Asia News

Flood Risks Rampant across Asia’s Factory Zones; Insurers Concerned

Global insurance companies are struggling to get a grip on their flood exposure in Asia nearly a year after one of the world’s costliest disasters hit Thailand, with executives fearing an even worse event may strike the region. Some firms …

Willis Creates New Units for Asia, Australasia, Middle East & Africa Operations

Willis International, the broker’s’ retail division, announced that in “recognition of the size, growth and strategic importance of its Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa operations, it has created three regional business units under new and expanded leadership.” Willis Asia …

UIB Restructures Property Team to Promote Growth

London-based international reinsurance broker UIB has overhauled its property team with a view to doubling the division’s revenues. UIB appointed Mark Ritson, formerly a UIB Energy director, to head the property division and to spearhead its growth. The team has …

Bid Deadline Nears for ING’s Asia Insurance Business

A wide range of suitors, from the son of Asia’s richest man and a former rugby player in New Zealand to more established players including AIA Group and Manulife Financial Corp, are expected to submit binding bids on Monday for …

Miller Hires Gao Zu Biao as North Asia Reinsurance Specialist

UK-based broker Miller announced that it has enhanced its North Asia reinsurance broking capabilities by appointing Gao Zu Biao, who will be based in its Hong Kong office. Jennifer Lin, Head of Miller Hong Kong said the appointment would “further …

Willis Names Lieu, Zhou to Strengthen Asia Client Team

Willis Group Holdings announced two key appointments to its Global Solutions (International) team, increasing its multinational client focus in Asia. Karen Lieu recently joined as Managing Director, Asia Global Solutions (International), while Michelle Zhou has been appointed Divisional Director, Global …

Willis Re Names Beedle to Head Asian Operations

Willis Re, the reinsurance arm of Willis Group Holdings has announced the appointment of James Beedle as CEO of its Asian operations. He has been a member of the Willis Re team since 1998 and has worked with numerous global …

AIG, Atradius Execs Join Micro-insurance Investor LeapFrog for Africa, Asia

LeapFrog Investments, an investment fund focused on insurance and financial services companies, announced two senior appointments as it expands its investment portfolio in Asia and Africa. David Steel, previously Managing Director of Strategic Planning for AIG, was named Director of …

HSBC Sells General Insurance Business to AXA, QBE for $914 Million

HSBC has agreed to sell its general insurance businesses to French insurer AXA Group and Australia’s QBE Insurance Group for $914 million in cash, as Europe’s biggest bank moves ahead with its plan to divest non-core assets. The deal, the …

Report: AXA, ACE Are Final Two Contestants for HSBC Insurance Arm

France’s AXA Group and ACE Limited are the final two suitors in the hunt to buy HSBC’s $1 billion general insurance business, people familiar with the matter said. HSBC, Europe’s biggest bank, started the sale of the unit in September …