David Banks
David joined Global Reinsurance as deputy editor in April 2008.
He was previously editor of the Middle East’s insurance magazine, Policy, launching the Middle East Insurance Awards.
During four years in the United Arab Emirates, he was also deputy editor of Gulf Business, with a focus on the region’s booming property and finance sectors.
David has gained nine years of experience in the media, in both press and public relations.
His work has included political press relations in Westminster and PR for a Premier League football team, as well as speech writing, lobbying, hosting seminars and editing brochures and books.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 20 7618 3454
- Fax:
- +44 (0)20 7618 3420
- Email:
- david.banks@globalreinsurance.com
- Industry Matters
Some capital ideas
The London market continues to shrug off challenges from overseas. It has the people and the skills, it has the ‘brand’ – but will this be enough to keep the world at its feet? We report from a GR roundtable that debated London’s place as a global leader
- Country Focus
A unique proposition
The gold rush is over and foreign insurers have more than a toehold in Turkey. However, the market is highly competitive and penetration extremely low. It will require careful handling for business to reach its full potential
- Cedants
Open door policy
Many countries are reluctant to allow premiums to flow out of their borders, but lobbyists argue that compulsory cessions are a barrier to free trade. And even local reinsurers are beginning to see the benefits of a liberalised market
- Cover Story
Still waters run deep
Calm and assured, Ulrich Wallin has kept Hannover Re on a steadfast course since taking the helm last summer. But as catastrophe losses hit hard this year, will he need to start rocking the boat?
- Cedants
Inner workings
The first stage of Solvency II is upon us and the countdown is on for cedants to get their internal models approved, writes David Banks. But what else do they have to plan for? We offer a guide through a changing reinsurance relationship
- Country Focus
Punching above its weight
The MultaQa conference showed that Qatar’s small market size belies the scale of its resilience and ambition, reports David Banks. Whether it is the world-class insurance trading platform or the global intentions of its reinsurers, this Arabian Gulf state cannot be ignored
- News Agenda
Feet on the ground
The April renewals in Korea signalled a wider trend in Asia, writes David Banks. International reinsurers are establishing themselves in the local market. But what is driving this change of attitude?
- Cedants
Their secret weapon
Reinsurers are starting to assert themselves in the claims process, demanding increased control and earlier involvement. And they’re using the loss adjuster to do it, David Banks writes. We ask how cedants can fight back.
- News
Qatar: A new reality
Accolades like ‘world’s fastest-growing economy’ and ‘richest population’ are all well and good. But David Banks reports that Qatar has now unveiled a list of reasons why its reinsurance credentials must be noticed too.
- News
Lloyd’s of New York?
James Wrynn is set to change the dynamics of transatlantic reinsurance by creating a Lloyd’s-style exchange in New York. David Banks speaks to Wrynn and finds that his collaborative style might just make the idea work.
- News
Long haul to Rio
Brazil’s reinsurance market was a shining beacon of hope during the financial crisis. But David Banks finds growth rates have failed to impress and, with more legal changes on the way, foreign reinsurers are preparing for a slow and difficult journey.
- News
View from the market: Southeast Asia
Reinsurance buying habits are changing in SE Asia, reports David Banks.
- News Agenda
Watch your step
Swiss Re’s $2.7m VAT bill last year triggered fears of an explosion in retrospective tax bills, David Banks writes. Now rule changes throw up more hazards. We guide you though the minefield of European regulation.
- News
Replenished Re
A benign cat season, strict discipline over pricing and some canny manouevres by underwriting bosses has left the reinsurance industry flying high. David Banks asks why the analysts remain so gloomy.
- News
Toyota's triple whammy
After news of Toyota’s multibillion-dollar product recall, insurers and reinsurers are waiting to see what the consequences will be for their industry. David Banks finds that the impact may be threefold
- Country Focus
Bringing it home
US president Barack Obama is relentless in his bid to stop business revenues disappearing into foreign jurisdictions. When regulation change is touted in the USA, all insurers and reinsurers must take notice, David Banks writes.
- Lines & Risks
Credit where it's due
After some difficult moments, trade credit insurers are due for a return to profitability in late 2010. David Banks looks at the key issues dominating the market.
- Country Focus
Boom and bust
Big brash Dubai has finally had its confidence knocked. The downturn has hit hard and what’s needed now is less flash and more cash. Global Reinsurance asks if it is still a go-to destination for reinsurers or if it’s time to set sail for calmer shores