Articles by Andrew Tjaardstra
Swiss Re targets China, India and Brazil
Swiss Re is looking at acquisitions in China, India and Brazil to boost growth.
Changing climate brings 'new normal', says Geneva Association
The Geneva Association, a leading think tank of the global insurance industry, is worried some areas in the world are becoming uninsurable because of climate change.
Poor coastal communities most vulnerable to climate change, says World Bank
A major climate report commissioned by the World Bank says poor communities living in coastal cities in Asia and Africa are among the most vulnerable to climate change.
Philippines expands government healthcare
Philippines President Benigno Aquino has signed a new healthcare law giving wider access to coverage.
Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for killing nine tourists
Nine tourists and their Pakistani guide have been killed in a hotel shooting in a Himalayan region of Pakistan.
Over 6 000 missing in India's floods, feared dead
Landslides and monsoon flooding in the mountains of North India have caused devastation, with over 6 500 now thought to have been killed.
Singapore's air pollution index at record high
The smog from forest fires in Indonesia is still engulfing Singapore leading to the city's air pollution index to reach a record high.
Insurance communications Bill passed in Australia
The Insurance Contracts Amendment Bill 2013 has passed through the Australia Senate. According to the Insurance Council of Australia, the Bill will help give insurers more certainty when communicating with customers electronically.
Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers celebrates 20 years
Last night the Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers celebrated 20 years as an organisation at a cocktail reception at the Shangri-La hotel in Hong Kong.
Willis urges policyholders to keep terrorism cover up-to-date
James Hill, divisional director, financial solutions, Asia at Willis has warned the broker is still finding companies with out of date terrorism/sabotage policies.
Costs of Australia's disasters could triple by 2050
Costs of natural catastrophes in Australia could rise from A$6.3bn to A$23bn by 2050 as population density and storms increase according to a new white paper.
PICC P&C raises $290m of capital in Hong Kong
PICC Property & Casualty's Hong Kong portion of its rights issue has proved successful.
Heavy rain death toll rises in India
Earlier than usual monsoon rain has killed at least 70 people in India, with the north of the country the worst hit.
Indian insurers trial telematics
A box which monitors driver's behaviour to help adjust premiums is being trialled by several insurers in India.
Directors and officers' premiums soar in China
The costs of obtaining directors' and officers' insurance has soared thanks to a rising number of multi-million dollar lawsuits.
50 killed in India after unusual heavy June rain
50 people have been killed in strong early monsoon rains in India after the monsoon season started two weeks early.
Early monsoon rain causes airport damage in Delhi
Powerful monsoon rain including a record amount at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport meaning passengers had to wade through water.
QBE targets Malaysia with marine insurance product
QBE Asia and P&I specialist British Marine have launched a marine product up to $500m liability.
Indian regulator wants more affordable insurance
The chairman of the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority TS Vijayan wants more affordable insurance to help low-income families buy insurance.
US offers $2.5m safety grant to Bangladesh
The US government has offered a grant of $2.5m to Bangladesh to help improve fire and safety standards and the protection of workers at factories.
This week's Asia highlights
The top five Asian highlights of the week.
Markel eyes trade credit opportunities in Asia
William Stovin, president of Markel International, has commented that his company sees significant opportunities to grow its trade credit book from Mumbai to Singapore.
Microinsurance becoming very popular in the Philippines
The number of microinsurance policies in the Philippines has almost doubled since the end of 2010 according to the Department of Finance.
World Bank cuts growth forecasts
The World Bank has cut its economic growth forecasts for China and the world.