Analysis
Viewpoint: The Hitchhiker's Guide to Solvency II
Solvency II is looming large on the horizon but, argue Henry Sopher and Ann Duffy, despite the guidelines' complex language and detailed instructions, the run-off market can make it through this new universe by simply applying sound business sense and…
Exposure management in action - Munich Re
In 2009, Munich Re - which pursues an integrated business model consisting of both primary insurance and reinsurance - achieved a profit of €2.56bn on premium income of around €41bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with around 47,000 employees…
Customer value management: Improving margins
Broker marketing skills have become ever more important in the personal lines market, with the growth of online aggregators. Tim Ham reports on the increased need for customer value management to optimise profit.
In series - Professionalism and CPD: The gold standard
Brokers have embraced the professional development mantra of producing highly skilled employees.
In series - Professionalism & CPD: Banging the drum
Lynn Richards-Cole extols the virtues of professionalism for brokers and details why technical skill development is essential in serving customers.
Broking focus - SME: Survival of the fittest
Are brokers right to see SME as a 'safe house' for commercial insurance, Jakki May asks if direct insurers can really have an impact on the sector and how intermediaries can counteract this threat.
Environmental liability - under-insurance: Clean up your act
Environmental insurance is regularly purchased by companies looking to cover historical liabilities rather than their day-to-day operational risks. Tony Lennon examines the reasons behind this decision.
Post Europe: Remedy sought for global compliance headache
International business must keep compliant with shifting insurance regulations and tax regimes across the world, and on the back of research by Ferma Peter den Dekker asks if a single database could help reduce cost bases within impairing competition.
Post Europe: All change for financial reporting?
The International Accounting Standards Board has released its exposure draft with the intention to create a single international financial standard. Evan Bogardus explains how for many insurers, meeting these challenges head on could transform their…
All change for financial reporting?
The International Accounting Standards Board has released its exposure draft with the intention to create a single international financial standard. Evan Bogardus explains how for many insurers, meeting these challenges head on could transform their…
Remedy sought for global compliance headache
International business must keep compliant with shifting insurance regulations and tax regimes across the world, and on the back of research by Ferma Peter den Dekker asks if a single database could help reduce cost bases within impairing competition.
Case managers: Servants of too many masters?
Andrew Underwood looks at the role played by clinical case managers in the claims process for seriously injured patients and suggests how the system could be improved to benefit claimants.
Household - pricing pressures: Put your house in order
Household insurance is entering a make or break phase and brokers and insurers need to be disciplined, yet flexible, to remain competitive, says Craig Allen.
News analysis - Fraud: Some distance to go
While fraud detection has increased over time, there is still much more the industry could be doing in its approach. Lorraine Carolan and Craig Dickson report on what is holding it back.
Brand analysis: A robust year for insurance brands
Despite the ongoing disruption in the financial services sector, the brand value of insurers has seen a healthy increase. James Park reports on the results and looks at the opportunities for the coming year.
AM Best commentary: Keeping the balls in the air
While hardly a vintage year for the general insurance sector, 2009 did see an overall improvement due to investment earnings - but, says Catherine Thomas this year is unlikely to match up.
Post powerlist 2010: The influential crowd
Over the past 12 months the UK insurance industry has faced the global recession head on, taken the change of government in its stride and has shown that it is ready to face oncoming regulation in the form of Solvency II. Below we name the major players…
Future market challenges: After the storm
Amid the unprecedented economic pressures and turbulence of recent years, the insurance industry has performed admirably. Now Mark Winlow urges companies to concentrate on the key catalysts for change and understand the consequences their responses will…
Good news for marine insurers on piracy
Piracy on European vessels is not new but the way the Dutch authorities investigated and successfully prosecuted recently is. Liam Morrissey explains why this could start a string of convictions for pirates.
Good news for marine insurers on piracy
Piracy on European vessels is not new but the way the Dutch authorities investigated and successfully prosecuted recently is. Liam Morrissey explains why this could start a string of convictions for pirates.
Legal: Deafening whispers
Potentially massive claims related to financial products and major economic events such as the Madoff case and the collapse of Lehman Brothers indicate that reinsurance should brace itself for an upturn in disputes, writes Michael Lum
Communicable diseases: Vaccinating the industry
Jeremy Golden highlights the growing problem worldwide of infectious diseases and how it will affect the outlook of reinsurance.
Insurance-linked transactions: Trigger happy
Eduard Held discusses trigger types and how they are being used by the reinsurance industry.
Rethink: Rates caution as Monte Carlo approaches
Our monthly round-up of readers' opinions shows that rates are stable with little sign of imminent change as the market gears up for the Monte Carlo Rendezvous.