GDV Expands Leadership: Anja Käfer-Rohrbach Appointed as Deputy CEO
The German Insurance Association (GDV) appoints Anja Käfer-Rohrbach as its new Deputy Director General. With a strong background in banking and governmental affairs, her role will focus on leading the 'Risk Protection for Society and Economy' center, shaping policy and advocacy for the entire German insurance industry.…
The 6 Most Important Savings Motives for Germans: Retirement, Home Ownership & More
Discover why Germans save money and how COVID-19 has changed their financial priorities. Learn about retirement planning, home ownership goals, and emergency fund strategies in uncertain economic times.…
Maximilian Beck Joins Ideal Insurance: What This Leadership Change Means for Your Coverage Options | Insurance Industry Analysis
Explore the implications of Maximilian Beck's move from Basler to Ideal Insurance Group for policyholders. Understand how executive changes in German private health insurance (PKV) and statutory health insurance (GKV) can impact your coverage, with comparisons to US private health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid.…
Allianz Executive: 'Diversity Makes Us More Successful' - Insights on Gender Quotas & Leadership
Laura Gersch, Allianz Life Board Member, discusses why diverse leadership teams perform better, the necessity of gender quotas in Germany, and how different perspectives drive innovation in the insurance industry.…
Who Are the 'COVID-19 Investment Winners'? Top 10 Asset Classes Germans Trusted During the Pandemic
Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped German savings and investment behavior. See the top 10 most popular asset classes, from savings accounts to stocks, based on a major Kantar survey. Essential insights for financial advisors and investors.…
Unknown Ruling: You May Be Owed a Substantial Additional Disability Insurance Payout
If you have a private disability insurance policy, you receive benefits when you can no longer work in your profession. However, insurers often limit these payments with time restrictions, disadvantaging policyholders. A recent court ruling strengthens consumer rights and could entitle you to thousands of dollars in back pay. Learn about your rights and how to claim what you're owed.…
BaFin to Launch Free, Neutral Checking Account Comparison Portal After Check24 Exit
Following Check24's shutdown of its certified account comparison tool, Germany's financial regulator BaFin is stepping in. Learn about the new free, neutral portal for comparing checking accounts, the interim role of Stiftung Warentest, and what this means for consumers and banks.…
Can Retirees Return to Public Health Insurance? A Guide for Expats & Late-Career Changes
Struggling with rising private health insurance (PKV) premiums in retirement? Discover if switching back to Germany's public health insurance (GKV) is possible, explore your options, and learn key strategies for long-term financial planning. Essential reading for expats, freelancers, and retirees navigating German and US health insurance systems.…
Interest Rate Dispute in Premium Savings: Consumer Center Wins Partial Victory Against Sparkassen
A legal battle over interest calculation in 'PrämienSparen flexibel' savings contracts sees the Saxon Consumer Center win rulings against Sparkassen. Discover the details of the model case, the BaFin's role, and what it means for consumer rights and financial advisors.…
Life Insurance Maturity Payout: How to Maximize Your Lump Sum or Annuity Payment
When your life insurance policy matures, you can choose a lump sum payout or a guaranteed lifetime annuity. Discover the tax implications, pros and cons of each option, and key factors to consider so you can make the most of your payout. Learn how to maximize your retirement income from your life insurance.…
Negative Interest Rates in Germany: Some Banks Now Charge From the First Euro
A growing number of German banks and Sparkassen are charging negative interest rates (Verwahrentgelt) on checking and savings accounts, with some starting from the very first euro. Discover the trend, key banks involved, and strategies for consumers and financial advisors.…
The End of an Era: Why the Classic Guaranteed Life Insurance Policy is Obsolete
Finding a life insurance policy that guarantees your principal plus even minimal interest is becoming nearly impossible. With guaranteed rates dropping further, the classic life insurance policy is now a niche product. Discover what this means for your retirement planning and what modern alternatives you should consider.…
Fund Savings Plans Surge in Germany: Over 10 Million Investors Now Pay In Regularly
Low interest rates are driving a German investment revolution. Discover why fund savings plans are booming, how sustainable funds are gaining traction, and what this means for your financial future and retirement planning.…
Life Insurers in Crisis: How to Protect and Rescue Your Retirement Savings Now
Whether it's a pension or a lump sum, payouts from life insurance policies have been trending in only one direction for years: downward. Customers can only dream of the retirement savings once promised. Discover actionable steps to safeguard your money, including policy review, cancellation, and potential legal recourse.…
German Insurance Industry Employment Trends 2020: More Staff, Fewer Apprentices | COVID-19 Impact Analysis
Discover how the German insurance sector adapted during the coronavirus pandemic with increased internal staff but declining apprenticeships. Learn what these employment trends mean for insurance consumers and compare with US insurance job market insights.…
German Insurance Continuing Education Requirements: BaFin Clarifies 15-Hour Mandate for Agents | Professional Development Guide
Learn about Germany's mandatory 15-hour annual continuing education for insurance intermediaries, recently clarified by BaFin and IHKs. Understand how these professional standards compare to US insurance licensing requirements and why they matter for your coverage.…
Fake Reviews in Insurance: How DVAG's Response Affects Your Trust in Financial Advisors | Consumer Protection Guide
Discover how fake online reviews impact the insurance and financial advisory industry, with insights from the DVAG case. Learn to identify authentic reviews and protect yourself when choosing insurance providers or financial advisors.…
How Negative Interest Rates Drain Billions from Public Health and Pension Funds
Extremely low interest rates are causing major problems for Germany's social security funds. The Health Fund, which distributes contributions to health insurers, reportedly paid 5.1 million euros in negative interest to banks last year. Learn how central bank policy impacts public finances and what it means for your contributions.…
Digital Transformation for Insurance Agents: How Online Brokers Are Helping Colleagues Succeed | Insurance Marketing Guide
Discover how successful online insurance brokers Bastian Kunkel and Patrick Hamacher are helping fellow agents digitalize their practices through their new platform 'vermittler.digital'. Learn essential digital strategies for insurance professionals in today's competitive market.…
Allianz Executive Compensation 2020: How Much Did CEO Oliver Bäte Earn? | Insurance Industry Salary Analysis
Explore Allianz SE's 2020 executive compensation details, including CEO Oliver Bäte's earnings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understand how insurance industry salaries compare and what they mean for consumers.…