Articles by Harry Curtis
Retail attacks lay bare everyday cyber security challenges
While headlines about recent cyber attacks suffered by UK retailers, such as M&S, may renew interest in cyber insurance, the attacks are not a departure from the threat landscape companies already faced, market experts have told Post.
London shouldn’t be allowed to dominate UK captives sector
Industry leaders have warned that efforts to launch a UK captives sector would need to be a nationwide initiative, and not just focus on London in order to fully realise the opportunity at hand.
Aon using AI to identify insurer breaking points
Aon UK CEO Jane Kielty has revealed the broker is using artificial intelligence to identify points in the negotiation process where it may be able to extract more favourable terms from insurers.
Treasury set to greenlight new UK captives regime
HM Treasury is expected to push ahead with plans to reform regulations in order to encourage the growth of a UK captives sector.
Liverpool’s insurance sector is still alive and kicking
As the Airmic conference lands in Liverpool, Insurance Post’s Harry Curtis takes a look at the city’s storied insurance past as well as how the industry is still quietly thriving on Merseyside.
Tiernan makes immediate changes to Lloyd’s executive team
Lloyd’s has announced that the responsibilities of the chief of markets role previously held by new CEO Patrick Tiernan will be split between two new positions amid a raft of management changes.
Ex-Admiral UK CEO Nestares resurfaces at Aviva
Former Admiral UK insurance CEO Cristina Nestares has joined Aviva as non-executive director, Post can reveal.
Court orders repayment of commission-inflated premiums
The landlord of London’s Trocadero Centre has been told it must repay hundreds of thousands of pounds charged to a cinema in insurance rent.
Big Interview: Ken Norgrove, RSA
Ken Norgrove, UK and international CEO of RSA, discusses the impact of the insurer’s personal lines exit, how the provider plans to outperform its peers in commercial lines, and why October will usher in a new era for the business.
Could M&A, motor and regulation drive the UK legacy market to new heights?
Legacy insurers and reinsurers are confident they step up the frequency with which they transact with insurers in the ‘live’ general insurance market in the years to come.
RSA targets 30-minute quotes using AI-driven platform
RSA is aiming to be able to quote business within half an hour of a broker sending it a submission within two years, the insurer’s UK and international CEO Ken Norgrove has said.
Recent power cuts highlight coverage disparities
Recent high-profile power outages demonstrate the importance of policyholders ensuring the cover they have in place is fit for their business’s purposes, Fenchurch Law managing partner Joanna Grant has told Post.
Tiernan calls out ‘egregious trading behaviours’ at Lloyd’s
Incoming Lloyd’s CEO Patrick Tiernan has called out examples of “egregious trading behaviours”, saying that he currently has “cause for concern, but not alarm.”
CMA launches probe into Aviva’s takeover of Direct Line
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched a probe of the prospective acquisition of Direct Line Group by Aviva, with its decision due by 10 July.
What is making waves in marine insurance
The marine insurance industry is navigating turbulent waters as it heads into 2025 from shifting market dynamics to emerging risks, Harry Curtis examines how insurers are balancing a complex set of challenges.
Wallace reveals QBE’s plans to build on recent wins
QBE’s Chris Wallace has told Post that the insurer doesn’t need to “chase the market” as trading conditions soften, having established a “strong foundation” in the UK over recent years.
Tiernan appointment comes at ‘tipping point’ for Lloyd’s
Market executives and trade bodies have weighed in on Patrick Tiernan’s appointment as Lloyd’s CEO, outlining what they expect from the new boss.
Optalitix reveals how tech underpinned Pool Re’s evolution
Pool Re’s recent switch to a treaty model for its terrorism property reinsurance scheme would not have been possible without a new platform built by Optalitix, the tech vendor’s head of insurance platforms has told Post.
GenAI advancements prompt Blueprint Two rethink
Velonetic CEO Bob James has said delays to phase two of Blueprint Two come with the silver lining of allowing the market to take advantage of recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence.
Law firm executives deny ‘missing millions’ charges
Five former executives of shuttered law firm Axiom Ince have pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against them by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to approximately £66m of missing client money.
Norgrove reveals timeline for RSA rebrand to Intact
RSA CEO Ken Norgrove has told Post that the insurer’s rebrand to Intact will go live in October, and that the idea to rechristen the business came from him, not Toronto.
Howden hits back at £20m lawsuit
Howden has hit back at a £20m lawsuit brought against it by a luxury hotel group, calling it “the product of hindsight” and arguing it “lacks any proper foundation in fact or law”.
Zywave identifies lawsuits as growing source of cyber losses
Financial losses associated with cyber events that stem not from hackers themselves but from legal wrangling in the aftermath are increasing, according to platform provider Zywave.
Probitas CEO to retire a year on from Aviva acquisition
Probitas CEO Ash Bathia will retire at the end of July, with Aviva’s global corporate and specialty managing director Matthew Washington set to take the reins at the Lloyd’s insurer.