All Features articles – Page 11
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Features
CAT modelling
The industry’s confidence in catastrophe models was tested in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina defied loss expectations. In our latest survey, Global Reinsurance asked readers how they feel about the models now. Helen Yates presents the results.
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Country Analysis
Between two storms
Mexico is vulnerable to hurricanes on both coasts and flooding as far inland as the capital city. As Ana Paula Nacif discovers, catastrophe modelling in the country is progressing – and bringing with it a better understanding of the country’s exposures.
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Investment Analysis
Betting on the weather
Weather derivatives have shed their post-Enron reputation as risky and exotic instruments. Lindsey Rogerson charts their impressive growth and asks if the attraction for investors is sustainable.
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Features
Washed away
Amidst continued recovery from the Midwestern floods and heightened concerns regarding the US levee and dam infrastructure, the insurance industry braces itself for the onset of the hurricane season
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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
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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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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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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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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Cover Story
Raising the Titanic
If New York’s Insurance Exchange was such a failure in the 1980s, why would regulators want to recreate a similar one today? Ronald Gift Mullins discovers that many people think the time is now right to establish a “Lloyd’s” in NYC.
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GR Focus
Willingness to pay
Insurers and reinsurers can build competitive advantage through providing a better claims service. Martin Thomas demonstrates how this can be done.
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Analysis
Navigating stormy seas
Greenlight Re is in capital-preservation mode. The Cayman-based reinsurer, which has a dual engine strategy, split between liabilities and equity, is playing it safe in both the volatile stock markets and softening reinsurance environment. Mairi Mallon reports.
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GR Focus
London market: Time to move on
With rumours that Lloyd’s could be developing a new central platform, Marcus Alcock asks if the ghost of Kinnect has been finally laid to rest.
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Investment Analysis
Investment: Spreading nasty rumours
Using negative market sentiment for positive gain has become an increasingly prevalent fact of life. As the downturn in the global financial markets gathers pace, the vultures are circling, discovers Lindsey Rogerson.
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Features
Lighting the way forward
In a competitive sector, another year of record profits and benign catastrophe losses are simply exerting more downward pressure on energy reinsurance rates. But there is still some opportunity for reinsurers, discovers Jon Guy.
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Features
Captive king
Despite its grand ambitions, the Cayman Islands is not yet a serious rival to Bermuda’s reinsurance crown. But it is the world’s second-largest captive jurisdiction. Ana Paula Nacif reports.
