With Asia being the one region in the world with the most growth opportunities, reinsurers and RI brokers have a collective duty to do more, not less, to nurture the potential of the region. Using innovative digital technology, be it for new products, better processes or more effective distribution is the order of the day. These were the clear messages from Asia Insurance Review’s annual reinsurance roundtable to take the pulse of reinsurance in Asia this year. The Roundtable of nine – five brokers and four reinsurers – was upbeat about taking the industry forward with an emphasis on relationships and partnerships rather than just transactions, with a view to closing the penetration gap and facilitating a digital-led transformation. There was also an emphasis on cost drivers and cost control, as well as using the very precepts of reinsurance, being the free flow of ideas and capital, to forge a better tomorrow for clients.

 

The Russian National Reinsurance Company (RNRC) was established by Russia’s Central Bank in August 2016 but only started operations in January 2017. However, it has already gained CIRC’s approval to operate in China in the specialty market, and has been granted a licence in Egypt. We caught up with Vice-President of Business Development Igor Karpovich at the SIRC 2017 to learn more about the reinsurer’s hunger for new business in the region.

 

As a new reinsurance player gearing up for just its second renewals, following the transfer of the private market reinsurance business from CCR to a new subsidiary, CCR Re, beginning this year, the reinsurer is optimistic about the year ahead. At the SIRC, we spoke with Mr Laurent Montador, Deputy CEO at CCR and CCR Re about their plans.

 

Mr Scott Ryrie, as CEO of the Sydney-based Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA), is all set to further develop the risk profession in the region and expand RMIA’s foreign membership. We sat down with him during the recent SIRC to find out more.

 

Dr Peter F Hugger is the man at the helm of Echo Re since February 2012. Having spent a considerable part of his 30-year professional life in Asia, with some of the top names in the reinsurance business, he is now ready to chart a new course for Echo Re in Asia, where the company already has a big presence and where he believes lies the opportunity for international players like his. He speaks to Asia Insurance Review on his new plans and strategy for the region, and the future ahead for his company.

 

Samsung Re has been keeping a low profile since its inception in 2011 but of late, the reinsurer has adopted a new strategy to expand its operations beyond its group business and into newer territories across Asia. We speak to Mr Tae Y Choi, CEO, Samsung Re at the SIRC, to find out the plans and strategies ahead for the company.

 

The Singapore authorities is stepping up the buzz in an already burgeoning insurance industry with a slew of initiatives announced last month, including strategies for the Lion City to be a global capital for Asian risk transfer.

 

Reinsurers will look to explore fresh opportunities, both from within and outside its traditional landscape at the 14th SIRC, to be held from 31 October to 2 November this year with a star-studded cast of speakers.