Articles by Insurance Age staff
Review of the Year 2024: Pen Underwriting’s Nick Wright
Nick Wright, chief development officer at Pen Underwriting, questions the market’s short memory with regards boom-and-bust; is interested in the future of PIB and pan-European consolidation; and offers a pitch to take part in Bear Grylls’s The Island.
Review of the Year 2024: Allianz Commercial’s Nick Hobbs
Allianz Commercial chief distribution officer Nick Hobbs is intrigued by Aviva’s Probitas deal, bemoans the continued presence of underinsurance and hopes that the term ‘insurer service’ is consigned to the clickbait dustbin.
Aviva has hit ‘strategic jackpot’ with £3.6bn DLG deal agreement, claims analyst
An analyst at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown has described Aviva’s £3.6bn bid as a “golden ticket” for Direct Line Group shareholders.
Review of the Year 2024: Collegiate’s Richard Turnbull
Collegiate managing director Richard Turnbull expresses disappointment with the return of the ‘pay-to-play’ model in broking, surprise at Aon’s acquisition of Griffith & Armour and considers whether 2024 was the ‘era of repeating past mistakes’.
US insurance group looks to sign up MGA partners after UK arm gets PRA nod
US specialty insurer Fortega has received approval to establish Fortegra Insurance Company UK.
Sabre to launch new online direct brand in Q1 2025
Sabre has revealed plans to enter the direct motorcycle market with an online brand in Q1 2025.
Aviva has Xmas deadline for DLG offer after both agree prospective £3.6bn deal
Aviva and Direct Line Group have jointly announced that they have reached preliminary agreement on the financial terms of a potential acquisition of the latter by the former.
Review of the year 2024: Brown & Brown’s Sime
Chris Sime, group markets director at Brown & Brown Europe, predicts a UK consolidator could get taken out by a US broker, wonders why buyers continue to pay multiples on unrealistic Ebitda projections and mulls what a Blanc/Winslow reunion might look…
Roundtable: UK insurance broking – reshaping the future
As the post-Covid insurance-broking environment evolves, brokers are continuing to adapt to the new backdrop. A recent Insurance Age roundtable explored the challenges and opportunities, as brokers tackle today’s range of pressing objectives – and assess…
Review of the Year 2024: Hedron Network’s Duncan Pagan
Duncan Pagan, consultancy services director at Hedron, reflects on frown-inducing M&A; weighs up the tangible benefits-to-burden ratio when it comes to regulation; and would love to see the Hedron brand atop the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
Capacity to dominate PI market trends in 2025 as report outlines rate decline
Professional indemnity rates have fallen at a speed that has surprised many, according to the fourth edition of the UK PI Market report from law firm, Clyde & Co.
Review of the Year 2024: iprism’s Ian Lloyd
Ian Lloyd, CEO of iprism, reflects on integrating the MGA’s first acquisition, the over-use of the term AI and how he might shake the curse of ‘dad dancing’ by appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
CFC unveils new product aimed at mid-to-large tech companies
Specialist insurance provider CFC has launched what it describes as a “comprehensive insurance solution” for mid-size to multinational tech companies.
PE-backed US consolidator buys London-based MGA
Landmark Underwriting has been acquired by Bishop Street Underwriters, a US-based MGA consolidator and incubator backed by RedBird Capital Partners.
Government to consult on leasehold commission ban “very shortly”
The Government has revealed it plans to consult on a proposed ban on leasehold insurance commission next year.
Allianz Commercial UK boss Côté departs to join RSA in new CEO role
Allianz Commercial managing director UK Nadia Côté has left the insurer to join RSA as CEO Europe.
Ex-BGL CEO Thompson takes over as Open GI chair
Open GI has appointed former BGL CEO Peter Thompson as its chair, effective immediately.
RSA claims PI first with product aimed at climate professionals
RSA has today launched a professional indemnity product aimed at climate professionals.
RSA specialty lines MD Watson departs, with PL boss Cope stepping up
Steve Watson, managing director of UK specialty lines at RSA has left the insurer.
Allianz recruits from Hiscox for new mid-market boss
Allianz Commercial has appointed Rob Carslake as its new head of London region for mid-market.
MD Beales retirement leads to string of senior hires at legal expenses insurer
Drive Further Collective, owners of Financial & Legal, has restructured several of its leadership roles following the decision by managing director Karen Beales to retire from her executive position and move to a non-executive capacity at the end of…
Russell Scanlan relocates headquarters
Russell Scanlan has relocated from its long-term home at Wellington Circus to Grove House in West Bridgford.
SRG adds Essex-based business as latest buy
Specialist Risk Group has acquired Essex-based One Claim Limited.
DLG to cut 550 jobs as it targets £100m of savings
Direct Line Group has started consultations with staff as part of a proposed reduction of about 550 roles, it announced today.