All Features articles – Page 2
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Supplements
Moving target
The reinsurance domicile debate is raging once again. Uncertainty over US tax rules and Solvency II is causing a ‘Bermuda drift’ to European centres such as Zurich, which has prime conditions for hub status
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People & Opinion
Regaining momentum
Bermuda is at the forefront of a resurgence of interest in insurance-linked securities. So what are the growing attractions of this risk diversification method?
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Country Focus
Panama: The sky’s the limit
Panama may be small, but this plucky country has big plans. And being sandwiched between Central and South America, politically stable and with similar rules to Lloyd’s, there are plenty of reasons to believe it can go all the way
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Supplements
Gulf of plenty
Premium growth in the Middle East has continued to climb despite the downturn, with personal lines activity alongside mega-projects in construction, energy and engineering. As the market matures, what opportunities will it bring?
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Claims
Take cover
The threat of terrorist attacks – both regional and global – is never far from the headlines. But it is an evolving picture that places ever-changing demands on the reinsurance sector
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Supplements
Catching the wind
With its square mile of talent and changing attitude to reform, could London – and Lloyd’s in particular – be the main beneficiary of the Solvency II era?
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Profile
Guy Carpenter: Top team, big change
Guy Carpenter has reacted to the creation of Aon Benfield and the financial crisis by beefing up its management and boosting its analytical advice. Just as important, the team works hard, works well, and has fun. Results are good, the company is growing and it’s also closing in on a ...
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Supplements
Q&A with Akshay Randeva
The Qatar Financial Centre Authority’s director of strategy outlines the attractions of a hub-in-waiting
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Features
Renewable optimism
The energy sector is established fac territory, but broadly soft rates mean canny reinsurers are focusing on offshore and renewable sectors to achieve growth
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People & Opinion
The Markel makeover
Markel International, the (re)insurer created from the muddle of Terra Nova, is bursting with ambition. We talk to its leaders about where next for the firm that has embraced US-style management and has its eye on major growth
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Features
When the going gets soft
The direct and facultative market is getting softer, but demand is up and capacity cutbacks should prevent a freefall. Senior insurance figures say it will take a sizable loss or a series of significant losses to turn the market
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Features
Fac to the future
Brokers are credited with bringing facultative reinsurance back from the brink, and technology and improved analysis are powering increased global trading at a more local level. Fac also helps buyers to take a more strategic view of their needs
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Features
Q&A with Dom Tobey
PartnerRe’s head of facultative talks about the pressures, trends and evolving priorities of the market
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Claims
Details make the difference
A soft reinsurance market is looming, and with it come fears of a rise in claims disputes as underwriters take bigger risks to drum up new business. We warn of the need to stay focused under pressure
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Cedants
Because bad cover is worse than no cover
When it comes to selecting a reinsurer, cedants must choose carefully if they want to ensure reliable coverage. Sometimes the soft information is as important as the cold hard financial facts. We present the savvy shopper’s guide
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Lines & Risks
No time for auto pilot
Recent aviation losses and overcapacity seem to be leaving the market in neutral. But as one major loss threatens to trigger reinsurance programmes and experts warn that profits must be made soon, hitting cruise control just isn’t an option
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News Agenda
Ready for take-off
Solvency II is likely to lead to extra business for reinsurers. However, every expert has their own view on the effect of the new regime. Will it mean a greater demand for capital or expertise, or both?
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Claims
Should we stay or go?
Increased claims for injury are affecting UK reinsurers, and new court-imposed periodical payment orders are proving expensive. Some talk of leaving the UK market, but is there also a chance of growth?
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Supplements
Asia perils: Bespoke modelling
Asia’s use of catastrophe models is increasingly sophisticated, but the industry still has some way to go to make the most of the concept