Analysis and insights on the global reinsurance and specialty markets

Analysis

Un-modelled risk: Known unknowns?

The recent spate of natural catastrophe losses has once again put the focus on un-modelled risk, and what steps are being taken by the market to cover the gaps.

Analysts mixed on positive US pricing thesis as Q2 earnings begin

Although the second quarter P&C earnings season that got underway in the US today will include the impact of weather losses and positive marks on investment portfolios, the focus of investors is likely to be on pricing momentum.

Hiscox now valued at record 3x NTA as investors remain loyal despite 2019 earnings hit

Analysts have remained upbeat about prospects for London market veteran Hiscox, despite the carrier posting an ominous trading update last week, noting that shares are currently trading at a record multiple.

US commercial property momentum picks up through mid-year renewals

The rate of acceleration in US commercial property pricing increased through the key 1 June and 1 July renewals as insurers pushed for rate as well as improved terms and conditions on accounts, multiple broking and underwriting sources have told The Insurer.

ILS investors continue to suffer as (re)insurance equities boom in H1

While investors in (re)insurance equities and debt have enjoyed a ripping H1, the ILS sector continued the malaise that gripped it for much of 2018.

JLT seeks £10mn recoveries from Hyperion as legal proceedings roll on

Following our revelation that MMC-owned JLT had begun legal proceedings in the UK against the London-headquartered intermediary Hyperion in the wake of a flurry of high-profile resignations, The Insurer examines JLT’s claim for £10mn in recoveries.

Asia-Pacific to drive non-life growth despite Chinese slow-down

Analysis from the latest sigma study from the Swiss Re Institute, World Insurance: the great pivot east continues, suggests that for the next two years the main driver of growth in non-life premium income will be from Asian-Pacific economies, though the tremendous recent growth witnessed in the Chinese market is ...

Rocketing ransomware attacks the cyber story of 2019

A spate of ransomware attacks on US cities in the past two months is just the latest development in a year for the cyber market so far defined by rocketing levels of ransomware activity.

Analysis: Peru payout shows ILS worth but developing country demand still lagging

Last week’s confirmation of a $60mn payout on a World Bank cat bond covering Peru earthquake showed the value of ILS and other risk transfer for developing country governments, but a new report sponsored by Nephila shows steady demand for these types of products has yet to emerge.

Assessing product liability in the digital age

Is EU product liability directive 85/374/EEC still an adequate tool in a world of smartphones and driverless cars? Following a lengthy formal evaluation, the European Commission is set to unveil its findings imminently. The insurance industry has come out fighting.

Lloyd’s: 22 syndicates to be approved for mid-term growth

Lloyd’s performance management directorate (PMD) is set to approve around 22 syndicate applications to increase capacity at mid-point 2019, The Insurer can reveal.

S&P: insurers face outsize losses from potential casualty catastrophes

D&O displaying discipline, but not yet a hard market

US D&O insurers are showing a new-found willingness to walk away if their price increase demands are not met, while the increasing cost of defending claims is putting lower excess insurers in the burn layer more.

Executive compensation revolt seen as a welcome phenomenon

*AIG, Argo, Axis and RenaissanceRe all had more than 30% of shareholders oppose their executive compensation

AIG among the few IP insurers as market struggles for lift off

A report from Betterley Risk Consultants has revealed the market for intellectual property (IP) insurance remains highly specialised with limited capacity and modest growth but media liability insurance – which touches on IP areas – is growing much faster.