Digital Platforms

LexisNexis, in partnership with the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, will use FirstBest Systems to power automated intermediary distribution workflow.

Both federal and state governments are looking to crack down on unsafe practices.

A panel of four C-level insurance executives agree: the economic crisis has changed the competitive landscape. Just what they intend to do about it is another matter.

Despite being in talks to buy Alico from AIG, MetLife insists it doesn't need acquisitions to grow.

Statements made last week during congressional testimony rekindle debate about insurance regulation.

Carrier raising the bar, asking for $4 million in premium per location.

Official accused of using the power of the mayor's office for years to steer business to a friend's insurance agency.

Against growing discord, Obama’s pay czar says finalization of “grandfather” bonuses will be distributed in March.

TARP-driven BI discourages behavior that focuses on short-term results at the expense of value creation and innovation in the long run.

Like a pair of shoes, insurers may find that they are most comfortable with their new policy administration systems after a while. Indeed, a new report from Boston-based Celent, “Policy Administration Systems: Building Value over Time,” reviews strategies carriers can employ to glean continuing value from policy administration systems.

Of the many cuts included within the Obama administration’s proposed annual budget, terrorism risk insurance remains a hot button issue, as the insurance industry reacts to news that changes to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act would include lower subsidies and higher deductibles and co-payments. Additionally, the proposal would remove any coverage for attacks by domestic terrorists, according to the Wall Street Journal (www.wallstreetjournal.com).

A little self-examination goes a long way for insurers when it comes to the purchasing of technology solutions, a new report from Boston-based insurance industry analyst firm, Strategy Meets Action (SMA) finds.

Preliminary results from an annual national survey of office-based physicians show 43.9% of respondents reported using some level of electronic health records systems in their practices in 2009, up almost 6% from 41.5% reporting EHR use in 2008.

XL Insurance, a unit of Bermuda-based XL Capital Ltd., reports that Patrick Tannock, a veteran Bermuda-based insurance executive, will assume the role of president effective Feb. 22.

Recent deals for technology software and services

KAREN CLARK OFFERS NEW CAT MANAGEMENT REVIEW

A trio of risk managers weigh in on creating a culture of risk awareness.

A new report reveals an increase in spending on enterprise risk management technologies.

Mitchell analysis reveals correlation between declining total loss claims and ongoing economic downturn.

Just a few pieces of information may be all that is needed to identify you—yet new methods make breaching your privacy even easier.

The insurer plans to "go west" by selling its life insurance products through banks in the Midwest and California.

Insurers releases details of toxic assets in SEC filing.

2009 was a record year for The National Insurance Crime Bureau, which received more than double the fraud tips than in 2008.

Six product lines have been made available on the platform, designed for high-volume transactions.

Life insurers receptive to White House plan to aid middle-class Americans.

Helping to enhance enterprise agility, mashups can be an important tool for insurers.

After endorsing Obama's financial reform plan, critics call Geithner out for flip-flopping on backing a return to the Glass-Steagall Act.

Cintas lists ways to keep electronic and paper documents secure.

A Texas bank is suing a business customer that was victimized by cyber-theft; what will insurers do in similar circumstances?

Report says secondary market ready for technical innovation.

President urges congress to continue efforts during State of the Union speech.

New study says mergers and acquisitions fell in 2009, but expects more action in 2010.

The analyst firm recognized 28 insurers in eight different categories, and named Missouri Employers Mutual its Model Insurer of the Year.

New Novarica report finds CIOs focused on improving business agility, insights and service quality.

Payments to counterparties at issue during congressional hearing.

Forrester reports enterprise and SMB security trends for 2010, emphasis on managing vulnerabilities and complex threats.

Biennial survey finds increased modernization and broader functionality in vendor offerings.

Roger Crandall plans no major changes to its growth strategy, except for the modifications that real life thrusts upon it.

While Obama's proposal doesn't prevent banks from underwriting securities, among other things, critics say it's strongly headed in that direction.

Moody's affirms Fidelity National Financial’s senior debt ratings, A.M. Best affirms Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. and S&P revises its outlook on Taiwan Life Insurance Co.

Survey results from Celent point to 2010 as the year of data mining, claims, and infrastructure.

Regulators say it’s time to offer input into policy reforms that will buck the growing trends in health insurance fraud.

Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today that drivers of large commercial trucks and buses are now forbidden to text while driving.

Though the insurer contends its medical bill review practices were—and are—appropriate and fully comply with the law, it agreed to resolve a nationwide class action lawsuit to avoid the burden and expense of continued litigation.

Published report says Fed pressed to keep bailout details hidden.

The research and advisory firm aims to deliver the latest insights regarding business dynamics, operational practices, regulatory evolution and technological underpinnings in the Asia Pacific region.

Association says restrictions on claims administrators will harm consumers.

As a part of its commencement, the independent insurance distribution group rolls out a proprietary technology platform to provide agents with a single agent desktop across multiple carriers and product lines.

In a letter to legislators, association claims provision in health reform legislation will lead to rising premiums.

National Crop Insurance Services says declining funding to USDA program would shrink number of private companies offering crop insurance.

Lord Levene honored for his global risk management and for fearless sharing of realistic industry insights.

The Lloyd’s syndicate manager will use ClaimCenter to improve claims processing in its specialty lines areas.