Insurance hires: Alliant, AXA XL, Ignite Specialty Risk

Alliant Insurance Services has appointed Crystal Calvo (pictured above left) as a vice president within its Employee Benefits Group. Based in San Diego, Calvo will lead a team focused on professional employer organization (PEO) solutions, working with clients nationwide to enhance payroll, benefits administration, and risk management. 

Court appoints special master in Greg Lindberg fraud case

According to the court, restitution in this case presents significant challenges, as several affected insurance carriers are undergoing liquidation. Additionally, many of Lindberg’s business holdings are not readily convertible into cash, further complicating efforts to recover and distribute assets. 

Specialized AI insurance needed as adoption accelerates

Budd noted the ongoing debate over the latter. She said some companies might believe existing policies, like cyber, general liability, or errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, will provide sufficient protection. In reality, Budd said, these policies often lack the specificity to address AI’s unique challenges.

How parametric insurance helps retailers manage financial risks

Parametric insurance provides predetermined payouts when specific triggers – such as extreme weather conditions, supply chain delays, or non-damage business interruption events – are met. Unlike traditional coverage, parametric policies do not require physical damage or claims adjusters to determine losses. Instead, claims are settled based on independently verified data.

Fed hits pause on rate cuts

“With the economic activity expected to remain robust and continue to post a 2%+ growth rate, the case for further monetary loosening in the coming months is increasingly less compelling,” Hepp said. “Nevertheless, there are sectors of the economy, such as the housing market and pockets of the income spectrum, that are challenged by high … Read more

AXIS Capital sees net income boom

AXIS reported net investment income of $196 million for the fourth quarter, up from $187 million a year earlier, primarily due to higher yields from fixed maturities, though this was partially offset by lower returns on alternative investments. The book yield for fixed maturities was 4.5% at year-end, compared to 4.2% at the end of … Read more