Industry leaders talk with the Journal.

It seems fitting that in the Year of the Dog (the worrier), there is an increasing focus on Asian life insurance and wealth management markets. Ronn Bechler reviews this rapidly developing market.

Disability Insurance: Funding outside or within superannuation?

Should disability insurance be funded through an individual's superannuation fund? Phil McBean provides an overview of the challenges.

Stopping Dirty Money: Australia's anti-money laundering reforms

How does industry feel about the impending reforms (which will also affect life insurers and financial planners) and will it cope with the challenges? The authors highlight the areas of greatest impact as the mindset shifts from a basic reporting regime to the implementation of a risk-based approach.

The Increasing Importance of Claims Management to Insurers

The claims function in insurance companies is changing from a processing focus to a management focus. This change has been reflected in an increasing interest in and demand for software that enables companies to actively manage claims.

pp28-30

Naming Another Party: Naming another party on a liability policy may result in the named party getting more cover than intended

What does being 'named as an interested party' on another's public liability policy mean? The expression is unclear and accordingly the answer has long been debated. A recent decision in the New South Wales Court of Appeal addressed this issue.

pp31-32

Storm Insurance Costs: How have recent weather conditions impacted profitability?

With the drama and tragedy of recent storms and tsunamis still fresh in our memories, are historical long term weather experiences still providing an appropriate benchmark for establishing technical premiums? David McNab and Tim Andrews look at the facts.

pp33-34

Counterfeit, Extortion and Recall: Insurance implications

2005 Peter Corrigan International Exchange Award winner Nada Adams reports on her study tour of China and Japan.

pp35-37