Analysis
Mergers & Acquisitions- Insurers: Coming back up
After a downturn in 2009, insurer merger and acquisition activity looks set to make a resurgence in the coming year. Amy Ellis reports.
Broking Mergers & Acquisitions: Calmer waters
Many have predicted the death of the insurance broking mergers and acquisition market. Roger Brown explains why this has not happened and why the current situation is just a return to historical norms.
Public Sector - Reserving: Emerging into the sun?
After the harsh winter, John O'Neill takes a look at the challenges facing local authorities in terms of reserving for future events. Is the outlook still bleak or is the sun on the horizon?
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: The big freeze
With much criticism being levelled at local authorities for their handling of the recent heavy snowfall, Caroline Elson details the defence against winter maintenance claims.
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: Smoothing things over
With a pothole being repaired every 33 seconds in England and Wales, Edward Murray reports on the issue of public liability claims concerning this road hazard.
Takaful - UK viability: Taking up Takaful
Shariah-compliant Takaful insurance has had a rocky start in the UK. Daniel Dunkley reports on the problems it has encountered and where its strengths may lie.
In Series: Solvency 2 - Capital ideas
Alex Arterton explains how the prospect of more demanding capital requirements is already shaping insurer strategies.
In Series: Solvency 2 - A year of achievement
With implementation deadlines for Solvency II fast approaching, Sam Barrett looks at how these are driving market developments and insurer action.
News analysis: Financial Services Bill - Nuts and bolts
The Financial Services Bill is going through the legilslative process. Daniel Preddy and Martin Langley explain why more debate is needed about some of the proposals.
News analysis: Scottish LIon - Sting in the tail
Although the Scottish Lion appeal was a victory for creditor democracy, many legal arguments over solvent schemes of arrangement remain to be settled. Tim Goodger and Ed Stanley explain how the judgment places a heavy burden on scheme administrators to…
Blog-re: Just a normal Wednesday
Some of this month's blog-re entries
Inflation reservations
Any return to high rates of inflation would be a challenge to writers of long-tail reinsurance business, especially when it comes to reserving. New modelling techniques will help to cope with this uncertainty, says Andrew English of EMB
LMA and technology
This is a year in which the London Market will make a concerted push in implementing further market reform and embracing technology, especially regarding the second phase of electronic claims handling being brought in. Richard Garnett, managing director…
Roundtable: Solvency II in depth
In this extended roundtable discussion, group editor-in-chief Ant Gould and industry big hitters from the UK and continental Europe consider the progress made by (re)insurance as the once-distant spectre of Solvency II now looms large and close
Terror and reinsurance in 2010
While state-run pools take much of the terrorism reinsurance burden, there is a specialist market growing within Lloyd's. Katherine Blackler looks at how well the risks of terrorism are understood and what 2010 may bring
Aviation: Turbulence ahead
The series of air disasters in 2009 were a human tragedy, yet made for only an average loss year for reinsurers. The market should be prepared for tougher times though, argues Eric Alexander
Rates 'stable to rising'
Our roundup of reader opinion reveals that, while reinsurance rates remain broadly stable, some believe that pricing is beginning to rise.
The legal lottery
The 'lotto rapist' case has had a considerable impact on the law relating to sexual abuse. Lindsay Gray charts the changes and their implications for care establishments and insurers.
Claims- personal injury: Number crunching
Wilson Carswell examines the number of personal injury claims following motor accidents that are made in the UK and asks if the figures add up.
Diabetes & Dangerous driving: Motor functions
With the number of people in the UK being diagnosed with diabetes increasing dramatically, Ian Bridge says insurers should alert their motor customers to be more aware of the legal implications.
Environmental liability update: Small impact?
With the Environmental Liability Directive finally becoming law in the UK last March, Alan Dobson examines whether its effect has been as hard hitting as predicted.
Follow the lead
Converting and retaining new business is essential in the current economic climate. Edward Murray looks into how brokers can best mine new seams of prospects.
North of the Border - The language of legislation
In the December decision of Morrison Sports & Others v Scottish Power, the Inner House of the Court of Session cannot be said to have sparked any controversy.