Chartis Market Research & Analytics - Tables and statistics are compiled from the Stanford Securities Class Actions Clearinghouse index of filings for the relevant time periods, in conjunction with domicile, incorporation and industry data sourced from Bloomberg, to identify geographic location and industry group.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - China's political elite had planned on a smooth ride over the next year as a fifth generation of leaders will begin to assume the reins of power. Instead, as highlighted in today's China Monthly Report, the Party has been rocked by a major scandal just as the performance of the economy, itself starting a transition, has become less predictable.

Eurozone Insight: With news that the Greek government, its rescuers and its creditors have reached agreement over a second €130 billion bailout, the imminent risk of a Greek default seems to have been averted. The Eurozone can, for the moment, breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Advisen White Paper - Cloud computing provides companies with the flexibility, efficiency, cost savings and adaptability to remain competitive in today’s rapidly changing global marketplace. The buzz around cloud computing continues to grow, but not all industries have embraced the technology with the same level of enthusiasm. For example, large multinational retail and hospitality companies continually look to improve service capabilities and cut expenses,

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - Slowing economy prompts policy reassessment / NPC prefigures leadership transition / Options for loosening capital controls weighed

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - If countries like Albania and Bosnia lose patience, incentives for EU-driven reform will dissipate. The countries of the Western Balkans are at various stages along the path to EU accession. Only Kosovo has yet to take the first step towards membership by signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - Any country whose prime minister stands indicted by its Supreme Court on charges of complicity in corruption, and whose president is implicated in an invitation to a foreign power to constrain his own army, might be thought to be close to the nadir of its political fortunes. However, in the case of Pakistan, these curious circumstances may presage something of a new political dawn.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - China has surpassed the United States to become the world’s largest auto market. As such, it is a major profit center and strategic focus for global auto corporations, which are required to operate in tandem with Chinese companies. China’s automotive industry is dominated at present by the major foreign producers’ joint ventures, but a recent policy shift by Beijing aims to strengthen the position of local companies, which will continue to benefit from favored treatment by both central and local governments.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - The civilian administration which came to office in March 2011 has quickly adopted the rhetoric of democracy and reform. In his inaugural speech as president, Thein Sein, a general in the former military junta, promised greater transparency and accountability in government, stating that the government should not ‘obstruct the fundamental rights of a citizen’ when upholding laws and procedures.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - With Washington playing host this week to Xi Jinping, who will almost certainly become China's foremost leader in a transition over the next twelve months, today's China Monthly Report could hardly be more timely. The February edition examines the multiple tensions between the US and China, strains which may well be exacerbated by the heat of the US election campaign and which Xi will have to manage when he assumes power.

In 2010 over 3.5 million employees undertook overseas trips. One quarter of these overseas trips were to high or extreme risk locations. Whether it’s safety and security concerns as a result of terrorism and civil unrest or natural disasters such as ash clouds or earthquakes, the threats facing business travellers have rarely been greater.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - Kenya’s promise is clouded by impending elections and the threat of terrorism from Somalia. Kenya’s political and economic outlook is dominated by the impending presidential and legislative elections. Although due before the end of the year, these could be delayed until March 2013. The last elections, in 2007, triggered a wave of ethnic violence in which more than 1,200 people were killed, shattering Kenya’s long-standing reputation for stability.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - Morales is caught between the rival demands of foreign investors and his own political base. With Evo Morales now into his seventh year as president, Bolivia has experienced a period of unusual political stability. Prior to his coming to power in 2006, there had been five presidents in as many years, each struggling with a minority mandate. Morales won a landslide victory in December 2005, and enjoyed an even greater re-election triumph five years later.

A recent report has found that the number of recalls in the Product Recall Bulletin January 2012 - UK for food and non-food products during 2011 increased by 27% on the previous year. This is the second year in a row that total recalls have set new records.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - With modernisation disputed at every political level, India lacks reform drive and direction. The ruling by India’s Supreme Court January 20 that Vodafone, the UK-based telecoms giant, is not liable for taxes and penalties of up to $4.4 billion has brought relief to multinationals operating in a difficult and uncertain environment. Several other major companies face similar suits from the Indian authorities. The court’s judgement also engenders a degree of optimism for foreign investors, who had experienced a gloomy start to the new year after a disappointing performance by the Indian economy in 2011.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - North Korean transition poses challenges for Beijing/Tentative signs of turnaround in China’s economy/Village revolt tests leaders’ approach to unrest/Shale gas ventures with US firms expanding

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - Is China tilting the playing field to the disadvantage of foreign investors? China offers foreign firms many growth opportunities but restrictions and obstacles abound.

Product Recall Bulletin December 2011 - Concerns around food labeling recently took a big step toward resolution with the EU passing its Food Information Regulation (FIR). This aims to make package labels simpler for the end consumer to understand. FIR combines the current rules on general food and nutrition labeling into a single Europe-wide regulation applying to all member states. There will be a transitional period for suppliers to incorporate the changes, with most due by 2014 and nutritional labeling mandatory from 2016.

Chartis Global Risk Assessments - Charting economic policy for 2012/Stage set for resumed stimulus/Monetary easing to buoy growth/Dialing back currency appreciation/Economic indicators point to major shifts/Weighing next moves in property sector/Managing Sino-US security relations

Airmic Research - This is the second Airmic casualty survey and builds on the initial survey in 2010 which produced significant results and valuable insights into the casualty insurance market in 2010. The purpose of the survey is to create a benchmark that allows the risk management community, and casualty insurers, to track programme construction, administration and purchasing practices across businesses based in the UK.