Japan
Insured disaster losses fall by $4bn in first six months of 2014
Total economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters reached $44bn (£26.5bn) in the first half of 2014, according to preliminary estimates from Swiss Re’s Sigma database.
Typhoon Halong kills 10 and brings unprecedented rain to Japan
Super Typhoon Halong slammed into Japan over the weekend causing havoc.
Evacuations ordered as Typhoon Halong approaches Japan
Half a million people have been ordered to evacuate from Japan's Shikoku island as Super Typhoon Halong approaches the shore.
C-Suite: Japanese risks
Japan's risks are varied with earthquakes the major hazard. Simon Wallington, based in Tokyo, explores the different kinds of risks of doing business in the country.
Typhoon Neoguri downgraded to moderate
Typhoon Neoguri has been downgraded to moderate after making its closest approach to Japan's southern Okinawa islands last night.
Officials warn of threats to life from Typhoon Neoguri
AIR Worldwide has issued an alert on the potential impacts of Typhoon Neoguri, expected to affect parts of Japan, including high waves, heavy rain and damaging storm surges.
MS&AD aims to double overseas earnings
Japanese insurer MS&AD aims to double its overseas earnings by 2017, new president Yasuyoshi Karasawa has said.
Double figure hike for Japanese earthquake premiums
Japanese non-life insurers are expected to raise earthquake insurance premiums by an average of 15.5% according to a report in the Jiji Press.
Dai-ichi Life buys Protective Life for $5.7bn
Japan's second largest life insurer Dai-ichi Life is purchasing 100% of Alabama-based life insurer Protective Life for ¥582.2bn ($5.7bn).
Profits climb at three largest Japanese general insurers
Japan's three largest general insurers have all reported a healthy increase in profits for the year ending 31 March 2014.
Japanese insurers to offer mandatory motor cover in China
Tokio Marine, NKSJ Holdings and MS&AD Insurance have been approved to offer mandatory motor cover in China.
17 injured in Tokyo quake
A magnitude six earthquake south of Tokyo disrupted transport and injured 17 people.
ING offered €1.275bn of funding before insurance IPO
Dutch financial services firm ING Group has secured €1.275bn of funding in its European and Japanese insurance division NN Group from three Asian investors.
Coface signs agreement with Nippon Export and Investment Insurance
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) has signed an agreement with trade credit insurer Coface providing reinsurance for Japanese companies trading overseas.
Japanese insurers to shrug off snow, says Fitch
The worst snowfall in several decades in central and North-Eastern Japan is unlikely to damage the earnings profile of general insurers, says Fitch Ratings.
Insurance boost for Iran oil buyers
European Union insurers can now offer protection on Iranian oil exports after sanctions were relaxed yesterday as part of the joint agreement between a group of six nations and Iran.
Japan's regulator to ban subcontractors selling insurance
The Financial Services Agency in Japan is expected to to ban insurance agencies from allowing subcontractors to sell insurance products.
Axa retains top spot in AM Best insurer rankings
French insurer Axa has held on to the top spot in the AM Best ranking of largest insurers by net premiums written, with Allianz climbing into third place.
Moody’s predicts strong growth for Asian P&C market in 2014
Ratings agency Moody’s is predicting strong growth in the Asian property and casualty insurance sector for 2014 with moderate growth forecast for the European region.
GC Securities selected as sole financial advisor for Canopius sale
Guy Carpenter’s GC Securities is acting as the sole financial advisor to the shareholders of Canopius in the sale to NKSJ Holdings, through its insurance subsidiary Sompo Japan Insurance.
Watson to remain as Canopius CEO ahead of Sompo-backed M&A activity
Canopius chairman Michael Watson will not look to replace outgoing chief executive Inga Beale and will instead occupy the role himself on a permanent basis as he eyes acquisition opportunities under the ownership of NKSJ Holdings’ Sompo Japan.
Sompo agrees deal for Canopius
Japan’s NKSJ Holdings has agreed a deal to acquire 100% of the shares of Canopius Group via its insurance subsidiary Sompo Japan Insurance.
Sompo Japan in talks to buy Canopius
Japanese general insurer Sompo Japan is in advanced talks to buy Lloyd's insurance group Canopius for around £600m ($970m).
Increased typhoon activity in East Asia expected, says Munich Re
Overall insured losses from weather events in the last three decades in East Asia have hit $6bn as floods and typhoons increase. The situation could be about to worsen.