UK
Insurtech funding hits record $6.35bn in 2019
Research by Willis Towers Watson has revealed that $1.99bn (£1.52bn) of global investment into insurtechs in the final quarter of 2019 propelled the yearly total to a record $6.35bn, a leap of 52% on the previous year.
Members voice support for Marsh’s network merger plans
Members of Marsh Probroker, Purple Partnership and Bluefin Network have welcomed the plans to combine the three into one single proposition called Marsh Networks.
Trade Voice: Biba CEO Steve White on the ‘dark art’ of lobbying
The CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association explains how the trade body picks the topics to lobby on and how the organisation seeks to get members’ views heard by decision makers to change the landscape.
RSA aims to have 500 apprentices by 2022
RSA has pledged to double the number of apprentices in the business by 2022.
Hiscox to move 300 jobs across UK from London
Hiscox has confirmed it will move 300 roles out of London over the next two to three years.
Ecclesiastical buys minority stake in Lloyd & Whyte
Exclusive: Ecclesiastical Insurance Group has bought 20% of Lloyd & Whyte for an undisclosed sum.
IoT law ‘step in the right direction’
Legislation announced yesterday to protect internet-connected household devices from cyber-attacks sits at the “baseline” of what could be done but is a “step in the right direction,” insurers said.
CII underwriting society launches cyber guide
The Chartered Insurance Institute’s Society of Underwriting Professionals has launched a good practice guide on cyber covering data, coverage, cyber incidents and basic precautions.
Saga sees boost in three-year policy sales
Saga faced up to claims inflation and a £4m Thomas Cook hit, according to a trading update ahead of its annual results, as it forecast a 3% yearly fall in branded home and motor policies.
Biba’s Graeme Trudgill joins ELTO board
Graeme Trudgill, executive director of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association has joined the board of the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office.
Banks push further into UK SME insurance
Banks have nearly doubled their share of the UK SME insurance market in two years, according to research published by Globaldata.
Admiral gains centre of excellence in wellbeing status
Admiral has been named a centre of excellence in wellbeing by the Great Place to Work Institute.
Christopher Woolard named interim FCA CEO
HM Treasury has appointed Christopher Woolard as interim CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority, effective mid-March when Andrew Bailey departs.
Henderson to rebrand as Aon this April
Aon expects to rebrand Henderson Insurance Broking Group under its global brand on 1 April, Post can reveal.
Aon names Helene Madell UK chief broking officer
Aon has appointed Helene Madell as chief broking officer for commercial risk solutions, health solutions and affinity in the UK.
CFC strikes second deal with Threatinformer buy
CFC has bought London-based insurtech Threatinformer for an undisclosed sum.
PE house completes £285m Charles Taylor buy
US private equity firm Lovell Minnick Partners has completed its deal to buy Charles Taylor.
Biba launches 2020 Manifesto: Access
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association called for more proportionate regulation as it launched its 2020 Manifesto: Access.
Chaucer appoints CRO from within
James Wright will become Chaucer’s chief risk officer from April.
Car insurance premiums jump 5% in 2019: Confused and WTW
Comprehensive car insurance premiums in the UK increased by 4% in the final quarter of 2019, taking the annual uplift to 5%, according to the latest Confused Car Insurance Price Index in association with Willis Towers Watson.
Financial services survey finds insurance optimism surging
Optimism among insurance providers has soared to its highest level in years, according to the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey, with brokers also increasingly upbeat.
Pukka hits pause on business
Exclusive: Motor managing general agent Pukka has temporarily suspended trading, having reached its capacity limit with providers.
FSCS reveals £12.4m cost of Qudos and Lamp failures
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has forecast that the failures of Qudos Insurance in December 2018 and Lamp Insurance in May last year will cost £12.4m this financial year.
FSCS set to cut levy for insurers as broker bill rises in 2020/21
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has proposed a levy on general insurance providers of £118m for 2020/21, down £47m on the budget for the current year.