BrokersLink : a smooth running organization
At Filhet-Allard, we strive to deliver tailored solutions to a range of clients hailing from many different nations. With a diverse client base that represents various perspectives and market circumstances, we understand the importance of successful collaboration. When many minds and multiple talents can meet to produce value not only for customers but for partners and the community at large, great things are possible. That's why we're especially pleased to have joined Brokerslink as a Member of the Board, and why we couldn't have been more satisfied with the energy and drive at the recent Miami conference.

For three days, Miami served as the crossroads of the insurance field with professionals of many specialties and backgrounds converging for a truly meaningful purpose: to think, work, and create together. We listened to interesting speakers covering some of the most important points in insurance today, and met many bright people. As one of the largest French privately-held brokers working towards stability and a long-term outlook, we were able to make many new connections and are excited about forging more relationships and exploring the possibilities of the vibrant Brokerslink group.

While the festivities in Miami may be over, the spirit of the event continues at Filhet-Allard, and I'm certain we'll be seeing more great things from this potential-rich network of collaborators.
 

Considering Long Term Strategies for China As an important economic center of growth with a massive population, China attracts a great deal of investment and business development. This has certainly held true for the world of insurance, as many companies have made a strong effort to develop branches of their businesses within the country.

Since China's admission to the World Trade Organization ten years ago, however, many foreign insurers have found it difficult to make headway. Citing regulatory challenges and other possible obstacles for competition with domestic carriers, a recent report released by Moody's suggests that a long term perspective may be necessary.

The particular challenges of emerging markets can make starting out in a new country fairly difficult, but the strength and diversity that strong foreign presence can bring to a country's insurance market is important. With a variety of long-term opportunities available in the country, we're confident that China will continue to attract new insurers even as some pull out.

The need for a long-term view is often essential to success in insurance, making today's situation in China a powerful lesson for all firms and decision-makers considering activity in the country, as well as for those observing the progress of foreign insurers in this exciting yet uncertain market.

Economist Conferences' Risk Summit
Stresses Long-Term Views In an often volatile risk environment, keeping an eye on short-term issues may seem like the wisest course of action for insurance professionals. The need to protect immediate assets may command a great deal of attention, making a long-term view more difficult to adopt. Yet it is precisely that kind of view that was supported recently at the Economist Conferences' Risk Summit, held in London.

The summit's hosting company shared extensive survey work detailing the thoughts and outlooks of five hundred international business executives. The survey found that increasingly, the importance of attending to long-term risks is rising among professionals.
In particular the summit host pointed out that long-term outlooks are crucial for successful strategic planning. While working through the challenges of the present may seem like a more pressing need, executives are embracing the idea that planning for the future is a core part of creating a sustainable business.

Such lessons are especially relevant to the world of insurance, in which long views are sometimes shuttered in favor of addressing short-term risks. When we acknowledge the growing consciousness of forward-looking perspectives and their importance in today's frequently hectic environment, we can better serve our business clients –and ourselves.
 

South Africa's Climate Change Talks
and the Future of Insurance  South Africa's Climate Change Talks and the Future of Insurance Some of the longest and most intensive talks on climate change regulation in the UN's history recently concluded in South Africa. While officials noted that some progress had been made in terms of planning cooperative regulatory standards for the coming years, critics have noted that highly effective, actionable protocols are still lacking.
Meetings between the world's highest energy users and polluters, including China, India, and the United States, worked with EU representatives to attempt an agreement on the future of climate change laws during the talks. Among the notable events of the two weeks' worth of meetings was Canada's abrupt exit from the Kyoto Protocol, which was developed in 1997, and extended to 2017 at the conference.
Professionals in many fields may keep a long-term view on climate change, but those with interests in insurance around the globe may have a different perspective.

As natural disasters continue to threaten vulnerable islands and other parts of the world, often causing massive damage tolls, pushing for better regulation and more extensive research is key. While we welcome the modest progress of the South Africa talks, we hope they lead to more specific discussions and to plans of action that impact the lives and safety of those at risk, as well as the power of insurance.