July 2013/4

AIR Worldwide has officially launched Touchstone, a new catastrophe modelling platform that it says will allow users to gain a deeper understanding of their risk exposures.

The upcoming Version 13 Atlantic hurricane model from RMS will generally lower its view of risk compared to its controversial Version 11 release.

Recent commentary from brokers has raised the first warning signs that positive pricing momentum in the primary US P&C markets may be beginning to wane.

As Maiden looks to shrug off the irritation of a disgruntled former employee, its ‘sister company' AmTrust Financial may face questions over its accounting choices as a renowned short-sell-focused research firm continues to recommend selling the company's stock.

The P&C (re)insurance industry is not an obvious arena for whistleblowing disputes, but that is set to change later this year when a former Maiden executive accuses the Bermudian reinsurer's largest shareholders of using their powerful position to enrich themselves at the expense of other investors.

The potential collapse of Latvian insurer Balva could cost the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme around £60mn based on its market share in the UK solicitors' PI sector.

Total disclosed losses relating to the widespread European flooding in May and June have climbed by $110mn in the last week to around $1.8bn.

Preliminary estimates for the insured damage to Colorado's Black Forest region suggest a loss of $292.8mn, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA).

The niche death and disgrace (D&D) market is unlikely to face a claim following the news that sportswear manufacturer Adidas has suspended its sponsorship of Tyson Gay after the sprinter failed a drugs test.

The (re)insurance market is bracing itself for an $800mn total loss following the April flood and fire at the YPF La Plata refinery in Argentina, according to our sister title Inside FAC.

International marine reinsurers are expressing increased concern over the potential for further deterioration in the vast $900mn removal of wreck element of the $1.14bn P&I bill for the Costa Concordia.

Mitsui Sumitomo and Tokio Marine have emerged as significant insurers of the cargo on board the sunken containership MOL Comfort, The Insurance Insider can reveal.