Marsh McLennan Appoints Pat Tomlinson as Mercer’s New President
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 Set to Acquire AXA’s Share in Partnership
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 Celebrates a Year of Triumph with Esteemed Health and Protection Honour
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 2024 Report shows 10.1% increase Medical Plan Unit Costs – highest since 2015
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
AI’s Transformative Role in Insurance: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
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
The Importance of Innovation: EIOPA’s Digital Strategy 2023 Report
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: Spearheading Zurich Eurolife’s European Expansion & Customer Engagement
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
Deloitte’s 2024 Global Insurance Outlook: Navigating the Future of Insurance
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,
Prioritizing Mental Health Resilience: A Critical Imperative for Global Workforces on World Mental Health Day 2023
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
NBER: Intricacies and Implications of Adverse Selection in Health Insurance Choices
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.
Giulio Terzariol appointed as Generali’s New Insurance Division CEO
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
Analyzing the Surge in OECD Inflation Rates: Review of August 2023 Report
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
Unveiling Aegon’s Redomiciliation to Bermuda: A Deep Dive into Regulatory, Supervisory, and Operational Implications
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
U.S. Insurers Navigate Slowdown in Private Equity Investments Amid Economic Challenges: AM Best
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
APRIL Group Sets Sights on Robust Expansion in the IPMI Sector: A Three-Year Strategic Vision Unveiled
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
Understanding the Evolving Landscape of Global Workers: A Comprehensive Analysis
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
Medical Costs Skyrocket: Staff Contributions Remain Steady Amidst Rising Healthcare Expenditures
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
Navigating the Economic Landscape: OECD’s Analysis on Global Growth and Inflation Trends Sept. 2023
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
Understanding the Dynamics of Global Capital Allocation: A Deep Dive into the Recent NBER Research
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
The Unseen Peril of Pollen: Bridging the Gap Between Seasonal Allergies and Accidents
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
Unveiling the Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from the OECD Report
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat, driven primarily by the misuse of antibiotics. This issue is explored in-depth in an OECD report, which reveals critical insights and potential consequences of unchecked AMR. Key Points: Global Antibiotic Consumption: Over the past two decades, the use of antibiotics in humans has moderately increased in OECD and EU/EEA countries but significantly surged in non-OECD G20 nations. Notably, the consumption of
MAXIS GBN Appoints Suzanna Hicks and Nathan Dewhurst as EMEA Member Managers
MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanna Hicks and Nathan Dewhurst as Member Managers, reinforcing their commitment to providing top-notch support to network members across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions. Suzanna Hicks, who joined MAXIS GBN in July 2023, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at AXA Health. With five years as a Care Coordination Pathway
Unraveling the Nexus of Retirement Consumption and Pension Design
September 9, 2023 – In a thought-provoking research paper titled “Retirement Consumption and Pension Design,” the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) delves into the intricacies of retirement planning and pension structures. This study, authored by Jonas Kolsrud, Camille Landais, Daniel Reck & Johannes Spinnewijn, offers valuable insights into how individuals’ retirement consumption patterns are influenced by the design of pension systems. The Research Paper The full research paper can be accessed here,
Global Life Reinsurers Navigate Excess Mortality Impact – AM BEST
In a recent report by AM Best, titled “Life/Annuity Reinsurers Remain Prepared for Growth,” global life reinsurers are seen weathering the storm of excess mortality with cautious optimism. Despite facing challenges due to elevated life claims, the industry appears poised for continued growth. The report, part of AM Best’s comprehensive analysis of the global reinsurance industry leading up to the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo, highlights several key
OECD Reports Year-on-Year Inflation at 5.9% in July 2023
Updated: September 5, 2023 The latest data from the OECD reveals that year-on-year inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), saw a notable uptick, reaching 5.9% in July 2023. This represents an increase from the 5.7% recorded in June and marks the first rise since October 2022. The primary driver behind this increase in inflation was a sharp surge in inflation in Türkiye. However, when excluding Türkiye
Aon Research Highlights Differences in Wellbeing Risks Between the UK and Other Regions
Aon plc, a global professional services firm, has recently released its 2022-2023 Global Wellbeing Survey, shedding light on significant disparities in employee well being risks between the UK and other regions. The survey, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS, gathered insights from HR and reward leaders across 46 countries and various industries. Here’s an overview of the key findings and their implications. Mental Health and Burnout Take Center Stage Mental
Lufthansa exiting its insurance business Delvag and Albatros?
In a strategic move to streamline its operations, German airline Lufthansa is reportedly considering the sale of its in-house insurer Delvag and insurance broker Albatros attracting significant attention in the aviation industry and financial markets. Lufthansa’s decision to explore the sale of these insurance subsidiaries comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to focus on its core aviation business. By divesting these non-core assets, the airline aims to