The February 2010 issue of Reactions is now online. Click on the headlines below to view an article.
The cover story is an exclusive interview with Tom Bolt, the new director of underwriting performance at Lloyd’s. Bolt has some big shoes to fill, taking over Rolf Tolle, who was feared and respected in equal measure. Bolt tells us his plans for the role.
The issue also features a special report on the Bermuda insurance and reinsurance market. This includes a market review with some of the island’s most important leaders – such as Max Capital’s Marty Becker and Montpelier Re’s Christopher Harris – giving their thoughts on the future for the island’s firms. We also interview Patrick Thiele for a company profile of PartnerRe and examine the trend of some firms such as XL Capital looking to redomicile.
Not done there, we round up all the action from the January 1 2010 reinsurance renewals in our special briefing, reveal which insurance stocks are the ones to watch this year and ask whether ILS issuance will exceed 2009’s figure this year.
The issue also features Endurance’s Kenneth LeStrange giving his thoughts on why capital management will be key this year, news reports on why UK asbestos exposures have increased and the ramifications of the Jackson review, and humour from RISKbitz.
COVER STORY
Interview: Tom Bolt - Lloyd’s new enforcer
The new director of underwriting performance at Lloyd’s has a big challenge to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Rolf Tolle.
BERMUDA SPECIAL REPORT
Bermuda Market Review: Feeling undervalued
Bermuda has long been viewed as the so-called better mousetrap, the best and most efficient place for new insurance capital. That is now changing, but the island’s leaders say observers should not underestimate Bermuda’s importance
Interview: PartnerRe ready to punch its weight
PartnerRe's acquisition of Paris Re, along with involvement in initiatives such as the Global Reinsurance Forum trade group, confirms Patrick Thiele's position as one of the most influential reinsurance executives around.
Insurance firms redomiciling: A good time to move?
XL plans to redomicile to Ireland and the remaining Lloyd’s players headquartered in the UK are also considering leaving. We ask why firms are looking to move and to where
FEATURES
Renewals Briefing: Serving up something soft
Reinsurance pricing softened at the January 1 2010 renewals. Reactions asks what this will mean for pricing for the rest of the year.
The insurance stocks to watch
Fierce pricing competition is prompting investors to choose their stocks carefully this year. We reveal which stocks equity analysts are tipping to outperform.
Convergence Quarterly: ILS outlook for 2010
Fresh off the back of the busiest ever fourth quarter for cat bonds, insurance-linked securities activity is predicted to be high in 2010. Reactions' Convergence Quarterly section includes all the cat bond data from 2009.
NEWS REPORTS
Jackson Review brings mixed news for UK insurers
A review into UK civil litigation costs has sparked controversy.
Pleural plaques strike back
A Scottish ruling leaves insurers on hook for billions
REGULARS
View From The Top: Endurance's CEO on the renewals
This year firms face a stark choice over how to deploy their capital, says Kenneth LeStrange, who stands down as CEO of Bermudian insurer and reinsurer Endurance Specialty Holdings at the end of the month.
Editor’s remarks: The New York Exchange - If they can make it there…
After getting sidetracked by the minor inconvenience of the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression, New York’s state insurance department is serious again about setting up an insurance exchange in New York city.
Legal analysis: Trustee liability insurance – an overlooked protection?
By Mark Howard, a partner at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP
RISKbitz: Recovery down to executive swine flu plans
The World Reinsurance Association has declared itself pleased with the response of the reinsurance industry to the Swine Flu pandemic.
RISKbitz: Reinsurance doesn’t need bankers, says Institute
The Global Institute of Reinsurance Thoughtleaders has warned that an influx of investment bankers is threatening the market’s reputation as the second or indeed third choice of those wishing to work in the finance industry.
RISKbitz: Those Oscar Nominations in full
The insurance blockbusters that are up for awards this year.