Yearly Archives: <span>2021</span>

China’s Top Financial Regulator Rejects ‘State Monopoly’ Criticism

China’s top financial regulator dismissed claims the nation is distorting its economy through “state monopoly capitalism” as pressure grows on China to align more with global trade rules. Guo Shuqing, chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said …

Trump Order Allows Government to Block Use of U.S. Cloud Services in Foreign Countries

On his last full day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order the White House said was aimed at preventing foreign malicious cyber-actors from using U.S. online infrastructure to carry out their activities. The order, which provides the …

Maryland Insurance Agencies Accuse Erie Insurance of Discriminatory Practices

Three Maryland independent insurance agencies contracted with Erie Insurance have filed complaints with the Maryland Insurance Administration alleging Erie engaged in discriminatory practices against low-income and minority communities in the Baltimore area. The complaints were filed by Baltimore, Maryland-based Baltimore …

French Car Rental Firm’s Credit Insurance Woes Send Warning to Speculators

A failed attempt to settle debt insurance on a struggling French car-rental company is the latest blow to the $9 trillion market in credit derivatives, but this time the focus is on speculators. Protection buyers who didn’t hold any of …

Japan’s Automakers Adding Safety Technology for Often-Isolated Older Drivers

Automakers in Japan, where almost 30% of the population is 65 or older, are taking the lead on adapting cars so the nation’s legions of elderly drivers can feel more confident — and be safer — behind the wheel. A …

Bage Appointed CEO at MAX Insurance in Kansas

Overland Park, Kansas-based MutualAid eXchange (MAX) has named Dr. Lisa Bage, currently chief operating officer at MAX, as CEO and president effective Feb. 15, 2021. She will succeed current President and CEO David M. Wine, who is retiring following 20 …

Alera Group Acquires CSNW Benefits in Oregon

Alera Group has acquired CSNW Benefits in Portland, Ore. The CSNW Benefits team will continue serving clients in their existing roles. Terms of the deal were not announced. CSNW Benefits serves clients throughout the Northwest region, creating employee benefits and …

Poms & Associates in California Adds Fontelieu and Toland

Poms & Associates has added Ed Fontelieu and Jason Toland to the commercial insurance production team. Fontelieu and Toland will work with Poms & Associates clients to deliver risk management solutions. Fontelieu is based in Fresno, Calif. He joins Poms …

2020 Could Make 2021 the Year of Insurance Agency E&O Lawsuits

Insurance agents and brokers should prepare for a big agency errors and omissions (E&O) litigation wave to crash their shores in 2021. Agency E&O claims are a lagging indicator, meaning plaintiffs typically only go after agents and brokers after they …

Why Now May Be the Best Time to Start an Insurance Agency: Viewpoint

Starting an independent insurance agency, or any business, is a risky proposition. You’re moving from a secure position with a regular income and foreseeable future to a place where uncertainty is the new normal. Some may think that’s truer than …