Threats such as piracy, kidnapping and government expropriation of businesses are being exacerbated by the global financial crisis, Lloyd's warns in a report on political instability released today.

A House Republican financial regulation plan, due to be unveiled tomorrow, would require congressional authorization for aid to troubled non-banks such as American International Group but would not disturb state insurance regulation.

Bermuda companies Max Capital and Validus Holdings are continuing a public fight to Friday's finish date over which firm will merge with property-catastrophe reinsurer IPC Re.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner needs to speak with state legislators, governors, and attorneys general when seeking information on insurance policy debates, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators advised him.

Munich Re said it has issued a EUR50 million (U.S. $70 million) catastrophe bond to transfer European winter storm and Turkish earthquake risks to the capital markets.

Bermuda-based Torus Insurance Holdings Ltd., said Torus Specialty Insurance Inc., its U.S. entity, now has authority to write surplus lines in 42 states.

Insurance fraud always garners the headlines, but when someone associated with the industry becomes involved in illegal behavior, it makes everyone stand up and take notice.

Five insurance trade groups from the property-casualty and life and health insurance businesses said they will meet next month in Washington to discuss health insurance reform concerns and lobby lawmakers.