Articles by Andrew Tjaardstra
Queensland losses to exceed AUS$50m
Tropical cyclone Oswald has caused heavy rain in Queensland leading to three deaths, injuries, several missing people and damage to property.
ING sells stake in Indian life insurer
ING has sold its 26% stake in ING Vysya Life Insurance to its joint venture partner Exide Industries.
First captive insurer in China to launch this year
In a sign of growing sophistication in the Chinese market, Beijing-based oil and gas producer China National Petroleum and subsidiary Petro China are jointly developing a captive insurer.
China's insurance market sees 8% rise in 2012
Health and general insurance are behind an eight per cent growth in the Chinese insurance market to 1.55trn yuan ($248bn) in 2012.
Tune Insurance readies for IPO
Tune Insurance is trying to attract investors through its partnership with Air Asia as it looks to float on the Bursa Malaysia on 22 February.
China solar exports insurance payouts surge in 2012
Chinese solar exporters were hit in 2012 by tariffs, poor economic conditions and fair trade investigations leading to a 161% surge in short-term insurance payouts, a total of $150m.
Singapore edges closer to contract certainty
The Contract Certainty Working Group met this week to discuss guidelines for the Singapore Reinsurance Market Contract Certainty initiative.
QBE downplays 700 Australia job cut fears
QBE said that the firm will reorganise through natural staff turnover and redeployment in a bid to cut $200m in costs.
Thailand law firm hires senior AIG litigator
Tilleke & Gibbins, a law firm based in Thailand and Vietnam, has appointed Aaron Le Marquer from AIG as a consultant in its Bangkok office.
Philippines government looks to increase natural disaster recovery efforts
The Philippines Department of Agriculture is seeking to develop a centralised preparedness scheme for before, during and after natural disasters.
Japan helps out with Pacific Islands catastrophe cover
Backers including the World Bank and Japan have launched a pilot to offer aid quickly to the Pacific Islands when disaster strikes.
Agricultural insurance could rise 'three to four times' in emerging markets, says Swiss Re
Increases in agricultural production and lack of insurance cover in Asian countries is good news for the emerging market agricultural insurance sector, according to Swiss Re.
China's economy grew 7.9% in Q4 2012
Year-on-year Q4 Chinese economic growth of 7.9% beats expectations of 7.8%, but growth slowed to 7.8% overall in 2012 compared with 9.3% in 2011.
Singapore wants higher entry level for financial advisers
Singapore's Financial Advisory Industry Review committee is looking to improve the financial advisory industry through higher educational standards.
Thai insurer opens flood credit line
MSIG Insurance (Thailand) has opened a Bt1bn ($33.5m) emergency credit line to help pay out Bt2bn ($67m) for flood damage.
AMMB Holdings seeks partners in Malaysia
Malaysian financial services group wants partners for AMLife and AMFamily Takaful by June.
RSA appoints Walker as Hong Kong chief executive
RSA has appointed former head of Dutch Caribbean operations Mark Walker as chief executive in Hong Kong.
Emerging Asia to lead life insurance growth, says Swiss Re
Reinsurer believes life insurance premiums will grow by about 10% in real terms this year in emerging Asia.
Regulator warns Chinese insurers
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission has sent 19 insurers a warning to stop breaching regulations.
Starr's Asia plans boosted by AIG hire
Maurice 'Hank' Greenberg's insurance group Starr International has appointed Jeffrey Hayman as president of international insurance operations.
Hong Kong damages verdict due over 'mistaken' hospital treatment
Insurers in Hong Kong are waiting for a court ruling on damages claimed by two patients from the Hospital Authority after being paralysed following alleged mistaken medical procedures at hospitals.
Prudential eyes growing Asian middle class
Prudential's chairman has spelled out the huge growth potential in Asia.
China to increase foreign investment tenfold
China wants to encourage more overseas institutional investors into its capital markets.
Indian general insurers look overseas
New India Assurance, United India Insurance, Oriental Insurance and National Insurance want overseas growth.