Total transparency
Intelligent Insurer spoke to Cooper Gay about the challenges it faced in handling claims from the 2010 Chilean earthquake—an event that has been acknowledged as one of the largest insured catastrophes ever recorded outside the US.
Running to stand still
Despite a number of threats and some even greater challenges Bermuda retains its place at the heart of the international insurance community—for now. But it must remain innovative and keep fighting just to stand still.
The eye of the storm
While the fallout from BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill has focused the minds of many captive managers, the wider industry has seen little effect. The main areas of contention revolve around collateral levels and domicile.
A waiting game
Although the full implications of Solvency II for captive insurers in the EU are not yet clear, many believe that it could change the landscape of the European captive market. Intelligent Insurer investigates the possible implications of the new regulatory regime.
Agricultural re/insurance: a key growth sector in emerging markets
Agriculture is a critical sector in many countries. As shortages on the supply side have resulted in concerns over food security, demand for agricultural re/insurance products in the fast-growing emerging markets has increased.
Trouble in the outback: reviewing catastrophe losses
The claims falling under excess of loss reinsurance contracts following the exceptional losses suffered in both Queensland and Victoria, Australia, need reviewing. Peter Smith poses and presents solutions to some contract wording questions.
The canary coughs again
Asbestos claims have caused the insurance industry a headache for many years. But just when the issue seemed under control, American International Group has increased its reserves for this liability.
Does excess reinsurer capital lead to price cuts?
If you are a reinsurer, the answer to the above question these days seems to be an emphatic ‘no’.
The Neal Bill - is it a protectionist measure or a move that would level the playing field?
II gives both sides in the debate over proposals to tax foreign affiliate reinsurance. It seems an ideal time, as the Neal Bill is expected to be discussed by lawmakers once again following the US Congressional mid-term elections in November 2010.
Golden opportunity?
Economic volatility has led investors, including insurers, to consider buying gold as a secure asset. The risk of inflation—prominent in the minds of insurers at present—has often led cash-rich individuals and companies to invest in gold.