The FINANCIAL -- Moody's Investors Service announced on October 27 that it had assigned a first-time insurance financial strength rating of B2 to International Insurance Company (IIC).

The FINANCIAL -- Diversification brings with it multiple risks as asset-rich farmers seek to enhance their income by making use of dormant outbuildings, says Aviva.

The FINANCIAL -- ING announced on October 26 that it will move towards a separation of its banking and insurance operations, clarifying the strategic direction for the bank and the insurance company going forward.

The FINANCIAL -- ING announced on October 26 that it has reached an agreement with the Dutch State to alter the repayment terms of the Core Tier 1 securities issued in November 2008, in order to facilitate early repayment.

The FINANCIAL -- On an economic basis, many insurers experienced a drastic slump in their equity capital in 2008. The first signs of a recovery were only visible this year. Insurance companies are now having to gear up for the new regulatory framework under Solvency II, which is scheduled to be introduced in Europe as from 2012.