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Japanese life insurers on track to achieve fiscal 2023 profit forecasts

Japanese life insurers Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc., T&D Holdings Inc., and Japan Post Insurance Co. Ltd. are all making significant progress towards achieving their annual profit forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 30, 2024.Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc. reported a remarkable 42.1% year-over-year growth in net income, attributing the increase to various positive factors. The company stated, "The improvement in T&D Holdings' nine-month profit was largely due to a 'reactionary decline' in large temporary valuation losses related to Fortitude, a foreign reinsurance...

NAIC head: Federal role, climate, AI on state insurance regulatory agenda

State insurance regulators are willing to work with the federal government but continue to maintain that they are best positioned to oversee the industry. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is prioritizing mitigation to deal with the impacts of a changing climate. Insurers must be ethical and transparent in how they utilize artificial intelligence so as to not perpetuate bias.Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais, in his capacity as both president of the NAIC and a state regulator, discussed various pressing issues including the role of...

State Farm® Announces Jon Farney as New CEO

State Farm President Jon Farney has been selected as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer by the State Farm Mutual Board of Directors. Farney will formally begin his role on June 1. The announcement was shared by Chairman and retiring CEO Michael Tipsord, who expressed his confidence in Farney's abilities. Tipsord stated, “Jon and I have worked together for many years. I’ve seen how much he cares about State Farm, how much he cares about the people at State Farm, how he solves problems, and how focused he is on taking care of our customers.”Farney, who joined State...

Prominent life and health insurer to revisit possible mutual holdco formation

Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. has announced its plans to explore the formation of a mutual insurance holding company (MIHC), as confirmed in its 2023 annual statement. The company stated that it is undertaking this exploration to fully understand the structure's requirements and potential consequences, without establishing a specific timeline for the process.The potential MIHC formation would enable Mutual of Omaha to maintain its policyholder ownership structure while enhancing its access to external sources of capital. This move reflects the company's strategic...

Wells Fargo introduces Autograph Journey card for travel enthusiasts

Wells Fargo & Company recently announced an expansion to its Autograph rewards cards with the introduction of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa card. This new addition is designed for frequent travelers, offering accelerated rewards in popular travel categories.

Flying Food Group’s inflight catering meals praised for quality and taste on STARLUX flights

Flying Food Group recently won praise for their catered meals from the toughest audience on Earth: the internet.

Nationwide Introduces Video Consultation Feature on VetHelpline for Pet Parents

Nationwide pet insurance members now have access to a new video consultation feature on Nationwide’s VetHelpline®, providing them with face-to-face conversations with veterinary professionals around the clock. This new addition aims to offer a more comprehensive solution to pet owners, as stated by Mariel Devesa, Nationwide Pet’s Head of Growth, Expansion, and Development, who highlighted, "Our new VetHelpline® merges technology with peace of mind for our consumers in one of the most comprehensive solutions in the market today."The VetHelpline® service is exclusive to...

Pump It Up – Gas Prices Rise Ahead of Daylight Saving Time

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 7, 2024)—Pump prices have maintained a steady march higher, rising eight cents since last week to $3.39. More expensive oil is a likely culprit, as crude accounts for nearly 60% of pump prices. The cost for a barrel of oil is edging closer to $80, about $10 more per barrel than a few months ago."Spring is nearly here, with longer days, better weather, and more opportunities to hit the road," said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. "And we are seeing this reflected in rising gasoline demand. But remember, we see this trend every year."For the...

Apple has been fined $2 billion by European Union for antitrust policy

The European Union (EU) has imposed a $2 billion fine on Apple for breaching antitrust policies. The EU alleges that Apple prohibited app developers from fully informing iOS users about more affordable music subscription services.

The Quiet Killer Stalking Our Roads – Drowsy Driving

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has shed light on the dangers of drowsy driving, revealing that the impact of this behavior is greatly underestimated. The research points to sleep loss as a significant factor in drowsy driving crashes, with the upcoming Daylight Saving Time potentially exacerbating the issue.According to the AAA Foundation's study, drowsy driving is responsible for far more traffic fatalities than official government statistics indicate. The study, based on crash investigations and national fatal crash data, estimates that drowsy...

Google Cloud is utilizing Artificial Intelligence to create better cyber defense systems

Google Cloud is enhancing its cyber defense systems by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their infrastructure. The company announced the AI Cyber Defense Initiative at the Munich Security Conference, which took place from February 16 to February 18, 2024.

Dell Technologies released fourth-quarter earnings for 2023

Dell Technologies has reported its fourth-quarter earnings for 2023, surpassing expectations with a revenue of $22.32 billion against the projected $22.16 billion. This positive outcome led to a more than 15% increase in the stock price of Dell shares.

Proceed With Caution in Protecting American Data From Foreign Adversaries, ITIF Warns

Following the White House announcement that President Biden has issued an executive order to protect Americans’ sensitive personal data from exploitation by countries of concern, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy

Forge Industrial Staffing premiering season 2 of business podcast 'Forging the Future'

Forge Industrial Staffing has announced the upcoming release of season 2 of its podcast, "Forging the Future", scheduled for March 1. The podcast will maintain its focus on local entrepreneurs and personalities, offering their insights into the industrial sector.

UFCU earns fourth consecutive 'Best Place for Working Parents' recognition from EMGA

The University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has announced its fourth consecutive recognition as the "Best Place for Working Parents" by Early Matters Greater Austin (EMGA). The evaluation by EMGA was based on UFCU's adherence to 10 family-oriented policies and initiatives, which include healthcare coverage, paid leave, flexible work arrangements, and childcare support.

Rising from the Ashes: How One Small Business Managed a Mass Scale Ransomware Attack Webinar on March 19th, 2024

Imagine waking up to find out the very tools you rely on for your business have been hijacked, and hackers are threatening to bring down everything you have worked so hard to build.

Georgia Senate passes tort reform to lower insurance costs for businesses

The Georgia Senate has confirmed the passage of SB 426, a bill aimed at limiting direct action lawsuits. The announcement comes as the Georgia House is yet to schedule a vote on the same legislation. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has championed the bill as a significant step in tort reform that will offer much-needed relief to businesses within the state.

CISA, OMB, ONCD and Microsoft Efforts Bring New Logging Capabilities to Federal Agencies

New logging increases security by default and enhances cyber defense

Telecom Networks: European Commission Provides Last Lifeline for Rejected Big Telco Demands

The European Commission presented a white paper on the future of the EU’s digital infrastructure.

BMO named official LAFC jersey sponsor

BMO Financial Group has announced an extended partnership with the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), becoming the "Official Jersey Sponsor" for the club's primary and secondary jerseys in 2024. To mark this development, LAFC hosted a special event to unveil their 2024 jerseys.