All GR Focus articles – Page 4

  • GR Focus

    Picking up the pieces

    2007-05-01T00:00:00Z

    The era since Eliot Spitzer's bid-rigging allegations has transformed the insurance brokerage market. Steven Ader assesses the impact on its three biggest players.

  • GR Focus

    Spotting a niche

    2007-05-01T00:00:00Z

    In the post-Spitzer environment, non-traditional reinsurance has become an important source of revenue for many brokers. Helen Yates looks back on how this business took off in 2006 and how, one year on, the sophistication of the products has grown dramatically.

  • GR Focus

    Risking The Future

    2007-05-01T00:00:00Z

    With brokers still smarting from the effects of Eliot Spitzer's investigations, rampant diversification plans are underway throughout the industry. Some brokers are even looking to transform themselves into risk consultancies. Nick Thorpe reports.

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    Muddy waters

    2007-04-01T00:00:00Z

    British government authorities are in the process of changing the taxation situation of UK-owned captives to plug up some holes in current tax law. Stacy Shapiro reports.

  • GR Focus

    Solitary Confinement

    2007-04-01T00:00:00Z

    Protected, or segregated, cell captives began life in the 1990s. Phil Zinkewicz describes the evolution of this popular solution for undesirable risks.

  • GR Focus

    Freedom from captivity

    2007-04-01T00:00:00Z

    Captives must adapt and change in order to remain competitive. Dominic Wheatley examines the changing environment in which captives operate and suggests how they can respond to it.

  • GR Focus

    Retro-spective

    2007-02-01T00:00:00Z

    The doomsday sayers would have you believe that retrocession all but disappeared in 2006. But there was plenty of capacity available at the 1 January renewals, discovers Helen Yates, although it remains painfully expensive.

  • GR Focus

    The tipping point?

    2007-02-01T00:00:00Z

    Does the 2007 renewal season represent a return to normality or is this the tipping point in the cycle? David Pannell examines some of the key trends.

  • GR Focus

    Feast or famine?

    2007-02-01T00:00:00Z

    Is the reinsurance industry now overcapitalised? With prices now falling for many lines of business Christopher Kershaw and Andrew Poulton explain why there is too much capital in the market and what the consequences might be.

  • GR Focus

    Molecular Revolution

    2006-12-01T00:00:00Z

    While still in its infancy, nanotechnology is poised to revolutionise the world of technology. But what are the risks associated with its development and are insurers and reinsurers ready? ask Harry Oellrich and Sandy Hauserman.

  • GR Focus

    Ruffling feathers

    2006-12-01T00:00:00Z

    So far the dreaded H5N1 bird flu virus has not mutated into a more deadly form. But if experts are right and it does become a pandemic, life insurers and reinsurers would be hit the hardest, explains Lauren Kalinowski.

  • GR Focus

    Emission Impossible

    2006-12-01T00:00:00Z

    Climate change is upon us. But what are the emerging trends and what can the insurance industry do to mitigate the effects? Dr Steve Smith investigates.

  • GR Focus

    Final Hurdle

    2006-11-01T00:00:00Z

    Has real progress been made with contract certainty or is it just "low hanging fruit"? David Hall explains how tripartite relationships are the key to reaching the higher branches.

  • GR Focus

    A certain future?

    2006-11-01T00:00:00Z

    The London market's bid to achieve contract certainty will only be a success if insurers, brokers and clients can work together. Richard Clifford highlights the current focus areas.

  • GR Focus

    Terror still reigning

    2006-10-01T00:00:00Z

    The evolving nature of terrorism presents constant challenges for insurers looking to provide adequate coverage in an expanding market. Stephen Ashwell offers an update on terrorism risk today.

  • GR Focus

    Terrorism - last chance saloon

    2006-10-01T00:00:00Z

    After much speculation, the US federal terrorism backstop - TRIA - was renewed until December 2007. But is that enough time to find a viable long-term alternative? asks Nick Thorpe.

  • GR Focus

    Speed to the Irish market

    2006-09-01T00:00:00Z

    Its early adoption of the Reinsurance Directive should be another string to Dublin's bow, argues Sarah Goddard.

  • GR Focus

    Collateralisation collision

    2006-09-01T00:00:00Z

    The 100% collateral rule for foreign reinsurers doing business in the US has long been accused of unfairness. But a more level playing field could be just around the corner, explains Ronald Gift Mullins.

  • GR Focus

    A capital idea

    2006-09-01T00:00:00Z

    Patrick Devine looks at how the impending EU Reinsurance Directive will pave the way for insurance special purpose vehicles, or sidecars, to take-off in Europe.

  • GR Focus

    Open for business

    2006-09-01T00:00:00Z

    The UK's Financial Services Authority is making insurance special purpose vehicles a viable option for the London market. Dr Thomas Huertas explains why.