Between The Lines

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporters Joana Nguyen and Roshan Nambiar discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Andrew Smith, co-founder and COO of Swiss Re-owned water risk intelligence firm Fathom. Andrew discusses Fathom's approach to flood modelling and the challenges in closing the flood protection gap in the region.  Other topics include Zurich's bid for Beazley, nat cats, Vietnam's new reinsurer AlphaRe, and date centres. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deputy editor Andrew Mullen is joined by senior correspondent Aidan Gregory and reporters Joana Nguyen and Roshan Nambiar discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a deep dive into the 1.1 renewals, plus other topics, including MS Amlin's Phoenix 3 Re renewal, the Bondi Beach attack, nat cats, Liberty Mutual streamlining its Singapore operations, M&A and a large number of people moves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporters Joana Nguyen and Roshan Nambiar discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets.This episode features a special interview with Hassan Omaish, CEO at Allianz Trade for Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. Hassan discusses rising insolvencies, disruptions to global trade and rising economic volatility. Other topics include the fire at the Hong Kong housing estate, nat cats in Australia, floods in Southeast Asia, and M&A. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporters Joana Nguyen and Roshan Nambiar discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Rebekah Khew, the Asia Pacific director at Vivace Insurance Partners. Rebekah discusses the MGA landscape in the region, and opportunities and challenges for the emerging sector in Asia. Other topics include the fire at the Hong Kong housing estate, John Neal, nat cats in Australia, Mapfre Re, and a new reinsurer in Vietnam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News deputy editor Andrew Mullen is joined by editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory and reporter Joana Nguyen to review the Singapore International Reinsurance Conference (SIRC). The team gives their personal highlights from the three-day event at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, plus delve deep into the main talking points and key takeaways from the 21st edition of the key event on the reinsurance calendar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporters Joana Nguyen and Roshan Nambiar discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets.This episode features a special interview with Rama Chandran, Singapore-based managing director and head of marine for Rokstone Underwriting. Rama, a seasoned marine underwriter, discusses the state of the marine market, challenges and opportunities, as well as Rokstone’s ambitions in the region. Other topics include updates from InsuranceAsia News’ cyber conference, nat cat losses from around Asia, including the Philippines earthquake, Marsh’s rebranding, update on Greensill litigation, broker M&A down under and Markel’s greater China ambitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory and reporter Joana Nguyen discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets.This episode features a special interview with Stephen Wares, head of underwriting, international, Coalition, who discusses the state of the cyber market and the specialist MGA's growth ambitions.Other topics include a round-up of the nat cat events in the past two weeks, Japan’s offshore wind market taking flight, DB’s acquisition of US carrier Fortegra, the big Lloyd’s Asia exit, Mapfre’s APAC expansion plans and more. Links:Vietnam’s 2025 nat cat economic losses top US$1.3bnARPC in ‘strong financial position’ despite ‘large scale’ impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone AlfredChris Mackinnon to leave Lloyd’s in 2026 to pursue new opportunitiesMapfre Re targets billion-euro Asian GWP milestone: Javier Sánchez CeaDB Insurance clinches US$1.65bn deal for US specialty carrier FortegraJapanese offshore wind a ‘big opportunity’ for (re)insurers: Tokio Marine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporter Joana Nguyen, and intern Roshan Nambiar discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets.This episode features a special interview with Will Hiller, underwriter Tokio Marine GX, who discusses the TMGX proposition, broader renewable energy market and challenges in covering the Australian market.Other topics include updates from Typhoon Ragasa, emerging risk of Gen Z riots and SRCC events, Everest’s new GIFT City branch, Australia’s plans for a flood pool, Hong Kong’s marine risk pool proposal, the flux in the W&I market, APAC’s nascent ILS boom and Chinese newfound interest in the convertible bonds market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deputy editor Andrew Mullen is joined by editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporter Joana Nguyen, and intern Roshan Nambiar to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Wei Wang, the chief executive at Rare Earth Insurance Partners, who shares his insights into the Chinese insurance market and what is next for the broker. Other topics include updates from two major conferences in Singapore and Monte Carlo, the protests in Indonesia, Lloyd's results, and M&A, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, and reporter Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Lars Lange, the secretary general of the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI), looking ahead to its annual conference in Singapore next month. Other topics include updates on Sompo's purchase of Aspen, Willis' expansion in Japan, and a new Japanese regulator, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Links:https://insuranceasianews.com/sompo-to-acquire-aspen-for-us3-5bn/https://insuranceasianews.com/help-wanted-what-spurred-willis-to-supercharge-its-japan-team-in-2025-with-key-hires/ https://insuranceasianews.com/japan-to-create-new-insurance-regulator-to-strengthen-oversight/ https://insuranceasianews.com/where-theres-smoke-theres-fire-as-enhanced-ev-risks-rise-insurers-urged-to-find-viable-solutions-with-demand-set-to-grow/https://insuranceasianews.com/insurer-warns-of-jumbo-problems-amid-bulk-cargo-concerns-at-asian-ports/https://insuranceasianews.com/crawford-eyes-india-china-potential-amid-regional-consolidation-drive-scott-reichelt/ https://insuranceasianews.com/hanoi-flooding-from-typhoon-kajiki-expected-to-result-in-limited-commercial-claims/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, and intern Roshan Nambiar to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets.This episode features a special interview with Fion Ko, associate director for fine art and specie at Willis, focusing on trends in the regional fine art and specie market, and how nat cats and sustainability trends are transforming the industry.Other topics include updates on Hong Kong’s black rainstorm as well as floods in North Asia, Hong Kong's captive push, lawsuit over container ship that sank off Indian coast, broker moves and M&A, Australia's "hard-line" merger control rules, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?https://insuranceasianews.com/losses-from-hong-kongs-record-breaking-rainfall-less-widespread-than-2023-black-rainstorm-sedgwick/Losses from Hong Kong’s record-breaking rainfall less widespread than 2023 black rainstorm: Sedgwickhttps://insuranceasianews.com/heavy-rain-floods-landslides-leave-insurers-counting-losses-across-hong-kong-china-india/Heavy rain, floods, landslides leave insurers counting losses across Hong Kong, China, Indiahttps://insuranceasianews.com/hong-kong-goes-up-the-gears-hands-chinese-carmaker-saic-regulatory-approval-for-captive/Hong Kong goes up the gears, hands Chinese carmaker SAIC regulatory approval for captivhttps://insuranceasianews.com/msc-elsa-3-owner-seeks-to-cap-liability-as-indian-state-government-files-us1bn-suit/MSC Elsa 3 owner seeks to cap liability as Indian state government files US$1bn suithttps://insuranceasianews.com/bridge-specialty-reshuffles-asia-leadership-with-david-ong-elevated-to-acorn-chairman/Bridge Specialty reshuffles Asia leadership with David Ong elevated to Acorn chairmanhttps://insuranceasianews.com/gallagher-acquires-new-zealands-insure-taranaki/Gallagher acquires New Zealand’s Insure Taranakihttps://insuranceasianews.com/australias-new-hard-line-ma-rules-snag-small-mid-cap-insurers-amid-overreach-warning/Australia’s new ‘hard line’ M&A rules snag small, mid-cap insurers amid overreach warning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen, senior correspondent Aidan Gregory, reporter Joana Nguyen and intern Roshan Nambiar to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets.This episode features a special interview with Martin Au-Yeung, vice president and client service manager for North Asia at FM, focusing merging risks and supply chain disruptions, plus FM's strategy for the region. Other topics include deadly floods in Beijing, a H1 cat loss review, a new chairman for India's regulator, M&A, asset-intensive reinsurance and reforms in Australia, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?https://insuranceasianews.com/30-dead-in-beijing-after-days-of-torrentail-rain-80000-residents-relocated/30 dead in Beijing after days of torrential rain, 80,000 residents relocatedhttps://insuranceasianews.com/asia-insurance-rates-drops-5-in-q2-2025-sixth-straight-quarter-of-decline-marsh/Asia insurance rates drop 5% in Q2 2025, sixth straight quarter of decline: Marshhttps://insuranceasianews.com/india-appoints-as-ajay-seth-as-irdai-chairman/India appoints former finance secretary Ajay Seth as IRDAI chairmanhttps://insuranceasianews.com/asias-asset-intensive-reinsurance-outlook-remains-bullish-gallagher-res-jeffrey-seow/Asia’s asset-intensive reinsurance outlook remains ‘bullish’: Gallagher Re’s Jeffrey Seowhttps://insuranceasianews.com/opportunity-knocks-for-australia-as-regulator-keeps-reinsurance-market-waiting-over-proposed-major-reforms/ Opportunity knocks for Australia as regulator keeps (re)insurance market waiting over proposed major reforms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen and reporter Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. Our special interview is with Tom Oostra, CEO of MSIG Specialty Marine, focusing on the firm's plans for Asia following a recent rebrand. Other topics include the latest on Vietnam's PVI Insurance, the Air India plane crash, the Qantas cyber attack, nat cats in Australia and New Zealand, some people moves in the region, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?https://insuranceasianews.com/pvi-eyes-hanoi-re-divestment-plan-as-part-of-broader-growth-push/PVI eyes Hanoi Re divestment plan as part of broader growth pushhttps://insuranceasianews.com/air-india-compensation-unaffected-by-pilot-error-possibility-report/Air India compensation unaffected by pilot error possibility: reporthttps://insuranceasianews.com/qantas-cyber-breach-to-create-turbulence-for-insureds-and-insurers-but-losses-could-fly-under-the-radar/Qantas cyber breach to create turbulence for insureds and insurers, but losses could fly under the radarhttps://insuranceasianews.com/ex-tropical-cyclone-alfred-accounts-for-88-of-pool-claims-since-inception-aprc-says/Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred accounts for 88% of pool claims since inception, ARPC sayhttps://insuranceasianews.com/tough-for-communities-new-zealanders-begin-clean-up-again-after-latest-severe-weather/‘Tough for communities’: New Zealanders begin clean-up again after latest severe weather Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen and Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s(re)insurance markets. Our special interview is with Joel Pridmore, CEO at Frontier Global Underwriting, focusing on the financial lines market in the Asia Pacific as well as emerging risks like cyber and crypto. Topics include a wrap of the latest on the July 1 renewals, nat cat events in Australia, New Zealand China, some exclusive people moves in the region, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?https://insuranceasianews.com/anzs-1-7-renewals-see-ample-capacity-and-flexible-pricing-as-reinsurers-look-to-grow/https://insuranceasianews.com/as-bomb-cyclone-hits-australias-nsw-2025-losses-top-us1-2bn/https://insuranceasianews.com/hong-kongs-nova-announces-senior-leadership-change-as-md-patrick-chan-retires/https://insuranceasianews.com/samsung-re-takes-gallagher-res-sie-liang-lau-as-head-of-cyber-and-casualty/https://insuranceasianews.com/sompo-names-alasdair-walker-hong-kong-ceo-as-li-sheung-kin-set-to-retire/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News deputy editor Andrew Mullen is joined in the newsroom by special projects editor Kristina Shperlik and reporter Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Vittorio Sangiorgio, head of investment solutions at one of the biggest ILS-focused asset managers Twelve Securis, focusing on the growing interest they are seeing in Asia Pacific. Other topics include four exclusive personnel changes in the region, consequences of legal action following the Air India crash, the latest update on the P&I Clubs' strategies and marine events, and a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?https://insuranceasianews.com/surely-prices-will-go-up-air-india-crash-to-push-hull-and-liability-rates-could-impact-product-liability/https://insuranceasianews.com/marsh-japan-hires-wtw-veteran-hirofumi-luke-nakamura-amid-exodus-ongoing-tensions/ https://insuranceasianews.com/samsung-fire-marine-to-buy-additional-21-stake-in-canopius/ https://insuranceasianews.com/strait-of-hormuz-collision-highlights-dark-fleet-dangers-but-not-seen-as-war-event/If you are not a subscriber, take our free trial: https://insuranceasianews.com/register/free-trial/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen, special projects editor Kristina Shperlik and reporter Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Andrew McMellin, president of Markel International, focusing on the specialty carrier's growth plans in Asia Pacific. Topics include exclusively reported Swiss Re CorSo’s regional reshuffle, 1.6 and 1.7 renewals dynamics, a roundup of flooding events in the region, and a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on. Want to know more about the stories we discussed? If you are not a subscriber, take our free trial: https://insuranceasianews.com/register/free-trial/ Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen and special projects editor Kristina Shperlik to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Helen Ye, CEO at Qubit Underwriting, focusing on the MGAs in Asia Pacific and crypto insurance. Topics include results from Japan's big three, the leadership change at Lloyd's, hail in Beijing, and nat cat losses recap, as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?Japanese insurance groups lean on overseas arms to post record results Blunt warning for Lloyd’s syndicates from incoming CEO, market urged to avoid‘travesty’ Beijing hail leads to US$44m insured loss from widespread motor, property damage APAC faces billion-dollar economic losses from Q1 wildfires: AonSwiss Re reports 1.5% price increase at April 1 renewals, grows book to US$2.2bnMunich Re, Hannover Re report Asia growth despite falling rateIf you are not a subscriber, take our free trial: https://insuranceasianews.com/register/free-trial/Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen, special projects editor Kristina Shperlik and journalist Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Iain Reynolds, head of third party capital at Peak Re, focusing on the latest Hong Kong cat bond and Asia ILS market. Topics include BMS shutting down their M&A insurance operations in Japan and South Korea, the growing demand for product recall cover in APAC, and look back into earthquakes as well as a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.  Want to know more about the stories we discussed? Peak Re’s US$50m cat bond bring ‘fresh capacity’, covers peak Asia scenarios Exclusive: BMS to shut down South Korea, Japan offices Hurricanes, quakes could drive peak year insured losses to US$300bn: Swiss Re Institute Insuring APAC’s energy transition: from grand ambitions to lingering challenges If you are not a subscriber, take our free trial: https://insuranceasianews.com/register/free-trial/ Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletters.The key resource for accurate, insightful and reliable coverage of Asia’s insurance and reinsurance market.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by deputy editor Andrew Mullen and journalist Joana Nguyen to discuss the stories shaping the region’s (re)insurance markets. This episode features a special interview with Ben Qin, head of North Asia and Australia at Descartes Underwriting, focusing on parametrics. Topics include Swiss Re CorSo’s surprise plan to close its Hong Kong office and surrender its license, the growing demand for product recall insurance amid supply chain disruptions, a roundup of nat cats in the region, and a sneak peek at the stories the team is currently working on.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?Exclusive: Swiss Re Corporate Solutions to shut Hong Kong office, surrender licence‘Unsurprising trend’ as product recall market goes from strength to strength amid global supply chain complexityAsia port accumulation risks resurface as Trump’s trade war continuesSteve Hutchinson to join Willis as P&C head for Hong Kong, Macau after 4-month Howden stintIf you are not a subscriber, take our free trial: https://insuranceasianews.com/register/free-trial/Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InsuranceAsia News editor-in-chief Mithun Varkey is joined in the newsroom by journalists Kristina Shperlik and Andrew Mullen to discuss the stories making the news across the Asia-Pacific region. Hear updates on the April 1 renewals, the aftermath of the Petronas pipeline explosion in Malaysia and damage in Thailand from the Myanmar earthquake; collaterals in India, regulatory changes in Australia, "silent AI" risks and the big news: how Donald Trump's tariffs and threats of port fees are causing uncertainty, with firms seeking trade credit insurance. We also feature an interview with Oliver Miloschewsky, Aon's regional director and head of shipping for Asia.Want to know more about the stories we discussed?Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs set to see firms turn to trade credit insurance: AonBuyers make hay at 1.4 as reinsurers seek growth armed with record-high capitalPetronas faces potential US$5m hit from Malaysia pipeline explosionThai insurers set to halt free coverage in wake of devastating earthquakeAnd don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.