Every fall, I put together a list of the current hot topics in the world of Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance. In the latest issue of InSights (here), I review the critical issues to watch now in the world of D&O. This year’s list includes several key regulatory and litigation developments as well
D&O Insurance: Insured vs. Insured Exclusion Unambiguously Precludes Coverage for FDIC Failed Bank Lawsuit
One of the recurring D&O insurance coverage issues that has arisen during the current wave of failed bank litigation has been the question whether coverage for an action by the FDIC in its role as receiver of a failed bank against a failed bank’s directors and officers is precluded by the Insured vs. Insured exclusion
PLUS Professional Liability Regional Symposium in Zurich, October 9-10, 2013
I want to make sure that all readers – particularly those based outside the U.S. — are aware of an upcoming Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) event.
On October 9-10, 2013, PLUS will be sponsoring an educational and networking event in Zurich. The Professional Liability Regional Symposium will address a wide range of
Advisen Releases Private Company D&O Study
There is a great deal of information available about the liabilities of publicly traded companies, as well as about the D&O insurance implications arising from those liabilities. It can be a bit of a challenge to locate the same of information concerning private companies. For that reason, it is fortunate that Advisen and AIG have
What to Watch Now in the World of D&O
Every fall, I take a step back and survey the most important current trends and developments in the world of Directors’ and Officers’ liability and D&O insurance. This year’s survey is set out below. Once again, there are a myriad of things worth watching in the world of D&O.
How Will the Interrelatedness Issue
When the D&O Insurer Denies Coverage
A D&O insurer’s denial of coverage for a claim against corporate officials can leave the individuals in a very difficult position, as illustrated by a recent high-profile case in the U.K. According to an August 4, 2013 Financial Times article entitled “Call to Reform Directors’ Insurance as iSoft Four Left With Bill” (here), four
D&O Insurance: Because Policy Clauses Conflict, D&O Insurer Must Cover Interrelated Claims
My beat here at The D&O Diary requires me to read many insurance coverage decisions. I am well accustomed to the idea that the court opinions can be varied lot. But every now and then I run across a decision that is a real head-scratcher. A July 16, 2013 decision out of a Texas intermediate
D&O Insurance: No Coverage for Attorney Fee Award to Underlying Plaintiffs if Underlying Claim Not Covered
Does a D&O insurance policy provide coverage for attorneys’ fees awarded in settlement of a breach of contract class action? That was the question before the court in an insurance coverage action brought by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) against its D&O insurer. In a July 11, 2013 decision, Central District of California Judge Dolly
UK Ministry Proposes Expanding Director Liability.
As part of its scheme to improve corporate transparency and director accountability, a UK government ministry has proposed what UK Business Secretary Vince Cable calls “tough measures” to “give the public greater confidence that irresponsible directors will face consequences for their actions.” These proposals, if adopted, could significantly increase UK corporate directors’ liability exposures in
Seventh Circuit: D&O Insurance Covers Multiplied Portion of Attorney Fee Award
Does the multiplied portion of an attorneys’ fee award constitute the “multiplied portion of multiplied damages” such that it is precluded from coverage under a D&O insurance policy? That was the question addressed in a July 16, 2013 decision from the Seventh Circuit. In an interesting opinion from Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook, the