New Zealand News

Bermuda Concludes Tax Information Agreement with Belgium

Bermuda’s Minister of Finance, the Hon. Paula A. Cox, announced that Bermuda had concluded negotiations of a bilateral agreement with Belgium that provide for a full exchange of information on criminal and civil tax matters between Bermuda and the Kingdom …

Ratings Recap: Sunderland Marine, ZEP-RE

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A’- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of the UK-based Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company Limited (SMMI), both with stable outlooks. Best said it expects SMMI’s risk-adjusted capitalization “to …

Aon Appoints Ward Marine Expert to Manchester Team

Aon has appointed Jayne Ward as client services manager for the marine team in Manchester. Building on Aon’s commitment to the region, she will ensure delivery of cargo, haulers’ liability and craft insurance broking services to companies in the North-West …

France’s AXA Eyes Asia Growth with Takeover Bid

AXA Asia Pacific rejected a $10.3 billion bid from parent AXA SA and Australian rival AMP Ltd on Monday, an initial hurdle for the French insurer’s bold ambitions to expand in Asia. AXA SA, Europe’s second-largest insurer it would raise …

Aon’s Q3 Net up Slightly at $120 Million; Other Results Mixed

Aon Corp. reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009, which show net income attributable to Aon stockholders was up slightly at $120 million or $0.41 per share, compared to $117 million or $0.40 per share for the …

Willis Appoints Margrett COO – Global Captive Practice

Willis Group Holdings announced that Pauline Margrett has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for its Global Captive Practice. She is based in London and will report to Tom Coughlin, the Global Captive Practice leader. The announcement notes that Margrett’s career …

Ratings Recap: AMI, HDI-Gerling

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit rating of “aa-” of New Zealand’s AMI Insurance Limited, both with stable outlooks. The ratings are based on an “analysis of the consolidated financial accounts …

Ratings Recap: Starr Surplus, Wethaq, Unity Re, Ansvar

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a” to Chicago-based Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bermuda-based Starr Insurance & Reinsurance Limited and an indirect …

ACE Names Jones Head of International Power Business

The ACE Group of insurance and reinsurance companies today announced the appointment of David Jones to the newly created position of Head of Power for its international property and casualty insurance business. He will be responsible for the continuing growth …

AIR Analyzes New Zealand Quake; Tsunami Warning

According to catastrophe risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide, a major earthquake struck off the southwestern coast of New Zealand on Wednesday July 15 at 8:22 p.m. local time (9:22 a.m. UTC). The United States Geological Survey has issued a preliminary …