Digital Platforms

The Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors predicts Europe’s insurers will feel pressure from low rates and H1N1 flu.

Aon expects property and D&O rates to stabilize and a soft casualty market to continue in 2010.

The House approved dozens of changes late Thursday to the financial regulatory reform bill, including measures to enhance the Federal Reserve Board's power to break up large, complex firms.

With the proliferation of security devices and software, you would think that virus infections are decreasing, but exactly the opposite is true. The question is—why?

A Robert Half survey found that while 7% of technology execs anticipate hiring IT staff in the Q1 2010, 4% plan reductions.

Regulators will not require auto insurers offer pay-as-you-drive policies.

Fitch Ratings expects a slight improvement in 2009 underwriting losses, but the improvement won’t last through 2010.

A survey of P&C CFOs shows that when subrogation is treated as a core activity, they can report higher profits and satisfaction.

The reform bill is expected to water down a provision to create a new consumer protection agency, among other plans.

For insurers looking to develop their social media strategy, looking to banks may offer some helpful clues.

Industry technology executives admit that adopting the changes required to innovate is no longer an option: CIO Insurance Summit report.

Tentative agreement would include private plans, expand medicare coverage, and regulate insurers' medical-loss ratio.

A.M. Best affirms Progressive and CUNA Mutual’s ratings, and S&P assigns a negative outlook to White Mountains Insurance Group.

New rule changes how insurers calculate admissible deferred tax assets.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said TARP must be extended due to the remaining challenges for homeowners and small businesses.

The effects of regulatory reform, increased government intervention and potential tax law changes will keep stability at bay, at least for a few more years, says a PricewaterhouseCoopers report.

Regulation and expansion are included among Deloitte's six key topics for which insurance companies will be watching in the coming year.

Advanced System Designs, a Morton, Ill., full-service provider of technical and business solutions to the insurance industry, has expanded its locations across the United States and added several new members to its business intelligence (BI) team to support the growth of its offerings across the insurance, financial services and manufacturing specific industries.

Andrew Kaslow departs the troubled insurer, leaving a vacancy at an inopportune time.

Aon says rates are stabilizing after signs of hardening in first half of year.

No one wants to spend more money these days, but cuts can bleed in ways we never would have imagined.

Lawmakers consider hybrid proposal that would use private insurance plans to offer universal coverage

Supreme Court will hear arguments over legality of auditing oversight board created by Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Vendor’s commercial lines platform chosen for Canadian policy admin operations.

Framework expands current use of policy admin solution to provide additional products to agents.

The combined entity will serve contractors on a local basis in every region of the United States.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the insurance industry lost 2,400 jobs in the month of November, noting it is an improvement over recent months.

The Group of North American Insurance Companies expressed serious concerns about a new paper’s conclusions for measurement of non-life insurance liabilities in the post-claim period.

Judge approves $350 million deal to end class-action lawsuit regarding physician reimbursement.

Clearer and more concise variable annuity information for consumers could reduce the burden placed on insurers to produce lengthy documents that consumers traditionally ignore because of their complexity.

Ernst & Young survey finds that 75% of respondents are concerned with possible reprisal from employees who have left their organizations.

Survey finds liquidity issues are receiving renewed attention in wake of the financial crisis.

Seniors lobby fights efforts to send Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act back to committee

House Financial Services Committee sends two pieces of financial services reform legislation to House floor.

The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers says the bill “needs clarification regarding the role of brokers in state exchanges on several fronts," particularly defined compensation models and the role they would play as exchange navigators.

Insurance and reinsurance sectors should pay attention to emerging markets in order to stay strong through the economic recovery, say Swiss Re economists.

Annuities are considered a volatile segment, while life insurance products have remained “remarkably stable” during the economic crisis, notes Conning Research and Consulting.

After several dismal quarters, the U.S. IT job market will improve, says Robert Half International, with the most notable hiring predicted in the East North Central and South Atlantic states.

Boston-based research and advisory firm, launches a new service dedicated to the Indian financial services space.

Leahy inserts amendment into health care reform legislation.

Donations from IBM and Prima Solutions drive ACORD framework advances.

Recent deals for technology software and services

BUSINESS ANALYTICS FOR MID-SIZED INSURERS

Insurance Networking News would like to congratulate the following select number of nominees, whose innovation deserves special recognition. Watch for their stories in upcoming issues of Insurance Networking News and online at www.insurancenetworking.com.

Social network analysis can help insurers understand networks often connected to criminal behavior.

COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

INN is proud to present the 2009 INNovator Awards, recognizing key advances in the use of technology and practices in the insurance industry.

Fitch affirms State Farm and Principal Financial Group, while A.M. Best downgrades Kinsgway Financial.

While Web apps are a critical part of many insurers’ business strategies, there needs to be better, more systematic approaches to addressing potential performance issues.

Bills to extend premium subsidies still stuck in committee

Insurers would be wise to keep tabs on addressable television advertising, which uses financial and cable company data to generate targeted TV commercials.

Swiss Re says the calm hurricane season for 2009 contributes to the $26-billion decline from 2008.