March 2013/1

In contrast to other recent renewals, the rise of the alternative reinsurance markets is expected to have only a limited impact at 1 April due to Japanese cedants' circumspect approach to non-traditional underwriters

Japanese catastrophe excess-of-loss rates look set for a modest squeeze at the key 1 April renewals, but additional demand from the kyosai and the impact of the original rate rises on the vast quake pro-ratas will give reinsurers something to cheer

Why distribution is getting hotter (again)...

Private equity-backed US broking house AssuredPartners is planning to complete 20 to 25 transactions in 2013 as it seeks to build a position as a top-10 middle market broker in the US

As the London-headquartered independent brokers begin to file results for financial years ending in 2012, the overarching theme is robust top-line growth and high levels of reinvestment in new business platforms and teams

Significant uncertainty surrounds the scheduled 1 June reinsurance renewal for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), as the state's legislature considers reforms to either shore up the creaking wind pool or disband it altogether

Willis is marketing a new hybrid retrocession product that aims to address buyer fears about the basis risk of index covers, The Insurance Insider can reveal...

Bermudian carrier Axis has jettisoned founding CEO John Charman's objection to a Lloyd's platform and started actively pursuing a syndicate of its own, The Insurance Insider can reveal

The industry's largest catastrophe treaty, which is purchased by Japanese agricultural mutual Zenkyoren, is currently slated to get $1.3bn bigger at its 1 April renewal, The Insurance Insider can reveal