All Editorial articles – Page 90
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Features
Putting ILS to the test
The hype over cat bonds has been sustained by three years of dramatic growth. But can the good times last? Charles Thresh and Jonathon Lane consider the threat of the credit crunch to this burgeoning asset class.
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Investment Analysis
When a hedge fund sneezes
Will reinsurers catch a cold? Hedge funds experienced their first negative quarter on record in Q1. That could have dire consequences for the insurance companies and products they invest in, explains Lindsey Rogerson.
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Features
Will subprime fuel run-off?
It could be years before the full force of the credit crunch is felt by the insurance markets, as Michael Cook explains. So are initial reports of unscathed insurers premature?
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Features
Taking a fresh look
Solvency II will have a greater impact on run-off in Europe than the credit crunch. Those are the predictions, discovers Liz Booth. The new regulations will force companies to think more strategically and to consider exit solutions for their dead wood.
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Industry Matters
Expecting the unexpected
Steve Smith says the science points to a hurricane season in line with the heightened risk period – or worse.
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Features
An elegant solution
Only a few years have passed since cat bonds were commonly described as “an elegant solution in search of a problem”. They have since become a vital tool in the risk transfer armoury, but will they remain there? asks Mark Hvidsten.
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Industry Matters
Directive results
Most (re)insurers believe EU directives will cause a rise in run-off business, explains Dan Schwarzmann
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Country Analysis
Switzerland: The pressure cooker
Switzerland is increasingly home from home for Bermuda reinsurers. David Banks assesses its alpine attractions.
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Cover Story
Fragile China
It has been called “China’s Hurricane Andrew”. Following the Sichuan earthquake in China, Helen Yates asks how future events could be better insured and whether a government-backed catastrophe pool could be the solution.
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Features
The next industry changing loss
Only three years have passed since Hurricane Katrina sent three Bermuda reinsurers into run-off. Amanda Atkins considers what impact another major catastrophe could have on the market in 2008.
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GR Focus
Handling the capital glut
Can Bermuda reinsurers manage their excess capital successfully after two record-breaking years? If the market can get this right, it could just help to ease competitive pressures, explains Laline Carvalho.
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Features
Breaking with tradition
Sidecars have come and gone – at least for the time being – and cat bonds are continuing an upward surge. As Lloyd’s continues its foray into non-traditional reinsurance, David Banks asks if the market is ready to embrace the full range of capital market options.
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CEO Q&A
Lee Brandon
An interview with Lee Brandon, director and chief executive officer of PRO Insurance Solutions.
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GR Focus
Bermuda: Trouble in paradise?
The credit crunch, unpopular policies and the ever-looming threat of a major catastrophe loss are just some of the challenges facing Bermuda reinsurers. Some say Bermuda is losing its shine and yet the market has enjoyed two years of record profits. Helen Yates takes stock.
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Industry Matters
Balancing the scales
The Law Commissions’ proposed changes in insurance law will be welcomed as a means to correct perceived bias, says Ken McKenzie.
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Features
Holding back the rates
It became everyone’s favourite buzzword during the record years of 2006 and 2007. Now with falling earnings, increased competition and subprime losses, it’s time to put ERM to the test, argues Ronald Gift Mullins.
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Analysis
Argo Group: Sea change
Argo Group has had a busy decade. The recent Bermuda convert has seen its premiums explode from $100m in 1998 to just shy of an estimated $2bn this year. Mairi Mallon reports.
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Industry Matters
Ain’t no ocean wide enough
The Transatlantic insurance relationship could receive a boost if a joint proposal from both sides of the pond is applied, says Alberto Corinti.
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Online only
AM Best assigns ratings to Gulf Re
"Likely to maintain strong risk-adjusted capitalisation"
