April 2007/5

Acquisitions of rival (re)insurers are potentially less risky than organic growth in a softening market, according to Nick Johnson, senior insurance analyst at Numis Securities.

Japan’s improving economy has sparked an upgrade in the financial strength and debt ratings of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd from AA- to AA.

AXA is set to securitise a further portion of its motor portfolio some 18 months after its landmark FCC Sparc transaction.

Catlin Group underwriter Matthew Yeldham has become the latest ex-Wellington Underwriting employee to leave the group after it was confirmed he would be joining Bermudian firm Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited as its head of International Insurance.

David Shipley, one of Lloyd’s leading underwriters, has stepped down from the syndicate he founded in 2000.