http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/default.aspx If you are interested in knowing exactly what a reinsurer does, you should read Topics Online. Our magazine, published at bi-monthly intervals, offers you a chance to look behind the scenes at Munich Re. en http://munichre.com/app_resources/images/logo.gif http://munichre.com/en http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/portrait-mary-forrest/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/portrait-mary-forrest/default.aspx Mary Forrest heads Munich Re’s North American life reinsurance business. Based on a highly differentiated and creative approach, she has played a key role in building success across the continent’s diverse markets. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/life/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/life/default.aspx Automated underwriting helps insurance companies set themselves apart from the competition. An Asian life insurer chalks up a major success by taking advantage of Munich Re's experience and technology. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/natural-hazards/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/natural-hazards/default.aspx When Winter Storm Xynthia swept across Europe in 2010, it caused insured losses in the order of €2bn. Current studies indicate that such storms will become even more intense as a result of climate change. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/corporate-art/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/corporate-art/default.aspx With a sculpture by US artist Roxy Paine, Munich Re again makes a statement. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/discussion-panel/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/discussion-panel/default.aspx In the upcoming issue of Topics Geo, we discuss the three-fold disaster of Tohoku with internationally recognised experts. Topics Online offers a preview video showing the salient points. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/survey/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2012/01/survey/default.aspx Earthquake, tsunami, nuclear accident – Are earthquake risks being assessed properly? Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/casualty/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/casualty/default.aspx Claims expenditure in medical professions is rising disproportionately. With a professional marketing strategy, this segment offers significant growth potential worldwide. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/commentary/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/commentary/default.aspx No one is betting on a successful conclusion to the world climate summit in Durban any more. But sheer economic pressure is going to usher in an energy turnaround. The insurance industry will do its part to help. A comment by Dr. Torsten Jeworrek Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/floodmanagement/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/floodmanagement/default.aspx A huge flood wave on the Mississippi in spring 2011 could have caused enormous losses. The fact that catastrophe was prevented is due to decades of flood control. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/geo-risks/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/geo-risks/default.aspx It has already become clear that 2011 is going to be a new record year for losses from natural catastrophes. But this time the cause is earthquakes. After Japan and New Zealand, Turkey too was affected by severe events. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/survey/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/06/survey/default.aspx The first non-EU countries are already reacting to the new system. Would Solvency II be a suitable global standard? Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/engineering/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/engineering/default.aspx Pipelines are among the most challenging risks in offshore business. The Nord Stream consortium chose Munich Re as the leading insurer for this project. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/portrait-edwin-mast/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/portrait-edwin-mast/default.aspx Around 40 years ago, Edwin Mast started his career as an officer cadet on a commercial vessel. Today, Munich Re's risk expert with a ship master's certificate advises clients on all matters nautical and technical. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/low-interest-rate-environment/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/low-interest-rate-environment/default.aspx Dr. Jürgen Callies, Head of Research at MEAG, about the right investment strategy in times of government rescue packages and inflation concerns. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/investments/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/investments/default.aspx BaFin’s latest investment circular requires German insurers to have asset-liability management (ALM) in place. A complex task – but Munich Re is on hand to help. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/agro/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/agro/default.aspx More than 20 years ago, Munich Re was one of the pioneers of aquaculture insurance – A success story. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/survey/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/05/survey/default.aspx Climate protection is an issue that calls for more than mere politics. Can the insurance industry help and, if so, how? Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/motor_insurance/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/motor_insurance/default.aspx Since mid-2010, the Whittington Insurance Group has been represented in Singapore by its direct insurance unit, DirectAsia – supported and reinsured by Munich Re. A summary of an article published in our new K-Forum magazine. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/prs_fire/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/prs_fire/default.aspx Since 2004, Munich Re has offered its clients a flexible online tool for calculating fire risks. PRS FIRE supports both simple calculations and complex risk assessments. Thanks to its user-friendliness, underwriters can concentrate entirely on the business at hand. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/world_trade_center/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/world_trade_center/default.aspx Munich Re is one of the key insurers on the construction risk covering ‘One World Trade Center'. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/life/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/life/default.aspx In life insurance, it is soon possible to provide cover to recreational divers using evidence-based risk assessment. Munich Re has evaluated a comprehensive study and is making the findings available to its clients for risk assessment. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/engineering_property/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/engineering_property/default.aspx On 17 April 2009, a turbine failure in Russia's biggest hydro power plant led to the death of 75 people. Could greater care have prevented the catastrophe? Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/survey/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/04/survey/default.aspx The automobile industry is on the move. Before long, new forms of transport, such as electric cars, will be taking the place of conventional combustion-engined vehicles on a major scale. Is the automobile-manufacturing revolution also affecting the insurance industry? Cast your vote. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/ageing_infrastructure/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/ageing_infrastructure/default.aspx Much of the infrastructure in western industrialised countries is old and cannot cope with today’s needs. Topics Online presents a summary of a new series from Schadenspiegel. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/hurricane/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/hurricane/default.aspx The North Atlantic hurricane season is fast approaching. Topics Online explains how devastating tropical cyclones are formed. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/portrait_wilkinson/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/portrait_wilkinson/default.aspx John Wilkinson, who is CEO of Munich Re, Hong Kong and in charge of non-life activities in the Chinese market, knows all sides of the insurance business, having worked in all areas – broking, insurance and reinsurance. What particularly fascinates him about China is its cultural diversity and the tremendous pace of growth in one of the world’s most promising markets. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/insurance_medicine/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/insurance_medicine/default.aspx Modern-day insurance medicine presents a variety of challenging tasks for physicians. They need to be medical experts with strong communication skills, as well as being well versed in statistics. This article offers an insight into medical insurance practice at Munich Re. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/intellectual_property/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/03/intellectual_property/default.aspx Anyone using intellectual property without permission runs the risk of substantial compensation claims. Legal expert Professor Gerald Spindler spoke on this complex issue at Munich Re’s 13th Liability Colloquium Munich Re liability colloquium. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/nord_stream/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/nord_stream/default.aspx After some five years of planning and construction, testing of the first of the Nord Stream gas pipelines is set to begin in April. The pipeline's insurance coverage has been the largest individual facultative risk in all of Munich Re's history. Joachim Wiechers has partnered the project from the very beginning. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/koeln_assekuranz/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/koeln_assekuranz/default.aspx The transportation of valuable industrial cargo must not become a risky gamble. KA Köln.Assekuranz Agentur GmbH, a part of Risk Solutions, successfully directs transport support services for such projects. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/menhart_column/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/menhart_column/default.aspx Arab countries are in a state of upheaval. The rest of the world recalls the opening of eastern Europe and hopes that history will repeat itself. How successful the call for freedom and prosperity will be is still unclear. But this is a historic opportunity for the region, in which the insurance industry can also play an important part – to everyone's benefit. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/wind_energy/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/wind_energy/default.aspx Serial losses can cost the manufacturers of wind power plants millions of euros. Comprehensive protection is now available for this balance sheet risk. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/interview_arnoldussen/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/02/interview_arnoldussen/default.aspx The insurance industry should adapt its pricing to the prevailing economic conditions, says Ludger Arnoldussen, Munich Re Board member responsible for Germany, Asia Pacific and Africa. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0200 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/property_damage_liability/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/property_damage_liability/default.aspx Those seeking to manage major insolvencies must take out comprehensive cover. The resulting opportunities and risks for policy providers were the subject of the Munich Re Expert Forum on Professional Liability with eminent speakers such as the insolvency administrator Dr Michael Jaffé. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/mental_illness/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/mental_illness/default.aspx The number of people with mental health problems, especially depression, is increasing. There are many reasons for this development. Consistent healthcare management in the case of illness can speed up recovery and save costs. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/interview_pina_albo/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/interview_pina_albo/default.aspx Topics Online spoke with Giussepina “Pina” Albo about her role as President of the Reinsurance Division of Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. and the challenging environment in the U.S. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/coveted_treasures/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/coveted_treasures/default.aspx Rocketing prices on the art market are making the theft of works of art increasingly lucrative. Stolen pictures, sculptures or books are estimated to cause global losses running into billions every year. Museums, galleries and private collectors should protect their property with the help of a coordinated, properly though-out protection concept. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100 http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/topics_geo_natcat/default.aspx http://munichre.com/en/reinsurance/magazine/topics_online/2011/01/topics_geo_natcat/default.aspx Topics Geo publication describes the severe earthquakes In Haiti, Chile and New Zealand. Topics Online presents extracts highlighting the underwriting challenges. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100