While the number of data breaches per year has doubled in the last decade, there were significantly fewer breaches in 2018 compared to 2017, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit advocacy group for victims of cybercrime (see chart below). Unfortunately, cybercriminals have had greater success in accessing sensitive personal and ... READ MORE >
Financial Services
Comprising everything from private equity firms to family offices, financiers are active participants in the middle market. They provide the vital capital infusions needed to take growth companies to the next level.
Health care deal outlook for 2019 good, despite slow start to year–panel
Health care deals are down to start 2019, but the outlook is good, largely due to of the amount of dry powder on the sidelines, a recent panel of private equity professionals noted earlier this month. The panel discussion, entitled “Financing the Deal,” was hosted by The Nashville Health Care Council, and featured representatives from four private equity ... READ MORE >
Innovation is now part of the insurance ratings mix
Innovation appears to have reached the risk-averse insurance industry. A few weeks ago A.M. Best issued a press release seeking comment on draft criteria for scoring and assessing innovation at the insurance companies it rates. “A.M. Best has captured innovation indirectly through the various building blocks of its rating process,” the company said, ... READ MORE >
Rising interest rates seen causing asset managers to recalibrate
Policymakers believe the economy is on a strong footing, but the pace of rate increases going forward remains uncertain, and the effects on asset management could be significant. The Federal Open Market Committee is set to meet on Dec. 19, and an interest rate increase of 25-basis-points appears to be 75 percent likely, according to Bloomberg analysts. ... READ MORE >