Australia
C-Suite: Meeting customers' expectations
A detailed understanding of your customers and repeatedly matching their expectations is crucial to becoming a leading brand argues SSP's Jerrry Hall.
QBE reviews US business
Australian insurer QBE is carrying out a strategic review of its US mid-market unit meaning it could be sold.
A$8.4m of losses from cyclone Ita
According to the Insurance Council of Australia, insurers have received 680 claims (by noon on 15 April) in the aftermath of cyclone Ita, with insurance losses estimated at A$8.4m.
Public and insurers prepare for cyclone Ita in Queensland
Cyclone Ita, currently a strong category 3 storm, is expected to make landfall in North Queensland, Australia, on Friday 11 April.
ICA issues warning over compensation calls
The Insurance Council of Australia is warning consumers to be wary about unsolicited calls in connection with potential motor accident compensation claims.
Gallagher buys Wesfarmers broking division for A$1.1bn
International insurance broker Arther J Gallagher & Co. has bought Wesfarmers insurance broking operations based in Australia, New Zealand and the UK for A$1.1bn ($928m).
Friendsurance looks to Hong Kong billionaire for backing
German peer-to-peer insurer Friendsurance has received funding from two new investors including a Hong Kong billionaire.
ICA asks Australian financial inquiry to focus on regulation
The Insurance Council of Australia has asked Australia's Financial System Inquiry to focus on more efficient industry regulation, less restrictive prudential requirements and tax reform.
McLarens re-enters Australian market
McLarens has re-entered the Australian market and appointed Martyn Wicht as general manager of the business.
New data indicates Flight MH370 went down in Indian Ocean
New evidence has led officials investigating the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to conclude that the plane crashed into the Indian ocean leaving no survivors.
Suncorp raises concerns over IAG's Lumley acquisition
Australian financial group Suncorp which owns general insurer Vero in New Zealand has serious concerns about IAG's potential acquisition of Lumley in the country.
Ecclesiastical appoints Hutcheon to lead Australian business
Ecclesiastical has appointed Warren Hutcheon as chief executive of its Australian business Ansvar.
Bupa posts 8% increase in revenues boosted by acquisitions
Bupa posted an 8% increase in revenues to £9.1bn in 2013, driven by both organic performance and acquisitions.
Ace rings senior changes in Asia-Pacific as it targets emerging markets
John French, Ace's country president of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau is leaving his role after seven years to move to Australia with the insurer.
QBE's results 'well short of expectations', says chairman
QBE has succumbed to a loss of $254m (A$281m) for the full year 2013 compared to a net profit of $761m in 2012.
IAG performed strongly in first half
Insurance Australia Group lifted its first half net profit to 31 December 2013 by 39.3% to A$642m (£346.5m) over the same period in 2012.
Suncorp's profits fall 4.5% as claims rise
Australian insurer and banking group Suncorp saw a dip in its half year profits to A$548m (£296m) from A$574m in the corresponding period the previous year.
ICA promotes Queensland building safety study
James Cook University has been asked by the Insurance Council of Australia to design an engineering inspection scheme for apartment and similar buildings known as 'strata-title' properties in North Queensland.
SSP warns Australian insurers to move off legacy platforms
The managing director of technology house SSP in Australia has said Australia's largest insurers could move from being "leaders" to "laggards" as legacy technology infrastructure hampers them.
BMS appoints Field as Australian CEO
Lloyd's and specialist broker BMS Group has appointed Brett Field as CEO of the company's Australian office
Ace appoints chief underwriting officer in Asia-Pacific
Neil Moon, Ace's head of casualty, Asia-Pacific, has been promoted to chief underwriting officer, Asia-Pacific. Moon will be replaced in his role by Adam Clifford.
Fires destroy 20 homes in Victoria
Victoria, the South-East Australian state, is facing some of the worst wildfire conditions since Black Saturday in 1999.
Revised Code of Practice introduced by Australia insurance board
The revised code will be launched by the Insurance Council Board on 1 July with everybody requested to be compliant by 1 July next year.
Berg to leave Insurance Council of Australia's board
Ian Berg, the outgoing vice-president and operations manager, Australia for FM Global is to leave the board at the Insurance Council of Australia.