Editors' picks for the week include a look at Tokio Marine closing the gap on Sompo in Japan's nonlife insurance market and Anbang restructuring itself.

Insurers eye new association health plans with long-term caution

Managed care companies have been slow to embrace an opportunity, provided by new regulations, to offer more flexible health plans to self-employed groups.

Tokio Marine closing gap on Sompo in Japan's nonlife insurance market

In Japan's nonlife insurance market, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. has been narrowing the market share gap between itself and leader Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc., data shows.

Cost-saving merger of MS&AD's Japanese nonlife units 'inevitable,' analysts say

A potential merger of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.'s two major nonlife insurance units would lower the insurance group's operating costs while creating the biggest property and casualty insurer in Japan.

Willis Re: Reinsurers get tougher with underwriting after subdued rate increases

Traditional reinsurers are having to get tougher on unprofitable business as they adapt to strong competition for property-catastrophe reinsurance business, according to reinsurance broker Willis Re.

Anbang restructures via internal transfers of shareholdings

State-controlled Anbang Insurance Group Co. Ltd. made changes to its structure by transferring internally shares of six listed companies that it owns.