From Editor-in-chief

Geneva Association - Global thinking not just for global giants

While the discourse on designating global systemically important insurers (G-SIIs) sounds more like the business of global insurance giants and regulators, it will seep through to regional and domestic policies.This is nowhere more evident than in...

Q-Re aims for bigger role in Asia

Based out of the Qatar Financial Centre, Q-Re is set to play a more significant role in Asia as it strengthens its presence globally, delivering strong expertise on the speciality front. Asia Insurance Review speaks to CEO Gunther Saacke on how the...

CFO: Reinventing the CFOs - A multi-starring role today

Strategist, accountant, investment adviser and CEOs' personal assistant? Yes, insurance CFOs are all these and more. As they navigate the increasingly tougher environment, CFOs say that having a clear vision, an understanding CEO and a strong...

CFO: The plate is full but time is scarce

CFOs of today are feeling the heat of their job's demands and are finding themselves with a full plate of responsibilities and in the glare of the spotlight. With so little time and so much to do, now more than ever they need a strong team and...

CFO: The co-captain has to wear many hats

CEOs rely on their CFOs for decision makings and regard them as highly indispensable across all areas of business. And with a prolonged low interest rate climate and a tougher regulatory scene, CEOs need their CFOs now more than ever - not just to...

A future with Independence & Authority

Change is in store for Hong Kong insurance industry with the Independent Insurance Authority (IIA) set to be established in 2015. Find out what lies ahead in this mature yet still growing market as insurers and brokers look both inside and outside...

Interview with regulator: Facilitating change, providing opportunities

Even as the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has its hands full drafting legislation and introducing changes, Commissioner of Insurance Annie Choi shares that the office will continue to provide opportunities for the industry and that...

Life insurance: Seeking the silver lining

Amidst a bleak global economic outlook, the life insurance sector in Hong Kong still managed to show impressive results for 2012. Despite being highly penetrated, the market still lacks adequate protection. Life insurers share challenges they...

Moving beyond public fear of genetic discrimination

In this article from the Geneva Association, Dr Lidewij Henneman and Dr Ine Van Hoyweghen discuss the public's general fear of genetic discrimination especially in insurance.

Unfair contract terms regime in Australia

The Australian Federal Government intends to legislate to protect consumers from unfair terms in insurance contracts. Mr Dean Carrigan, Ms Olympia Samolis and Ms Krystle Gardner from Clyde & Co in Sydney highlight the implications of this for...

CEO Summit Highlight: Brave the new world of insurance

The world has changed and insurers are required to respond deftly to increased regulations, changing consumer preferences and game-changing technologies. But some things remain the same, such as the need to promote the good about insurance and the...

CEO Summit Highlight: We still have much to learn

Although the floodwaters may have receded more than a year ago, the 2011 Thai Floods had left behind a number of lessons for the insurance industry. Here are some pointers discussed by speakers at the half-day seminar on Critical Lessons Learnt from...

CEO Summit Highlight: Too much power? It depends on the market

A panel of three regulators and four insurance CEOs addressed the concern over excessive regulations and the cost of compliance. Both sides agreed on their need to communicate regularly and to work in a cordial relationship. By Manuelita Contreras

SAARC Insurance Regulators Conference: Compete, cooperate and collaborate

Speakers at the 1st SAARC Insurance Regulators' Conference said the need of the hour was for effective collaboration among the insurance regulators and the industry in the region to steer the industry towards a brighter future.

MDRT Experience: Inspiring steps to success

The annual MDRT Experience conference, held in Hyderabad brought together 2,500 participants to celebrate achievement and inspiration.

A work with progress

As a lead-up to the 8th Asia Takaful Conference being held in Singapore this month, we take stock of top issues facing the industry operators as highlighted in the past seven events.

IT in insurance: Taking the best path to modernisation

Mr Glenn Davidson and Mr Bob McDonald from CSC share the paths taken by three insurers with the help of CSC as they modernise their technology capability.

Uncle Les looks back

Mr Leslie Mouat, the recently-retired Chairman and Head of Distribution, AIG APAC Holdings Pte Ltd, looks back at his more than 40 years in the industry.

Asia: Political risk levels moderate in Asia - Aon

Political risk has moderated in Asia as institutional reforms and economic growth in the region continue, according to Aon's Political Risk Map for 2013.

Asian investors not confident it is time to invest

The inaugural Manulife Investor Sentiment Index in Asia (Manulife ISI), based on 3,500 interviews across seven Asia markets (see table), shows that investors in developed Asia are not confident it is the right time to invest, with Hong Kong and...

Asia Capital Re opens Dubai branch office

Asia Capital Re has opened a branch office in Dubai. The branch - Asia Capital Re's second branch office after Hong Kong - is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and it started operation with effect from 1 April 2013.

PIC looks to reach new highs

The Pacific Insurance Conference (PIC) targets to achieve new highs as it marks its golden anniversary this year. Messrs Michael Huddart, Vic Apps and Mel Gottlieb talk about the offerings of the 26th PIC on 27-30 October 2013 and look back at PIC's...

Lloyd's returns to profits in 2012

Lloyd's has announced a profit before tax of US$4.52 billion for 2012, following a loss of $800 million in 2011, which had been the costliest year on record for natural catastrophes.

Variable annuities resilient, says Geneva Association

In its latest report, The Geneva Association said variable annuities in their current form are resilient during financial downturns and do not have any characteristics that threaten financial stability.

Takaful operators top 200

The number of takaful operators worldwide has increased to 200, with an additional four new companies entering the segment compared to 196 the previous year, latest figures in the World Islamic Insurance Directory (WIID) 2013 have shown.

Diary of events

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