Australia
QBE's credit rating downgraded
Ratings agency Moody's has downgraded QBE's credit rating from a A3 to Baa1 with a "negative" outlook.
Andrew Jones appointed CEO of Thomas Miller for Asia-Pacific
Andrew Jones has been appointed CEO of Thomas Miller (Asia-Pacific) from the beginning of April.
Brokerslink launches employee benefits practice group
International broking network Brokerslink launched a a Global Employee Benefits Practice Group on Thursday.
Warren Merritt joins Lockton in Australia
Lockton has recruited the former Asia CEO of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Warren Merritt to join its Australian operation.
Beazley targets cyber risk in Australia
Lloyd's insurer Beazley is set to unveil its cyber risk insurance product in Australia by the end of the year.
Crawford hires Singapore MD from Russian insurer
Claims management firm Crawford & Company has appointed Andrew Tait as managing director of its Singapore office.
Top 5 Asian news stories
The top five news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Hyperion boss eyes further growth in Asia
Hyperion Group hopes the expertise of new shareholder General Atlantic will provide a springboard for further growth in emerging Asian markets, according to its chief executive officer.
The Thai flood: Two years on
The size and scale of the floods in Thailand in 2011 came as a shock to many despite the fact it was a flood prone area. Andrew Tjaardstra discovers how shock waves are still being felt and how risks are being reassessed.
Guy Carpenter appoints Book as head of agriculture for Asia-Pacific
Peter Book to become managing director of Guy Carpenter's agriculture practice for the Asia-Pacific region on 2 April.
Willis Re rings the changes in Australia
Leadership team at Willis Re in Australia changes as Michael Harden steps up from CEO to become chairman.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
SunGard launches policy administration system for Apac insurers
SunGard has launched Compass Asia, an integrated policy administration system in response to increased focus on operational efficiency across the region.
New risks threaten emerging market progress
Despite resilient growth, estimated at 5.1% in 2013, and improved sovereign and external fundamentals, emerging country risks have not disappeared altogether, according to Coface.
Raffles launches expat health plans
Raffles Health Insurance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raffles Medical Group, has launched two international health insurance plans targeting businesses in Asia Pacific. region.
Insurance Insight Q+A: Ace's Edward Ler
Ace's Edward Ler speaks to Insurance Insight about the growth of personal lines and small business insurance in Asia Pacific.
Asia-Pacific premiums to double by 2020, says Munich Re
Munich Re's Economic Research Department estimates that nearly half of the $2.8trn of additional premiums to be generated by 2020 across the world will be from the Asia-Pacific region.
FM Global shrugs off Sandy
Property and casualty insurer FM Global secured a profit of $774m in 2012 and a COR of 85.7% despite 2 200 claims from superstorm Sandy.
Disaster management initiative starts in Australia
The University of Melbourne, IBM and Australia's national research centre NICTA are developing the Australia Disaster Management Platform to help co-ordinate disaster rescue efforts.
QBE pulls plug on builder's indemnity cover in South Australia
QBE will stop offering builder's indemnity insurance in South Australia from 1 July as insolvencies rise.
Australia government report recommends no subsidies for property insurance
An Australian government advisory report will help protect communities from extreme weather says Insurance Council of Australia CEO Rob Whelan.
Australian government advisers link hot summer to climate change
The Australian government's independent Climate Commission has linked a record hot summer to climate change.
Australian government provides AUS$100m for flood prevention
The general insurance industry has welcomed an announcement from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Financial Services Minister Bill Shorten and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus for AUS$100m of funding over two years for flood mitigation projects.
AIR Worldwide issues Cyclone Rusty update
Cyclone Rusty makes landfall but so far there has been little damage, although flooding is expected, according to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide.