Broker
Rebranded UK General eyes acquisitions following private equity boost
Bspoke Underwriting is looking selectively at acquisitions that can ‘add value’, says chief executive Tim Smyth.
‘Failing consumers’ – Gove gives Biba one month for commissions action plan
Government minister Michael Gove has given the British Insurance Brokers’ Association one month to drum up an action plan to address ‘completely unacceptable’ practices in the buildings’ insurance market.
‘Outraged’ Gove demands immediate penalties on brokers failing on property commissions
An “outraged” Michael Gove is demanding the regulator takes “immediate enforcement action” on brokers who cannot demonstrate their buildings’ insurance commissions are fair value.
Ardonagh buys Stanhope Cooper and Renovation Underwriting
Ardonagh Advisory has signed up to buy a majority shareholding in high-net-worth broker Stanhope Cooper and MGA Renovation Underwriting.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions becomes Biba associate
LexisNexis Risk Solutions has become the 43rd associate of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
Flood Re launches training resource to support Build Back Better
Flood Re has produced a targeted training resource for the insurance market, to drive a deeper understanding of the Build Back Better scheme within insurance companies, managing general agents, brokers and throughout the claims supply chain.
Big brokers making ‘silly money’ blamed for FCA property commission crackdown
Large brokers taking ‘silly commissions’ are being blamed for the Financial Conduct Authority’s crackdown in buildings’ insurance.
Nearly half of SMEs expect 2023 revenue rise – Premium Credit
New research by Premium Credit revealed that nearly five times more SMEs expect their businesses to grow than shrink in the year ahead.
Biba defends broker earnings after FCA overhaul in property commissions
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association backed changes the Financial Conduct Authority wants to improve transparency for leaseholders, while also defending broker earnings.
Peter Blanc to oversee £1bn M&A warchest in new Howden role
Peter Blanc will oversee a £1bn warchest in his new role as head of mergers and acquisitions at Howden.
Ageas to bolster solvency after selling business
Ageas is to sell its French life insurance, savings and pension business to La Mutuelle Epargne Retraite Prévoyance Carac.
Sicsic warns brokers leaseholder commission disclosure sets a ‘precedent’
Michael Sicsic, managing partner of Sicsic Advisory, urged brokers to review all their remuneration arrangements following the Financial Conduct Authority’s report today revealing incompetence and unjustifiable remuneration in the buildings’ insurance…
Movo unveils MGA and rolls out Quote Portal as targets grow with start-ups focus
Movo will launch its managing general agent Moveda Underwriting on 1 May, upping its appointed representative network target to 120 next year. It also rolled out Quote Portal, managing director Lea Cheesbrough told Insurance Age.
People Moves: 17 - 21 April 2023
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in the insurance industry.
FCA announces overhaul in broker property commissions amid market failure
Brokers face a near ban on paying commissions to third parties after a shock FCA report revealed incompetence and unjustifiable remuneration in the buildings’ insurance market.
Prime Minister promises talks over brain-bleed Staysure customer stranded in Turkey
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to help a politician with a sick constituent stranded in Turkey who fell into insurance problems.
AA insurance earnings fall 21% as dual pricing ban hits commissions
The AA’s earnings fell 21% to £55m (2022: £70m) in 2022 as the insurance business suffered from claims inflation and lower commissions following the FCA’s pricing ban.
CII launches five-year plan
The Chartered Insurance Institute published a five-year strategic plan containing six themes.
UK car insurance premiums see biggest annual rise in over a decade
Car insurance premiums increased by £107 (20%) during the past 12 months, with motorists now on average paying £657, according to research from Confused and WTW.
Brokers need to get on the front foot and mirror fee increases of lawyers and accountants
Brokers should follow the lead of other professional services and not be sheepish when it comes to putting up client fees to reflect the value they add.
UK Broker Awards open for entries – get yours in now
The 2023 UK Broker Awards returns this year at a new venue during a new month.
Brokers show lack of urgency towards net zero
According to research from Ecclesiastical, only two in five national brokers have set a net zero target.
Aviva and GRP heal wounds with new deal
Aviva and GRP have entered a new partnership, Insurance Age can reveal, finally healing all the wounds of their fall out five years ago.
PIB snaps up residential property specialist broker
PIB has completed its second acquisition in less than a week, buying property broker St Giles.