September 2007/2

Rating agencies and other analysts have provided welcome reassurance over (re)insurers' direct exposure to the ongoing sub-prime turmoil.

Spreads of Lloyd's subordinated debt over the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) have widened since late July as concerns over US sub-prime mortgages hit credit markets.

Lloyd's results season picked up in earnest over the last four weeks as companies posted broadly healthy figures tempered by warnings of increased competition and tougher times ahead.

Despite fears that the insurance-linked securities (ILS) train could be de-railed by the recent turmoil in the financial markets, investor interest is expected to grow over the next 12-18 months...

Firms are bracing themselves for the imminent publication of the European Commission's report into business insurance.

Just one month after QBE expressed frustration with members' agents for their refusal to recommend an increased bid to buy out Names' capacity, Lloyd’s Franchise Performance Board (FPB) has expressed doubts...

Canopius and Beaufort latest to confirm interest

Premium rates in reinsurance will continue to decline at the January 2008 renewals in the absence of any major insurance losses, analysts at Fitch Ratings have predicted.

The timing of Canopius Group Ltd's launch of a $250mn, class 3 Bermudian reinsurer, Canopius Bermuda Ltd, has raised eyebrows when rates are peddling downwards.

Who is the world's largest insurer - both in terms of market value and income - without a UK commercial insurance company?

Fears that the sub-prime debacle may impact the insurance industry are beginning to materialise as a lawsuit brought against US mortgage bank, Countrywide Financial may turn into a directors’ and officers’ (D&O) claim...

Banks may begin to warehouse (re)insurance risk as securitisation momentum continues