Why liability and reputational risk is changing
May 15, 2019 by Greg MeckbachTechnology is making it easier for consumers and businesses to move money, but it can also create new liability risks, fraud experts warned Tuesday. “Financial institutions really have to think about their position on liability,” said Jas Anand, senior manager…
Looking for clarity on insurance regulations? Try this new hub…
May 14, 2019 by Adam MalikThe Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) will be launching a new access point this fall to help insurance providers understand licencing and regulatory regimes across Canada. The launch of the Fintech Advisory Hub was met with enthusiasm from the…
Why digital transformation gives brokers the edge over directs
May 14, 2019 by David GambrillIt’s a common misperception that large direct insurance companies have lots of money to invest in the best, most innovative technology, creating a divide between them and smaller, “have not” brokerages. But digital transformation is actually levelling the playing field…
New spyware infects phones through missed calls
May 14, 2019 Frank Bajak And Raphael Satter - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSpyware crafted by an “advanced cyber actor” infected multiple targeted mobile phones through the popular WhatsApp communications program without any user intervention through in-app voice calls, the company said. The Financial Times identified the actor as Israel’s NSO Group, and…
How ride-sharing insurance on leased vehicles will change in this province
May 13, 2019 by Greg MeckbachLimiting financial risk to firms that lease out vehicles used for ride sharing is one aim of legislation before Ontario law makers. Right now, the Insurance Act has limits on lessors’ vicarious liability but it “does not account for the…
How Fairfax’s Allied World acquisition is working out
May 10, 2019 by Greg MeckbachOld medical malpractice claims with Allied World Assurance Company are still affecting the bottom line of Canada’s Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., which bought the majority of Allied World nearly two years ago. With a combined ratio of 102.3%, Zug, Switzerland-based…
Waters to rise again in Ottawa area, even as N.B. turns to flood recovery mode
May 10, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSWater levels are expected to rise again this weekend between Ottawa and Montreal, even as New Brunswick’s floods are effectively over. Officials warned late Thursday that “significant” rainfall is expected to raise water levels in the Ottawa/Gatineau area down to…
Former Economical Insurance CEO joins another board
May 7, 2019 by Greg MeckbachKaren Gavan, former CEO of the first Canadian property and casualty insurer to start the demutualization process, is now on the board of directors of HSBC Canada. Gavan (pictured) was CEO of Waterloo, Ont.-based Economical Insurance from 2011 through 2016.…
Why it’s ‘time to stop talking’ about the Marshall report
May 6, 2019 by Greg MeckbachTwo years after David Marshall released 30 recommendations for reforming auto insurance in Ontario, it’s time to focus on what the current government is actually proposing, a consultant suggests. “I think it’s time to stop talking about Marshall and focus…
Hub acquires full-service Saskatchewan brokerage
May 6, 2019 by Jason ContantGlobal insurance brokerage Hub International announced Monday it has acquired the assets of Saskatchewan brokerage Kelliher Agencies. Headquartered in Kelliher, Sask., the brokerage is a full-service, independent insurance brokerage that provides personal, commercial, farm and specialty products insurance. “Its focus…
Health and safety inspection teams head to flood affected zones in New Brunswick
May 3, 2019 Kevin Bissett - THE CANADIAN PRESSFREDERICTON – Health and safety inspection teams are fanning out across flood-affected regions of New Brunswick, assessing homes and businesses that are still drying out amid receding floodwaters. New Brunswick’s Emergency Measures Organization says the teams will inspect electrical systems…
Intact’s BrokerLink makes double acquisition
May 3, 2019 by Jason ContantBrokerLink has announced the acquisition of two brokerages: the Athabasca, Alta. branch of JDR Insurance and Guelph, Ont.-based Amplex Insurance Brokers Ltd. Both transactions were effective May 1 and terms of the transactions were not disclosed, BrokerLink said in a…