Author Archive

Eric Muller-Borle

Eric Muller-Borle

Global Benefits Vision founder and expert in global compensation & employee benefits, global mobility and insurance at large. A former industry executive and management consultant, Eric leads a team dedicated to providing accurate, high value business information to today's practitioners.

The global health crisis dramatically transformed how we operate, pushing numerous companies into a remote working model, while others adopted a blend, known as the hybrid model. Recent statistics from Pew Research Center indicate that 35% of employees capable of remote tasks are sticking to a fully remote routine, and 41% are following a hybrid schedule. Yet, as the dust settles post-COVID-19, many corporates like Zoom and Meta are

In an anticipated leadership shake-up, Bruce Broussard, Humana‘s CEO with over a decade at the helm, will relinquish his role as the head of the insurance giant known for its brands like CenterWell in home health, pharmacy, and primary care domains. Taking his place, starting January 8, 2024, will be Jim Rechtin, who currently leads Envision Healthcare. This transition will see Rechtin collaborating closely with Broussard until the second

With over 16 years of dedicated service at Gallagher, Ashley Wolff has showcased a trajectory of consistent growth and leadership. Her recent appointment as the Area Vice President for Multinational Benefits and HR Consulting in the South Central Region, showcases Ashley’s expertise lies in optimizing sales operations. Her tenure at Gallagher has seen her wear multiple hats – from being a Sales Enablement Leader for various regions, including the

In the ever-evolving landscape of global economics, the concept of wealth distribution has taken center stage. One policy that has garnered attention is profit-sharing, especially in its mandatory form. The research paper titled “The Effects of Mandatory Profit-Sharing on Workers and Firms: Evidence from France” by Elio Nimier-David, David Sraer, and David Thesmar offers a deep dive into this subject. Let’s unpack their findings. Historical Background of Profit-Sharing in

Leading B2B2C insurance provider, Allianz Partners, joins forces with global insurtech giant, bolttech, to introduce advanced device and appliance insurance in the Asia Pacific and the US. This strategic alliance leverages the unique strengths of both companies, aiming to seamlessly integrate insurance offerings during customer interactions. This collaboration will offer integrated solutions for businesses like e-commerce platforms, telecom providers, banks, insurers, and OEMs. The goal? Simplifying the process for

In recent years, the global employment landscape has seen a myriad of ups and downs. However, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have emerged as beacons of hope and resilience in the global labour arena. The most recent data for the second quarter of 2023 confirms this trend, showcasing record-breaking numbers in both employment and labour force participation rates. Soaring OECD Rates As of the second

The insurance realm is undergoing a transformative phase, spurred by digital advancements. These digital shifts not only pave the way for innovative growth and efficiencies but also introduce new risk dimensions. A notable outcome of this digital evolution is the surge in companies’ intangible assets, particularly digital data. However, this digital reliance also exposes these assets to threats like cyberattacks and business disruptions. Swiss Re Institute‘s recent sigma study,

Leading global professional services company, Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), specializing in risk, strategy, and human capital, has announced the appointment of Pat Tomlinson as the new President of Mercer. Mercer, a pivotal arm of Marsh McLennan, focuses on revolutionizing the work landscape, optimizing retirement and investment results, and promoting genuine health and well-being. Martine Ferland will continue her role as Mercer’s CEO and Marsh McLennan’s Vice Chair, supervising Mercer’s

Bharti Life Ventures is on track to secure full ownership of Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company. On Wednesday, Bharti Group announced a definitive agreement to purchase AXA’s 49% share in the life insurance entity. This move follows the 2020 decision by Bharti and AXA to integrate Bharti AXA General Insurance with ICICI Lombard and AXA’s subsequent departure from ICICI Lombard’s shareholder list. The deal is anticipated to finalize by

APRIL International, a leading French and global health insurance provider, is proud to share its recognition as the Top International Individual Health Insurance Provider at the Health & Protection Awards 2023. This distinguished honor complements the firm’s growing list of accolades, including a consecutive 5-star service rating in the 2023 International Private Medical Insurance Report by Health and Protection. Recently, APRIL International held its debut broker conference in London.

Aon’s 2024 Global Medical Trend Rates Report, conducted across 113 Aon offices, provides insights into the anticipated percentage increases in medical plan unit costs. These projections account for factors such as medical price inflation, technological advancements in the medical field, and shifts in plan utilization patterns. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the world has witnessed significant inflationary conditions and economic volatility. Despite signs of recovery, unstable economic conditions

The AI Revolution in Insurance The insurance landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, thanks to the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From predictive analytics to the rapid development of new products, AI is reshaping the industry’s very foundation. With tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI models, tasks that once seemed laborious are now streamlined, enabling insurers to process vast amounts of data with unparalleled efficiency. The Double-Edged Sword

2023 Digital Strategy Overview The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority’s (EIOPA) digital strategy 2023, aims to support consumers, markets, and the supervisory community through digital transformation. Realising that digital transformation is reshaping the world, influencing how businesses operate, how people connect, and how information is exchanged, EIOPA recognises that the insurance and pension sectors are no exception, with digitization altering product development, underwriting processes, and consumer behavior. The Digital

Moritz Löschner has taken on a new role as the Regional Director of Customer and Distribution Management at Zurich Eurolife S.A. Having been with Zurich for over a decade, Moritz has worn multiple hats, from roles in Customer & Distribution Management to Underwriting positions in both Corporate Life & Pensions and Commercial Insurance sectors. His journey with Zurich began in 2009 when he became a part of the Global

In an era where global risks are escalating and the insurance industry is pivoting towards a more customer-centric and digitally adept future, the “2024 Global Insurance Outlook” by Deloitte Center for Financial Services provides a comprehensive exploration into the multifaceted dynamics of the industry. The research, accessible here, underscores the pivotal role of insurers in not only acting as society’s “financial safety nets” but also evolving into sustainability ambassadors,

As the world observes World Mental Health Day today, October 10th, International SOS,World Mental Health Day today, October 10th, International SOS, a provider of health and security risk services globally, underscores the increasing significance of mental health resilience within the international workforce. In a world grappling with persistent and far-reaching crises, the impact of these challenges on employees’ mental well-being has never been more pronounced. The convergence of a

Introduction In the complex domain of health insurance, adverse selection persistently surfaces as a critical issue, influencing pricing and product allocation among consumers. The research paper, “The Incidence of Adverse Selection: Theory and Evidence from Health Insurance Choices,” authored by Michael Geruso, Timothy Layton, and Adam Leive, meticulously explores the multifaceted implications of adverse selection, particularly its impact on pricing and product allocation among consumers, and its distributional consequences.

In a straightforward and strategic organizational move, Generali has appointed Giulio Terzariol to lead its newly established “Insurance” Division, effective January 2024. This appointment marks a significant development in Generali’s organizational structure, consolidating all of its Insurance Business Units into one unified Division. Giulio Terzariol, with a rich history in the insurance sector, will step into the role of CEO Insurance, a position that entails comprehensive oversight of all

Overview of OECD Inflation Trends in August 2023 The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has released a detailed report, providing an in-depth analysis of the inflation trends observed across its member countries in August 2023. The report reveals a notable increase in the year-on-year inflation within the OECD, which ascended to 6.4% in August 2023, up from 5.9% in July 2023. This inflationary trend was witnessed in

Aegon N.V., a notable entity in the financial and insurance sector, has embarked on a pivotal journey, aiming to shift its legal domicile from the Netherlands to Bermuda, as elucidated in their Shareholder Circular dated September 29, 2023. This strategic move, which is set to be voted upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, is not merely a geographical shift but is embedded with intricate financial, regulatory, and

In 2022, U.S. insurance companies witnessed a deceleration in private equity investments, marking a mere 3.3% increase to reach $132.0 billion, following a stellar growth trajectory in the preceding year, as per a recent report by AM Best. The detailed insights of this financial shift are encapsulated in AM Best’s Special Report, titled “Growth in Insurers’ Private Equity Investments Slowed Significantly in 2022,” which can be accessed here. Life/annuity

In a pivotal announcement at the recent broker conference in London, Eric Maumy, CEO of the insurance distribution titan, APRIL Group, and its subsidiary APRIL International UK, unfolded a bold three-year growth blueprint, particularly spotlighting the International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) division. The strategy, meticulously crafted, is not merely a response to the current market dynamics but a forward-thinking approach to harness both the UK and global markets with

The Dynamics of the Global Workforce: Insights from SHRM’s 2023 Study In the ever-evolving world of work, the traditional definition of a worker is undergoing significant transformation. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) embarked on a comprehensive study in July 2023 to delve deeper into the unique desires, requirements, and experiences of workers worldwide. This report provides an insightful analysis of the findings from SHRM’s research, shedding light

The healthcare sector has been a focal point of economic discussions for years, with medical costs consistently on the rise. Recent data from Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans 2023 has shed light on this escalating issue, revealing that US employers anticipate a 5.4% surge in health benefit costs per employee in 2024. This projection comes even after employers have made adjustments to their plans to curtail this

In a recent report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on September 20, 2023, the global economic landscape is analyzed, shedding light on the current economic dynamics and projecting the trends for the years 2023 and 2024. The report, which can be accessed here, presents a detailed analysis of the global economic scenario, emphasizing the challenges of confronting inflation and sustaining growth. Global Economic Outlook

In a world where financial boundaries are constantly blurring, understanding the nuances of global capital allocation has never been more critical. The recent NBER research report by Sergio Florez-Orrego, Matteo Maggiori, Jesse Schreger, Ziwen Sun, and Serdil Tinda sheds light on this intricate landscape, offering a road map for future research and policy implications. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this comprehensive study. The Surge in Cross-Border Investments

Seasonal allergies, a common adversary for many, have far-reaching implications that extend beyond sneezes and itchy eyes. A groundbreaking study titled “Invisible Killer: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents” by Mika Akesaka and Hitoshi Shigeoka delves deep into the unseen repercussions of pollen exposure, unveiling a peril that is more significant than previously perceived. The Underestimated Impact of Pollen Traditionally, the societal cost of pollen exposure has been measured in terms