WORLDS BEST INSURERS 2015

REGIONAL WINNERS

American International Group had to be bailed out by the US government during the 2008 global financial crisis. But under CEO Robert Benmosche, it appears to be back on track. Its insurance operations, particularly in North America, have remained strong.

Wells Fargo restructured its US insurance brokerage division last year, focusing on larger markets that generate higher revenue. Company leadership said the move was a prelude to growing the business. The company has had success cross-selling insurance to banking customers and managing risks for mid-market employers.

One of the world’s largest insurers remains one of its most innovative. Whether it is launching new marketing partnerships or investing in consumer service technologies, Allianz finds growth. Despite economic weakness in its biggest markets, Allianz’s gross written premiums were up nearly 5% in the third quarter last year. Germany and the United Kingdom were key contributors to the growth.

Marsh boasts a 10.5% share of global brokerage revenue. It has major operations in all significant economic regions and provides services for all forms of personal and commercial risk. Operating results for Europe are not reported separately, but the Europe, Middle East, Africa region accounts for more than one-third of Marsh’s total revenues.

Generali has been forced to bolster its capital position since the financial crisis. Appointed in 2012, Assicurazioni Generali group CEO Mario Greco has raised nearly €4 billion ($4.7 billion) from asset sales and has already hit 2015 targets on solvency and profitability. The company has refocused on core European markets and is increasing its investment across the Central and Eastern European region.

Despite tough economic times in the region, GrECo JLT has continued to grow organically and through acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe. One of the first insurance brokers to set up shop in a formerly communist country (Hungary), the firm has launched offices across the region. The 20% stake in the company purchased by international broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson has broadened the company’s service capabilities.

Since launching operations in Colombia in 1984, the Madrid-based insurer has become the largest nonlife insurer in Latin America, with a 9.5% share of the market in 2013. The region accounts for an increasing share of the company’s business and growth, and CEO Antonio Huertas Mejías plans to invest further in Mexico. Mapfre had a solvency ratio of more than 240% at the end of 2013.

With 4,200 employees in Latin America, Marsh has a significant presence in most countries in the region. It maintains relationships with correspondents where it doesn’t have office locations. It is growing organically and through acquisitions in the region—most recently, brokers in Peru, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Ping An is the fastest-growing P&C insurance company in China since the monopoly of the state-owned People’s Insurance Company of China was dissolved in 1988. After taking losses of nearly $4 billion from an investment in Fortis Group in 2008, Ping An is now more focused on developing its massive and still rapidly growing home market.

The company’s roots in Asia date back to 1832, when trading house Jardine Matheson was launched in Canton. It has become an international insurance brokerage in the past two decades, but Asia has remained a key region for the company. It recently acquired businesses in emerging Asian markets and is opening its first office in India.

Oman Insurance is headquartered in Dubai and has offices in all the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar. It is growing significantly faster than the broader Middle Eastern insurance market and is making innovative use of pricing data and analytics in its business, say market analysts.

Aon established its Middle East presence in 1985. Headquartered in Dubai, Aon Middle East now has offices across the region and employs more than 300 people. With its extensive resources, Aon helps clients manage the full range of commercial, personal and political risks in the Middle East.

Established as a mutual insurance company in South Africa in 1845, Old Mutual, now headquartered in London, remains one of the biggest P&C insurers in Africa. Its asset and wealth management businesses suffered badly in the financial crisis, but the company has rebounded. Committed to expanding its African insurance operations, it recently acquired businesses in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.

The Monaco-based company has built one of the biggest insurance brokerage networks in West Africa, focusing on French-speaking countries. It currently offers support for personal and commercial insurance needs in 22 countries in the region and has deals with larger international brokers in markets it doesn’t currently serve.