Articles by Scott McGee
All Amanda Blanc wants for Christmas is Direct Line
News editor view: Now a deal between Aviva and Direct Line Group has reached "preliminary agreement", Scott McGee looks at what the deal could mean for the future of the businesses and the wider market.
Insurance makes up almost half of FCA s166s for Q1
Financial Conduct Authority data has shown that of the 14 Skilled Persons Reports commissioned between 1 April and 30 June 2024, six were issued for insurance.
Re-emergence of Southampton: where insurance first docked
While the story of insurance is often traced back to old coffee houses in London in the 16th century, Scott McGee discovers insurance had a place in the UK hundreds of years before that as he explores the re-emergence of its original hub in the UK:…
Gallagher promotes for three northern regional MDs
Gallagher has made a series of leadership appointments in its UK and Ireland retail division, all of which operate in the north of England, and Scotland, covering 14 regional offices and 750 people.
Zurich buys AIG’s global travel insurance business
Zurich has completed a deal to take AIG’s global personal travel insurance and assistance business for USD $600m (£473m), plus a potential earn-out payment.
Government accused of rebranding leasehold ‘commission’ as ‘fees’
Yesterday (2 December) the government opened up a consultation looking for feedback regarding permitted fees for landlords, freeholders and property managing agents.
Ageas announces raft of personal lines hires
Ageas UK has today announced changes to its executive leadership team, as it commits to growing in the personal lines broker market.
Is a Direct Line sale an inevitability?
Briefing: Even though it said it will not “engage further” after Aviva’s takeover attempt, is a Direct Line Group sale an inevitability?
FCA softens enforcement transparency plans following feedback
The Financial Conduct Authority has today opened up its second phase of consultation surrounding its plans to name firms into which it opens up investigations.
Mike Crane joins Axa Commercial as SME and specialty director
Mike Crane, formerly managing director of LV Broker, has been appointed as Axa Commercial’s SME and specialty director.
Five-year UK cyber attack costs hit £44bn
Howden research has found that more than half (52%) of UK businesses have suffered at least one cyber attack in the past five years, equating to £44bn of lost revenue.
Government to consult on leasehold commission ban
In a written statement published yesterday, the Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has said the government “will go out to consultation very shortly on the detail of the Act’s ban on buildings insurance remuneration”.
Foil elects Keoghs partner Dean as president
Howard Dean, partner at Keoghs, has been elected president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers for 2025, taking over from Pete Allchorne, partner at DAC Beachcroft.
Lord Chancellor criticised after ‘convoluted’ whiplash tariff increase
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood has today announced that she will increase the whiplash tariff by 15%.
DLG chief people officer Vicky Wallis to retire
Direct Line Group’s chief people officer, Vicky Wallis is to retire and be replaced in early 2025.
Close Brothers to seek consent to pay premium finance commission
From next week, Close Brothers will seek consent from commercial customers for the payment of broker commissions for premium finance.
Allianz Commercial MD Nadia Côté departs
Insurance Post can reveal that managing director of Allianz Commercial Nadia Côté is leaving the insurer with immediate effect.
CMA criticises Prima over £300K NCB breach
The Competition and Markets Authority has sent a letter to Prima because of a series of breaches relating to no claims bonus that affected more than 38,000 customers.
Yet another exit at Allianz as Major heads to HDI
HDI Global has this morning announced the appointment of Allianz Commercial’s Tom Major as its chief claims officer for the UK and Ireland.
Carpet-fitting fraudster’s dishonesty is laid out
After an investigation conducted by HF and Admiral Insurance, a carpet-fitting fraudster’s claim was flattened, saving the insurer £600,000.
Direct Line CIO Jokhoo to leave at the end of the year
Direct Line Group’s chief information officer, Ash Jokhoo, is to leave the insurer at the end of the year, Insurance Post can reveal.
LexisNexis develops check to address ‘squeeze on consumer finances’
LexisNexis has started to offer insurance providers predictive credit reporting and affordability solutions, in the aftermath of the industry’s premium finance issues.
Zurich to offer free neurodivergent assessments from 2025
From 2025, Zurich will be offering all employees the opportunity to be assessed for neurodiversity, after research found half of neurodivergent adults have been discriminated against by a hiring manager or recruiter.
Ifed conducts operation to disrupt luxury watch fraud
The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department conducted a two-day operation at Heathrow Airport this week to disrupt the practice of high-value watch fraud.