Core systems

Fitch assigns Lincoln National Corp. a negative outlook, and Moody’s warns of further possible downgrades.

While Europe's Basel II regulations are still just for banks, insurers should take note and begin to prepare, as many of the changes may likely come to affect them in the near future.

Prudential Retirement is the first insurer to offer a product that combines target-date funds with annuities.

The Los Angeles-based multiple line insurer will broaden its personal lines, geographic scope with the $1.9B deal.

In a Benchmark Survey conducted by the Professional Insurance Agents Association, agency principals rated “adjust claims fairly” and “pays claims promptly” as the two top factors when evaluating an insurer.

The technology du jour may run into problems as insurers try to figure out just what it is.

Tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety dictate that very small cars generally can't protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models.

Banking Committee likely to move left to bolster voter support.

Net income of $232.5 million in Q109 compares with $239.4 million in the same period in 2008.

When developing a multichannel distribution strategy, focusing on agent commission, lead generation distribution and communication can help prevent an agent revolt.

American Freedom, MEMIC Indemnity, American Independent Network Insurance of New York, Central States Indemnity of Omaha, West Bend Mutual, Lyndon Property Insurance and Columbia Insurance Group see ratings changes from A.M. Best.

Ernst & Young estimates the global Takaful market could expand to $7.7 billion by the end of 2012.

The CORE initiative seeks to build industry consensus on the tightening of the HIPAA standards to streamline health care financial/administrative transactions.

The life insurer’s chairman, president and CEO says the company is confident that its has the financial strength to continue to succeed now, and over the long-term.

A new report from Guy Carpenter & Co. finds the consensus estimate for total cat bond issuance activity in 2009 stands at $3 billion, dependent on market conditions.

Service-oriented architectures, much like the setup of a mutual insurance company, should be owned by the entire organization, with every department playing its part.

Vulnerability of U.S. infrastructure could mean disaster.

The insurer's shares dropped in trading Monday following last week's announcement that it won't be allowed to receive Tarp funds after failing to meet a deadline to become a bank holding company.

Despite economic turmoil, rating agencies issue stable outlook for insurers, citing an expectation of good earnings this year.

Company says legislation an improvement on past optional federal charter proposals.