Articles by Frances Stebbing
Biba cancels CBI membership after misconduct allegations
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has withdrawn its membership of the Confederation of British Industry, following reports of sexual misconduct by senior members of staff.
Insurtechs raise fears over AI regulation
Insurtech chiefs have raised concerns about the government's plans to regulate artificial intelligence, warning red tape could restrict innovation.
IS2’s Sultana targets ‘aggressive’ growth to double revenue within four years
Joe Sultana talks to Insurance Post about his new role as IS2’s commercial director, and the strategies he will implement to accelerate growth to meet the company’s four-year plan.
Could insurance brokers soon face caps on commission?
Analysis: As the government demands pulling the plug on unfair insurance commission, Frances Stebbing examines whether the regulator could change the rules for how brokers get paid.
Founding NZIA members drop out of the climate initiative
Zurich is the second Net-Zero Insurance Alliance member to quit the initiative, days after Munich Re.
Five key takeaways from the FCA's business plan
The Financial Conduct Authority's Business Plan for 2023 to 2024 detailed plans for the regulator to check the finances of brokers as well as MGAs in the year ahead.
Gallagher buys Buck; Pen’s latest deal; Spring’s commercial PI binder
Friday Round-Up: Ahead of Good Friday and the Easter Bank Holiday, Insurance Post wraps up the major insurance deals, launches, investments and strategic moves of the week.
Esure chief says plummeting profits won’t derail digital ambitions
Esure chief executive David McMillan revealed the provider will press ahead with the £140.6m digital transformation programme despite posting a £29.1m loss for 2022.
Chubb transitions to climate-focused underwriting criteria
Chubb changed its underwriting criteria for oil and gas extraction projects in a bid to help stop global warming.
Insure Our Future sends open letter to 30 fossil fuel insurers
Campaigners from Insure Our Future wrote to chief executives of 30 insurance companies pleading them to “scale up efforts” to avoid an “unmanageable” climate breakdown.
Prima eyes UK reliance following global expansion
Italian-founded insurtech Prima launched internationally with a goal to achieve more than two-thirds of its total premiums solely from the UK market.
Aviva and Direct Line Group are most-complained about insurers
Data analysis: The Financial Ombudsman Service data shows general insurance complaints have sharply increased in the second half of 2022 as consumers battle with inflation and cost-of-living.
‘Serious concerns’ about Ombudsman power to increase redress awards by 20% in two years
Industry experts shared concerns that the Financial Ombudsman Service's award limits are “very high” and could push small firms out of business.
Ombudsman compensation limit soars to £415K
From the start of next month the Financial Ombudsman Service's award limits will increase from £375,000 to £415,000 for acts or omissions by insurance firms on or after 1 April 2019.
Multiple insurers join neurodiversity campaign
The Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity has launched a campaign to push the way the insurance industry operates to better enable and equip neurodivergent employees.
SVB collapse sparks long-term funding fears for UK tech sector
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and a rescue deal from HSBC has raised questions about the future of the UK tech space and startups’ access to funding.
Insurtechs send Chancellor ‘thank you’ letter after HSBC rescue of SVB UK
The UK insurtech sector has praised HSBC’s acquisition of the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank, following its collapse on 10 March.
Q&A: James Baird and Paul Richards, Consilium
Consilium recently brought in Paul Richards to lead the business as co-CEO alongside James Baird, who was appointed CEO in November. Insurance Post asks them how the two-CEO structure works, and how being colleagues for 23 years helped shape the decision.
Ifed secures first Serious Crime Prevention Order
The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has obtained its first ever Serious Crime Prevention Order against a fraudster who scammed insurers and lawyers out of nearly £250,000, and its DCI is targeting more orders in the future.
Howden snaps up Reich
Howden has bought Reich Insurance Group, for an undisclosed sum, in a “significant step” to increase its footprint across north west England.
Percayso lines up further acquisitions following Cazana deal
Percayso Inform is looking for further acquisition opportunities following its purchase of Cazana last week, managing director Rich Tomlinson has told Post.
Neurodivergent people under-supported in the workplace, claims Gain
Gain, the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity says neurodivergent people are facing “disparity” in the workplace, and will end up falling through the cracks like other groups in the industry.
Fluffy CEO reveals plan to stand-out from the pet insurance crowd
Pavel Gertsberg, CEO of Fluffy, has revealed how he intends to make pet insurance pricing more transparent and affordable in a bid to bridge the 40% to 60% protection gap that currently exists in the market.
Aviva changing approach for customers with mental health conditions after ‘asking too many questions’
Aviva has acknowledged it has asked “too many questions” to people who reveal mental health conditions, and that it needs to do more to support these customers.