United States of America (USA)
Insurers face up to $2bn tornado bill
Eqecat has estimated that the latest series of severe weather events in the US has produced $1bn to $2bn in insured losses.
Early start to US tornado season
More severe weather hit central and southern regions of the US over the weekend, spawning several tornadoes that killed at least 39 people and caused widespread property damage, according to reports.
Hiscox shuffles US management
Hiscox is to bring current US CEO Richard Watson, pictured, back to London to be deputy chief underwriting officer for the group and has promoted Ben Walter in his place.
Zurich operating profit down 12%, but net income up 10%
Zurich Financial Services Group reported net income after tax of $3.8bn for the full year 2011, up 10% from $3.8bn in the prior year period.
Munich Re transfers US hurricane and European windstorm risks to the capital markets
Munich Re has acquired coverage for US hurricane and European windstorm risks with a total volume of $75m from the special purpose insurer Queen Street V Re Limited, which in turn has placed a catastrophe bond for this amount in the capital markets.
Tysers snaps up Ropner team to head up North American D&F operation
International Lloyd's broker Tysers has snapped up a three-strong management team from Ropner Insurance Services to head up the firm's direct and facultative property operation in the North American international specialty division.
Zurich appoints Bouchard head of government and industry affairs
Zurich Financial Services Group has appointed Francis Bouchard as the group head of government and industry affairs, with effect from 1 April 2012.
Zurich makes two international promotions
Zurich has made two new appointments in its commercial market sector in Canada, and in the North America-based financial services group.
Zurich sees 19% drop in GI profits after US$1bn cat losses in 2011
Zurich recorded a general insurance business operating profit of US$2.3bn in 2011, a decrease of US$403m or by 15% in US dollar terms and 19% on a local currency basis.
In Series On Data: Bringing credit to the nation
Credit data is relied on to help decide if customers can repay monthly instalments but, as competition heats up, will insurers consider its use in APR calculations to give them an edge?
FATCA a significant operational challenge for European insurers
The proposed US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, published on 8 February, still remains a significant operational challenge for insurers, according to Ernst & Young.
CEA welcomes EU-US trade insurance working group
The CEA and the American Council of Life Insurers have welcomed the establishment by the Transatlantic Economic Council of a high level working group on jobs and growth.
McGavick remains confident as XL reports $474.8m loss
XL chief executive officer Mike McGavick said his firm would not shy away from "frustrating" 2011 results, but asked yesterday for their broader context to be considered.
Catlin reports reduced profits due to cat losses
Bermuda-based speciality reinsurer Catlin Group reported $71m profit before tax for 2011, down from $406m for the 2010 year.
Mapfre reports 15.5% premium growth for 2011
Spanish insurer Mapfre reported a 15.5% growth in premiums to €19,600.2m in its full year 2011 results released today.
AmWINS deal gives THB “firepower”
Frank Murphy, chief executive of THB Group, told Post that it is “business as usual” in London following the AmWINS takeover of the THB Group.
Energy business warned to learn from past losses
Energy businesses need to learn from past major loss events in order to reduce the risk of significant property damage losses, broker Marsh has warned.
Market moves: XL rings the changes
XL led the way in the recruitment space this week, as insurers made a number of key appointments. While XL added four new staff members to its ranks, Liberty Mutual, Canopius, CNA Europe and Axa also had a busy seven days. In comparison, the broking…
Chubb’s profits fall as premiums rise
US insurer Chubb has reported rising premiums but falling income in the fourth quarter, echoing a year of reduced operating and net income on 5% higher net income.
BMS opens in New York
Broker BMS has launched a new office in New York.
Reinsurance - January renewals: Toughen up
Despite the catastrophes of 2011, the predicted — and much needed — January renewal rate hardening has failed to materialise.
Spotlight on environment: Providing protection
With climate change increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, insurers must influence the debate on how businesses and governments manage risks such as supply chain failure.
Arle completes CSG sale and acquires new partner
Arle Capital Partners has sold Capital Safety Group for an enterprise value of $1.12bn (£72m) in a deal which will see former CSG chief executive Anders Pettersson join Arle as a partner.
Arab Spring: Life during wartime
Continuing civil unrest in the Middle East and North Africa presents a challenge to the property insurance market — especially concerning the limits placed by the war risks exclusion.