Reinsurance
Consolino appointed CFO of Validus
Validus Holdings, has announced that Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino has been appointed chief financial officer and executive vice president of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Validus Re. Mr Consolino will relocate to Validus’ headquarters in…
$3.4bn 2005 windstorm losses blunt Berkshire Hathaway’s risk appetite
In his annual letter to shareholders, the chairman of reinsurer Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, has revealed that his company took $3.4bn in hurricane losses in 2005 and will be seeking much higher prices for Cat business in 2006.
Cat losses push AWAC to a 124% combined ratio for 2005
Bermudian (re)insurer Allied World Assurance Holdings (AWAC) has blamed property catastrophe losses for a combined ratio of 124% for the 2005 calendar year, set against a ratio of 95.9% a year earlier. The company also reported an an 8.6% decline in…
Allstate drops coverage level in New York
Allstate has said that it wasn't renewing some of its homeowners' policies in the New York City area for fears that a major hurricane could strike in the area, leaving the insurer overexposed.
Quanta hit by further downgrades
Quanta’s problems continue after AM Best downgraded the company’s financial strength ratings (FSR) to B++ (Very Good) from A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) to "bbb" from "a-".
Troubled Quanta loses A rating: plans wholesale restructuring
In a stark fourth quarter earnings release, Bermudian (re)insurer Quanta Capital Holdings has announced that it is to be downgraded by AM Best and will be seeking immediate cost cuts as well as the sale of some or all of its business units. The option of…
Amlin set for record profits
Amlin has forecast record profits for its 2003 syndicate year of account and indicated its result for the year ended 31 December 2005 will be materially ahead of market expectations.
Advent hopes for upturn
Catastrophe reinsurance specialist Advent has banked on 2006 returning the business to profitability...
Chaucer forecast for 2005
Lloyd's insurer Chaucer has forecast its 2005 performance range will be between a 5% loss and a 5% p...
Moody’s downgrades PXRE again, watch still negative
Moody's has lowered the insurance financial strength rating of Bermudian Cat reinsurer PXRE to Baa3 from Baa2 and the debt rating of PXRE Capital Trust I to B3 from B1. The ratings remain on review for possible further downgrade.
Starr Tech signs deal with AceUSA and Berkshire Hathaway
Starr Technical Risks Agency has announced that it is to offer commercial insurance coverage from Ace USA and Berkshire Hathaway Group.
Everest $218m into red in 2005
Hurricanes and 12.3% premium drop plunge
Advent sees US property/catastrophe rates double
In a bullish trading statement, Lloyd's property/catastrophe specialist Advent has pointed to rate i...
PartnerRe takes $900m 2005 catastrophe losses in its stride
Bermudian (re)insurer PartnerRe has reported an operating loss of $242.6m for the year ended 31 Dece...
Ace survives 2005 with healthy profit
Ace has posted a profit of $1bn in net income for the year 2005, despite the fact that it was hit by...
Six easy steps to ruin
Dear Friend, Now that the renewal season presentations are almost all in, let me run these six quot...
Validus Re hits the ground running
New Bermudian reinsurer Validus Re has announced that it has bound business representing gross writt...
Axis Capital sees profits fall
Axis Capital Holdings has reported a net income of $90.1m for the year ended 31 December 2005, compa...
TRIA renewal is not a long-term solution, claims panel
The recent move by Congress to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) did not provide the in...
How does Bermuda really work?
Briefing
Meet the chiefs of two new Bermuda start-ups
After years of being out of the business, Richard Brindle is now back and loving it, bursting with an enthusiasm tempered with a conscientiousness gained from his time out. Mairi Mallon reports
Lloyd's in Central Fund legal action against brokers
Lloyd's has commenced legal action against brokers Aon and Benfield
XL Capital results hit by 2005 windstorms
XL Capital has reported a net loss of $821.9m for the quarter ended 31 December 2005, compared with ...
2005 hurricane season strengthens US property market
US property insurance rates increased sharply in the fourth quarter of 2005 following the devastatin...