Insurer
Arista ramps up online trading capabilities
Commercial lines underwriting specialist Arista Insurance has upgraded its online trading capabilities to offer brokers full functionality across its product range.
Indonesia to see steady premium growth in 2012
Indonesia's life and non-life insurance sectors are in a stable position, underpinned by a developing domestic market, sustainable growth in premiums and strengthening regulatory requirements.
Religare Health Insurance opens for business in India
Religare Health Insurance has launched as a standalone health insurance player in the Indian market.
Fewer road traffic accidents force body shops out of the market
Specialist research firm Trend Tracker said body shops are finding it tougher to make a profit now than in the past 20 years, primarily owing to motorists clocking up fewer miles and installing safety systems.
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.
Hastings CEO Fitzmaurice replaced by NBNK boss
Hastings Insurance Group has appointed Gary Hoffman as group chief executive with effect from 1 November 2012.
UK Insurance rating remains stable after DLG IPO
Direct Line Group's UK Insurance is unlikely to see its Moody's A2 insurance financial strength rating change despite the insurer revealing the price of its initial public offering of ordinary shares.
Howden launches Brazil operation
Hyperion subsidiary Howden Broking is to enter the Brazilian market after acquiring a 51% stake in Conset Seguros.
Automated weather stations bring low-cost insurance to Rwanda's farmers
As Rwandan farmers face increasingly erratic rainfall, Swiss Re has helped with the launch of an innovative programme that uses automated weather stations to provide low-cost insurance to protect farmers' loans for high-yielding seeds, fertilisers and…
Third delay to Omnibus II vote
The European Parliament's vote on Omnibus II, Solvency II's enabling legislation, due to take place in November, has been pushed back to March 2013.
IFB boss Bird hopes to add broker members as the AA comes aboard
Insurance Fraud Bureau director Phil Bird is confident that the decision by brokers such as the AA to become IFB members will help play a "vital role" in clamping down on organised fraud.
Brit hires new chief financial officer
Brit Insurance has appointed Andrew Baddeley as chief financial officer, replacing Scott Egan who left the business in April to join Towergate as group CFO.
Report finds opportunities for commercially viable rural livestock cover
Technological improvements and growing demand offer hope for "commercially viable and welfare-enhancing livestock insurance", despite early failures, according to a report by the International Labour Organisation and the Munich Re Foundation.
AIA's acquisition of ING will have no affect on rating
The national insurer financial strength rating with stable outlook for American International Assurance Company and its Thailand branch will not be affected the company's planned purchase of ING Malaysia.
European insurers withdraw cover for Iranian oil storage
Two European insurers have withdrawn cover for tankers storing Iranian oil, according to documents seen by Reuters.
Lord Mayor of London welcomes Indian FDI decision for UK firms
Opening India's insurance sector will bring in more capital to the under-capitalised sector, according to the Lord Mayor of London.
Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool makes first payment to farmers
One hundred and thirty six farmers in the northern region of Ghana have become the first beneficiaries of payments from the drought index insurance product under the Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool.
HDI-Gerling takes 26% stake in Indian Magma ready for FDI increase
German insurance company HDI-Gerling has paid four times premium on Rs26 crore for its 26% stake in Indian firm Magma HDI General Insurance Co with a commitment of raising the holding to 49% when the government allows it.
German non-life insurers' focus on rates improves profitability
The German non-life insurance market has proved to be resilient, seeing growth in 2011 and a robust 2012.
AIG agrees long-term sponsorship deal with legendary All Blacks
The AIG brand logo will adorn the front of the legendary New Zealand All Blacks rugby shirts, after the pair agreed a five and a half year sponsorship deal.
Argenta appoints senior power and cargo underwriters
Argenta's Lloyd's syndicate has named Barney Smythe and Joanne Reynolds as senior underwriters for power and utilities and cargo and specie respectively.
JLT director Ravinet linked with Gallagher Heath move
Speculation is mounting that JLT director Simon Ravinet is on the verge of leaving the company where he works in the This London Market facilities division.
One in six to quit Aviva's Birmingham operation
Almost one in six staff at Aviva's Birmingham office have accepted voluntary redundancy.
IRDA issues new bancassurance guidelines
India's Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority published revised draft regulations on bancassurance tie-ups this week giving more flexibility to banks and insurers.