Articles by Harry Curtis
Analyst names insurers likely to face most disruption from pricing practices review
Disruption caused by any regulatory interventions on insurers’ pricing practices is more likely to affect insurers such as Direct Line Group, RSA and Saga than price comparison site-based underwriters such as Admiral and Hastings, Peel Hunt has predicted.
Markel reshuffles global strategy management team
Markel International national markets director Simon Wilson has been appointed as managing executive of global strategy for insurance operations at the insurer’s US-based parent, the Markel Corporation.
Markerstudy on the hunt for investment with £241.7m repayment deadlines looming
Markerstudy is seeking investors in order to fund £241.7m worth of loan repayments to Qatar Re.
Politics making the world increasingly unpredictable, says QBE
The world has become increasingly unpredictable over the past 30 years, with political volatility contributing most to uncertainty in recent years, according to research conducted by QBE.
Watchstone agrees settlement with former boss Terry
Watchstone has agreed a confidential “full and final” settlement with its former CEO and chairman Rob Terry and others, ending High Court proceedings.
CMCs receive one in every five nuisance call fines
Claims management companies have received 20% of all fines for nuisance calls, messages and emails handed out by the Information Commissioner’s Office since 2010.
Insurance products account for two thirds of FCA complaints as PPI claims surge
Complaints about payment protection insurance increased 34% in the first half of 2019 in the run-up to 29 August deadline for refunds, according to figures released by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Kingsbridge Group COO takes charge at start-up Dinghy
Start-up Dinghy has appointed Dorian Zanker as its CEO. It has also hired hired Andrew Els as its business development manager.
FCA to consult on climate disclosure requirements
The Financial Conduct Authority has laid out actions it plans to take around climate change, including requiring listed firms to make climate-related disclosures.
Weald makes first acquisition since joining Ethos Broking
Weald Insurance, one of Ethos Broking’s ‘powerhouse’ hubs in the South East, has acquired Sussex-based Cronin Underwood.
Oddfellows CEO appointed chair of Association of Financial Mutuals
The Association of Financial Mutuals has appointed Jane Nelson, CEO of the Oddfellows friendly society, as its chair.
MS Amlin stops underwriting aviation insurance
MS Amlin will cease underwriting aviation insurance renewals and new business, and will manage the run-off of the book internally, rather than outsourcing it under a reinsurance to close arrangement.
Complex supply chains increasingly under strain: Airmic
Developments in geopolitics, climate and technology are increasingly putting supply chains under strain, the Association of Insurance and Risk Managers in Commerce has warned.
Analysis: How far has the insurance industry evolved to respond to natural catastrophes?
Sedgwick loss adjusters arrived on Great Abaco Island in the wake of Hurricane Dorian aboard a Black Hawk helicopter on 6 September.
Land developers face heightened contract cancellation risk, following court judgement
Land developers face an increased risk of public contract award cancellations, following a court judgement last year that struck down a contract between a developer and West Berkshire council.
European firms have until 30 October to secure no-deal Brexit permits
European firms passporting into the UK need to notify the Financial Conduct Authority that they wish to enter the temporary permissions regime by 30 October in order to ensure they are able to continue operating in the event of no-deal Brexit, the…
This week: All at sea
The fraudulent claims we’re used to hearing about involve banged-up cars and invented cases of whiplash. Ones involving oil tankers, pirates, the Admiralty Judge, and statements given in places as far-flung as Aden and Manila are somewhat harder to come…
London company market premiums written in Europe on the rise
Gross premiums written in London by the company market increased 6.7% in 2018, reaching £19.56bn, according to the International Underwriting Association.
Acquisitions eat into Seventeen Group's 2018 profits
Seventeen Group, which includes brokers James Hallam and MGA Touchstone Underwriting, saw its pre-tax profits dip by 36% to £812,716 in 2018.
FCA to act quickly in fixing dual pricing
The Financial Conduct Authority will not engage with the industry in “an extended dialogue for many months” to find alternative remedies to dual pricing, the regulator has warned.
European insurers paid out €2.9bn every day in 2018
European insurers paid out €1069bn (£953bn) in claims and benefits to insureds in 2018, according to figures gathered by Insurance Europe.
Clyde & Co names Matthew Kelsall as CEO successor
Matthew Kelsall is set to take over as CEO of Clyde & Co when Peter Hasson steps down at the end of this year.
Sedgwick restructures UK leadership team
Sedgwick UK deputy CEO Paul White has been promoted to lead the business, following the appointment of current CEO Stewart Steel as head of a combined Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa division.
Markel sells Brazilian subsidiary
Markel has sold its Brazilian subsidiary to its existing executive team following a strategic review.