The Middle East and North Africa are among the regions flagged as high risk for female travellers, with 29 countries highlighted as representing a particular risk for women of harassment, assault, gender-based discrimination and restrictive local laws.

A survey of 500 UK and Irish board directors and C-suite leaders by the Corporate Governance Institute found that 86% of respondents believe their organisations have governance blind spots or weaknesses.

Brit Group Holdings has announced the launch of a new cargo consortium underwriting risks across the global market. Bridge is now writing business and will offer cargo line capacity of up to US$80m, placing it among the larger structures in the sector. The move comes as insured values rise and supply chains grow more complex, increasing demand for broader protection.

Arch Insurance International has launched an intellectual property consortium at Lloyd’s, aiming to expand capacity and standardise cover for businesses facing IP-related risks. The insurer will act as lead underwriter, supported by Axis, Everest, Hamilton, Probitas, QBE, SCOR and The Hartford. The facility offers up to US$40m in line size.

MS Amlin has signed a binder agreement with WeSpecialty to provide contract frustration and credit risk cover for the French export sector. The deal gives French insureds and brokers access to MS Amlin’s Lloyd’s-backed capacity for pre- and post-shipment exposures, with policy limits of EUR20m for contract frustration and EUR15m for credit risk.

Flood risk analytics provider JBA Risk Management has updated its Global Flood Model, adding revised hazard maps, expanded climate scenarios and changes to exposure modelling.