Europe
Execs would not be surpised if Eurozone shrinks, report claims
Rising sovereign debt in the developed world is one of the main concerns for the world’s business leaders and financial executives, according to 440 senior executives who participated in a survey commissioned by RBC Capital Markets.
CNA expands technology underwriting team
CNA Europe has made two appointments to its European technology practice.
Aviva appoints new European CEO
Aviva has appointed Jiri Schneller as chief executive of Aviva Czech Republic.
Aon Benfield agrees Cologne University partnership
Insurance broker Aon Benfield has partnered with the University of Cologne to conduct advanced research into European windstorms.
CEA calls on G20 to distinguish between insurers and banks
The CEA, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has today called on the G20 to take full account of the specific characteristics of insurance when designing regulatory initiatives to respond to the global financial crisis.
CNA Europe appoints underwriting director for Health Pro division
CNA Europe has appointed Kevin McIntosh as European underwriting director of Health Pro.
Hannover Re admits interest in Aegon unit
German reinsurer Hannover Re has expressed a slight interest in a potential acquisition of the reinsurance business of Dutch insurer Aegon, a spokeswoman for Hannover Re told news agency DPA-AFX.
Buffett wins bet against French team
Warren Buffett and the special reinsurance team at Berkshire Hathaway are likely to be extremely relieved after the French were sent home from the World Cup due to a reinsurance contract essentially betting against the team.
AM Best affirms Brit’s A rating
Credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed Brit Insurance’s A rating and Brit Insurance Holding's ICR rating of BBB.
THB profits up in first half
THB this morning reported a 21% rise in broking profit to £3.9m on fees and commissions of £24.6m (H1 2009 £23.3m).
Slovenian results improve slightly
Life and non-life insurers in Slovenia have reported a slight overall rise in gross written premiums.
Ageas 2009 international result improves under new structure
Ageas, formerly known as Fortis, today published 2009 pro forma financial information reflecting the group’s new reporting structure.
Marsh appoints new property and casualty practice leaders
As part of its drive to grow its property, business interruption and casualty risk and insurance solutions Marsh has appointed Caroline Woolley as property practice leader, and Alain Petit-Lambotte as casualty practice leader, for Europe, the Middle East…
Levene laments 2010, the year of "direct hits"
The chairman of Lloyd’s has described 2010 as the year of “direct hits”.
BUDGET 2010: PwC: Budget delivers some positives
Pricewaterhouse Coopers claims the emergency budget has delivered a number of positives for the insurance industry.
BUDGET 2010: George Osborne: IPT to rise
Chancellor George Osborne has announced insurance premium tax is to rise in today's budget.
Dutch insurance giant to sell reinsurance business
Aegon has admitted it may sell its reinsurance arm as it looks to focus on core activities: life insurance, pension and asset management.
Mexican body joins international trading agreement
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors has admitted Comision Nacional de Seguros y Fianzas, Mexico to the list of signatories of the IAIS Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding.
Willis opens new Eastern European base
Willis has received official approval from local authorities to open a representative office in Kazakhstan.
Xchanging in Italian swoop
Xchanging has signed a letter of intent with SIA-SSB, the European specialist in financial and payment systems services, to form an Enterprise Partnership.
PI law changes offer opportunities for brokers claims expert
New laws making professional indemnity insurance obligatory for a wide range of professions, are leading to increased distribution opportunities for brokers.
DAS makes two senior appointments
DAS Legal Expenses Insurance has named Phil Bellamy as its new group underwriting manger and Andy Westall as group sales manager.
Fitch more positive on German public sector insurers
German public sector insurers have seen a significant improvement in their financial position after having been adversely affected by the global financial crisis in 2008.
Liberty expands French operation
Liberty International Underwriters in Europe has established an underwriting presence in France for trade credit and political risk business with the appointment of Alexandre Egnell as assistant vice president, trade credit and political risk.