Central and East European re/insurance groups expect a mild impact from the war in Ukraine

Insurance Newsletter No. 586, 17 March 2022

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TOP NEWS - CURRENT REPORTS - STATISTIC UPDATES

TOP NEWS

BULGARIA: MoitePari.bg and ABZ study: Lack of information is the main reason for lack of interest in life insurance
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-15
In Bulgaria, the lack of interest in life insurance is due to lack of information, according to the study conducted by the website MoitePari.bg and the Association of Bulgarian Insurers, aimed at establishing consumer attitudes towards life insurance products with a total of 371 participants, the Association said.

Czechia based broker RENOMIA enters Poland, expanding its footprint in the CEE
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-11
RENOMIA, the largest Czech insurance broker, is continuing its regional expansion by acquiring a majority stake in the Polish insurance broker Alfa Brokers. Currently RENOMIA operates in 11 CEE countries, being one of the most relevant insurance brokers in the region.

CROATIA: in the first two months the market rose by about 6.3%
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-14
According to the data of the Croatian Insurance Bureau by the end of February 2022, insurance companies collected GWP in the amount of HRK 2.24 billion (EUR 296 million), which is an increase of 6.29% compared to 2021.

NORTH MACEDONIA: ISA recommends insurance companies to invest the profit for 2021 and refrain from paying dividends
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-14
The Insurance Supervision Agency (ISA) has recommended to all insurance companies to refrain from paying dividends for their operations in 2021, as decided by the Council of Experts of the ISA at the last session held on March 10, the agency said.

The Russian-Ukrainian crisis has no impact in CO business
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-15
Croatia largest insurer Croatia Osiguranje announced has no direct operations in insurance and reinsurance business with Russia and Ukraine - nor with reinsurance companies, brokers, MGA agencies, etc., thus the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, as well as sanctions imposed on Russia - have no impact on the Company's operations.

Triglav exposure to Russian-Ukrainian crisis is limited
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-15
Slovene re/insurance group Triglav announced its operations are to some extent exposed to the situation resulting from the war in Ukraine and related sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

No material impact on operations of Sava Insurance Group expected due to direct consequences of developments in Ukraine
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
Sava Insurance Group expects no material impact on its business results from the war in Ukraine, as its business volume and investment exposure to Russia and Ukraine are very low. An indirect impact on the Group's investment portfolio can be expected due to the trends in financial markets, the Group said.

LATVIA: Last year the LAA Ombudsman received 32 complaints about insurance
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-15
In 2021, the Ombudsman of the Latvian Insurers' Association (LAA) received 32 customer complaints about insurance services, and the largest number was received for property insurance (18), LAA wrote.

"Investing in a Changing World - Energy Transition" under debate at CFA Forecast Dinner 2022
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-14
Climate change is no longer solely a societal and geopolitical concern - it reaches the very heart of the investment industry. CFA Society Romania is inviting on 15 March, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Bucharest time) to a special online evening dedicated to investing in the changing world.

Academicians and insurance practitioners from the CEE reunite in EERIA; First EERIA conference announced for September
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-14
Academicians and insurance practitioners from the CEE have a new opportunity for sharing knowledge and develop common research projects through the Eastern European Risk Insurance Association (EERIA), a newborn association whose aim is to promote science and research in the field of risk and insurance.

Eurohold announced the rebranding of CEZ Group's subsidiaries in Bulgaria
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-14
Eurohold -the largest public Bulgarian holding and one of the largest financial and energy groups in Southeast Europe announced the rebranding of the group's energy operations in Bulgaria.

TURKEY: Insurance supervision sets up a mechanism for insuring sea vessels and aircrafts operating the routes to Ukraine and Russia
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
Because of the war situation between Russia and Ukraine, the Turkish Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (SEDDK), will manage the insurance coverage issues of civil cargo and passenger sea vessels and aircrafts operating the routes between these countries and Turkey within the scope of the Special Risks Management Center until the end of 2022.

AZERBAIJAN: A-Group's net profit in 2021 decreased, while premiums rose
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-14
A-Qroup, one of the leading insurance companies in Azerbaijan (included in the top-10), ended 2021 with net profit of about AZN 1 million (~EUR 0.52 million), which is 2.8 times less y-o-y, ABC.AZ reports based on the insurer's financial statements.

Digital control of Green Card at the borders will be adopted by Turkey and its neighboring countries
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
Turkish Motor Vehicles Bureau (TMTB) agreed with in principle with its counterparts in Azerbaijan, Greece and Bulgaria to implement digital Green Card control at the border. The launch of the project was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, www.sigortadunyasi.com.tr reported.

UNIQA Ukraine continues to work and indemnify its customers
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
Ukrainian subsidiaries of the UNIQA Group, insurance companies "UNIQA" and "UNIQA Life", continued to work despite the war situation in the country and paid their clients indemnities worth UAH 27.1 million between 24 February and 10 March, a company announcement said.

Groupama posted strong growth in annual results for 2021
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-16
French insurer Groupama posted FY2021 combined premium of EUR 15.5 billion, up by 7.5% vs. 2020 figure. Life and health insurance increased by 10.6% to EUR 7.8 billion, while property and casualty insurance business was up by 4.0% y-o-y to EUR 7.5 billion. At the same time, the Financial businesses Division generated premium income of EUR 240 million, including EUR 233 million from Groupama Asset Management and EUR 6 million from Groupama Epargne Salariale.

Generali Group, 2021: positive growth across all segments; new strategic plan launched for the period until 2024
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-17
The Generali Group's operating result was, for the third consecutive year, its best ever performance, reaching EUR 5,852 million, 12.4% up y-o-y thanks to positive growth across all segments.

CCR Re, 2021: unaffected by the health restrictions; net result of EUR 41 million
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-17
CCR Re was unaffected by the current health restrictions and reported total premiums worth EUR 843 million, up by 30% y-o-y, while the net result of EUR 41 million. The occurrence of the war in Ukraine is not expected to adversely affect CCR Re.

SCOR postpones its Investor Day date to July 2022, currently focusing on the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on its activity and protection of its employees
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
In light of the geopolitical situation and the humanitarian and global impacts of the war in Ukraine, SCOR has decided to postpone its Investor Day, initially scheduled for March 29, for July 2022.

New functionalities for Aon's Impact Forecasting Europe windstorm catastrophe model
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-16
Aon plc recently announced the updated functionality of its Impact Forecasting Europe windstorm catastrophe model, following insights gained from outbreaks of severe weather in recent years as well as user feedback.

ON THE MOVE

New Management Board elected at the Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Association of Turkey
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
The General Assembly of the Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Association has elected AON Turkey's Co-CEO Ferhan OZAY as President. He takes over the top position from Selcen GUR, CEO of Dogan Insurance and Brokerage, who has been the chairman of the Association since 2020.

Kovacic appointed as employee representative in CO's SB
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-14
Croatia's largest insurer - Croatia Osiguranje announced the appointment of Pero Kovacic as a new employee representative to the supervisory board. His term of office runs from 10 March 2022 to 10 March 2026.

Christoph SCHMALLENBACH is the new CEO of Generali Switzerland
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
Christoph SCHMALLENBACH, previously a member of the Board of Directors of Generali Germany, is to take over the role of CEO of Generali Switzerland from Andreas KRUMMEL who, after six years as CEO leaves the company to take on new challenges.

MMC appoints Katherine BRENNAN Senior VP and General Counsel
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-14
Global re/insurance broker Marsh McLennan MMC announced the appointment of Katherine BRENNAN as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. She succeeds Peter BESHAR - nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of the Air Force.

NN Group announced changes to the composition of its Supervisory Board
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-14
Dutch insurer NN Group announced that its Supervisory Board has decided to nominate David COLE for reappointment as SB member & Chair for another four years and Hans SCHOEN for reappointment as SB member & chair of the Audit Committee for another two years.

Talanx: SB appoints Caroline Schlienkamp as Board Member
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-15
German insurance group Talanx announced that Caroline SCHLIENKAMP has been appointed as a Member of the Board of Management of Talanx AG with effect from 1 May 2022, subject to agreement by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).

TOP EVENT

First Congress of Actuaires du Monde - see the program of the two days event (2)
by XPRIMM, 2022-03-17
The second day of the First Congress of Actuaires du Monde will focus on financial inclusion as an opportunity for actuaries to make a difference. The "in-person" event will take place at the Marriott Hotel, in Skopje (North Macedonia) on 31 March & 1 April 2022.

STAND BY UKRAINE

UPDATE: Get inspired and do your best !
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-16
There is no such thing as a tool small contribution when it comes to helping people. All the solidarity gestures will converge as streams in a large river helping the refugees in need. AS much as we can find out about these gestures, we will add them in the following page. Yet, this will be not, nor is intended to be an exhaustive list. Many of these actions will remain unknown, either because they are silent or because we have missed them.

Marsh McLennan to Exit Russia Businesses
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-13
Global re/insurance brokerage company Marsh McLennan (MMC) announced it will exit all of its businesses in Russia.

ADRIS grupa companies to support Ukrainian refugees
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-14
Croatian conglomerate ADRIS Grupa with business in tourism, food production and insurance announced its support for Ukrainian refugees. Thus, "standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, ADRIS grupa and the companies operating within the Group - Maistra, Croatia Osiguranje and Cromaris - will help provide food and accommodations and donate funds for Ukrainian refugees".

Aegon will not make future investments in Russia or Belarus-based companies
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-14
Dutch insurance group Aegon has announced that it will not make future investments in Russia or Belarus-based companies and has updated its Responsible Investment Policy accordingly.

ESTONIA: LKF temporarily bears the costs of border insurance for the Ukrainian war refugees
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-14
In order to ensure fulfillment of the insurance obligation and to support the Ukrainian refugees, the Estonian Traffic Insurance Fund (LKF) announced that it temporarily bears costs of the Estonian border insurance premium.

LITHUANIA: Lietuvos Draudimas donates personal insurance to all Ukrainian minor children in Lithuania
by Marina MAGNAVAL, 2022-03-14
Lietuvos Draudimas (the leader of the insurance market in Lithuania) on March 9 announced that it is giving personal insurance to all minor children arriving from Ukraine. Refugee status is not required, it is enough that the child is a citizen of Ukraine, and the event took place in Lithuania, delfi.lt wrote.

Czech Insurers' Bureau will cover any damage caused by Ukrainian vehicles in the Czech Republic for two months
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-15
On March 1, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Czech Insurers' Bureau (CKP) decided that for a period of 2 months from leaving Ukrainian territory, any damage caused by Ukrainian vehicles in the Czech Republic would be reimbursed by CKP to the guarantee fund, without any impact on Ukrainian motorists, CKP announced.

Largest re/insurance brokers worldwide have left all the Russian market
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-17
Following Marsh McLennan's announcement of leaving the Russian market, Willis Towers Watson and Aon have followed, also ceasing their business in the country in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Britain bans Russian companies in the aviation or space industry from getting re/insurance coverage from UK based providers
by Daniela GHETU, 2022-03-16
Britain bans Russian companies from the multi-billion dollar aviation and space insurance market in London, the world's largest commercial and specialty insurance center, the British finance ministry said, quoted by Reuters.

STATISTICS

STATISTICS: Latvia: Insurers' 2021 business increased to EYR 850 m, while profits compressed by more than 32%
by Andrei Victor, 2022-03-16
At the end of 2021, Latvian insurers' aggregate GWP (local and EU branches, summed-up) totaled EUR 849.4 million, up by 6.5% y-o-y, while the amount paid in claims and indemnities increased by 8% y-o-y to EUR 541.4 million, according to the year-end figures published by The Financial and Capital Market Commission of Latvia (FKTK).

EVENTS

1st Congress of Actuaires du Monde
Skopje Marriott Hotel, Macedonia
31 March - 1 April, 2022
Organizers: Actuaires du Monde
Media Sponsor: XPRIMM
More details: here

DIA - Next Level Insurance Innovation in the Age of Data
Location: Online
Starting date: 26 April 2022
Organizers: DIA & the University of St.Gallen's Institute of Insurance Economics
Media Partner: XPRIMM Publications
For details: digitalinsuranceagenda.com

9th AIDA Europe Conference
Zurich, Switzerland
18-20 May 2022
Organizer: AIDA Europe
Media Partner: XPRIMM Publications
For details: aidainsurance.org

FIAR - THE INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE-REINSURANCE FORUM
23rd Edition 22 - 24 May 2022 Sheraton Hotel Bucharest, Romania

MAA Webinars: Estimating claim liabilities in the North Macedonian market Organizers:

Macedonian Actuarial Association
Association Actuaires du Monde
Sessions:
24 March 2022, 14:00 CET until 17:30 CET
21 April 2022, 14:00 CET until 17:30 CET
11 May 2022, 14:00 CET until 17:30 CET
2 June 2022, 14:00 CET until 17:30 CET
22 June 2022, 14:00 CET until 17:30 CET
More details here

DIA Amsterdam 2022
Taets Art & Event Park.
29-30 June, 2022
Organizers: Reggy de Feniks and Roger Peverelli
Media Partner: XPRIMM Publications
For details: https://www.digitalinsuranceagenda.com

CURRENT XPRIMM REPORTS

XPRIMM News No. 586, 17 March 2022

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