The movement toward stronger enterprise-wide risk management (ERM) practices following the 2008 financial crisis has continued gathering steam among insurers and reinsurers this year, according to a new study.

Any legislation creating a Federal Insurance Office will include a strong role for the Treasury Department in negotiating international insurance agreements, the leadership of the House Financial Services Committee made clear.

Improved conditions in the investment markets and the arrival of new capacity have significantly increased the capital position of Lloyd's of London during the first half of 2009, according to a report released today by Aon Benfield.

American International Group said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has paid $12.1 million in past-due executive retention payments, including $4 million to four top employees.

Health care reform legislation that will go to the Senate floor next week will include a government insurance plan, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced.

The latest "Saw" movie channels public wrath against health insurers by targeting those in claims, yet another example of how pop culture capitalizes on the industry's poor reputation, says NU Editor Sam Friedman on his blog at www.NUSamSoapBox.com.

Risk managers from both the private and public sectors issued renewed calls for complete transparency.

Despite a 67 percent drop in net income in 2008, excess and surplus lines insurers are still financially strong.