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What Lies Behind Insurance And Financial Industry Trends

By Ed Hulse


The insurance and financial industry trends were both rocked by the global financial crisis of 2008 to 2010. The crisis triggered a string of collapses of prestigious financial institutions and brought into question the established economic ideals of West capitalism. However many analysts claim that after significant restructuring, economies all over the world decided to balance an interventionist schema with a pragmatic approach that can deregulate swiftly based on domestic conditions.

One of the most visible recent financial trends is a greater focus on corporate social and environmental responsibility. Ernst & Young published a white paper stating that in 2010 there was a noticeable rise is the number of shareholder resolutions in the US that were focused on environmental or other forms of social accountability. While in 2010, these resolutions numbered 191, the year prior had seen only 150.

It is claimed social and environmental concerns are on the verge of a breakthrough in corporate America. Social responsibility resolutions have been gaining steady support from investors for the past six years. Twenty six per cent of ExxonMobil investors voted for the company to reveal more information to the public about its hydraulic fracturing process. This method of pumping high-pressure fluid through rock fractures to extract oil and natural gas is claimed to cause environmental damage.

The financial crisis has ushered in new corporate attitudes towards unfettered growth. No longer is the emphasis on meeting unfeasible growth projections, but rather on the sustainability of corporate growth over the long term. While also linked to environmental goals, sustainability is the ability of a company to maintain growth without artificially straining for it.

An unrestrained pursuit of growth in order to meet unreasonable targets has been the downfall of many corporations. Projections were based on market and region expectations that were rushed and could not survive in the shifting economic landscape. However, the strategy of sustaining growth demands strong leaders who can reset investor aspirations and can recognize where new drivers of growth will start.

Many commentators have estimated the price of insurance will increase as a result of the numerous natural disasters across the globe. In early 2011 there was an array of tragic events in Japan, New Zealand and Australia, devastating communities and rocketing insurance claims.

The largest insurers in the world, Lloyds of London, claim the array of natural crises including an earthquake and flooding would raise insurance rates as businesses try to regain and rebuild. This was confirmed by global insurers Caitlin, who said the number of disasters would inevitably lead to an increase in rates.



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