United Kingdom (UK)
Sony fined £250,000 for Playstation data breach
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office yesterday confirmed that it has fined Sony £250,000 for a ‘serious breach’ of the Data Protection Act.
Software firm launches Solvency II tool for Lloyd's market
Insurance investment information specialist Camradata has introduced Solvency II-compliant software to its Lloyd's clients for reporting and accounting.
Former Ace COO becomes Gibraltar's new insurance chief
The Government of Gibraltar has hired the former chief operating officer of Ace Global markets to lead insurance business development on the island.
CII to offer more international-only qualifications
The Chartered Insurance Institute has broadened its options for international insurance agents with new international-only qualifications.
April Group to hire Orkney-based business consultant
The UK arm of France's April Group is looking to appoint a permanent business consultant in the Orkney Islands after growing demand for its medical and income protection policies.
Zelle Hofmann opens London office
Law firm Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason is opening a London office in January to address the growing needs of clients in the London and European insurance markets.
Over 50% of European firms unprepared for cyber threats
Despite 98% of continental European firms experiencing a cyber incident in the past five years, research has found that a significant proportion are unprepared to deal with this threat in the future.
Capco to offer insurance services in Europe
Global business consultancy Capco will offer insurance services throughout the UK and continental Europe.
Mitsui hires marine liability underwriter
Mitsui Sumitomo at Lloyd’s has hired David Carr as a class underwriter in its marine liability division.
Marsh reshuffles leadership of international divisions
Broker Marsh has combined its Asia and Pacific regions and appointed a dedicated leader for continental Europe, the commonwealth of independent states, and Turkey.
Xchanging appoints exec director for insurance services
Xchanging has appointed Adrian Guttridge as executive director, insurance services, reporting to group chief executive Ken Lever.
Government support needed for affordable UK flood cover
Affordable flood cover for UK homeowners is unlikely to be available in the future without some form of government support, rating agency Fitch said today.
UK report highlights role of modelling in disaster risk reduction
A UK government report has urged the disaster risk reduction sector to emulate the insurance industry and increase its deployment of science-based risk models.
Liberty to cut 285 Irish jobs
Liberty Insurance, the company which took over Quinn after it went into administration, is to make 285 Irish staff redundant.
Willis implements Sequel software in UK and India
Willis Re, the reinsurance arm of global broker Willis, has implemented Sequel’s Eclipse broking software.
Eurobase continues hiring spree
Global software provider Eurobase Insurance Solutions has appointed David Towning as projects director and Caroline Bedford as senior business analyst.
Picknett leaves Groupama as restructure continues
Groupama Insurances has confirmed that 20 positions are at risk in the finance, IT, HR and marketing teams as the company moves to reduce expenses and restructure its central support functions.
Allianz recruits Liberty Mutual financial lines underwriter
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has appointed Elke Vagenende as head of product development, financial lines (UK).
Nearly half of insurers won't be Solvency II ready by 2014
While 57% of insurers across Europe think they are on track to comply with Solvency II by January 2014, readiness varies significantly by country, according to Ernst & Young.
Miller bolsters D&O team
Miller has added Colin West and Andy Brett to its directors' and officers' team.
GlobalOptions and IFIC Forensics form partnership
International anti-fraud investigator GlobalOptions has formed a partnership with British firm International Fire and Investigations Consultants, which provides forensic investigations for insurers, loss adjusters and solicitors.
R K Harrison claims art dealers' PI first
R K Harrison Insurance Services, part of the employee-owned broker R K Harrison Group, has developed what it says is the first professional indemnity insurance policy for art market professionals.
Allianz appoints UK marine hull and liability head
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has appointed Chris Turberville as head of marine hull and liability UK.
Groupama downgraded after non-payment of coupon
Groupama Group has been downgraded by Standard and Poor's following the French insurer's statement on Friday that it will not pay the next coupon on 22 October on junior subordinated notes issued in 2007.