Category:

Reinsurance

Willis Towers mulls sale of reinsurance unit after halting merger

Reports this week suggested Gallagher was close to clinching a deal for Willis Re, but Willis Towers Watson Chief Executive Officer John Haley said he is considering wider possibilities.

“We’re conducting a review of strategic alternatives for Willis Re,” Haley told a conference call on Tuesday reporting on second-quarter results. While the timing was “appropriate” given the failed merger, he warned that a sale was not assured.

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Descartes Underwriting opening 2 offices in Asia-Pacific

“We are proud to bring Descartes’ solutions closer to brokers and corporate clients. As a region, Asia-Pacific is more exposed to natural catastrophes and extreme weather events than others. From record breaking super typhoons Goni and Amphram in 2020, major hail events and bushfires in Australia, and tragic 1-in-1000 year flooding in China and India this summer – the rising incidence of severe weather throughout the region is compounded by climate change and is resulting in increased year-after-year losses”, said Robert Drysdale, Head of Southeast AsiaDescartes Underwriting,

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Howden appoins a head in newly created Entertainment practice 

Connell joins Howden from EC3 Brokers where he was Head of Contingency and Entertainment, a role he has held for the past four years. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing and delivering creative solutions for clients in the entertainment sector, enabling them to navigate the continued insurance and risk management related challenges posed by Covid-19

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Ransomware attacks hit record 300 mn in 1st half of 2021: Report

In line with spikes in global data, the researchers also recorded alarming ransomware spikes across key verticals, including government (917 per cent), education (615 per cent), healthcare (594 per cent) and retail (264 per cent) organisations.
“In a year driven by anxiety and uncertainty, cybercriminals have continued to accelerate attacks against innocent people and vulnerable institutions,” Bill Conner, President and CEO, Sonic Wall, said in a statement.

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Shipping losses stay at historic lows, but Asia remains largest global loss hotspot:Allianz

“Overall, the frequency of marine claims has not reduced. We are also seeing an increased cost of hull and machinery claims due to delays in the manufacture and delivery of spare parts, as well as a squeeze on available shipyard space,” says Justus Heinrich, Global Product Leader, Marine Hull, at AGCS.

“Overall, the frequency of marine claims has not reduced. We are also seeing an increased cost of hull and machinery claims due to delays in the manufacture and delivery of spare parts, as well as a squeeze on available shipyard space,” says Justus Heinrich, Global Product Leader, Marine Hull, at AGCS.

The world’s piracy hotspot, the Gulf of Guinea, accounted for over 95% of crew numbers kidnapped worldwide in 2020. Last year, 130 crew were kidnapped in 22 incidents in the region – the highest number ever – and the problem has continued. Vessels are being targeted further away from the shore – over 200 nautical miles (nm) in some cases.

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Irish approves laws to make bankers and insurers more accountable

The new regime will apply to senior individuals in banks, insurance firms – excluding reinsurance companies – investment firms which are authorised to hold client monies or assets and third country branches of those categories.
The new laws will allow for additional fines and regulatory findings against individuals.

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