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18th May 2014

Newslink Opinion: Weekly Insurance Global Analysis
Opinion

This week, Swiss Re published a sigma global report on the progress and potential of digital distribution in the insurance markets, calling it a quiet revolution. ACE issued two new mobile apps, one relating to travel assistance, and the other enabling brokers to quote and bind, whilst Xchanging introduced Verometrix(the new name for Fees Direct+),
announced a seroes of technical qualifications, and is on-track in the first quarter. Accenture Duck Creek expanded its alliance partner programme and signed up Berkshire Hathaway Specialty for a Cloud-based solution. Peru-based Pacifico Seguros went live with Guidewire's InsuranceSuite, and Promutuel in Quebec, having successfully deployed ClaimCenter, selected further Guidewire solutions. Pegasystems is to build a new technology platform for HomeServe, Applied Systems announced it is to introduce its leading self-service broking system to the UK, and Kiln is to implement the latest version of Sequel's Eclipse underwriting solution.
A.M. Best reviewed the Saudi Arabia insurance market, SNL Financial looked at the results of European reinsurers in the first quarter, Standard & Poor's reported on the impact of a low interest environment on European life insurers, and Willis Re discussed the growth of life insurance in Asia Pac and the range of reinsurance options.
EIOPA introduced a new format Financial Stability Report.
Allied World launched a range of p & c products in Canada, and Tower Group International rejected an offer from Euroins. Willis secured reinsurance capacity for Africa's first catastrophe insurance pool, and JLT Capital Markets arranged another private placement catastrophe bond. Charles Taylor acquired a UK loss adjuster, and both Gallagher and Marsh Mac Agency bought in the US.
Barnett Waddington appointed a new head of insurance, and Willis, and Torus, the latter after completion of the acquisition by Enstar and Stone Point, announced senior appointments.
Interim Management Statements and financials were issued by Admiral(premium revenue down in UK but up in Continental Europe), AEGON, Aviva(good in Europe and Asia), Brit(who also announced renewal rights for QBE's London aviation book), Catlin, Generali(going strong), Novae Group, Old Mutual(outflows at US asset management arm), UK P&I, Zurich(net income up), and Sapiens.
Articles on the above topics are included in those added to the Insurance Newslink and Financial Newslink global database service on Wednesday and today at www.onlystrategic.com