EDITORIAL

That investors’ call

SPECIAL REPORTS

The new world order

As the year draws to a close Arizona and Dubai are among those new locations enjoying incorporation success. Vipul Bhatti takes a look at how the global captive landscape is changing.

Crunching the numbers

The end appears to be in sight for the controversial 100% collateral requirements in the US for foreign reinsurers. But could the credit crisis put the blockers on this long-awaited progress, asks Ruth Lythe.

Raising Arizona

This year’s PCI conference takes place against a more turbulent background than anyone can remember. Graham Buck runs through the major issues up for discussion and wonders whether the financial markets meltdown could result in the return of the sidecar.

FEATURES

Eaic Preview: China Market : The year of the Ox

Disciplinary measures taken by CIRC could finally see the Chinese market come of age for foreign reinsurers in 2009. Mairi Breen reports.

Guides : Strategic restructuring and redomestication

News : Re-Moves

News : New Hardy syndicate reveals underwriting capacity

News : AIG says retreat for agents was mischaracterised

News : Industry outlines areas for improvement on Solvency II

Regulation: Solvency II : QISes and questions

It’s full steam ahead for Solvency II, as the preliminary results of the European Commission’s fourth Quantitative Impact Study (QIS) show. But there are concerns that still need addressing, explains Ana Paula Nacif.

Service Provider Focus: Loss Adjusting : A change of image

Our article in July about the problems facing the loss adjusting industry in the UK struck a chord with a number of readers. In a follow-up report Sarah Ahmad gets the view from CILA and finds the industry split on whether the claims service is being negatively impacted by the lack of resource.

REGULARS

NEWS IN BRIEF

CIRC should follow HK

Committee agrees Solvency II text

Tough times ahead for ILS

Munich Re seeks ‘bargainbuys’

New reporter joins The Review

Claims segmentation for Lloyd’s

REPORTAGE

Report says US bailout may not be enough to stop global destabilisation

Risk management is maturing in Europe, says FERMA

US p/c industry 1H 2008 income down by over 50%, says ISO

Bermuda market net income down 32% in 1H 2008, says Benfield

NEWS ANALYSIS

The view from Lloyd’s

A 50% drop in interim profits, the softening market and stock market volatility are just some of the issues occupying chief executive Richard Ward. But the improving strength of the dollar is a reason to be cheerful, finds Ruth Lythe.

Reinsurance in a changing world

The 24th East Asian Insurance Congress takes place in Hong Kong later this month. But while the impact of the financial markets meltdown on Asia’s insurance sector will no doubt dominate proceedings, Allianz Re CEO Jay Ralph warned recently that many other issues are also altering the risk landscape in the region. Greg Dobie reports.

If the price is right

With AIG’s government loan on the increase CEO Edward Liddy is determined to ensure that the insurer keeps its premium income on track as he waits for the offers to come in. Greg Dobie reports.

SOAP BOX

Texan stand-off

Settling claims from Hurricane Ike in the US’ second largest state is just one example of how Bermuda’s insurance industry contributes to the American economy. So why should it be punished by ill-advised tax and catastrophe fund legislation, argues Bradley Kading.

LEGAL UPDATE

If you can keep your head…

BYSTANDER

‘They will never take our free…lunch’

Willis is made for the movies

ILS but not thrills