South America
Europe: London matters
The latest report on the London Market from the Lloyd's Market Group points to opportunities and challenges for the sector in comparison with the rest of Europe. Steve Hearn explains that this means
International: Colombia - Magic and realism
The expansion and opening up of the already attractive Colombian insurance market is set to accelerate following the latest breakthrough in the negotiations to end its long-running drugs-related guerilla war
AGCS Re Brazil opens for business in Peru
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Resseguros Brazil is expanding its South American business by providing reinsurance solutions in Peru.
Besso opens Brazil office
Besso Insurance Group has received licenses to begin trading in its newly opened office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
QBE creates emerging markets division
QBE's new division will include its Latin America and Asia-Pacific arms and be led by the insurer's Asia-Pacific CEO David Fried.
C-Suite – Insurer: Continually adapting K&R
With criminals devising ever more sophisticated ways to extort money from victims, kidnap and ransom insurance is continually having to adapt.
Aon Benfield's Galizia to lead Latin America region
Aon Benfield has promoted Alejandro Galizia to chief executive officer for the Latin America region.
JLT launches business in Argentina
Broker JLT has established a business in Argentina to support the local and regional market.
DAC Beachcroft opens local Columbian office
Law firm DAC Beachcroft has established a local presence in the Columbian market, following its merger with insurance practice, De La Torre & Monroy Abogados Asociados.
Tysers boosts marine team with senior Willis hire
Independent Lloyd’s broker Tysers & Co has appointed Simon Higginson as a director of its marine division.
Aon Benfield research finds 32 markets have COR below 100%
Aon Benfield research has found 32 of the top 50 markets have a five year combined ratio under 100% while the EMEA area leads the way regionally with a COR of 98% overall.
Quindell takes 19% stake in US telematics provider
Outsourcer Quindell has completed a deal for a 19% stake in Himex, as US provider of usage-based insurance products.
Primary insurance growth to outstrip reinsurance says Munich Re
The global insurance market will grow strongly over the next decade, according to Munich Re’s Insurance Market Outlook published this week.
Airmic 2013: Insurers should be less reactive says QBE's Chandler
Insurers must be more proactive in seeking to procure multinational business, according to Barbara Chandler, head of multinational at QBE.
Willis names new directors ahead of Plumeri board retirement
The Willis board has nominated Francisco Luzón and Jaymin Patel as directors of the company, which completes the slate of directors that will be presented to shareholders at the upcoming annual general meeting.
VFTT: Anticipating client growth aspirations
Europe's slow recovery is encouraging firms to seek growth in unfamiliar markets, but few consider whether their insurer is equipped to support them in their expansion, QBE's Barbara Chandler says.
Generali Q1 profit jumps 6.3%
Italy’s Generali reported an increase in first-quarter profit of 6.3%, boosted by higher earnings from its non-life insurance business.
Compliance tops concerns for expanding European firms
The biggest risk European businesses believe they face when starting to operate in new markets is dealing with local regulations, a survey by QBE has found.
Mapfre's Q1 revenue boosted by international business
Spain’s Mapfre increased its first quarter revenues by 1.6% to reach €6,942m, driven mainly by the international business.
UIB to place SulAmérica property treaty programme
Lloyd's reinsurance broker UIB has won the tender to place the property treaty programme for Brazilian insurer SulAmérica.
‘Worrying trend’ for over-regulation making UK market less competitive
Rising regulatory costs are becoming a financial burden the UK’s insurance market can ill afford in the face of international competition, Lloyd’s finance director Luke Savage has warned.
Lower claims frequency hits Charles Taylor adjusting profit
Growth in Charles Taylor's management services and Isle of Man-based run-off insurance business in 2012 have offset reduced earnings in its adjusting services business, which was hit by a lower number of complex claims than the previous year.
K&R demand likely to increase following Chavez death
Interest in kidnap and ransom policies for Venezuela is expected to increase following Chavez' death, according to analysts.
JLT could sell geopolitical cover in ME and Africa
JLT chief executive Dominic Burke said the broker plans further geographical expansion, after its 2012 profits were boosted by strong performance in emerging markets.