The December 2009/January 2010 issue of Reactions has now been published. Click on the headlines below to view an article.
The cover story is a comprehensive look at the arguments that have broken out over Solvency II, the European regulatory regime due to come into effect in 2012. Regulators appear to be softening their stance towards high capital requirements, but some remain very concerned.
Elsewhere, we interview US insurer Markel’s vice-chairman Tony Markel about how his firm coped with the financial crisis, reveal the rising stars of the insurance, reinsurance and broking markets worldwide in our exclusive listing, and ask what the big issues for the Lloyd’s of London market will be this year.
Not done there, we also have a global specialty report, looking at the latest developments in the marine, energy and aviation markets.
COVER STORY
Regulators’ stance on Solvency II capital thaws
Following the December 11 deadline for the insurance industry to give feedback on Ceiops’s third wave of consultation on Solvency II, European insurers still have reservations about the new regime.
FEATURES
PROFILE: Markel restructured after tough year
Markel’s approach to investments cost the firm millions in 2008. Reactions asked its vice-chairman Tony Markel whether this has heralded a change at the firm.
Rising stars of the insurance industry revealed
Reactions canvassed executive search firms worldwide to produce a list of who they believe will be the top leaders of the future. Here are the names they came up with.
FEATURE: The year ahead for Lloyd’s
The Lloyd’s and London market is facing a challenging year in 2010, with stagnant premiums and investment returns, a new man in charge of syndicate performance, unfinished business on electronic reform and wider regulatory reform on the agenda
Conference Report: Keeping on top of regulation
Delegates discussed the worrying implications of new regulation for the industry at the Reactions Global Insurance Conference on November 10 and 11. Swiss Re’s Stefan Lippe provided the keynote speech.
SPECIAL REPORT: GLOBAL SPECIALTY
Marine market tries to hold the line
The marine insurance market continues to face choppy seas in the wake of the global financial crisis and pirates seizing vessels with impunity. But an abundance of capacity mean price rises will be difficult to achieve.
Crunch time in the energy insurance market
It has been a roller coaster ride for those in the energy insurance business. Many have found it too exciting – on the buy side as well as the sell side – and have decided to get off.
Aviation insurance on a wing and a prayer
It has been a year to forget for air travelers of a nervous disposition – not to mention aviation underwriters.
REGULARS
OPINION: Rims looking to expand internationally
Terry Fleming, the incoming president of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, outlines what his goals are for his term leading the North American risk management trade group in this op-ed piece for Reactions' View From The Top Series.
Legal analysis: Predicting challenges for the reinsurance market in 2010
Predicting the future direction of the market is not a simple exercise. In today’s climate it is a genuine challenge. Nevertheless, a number of events and recent judicial developments are helpful indicators.
RISKbitz: The definitive guide to the decade of the century
Depending on where you were in the world, this incredible decade was the hottest, warmest, driest, wettest, iciest, windiest, coldest, noisiest, scariest 10 years since records began.
RISKbitz: Forecasting for the, er, Tenties
If the Noughties was the decade of hurricanes, terrorism and financial meltdown, what will the next 10 years bring? RISKbitz asked a number of industry insiders for their predictions.
RISKbitz: Now that's what I call the bestest ever films in the world...ever
The World Insurance Institute (Wii) has announced the list of the all-time greatest films.
RISKbitz: News in tight briefs
Global reinsurer Mega Re has unveiled its new brand image.