Artificial intelligence (AI)
Biba 2025 Countdown: Markel’s Jo Sykes
Jo Sykes, divisional director, broker & ATE UK at Markel, promises a partnership with an Olympic champion; expects to see another uptick in attendance at its annual hospitality event; and looks forward to putting her sore feet up and checking the iPad for action points at the end of it all.
Brokers appetite for AI growing but split on automated vs in person underwriting
More than four out of five brokers said they would be interested or very interested in enhancing their operations with digital or automated processes, an increase of 15% since 2022, according to research by Aviva.
FCA to consult on 2025/6 fees as it plans 2.2% hike for brokers
The Financial Conduct Authority has revealed it is proposing to raise broker fees by 2.2% as it outlined plans for its 2025-2026 work programme today.
Deal-linked Esure swings back to profit
Motor and home insurer Esure, previously touted as takeover target for Ageas, Allianz and Aviva, moved back into the black in 2024 with a £57.7m post tax profit reversing a loss of £60.1m the year before.
Ardonagh December 24 raise measured at $2.5bn – report
Ardonagh will bring in up to $2.5bn (£1.94bn) from investors to be used for its growth plans including acquisitions, according to Bloomberg.
FCA to cut “clunky interactions” as it drives digitisation
The Financial Conduct Authority is focused on cutting “clunky interactions”, with a key move being the digitisation of forms, according to Sheree Howard, FCA executive director of authorisations.
Interview: Phil Bayles, Ardonagh Advisory CCO
Phil Bayles tackles the plans for the rebrand of Ardonagh Advisory to Everywhen, shares insights on digital trading, the rise of AI and his expectations for rate movements in 2025.
Hiscox UK reports best growth since 2018 on back of “reinvigorated” distribution strategy
Hiscox has recorded its strongest growth in its UK retail business since in 2018 as the group reported a record pre-tax profit of $685.4m (£540.6m) in its 2024 full year results on written premiums of $4.77bn.
Top 100 brokers adapt as AI and smarter data shape success in 2025
The insurance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in technology, evolving customer expectations, and a shifting regulatory landscape. Brokers and insurers alike are being forced to adapt to a world where data and…
Open GI continues investment in technology and AI
Simon Badley, CEO of Open GI, is looking for the business to become a “technology partner”, as it makes continued investment in technology and AI to give its brokers a competitive advantage.
Organ plans to triple Jensten’s GWP over 3–4 years as refinancing gathers pace
Rob Organ, CEO of Jensten Group, is targeting £1.5bn in gross written premium within three to four years, more than triple what it has now, with a refinancing on the horizon.
Blog: What’s in store for 2025
With 2025 already here, Rosie Simms looks at key themes that will run through the year and why it is important to stay ahead on acquisitions, AI and regulation.
PE house invests in Biba associate member
UK-based private equity firm CBPE has made an investment in specialist insurance and commercial law firm Horwich Farrelly.
Review of the Year 2024: Acrisure UK’s Mark McIlquham
Mark McIlquham, CEO of Acrisure UK, expresses disappointment at high-quality independent intermediaries selling to consolidators; still thinks a big insurer might snap up a broker; and reckons his children would take delight in watching him take part in…
Axa Commercial boss Walker targets turnaround time for brokers
Axa Commercial is two thirds of the way through a technology transformation programme, and Commercial CEO Jon Walker is looking to shorten turnaround times in terms of risk appetite.
Insly creates AI tool to speed up quotes for brokers
Insurtech Insly has created FormFlow, a tool to help manage submissions for managing general agents and insurers, which will lead to brokers getting quotes faster, according to CEO Risto Rossar
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.
Covéa promises brokers faster access with CDL home insurance tie-up
Covéa Insurance has promised brokers faster access to products and effective pricing as it launched its home insurance business on CDL’s Insurer Hosted Pricing hub, Insurance Age can reveal.
Interview: Hiscox UK COO Cath Frost on delivering operational excellence for brokers
Having joined Hiscox this April UK COO Cath Frost has already seen operational improvements but there is more to come from the insurer she promises brokers.