Asia
HSBC's Ping An stake sale in trouble
A Thai bid to buy HSBC's 15.6% stake in Chinese life insurer Ping An could be in trouble.
Zurich makes Impossible appearance on the silver screen
Zurich Insurance has engaged in film product placement for the first time by featuring in two scenes of new blockbuster The Impossible.
Ace's Andrade appointed COO for overseas insurance
Juan Andrade, Ace's division president for global personal lines and small commercial insurance, has been appointed to the additional post of chief operating officer for the firm's overseas general insurance business.
CII to offer more international-only qualifications
The Chartered Insurance Institute has broadened its options for international insurance agents with new international-only qualifications.
Punjab National Bank gets go-ahead for Metlife acquisition
Punjab National Bank has received approval to acquire a 30% stake in insurer Metlife India Insurance.
BMS takes Asia Pacific plunge with launch of Sydney office
Independent global broker BMS Group is celebrating a "significant strategic goal" after opening an office in Sydney, its first in the Asia Pacific region.
IRDA relaxes residence requirements for micro-insurance buyers
India's Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority has relaxed a rule requiring micro-insurance applicants to provide a confirmation letter from their bank, describing it as a barrier to financial inclusion.
Filipino insurers struggling with regulation and solvency requirements
Thirty-two insurers and mutual benefit associations in the Philippines are under various stages of conservatorship, receivership or liquidation, according to the country's Insurance Commission.
At least 20% of cars in India thought to be uninsured
Almost a third of cars on Indian roads may not have mandatory third-party liability insurance, according to analysis by insurance companies.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five Asian news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Asia View from the Top: Speciality lines drive growth
The economy remains strong across much of Asia, and the World Bank predicts growth of 7.6% in the region in 2013.
Aetna bolsters international PMI team
Aetna International has appointed Caroline Pain as head of international marketing and Gary Impett as business development manager to develop its insurance business in continental Europe, the UK and Ireland.
AIA completes acquisition of ING Malaysia
AIA Group has successfully completed the acquisition of ING Management Holdings (Malaysia) following receipt of the required regulatory approvals.
AIG divests remaining holding in AIA
AIA Group has confirmed that AIG has entered into a placing agreement to sell all its ordinary shares of AIA at HK$30.30 each.
Kiln expands Asia footprint with new hire
Kiln has appointed Gu Jin to lead a new venture with Lloyd's Insurance Company (China) in Shanghai.
US consolidator aquires Paul Napier
London-based Lloyd's broker Paul Napier has been sold to to US insurance broking consolidator Assured Partners for an undisclosed sum.
Regulatory overhaul threatens Malaysia insurers' margins
Regulatory changes and on-going capital market volatility could challenge the earnings stability of Malaysia's insurance and takaful sector, according to Fitch.
IAG sets sights on Asia growth after UK sales
Insurance Australia Group announced the sale of all its UK operations today as the company aims to strengthen its footprint in Asia.
Islamic microfinance highlighted as only "viable" solution to global poverty
Islamic microfinance is the only viable way of alleviating poverty around the globe.
Asia View from the Top: Insurance risk management support for the board
Regulators everywhere in Asia are focusing their attention on risk.
Munich Re reinsurers guarantees for Chinese PV manufacturer
Munich Re has taken the step of reinsuring the performance guarantees that Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer Yingli Green Energy gives to its customers for multicrystalline modules.
Indian union threatens walkout over proposed FDI hike
An Indian trade union has threatened to go on strike if a proposal to raise the cap on foreign direct investment in the insurance sector is passed by parliament.
Over 50% of UAE residents never buy travel insurance
More than half of UAE residents do not purchase travel insurance when going abroad, according to research published by Zurich this week.
William Russell adds benefits to global health cover
International insurance provider William Russell will include additional benefits in its global health plan range for 2013.