Editor-in-Chief

Navigating regulatory challenges in MENA

To harness the amazing benefits of insurance, regulators and government officials must create a clear and consistent regulatory framework while protecting customers, says Mr Geoff Riddell of Zurich.

D&O: Management liability in Gulf economies - An emerging risk?

Growth in corporatisation and the pace of regulatory reforms throughout the Middle East is driving financial lines (re)insurance, and in particular directors' and officers' (D&O) cover. Mr Nikhil Soman of ACE Group in MENA explains why this area of...

D&O: Shifting sands of D&O liability

Once primarily the concern of companies with international operations, listed companies in the Middle East are now increasingly viewing D&O covers as essential. Mr Pierre-Edouard Fraigneau of AIG explains the impact of the changes in the regulatory...

D&O: The right coverage in the rise of D&O

Mr Mark Beswetherick of Clyde & Co looks at how directors' and officers' (D&O) liability insurance is gaining traction in the Middle East, and the factors that should be considered when buying these covers.

D&O in the UAE: A changing landscape

The Federal Commercial Companies Law of 2013 is the latest example of the UAE's continued development into a global standard business environment. Ms Susan Dingwall and Mr Steven Hadwin of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP focus on some of the more...

Interview with regulator: Poised for independence

Morocco's insurance industry is set for major changes, with a draft law to establish an independent supervisory body and plans to open the social security sector to insurers. Mr Hassan Boubrik, Director of Insurance and Social Security Directorate,...

Boosting insurance growth in Morocco

Motor and life insurance in Morocco have great potential if the low insurance awareness is overcome, says Mr Mohamed Zerrei of Grant Thornton.

Market roundup: 2013 in review - Laying the groundwork for further growth

A number of positive developments in 2013, notably in healthcare and takaful, are likely to lead the GCC insurance market on a sustainable growth path.

MICC Essay: Taking advantage of social media

A marketing approach combining traditional tools with social media will increase the presence of insurers, but organisations need to find the right balance, says Mr Suresh Gunathilaka of Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company in his runner-up entry to...

Strategic global view: Brand equity in insurance - An economic view

The commercial value of an insurer's brand is a function of excellence in key business and corporate processes rather than a result of image-building public relations or corporate social responsibility activities, argues Dr Kai-Uwe Schanz of Dr....

Oil & Gas: On the pulse of Middle East offshore risks

From sanctions to structural issues, the Middle East offshore sector has its own set of distinct risks. Mr Joseph Divis of Charles Taylor assesses the latest risks, and how P&I insurers are responding to them.

Indonesia: Family takaful - Reaching the potential

There is no reason why Indonesia cannot become one of the most important family takaful markets in the world with its huge Muslim population base, but for that to happen, some things need to change, says Mr Bert Paterson of Sun Life Financial...

Indonesia: General takaful - Overcoming the hurdles

Despite growth of the takaful business slowing, prospects burn bright, says Ms Tati Febriyanti Purnomo of PT Asuransi Astra Buana as she evaluates the opportunities and challenges in Indonesia's general takaful market.

Afghanistan: Setting the stage for takaful

Market players in Afghanistan are exploring the potential of takaful, says Mr Alberto G Brugnoni of ASSAIF, as he highlights the areas where it can make a difference.

Surplus sharing: Surplus distribution: Reality and misperception

Surplus distribution in takaful may not only be inappropriate for many products, it could even be unsustainable in some cases, says Mr Delil Khairat of ACR ReTakaful.

Takaful Rendezvous - Using retakaful to grow

The takaful sector met in a rendezvous setting in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the January renewal season with the thrust to use retakaful to grow the business. Is there a way ahead to a better path?

MENA & GCC: Life premiums accelerate in 2013 - Swiss Re

Life premiums in MENA are estimated to have grown by 8.9% in 2013, higher than the 8.1% recorded in 2012, as sustained growth in the GCC and a strong recovery in Turkey have offset lacklustre sales in markets still embroiled in political turmoil,...

MENA & GCC: Political risks on the rise for direct foreign investors

The instability and uncertainty created by the Arab Spring has significantly increased the level of dynamic political risk for direct foreign investors operating in MENA, according to the 2014 Marsh-Maplecroft Political Risk Map.

MENA & GCC: EMEA firms failing to keep pace with new risks - ACE

Lack of management attention, compounded by the lack of skilled resources, management tools and processes, is hampering companies' ability to manage a range of new and emerging risks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said global insurer...

Global PRI coverage reaches US$54.3 bln in 1H13 - MIGA

Global political risk insurance (PRI) coverage has reached US$54.3 billion in the first half of 2013, with demand continued to be driven by concerns related to general market turbulence, including the still-unfolding Arab Spring, a recent report by...

Bahrain: New takaful rules to be introduced soon

New rules to enhance the operational model for Bahrain's takaful industry are on track to be finalised and implemented by the end of 2013, said the Central Bank.

Bahrain: Solidarity to insure public-private housing project

Solidarity General Takaful, a subsidiary of Solidarity Group Holding, will be insuring a public-private partnership (PPP) housing project in Bahrain.

Brunei: Takaful sector registers double-digit growth in 1H2013

Brunei's takaful sector grew 15% y-o-y in the first half of 2013 to BND105 million (US$84 million), slightly more than the conventional sector's 12% growth in the same period, figures from the regulatory authority have shown.

Asia and GCC to lead Islamic finance growth - S&P

The US$1.4 billion global Islamic finance industry is set for double-digit growth in 2014, with Asia - most notably Malaysia - and the GCC set to lead the way, said a recent report by Standard & Poor's (S&P).

IFSB adopts new standard on takaful

Kuala Lumpur-based Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has approved the adoption of two new standards, on risk management for takaful and capital adequacy for Islamic banks.

AXA holds diabetes awareness drive with partners

AXA Insurance Gulf, Carrefour and KIMS Medical Centre jointly launched a campaign in the UAE to raise awareness about diabetes and its seriousness among the population. The campaign emphasised healthy living habits and behaviours to help the...

Warba Insurance opens in KidZania Kuwait

Warba Insurance has opened a kid-sized office in the KidZania Kuwait's "edutainment" city at The Avenues Kuwait.

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