Articles by L.S. Howard

Reinsurers Adopt Divergent Strategies About Natural Catastrophe Exposures: S&P

The natural catastrophe business of global reinsurers has been reshaped by five years of higher-than-expected losses, which is leading reinsurers to adopt divergent strategies – either diving in to write more business at higher premiums or reducing their exposure, according …

ILS Investors Could Help Fill Cyber Re/Insurance Protection Gap if Hurdles Are Overcome

The cyber re/insurance protection gap provides an opportunity for insurance-linked securities (ILS) investors, which historically have filled the gaps where traditional capital has either retrenched or is unavailable, according to a report published by S&P Global Ratings. “The demand for …

Industry’s Blockchain Project, B3i, Ceases to Trade After Filing for Insolvency

The industry’s blockchain project, B3i, has ceased activities and filed for insolvency following unsuccessful funding rounds. “The directors, following consultation with the shareholders, have collectively concluded that there was not sufficient support to continue with the venture at this stage,” …

Reinsurer SCOR Reports H1 Loss of €239M Blamed on Ukraine War, Natural Disasters

Reinsurer SCOR reported a first half loss attributed to the war in Ukraine, natural catastrophes and the severe drought in Brazil. The H1 loss of €239 million (US$242.6 million), compares with net income of €380 million (US$385.8 million) reported during …

The Global Urgency of Building the Carbon Removal Industry

“If you build it, they will come.” This famous, but paraphrased, quote from the film “Field of Dreams” is apropos of the fledgling carbon removal industry. The demand is there, but supply needs to be built. The carbon removal industry …

Insurance Industry Support of Carbon Removal Needed in Drive to Net Zero

Ditching investments in fossil fuel businesses—and denying them insurance—aren’t the only ways for the insurance industry to participate in the drive to net zero greenhouse gas emissions, according to representatives of global insurers and reinsurers. Even those companies that are …

Lloyd’s Prefers to Stay in Landmark London Headquarters, With the Right Terms

Lloyd’s has decided to stay in its landmark headquarters building at One Lime Street in London – as long as it receives acceptable terms for the renewal of its lease. In January, the market reportedly was conducting a review of …

Quantum Computing, Lower Construction Quality, Legal Tech Seen as Emerging Risks: Swiss Re

The global community continues to deal with known challenges such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, economic turmoil and failing trust in established social institutions. But a report from Swiss Re reminds re/insurers there are new emerging risks on …

Emerging Risks: Quantum Computing, Lower Construction Quality, Legal Tech etc.

The global community continues to deal with known challenges such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, economic turmoil and failing trust in established social institutions. But a report from Swiss Re reminds re/insurers there are new emerging risks on …

Many Business Leaders Feel Unprepared for Growing Geopolitical Risks, Inflation

Many business leaders feel unprepared for growing geopolitical risks and inflation, according to a report published by Beazley. “Across the UK and U.S., fewer business leaders feel well prepared to manage geopolitical risks. Concerns about the possible consequences of war …