BGH Ruling: BaFin Increases Pressure on Banks - What It Means for Your Consumer Rights and Fees
A landmark German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruling states that banks cannot unilaterally change contract terms. Customers must actively agree to fee increases or service changes. Learn how this affects you, how to claim refunds for improperly charged fees, and what the BaFin is doing to enforce this. Many banks are reportedly pressuring customers into consenting. Understand your rights in this evolving financial regulation landscape.…
ETF Investment Boom in Germany: Why 60% of Germans Plan to Buy More Stock ETFs
Discover the massive growth of ETF investing among German savers. A new ebase study reveals 60% of Germans plan to expand their ETF portfolios, with strong interest in stock index ETFs for long-term wealth building. Learn about the trends, demographics driving this boom, and a balanced view on the associated risks and rewards for retirement planning.…
HanseMerkur: "Ready to Acquire a Health Insurer at Any Time" - Strategy & Market Outlook
HanseMerkur's Sales Board Member Eric Bussert reveals the insurer is poised for acquisition in the competitive health insurance market. Discover why they remain confident in the future of full health coverage, their views on industry rankings, sustainability regulation, and pension reforms. Essential insights for understanding consolidation trends in German private health insurance (PKV) and the broader insurance landscape.…
Allianz Reshuffles Executive Board: Key Appointments and Strategic Implications for the Insurance Giant
Explore the recent executive board changes at Allianz, including new roles for Laura Gersch, Heinke Conrads, and Martin Riesner. Understand the strategic succession planning and its impact on Allianz's life insurance and corporate divisions. Insights for professionals following global insurance leadership trends.…
Generali Germany Appoints New Head of Broker Sales: Leadership Shift and Digital Focus
Generali Germany names Florian Sallmann as the new Head of Broker, succeeding Stefanie Schlick. Discover the strategic implications for the broker channel, digital initiatives, and the insurer's independent distribution network. Insights for insurance brokers and agents navigating carrier relationships.…
Insurance Industry Salaries in Germany: Above-Average Pay with a Persistent Gender Gap
Discover the latest salary data for Germany's insurance sector. Full-time employees earn over €5,400 monthly on average, but a significant gender pay gap persists. Compare earnings across finance roles and understand the compensation landscape for insurance professionals.…
Dental Supplemental Insurance Stays on a Growth Track: 2020 Market Analysis & Trends
Discover why private dental supplemental insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) continues its strong growth in Germany, with over 539,000 new policies in 2020 alone. Learn about rising out-of-pocket dental costs, recent statutory coverage improvements, and why more consumers are opting for supplemental protection. Essential reading for understanding dental insurance trends and making informed decisions about your oral health coverage.…
PKV Balance Sheet Rating 2020: Companies with Excellent Financial Strength
Discover which private health insurance (PKV) companies received 'excellent' ratings in the latest rigorous balance sheet analysis by Morgen & Morgen. Learn about the key financial metrics, the difference between rating methodologies, and why choosing a financially strong insurer is crucial for your long-term health coverage security.…
Best Private Health Insurance Plans 2021: Top 11 Providers for Comprehensive Coverage
Discover the best private health insurance (PKV) plans for 2021. Compare top-rated providers, understand key selection criteria, and learn how private insurance differs from public systems in Germany and the US. Get expert insights on securing reliable, high-quality healthcare protection.…
Provinzial IT Chief Thomas Niemöller Joins Competitor Continentale After Legal Settlement
Thomas Niemöller, IT board member at German insurer Provinzial, is leaving to join rival Continentale. The move follows a legal investigation into bogus self-employment. Explore the implications for insurance IT leadership and corporate governance.…
7 Key Success Factors for Saving Money: What Young Adults in Germany Say
Discover the 7 most important factors for successful saving, according to a major survey of over 2,000 young German adults. Learn practical tips for building savings, improving financial literacy, and achieving your long-term financial goals like retirement planning and wealth accumulation.…
PKV Customer Switching Battle: Who's Winning and Losing the Competition for Clients?
Explore the intense battle for existing customers in Germany's private health insurance (PKV) market. Discover which insurers are successfully luring clients from competitors and which are losing the most, based on the transfer of aging provisions. This in-depth analysis reveals the strategies, costs, and market dynamics behind customer switching, essential for understanding PKV competition and making informed insurance choices.…
German Banks vs. BaFin: The Legal Battle Over Incorrect Interest on Savings Accounts
German savings banks (Sparkassen) and cooperative banks are jointly fighting a BaFin order to repay customers for incorrectly calculated interest on long-term savings contracts. Learn about the BGH court rulings, consumer rights, and how this major financial dispute could affect your savings.…
InsurTech wefox Hires Ex-Zurich Executive Christian Botsch to Lead External Sales
German InsurTech leader wefox appoints industry veteran Christian Botsch as Head of External Sales. With over 30 years of experience, including at Zurich, Botsch will drive broker partnerships as wefox expands into life and health insurance. Explore the strategic move and its implications for the digital insurance landscape.…
PKV Financial Health Check: One-Third of German Private Health Insurers Rated 'Weak' or 'Very Weak'
A new financial rating analysis reveals that one-third of German private health insurance (PKV) companies received 'weak' or 'very weak' scores. This article breaks down the methodology, key findings, and what it means for consumers comparing health insurance providers and financial stability.…
PKV Insurer Ratings 2021: Ascore Analysis Shows Strong Financial Health for Most Companies
New 2021 ratings from analysis firm Ascore reveal robust financial health for the German private health insurance (PKV) sector. Discover which insurers received top 'outstanding' scores, how ratings compare, and why financial stability is crucial when choosing your health insurance provider.…
Würzburger Versicherung Expands Board, Appoints Birgit Baenitz as New Member
German insurer Würzburger Versicherung strengthens its leadership team by appointing Birgit Baenitz to its board. She will oversee finance, investments, actuarial, and claims accounting. Explore the strategic implications of this internal promotion for the regional insurance market.…
P&R Insolvency: 6,000 Investors Receive Payment Demands as Statute of Limitations Looms
Approximately 6,000 former investors in the insolvent P&R container leasing group are receiving payment demands. Learn why the insolvency administrator is taking this action to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring, and what it means for your rights and potential liabilities as an investor.…
Financial Advisor Interview: Why Investment Advice is Not a Side Hustle
In an exclusive interview, financial advisor Carsten Walendy explains why investment management requires full commitment, not a side business. Discover his strategies for building client portfolios, the shift to fee-based models, and his views on ETFs vs. actively managed funds for retirement planning.…
PKV New Business Analysis: Only One Distribution Channel is Gaining Market Share
Exclusive analysis reveals which distribution channel is successfully expanding its share of new private health insurance (PKV) business in Germany. Understand the shifting dynamics between exclusive agents, brokers, and direct sales in the competitive insurance market.…