Fork in the River
September 1, 2004 Vikki SpencerAs risk managers emerge from what has been one of the most severe hard markets in memory, much remains to be done in the way of mending relationships between commercial insurance buyers, brokers and insurers. These three groups will converge in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the annual RIMS Canada Conference in October, and organizers Mike Maida and John Rislahti hope “Portage 2004” will provide a forum for relationships to be restored and risk managers to be renewed in their quest for enterprise risk management.
Protecting the Proctectors Fiduciary Liability Coverage
September 1, 2004 Rob Bickerton“Every right implies a responsibility – every opportunity, an obligation… Every possession – a duty.” – John Rockefeller. Is your employer-sponsored retirement plan safe? Are those you have entrusted with the responsibility to look after your retirement funds doing their duty?
The Ethical Choice in Risk Management
September 1, 2004 Garry McDonellEthical dilemmas are a reality in the risk management profession. How prepared are you as risk manager – as well as the organization that you work for – in responding to the ethical “gray areas” of operational decisions?
Trucking Litigation – An Accident Waiting to Happen
August 1, 2004 Vikki SpencerThe trucking insurance line has taken its financial lumps in U.S. courts over recent years. And, this liability trend will likely migrate north of the border into Canada, speakers at the recently held “Transportation Seminar” predict. In the meantime, Canadian insurers are also exposed to cross-border trucking operations, all of which point to a head-on collision with a litigation system gone wild.
U.K. firms more likely to put risk specialist in charge of corporate governance
July 19, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterIn a comparative study of companies in the U.K., U.S., Germany, France and the Netherlands, British firms were more likely to have a specific risk specialist to handle corporate governance functions, while U.S. firms largely put primary responsibility for this…
India top spot for offshoring: Deloitte
June 28, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterA study of financial services offshoring practices finds India remains the top stop, with over 80% of offshoring moving there. The study by Deloitte Research finds the offshoring trend is on the rise, up 38% this year over last.The top…
Risk managers need elevated role to implement ERM
June 21, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterRisk managers need to be positioned high enough in their organizations to effect enterprise-wide risk management (ERM) throughout the organizational structure, says a new position paper by the International Federation of Risk and Insurance Management Associations (IFRIMA).IFRIMA president Sue Meltzer,…
What’s new: In brief (June 14, 2004)
June 14, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Canadian Independent Adjusters Association (CIAA) has revised its program for the 2004 annual convention to be held in Whistler, BC, September 9-12. Friday now includes an entire day of educational sessions, revolving around the issues of legislative change and…
Do not prepare for end to insurance cycles: Sinnott
June 8, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterDespite much talk of the need to “tame the insurance cycle”, buyers should prepare themselves for continuing fluctuation in the price and availability of insurance, John T. Sinnot, senior advisor, Marsh & McLennan Cos. told delegates to the World Insurance…
A Bridge Too Far?
June 1, 2004 Sean van Zyl, EditorInvestment analysts and insurer CEOs speaking at this year’s National Insurance Leadership Symposium, which was recently held in San Francisco, share a cautious sense of optimism regarding the current financial state of the North American property and casualty insurance industry. However, many of the speakers were concerned that the “cost of the past”, combined with insurers’ habitual mistake of abandoning underwriting discipline, could undermine the industry’s objectives of achieving long-term sustainable profitability and stable market pricing.
A Numbers Game
June 1, 2004 Vikki SpencerWhen Jane Voll stepped into the chief economist’s role for the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) this spring, it was a step into the public maelstrom of auto insurance few would be bold enough to take. But Voll’s faith in the pivotal role of the insurance industry in Canada’s economy, and her belief in a “member-led, research-based” association have her well-equipped to bring the industry’s case before regulators, legislators, and ultimately the public.
Paralegal regulation needs government funding: OBA
May 17, 2004 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Ontario Bar Association (OBA) says while it supports the Law Society of Upper Canada’s (LSUC) regulation of paralegals, assurances are needed that government funding will be in place to support the regulatory system.“Critical to the success of this regulatory…