The widespread effects of the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic have been unlike anything the world has experienced in more than a century. Governments worldwide have been forced to grapple with this unprecedented scenario and many have implemented measures aimed not only at curtailing the spread of the virus, but also designed to aid individual insureds and businesses to … [Read more...] about State Regulatory Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mitigating Risk for Businesses and Individual Insureds
Industry News
How COVID Impacts Insurance in Unforeseen Ways
Having recently marked the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like an opportune time to consider how the pandemic has impacted the insurance industry. While business interruption (BI) lawsuits (totaling more than 1,500 as of March 31, 2021) have dominated the headlines, the pandemic’s effects stretch far beyond BI claims. Indeed, the pandemic has impacted … [Read more...] about How COVID Impacts Insurance in Unforeseen Ways
Uncertainty > Risk: Lessons for Legal Thought from the Insurance Runoff Market
Abstract: Insurance ideas inform legal thought: from tort law, to health law, to theories of distributive justice. Within legal thought, insurance is often conceived as an ideal type in which insurers distribute determinable risks through contracts that fix the parties’ obligations in advance. This ideal type has normative appeal because, among other reasons, it explains how … [Read more...] about Uncertainty > Risk: Lessons for Legal Thought from the Insurance Runoff Market
SPAC spree presents opportunities for insurance industry
The following is an editorial by Alicja Grzadkowska, senior news editor at Insurance Business. To reach out to Alicja, email her at alicja.grzadkowska@keymedia.com. Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), otherwise known as blank-check firms, have been making waves in the insurance industry lately. You may have seen several notable developments involving SPACs … [Read more...] about SPAC spree presents opportunities for insurance industry
Finality at Last. The First U.S. IBT is Complete
By On October 15th, 2020, the Oklahoma County District Court entered a Judgment and Order approving the first ever Insurance Business Transfer (“IBT”) in the United States.1 Much has been written and debated about the fledgling IBT process in the U.S.; concerns have been raised; perceived risks have been articulated, but now that a transaction has actually been completed, it is … [Read more...] about Finality at Last. The First U.S. IBT is Complete
Enstar Plan marks milestone proof of concept for US insurance business transfers
Court approval of an insurance business transfer (IBT) between two Enstar Group Limited affiliates provides a useful proof of concept for this legacy solution in the US. IBT provides insurers with an expanding regulatory toolkit alongside sale, reinsurance, and accelerated closure. So, what new doors does the first application of the Oklahoma IBT statute open and what does it … [Read more...] about Enstar Plan marks milestone proof of concept for US insurance business transfers
A New Legacy Has Been Established in the U.S. Legacy Liability Market
It’s in the books! Oklahoma has now made good on its promise to become the leading domicile for a new U.S.-based insurance restructuring mechanism—the Insurance Business Transfer (IBT). In late November 2019, the Oklahoma Insurance Department approved the IBT application (or IBT Plan) of Providence Washington Insurance Company (part of Enstar Group) to transfer policies to … [Read more...] about A New Legacy Has Been Established in the U.S. Legacy Liability Market
OK Court Gives Enstar’s IBT The OK
On October 15, 2020, the Oklahoma County District Court for the State of Oklahoma, issued its Judgement and Order of Approval and Implementation of the Insurance Business Transfer Plan (“IBT Plan”) (“Order”) filed by Providence Washington Insurance Company (“PWIC”), applicant and the transferring insurer and Yosemite Insurance Company, the assuming insurer (“Yosemite”). This … [Read more...] about OK Court Gives Enstar’s IBT The OK
Oklahoma Completes First Insurance Business Transfer in the United States
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced that the District Court of Oklahoma County approved Providence Washington Insurance Company (PWIC) to complete its Insurance Business Transfer (IBT) Plan. With this approval by the Court, the Plan will transfer substantially all the insurance and reinsurance business underwritten by PWIC to Yosemite … [Read more...] about Oklahoma Completes First Insurance Business Transfer in the United States
Inflection Point: COVID-19 and resulting balance sheet pressures spur hunt for lasting legacy solutions
With mounting novel coronavirus (COVID-19) liabilities straining insurers’ and reinsurers’ balance sheets, the pressing need to free the capital tied up in legacy portfolios can no longer be ignored. Sorting out legacy risk would not only relieve reserve pressure, but also release much needed capital to support growth. So, what are the options for tackling the legacy … [Read more...] about Inflection Point: COVID-19 and resulting balance sheet pressures spur hunt for lasting legacy solutions
ARIAS • U.S. Virtual Arbitration Hearing Guidelines
ARIAS • U.S. issues guidelines on conducting virtual arbitration. https://www.arias-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ARIAS-U.S.-Virtual-Arbitration-Guidelines.pdf … [Read more...] about ARIAS • U.S. Virtual Arbitration Hearing Guidelines
An Eye on the Exit
AIRROC's Executive Director, Carolyn Fahey, pens article for Captive International. Run-off is a corporate risk management tool giving insurers the flexibility to respond to the changing needs of its clients. It allows insurers to carve out lines or sell portfolios or entire captives, freeing them up to create new coverages, says Carolyn Fahey of the Association of … [Read more...] about An Eye on the Exit