Articles by Andrew Tjaardstra
Premiums in Thailand growing strongly
Thai insurance premiums grew strongly in 2012 and are expected to grow 16% in 2013 to 660bn baht ($22bn), suggesting a rude recovery in the market following the floods in 2011.
Lady Gaga sues syndicates over cancelled gig
Following a cancelled gig in Jakarta last year after threats from an Islamic group, the pop singer Lady Gaga's management team and concert organisers claim their insurers should pay out.
Australian government advisers link hot summer to climate change
The Australian government's independent Climate Commission has linked a record hot summer to climate change.
Yu: 'Hong Kong employee compensation premiums underpriced'
Allan Yu, director of general business, Zurich and a member of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers governing committee, urges tightening of oversight of personal injury claims.
Hong Kong insurers to participate in 270bn yuan market
The China Securities Regulation Commission is to allow Hong Kong insurers and Hong Kong branches of Chinese insurers to invest yuan raised offshore in the mainland.
Thousands evacuate homes in Jakarta
As the rainy season nears its end, there is more flood misery for residents of Jakarta this week.
AIA secures bond investment
AIA's first debt offering to refinance an unsecured credit facility following the acquisition of ING Malaysia is well received by the market.
New India launches online service
The internet service from New India Assurance will allow personal policyholders to track claims, link policies and make renewals, in addition to allowing new customers to take out insurance.
Jakarta braces for more floods
Emergency authorities in Jakarta are preparing for more flooding as water reached very high levels at a major dam.
China aims for 7.5% GDP growth in 2013
7.5% target reflects slowing economy but supports five year plan set in 2011.
Willis promotes Wemyss as Pickering exits
Tony Wemyss will become broker Willis's regional CEO of the group's Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa operations from 1 April.
Thomas Miller boosts Asia Pacific office
Andrew Jones will become CEO of Thomas Miller (Asia Pacific), which manages mutuals, from the beginning of April.
China IPO approvals still awaiting timetable
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has yet to set a timetable for resuming IPO approvals, scotching rumours that it would start pushing through new candidates in April, an official from the securities watchdog told Xinhua news agency.
Hong Kong targets captives
The Hong Kong government is to implement a 50% profits tax reduction on captive insurers' offshore insurance business.
New India targets 55 000 more agents
New India Assurance wants to more than double its agency base in India and will open three more offices overseas.
Finance Ministry approves bancassurance in India
The 2013/14 Indian Budget has confirmed banks will be able to sell insurance in India and has also given insurers the ability to open up quickly in smaller towns.
ING gains $1.24bn from sale of Asian businesses
ING has completed the sale of its Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand insurance businesses to Pacific Century Group for $2.14bn (€1.64bn).
Australian government provides AUS$100m for flood prevention
The general insurance industry has welcomed an announcement from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Financial Services Minister Bill Shorten and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus for AUS$100m of funding over two years for flood mitigation projects.
Six balloon crash victims from HK had policy exclusions
Six of the nine people from Hong Kong who died in the tragic hot air balloon accident in Egypt had exclusions for hot air balloon travel in their policies.
AIR Worldwide issues Cyclone Rusty update
Cyclone Rusty makes landfall but so far there has been little damage, although flooding is expected, according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide.
South east Asia spurs Allianz profit growth
Allianz's 2012 Asia Pacific results saw an 80% profit growth and 9% increase in premiums spurred by south east Asia.
Iron ore ports close as Cyclone Rusty closes in on Australia
Cyclone Rusty is expected to bring a huge amount of rain to north west Australia and has already caused iron ore companies and ports to close.
AIA's profit hits $3bn
The Hong Kong listed insurer beat profit estimates of $2.7bn for the fiscal year ending 30 November 2012.
AIA to open office in Myanmar
Mark Tucker, the CEO of AIA, has confirmed the insurer is opening a representative office in Myanmar as AIA targets south east Asia.