Articles by Francesca Nyman
IFB announces appointments to supervisory board
Zurich's UK chief underwriting officer Cecile Fresneau and RSA's head of claims control Mike Curley have been appointed to the Insurance Fraud Bureau supervisory board.
Tokio Marine Kiln syndicates deliver profit for 2012
Tokio Marine Kiln’s three non-aligned syndicates all delivered profit for the 2012 year of account, figures published today showed.
UK-based multinationals face VAT hike after HMRC decision
UK-based multinational insurers face a hike in their VAT bill from 1 January 2016 following a ruling by HM Revenue and Customs.
Aviva downgraded by Berenberg as turnaround case questioned
Equities analyst Berenberg has downgraded Aviva from ‘buy’ to ‘sell’, saying evidence of a turnaround at the British composite insurer is “less compelling than the movement in the share price would suggest”.
Former Lemma director found murdered
A former director of collapsed unrated insurer Lemma has been found murdered at his home in the Ukraine.
Government will step in if meso scheme exceeds levy, says ABI
The Association of British Insurers has said it will work to ensure the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme remains one of last resort, following the government’s decision to raise the compensation cap from 80% to 100%.
CMA no claims bonus deadline branded 'wholly unrealistic' and a distraction
Insurers and brokers have rejected the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed deadline of 1 September for a protected no claims bonus remedy, declaring it “wholly unrealistic” and warning it could lead to market distortion.
Willis Re confirms UK jobs at risk as it enters consultation process
Willis Re has confirmed that several London-based roles could be cut as part of an efficiency drive within its UK operation.
Calls for backdating of 100% meso compensation opposed by insurers
Insurers and defendant lawyers have rejected calls for the 100% compensation level for the diffuse mesothelioma scheme to be backdated and for it to include other asbestos-related cancers, as doing so would be too problematic.
Moody's tips Towergate Finance for potential upgrade
Moody's has placed the 'CAA2' ratings on Towergate Finance's senior secured notes and revolving credit facility on review pending a potential upgrade.
Clear Insurance Management acquires Hibbert
Independent broker Clear Insurance Management has snapped up J H Hibbert.
ABI slams government’s lack of young driver reforms
The Association of British Insurers has criticised the government’s lack of action on young driver reforms for “putting young lives at risk and increasing the cost of motor insurance for young drivers unnecessarily”.
Mesothelioma tariff increase should not affect overall cost for insurers, says DWF
The government’s decision to increase the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme tariff to 100% of average civil compensation should not increase the cost burden for insurers, according to law firm DWF.
Industry should not ‘bank’ on weather benefits says Zurich’s Smith
Several years of benign UK weather are likely to increase pressure on home and buildings pricing according to UK GI CEO Dave Smith who has warned peers not to ‘bank’ on the benefit of below average catastrophe activity.
Hill Dickinson fraud team hails dismissal of £150K bogus Europcar claim
Hill Dickinson counter-fraud group and car hire service Europcar have successfully exposed a crash for cash scam involving claims management company director, Mark Richardson of ‘Richardsons’.
Plum swoops for DLG underwriter
Household MGA Plum Underwriting has appointed Nicky Whatman as a senior underwriter to its London high net worth team.
Motor stabilisation ‘overplayed’ says Berenberg as it downgrades Esure
Equity analyst Berenberg has downgraded Esure from 'buy' to 'hold', citing "near term dynamics" in the motor market as an issue that is expected to impact the firm.
Home market failing to price for long-term weather risk
The home market remains significantly more profitable than its motor counterpart but insurers may be failing to price for long-term risk, market analysts fear.
Gallagher warned to batten down the hatches as Ross targets Towergate turnaround
David Ross’s success as Towergate CEO will hinge on the nature of the executive team he is able to assemble, according to market insiders, who have suggested Arthur J Gallagher International should brace itself for a raid on senior staff.
Towergate appoints CFO Egan as interim CEO
Towergate has appointed chief financial officer Scott Egan as interim CEO, following news of David Ross’ departure.
LMA claims committee elects new members
Tony Rai of Hiscox, Simon White of Apollo, Sharon Long of Catlin and Ashley Lawrence of Argo have been elected to the Lloyd’s Market Association Claims Committee for a two year term starting from 31 January 2015.
ABI welcomes Supreme Court rebuff of Welsh asbestos plans
The Association of British Insurers has welcomed a Supreme Court Judgement denying the Welsh Assembly the right to bill insurers for the treatment costs of patients with asbestos-related illnesses.
Global CCO forum to be chaired by Allianz chief compliance officer
Allianz group’s chief compliance officer Dr Thomas Loesler, has been appointed chairman of the newly-founded Global Insurance Chief Compliance Officers Forum.
CFC launches new piracy cover with quote-and-buy portal
CFC Underwriting has launched a new marine piracy product, designed to streamline the quoting and buying process.