Digital Platforms

Slated to commence services in 2010, the new company, backed by affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, will target middle market.

The Retail Agent—E&S Market Initiative has released new guidance for managing general agents and wholesale brokers in a report titled, “Roadmap to Effective General Agent (GA) Web sites.”

The Obama administration's push to eliminate the thrift charter may force large insurers that own thrifts to convert or divest.

Social networking sites such as Facebook are already key for many insurers attempting to increase brand awareness and engage in a dialogue with consumers.

Moody’s, A.M. Best and the New York Stock Exchange reflect—and affect—perception of a number of insurers and brokers, including AIG and Prudential.

The new standards will force insurers to finally use one consistent, global standard to measure and report on their financial performance.

Association says Homeowners Defense Act may spur risk in storm-prone areas.

Legislation seeks to reduce overlapping regulations in the nonadmitted market.

The president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago said last week that financial institutions should be forced to buy capital insurance, or issue debt that could be converted into equity in a crisis.

The bank will offer VantisLife's products through the insurer's online platform.

A report from Datamonitor suggests the economic downturn presents an opportune time for insurers to invest in green IT.

The storm clouds that tend to visit America’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts each autumn may have a silver lining for reinsurers based in Bermuda. A new report from New York-based Deloitte, which features analysis from Standards and Poor's reinsurance director Laline Carvalho, says a variety of factors have quelled reinsurers' appetite for risk, which will result in higher prices for reinsurance.

The developer of what may well be the world’s first mass-produced “flying car” is discussing a range of options with underwriters from several companies in an attempt to come up with an affordable insurance policy for this hybrid vehicle/aircraft.

The use of flawed databases operated by Ingenix Inc. to determine out-of-network health insurance reimbursement rates was widespread across the nation, according to a new report of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Richmond, Va.-based Genworth Financial says its U.S. mortgage insurance business was seeing positive results from the Obama Administration's Home Affordability Refinance Program (HARP).

Minneapolis-based UnitedHealth Group says better use of technology can take a bite out of nation's health care tab.

The Healthcare Billing & Management Association (HBMA) presented findings from a survey aimed to find out how billing services and health insurers work together to manage claims processing.

Insurance.com reports an increase to $1,884, while CarInsurance.com reports an increase to $1,884.

Aon Benfield’s July Reinsurance Market Update report shows catastrophe-exposed programs outside of the United States remained firm.

After accepting the funds, Fitch Ratings downgraded the insurer due to its exposure to the volatile credit and investment market conditions.

The new head of the AIA, Leigh Ann Pusey, weighs in on a bevy of legislative issues pertinent to the insurance industry.

ALFA LIFE BENEFITS FROM UNDERWRITING SOLUTION

If insurers succeed in excising all elements of risk from within their own walls, they may in turn run the risk of stifling learning and creativity.

WAUSAU LAUNCHES PAYMENT PROCESSING SOLUTION

Arch Re is employing a Web-based system to ease the manual burden of the insurers with which it works.

Insurers are finding enterprise mashups add a new dimension to the productivity promise of composite applications.

A report from ISO and PCI says the decline stems from a combination of underwriting losses and a deterioration in investment results.

Given the prevailing economic concerns, insurers and brokers may be wise to look to financial planners as part of their customer service strategy.

What is the role of social media for UK insurers?

Ratings agencies announce a number of changes, including affirmations of Pan-American Life Insurance Co. and Western Life Assurance Co., and an under-review status for IPC Holdings Ltd.

Solution to include investment accounting and portfolio management software and services.

Insurer’s core systems to be managed by Web-based suite.

Watson Wyatt CEO John Haley and Towers Perrin CEO Mark Mactas will head up the combined company, Towers Watson & Co.

The vendor will provide black-box rating and policy admin software for insurers’ multi-line products.

Software will allow insurer to model business processes and automate workflows.

Survey results show the mean compensation for all IT executive positions surveyed decreased to $142,753 in large enterprises and $123,728 in mid-sized enterprises.

A recently released study shows that fewer customers are shopping for another auto insurance provider, but insurers step up their satisfaction efforts.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York to receive $25 billion share of spun-off businesses.

Respondents express concerns over rising costs and inadequate coverage in their employer-based coverage.

Fitch Report quantifies link between investment losses and deteriorating capital levels.

With China's new insurance laws set to take effect later this year, many insurers may need to upgrade their claims systems to keep pace.

When financial systems are compromised, we may not even hear about it for months.

The key will be if the Office of National Insurance can deliver on its promise of greater uniformity of regulation among the states.

Capital losses will hamper balance sheets through 2009, according to Conning Research.

A.M. Best downgraded National Financial Group, not National Life Group.

The Retirement Security for Life Act would halve taxes on annual income derived from retirement vehicles.

Draft proposal of bill also calls for establishment of a health care exchange.

Waukegan agent acknowledges forging certificates and pocketing premiums.

The acquisition represents the last significant step toward the insurer closing its investment agreement with Treasury.

Carriers and agents are taking advantage of technology offerings to improve their communication.

When it comes to claims processing, a little bit of software and an evolution of processes can make a huge difference for carriers.

Financial Instruments Reporting and Convergence Alliance coalition includes industry stakeholders from both life and property/casualty insurance groups.