From Editor-in-Chief

Trust Re: Becoming a reinsurer of choice

Ahead of Trust Re's 25th anniversary next year, CEO Fadi Abunahl traces the company's developments and looks at how it is fulfilling its vision of becoming a "Reinsurer of Choice".

Industry braces itself for tougher times ahead

Urgent reforms are needed to keep Jordan's insurance market, already suffering from losses, from slipping into chaos. The overall socio-political situation and uncertain regulatory changes are exacerbating business results.

Interview with regulator: Protecting the sector amid uncertainty

The uncertainty facing the Insurance Commission (IC) of Jordan has not hindered its efforts in introducing new initiatives to upgrade the sector's standards, says Mrs Rana Tahboub, Director General.

Motor in Jordan: Changing the rules of the game

Although many believe that floating the rates of motor TPL - the market's largest line of business - is the best way to limit the sector's losses, several factors continue to obstruct this decision.

Rendezvous dynamics - 2nd MENA Rendezvous: Market feels the heat

Growth prospects notwithstanding, the pressure is on the various stakeholders in the MENA region to help build a disciplined and sustainable market, said speakers at the 2nd MENA Rendezvous in Dubai last month.

Rendezvous dynamics - A FAIR call for innovation

At the 23rd Federation of Afro-Asian Insurers and Reinsurers (FAIR) Conference held in Beijing, speakers discussed how technology and innovation can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future.

Rendezvous dynamics - Push for prudence in MENA market

Whilst the influx of alternative capital into the global reinsurance market was probably the hottest talking point at this year's Monte Carlos Rendez-vous, this is not the most serious challenge facing the MENA market. Rather, the long-standing...

Pensions - A new approach to retirement savings

Mr Peter Cox of Zurich looks at the impact of End-of-Service Gratuities on businesses in the GCC, and suggests a new way forward that could benefit both employers and employees.

Pensions - Muslim integrity and retirement security

Messrs Danny Quant and Safder Jaffer of Milliman describe the issues that Muslims face in establishing financial security in old age, and offer a potential framework to overcome the hurdles under certain aspects of Shariah law.

Takaful rendezvous - Delivering on the promise of takaful

As a curtain raiser to the Takaful Rendezvous in Malaysia this month, we bring you a visionary's perspectives, evaluations and passion for Takaful to take its rightful place.

Impact of IAIS on the MENA region

As expected, 2013 is turning into a year of significant regulatory change - the second half of the year will witness many key developments, including steps towards the first global insurance capital standard, says Mr Rob Curtis of KPMG.

Motor - Every vehicle is worth something

Mr Carlos Sabugueiro of Copart looks at how recent innovation in the salvage industry can benefit both buyers and insurers by delivering greater efficiencies.

Brokers - The value of brokers

Brokers add value and are increasingly relied upon for their expertise. Mrs Yolla El Khoury of ACE Brokers looks at how insurance brokers are demonstrating their value to clients in the changing environment.

Focus on asset management - The rotation towards "non-traditional" fixed-income assets

Over the last three years, "non-traditional" fixed income assets have faced significant demand and delivered strong returns. Ms Elodie Laugel of AXA Investment Managers looks at their attractiveness and why the allocation towards these assets...

A founder and a vision creator

Mr Ghazi Abunahl, founder of Trust Re, received the Hall of Fame Award at the recent FAIR Conference in Beijing for his contributions to the regional insurance industry. He tells Middle East Insurance Review how the company has lived up to its name,...

MENA & GCC: Zurich committed to Middle East, says Regional Chairman

Zurich remains committed to the Middle East region and plans to focus on a country-centric strategy rather than an expansive regional set-up, said Mr Geoffrey Riddell, Regional Chairman for Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

MENA & GCC: Aetna extends reach in the Middle East

US-headquartered healthcare benefits provider Aetna is partnering with governments and corporations as part of its regional expansion, said Dr Saif AlJaibeji, Vice President, Government Relations, Middle East & Africa.

IAIS to develop global insurance capital standard

The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) is planning to develop a risk-based global insurance capital standard (ICS) by 2016.

GCC: Strong takaful growth expected in GCC - Moody's

The GCC takaful sector is expected to grow at strong levels with contributions likely to reach US$20 billion by 2017, according to a report by Moody's.

Bahrain: CBB revising takaful model to accelerate growth

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is working on revising the existing takaful model to attract new entrants to the local market and better protect consumers, said Executive Director for Financial Institutions Supervision Abdul Rahman Al Baker on the...

First Takaful Rendezvous to be held in Kuala Lumpur

Asia Insurance Review, together with the Malaysian Takaful Association, is organising the first-ever international rendez-vous for the takaful sector as it prepares for the January renewals.

Family takaful makes better sense for Zurich, says Regional Chairman

Zurich remains interested in entering the takaful segment and believes it has a better chance to succeed on the family takaful side of the business, said Mr Geoffrey Riddell, Regional Chairman for Asia Pacific and Middle East in an interview with...

FWU issues sukuk backed by takaful

FWU Group has issued a US$20 million five-year sukuk backed by takaful policies, the first tranche of its $100 million sukuk al-wakala programme. The tranche has closed, having been oversubscribed.

Saudi Re conducts engineering underwriting workshop

Saudi Reinsurance Company has organised a workshop on engineering underwriting to address the developments in the Saudi engineering market with its more than SAR1 billion (US$266.6 million) in premiums.

Diary of events

People on the move