From Editor-in-chief

Tan Suee Chieh: Achieving right consumer outcomes in developed life insurance markets

Food for thought - Don't let a Game Changer eat your lunch!

The 2013 IIS Hall of fame Laureate: A bull for his people

Do not expect Mr Robert Benmosche, President & CEO of AIG, to balk at making tough or unpopular decisions and then look back and second-guess them. Expect him to take up the cudgels for his people, even if that means resisting decisions he believes...

Lloyd's: Refereeing the field

As Director of Performance Management at Lloyd's, Mr Tom Bolt's role spans a wide spectrum - from assessing franchise proposals to the nitty-gritty in analysing underwriting performance across classifications. Asia Insurance Review speaks to him for...

Asian aroma tantalises the world again

There is still much to be optimistic about in Asia. Total premium income in the Asia Pacific region will virtually double by 2020 and Asia's life sector promises to hit US$2 trillion by 2025. With such tantalising prospects, Asia is indeed still a...

Asia is darling still

Much hope was pinned on Asia as it posted record growths following the turn of the century. But has the region lost its lustre since the slowdown in its markets in recent years? Not really, say consultants in the region. Asia remains the darling of...

Bright growth outlook despite challenges

Premium income in the Asia-Pacific region will virtually double to EUR925 billion by 2020, with almost half of the growth in primary insurance coming from this region. Munich Re's Dr Michael Menhart looks at the opportunities the region will offer...

Life Focus: Design, pricing and distribution the key for long-term success

RGA's Marc Sofer and Jerome Matrundola discuss challenges as well as opportunities for life insurers in Asia.

Life Focus: Multiple event critical illness products - A forgotten market need?

Mr Karsten DeBraff of SCOR Global Life (SGL) Asia-Pacific laments the lack of popularity for multiple event critical illness product, while extolling its values.

Agriculture: Food for thought: How to ensure food security for 9 billion people?

With global population expected to top 9 billion by 2050, ensuring food security poses a major challenge. Mr Amit Kaira of Swiss Re explores.

Growth assured in 2013

Despite the not-so-rosy economic environment, the life and general sectors in South Korea are forging ahead with positive growth expectations for the year. Both sectors have made efforts to expand the pie and develop new products which fuel...

Life insurance: Impressive growth, but more work ahead

The Korea life sector is set to announce impressive results for financial year 2012. Mr Kim Gyu-Bok, Chairman of Korea Life Insurance Association (KLIA), shares what the association and sector are doing to manage an expected tougher 2013. By...

General insurance: Looking beyond the past setbacks to a positive outlook

2012 was a rough year as general insurers faced increased loss ratios within, whilst taking a hit overseas. Despite facing adversity, Mr Moon Jae-Woo, Chairman & CEO of the General Insurance Association of Korea (GIAK) is confident the industry can...

Cambodia: Changes afoot with AEC at hand

Cambodia welcomed its first dedicated life insurer last year. There is plenty of work to be done, but the ASEAN Economic Integration will help and should not be feared, says Mr Chhay Rattanak, Chairman, Insurance Association of Cambodia.

Africa: A New El Dorado - Africa draws

Africa is fast becoming the next big market for insurers, thanks to its growing economies, improving political climate and low rates of insurance penetration. We bring you a special report on this continent of 55 countries..

Health across India

In this extract from The Geneva Association Newsletter, Dr S Jayaprakash from Nanobi Data and Analytics shares his view on what the Indian government can do to promote healthcare and insurance in the country.

Amendments to Singapore's Insurance Law in force now: Insurers take note

The recent changes to Singapore's Insurance Act are significant and require careful consideration by insurers. Mr Ian Roberts and Ms Melissa Russell of Clyde & Co LLP discuss their implications.

Curtain raiser for specialty risks summit: Mitigating the ripple effect of disasters in Corporate & Speciality risks

Business interruption, natural catastrophes and fire represent the top three risks for corporate and specialty businesses in 2013. Mr Tim Donney, Mr David Robertson and Mr José Fidalgo from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty discuss mitigation...

Pausing for thought

Mr James Beedle of Willis Re Asia takes a mid-year look at the 2013 renewals, noting that rates have been flat or had modest increases.

Attracting and retaining top talent

Ms Karine Kam of the Singapore College of Insurance urges the industry to generate a holistic talent programme through coordinated effort from the various industry stakeholders.

"We'll all be rooned - or will we?"

Mr Andrew Dart of CSC Asia says with the help of Big Data and Predictive Analytics, it is possible to build sustainable microinsurance programmes in Asia.

Asia:Standard Life to set up new Asia and Middle East hub

Mr Alan Armitage assumed the role of CEO of Asia and Emerging Markets in Standard Life in February this year. He shares about his priorities and the setting up of the new hub for Asia and the Middle East. By Benjamin Ang

Asia:Strategic seminar on RBC in Asia

With Sri Lanka looking set to be the next Asian country to embrace the risk-based capital regime, Asia Insurance Review, with the endorsement of the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka, and supported by the International Association of Insurance...

Asia to see at least US$5 bln insurance takeovers this year

The Asian insurance market is tipped to see US$5 billion worth of M&A deals this year, after such takeovers hit a record $30.5 billion last year, boosted by rising valuations.

RIMS opposes proposed tax deduction for reinsurance premiums

RIMS has delivered an official letter to the US government's House Ways and Means Committee's International Tax Reform Working Group to voice the Society's disagreement with the Administration's Proposed 2014 Budget that includes an effort to...

Tokio Millennium Re moves from Bermuda to Switzerland

Tokio Millennium Re (TMR) is planning to redomesticate its place of incorporation from Bermuda to Switzerland in keeping with its long-term strategy to expand its business both geographically and through broader product offerings.

IAIS should recognise IAIGs' internal economic valuation approaches

Internationally active insurance groups (IAIGs) said in a survey by The Geneva Association that the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) should aim to recognise the internal economic valuation approaches developed by them to...

Diary of events

People on the move