Articles by Chris Wheal
Chancellor to change investment rules
The government is to set up an Insurers’ Infrastructure Investment Forum to try to look at changing insurance investment rules to use private funds to build major infrastructure projects.
ABI defends insurers on riot complaints
The Association of British Insurers has denied insurers let down riot-torn householders and small businesses.
Sean Quinn ordered to repay €1.74bn
The unit created to fight for assets for the crisis-hit Allied Irish Bank has won another victory against Sean Quinn, forcing him to repay €1.74bn, bringing the total the Irish courts have told Quinn to pay to €2.16bn.
FSA slams RBSI for ‘unfair’ pet terms
The Financial Services Authority has told RBSI to cease using a term in its Direct Line pet insurance that it suggests may be unfair and has reported the insurer to the Office of Fair Trading.
Riot report criticises insurers on claims
A government-backed report into businesses and homeowners hit by the riots has slated insurers for slow and inadequate claims payments and providing lack of help. It suggested insurers had favoured big businesses.
CGI expands with Ageas appointment
Congregational & General has appointed Andy Squires as head of underwriting as the company claims to be facing a period of unprecedented growth.
Health & safety law to be 'clarified'
The government has said it will slash the burden on employers and their liability insurers in the wake of recommendation from its independent review of health and safety legislation.
US reinsurers report worsening COR
The Reinsurance Association of America has reported that 19 US property-casualty reinsurers wrote $18.3bn of net premiums during the nine-months ended 30 September 2010 compared to $18.7bn for the same period in 2009.
Cobra splits into retail and wholesale
Cobra Holdings has split itself into wholesale and retail divisions and made its broker network boss John Lincoln head of the wholesale division.
Reynolds’ new recruit marks start of southern expansion plans
Credit insurance broker Reynolds has recruited Andrew Carnie, pictured, to its trade credit team in a move hoped to boost the firm’s presence in the south.
ULR Additions to appeal Webster Dixon decision
ULR Additions has lodged an appeal in the Webster Dixon case against the judgment which will force it to pay higher fees to non-panel solicitors chosen by legal expenses policyholders.
Matthews CEO on Friday
Aviva has confirmed that Trevor Matthews, pictured, will join the board as chief executive officer of Aviva UK from 2 December 2011.
Ellis Clowes backs Help for Heroes rugby match on and off the pitch
Lloyd’s broker Ellis Clowes’ new business development consultant and Saracens rugby star Hugh Vyvyan is playing in the all-star Heroes Rugby Challenge at Twickenham on Saturday to raise funds for Help for Heroes.
DAS buys specialist legal website firm
The DAS UK Group has bought Bristol-based online legal services company Everything Legal.
CCV Leicester buy opens doors in East Midlands
Callum Capital Ventures has bought Leicester broker LFE Insurance Services from family owners Helen and Adrian Paintin.
Insurers hopeful on Autumn Statement
Insurers are more optimistic about future tax policy in the UK compared to a year ago; a PwC poll has revealed.
Travelers unites ceded reinsurance role
Travelers has promoted Callum Rainy Brown to the newly created role of head of ceded reinsurance for both its insurance company and Lloyd’s syndicate.
Allianz Global boosts its board
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has announced two new appointments to its board of management with effect from 1 January 2012.
LMA explains motor rises to OFT
The Lloyd’s Market Association has issued a plea to the Office of Fair Trading to consider the underlying causes of rising motor premiums before it reports next month.
Global compliance database gets go ahead
London market movers have put aside concerns over competitive advantages to build a jointly owned compliance database for global insurance programmes, providing details of regulations on a territory-by-territory basis.
Axa considers Bluefin Advisory sale
Axa has appointed advisors to line up Bluefin Advisory Services for a sell-off, but has made it clear that the general insurance broker business is not for sale.
Risk Stop promotes Fraser Wilsher
Independent risk control provider Risk Stop Group has appointed Fraser Wilsher as its product manager from 1st December 2011.
Young Marmalade opposes ABI on age
Young driver insurer Young Marmalade has rejected the Association of British Insurers' call for a minimum training period of one year before a provisional driver can take a driving test. It said this “would be too much of a ‘one size fits all’ solution”.
Towergate reveals £35.4m losses
Towergate has announced Q3 pre-tax losses worsened to £14.0m from £7.7m at this time last year, with year-to-date loses hitting £35.4m from £14.1m for this time in 2010.