Canadian market News

Small Businesses Underestimate Cyber Risks Despite Increased Threats: IBC Survey

Most small businesses don’t believe they will experience a cyber attack, yet many employees are concerned they are putting their organizations at risk, according to a recent poll by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). IBC’s 2023 Cyber Security Survey found …

Nova Scotia Floods Cost Insurers More Than C$170 Million

An atmospheric river event that led to significant flooding in parts of Nova Scotia on July 23, 2023, is estimated to have caused over C$170 million (US$125.5 million) in insured damage, according to initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification …

Canada Financial Regulator Proposes Capital Guidelines for Cryptoassets

Canada’s financial regulator on Wednesday proposed changes to its capital and liquidity approach to cryptoassets, citing a risky environment and in response to international banking standards. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)said guidelines were for federally regulated …

Canada Regulator Proposes Banks, Insurers Hold More Capital to Tackle Mortgage Risks

Canada’s banking regulator on Tuesday proposed changes to capital adequacy guidelines that would require lenders and mortgage insurers to hold more funds to better manage risks from a sharp rise in home loan rates. Variable home loan rates have risen …

Markets/Coverages: Coalition Launches Active Cyber Insurance in Quebec

Coalition, the San Francisco-based cyber managing general agent and cyber-security firm, announced its cyber insurance and technology errors and omissions (E&O) insurance offerings are now available in Quebec. Brokers can receive highly streamlined quotes for small businesses to large enterprises, …

Definity’s McDougall Insurance Brokers to Acquire Canada’s Drayden Insurance

McDougall Insurance Brokers Ltd., the Belleville, Ontario-based subsidiary of Definity Financial Corp., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Drayden Insurance Ltd. for C$208 million (US156.9 million), subject to closing and post-closing adjustments. The transaction …

Cyber Attack Could Threaten Canada’s Overall Financial Stability: Central Bank

The Bank of Canada on Thursday [May 18] said it was worried that a major cyber attack on one part of the financial system could quickly spread and threaten overall financial stability. In an annual review of Canada’s financial system, …

Housing Market Downturn Among Top Risks to Canada’s Financial System: Regulator

A potential downturn in Canada’s housing market and adjusting to rapid increases in interest rates are among the biggest risks to Canada’s financial system this fiscal year, the country’s financial regulator said on Tuesday [April 18]. The Office of the …

Canada’s Desjardins Is Seeking Property/Casualty Insurance Acquisitions

Canada’s Desjardins Group is seeking acquisitions in the property and casualty (P/C) insurance space as it seeks to boost its presence across the country, CEO Guy Cormier told Reuters on Tuesday. Cormier said the Quebec-based cooperative financial group is mainly …

Toronto Office Vacancies Hit 28-Year High as Remote Work Persists

The office vacancy rate in downtown Toronto reached its highest point since 1995 as the persistence of remote work damps companies’ need for space in Canada’s most-populous city. The vacancy rate in the city core, home to the largest Canadian …