EU study finds work-related stress not properly risk managed
Just over 40% of workers across Europe feel that work-related stress is not handled well in their organisation, according to a new survey carried out on behalf of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). The poll also suggests a link between stress felt by employees and practices within organisations to combat its threat.
Risk managers need to up communication game to gain interest of board: Polrisk
The relationship between risk managers and management board members is not as good as it could or should be. This was the conclusion reached by a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Polish risk managers' association Polrisk on 9 and 10 May in Warsaw.
Overall global terrorism and political risk levels down finds Aon map
There has been an overall improvement in the global terrorism and political risk profile, but the knock on effects of the Arab Spring and financial crisis are still driving heightened levels of political violence, according to the 10th annual Terrorism and Political Violence Map from insurance broker Aon.
Oil firms investigated by EC over price fixing
The European Commission carried out 'unexpected inspections' at the premises of Royal Dutch Shell, BP and Statoil this week over concerns that the companies have colluded to distort oil prices and the cost of biofuel products.
Pricing challenges and Solvency II dominate discussion at European Insurance Forum
Insurance buyers must be persuaded to change their attitude towards pricing to allow insurers and reinsurers to cope with the rising cost of capital, regulatory change and a non-performing investment market. This was the message from reinsurance heads speaking at the European Insurance Forum in Dublin at the end of last week.
Risk managers gathering in London for Global Risk Frontiers Debate
Over 60 risk managers from around the world will join insurers and brokers next week in London to take part in Commercial Risk Europe's Global Risk Frontiers Debate.
Spreading obesity epidemic causing major headaches for multinationals
The obesity epidemic is having an increasing impact on the productivity of labour forces worldwide and spreading beyond established western economies into emerging markets, according to new research by risk analysis firm Maplecroft.
Reputational risk fear triggers corporate reaction to Bangladesh tragedy
Pressure continues to build on international companies that source products from Bangladesh to face up to their responsibilities to workers following the tragic building collapse in Dhaka that led to well over 1,000 deaths.
Barroso: Euro crisis is over and Italy needs to forge ahead with reforms
Risk managers throughout Europe will be delighted to learn that the eurozone is no longer in crisis, according to President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.
Corporate round-up
Construction consortium at Lloyd's to offer flexible capacity up to $166m, ACE to offer surety solutions in Italy, Q-Re announces new management team, Marsh appoints Neil Irwin to develop offering in MENA region and AGCS appoints Technology Risk Underwriter.
Austria gives European tax dodgers breathing space but EC vows to fight on
Tax dodging corporations and individuals in Europe will have been pleased to hear this week that Austria managed to block the passage of a new directive on savings that would have acted as the spearhead of the European Commission's latest campaign against tax evasion.
EC launches emergency response centre
The European Commission launched its Emergency Response Centre (ERC) on Wednesday to provide a better coordinated, faster and more efficient European response to disasters hitting the continent and worldwide.
French class action bill moves forward
France moved a step closer to allowing US-style class actions, as the government of president François Hollande presented a bill that could see consumers access collective legal redress.
Profits still strong for major primary insurers
A number of large primary insurers reported strong first quarter profits and relatively low combined ratios. AIG, Allianz and XL Group were all helped by lower than expected large losses in the quarter, adding further fuel to ongoing soft market conditions.
German reinsurers report upbeat start to 2013
Germany’s two largest reinsurance groups have reported good first quarter profits, reflecting lower than expected large claims and reserve releases.
Some ratings to move as S&P changes criteria
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's has made important changes to the criteria used to calculate the financial strength ratings of insurers and reinsurers, a move that could alter the ratings of some insurers.
Outlook for MENA market flat as capacity levels soar
The cost of insurance in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region remains low driven by high capacity from both local and international markets and as a result profitability is low. The market still promises huge long-term potential and tempting short-term growth rates above gross domestic product levels which themselves far outstrip rates in more mature economies such as Europe and the US.
