Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC)
Online sales in Asia: ready to take off
Internet access in Asia is growing at 30% a year. Neera Bhardwaj discovers whether this is translating into online sales for the region’s insurance market.
The lure of China
Insurance penetration in the Chinese market is in single figures, and foreign insurers are keen to expand their market share. But, as Nicky Burridge discovers, there are challenges as well as opportunities in the market.
Reputation management: It's good to be liked
With customers increasingly taking to the internet to share opinions on insurers, it's more important than ever that firms manage their image.
Broking: Lloyd's & London market - Capital investment
Strong US interest in the Lloyd's and London market is driving acquisition activity in the broking sector, but will the City continue to prove popular with overseas investors in 2013?
PWC names UK insurance lead
PWC has named Jonathan Howe as its new UK insurance leader, effective immediately.
Qatarlyst confirms ongoing sale talks
Qatarlyst has announced that it is continuing discussions with "several" partners over a potential purchase.
UK motor profits could take fresh hit as reinsurers mitigate exposure to PPOs
The prevalence of periodic payment orders is expected to undermine underwriting profitability in the motor market in 2013, as reinsurers become increasingly reluctant to take on a rising number of variables.
Regulation and 2012 insured losses to shape insurance market in 2013
Partners at PwC predict that the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority will be the "tip of the iceberg" for regulation next year.
Insurers anticipate 2016 Solvency II deadline
Insurers are reducing their Solvency II implementation programmes as they now expect the directive to come into force in 2016.
Corporation tax could hit 20%: PWC
UK Chancellor George Osborne could shave corporation tax further next year following his announcement that it would fall to 21% by April 2014.
Flood zones could see premiums rise 50%
PWC has warned that insurance premiums for flood cover could rise by as much as 50% depending on the severity of damage.
UK flood damage could top £1bn in 2012, says PWC
British insurers face the worst year of flood claims since 2007, and costs are likely to be passed on to customers, according to PWC.
Consumer Insurance Act: Out with the old, in with the new
The Marine Insurance Act's outdated rules regarding policy applications are to be replaced by the Consumer Insurance Act. Will it make life difficult for insurers, or does it simply codify what they're already doing?
The Asian talent hotpot for insurers
As insurers ride the wave of rising wealth in Asia the demand for professionals with the right expertise to make the most of growth opportunities is shrinking, as Pagan Van reports.
Broker Focus: Insurance Mediation Directive - A level playing field?
The European Commission's revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive is targeting mandatory commission disclosure, but what will this mean for UK brokers?
View from the top: Prepare for the inundation
As applications of data multiply in the industry, the biggest risk from breaches is reputational, says Paul Bantick.
Analysts predict 'superstorm' Sandy will strike primary insurers hardest
Lloyd's will avoid major losses relating to 'superstorm' Sandy, if early estimates that the primary insurers will absorb the bulk of the losses are correct.
Hurricane Sandy devastates US east coast
Hurricane Sandy left at least 16 people dead and six million without power last night as it made landfall on the US east coast.
US APH liabilities may come back to haunt European insurers
European insurers wanting an idea of the trends coming their way often look to their cousins across the water, knowing that the problems for US insurers today are likely to plague European carriers tomorrow.
Libor scandal: Coping with financial fallout
The Libor scandal has rocked public confidence in the financial services sector, but what impact will it ultimately have on the insurance industry?
Solvency II: The waiting game
With the possibility of further delays to the implementation of Solvency II seeming ever more likely, what will be the impact on insurers?
Redundancies and recruitment: Not the end of the line
On the surface, a spate of job losses in the insurance sector could hamper its growth and recovery. But opportunities still exist.
Institutional investors testing the waters as Direct Line Group floats
Some institutional investors are taking a 'suck it and see' approach to the Direct Line Group float, assessing how issues facing the motor insurance sector affect the firm's share price before taking a slice for themselves, according to analysts.
RSA victory prompts rival rethink on repair strategy
RSA has seen off one potential dispute relating to its controversial motor repair model after signing a bilateral agreement with Groupama Insurances, although it is unclear whether this will survive the completion of Ageas' acquisition of Groupama.