The June 2010 issue of Reactions is now online.
The cover story is part of a special report on catastrophe risk. After suffering the worst ever first quarter for natural catastrophe losses and with above average hurricane activity predicted this year, Reactions’ assesses how ready the industry is for a big hit.
The special report also includes a look at the industry’s reliance of risk models, its exposure to earthquake risk, and an interview with RenaissanceRe’s Neill Currie.
Also in the issue is a profile of the Nordic insurance market, the growing use of microinsurance in emerging markets, the health of the life insurance industry and a report on Catlin’s backing for a scientific expedition to the North Pole.
Not done there, we also bring you light relief from RISKbitz.
Click on the headlines below to view an article.
SPECIAL REPORT: CATASTROPHE RISK
Catastrophe insurers ready to get blown away
Above-average hurricane activity is predicted this year. But is the industry ready for a big hit.
EARTHQUAKE RISK: The $1trn insurance exposure
The number of earthquakes this year has been normal but the casualties and insured losses have not. Risk modellers are asking where the next mega quake could strike.
NEIL CURRIE INTERVIEW: Currie keeping RenRe focused
Neill Currie oversaw a record year for Bermuda catastrophe reinsurer RenaissanceRe in 2009. He is confident his firm can keep up the pace, despite first-quarter losses, the threat of new regulation and potential changes to how Bermuda firms are taxed.
RISK MODELS: A model future - FREE TO VIEW!
Risk modellers are preparing many updates to their models worldwide. But is the industry over-reliant on models?
VOLCANOES: Europe erupts
The unprecedented disruption to European airspace has put volcano risk back in the spotlight.
FEATURES
MICROINSURANCE: The market of tomorrow
Microinsurance is being touted as a wonder solution to help people in emerging markets afford insurance. It is less clear that insurers and reinsurers can make money from it.
LIFE REINSURANCE: Getting a smaller piece of the pie
Life reinsurers could benefit from the weakened balance sheets of direct insurers. But cession rates have plummeted in recent years.
NORDIC INSURANCE: Taking a chance on the Nordic region
The Nordic insurance market has been attracting a lot of attention recently, with Lloyd’s opening its first representative office in Sweden and RSA targeting ambitious growth in the region.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Walking on thin ice
Catlin has attracted much interest – and criticism – for backing a scientific expedition to the North Pole.
MALTA: A silver lining? - FREE TO VIEW!
Malta’s market sees opportunities amid the big European threats.
REGULARS
Remarks: We don’t need no regulation - FREE TO VIEW!
Until recently it seemed that Solvency II was being billed as the template that the rest of the world’s regulation would inevitably follow.
Legal Analysis: A reinsurer’s eye on litigation trends - FREE TO VIEW!
Given that litigation costs are often ultimately picked up by reinsurers, it is crucial for them to understand the changing litigation landscape to accurately assess their risks and exposures.
RISKbitz: Luddite Agencies hires dolphin
A bottle-nosed dolphin has been appointed chief underwriting officer of Lloyd’s Managing Agent Luddite Agencies Ltd.
RISKbitz: Mega Broker: every bad thing imaginable could happen to you
Mega Broker, the world’s premier doomsayer, intermediary and capital adviser, has launched its report ‘We’re All Going To Die and Our Stuff Destroyed to Hell’.
OPINION
RISKY TALK: Reinsurance industry discovers YouTube! - FREE TO VIEW!
Five years after everyone else did, the reinsurance industry has discovered YouTube.
RISKY TALK: Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me! - FREE TO VIEW!
Listening to discussions at this year's excellent IIS annual seminar made me wonder, if, in a parallel universe, there might be an insurance hall of infamt.
RISKY TALK: Insurers right to be wary of emerging risks - FREE TO VIEW!
Sir John Napier, chairman of UK insurance group RSA, deserves a big slap on the back for his open letter sent to US President Barack Obama recently.