Zurich/London, November 3, 1999. - The Zurich Financial Services Group has made great strides over the past years into developing internet and related technical solutions. These successful endeavors have now been recognized by an award for the "Best Major Insurer Website" received today from the LaffertyCyberforum, a well known industry body set up to assist financial services institutions in the area of internet and other IT-based technologies.
The Zurich Financial Services Group has developed a number of inter-linked sites through its master site www.zurich.com. These range from life, home travel, motor insurance providing on-line quotations and conclusion of contracts to an online Personal Investing Magazine. Several business initiatives like Scudder Kemper Investments’ two mutual fund websites www.kemper.com and www.scudder.com, Switzerland’s direct line website www.zuritel.ch, or Zurich Japan’s website www.zurich.co.jp have recently received awards or best ranking recognition for their e-business activities. In 1997, the UK-based Eagle Star Direct became the first on-line provider of motor insurance in the world.
The Zurich Financial Services Group recently joined forces with IBM and ChannelPoint to develop a new integrated e-business platform with the aim of providing a global e-business exchange across the Zurich Financial Services Group.
The award from the LaffertyCyberforum was collected on behalf of the Zurich Financial Services Group by Sandy Leitch, member of the Group Executive Board with responsibility for the business division United Kingdom, Ireland and Southern Africa. Commenting on the award Mr. Leitch said, "I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the Group. E-business is a key element of our global strategy and a vital factor in the success of our business."
The Zurich Financial Services Group is a global leader in the financial services industry, providing its customers with solutions in the area of financial protection and asset accumulation. The Group concentrates its activities in four core businesses: non-life and life insurance, reinsurance and asset management. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the Group’s worldwide presence builds on strong positions in its three home markets - the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. It has offices in more than 60 countries reaching over 33 million customers and employing 68,000 people.
The Lafferty Group provides competitive intelligence and knowledge services in the fields of financial and professional services to more than 7000 customers worldwide. Its website is at www.lafferty.com. It publishes newsletters, management research reports, online real-time news and research data as well as operating conferences and industry councils.
The Cyberforum is the fifth high-level financial industry membership body set up in affiliation with the Lafferty Group, ranking alongside the International Retail Banking Council, International Private Banking Council, International Cards Council and Global Payments Council. The Cyberforum will provide its members - financial institutions from North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and South Africa - with research, advisory, intelligence and networking services.
