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27th April 2014

Newslink Opinion: Weekly Insurance Global Analysis
Opinion

This week, Quindell hit the headlines after its share price dropped sharply following a critical dossier from a little-known US research analyst. Today's Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times have lengthy articles on the scenario-Quindell responded in detail on Friday, and it looks as if this saga will continue to run.
Meanwhile, EY looked at the UK motor insurance market, Conning reviewed the US MGA sector, and ISO/PCI issued their analysis of 2013 for US p&c insurers. Fitch were bullish on global reinsurers' underwriting performance, and reported that the Turkish insurance market had improved. An EDM survey indicated that the majority of UK intermediaries felt that insurers had not handled new legislation well.
Lloyd's issued its strategy for 2014/6, Thomas Miller Claims Management won a Queen's Award for Enterprise and Marketform an IT accolade. The Law Society launched a survey into legal expenses insurance to check on alleged insurer practices. Allianz Nederland was downgraded by Standard & Poor's because of restructuring, XL Group opened in Dubai to optimise reinsurance potential across the MENA region, and Standard Life applauded the new Canadian pension plan option. JPMorgan is to manage Resolution's investment portfolio in the US.
ISO launched its Rapid Calculator loss pricing tool for commercial property lines, SSP signed up a new insurer client in Tasmania to buld on its considerable Australasian base, and Sapiens'life and pensions solution was selected in Israel. Minnesota-based Western National selected SNL iPartners' offering and SiSi Group is to provide data conversion services for the insurer's new billing system.
First quarter results began to be announced-included were Allied World, Aspen(good figures as it fights off an Endurance bid), Covea in the UK, Everest Re, Platinum Underwriters, Randall & Quilter, Travelers, and W.R. Berkley-a mixed bunch of financials.
A UK Complaints Commissioner was appointed, and Towers Watson named a new UK head of its life insurance practice.
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