Analysis
Environmental liability uncovered
With Corby Borough Council preparing to appeal a contamination ruling against it, Ana Paula Nacif explores the uptake of contractors' pollution insurance.
The going gets tough
With insurers increasingly selective in the solicitors' professional indemnity market, Leigh Jackson reports on the tough times some firms are facing in the run-up to renewal.
Showing its teeth
Contrary to predictions, one of the first major judgments to consider the issue of 'desirable activity' has arisen in the employer context. Paula Jefferson explains.
On the edge
Despite the latest figures revealing that the overall number of claims for work-related illnesses is falling, disease liabilities still pose a major financial threat to UK businesses and their insurers. Gary Fitzpatrick reports on the findings of a new…
Stuck in the middle
If a customer's claim is rejected, brokers are increasingly finding themselves in the centre of negligence claims. Daniel Dunkley reports on how they can take themselves out of the firing line.
In Bruges
Eric Alexander previews the annual conference of the International Union of Marine Insurance, set to take place in Bruges next week, highlighting the stark contrast with the situation marine underwriters were in last year.
Behind the mask
The debate surrounding incentives in the handling of household building claims is masking the real problem in the sector, claims Max Dunworth. He explains the real issue is the need to find a better model to fit with the current market upheaval.
Close-knit is a better fit
Nigel Clarke, executive director at MYI chartered loss adjusters, explores how the captive programme affects approaches to loss and the claims process.
Gearing up
Philip Heitlinger considers if European insurers are ready for the operational changes neccessary for Solvency II
Beware the bite
The legal status of settlement agreements reached on behalf of underwriters by loss adjusters is being called into question, writes Ling Ong.
Captive challenge
The financial crisis, changing regulations and the emergence of new jurisdictions are creating challenges and opportunities for the captive insurance industry, writes Stephen May.
Prognosis:uncertain
Attempting to introduce programmes of reform for the US health insurance system is nothing new but president Obama's latest attempts are posing the first real test to the popularity of his administration, writes Alexander Ferguson.
State of the Union
US reinsurers' financial institutions and directors' and officers' books are in for a hard year but surprisingly few players are looking to make significant moves away from these areas, writes Katherine Blackler.
The glass ceiling
Lloyd's and the London Market have been described as the last great male bastions. Worldwide, from broker to boardroom, women are under-represented in reinsurance. Mairi Mallon looks at how things are changing in the global market - slowly.
The great wall of China
Loss adjusters looking to break into the Chinese market still have to surmount significant obstacles, warns Simon Chick.
Fulfilling eastern promise
Firms hoping to break into the lucrative Chinese market will have to prove that they can add value and sustainability - as well as satisfy the country's thirst for knowledge, says Veronica Cowan.
The right tool for the job
Mediation in disputes has some concrete benefits, including significantly reducing costs, says Leigh Jackson, but forcing parties to use a one-size-fits-all protocol might lead to resentment and the process becoming meaningless.
The winds of change
With the annual Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous starting this weekend, Sarah Hills analyses what the main talking points could be.
Out in the cold
On a trip to meet reservists training in the Arctic Circle, Jonathan Thomas is struck by transferable skills and can-do attitude.
Under the influence
The Financial Services Authority has widened its approved persons regime for employees with 'significant influence'. Adrian Bristow reveals what this means in practice and the steps that should be taken to ensure compliance.
Abort, retry, fail
With online commercial activity an increasing part of everyday business, Edward Murray reports on the worrying trend for small to medium-sized enterprises to completely overlook their website disaster recovery plans.