February 2005/1

Lohmann cites ‘long-standing client relationships’ on better than expected showing Converium appears to have survived the the worst of the 1/1 renewals, according to the reinsurer. In a conference call on 17 February, CEO Dirk Lohmann told analysts he

Fitch spoils XL's party with mooted downgrade Bermudian giant XL Capital had its positive fourth quarter and year-end earnings release marred this month by an announcement from rating agency Fitch that it may slash the company's debt ratings. Fitch'

The sudden departure of Marie-Louise Rossi from the International Association of Underwriting (IUA) led to suggestions her parting was less than amicable - a view the IUA refused to contradict.

A UK court has ruled that insurers will have to pay compensation to thousands of people with pleural plaques, the scarring on the lung lining that indicates exposure to asbestos.

The integrated broking model may become a thing of the past if, as expected, the sale by Willis of its wholesale arm is repeated by the other major broking groups.

Willis has downplayed fears that it could be next in the firing line of former WTC leaseholder Larry Silverstein after the account for New York's Freedom Tower was transferred to rivals Aon earlier this month.

A further three employees have pleaded guilty to criminal charges in connection with bid-rigging investigations by New York attorney general Eliot Spitzer.

Settlement brings partial closure on commission controversy as focus shifts to implementing new business model It was three months in the making, and involved torturous semantics in the expression of contrition, but Marsh & McLennan's settlement with

Broking giant Aon Corporation is in advanced settlement talks with US regulators including New York attorney-general Eliot Spitzer, The Insurance Insider understands. According to sources, Aon Corporation is looking to agree a deal that will sweep up