Risk Management

New Gov. Rick Scott issues first directives.

Add Bermuda's Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd. to the list of foreign reinsurers taking advantage of Florida's reduced collateral requirements.

While its chief executive declared that it can "see the finish line," American International Group Inc. proved it can raise money from private investors by signing $4.3 billion in private-sector loan agreements.

One thing is clear going into 2011. While there are signs of economic improvement there is no doubt that there are plenty of challenges that lie ahead for the year.

Regulatory initiatives dealing with implementation of the financial services reform law, and such old business as providing certainty to the NFIP will keep p&c insurance industry lobbyists extremely busy this year.

Passage of landmark health care reform legislation last March is forcing participants in the insurance industry, especially agents, to mobilize in efforts to secure changes to the legislation that ensure they have a role in the industry going forward.

With the pace of economic recovery slow in mature insurance markets, property and casualty carriers have set their sights beyond the United States and Western Europe.

During adverse economic times agents and brokers can find refuge in learning new skills and earning designations, which can pay off when the market rebounds.