Emerging-market countries represent huge, untapped opportunities for insurers, but carriers that are not properly staffed with people who understand the cultures, histories and markets of these nations will not succeed in their efforts, said former AIG CEO Maurice “Hank” Greenberg during the keynote presentation of the 23rd Annual Executive Conference—an event hosted by Ernst & Young and Summit Business Media (parent company of NU) at the Crowne Plaza Times Square hotel in New York City on Dec. 6.

“To succeed, insurers have to have people on staff who understand these emerging markets and capital to spare to fund a potentially long adjustment time,” said Greenberg, who now serves as chairman and CEO of Starr Insurance Holdings. “And you have to understand the risks involved. It takes more courage to enter an emerging market than a fully developed and regulated one.”

Among the many challenges that need to be overcome in emerging markets: the risk of insuring business executives or commercial property in politically unstable countries, where the pricing of such risks will be very different than in mature and less volatile countries.

Another issue is differences in regulations. Growing countries in Latin America, he said, offer insurers significant opportunities for overseas expansion. But adapting to the wide differences in rules and legislation governing carriers and producers can be a big challenge.

Turning to prospects for greater federal regulation of the insurance industry, Greenberg said he doesn't expect this to happen in the near term. He said attempts to do so would meet with “howls” of protest by state regulators, so greater federal oversight is not an immediate threat.

When asked during the question-and-answer session about the secret to his continuing good health, Greenberg, who turned 87 last May, credited his discipline and healthy lifestyle.

“I have a healthy diet and work out regularly,” Greenberg said. “And I'm a disciplined person—a character trait that dates from time in the military. I'm also very focused on, and enjoy, what I do.”

Special Reports /

Greenberg: Tread Carefully in Emerging Markets

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