With the New Year just around the corner, we offer a preview of a dozen topics and trends that will be a focus of NU’s coverage in 2012.

12. Talent Show: We all know we face a looming succession crisis as Baby Boomer retirements sap the insurance world of a wealth of wisdom and experience. Next year, we’ll zero in on what’s being done to address this brain drain. We’ll give progress reports on efforts at the industry-wide level—and take some in-depth looks at individual companies with effective programs to lure and secure tomorrow’s leaders.

11. All Abroad: Whether you work as an underwriter, producer or risk manager, it’s a safe bet your business is becoming ever-more international. In 2012, look for us to explore where the opportunities are overseas for carriers; to deliver case studies on how small and midsize agencies are successfully expanding to other countries; and to feature profiles of risk managers who handle global portfolios with aplomb.

10. Good Source of Cyber: It’s clear that cyber liability is moving swiftly from the “emerging” risk category to mainstream coverage. We’ll keep you apprised of how forms are evolving; where prices are headed; who the key players are; and the latest developments on the frontier of data protection.

9. The Green Scene: While it can be argued that the growth potential of green-related insurance products has been overhyped, we’re cautiously confident that green will be the new green in 2012—and we’ll offer up colorful coverage of companies that are finding profitable policy pockets in the eco-friendly niche.

8. Socialism: No, not any sort of reference to the 2012 elections (see No. 3). Rather, you’ll see NU and its sister Web site, PropertyCasualty360.com, make a major commitment next year to making it much easier for you to contribute content to our industry conversation—and to connect with peers who share your business interests.

7. State of Independents: Tough times inspire innovative solutions, and we’ll regularly highlight small agencies that are adopting creative approaches to compete with, and beat, direct carriers and captives.

6. The Middle Road/Urge to Merge: With the advantages of scale enjoyed by the insurance giants, especially in the area of technology, regional carriers will feel increasing pressure to reinvent themselves—or to, willingly or not, join forces with others. Look here for the details on any deals.

5. The Cat Walk: The full impact of RMS Version 11.0 is still filtering through the industry, and we’ll keep you constantly updated about its effect on pricing—and RMS competitors.

4. Smarter, Safer: What are the top minds in the worlds of insurance and science doing to make the world at least a slightly less risky place? We’ll investigate throughout the year.

3. Washington Watch: Systemically significant. FIO. FSOC. NFIP. And a little event on the first Tuesday in November. Our D.C. bureau, led by industry veteran Arthur D. Postal, will be all over the important news events in the capital and on Capitol Hill.

2. The “Harft” Market: Hard, soft or flat? It’s the multibillion-dollar question of the year, and we’ll be monitoring market conditions—and canvassing analysts and experts—on a daily basis.

1. Tech, Tech, Tech: Technology is the trend/topic likely to trump all others in 2012. From predictive modeling to telemetrics to mobile apps, we’re looking forward to the chance to geek out on what’s sure to be a steady onslaught of cool, new products to tell you about.

Bryant Rousseau
Editor in Chief
201-526-2329
brousseau@sbmedia.com

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