First North American conference a go
September 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterWith mass consolidation converting the insurance industry into a global industry — and the increased cross-border transactions, partnerships and mergers between U.S. and Canadian insurer — it is fitting that North American insurers will meet this Fall for the first…
Brokerlink consolidates Vector
September 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterListed broker consolidators Canada Brokerlink Inc. and Vector Intermediaries Inc. have announced their intention to merge operations with netpremium volume of $277 million. The newly formed corporation — expected to retain the Brokerlink brand name — will trade shares with…
Thinking outside the Canvas
August 1, 1999 Lowell ConnThe early 20th century was a revolutionary time for the fine art community, with “modern artists” such as Henri Matisse carrying forward the early exploration attempts of the impressionist painters in testing conventional “realist” theory. In many respects, the modern…
Insurers offshore BOUND
August 1, 1999 Michael HlinkaSeveral months ago Northern Telecom shook the Canadian business community when it announced plans to relocate to the U.S., mainly due to the high personal income tax structures in Canada which make it difficult if not impossible to compete against…
Zurich launches retail plan
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterPeopleplus Insurance Company, a member of Zurich Financial Services Group, recently announced a partnership with Hudson’s Bay Company to launch a private label car and home insurance program. The group scheme, available exclusively to Bay and Zeller’s credit card holders,…
Managing web exposures
August 1, 1999 Marcus Snowden, partner at McCague, Wires, Peacock, Borlack & LlWith e-commerce widely predicted to explode into the mainstream world of business in coming years, the lure of “getting into the ‘net game” before it becomes too late is almost irresistible for most companies. In particular, the Internet is expected…
U.S. debate predicts “E-Revolution” for insurance
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe property and casualty insurance industry in North America will have to come to grips with the growth in e-commerce — in terms of client demands for cover as well as managing their own exposures to the Internet, a national…
On The Move (August 01, 1999)
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterSt. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co. has announced Doug Wyseman, a leader in the field of risk management for the public sector, has joined the company to establish niche loss control services for its new public sector insurance division.…
Co-operators secures Quebec stake
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Co-operators group has expanded into the Quebec market by acquiring a broker-based underwriter, L’Union Canadienne compagnie d’ assurances from Unindal Inc. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will boost the group’s premium income by about $100 million…
The Internet’s consumer VOICE
July 1, 1999 Dennis Krueger, a U.S. freelance technology writerOriginally a medium for scientists to exchange information, the Internet’s use has rapidly expanded to become a virtual commercial marketplace. And, with the Internet’s commercial potential beginning to truly surface, consumers through news group forums and dedicated web sites are…
Counting the PENNIES
July 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe numbers say it all. Canada’s property and casualty insurance industry suffered one of its worst year-on-year performances last year, posting a modest return on investment of 7.1% — nearly half of 1997’s rate of return. Heavy underwriting losses incurred…
Why CEOs are stuck on GLOBALIZATION
July 1, 1999 Robert Gunn, president of Royal & SunAlliance CanadaCecil Rhodes, the 19th-century British financier, colonial administrator and sponsor of Oxford’s prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, once said, “I would annex planets if I could.” A read through the financial pages of any newspaper would suggest that many corporate presidents and CEOs feel the same way.