Hannover Re News

Brave New World: 1st Reinsurance Product Heads to the Blockchain

Second of Two Articles There has been a lot of press – and perhaps hype – about blockchain and its potential to revolutionize the industry’s processes and ultimately improve the customer experience. However, the efforts of the industry’s B3i initiative …

Munich Re & Hannover Re Results on Track Despite Higher Nat Cat Claims

Reinsurers Munich Re and Hannover Re both reported that first quarter results are on track to meet their annual targets, despite Q1’s higher level of catastrophe claims. Munich Re reported consolidated first quarter profit rose 22 percent to €557 million …

Solvency II Drives Demand for Reinsurance During 1/1 Renewals: Fitch

The January renewals period show that Solvency II will increase demand for reinsurance products as European insurers attempt to strengthen their capital position through risk transfers, Fitch Ratings said. The main beneficiaries are likely to be the financially strongest reinsurers …

Munich Re Q4 Earnings Drop to 500M Euros ($530M) on Nat Cat Claims

Munich Re, the world’s biggest reinsurer, reported a bigger-than-expected drop in fourth-quarter earnings as claims from natural disasters rose while prices continue to fall. Net income declined to about 500 million euros ($530 million) from about 700 million euros a …

Blockchain Insurance Industry Initiative B3i Grows to 15 Members

The Blockchain Insurance Industry Initiative B3i, which was launched in October 2016 to explore the potential use of distributed ledger technology, has grown to 15 members from its original five. Members of the B3i initiative are collaborating to explore the …

Hannover Re Receives License to Launch Branch in India

Hannover Re received approval, known as R3 authorization, to establish a branch in India from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The opening up of the Indian market to foreign reinsurers enables Hannover Re to enjoy direct …

Bermuda-Based Somerset Re Raises Capitalization to $375 Million

Somerset Reinsurance Ltd. has increased its common share capitalization to $375 million, including investments from three strategic investors and a diverse group of high net worth investors. Somerset Re provides customized risk management solutions to the life insurance and annuity …

Western Insurers Slowly Re-Enter Deals with Iran – a Market Valued at $9B

Western insurers are slowly reaching deals with Iran as they seek to re-enter a multi-billion dollar market although the pace of business is hampered by banking restrictions 10 months on from the lifting of international sanctions. Shut out of international …

Is This the Bottom of Reinsurance Cycle? Opinions Vary at Rendez-Vous

It may be wishful thinking – but some major reinsurers are hoping the bottom of the reinsurance cycle is at hand. Both Swiss Re and Hannover Re told journalists at this year’s reinsurance Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monaco that they …

Soft Prices May Bring Reinsurer Losses when Typical Cat Levels Return: Execs

It won’t take another Hurricane Katrina for reinsurers to face losses from covering the cost of storms and earthquakes. Competitors such as hedge funds have eroded prices so much that a typical year of claims could move the industry into …