October 2012/2

In contrast to their Bermuda and London-based peers, analysts have been less bullish on the prospect of capital returns at continental reinsurers.

Speculation is mounting that London (re)insurers will be looking to return excess capital to shareholders over the coming months

The UK operations of AJ Gallagher International and Price Forbes reported a decline in profits for 2011 as one-off costs overbore revenue growth

After a third consecutive quarter of benign natural catastrophe losses, analysts predict that (re)insurers will accelerate plans to return their growing capital hoards to shareholders, when the third quarter results season begins at the end of this month.

The loss of the 3,100 TEU Bareli container ship on 15 March will produce a loss to the IG reinsurance programme that kicks in above the IG's pooled $60mn retention The Insurance Insider has learned

Major corporate clients are increasingly looking to insurers for high-up catastrophe umbrella-style coverage to protect them against loss events that threaten their balance sheets.

The remarkably benign year for cat losses means (re)insurers are under growing pressure to return capital to shareholders when the third quarter earnings season begins later this month

Losses for US crop (re)insurers appear likely to be somewhat lower than previously expected, following rainfall due to Isaac

With the steam already gone from property cat reinsurance, there are now concerns that broader momentum may be stalling