Asia
Outlook for global reinsurers stable but pricing to stagnate, says Fitch
The outlook for the global reinsurance sector remains stable, as capital, underwriting and operating trends are expected to support reinsurers' ratings over the next one to two years, according to Fitch.
Argo hires general liability underwriter from Besso
Argo International, the Lloyd’s insurer and member of Argo Group, has appointed Vanessa Lampard as an underwriter in its general liability team.
Fire and natural catastrophes top business concerns in Asia, says Allianz
Business and supply chain interruption caused by natural disasters is the number one risk faced by companies in Asia according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2013.
India's middle class boom not confined to megacities
Firms looking to supply goods and services to India’s growing middle classes should not ignore those in smaller towns and cities, according to Ambitabh Kundu, Professor of Economics, Jawakarlal Nehru university.
Insured losses 36% above 10-year-average in 2012
Natural catastrophes globally caused total economic losses of £200bn in 2012, only slightly above the 10-year-average of $187bn.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five Asian stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Escort service sails through troubled waters
Typhon has launched a marine convoy escort service designed to enable ship operators to transit the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean in safety.
Axa UK recruits new execs from Italian and French arms
Axa Insurance has raided Europe to appoint two new senior executives for its UK Direct & Partnerships arm.
Identity cards compulsory for Singapore agents
Insurance agents in Singapore must carry a special identity card before they can conduct business, to help customers identify authorised and registered insurance agents.
MSIG partner Dual to offer financial lines products in Singapore
In association with Dual, MSIG Insurance (Singapore) is to provide specialised insurance solutions for financial lines products.
Energy changes offer opportunities for insurers
The changing energy landscape will provide new growth opportunities for insurers, according to Swiss Re's latest report.
Asian insurers urged to be selective in current climate
Growth opportunities exist for insurers in wealth management and personal insurance, despite the economic slowdown and evolving regulatory change in Asia Pacific, according to Ernst and Young.
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.
Large number of claims reported from Jakarta floods
Loss adjusting firm Cunningham Lindsey has been notified of a large number of losses resulting from flooding in Jakarta on Thursday.
Ace reshuffles EMEA claims team
Ace Group has reshuffled its accident and health team for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Jakarta grinds to a halt after widespread flooding
At least four people were killed and 20,000 evacuated on Thursday as widespread flooding hit the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
Aviva sells stake in Malaysian venture
Aviva has reached an agreement to sell its 49% stake in two Malaysian ventures to Sun Life Assurance.
Chinese broker association formed
China's first international insurance brokerage association was established in Beijing on Thursday, China Daily reported.
AMMB Holdings seeks partners in Malaysia
Malaysian financial services group wants partners for AMLife and AMFamily Takaful by June.
The importance of disaster restoration
Insurers in Asia are increasingly turning their attention to property restoration following natural disasters, spurred on by the possibility of huge cost savings, writes Nicky Burridge.
Cooper Gay partner Marnix to target Japanese reinsurers
Cooper Gay has signed a deal with Marnix Corporation, the broking unit of Japanese conglomerate Marubeni, to target clients in Japan's treaty reinsurance market.
Insurers should have been prepared for 2011 cat losses, says AIR
Insured losses in 2011 from global natural catastrophes exceeded $110bn, according to industry sources, the second highest figure ever recorded.
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.