August 2005/5

Amlin predicts strong first half year Shares in Lloyd’s insurer Amlin Plc rose sharply on 17 August after the company released a better-than-expected trading statement.

Underwriter Mark Warrilow has been promoted to head the crime book of business within the Specialty division of Markel International.

Canopius has announced the appointment of Lloyd’s recently departed head of risk management Stephen Manning as its new chief risk officer.

A new group, formed of marine claims adjusters from the member companies of both the International Underwriting Association (IUA) and the Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA), has been established for marine claims practitioners in the London market.

Giant insurer Zurich Financial Services Group (ZFS) reported a strong set of half-year results last Thursday (18 August), prompting ratings agency Fitch to upgrade its financial strength ratings from “A” to “A+”.

GoshawK – the parent company of Bermudian reinsurer Rosemont Re – issued a profits warning last week as exposures from recent catastrophe losses continue to grow.

Lloyd’s insurer Chaucer revealed improved syndicate forecasts for both the 2003 and 2004 years of account, together with positive progress on the current year of account, as it released a trading update last Thursday (18 August).

UK insurer Brit Insurance Holdings plc followed rivals Hiscox and Amlin in releasing a bullish trading statement last Friday (19 August), revealing its forthcoming half-year results will be "materially ahead" of expectations.