Brokerbility
Allianz LV deal precursor to more European activity in UK market, brokers say
Allianz’s purchase of 49% of LV’s GI unit could be a precursor to further UK market activity from European insurers, brokers said.
Career file: Keith Jackson
Keith Jackson has been appointed as the director of general insurance and protection at the Financial Conduct Authority
Axa tops Brokerbility bi-annual survey
Brokerbility has completed its bi-annual member survey, with Axa retaining the top spot for the eighth year running.
Broker: Feeling exposed?
Many brokers’ professional indemnity policies contain exclusion clauses that limit their cover, leaving them and their customers exposed
Brokers: The unbearable weight of regulation
Brokers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the Financial Conduct Authority, citing rising compliance costs and an overbearing regulatory regime as hurdles to growth and innovation
This week in Post: Snap decisions, Can-can and costs
In a snap decision just after Christmas I agreed it would be fun to attend a Moulin Rouge secret cinema perfomance, with little thought to the effort this would involve or the costume I'm currently having to source.
Blog: Know your customer... and your opposition
‘In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity', wrote the great military strategist Sun Tzu a mere 25 centuries ago. His observation still holds true in these strange times of disruption. And seizing the opportunity is vitally important to modern…
Private equity acquisition of Ryan Direct 'a sign of serious intent' say brokers
The acquisition of Ryan Direct is a sign of “serious intent” by the private equity backers of Towergate, brokers said.
Apprenticeships: A radical overhaul
The radical overhaul by the government of the apprenticeship scheme - with the core aim of creating three million new apprentices by 2020 - is set to have a major impact on recruitment and training in the insurance industry, potentially reaching far…
Castle Cover closure a sign of things to come, experts warn
Ageas broker Castle Cover's closure is a symptom of changing consumer behaviour, experts warned.
IPT: higher and higher
Wasn't expecting that... The lyrics from the Jamie Lawson song could apply to insurers, following the latest hike in insurance premium tax.
Axa tops Brokerbility survey for seventh year running
Axa has topped Brokerbility’s bi-annual survey of insurer partner performance for the seventh year running.
This Week in Post: claims, cold-calling and commercial vans
As the frost closes in and warns us of winter, my thoughts turn to safety and vehicles, especially as I found myself slipping over due to the black ice on the roads.
Blog: Leadership in a short-term world
Short-termism is the hallmark of our era. We live in a disposable, transitory society - as evidenced everywhere from the fate of the England football manager and the last leader of the UK Independence Party to the fickleness of government policies. The…
Marsh's Bluefin acquisition raises concerns over customer choice
Marsh’s acquisition of Bluefin from Axa has seen a mixed reaction from rival broker networks.
Reid's departure from Gallagher doesn't shock brokers
Gallagher retail CEO Stuart Reid’s mutual departure from the group has come as no surprise to brokers.
Brokers call for greater FCA engagement following Simon Green's resignation
Brokers have called for a 'champion of brokers' to take up the role of head of insurance at the Financial Conduct Authority.
Diversity: How to implement a more eclectic workforce
Historically, the insurance industry has lacked diversity. When you imagine a typical insurance firm, you may picture a male, pale and stale boardroom. Increasingly, though, the industry has been implementing a range of initiatives to draw in a more…
Insurers voice concerns over FCA transparency proposals
The Financial Conduct Authority has published a policy statement which outlines rules to increase engagement at renewal in the general insurance markets, but insurers are worried their positions will be undermined.
Can Zurich rebound from senior brain drain as Sharma and Martin join departee list?
Zurich was long regarded as consistency personified; a stable and calming force in an often turbulent insurance market. But in recent years, the Swiss giant has been hit hard by poor financial performance. To counter that, the company then introduced a…
FCA report on widespread selling among ARs 'no surprise' to broker networks
Today’s Financial Conduct Authority report on the “serious and widespread” issues on the oversight of appointed representatives has come as no surprise to broker networks.
Financial mishandling was not endemic at Towergate
The Towergate boss at the centre of a client cash mishandling case was "very professional" and the fault was down to a technicality, a source close to the company has said.
Broker - Commission: The question of commission
According to some, the trend for insurance brokers to ask for higher commissions shows no sign of abating – but is the evidence there to prove this is true?
Axa tops broker survey
Broker network Brokerbility has placed Axa in pole position in its latest biannual survey.