Behind the rise of ransomware lies the rise of bitcoin, the virtual currency of choice for hacker blackmailers who steal huge amounts of sensitive data. That doesn’t mean bitcoin is inherently to blame, but it does suggest that business has …
Insurance companies are running out of ideas. They’ve bolstered their balance sheets since the financial crisis but have few racy growth prospects in a world of low interest rates, pricing pressure and regulatory hassles. Big mergers may be the most …
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA is one of the few Italian banks that could accurately claim to be strong, profitable and shareholder-friendly. Generali’s Market Value: €23 billion It’s curious, therefore, that CEO Carlo Messina seems intent on jeopardizing that record with a …
The last time Italian insurer Assicurazioni Generali SpA was rumoured to be in play, the supposed bidder, France’s AXA SA, said such a costly and complex deal would “make no sense at all.” This time, the interest comes from an …
Switzerland’s biggest insurer, Zurich Insurance, has unveiled a shareholder-friendly shift to a simpler management structure under new chief Mario Greco. That’s a positive step. Too bad it’s into a brewing storm. There’s certainly a lot to like about Zurich’s decision …
European governments are trying to persuade banks and insurers to share the pain of a second Greek bailout package, in an attempt to avoid market meltdown while keeping taxpayers happy. Talks between governments and creditors will begin across the euro …
