FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Insurers Take Initial Steps to Explore the Use of Cryptocurrency

The August issue also includes coverage of the reinsurance sector and a ranking of the largest insurers in Russia and Kazakhstan as well as the largest risk retention groups, based on AM Best data.

• Patricia Vowinkel
• August 2021

INSURANCE MARKETING
Connecting With Customers by Building Brand Communities

It’s also important for marketers to tell their story and their organization’s societal impact so consumers can align themselves with their brand and products, said Wharton’s Americus Reed II.

• Lori Chordas
• August 2021

WHAT AM BEST SAYS
AM Best: Cannabis Insurance Market Poised for Growth

The federal illegal status of cannabis has limited many carriers from coming to the market and opening it up.

• John Weber
• August 2021

RUSSIA INSURERS
AM Best: COVID-19 Sparked Innovation for Insurers in Russia

The pandemic presented challenges for Russian insurers in terms of both the asset and the liability sides of their balance sheets. It also highlighted the increasingly important role of technology and innovation in the industry.

• John Weber
• August 2021

WHAT AM BEST SAYS
AM Best: Insurers Reassessing Cyberrisk Due to Ransomware, Aggregation Risks

Cyber insurers are reacting to the consequences of ransomware attacks as a new AM Best report says the trend in cost containment is disturbing.

• John Weber
• August 2021

EXECUTIVE CHANGES
Sompo International Holdings Ltd. Names Successor to Retiring Executive Chairman John Charman

Also, Gallagher Re appoints new chief executive officer, Scor names new CEO for Canada operations and ABI director general to step down.

• August 2021

BROKERS
Commercial Insurance Brokers — Disruptors Are Headed for You

Outdated technology has brokers at a disadvantage with newcomers ready to pounce.

• John Rodgers, Andrew Solar, Yogesh Sheth and Jordan Heichel
• August 2021

BEST'S RANKINGS
U.S. Property/Casualty — 2020 Direct Premiums Written by Line

• August 2021

TECHNOLOGY
Make Rate Filing Easier by Streamlining Data Processes

Updating state rate filings can reduce loss ratios and improve market share. However, many insurers face bottlenecks in their technological processes.

• Tim King
• August 2021

BOOK STORE
Essays Detail How to Prepare for and Mitigate Risks of Future Catastrophes

Howard Kunreuther and his co-editors also highlight the importance of combining risk assessment with risk perception.

• Lori Chordas
• August 2021

APP STORE
App Helps Drivers Shop for Car Insurance and Provides Reminders

The CarInsurance app enables users to save on auto coverage, said Penny Gusner, consumer analyst.

• Tom Davis
• August 2021

TRENDING: BEST'S RESEARCH
Trending Research Includes Reports on Innovation, Ransomware and ESG

Other trending research includes a report on IFRS 17, the Florida market and Best’s Impairment Rate and Rating Transition Study.

• August 2021

AM BEST WEBINARS
Panel Examines Issues and Trends in the Wholesale Insurance Market

Professionals also discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the auto insurance industry.

• August 2021

CORPORATE CHANGES
Mergers, Acquisitions, State Action and Name, Domiciliary and Ownership Changes

Greenhouse Life, United International and Global Hawk Property and Casualty are among the U.S. life/health and property/casualty insurers that have experienced a corporate change.

• August 2021

INDUSTRY UPDATES
Top Insurers, Reinsurers Form Climate Change Group Net-Zero Insurance Alliance

All eight founding members are already individually setting science-based 2025 decarbonization targets for their respective investment portfolios in line with a net-zero transition.

• David Pilla
• August 2021

THE LAST WORD
Roll Up Your Sleeves: Insurers Offer Incentives to Entice Individuals to Get Their COVID-19 Shots

Several insurers around the world are offering reduced premiums and discounts on travel and other services to individuals who receive at least one dose of the vaccine.

• Lori Chordas
• August 2021

WEB TRAFFIC
Visits to World’s Largest Insurers

Home Sweet Homepage: State Farm and Kaiser Foundation lead web analytics provider Semrush's ranking of the world's largest insurers based on net premiums written.

• August 2021

AM BEST TV & AUDIO
TransUnion: One in Three Consumers Cut Back on Homeowners, Auto Coverage During COVID-19

Also, industry professionals discuss employees’ return to the workplace and how the most successful insurers will use artificial intelligence to the fullest.

• August 2021