Articles by Andrew Tjaardstra
Interview: Dylan Bryant, general representative, Lloyd's Hong Kong
Andrew Tjaardstra talks to Dylan Bryant, who has been tasked with heading up the Lloyd's representative office in Hong Kong.
Impact on market uncertain after commission ban on indemnity policies
Upfront commission payments on long-term indemnity policies are to be banned in Hong Kong from 1 January 2015.
Indian Insurance Bill caught in parliamentary disagreements
The long awaited reforms to open up India's insurance industry to more foreign capital have yet again been held up.
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.
Explosions in China and Taiwan kill scores
75 people died in a chemical plant explosion in Kunshan (Jiangsu province, China) and a gas pipe explosion killed 27 people in Taiwan.
Earthquake in China kills over 500; causes extensive damage
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Yunnan, a province in South China, killed at least 589 people and injured more than 1 800.
Miller replaces Clarke as SSP's head of Asia-Pacific
UK-based technology firm SSP has appointed Paul Miller as general manager, Asia-Pacific after Michael Clarke left the firm.
SSP offers telematics mobile app in Australia and New Zealand
Technology house SSP is to offer a smartphone telematics app via technology from Wunelli.
Youi expands into New Zealand
South Africa-owned car and home insurer Youi has entered the New Zealand market.
XL's Sharp moves to Asia as food scandals rock global brands
Ben Sharp, a product recall underwriter at insurer XL, has relocated to Singapore from London as appetite for the product increases.
Aon appoints chief information officer
International broker Aon has named John Bruno as chief information officer and executive vice president of enterprise innovation.
Independent oversight body formed in Australia
In Australia a new independent body has been created that will oversee the revised General Insurance Code of Practice.
Zhang takes up Canopius China role
Specialty insurer and reinsurer Canopius has appointed Shibo Zhang as head of China market.
Markel applies for trade credit license in Dubai
Specialist insurer Markel is hoping to receive a license to offer trade credit insurance in Dubai by the end of 2014.
JLT growing strongly in Asia
In the first half of the year revenue at JLT Asia's risk and insurance portfolio grew 9% while its employee benefits book climbed 35%.
Lloyd's coverholder promotes two in Hong Kong
SART Underwriting, a Lloyd's coverholder based in Hong Kong, has made two promotions.
Australian broking group expands with two investments
Sydney-based broking group Austbrokers has invested in a broker and underwriting agency in Australia.
Shares slump at QBE after profit warning
Australian giant QBE has announced its first half results are likely to miss profit expectations by almost A$200m ($188m).
Tourism Authority of Thailand launches travel insurance
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has teamed up with four Thailand insurers to offer online travel insurance.
AIA beats profit forecast
Hong Kong-based life and health insurer AIA's profits fell 20% in the first half of 2014 which was better than analysts' expectations of 28%.
Willis recruits two directors from Marsh in Asia
Willis has made two managerial appointments in its technology and risk services divisions in Asia.
First half catastrophe losses 19% below 10-year average
Insured catastrophe losses for the first half of 2014 were $22bn and around 19% below the 10-year average of $27bn according to catastrophe modelers Impact Forecasting.
Cathay Century is lead insurer for Taiwanese plane crash
The insurance coverage for yesterday's deadly plane crash on Penghu island is split between eight Taiwanese insurers.
TransAsia plane crashes in Taiwan; 48 dead
A TransAsia Airways aircraft crashed yesterday in stormy weather on the island of Penghu in Taiwan. 48 people are dead and 10 are injured.