Reflection on Asia Insurance 2010

As we approach another year-end we can reflect a few post global financial crisis (GFC) happenings that have reshaped the world we live in. We have seen an ongoing decline in the value of the US$, unheard of mortgage foreclosure rates, a number of crises in Europe, a steady decline in personal wealth and ongoing stock market volatility. On the other side of the coin we have seen the continued emergence of the Chinese economy as a new power in global economics as their economy expands to fuel the demands of a wealthier middle class. The world of banking may never be the same again. New regulations and closer scrutiny of business practices will attempt to avoid the issues that nearly brought global finance to a standstill. Many countries, especially in Europe, will be carefully monitoring all government spending for some time as the large debts are repaid and government investment is channeled into selected areas targeting the rebuilding of their economies. In spite of many of the negative influences we have seen ongoing efforts by insurance companies to create innovative products and business practices. The recent model insurer Asia project attracted many superb submissions from all over Asia and Oceania, covering areas such as infrastructure enhancement, streamlined claims, and new business and servicing practices. Included too were a number of extremely innovative ideas in using new technologies. The effects of the GFC will linger on for some time but based on what we have seen this past year we look forward to a new year where we will see more innovative and creative practices come into production and delivering more sustainable and customer-focused practices across all areas of the insurance market.