June 2008/2

Swiss reinsurer Glacier Re has successfully launched its $180mn Nelson Re 2008-I bond, a move predicted by Trading Risk last month.

Reinsurance broker Benfield Group Limited has made a cash investment of $20.5mn in Hannover Re's $133mn Florida-focused sidecar vehicle, Globe Re.

Risk modelling firm Risk Management Solutions (RMS) has launched its second natural catastrophe index under the Paradex banner, that it says will lead to earlier loss settlement.

Hedge fund giant Man Group has acquired a 25 percent stake in Bermudian investment manager Nephila Capital for $50mn.

Insurers are not expecting to face a significant payout from the blaze that caused damage to the Californian theme park and studio lot of Universal Studios at the start of the month.

American International Group (AIG) has been ordered to give its former CEO and chairman, Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, access to company documents by the New York Court of Appeals.

Shares in American International Group Inc (AIG) fell 7 percent to close at $33.93 Friday after it emerged the company is being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over its valuation of contracts linked to sub-prime mortgages.

Gulf Re, the $400mn reinsurer formed in a joint venture between Arch Capital Group Ltd and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), has been granted a licence by the Dubai authorities.

New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo has reached an agreement with three major rating agencies that promises to overhaul the way they collect fees and to improve their process for rating mortgage-backed securities.

Ariel Re's Lloyd's insurer Atrium has appointed Scott Moser - one of the architects of the Equitas transaction with Berkshire Hathaway - as a non-executive director.

Brit Insurance Ltd (BIL) has received a "negative" outlook on its insurance financial strength (IFS) rating by Fitch Ratings, following concerns over its regional UK expansion.

The dispute between Randall & Quilter (R&Q) affiliate Cavell USA and private equity owned run-off insurers Seaton Insurance Co and Stonewall Insurance Co is set for an airing in the English courts this autumn.