All Features articles – Page 15

  • Features

    Return of retro

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Retrocession capacity is still a long way off from its pre-Hurricane Katrina levels. Paul Delbridge and Jean Bernard Crozet consider its value and the impact of non-traditional competition

  • Country Analysis

    Puerto Rico - Shining star

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Unfazed by its larger neighbours, Puerto Rico has been quietly building itself up as the market of choice for innovative reinsurers. Ana Paula Nacif examines this jewel in Latin America's crown.

  • Features

    Into the mainstream

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Could non-traditional reinsurance products now be classed as traditional? asks Steve Breen.

  • GR Focus

    The lure of zero tax

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Attractive tax rates have lured many insurance companies offshore. However, as Ronald Gift Mullins discovers, there is an expensive flip-side to every penny

  • Features

    Learning its lessons

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    New slip-checking technology at Lloyd's has signalled a fresh approach to technological change. But is it enough to stop CEO Richard Ward enforcing solutions? Nick Thorpe finds out.

  • Features

    Losing its spark

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Inadequate rates continue to plague industrial fire insurance and reinsurance in Europe. Dirk Herrenpoth and Iris Zeisig demonstrate how "cash flow underwriting" in this sector provides a much broader lesson in cycle management.

  • GR Focus

    There's no place like home

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    The London market can no longer rely on its global distribution channels, warns Luke Savage. The rapid development of local insurance markets around the world is providing new competition

  • Features

    GR Survey: Inevitable rate softening

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Only a significant natural catastrophe loss in 2007 could hold back the inevitable softening of rates. Such was the conclusion of GR readers in our latest survey. Helen Yates presents the results

  • Features

    How low can you go?

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    There is a growing mismatch between in the primary and reinsurance aviation markets. Will the gap get wider still at the 1 January renewals? asks Mark Campe.In contrast to the plummeting rates in the primary market, the aviation reinsurance market has so far maintained a firmer stance towards rate reductions. ...

  • Features

    The fairer sex

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Insurance is no longer a man's world. Helen Yates asks some of the senior women in the industry what they love and loathe about the business.

  • Features

    Peak exposure

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    A benign five-year loss period since 9/11 has led to capital pouring into the terrorism market. Simon Low looks at the state of the market today

  • Features

    Europe sets the standard

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    It's finally here. After numerous delays the draft directive for Solvency II has arrived. Will Roberts discovers that hopes of harmonisation are undermined by fears the directive will create imbalances

  • Analysis

    Peaking early

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    At first glance Aspen is a perfect reinsurance case study. Nick Thorpe discovers its emphasis on risk management has given it a resilience that makes it stand out from the crowd.

  • Features

    Life style changes

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    The current life reinsurance market, with its ever-decreasing number of players, is facing new challenges and opportunities. Michael Pado looks at the road ahead

  • Features

    CEO Q&A - Michael O'Halleran -

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    An interview with Michael O'Halleran, non-executive chairman of Aon Re Global.

  • Features

    The captive bug

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Captives have been around for more than 20 years and remain just as popular today. Rodney Wicks discovers untapped potential in Asia

  • Features

    Rock bottom?

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    There are two camps where the casualty sector is concerned. One believes rates will continue to spiral downwards, while the other is ever-hopeful of a pricing correction. Will Roberts reports.

  • Features

    Cat bond bubble

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Cat bond fever has continued unabated in 2007. Willis Capital Markets looks at how their pricing has evolved and asks if they can weather the subprime storm currently brewing.

  • Cover Story

    Cedants become competitors

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Reinsurers are increasingly competing with their own clients. Dissatisfied with soaring rates in 2006, many cedants are opting for greater risk retention or capital market solutions, discovers Mairi Mallon. So how can reinsurers adapt?

  • Investment Analysis

    Activist investors

    2007-09-07T00:00:00Z

    Are hedge funds friend or foe? Some reinsurers have got the jitters despite an exemplary track record. Lindsey Rogerson asks why.