All Features articles – Page 4
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News
No pain, no gain?
A grey cloud still looms over Solvency II, as feared market instability and confusion over how it will work leaves the industry feeling less than sunny. But will the long-term pros be worth the short-term cons? We zipped over to Brussels to hear the latest talks
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Cedants
Open door policy
Many countries are reluctant to allow premiums to flow out of their borders, but lobbyists argue that compulsory cessions are a barrier to free trade. And even local reinsurers are beginning to see the benefits of a liberalised market
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Cover StoryStill waters run deep
Calm and assured, Ulrich Wallin has kept Hannover Re on a steadfast course since taking the helm last summer. But as catastrophe losses hit hard this year, will he need to start rocking the boat?
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GR Focus
Captives: Fear of the unknown
With Solvency II upon us, captives are facing an uncertain, and industry bodies say unfair, future. Will the directive impose unreasonable capital requirements that late concessions to captives have not gone far enough to redress?
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GR Focus
Captives: These cell walls
Since the first protected cell company (PCC) legislation was introduced in Guernsey in 1997, this captive structure has quickly grown in popularity, with an estimated 41 domiciles playing host to cells today. And PCCs are expected to show even further growth, as new legislation widens their scope and flexibility, and ...
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GR Focus
Captives: The next big thing
After all the hype, the Middle East captive market has got off to a slow start. But as the global economy recovers, this could be the year it really takes off
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CedantsCedant Q&A: Jan Störmann of Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty
Understanding risks in depth and breadth, protecting capital and avoiding surprises are key to Jan Störmann’s success in buying reinsurance on a global scale. A background in underwriting helps too
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AnalysisWe are all crash dummies
The current financial crisis tells us that risk management is vital for every bank and insurance company. Stress testing and scenario analysis will play a big part
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News Agenda
The day after tomorrow
PartnerRe has followed a healthy 2009 with a Q1 loss, but its long-term stability and conservative approach mean it has retained confidence. As chief executive Patrick Thiele prepares to retire, we study his legacy
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AnalysisRig disaster to cost $3.5bn?
The Gulf of Mexico incident could force up prices for offshore energy liability insurance by as much as 200%, says Barclays Capital. We look at the reaction so far, and consider the pressure that the disaster is likely to place on the reinsurance industry
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Cover Story'Relax'
Bermuda’s premier has a reputation for pulling no punches, particularly with the business community on the island. But his message to the reinsurance industry is unexpectedly affable
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Supplements
Power up
ERM ambitions are rising as firms upgrade their models. But don’t expect your standard computing networks to keep up
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People & Opinion
Monty
First class lounge? Check. Fine wine? Check. Life as a grounded passenger is tough, you know
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CedantsInner workings
The first stage of Solvency II is upon us and the countdown is on for cedants to get their internal models approved, writes David Banks. But what else do they have to plan for? We offer a guide through a changing reinsurance relationship
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Claims
Global warning
Three US Court of Appeals cases could open the floodgates to mass tort claims and immense liability, by holding greenhouse gas-spewing corporations responsible for climate change damage. Could reinsurers be facing the ‘new asbestos’?
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News
View from the market: GCC
Qatar is well placed to lead the charge of strong growth in the Middle East, writes Shashank Srivastava acting CEO of Qatar Financial Centre Authority.
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Online only
Leader: Room for doubt
There is still a great deal of uncertainty about future capital requirments under Solvency II
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NewsCulture clash
A merger that looks great on paper can become unstuck when two disparate cultures collide, writes Muireann Bolger. Winning hearts and minds – one way or another – is vital to ensure a successful union
