France News

Customer & Credit Risks top Agendas for European Business, Says Marsh

New research, conducted by Marsh, has found that senior executives in Europe’s leading organizations are most concerned about customer-related risks and access to credit, as they plan their recovery from the global economic downturn. Marsh said the nearly two-thirds of …

World Leaders Back Delay for Final Climate Change Agreement

U.S. President Barack Obama and other world leaders on Sunday supported delaying a legally binding climate pact until 2010 or even later, but European negotiators said the move did not imply weaker action. Some argued that legal technicalities might otherwise …

New York Signs Regulatory Agreement with El Salvador

The New York Insurance Department has signed a cooperation agreement with its counterpart in El Salvador, the latest in a string of similar agreements with insurance regulators in foreign countries. The agreement calls for increased cooperation on insurance-related issues between …

Best Affirms AVIVA & Subs Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+” for the subsidiaries of the UK-based non-operating holding company, AVIVA plc. Best also affirmed the ICR of “a-” and the …

Armistice Day Commemorations in Europe Promise ‘Never Again’

The ceremonies commemorating the end of the First World War, 91 years ago today, took on a special significance this time. They are remarkably uniform throughout Europe. Each of the nations involved in that murderous conflict continues to honor those …

New Swiss Bonus Rules Target Big Banks and Insurers

Switzerland’s largest banks and insurers will have to defer the bulk of managers’ bonuses and better match pay to performance under new rules aimed at curbing risky investments. Swiss financial regulator FINMA had planned to impose the rules on the …

France’s AXA Eyes Asia Growth with Takeover Bid

AXA Asia Pacific rejected a $10.3 billion bid from parent AXA SA and Australian rival AMP Ltd on Monday, an initial hurdle for the French insurer’s bold ambitions to expand in Asia. AXA SA, Europe’s second-largest insurer it would raise …

New York Signs Regulatory Agreement with El Salvador

The New York Insurance Department has signed a cooperation agreement with its counterpart in El Salvador, the latest in a string of similar agreements with insurance regulators in foreign countries. The agreement calls for increased cooperation on insurance-related issues between …

AXA Sees Better Market Conditions, Despite Decrease in 9-Month Sales

France’s AXA Group, which ranks alongside Allianz as Europe’s two biggest insurers, said its business environment was getting better despite reporting a dip in nine-month sales on Thursday. Sales fell to €68.094 billion ($100.4 billion). Analysts in a Reuters poll …

Best Affirms Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty ‘A+’ Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A+’ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “aa” of Germany’s Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty AG (AGCS AG). Best also affirmed the FSR of ‘A+’ (Superior) and …