Markel International
Markel opens second Malaysian office
Specialist insurer, Markel International, has opened a marketing office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in response to increased demand for specialist products from the Asian market.
View from the Top: Maritime trade, empires and insurance in Holland and the UK
The 17th century saw the Dutch and the English competing for control over the seas and trade routes, which both countries rightly saw as fundamental to their economic and political standing.
Methodology: Post Intelligence Benchmarking Finpro
One hundred and fifty-seven commercial brokers completed an online questionnaire addressing the service they got from their financial and professional lines insurers.
Post Intelligence Benchmarking Financial and Professional Lines: Positive experience
The Insurance 360 Financial and Professional Lines report found standards to be high.
Markel International combined ratio up 21% due to nat cats
Markel International reported a combined ratio of 116% for 2011, up 21% from 2010.
Markel to use investment success to target further Europe expansion
Markel finance director Andy Davies has confirmed the company will seek further European acquisitions this year on top of the German buy of Anglo Underwriting already announced.
Markel reports investment and GWP growth counters catastrophe claims
Markel International saw gross written premiums rise 16% to $825m for 2011 ($709m) but a combined ratio of 116% (95%) included $123m, or 18 points, from natural catastrophes compared with $17m, or 3 points, in 2010.
Reinsurance - January renewals: Toughen up
Despite the catastrophes of 2011, the predicted — and much needed — January renewal rate hardening has failed to materialise.
Markel enters German market through joint Anglo venture
Markel International has signed a joint venture agreement with Anglo Underwriting and moved into Germany.
Markel enters Germany with Anglo buy
Markel International has taken a 50% stake in Munich-based Anglo Underwriting with an option to acquire the remaining 50% by 2017.
Market moves: Insurers and consultants up the pace
As the insurance sector settles into 2012 its activity in the recruitment space has gathered momentum. Insurers had a busy week, with Markel, Mitsui Sumitomo and Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance bringing in fresh faces. Brokers, meanwhile, had another…
Post Intelligence Benchmarking: Financial & Professional Lines Insight Report 2011
Based on comprehensive input from over a 150 unique brokers of professional & financial risks, the Financial and Professional Insurers Insight Report 2011 delivers actionable insights on the 16 most used financial professional insurers.
Claims v underwriting: Bridging the divide
While sharing the same goals, claims and underwriting are often disparate divisions. What can be done to help unify these two departments?
Markel takes on two in MGA division
Markel International has strengthened its MGA division with the appointments of Sarah Brien as senior underwriter and Alex Hardy as underwriter.
Markel International expands MGA division
Markel International has strengthened its MGA division with the appointment of Sarah Brien as senior underwriter and Alex Hardy as underwriter.
Post Intelligence Benchmarking - Commercial insurers: Winners and losers
The annual Insurance 360 Business Insurers Insight Report service rankings show some steady, some on ladders - and some on snakes.
Underwriting Service Awards 2011
The second annual Underwriting Service Awards ceremony took place at the Oval cricket ground, London, with more than 250 underwriters in attendance. The winners were determined by the feedback and views of intermediaries, who place risks on behalf of…
Market moves: Fresh faces for underwriters
As the industry heads into December, underwriting agencies and insurers lead the way in the job market. This week saw major moves at Chubb, More Than and Travelers, while Evolution, Arista and Ink all welcomed new staff. It was another slow week for…
Catlin marine and transport division takes underwriting team of the year 2011 title
Ace Europe and Catlin were both double winners at the 2011 Underwriting Service Awards last night at the Kia Oval.
Insurance Insight Update - 18 November
Insurance Insight’s weekly update is live with an article on the importance of insurance policies keeping pace with the evolution of risk; and a View from the Top on how new players can take advantage of opportunities in the Swedish non-life market.
View from the top: Taking opportunities
The Swedish market for non-life insurance is dominated by four large domestic players together accounting for around 82% of annual premium.
Market moves: Setting the trend
Insurer MMA was the main recruiter this week, with the firm naming five new staff across its regional office network. The moves set the trend among fellow underwriters, with high-profile appointments at Groupama, DAS and for Markel’s fledging operation…
Markel appoints chief representative for China
Markel has appointed Steven Zhang as chief representative for Markel China.
Markel's combined ratio hits 105% due to nat cat losses
Markel Corporation’s combined ratio increased to 105% in the first nine months of 2011 due to heavy natural catastrophe losses.