Real Time Dream
January 1, 2001 Ivor Kaye of Grantech Systems Inc.We are surrounded by sophisticated technology at prices that seemed impossible a few years ago. Yet, the majority of property and casualty insurers continue to operate expensive and outmoded legacy-type computer systems. Internet-based technologies, combined with computer telephony integration (CTI),…
CGU divests Insurance Co. PEI stake
December 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterCGU Group Canada has sold its 75% stake in the Insurance Co. of Prince Edward Island (ICPEI) for $2.7 million. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, was struck with the Saskatchewan Government Insurance Co. (SGI). ICPEI’s other major…
REFLECTIONS and CHANGE
December 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe Canadian Risk & Insurance Management Society’s (CRIMS) 25th annual conference – which was recently held in Edmonton, Alberta – centered on “Reflections” as an underlying theme for the event. The Alberta chapter of CRIMS, which organized this year’s event,…
On The Move (October 01, 2000)
October 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada has named Brendan Wycks as its new executive director, effective this month. Wycks has 17 years of management experience, including director of the executive office at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario for…
BAIG acquires U.S. aviation group
September 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterU.K. insurer The British Aviation Insurance Group Ltd. (BAIG) has acquired U.S. specialty underwriter Associated Underwriters Inc. (AAU) for an undisclosed amount. BAIG focuses on global aviation risks while AAU acts as a syndicate manager in the aviation and satellite…
Risk Management: DANGER OF THE CYBER DEEP
September 1, 2000 Vikki SpencerCounting the costs of risks associated with the rapid rise of computer technology is no simple task, say risk managers. But, recent surveys say “cyber risks” will be the next big challenge. Are today’s risk managers prepared to stay afloat in these dangerous waters, or will they be sitting ducks?
GOING FOR THE NICHE APPLE
September 1, 2000 Mike Wills, leader of Royal & SunAlliance's Specialty SolutionsGlobalisation has created an expanded market in Canada for specialty niche lines of business. Products such as alternative risk financing or equipment maintenance management which have historically been unavailable in Canada either because the market was too small to support such activity, or large insurers were reluctant to break new ground, are now washing up on Canadian shores.
Undercurrents
March 1, 2000 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe friendly bout gloves seem to have been removed in the latest acquisitional match of industry consolidation, namely the less-than-friendly bid made by listed Equisure Financial Network in the beginning of this year for its public-traded rival, Canada Brokerlink Inc.…
Developing niche lines of business: The garage sale closed
March 1, 2000 by Lowell ConnWhen the “garage sale” begins and market players undercut one another, nowhere is the reverberations felt any stronger than the specialty lines business. Niche operators want the message to be clear: “Stay out of out of our business”. More to…
The Edge of Claims Handling
January 1, 2000 AxiomAs the company’s senior marketing representative, this occasion was a command performance for me. My company was unveiling its new and improved 24-hour claims service, which included a fleet of modern cell phone, fax and computer-equipped cars to take our…
Passing The Torch
January 1, 2000 Lowell ConnA recent recipient of the Insurance Marketing Communications Association Golden Torch Award, honouring communication within the industry, Jan Lowther has surprised her peers once more. The flamboyant group publisher of Canadian Underwriter magazine has announced her retirement ending a twenty three year tenure with the publication.
Commercial Risk Under JIT
January 1, 2000 by Canadian UnderwriterThe “just-in-time” (JIT) efficiency supply process has over recent years become more than just a popular fad among manufacturers, it has become an engraved business philosophy having produced significant operating savings to companies. However, when evaluating commercial coverages, insurers need to carefully weigh up all the risk factors associated with JIT.