The Microinsurance Network (MiN) will be well represented at the upcoming 2018 LIMRA LOMA Latin America Conference, which will take place in New York on 31 October and 1 November.

Vice-Chair Andrea Keenan of AM Best and former Chair and long-standing member Michael J. McCord of the MicroInsurance Centre at Milliman will both feature on the panel "Profitable Microinsurance Solutions", where they will provide insights and case studies on how different markets are currently advancing microinsurance initiatives in both a sustainable and profitable manner.

The Digital Insurer is organising a fully global and digital event during the month of November - with five dedicated agendas to cater to specific regions.

The session on Africa, to be held on 23 November will feature MiN Executive Director, Katharine Pulvermacher, who will speak during the panel on "Digital Microinsurance - Reaching new insurance consumers", along with MiN member Richard Leftley, CEO of MicroEnsure.

Network member Fundacion PROFIN, together with Banco Union have rolled out a livestock insurance product for dairy cattle, which covers accidental death, specific diseases or climatic events.

The cover is accessible for small-holders and grants them indemnity of 80% on the insured value of each animal. The initiative has been implemented since 2017 and the initial results are encouraging. After one year, 1123 dairy cattle have been insured, with more than 460 dairy herders becoming financially included.

With all regulatory approvals required now obtained, Network member AXA has finalised the acquisition of the XL Group, announced in March this year.

The acquisition further diversifies AXA's existing commercial lines insurance portfolio, and reinsurance capabilities that will allow for an access to alternative capita.

The new division, called AXA XL will be dedicated large property/casualty commercial lines and specialty risks and will operate under the master brand of AXA.