Swiss Re

(IN BRIEF) Global insured losses from natural catastrophes in 2024 are projected to exceed USD 135 billion, marking the fifth consecutive year such losses have surpassed USD 100 billion, according to Swiss Re Institute. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused nearly … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swiss Re is selling its iptiQ European P&C business to Allianz Direct, including its Luxembourg-based risk carrier, over 100 employees, and existing distribution agreements in several European markets. This move aligns with Swiss Re’s strategy to exit iptiQ, … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Empa has launched the “Mining the Atmosphere” initiative, aiming to transform buildings from CO2 emitters into carbon sinks. Through the NEST unit “Beyond Zero,” the project develops and tests innovative materials, such as carbon-based aggregates in concrete, that … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Switzerland launched instant payments on 20 August 2024, with around 60 financial institutions now able to process these transactions, covering over 95% of Swiss retail payments. Instant payments allow for immediate account-to-account transfers, 24/7, offering significant benefits such … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) A study by the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW), co-authored by Empa researcher Gerrit Kuhlmann, highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite-based earth observations can help reduce the impact of climate change in Switzerland. The study suggests … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swisscom, in collaboration with NVIDIA, introduces the Swiss AI Platform, a cutting-edge infrastructure designed for developing trustworthy AI applications. Offering modular services including access to NVIDIA supercomputers, generative AI tools, and a model library, the platform ensures flexibility … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swiss Re Institute predicts a significant upswing in profitability for the life insurance industry as global interest rates climb, with an estimated additional USD 1.5 trillion in global life savings premiums projected over the next decade. Higher interest … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Prudential plc announces the appointment of Anette Bronder to the newly established role of Chief Technology & Operations Officer, effective May 1st, reporting directly to CEO Anil Wadhwani and joining the Group Executive Committee. In this role, Bronder … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swiss Re has announced its proposals for its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 12, 2024, including the re-election of Jacques de Vaucleroy as a Board member and his election as Chairman, along with the nomination of … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) In early 2024, Europe’s medical and research communities announced major breakthroughs in cancer care, highlighting new treatments like AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s datopotamab deruxtecan for lung and breast cancer, and AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso for EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Diagnostic advancements … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swiss Re Institute’s latest analysis reveals that climate change is poised to escalate economic losses globally due to severe weather events. The report highlights the vulnerability of countries like the Philippines and the United States, which face significant … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swiss Re has announced impressive financial results for 2023, reporting a net income of USD 3.2 billion and a return on equity of 22.3%. The company’s Property & Casualty Reinsurance (P&C Re), Life & Health Reinsurance (L&H Re), … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Outokumpu, a leader in sustainable stainless steel, joins forces with V-ZUG, a Swiss premium home appliance manufacturer, to introduce the world’s first towards-zero stainless steel. Utilizing Outokumpu Circle Green®, boasting up to a remarkable 93% reduction in carbon … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Empa and wst21, in response to postulate Po 19.3559, have collaborated to address the significant environmental impact of tire wear, which accounts for a substantial portion of microplastics in the environment. Their comprehensive report, published recently, compiles various … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests hold the promise of revolutionizing cancer screening by providing a comprehensive, minimally invasive screening option for multiple types of cancer in a single blood sample. These tests offer the potential to increase … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Swiss startup BTRY, a spin-off from Empa and ETH Zurich, has secured CHF 900,000 in its initial funding round. Led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), the startup focuses on developing thin-film solid-state batteries capable of … Read the full press release →

(IN BRIEF) Empa researchers have developed an innovative technique using nanoparticles for soldering wounds, potentially revolutionizing wound closure methods. This groundbreaking approach offers precise temperature control and can be applied in minimally invasive surgery. The nanoparticles enable gentle laser soldering, … Read the full press release →