United States of America (USA)
Duff and Phelps to acquire American Appraisal
Global valuation and corporate finance advisor Duff & Phelps Corporation has agreed to acquire global full-service valuation and fixed asset management advisor American Appraisal.
Insurance industry failing to engage on social media as UK lags behind US
UK companies are being outperformed by their US counterparts in their use of social media for corporate communications, according to an Investis review, which ranked the insurance industry as one of the lowest performing sectors.
Winter storm Juno brings near-record snows to Boston
A blizzard in the Northeast United States almost shattered records for snow in Boston, despite the impact in New York and New Jersey being less than anticipated.
IUA boss Matcham welcomes TRIA renewal agreement
The International Underwriting Association has heralded the decision in the US to renew the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act as a means of reducing economic uncertainty.
Insurers prepared for post-TRIPRA environment
Insurers operating in the US have reassured clients they will be covered for terrorism events once the US federal terrorism programme expires on 31 December.
Integro acquires entertainment broker Ventura
Integro has acquired New York-based Ventura Insurance Brokerage a day after it announced its acquisition of Howard Global Insurance Services.
Ace to acquire Fireman's Fund PL business for £234m
Allianz has agreed to sell its Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company personal lines business in the US to Ace for $365m (£234m) by means of renewal rights arrangement.
AM Best dismisses need for rating action on insurers reliant on TRIPRA
The US federal terrorism programme is to expire on 31 December due to the failure of the US Senate to reach an agreement to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Protection Reauthorization Act before the adjournment of congress.
Accenture poll shows 21% of insurers do not have a digital strategy
One fifth of insurers do not have a digital strategy in place, according to an Accenture survey of 141 firms operating in 21 countries.
Customer loyalty obtainable for UK insurers if 'fair value' is provided
Insurers have been advised to focus on building long-term relationships in order to retain policyholders after a survey by Consumer Intelligence showed customers do not want to shop around annually.
R&Q expects full year pre-tax result to be below expectations
Lower than anticipated investment income and a “disappointing” trading performance in the US have contributed to Randall & Quilter predicting its full year pre-tax result will be materially below market expectations.
Large losses below expectations at Catlin despite aviation disasters
Catlin has achieved third quarter gross written premium growth in line with its business strategy after chalking up a GWP rise of 11% to $4.89bn (£3.1bn) (Q3 2013: $4.42bn) for the period.
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
Applied Systems launches mobile product into UK
Technology firm Applied Systems has launched its mobile app for account executives into the UK.
Applied Systems plots UK growth
Brokers using Applied Systems software can expect to see growth in the US firm's UK arm in its product offering and staff numbers, according to the company's senior leaders.
US claims giant to buy VRS Vericlaim, Ellis May parent
VRS Vericlaim and Ellis May are to be acquired by US claims specialist Sedgwick in a deal expected to close within 60 days.
Advisen founder Ruggieri to lead CGSC in North America
Cooper, Gay, Swett & Crawford has appointed Advisen founder Thomas Ruggieri as chief executive and president of its North American operations.
Canopius expands US presence
Canopius Group has expanded its US presence with the launch of Canopius Underwriting Agency.
Quindell wins uncontested Gotham City libel case
Quindell has announced victory in a libel case against Gotham City after the latter failed to defend claims a research note was defamatory.
Less than 6% have earthquake cover in Napa County
One of the reasons the insured damage of the 24 August earthquake was relatively small was because of lack of cover.
Napa earthquake insured losses limited to £152m, says RMS
Insurance claims from the earthquake in Napa Valley near San Francisco on 24 August will cost no more than $250 (£152m) according to catastrophe risk management firm RMS.
Insured disaster losses fall by $4bn in first six months of 2014
Total economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters reached $44bn (£26.5bn) in the first half of 2014, according to preliminary estimates from Swiss Re’s Sigma database.
Catlin moves McMellin from US to lead London underwriting hub
Catlin US underwriting hub chief executive Andrew McMellin is to return to the UK to take on the same role for the insurer's London division.
Beazley CEO Horton braced for MH17 war claims
Beazley chief executive Andrew Horton has admitted the speciality insurer could face exposure following last week’s Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster.