Moylan as head of its newly created global surety practice.
Long-serving Marsh chair Moyan to lead global surety practice
The surety practice chairman of Marsh's international division has been selected to lead the firm's newly-created global surety practice.
Ex-Brit underwriter takes on property role at Argo International
Argo International has appointed former Brit Insurance underwriter Neil Russell as class underwriter for property.
Former Axis chairman could start Asian insurer
Axis Capital founder John Charman is planning to return to the insurance industry, possible through the creation of an Asian insurance company.
US firm invests in Health Claims Bureau
Healthcare and risk management specialist Health Claims Bureau has signed an investment deal with US specialist Professional Disability Associates.