July 2013/4

Total cat bond volumes have surpassed the previous record set in 2007, as investors continue to pour capital into the alternative reinsurance market lured by prospect of the sector's relatively high yields.

Ash Bathia, one of QBE's most senior and high profile London market underwriters, has left the company with "immediate effect", the Sydney-listed insurer confirmed today (22 July).

Lloyd's of London has received welcome news from two different rating agencies in recent weeks.

AIG promotes...; ...As does Fairfax; NZ again; Ace moves; HCC affirmed; Silverstein grounded; Dziadzio departs; Swinton fined; China quake; RLI beats; Equity offloads; American upgrade; Marsh UK names; QBE hires; Platinum Q2 profit down; Axis, Endurance eye $187mn Q2 cat losses; Hardy appoints; Chesterfield hires; Barbican lands duo; G20 flawed

American International Group (AIG), Beazley and Scor are set for a three-way tussle to claim the coveted risk carrier of the year award at this year's Insider Honours, the shortlist reveals today.

Despite having approached 30+ markets during a three-month marketing drive, Willis has yet publicly sign up a carrier for its ambitious new London market facility, Willis 360. Does this imply insurer scepticism or is it a sign of the complicated nature of the initiative?

When trying to determine whether an insurance company poses a systemic risk to the global economy, it is important to remember the differences between life and non-life insurance...

In the latest demonstration of how non-traditional capital is being tempted beyond its cat reinsurance comfort zone, Arch Capital and JP Morgan-owned Highbridge Capital Management are working on a pioneering initiative for casualty reinsurance risk...