Asia
Zurich's 2011 cat losses may trigger aggregate reinsurance
Zurich Financial Services expects the impact of the floods in Thailand and the increased cost of the earthquakes in New Zealand in the fourth quarter of 2011 to range between $200 and $250m (€189.9m).
View from the top: A case of déjà vu in the market
The current economic situation means now is the right time to generate rate rises, says Toby Esser.
Mergers & Acquisitions: Bucking the trend
As the market weighs up the value of assets such as Groupama and Brit’s UK arms, deal making by insurers appears to be buoyant, especially when compared to other industry sectors. But is this a trend that is set to continue?
Spotlight on environment: Providing protection
With climate change increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, insurers must influence the debate on how businesses and governments manage risks such as supply chain failure.
Insurer most trusted financial services brand in India according to report
The Life Insurance Corporation of India has come out top in a poll to find the country's most trusted brand in the banking and financial institution space, for the second consecutive time.
Tough conditions for EMEA commercial markets, Marsh warns
Insurance rates for businesses with exposure to natural catastrophe and supply chain risks are expected to keep increasing in 2012 across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to a report published today by Marsh.
HCC: Thai flooding cost $10m in Q4
HCC Insurance Holdings has revealed fourth quarter Thailand flooding catastrophe loss estimates of $10m (£6.4m), taking the year’s losses to $117m.
Reinsurers reluctant to cover Thai cat fund
Global reinsurers may be reluctant to cover the recently announced Thai catastrophe fund if asked to by the nation’s government, according to market analysts.
Thai cat fund could prove too costly for reinsurers
International reinsurers will have to be “seriously convinced” the Thailand government’s catastrophe fund is profitable if they are to insure it.
A sustainable future?
Solar powered cities and hydrogen run transport systems might be close to reality than people realise. Christian Müller explains why insurers have an integral role to play in this world and must be at the forefront of embracing innovation.
Fairfax takes 25% Thai Re stake
Financial services company Fairfax is to acquire approximately 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of Thai Re in a deal worth approximately $70m.
Haymarket expands marine security in face of piracy threat
Haymarket Risk Management is expanding its maritime security division in response to the growing threat of piracy.
Axa SA and Ace believed to be vying for HSBC
Axa SA and Ace are believed to be in the final running for HSBC Holdings’s non-life insurance operations.
Swiss Re appoints new CEO to replace Lippe
Swiss Re's board of directors has appointed Michel Liès as the new group chief executive officer as of 1 February 2012.
Chartis re-jig creates three world regions
Chartis is splitting itself into three major geographic areas: the Americas; Asia; plus Europe, Middle East and Africa.
AIA tipped to make $6bn ING bid
AIA Group may make a bid for the $6bn Asian insurance operations of ING Groep, according to reports.
News analysis: Insurers and reinsurers must start to focus on emerging ‘peak’ risks
Natural catastrophes: Will previous ‘cold spots’ be targeted by insurers and reinsurers?
View from the top: Lessons from the East
Catastrophes in Japan showed the resilience and strength of the industry, says Andrew McKee.
Thai cat fund given green light by regulator
The Office of Insurance Commision, Thailand’s insurance regulator, has passed a resolution to establish a 50bn baht (€1.2bn) catastrophe fund for floods, windstorms and earthquakes.
Chartis re-jig creates three world regions
Chartis is splitting itself into three major geographic areas: the Americas; Asia; plus Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Many countries still vastly underinsured against earthquake
Seismic events caused economic losses of over $276bn in 2010-2011, yet earthquake-prone countries remain underinsured, according to a Swiss Re report.
Profits still elusive in growing Indian insurance market
Further growth is anticipated for India’s insurance market but achieving profitability remains a struggle for many insurers, according to a recent AM Best report.
Firms underestimate cyber risk, according to Allianz survey
Economic risks, business interruption and destructive natural catastrophes are among the biggest risks to companies in 2012, according to a study conducted by Alianz Global Corporate & Specialty.
Q&A Asia: Ageas
As part of Insurance Insight's new remit to cover Asia, Ageas's chief executive officer Gary Crist(pictured)spoke to Francesca Nyman to explain the insurers reach in the region.