Captive insurance vehicles are increasingly being used by businesses to provide cover for non-traditional risks, according to a new benchmarking report published by Marsh. Marsh’s report, “The World of Captives: Growth and Opportunities Without Borders,” states that the number of …
Expectations of rising dividends and share buybacks from Europe’s insurance companies are fading as ultra low interest rates make it harder for them to meet new capital regulations. Rock-bottom interest rates reduce insurers’ investment returns, raising the risk of them …
RMS, the Newark, Calif.-based catastrophe risk management firm, has released updated RMS Europe windstorm models and North Atlantic hurricane models. The 15.0 RMS Europe Windstorm Models’ hazard and vulnerability components have been updated to strengthen risk selection and portfolio management …
The Bank of England said on Friday that it would apply new European Union insurance regulations “proportionately,” following industry fears that the central bank might seek to add extra rules for companies based in Britain. The so-called Solvency II rules, …
Storebrand ASA, Norway’s largest listed insurance company based on assets under management, is buying mortgage bonds and real estate to escape negative rates. “Mortgage and corporate loans, where we are familiar with the credit quality, are exciting,” Chief Executive Officer …
Insurers and reinsurers in western Europe posted solid performances in 2014 and retained their capital strength against a backdrop of economic calm, according to a new special report from A.M. Best. The report analyzes the agency’s ratings actions through the …
A.M. Best said it would be premature to draw negative conclusions from the most recent Solvency II stress tests conducted by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and does not anticipate any rating implications at this stage. In …
Mapfre SA, the biggest insurer in Spain, is seeking to expand and may make acquisitions in Europe and the U.S., Chairman Antonio Huertas said. The company isn’t constrained by regulators’ efforts to stiffen capital requirements for the insurance industry, Huertas, …
One in four European insurers may struggle to meet promises to policyholders in a prolonged period of low interest rates, the European Union’s insurance watchdog said following a stress test of the industry. These insurers will need to raise capital …
Profit margins in the U.K. non-life insurance sector are under pressure this year as companies fight to maintain pricing discipline in an extremely competitive market, according to a new A.M. Best special report. Premium rates are falling in personal lines …
