Industry

Consolidation slowed, but not halted as brokers battle for middle market: Advisen

Because size matters, the hurried pace of consolidation in the brokerage sector will be slowed only temporarily by the recession, according to an Advisen Ltd. report. “Large brokers enjoy certain advantages of scope and scale,” said John Molka III, the author of the report on the insurance brokerage market. “At least in theory, their costs […]

By Canadian Underwriter | October 8, 2009

1 min read

Finance Minister tells banks that Web sites will soon be treated the same as branches for purpose of selling insurance

The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is applauding Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty for sending formal letters to the large Canadian banks and the Canadian Bankers Association, making it clear the government intends to adopt policy measures that would require bank Web sites to be subject to the insurance business regime that currently applies […]

By Canadian Underwriter | October 7, 2009

2 min read

Member of Parliament tables legislation to limit banks in insurance business

A private member’s bill tabled in the House of Commons on Oct. 7 calls for amendments to the Bank Act that would limit banks’ activities in the insurance business.Alexandra Mendès, MP for Brossard–La Prairie in Quebec, introduced the bill. It includes four key amendments intended to prevent banks in Canada from having an undue advantage […]

By Canadian Underwriter | October 7, 2009

2 min read

Recession does not result in commercial rate increases in 2009 Q3

Insurers continue to renew commercial property and casualty insurance programs at deeply depressed rates, despite depressed balance sheets, reports the Risk and Insurance Management Society’s Q3 Benchmark Survey.Advisen Ltd. administers the RIMS Benchmark Survey, which tracks changes in insurance policy renewal prices as reported by North American corporate risk managers.Property insurance policies renewed in the […]

By Canadian Underwriter | October 7, 2009

1 min read