Reinsurance

After record 2011 first-quarter catastrophe losses that outpaced man-made and natural catastrophe losses for all of 2010, facultative reinsurance rates in many regions have begun to firm, and are set to increase through 2011, according to an Aon Benfield report.

Reinsurance provider Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd. on Tuesday reported a hefty first-quarter loss due to natural disasters in Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Reinsurance provider Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd. on Tuesday reported a hefty first-quarter loss due to natural disasters in Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

AXIS Capital Holdings’ expected financial impact of $285 million from the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami headlines the latest round of loss estimates from Bermuda companies.

AXIS Capital Holdings’ expected financial impact of $285 million from the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami headlines the latest round of loss estimates from Bermuda companies.

In recent years, the use of engineered nanomaterials in consumer products like sunscreen, cosmetics, clothing and baby products has soared. As a result, substantial concern has developed because these tiny materials are often made of toxic substances, and closely resemble asbestos fibers.