News
Cost of risk declines in 2000, but signs point to hardening
December 6, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterThe cost of risk declined in 2000, according to a survey released by the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS). The annual Benchmark Survey, conducted with Ernst & Young, asks more than 830 risk managers in the U.S. and Canada…
Insurers chop jobs at U.S. offices
December 6, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterIn the wake of dreadful third quarter results, two insurers have announced big job cuts at U.S. locations. CNA Financial says it will trim 1,850 employees, a whopping 10% of its workforce. And ING is announcing 1,600 job cuts, representing…
OSFI proposes late filing penalty regulation
December 6, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterIn response to the high number of late filings from federally-regulated financial services companies, including insurers, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Services (OSFI) has put out proposed regulations for its “late and erroneous filings” penalties framework.The proposed regulation,…
IAO to work with U.S.-based ISO on products
December 6, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterMarkham-based Insurers’ Advisory Organization (IAO) is teaming up with the U.S. Insurance Services Office to create and sell products in both countries. IAO, which is part of the UAB Group, will market ISO forms, rules and loss costs to Canadian…
Tax reform a key goal for IBC in 2002
December 5, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterAt the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s (IBC) annual meeting in Toronto, the industry’s representative body says reducing the tax burden on insurers will be front and center in its mandate for the coming year. Educating government about how easing this…
Swiss Re speakers predict recession to last through mid-2002
December 5, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterAt Swiss Re’s annual yearend insurance industry review, speakers noted that while the global recession was likely to last well into next year, the insurance industry is on the road to recovery since September 11. “The U.S. and global economies…
OSFI looks to increase transparency in rulings
December 5, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is attempting to answer concerns about its transparency by releasing its rulings. The rulings, which can affect any of the federally regulated financial institutions (FRFI) under OSFI’s authority including insurers, will…
Insurers tally Enron losses
December 4, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterWith the failure of U.S. energy giant Enron, insurers are now tallying their exposure to the dying corporation. Among those affected is Chubb, which is estimating its exposure provisionally at US$220 million, pretax. This comes from surety bonds, which act…
OSFI to wind up Reliance Canadian operations
December 4, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterFollowing the insolvency of Pennsylvania-based parent Reliance, the company’s Canadian branch operation will be shut down by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Services (OSFI). OSFI had frozen the Canadian operation’s assets in August, 2000, and directed it to…
Facility voices opposition to Newfoundland auto plans
December 3, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterIn a response to the Newfoundland government’s consultation paper on auto insurance reform, the Facility Association (FA) has come out strongly against several proposed changes to its operation in that province.The plan calls for the government to control the membership…
Vector works to boost capital
December 3, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterIt is a case of good news versus bad news for Vector Intermediaries (CDNX: VTE) in the third quarter of 2001, with the broker consolidator posting a net loss of $1,462,081, or $0.10 per share. This is, however, somewhat better…
Hi-Alta achieves healthy 3-Q profit gain
November 30, 2001 by Canadian UnderwriterBroker network consolidator Hi-Alta Capital Inc.’s (TSE: HIA) revenue for the first nine months of this year rose by 19% to $17.3 million compared with the $14.5 million reported for the same period in 2000. Net earnings for the latest…