Asia
Asian flood deaths down but losses increasing
Mortality from Asian flood events continues to decline but economic losses remain a major cause of concern, according to data from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
IRDA raises cap on infrastructure investments
India's regulator has relaxed rules limiting insurers' investments in infrastructure in a bid to encourage the flow of funds to the sector.
United India to enter Middle East and South Asia markets
State-owned United India Insurance Company plans to enter the Middle East and several South Asian countries owing to the large number of non-resident Indians living in these areas.
Swiss Re forecasts 8% growth in emerging markets in 2013
Global non-life direct premiums are projected to grow by 3% in real terms in 2013, fuelled by emerging market growth of nearly 8%, according to Swiss Re.
Limited damage after Japan quake
The magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday is not expected to have caused significant damage, according to catastrophe modelling firm AIR Worldwide.
Axa moves to divest US assets worth $500m
French insurer Axa is seeking buyers for US life insurance assets worth at least $500m, Bloomberg said yesterday, quoting sources.
Magnitude 7.3 quake hits coast of Japan
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the north-east coast of Japan on Friday, triggering a 1m tsunami.
Magnitude 7.3 quake felt in Tokyo
An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale has struck off the north-east coast of Japan.
Chinese D&O policies set for second round of US claims
'Bump up' claims in the US are threatening Chinese directors' and officers' policies and look set to impact the exclusions within policies in the future.
China's non-life sector stable
China's non-life insurers could see operating margin constrained by capital market volatility and higher acquisition expenses, but declines in operating margins are unlikely to be substantial, Fitch said today.
Rise of the Dragon: challenges and opportunities in the Chinese insurance broking markets
Brokers in the Chinese market currently face threats from technology and opportunities from product differentiation. Solomon Ngan explains why now is the time for the sector to reconsider its role and function.
Aviva non-exec director Goh to retire
Aviva non-executive director Euleen Goh is to step down from the board to pursue activities in Singapore.
Skuld expands in Asia with Singapore hub
Skuld is opening a branch office in Singapore to capitalise on "significant growth opportunities across the region".
Skuld launches Singapore operation
Marine insurer Skuld has announced the opening of its first Singapore branch in a bid to target South Asian business.
Hundreds killed in strongest typhoon to hit Philippines since 1990
At least 270 people are confirmed dead after Typhoon Bopha brought 130mph winds and torrential rain to the Philippines on Tuesday evening.
HSBC agrees to sell Ping An stake to Thai conglomerate
HSBC is to sell its 15.57% stake in Ping An Insurance to the Charoen Pokphand Group, a Thai multi-national conglomerate with core businesses in agro-industry, food, retail and telecommunications.
Sart appoints chief casualty underwriter
Hong Kong-based Lloyd's coverholder Sart Underwriting has appointed Joseph Lo as chief casualty underwriter.
AIA completes deal for Aviva's Sri Lanka unit
AIA has completed its acquisition of Sri Lankan insurer Aviva NDB Insurance from Aviva and Sri Lanka's National Development Bank.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
RSA opens Dubai office
RSA has been granted permission to operate in the Dubai International Financial Centre, starting on 18 November.
Willis restructures Europe operation
Willis is dividing its continental Europe operation into two regions: Western and Central & Eastern Europe.
Hong Kong insurers see 10% premium rise in first nine months
Hong Kong's insurance industry posted a 10% increase in gross premiums in the first three quarters of 2012, to reach $190.1bn, figures published by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance showed.
Changing consumer habits see Asian insurers embrace e-business
The proportion of Asian insurers' premium income from online sales is increasing, as more insurers embrace the internet as a distribution channel, according to Celent.
PICC lists on HK exchange
Chinese state-owned insurer PICC Group raised $3bn in its Hong Kong's initial public offering today.