Moody's Investors Service
California wildfire losses expected to hit record levels
The losses from the continuing 8 November California wildfires are expected to reach record levels, according to ratings agencies.
Cost of Hurricane Michael could hit $21bn including up to $10bn of insured losses
A week on from Hurricane Michael making landfall in Florida, estimates of the cost of the are beginning to emerge, running to as much as $21bn (£16.25bn).
Ratings agencies shift Marsh outlook to negative over JLT deal
Marsh’s whirlwind acquisition of JLT surprised ratings agencies, as it was a “larger” deal than expected from the world’s biggest broker.
This week: The consequences of buying big
By far the biggest purchase I ever made was when I bought my house.
Softbank reported to be eyeing up stake in Swiss Re
Japanese tech-to-financial conglomerate SoftBank is exploring the possibility of taking a $10bn stake in reinsurer Swiss Re, reports suggest.
Emerging Asia fastest growing GI market in 2018
Emerging Asia is set to remain the world’s fastest growing general insurance market in 2018.
Lloyd's premiums predicted to decline
Premium growth at Lloyd's is likely to slow as competition intensifies and economic growth remains tepid, according to Moody's Investors Service.
Europe: Berating the ratings
Fitch Ratings caused a stir when it criticised the Insurer Financial Strength ratings issued by one of its main rivals, AM Best.
European non-life sector profits under pressure as competition increases, says Moody’s
As interest rates are anticipated to remain low, ratings agency Moody’s says underwriting will need to be the focus as investment income faces increasing challenges.
Moody's puts CGCS debt ratings on negative review
Moody's has placed the ‘B3’ corporate family rating and ‘B3-PD’ probability of default rating of Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford on review for downgrade given deterioration in the group’s Ebitda, financial leverage and interest coverage metrics.
Moody's puts Willis' debt rating on negative watch following Gras Savoye deal
Moody's Investors Service has revised the outlook on the BAA3 senior unsecured debt rating of Willis Group and its subsidiaries to negative from stable.
Moody's tips Towergate Finance for potential upgrade
Moody's has placed the 'CAA2' ratings on Towergate Finance's senior secured notes and revolving credit facility on review pending a potential upgrade.
Moody's downgrades Towergate's corporate family rating
Ratings agency Moody's has downgraded the corporate family rating and probability of default rating on Towergate Holdings II by two notches to Caa3/Caa3-PD.
Aviva risk boss named IRM chair
Aviva’s group risk director José Morago has been appointed chairman of the Institute of Risk Management.
Moody’s raises default warnings in Towergate ratings
Moody’s amended its ratings to reflect an increased likelihood of Towergate defaulting, while also lowering ratings for bonds issued by the broker.
Independent Scotland would face higher infrastructure funding costs, warns Wilson
Aviva group chief executive Mark Wilson has warned that Scotland will face higher costs to access infrastructure funding if it opts to leave the union.
Reserve releases aid insurers in posting first profit since 2006
The UK property and casualty sector is set to post a profit for the first time since 2006, with the average combined operating ratio expected to be around 96.5% for 2013, according to Moody’s.
Whiplash medical fee cap ‘credit positive’ says Moody’s
Plans to limit the cost of medical reports are credit positive for UK motor insurers according to rating agency Moody’s, in spite of the expectation that such moves will also further lower premiums.
Flood Re cap will not limit scheme's ability to pay out, claims ABI
The Association of British Insurers has criticised ratings agency Moody's for its report on the regulatory arrangements for Flood Re saying its £100m cap will have no impact on the scheme's ability to pay flood claims to insurers.
Moody's warns of negative credit impact from Flood Re funding proposals
Moody's has deemed the £100m cap on government contributions to Flood Re credit negative for UK property and casualty insurers.
Moody’s downgrades Cunningham Lindsey over low claims volumes
Ratings agency Moody’s has downgraded Cunningham Lindsey in response to declining projected revenues based on lower global insured claims volumes.
Moody's revises outlook for global reinsurers as non-cat purchasing declines
Moody’s has revised its outlook for the global reinsurance sector over the next twelve to eighteen months to negative, as “pressures on several fronts” threaten to erode profit margins.
CMA proposals 'modestly credit negative' for motor insurers
Proposals for reform within the UK private motor insurance market set out by the Competition and Markets Authority are likely to be credit negative for insurers, according to ratings firm Moody’s.
European CFOs optimistic on profitability growth
European insurance chief financial officers are optimistic about increasing profitability, with a Moody’s survey finding nearly half of CFOs predicting their operating profit would grow between five and 10% in the next year.