MIBAV from Pulheim, Germany, a firm specialized in consulting corporate top managers and private owners of multinationals in all matters related to strategy and supply chain management of global benefits, received in June 2017 the German “Top Consultant” certification. It is the first time a consulting firm specializing in global employee benefits is certified. The “Top Consultant” certification focuses on work performed for medium-sized firms, in German “Mittelstand”, that are

In the context of the impending Brexit, Tokio Marine Group in September 2017 announced plans to set up an insurance company in Luxembourg for writing European business. For decades, the group has been active in the European Economic Area through several of its subsidiaries, principally Tokio Marine HCC and Tokio Marine Kiln. Tokio Marine is aiming to have the new insurance company incorporated and capitalized within the first half

The strategic partnership between Allianz and Brokerslink, a company of brokers and risk consultant firms, is intended to give small and mid-sized enterprises better access to Allianz worldwide expertise and market access solutions. Brokerslink was created in 2004 as a global network of independent brokers. Since then, it has integrated a number of risk expert firms with a view to becoming a credible alternative to the mainstream models in

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) in August 2017 sold its Hong Kong-based subsidiary, MassMutual Asia, to Yunfeng Financial Group and other Asia-based investors for approximately $1.7 billion, including a 24.8% stake in Yunfeng Financial Group. MassMutual Asia owns a P/C insurer and MassMutual Trustees, which focuses on the Mandatory Provident Fund business, a compulsory pension plan for the retirement of residents in Hong Kong. According to the joint

After acquiring Norwegian insurer Gjensidige’s marine and energy portfolio in February 2016, U.K.-based Compre in August 2017 acquired its U.S. asbestos, pollution and health hazard risks, marking Compre’s fifth acquisition in 2017 and the 25th overall. At this time and according to its 2016 SFCR (Solvency and Financial Condition Report), Compre appears to be active in P/C risks only, including general liability, casualty, and marine, aviation and transport. Gjensidige

Total global fintech investment more than doubled quarter over quarter in Q2’17 to US $8.4 billion, up from US$3.6 billion in Q1’17, according to the KPMG Pulse of Fintech report. The fintech market rebound was helped by global M&A investment, with US$5.9 billion in deal value for M&A for the quarter. Comparatively, global VC funding to fintech companies declined slightly, with just over US$2.5 billion in VC funding raised

U.S.-based Wamberg Genomic Advisors and Global Healthcare Resources in July 2017 announced a new partnership designed to bring genomic testing to insurance professionals and employer groups. This partnership proposes to educate insurance professionals about the potential of genetic testing and integrating these tests into employee benefit packages, thereby creating a healthier workforce that is engaged in, and informed of, their health. Advanced cancer genomic profiling uses techniques such as

Arthur J. Gallagher in August 2017 announced the acquisition of Michigan, U.S.A.-based Ballard Benefit Works, a boutique employee benefit and health care finance brokerage, consulting and insurance agency. Ballard Benefit Works, founded in 2009 by Justin Spewock, serves public, private and not-for-profit clients primarily throughout , Washington, D.C. and Florida. It specializes in the development of alternative models for healthcare delivery. Ballard will operate under the direction of John

A rogue employee attempting to make a profit on the Dark Web in 2017 breached the data systems of Bupa, a U.K.-based international health insurer. The employee, who goes under the codename “MoZeal” and who offered the database for sale on Alpha Bay, one of many sites on the Dark Web, has exposed data for 108,000 policies and claims to have information for as many as one million customers.

Lemonade, an U.S. property/casualty insurance company “powered by artificial intelligence and behavioral economics”, in June 2017 released two surveys conducted in April 2017 that appear to indicate it had overtaken Allstate, GEICO, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, State Farm, USAA and all other legacy insurers, when it comes to first-time purchasers of renter’s insurance in New York State. The first of two Google surveys (500 respondents) compared Lemonade’s market share in

Cigna in July 2017 announced it had acquired Zurich Insurance Middle East (SAL). The newly-acquired company will be called “Zurich Insurance Middle East, a Cigna-Owned company” in line with local regulations. Cigna’s strategy in the Middle East is to deliver group health products and services for small businesses and family-owned enterprises through to multinational companies. Arthur Cozad, former CEO of Cigna Taiwan, has been named as CEO for Middle

Recently launched advocacy organization Cross Border Benefits Alliance-Europe (CBBA-Europe) in August 2017 announced plans to hold its inaugural conference in November or in December, 2017. CBBA-Europe’s purpose is to promote cross-border and pan-European employee benefit plans in Europe. To join the Alliance or for more information about the upcoming conference, contact CBBA-Europe’s Secretary General, Francesco Briganti. Phone +32 2 401 87 92, email francesco.briganti@cbba-europe.eu

Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) in June 2017 acquired HolaDoctor, the leading digital provider of health and wellness solutions for Hispanic audiences, in a significant strategic initiative by PALIG that both expands its presence in the U.S. Hispanic market and strengthens its position as a healthcare leader in Latin America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 1999, HolaDoctor is an online resource for Hispanic consumers interested

Advocacy organization Cross Border Benefits Alliance-Europe (CBBA-Europe) in July 2017 was launched to promote cross-border/pan-European employee benefit plans in Europe, including pensions, healthcare, disability, long-term care, and well-being/wellness programs. The Alliance “is strongly convinced that the current national barriers to the creation of cross-border employee benefits represent a useless burden and foolish costs for sponsor companies and future beneficiaries”. CBBA-Europe will lobby E.U. institutions and member states to remove

Global insurance brokerage Hub International (Hub) in July 2017 acquired HR technology consultants MillsonJames for an undisclosed sum. Based in Florida, USA, MillsonJames advises brokers and employers on HR and benefits technology.  MillsonJames principal Scott Millson now reports to Chris Gardner, President and CEO, Hub Florida.

The Immigration Industry Association (IIA), in July 2017 officially launched as a non-profit, professional association for the global immigration industry and the wider migrant and expat community. The association provides a forum for the immigration community to come together to network, share ideas, information, research and experiences. Its core objectives include: Linking the immigration industry together and providing opportunities for collaboration Creating a supportive forum for individuals, companies, non-profits

U.S. banking group Wells Fargo in June 2017 announced that it had sold Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA (WFIS) to USI Insurance Services. Wells Fargo group is refocusing on core banking products and services. Wells Fargo’s Personal Insurance business remains with Wells Fargo group and will report to its Consumer Lending division. WFIS provides small business, middle market, large corporate and high net worth clients with property and casualty,

AIG Global Benefits Network in June 2017 announced that FWD Thailand had joined the network, further complementing its footprint in Southeast Asia. Established in 2012, FWD Thailand provides insurance coverage in savings, personal accident, retirement plans, and investment-linked insurance. FWD already is AIG GBN ‘s partner in Hong Kong and Japan. It is the insurance business arm of Pacific Century Group and has a minority shareholder in Swiss Re.

WBN (Worldwide Broker Network) in June 2017 announced the addition of Pacific Prime as its latest member. Pacific Prime is a brokerage firm headquartered in Hong Kong, and a growing international health insurance advisor and property & casualty broker that leverages its close relationships with over 60 insurance companies. Founded in 1999 by Neil Raymond, Pacific Prime employs more than 400 staff including 35 nationalities. Raymond began his working career at Shell

Australian broker network Steadfast in June 2017 announced it had acquired a non-controlling stake in unisonBrokers, a German-US broker network based in Hamburg, Germany. The purpose of the deal is to grow the global distribution platform for both networks. Steadfast is the largest network of general insurance brokers in Australia and New Zealand and has 1,200+ offices across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. Many of its members also

FWD Group in May 2017 announced it had completed the acquisition of American International Group (AIG)’s Japanese subsidiary AIG Fuji Life Insurance Company. The acquired business intends to trade as FWD Fuji Life Insurance Company. It is to be led by current AIG Fuji Life CEO Norio Tomono, reporting to Huynh Thanh Phong, FWD Group’s CEO. AIG Fuji Life Insurance Company is the AIG Global Benefits Network partner in

Alight, the former outsourcing business that Aon in February 2017 sold to private equity firm Blackstone, in June 2017 re-emerges as a standalone firm. Chris Michalak, CEO of Alight Solutions: “We are using this opportunity to ignite an entrepreneurial spirit and a culture focused on innovation to help companies and their people meet their rapidly changing benefits, HR and financial needs. […] we believe that businesses are powered by

Arthur J. Gallagher in June 2017 announced the acquisition of Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle and Ann Arbor Business Advisors. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Brokerage Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle offers employee benefits, retirement planning, life insurance and human resource consulting, as well as commercial and personal property/casualty coverages, to clients primarily in Michigan and in California. Ann Arbor Business Advisors provides retirement plan services for institutional clients. Laurie E. Riegle,

Arthur J. Gallagher in May 2017 announced the acquisition of Zuber Insurance Agency in Houston, Texas. Zuber Insurance, a full-service insurance agency offering employee benefits, commercial and personal property/casualty insurance, and life insurance in Texas, was founded in 1934 by J.L. Zuber. Alan Zuber and his associates will continue to operate from Houston. As far as employee benefits are concerned, they will report to Robby White, head of Gallagher’s South

Global insurance brokerage Hub International in June 2017 announced that it has acquired Brady Insurance Planning, an East Norwich, New York-based employee benefits advisor. Matthew Brady, the principal, will join Hub Northeast. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Headquartered in Chicago, IL and with offices throughout North America, Hub International provides P&C, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. Only one day earlier,

Zurich Eurolife in June 2017 announced the acquisition of an existing book of international pension plans from AG2R La Mondiale’s (AG2R) Luxembourg-based subsidiary La Mondiale Europartner. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2017, after regulatory approval. The new agreement with La Mondiale Europartner will see their existing customers transfer to Zurich’s international pension plans. AG2R and Zurich have enjoyed close relationships for many years,

International insurance brokerage and risk management services firm Arthur J. Gallagher in June 2017 announced the acquisition of Total Reward Group in Kent, England. Founded in 2005, Total Reward Group is a U.K. consultancy offering remuneration support, executive search, interim placement and corporate training for reward professionals throughout the world. Based in Kent, its consultants work with global brands, mid-size firms, public and third sector organizations across a range