Core systems

ICS Merrill will exclusively handle all of Riverport's investigation, special investigation, fraud abatement and compliance functions.

Washington, D.C. - Five industry leaders were honored with an “Insurance Legends” award for making significant contributions to the life insurance and life reinsurance industry at ReFocus 2008, the premier conference for reinsurance industry professionals.

Springfield , Mass. - Building on several years of successful efforts to recruit and retain top financial services professionals, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) today unveiled a creative, new Web site that introduces career changers, industry veterans and college graduates to a career with MassMutual through the eyes and words of its agents.

MassMutual, The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. and Zurich Financial Services make technology changes to attract and retain agents.

A new study indicates that investments in a customer-centric approach are paying dividends.

The company released tools designed to simplify the insurance decision-making process for consumers, as well as demystify how insurance works in its short film.

Insurers may have enterprise risk management (ERM) building blocks in place, but lack of data, modeling capabilities and lack of business unit buy-in are impediments to fully incorporating ERM into strategic business decision-making.

A recent Towers Perrin survey found attracting and retaining top talent is emerging as a major issue facing carriers in 2008.

Washington – Insurers are praising the introduction of a bill that clarifies patent law in the aftermarket automobile parts market. The bill, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), further clarifies existing patent law, and would help reverse an International Trade Commission ruling that sought to ban the importation of competitive parts.

Compliance publication names Norkom “Vendor of Year” for its contribution to financial services and accounting compliance and regulation.

While admirers push a bill seeking to nationalize agent licensing, detractors say the legislation is meant only to stymie other efforts.

Insurers perceive quality of service as key to gaining competitive edge, and will make IT management software investments accordingly.

The Los Angeles P&C carrier adds ID theft resolution services to its offerings.

As the industry continues to consolidate, technology will be key to attracting a broader, more ethnically diverse customer base, says the association.

The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is providing $5 million to fund two studies of best practices for using clinical decision support software.

To appease concerned insurers, the vendor community needs to step up with improved home health monitoring technologies, according to a recent Parks Associates’ report.

A new survey reports that most insurance industry executives feel confident in their ability to manage risks, yet those with excellent S&P ratings are more conservative. Both cite technology as an enabler.

Members of the insurer, vendor and consulting communities last week discussed the keys to forging mutually beneficial, long-term business relationships.

Washington – State and federal regulators, consumer advocacy groups, life insurance companies and those who sell and distribute annuity products recently gathered to address the issues of suitability of annuity sales at a summit. The Bethesda, Md.-based Insurance Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA) convened the summit.

Hillside, N.J. — myClosingSPACE.com, an online title insurance and closing services company, announced it is now available to new homebuyers, mortgage refinancers, attorneys, lenders and Realtors nationwide. The decision was made after the title company successfully test marketed its online business in New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York.