European Union (EU)
Pensions sector rejects EU Solvency II proposals
Proposals by the European Union to introduce Solvency II-style regime for pension funds have been rejected by the UK’s National Association of Pension Funds.
Pensions sector rejects EU Solvency II proposals
Proposals by the European Union to introduce Solvency II-style regime for pension funds have been rejected by the UK’s National Association of Pension Funds.
Post Europe: Environmental damage - who pays?
Now that the Hungarian toxic spill is no longer making headline news, what are the longer-term implications of this environmental catastrophe? Tony Lennon looks at the potential ramifications that this recent environmental disaster will have on the…
Post Europe country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
Insurance Insight country review: Poland, the calm in the storm
The Polish insurance market is no longer seen as an emerging one and as Edward Murray explains its strength through recession has meant that it is now a target for players from the rest of Europe.
Post Europe: Ceiops is dead, long live Eiopa!
Existing committees of EU supervisors for the European insurance sector are being transformed from 1 January 2011 into supervisory authorities with firm powers. Vic Wyman assesses what the impact of this regulatory change will be.
Post Europe View from the Top: Environmental insurance comes of age
Environmental insurance, once labeled as difficult to obtain, data intensive and expensive, has come of age. With a 15-year history in the UK and Europe, and 30 in the US, the environmental market has developed and has the strength and maturity to…
View from the Top: Environmental insurance comes of age
Environmental insurance, once labeled as difficult to obtain, data intensive and expensive, has come of age. With a 15-year history in the UK and Europe, and 30 in the US, the environmental market has developed and has the strength and maturity to…
Editor's comment: Fog clears for Allianz
The news that Allianz is to open its long-delayed office in Newcastle is certainly going to be greeted warmly by North-east brokers.
ECJ ruling delivers blowover outsourcing VAT costs
VAT experts have predicted insurance companies could be liable for increased costs, after being dealt a blow by the European Court of Justice.
MIB mulls appeal followingoverseas motor injury ruling
The Motor Insurers' Bureau is facing a surge in personal injury claims, following a landmark appeal court ruling last week.
PwC: ECJ ruling throws a spanner in the works for outsourcing plans
Pricewaterhouse Coopers has warned outsourcing costs for insurers could jump by 20% following what it described as "unexpected decision".
Claims Event news: Icelandic volcano highlights industry's shortcomings on media handling
The insurance industry must take firmer steps to generate positive press around its handling of crises that generate high volumes of claims, according to a media consultant.
UK insurers warned about new 20% EU tax hit on outsourcing
The UK insurance industry has today been warned it is set for increased costs on outsourcing as other EU countries force through the removal of the VAT exemption on outsourced claims handling.
Global business, hidden danger
The US and EU have new trade sanctions against Iran. (Re)insurers must be aware of both sets of regulations as well as potential for supra-national jurisdiction, argue Jamie Rogers and Pieter van Tol.
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…
LMA warns of over-regulation of Lloyd's
The Lloyd’s Market Association has warned the proposed regulatory system for the UK is being created around the banks which will make it over-engineered, unsuitable and unjustifiably costly for the general insurance industry.
Insurers face age ban if gender ruling is enforced
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has consulted its European counterpart Bipar on the best step forward after a European Court of Justice advisor said gender should not be a determining risk factor when setting insurance premiums.
Cunningham Lindsey launches new practice group
An increase in worldwide product recall and liability claims has prompted Cunningham Lindsey to launch an international team to support companies while sharing knowledge across its global network of offices.
View From the Top: Facing Europe's new data protection laws
The European Union’s intention to harmonize data protection laws will have a significant impact on companies across the continent.
Tories slam EU sex insurance decision as "madness"
The Conservative Party has slammed the EU's Advocate General decision that to take the sex of a person into consideration for insurance purposes was against a person’s fundamental rights.
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.
Ceiops welcomes Euro-super regulator news
The CESR, Committee of European Banking Supervisors, and Committee of European Insurance Occupational Pensions Supervisors have welcomed today’s decision of the European Parliament to endorse the EU financial supervision reform package.