Articles by Mairi MacDonald
Blanc unveils "long term" broker plan for Axa
New personalities, changes in the market and Axa Commercial's success in improving customers' perceptions of the business have prompted the insurer to change its model from one split down business lines to one based on distribution channels.
Insurer flood debate at "advanced stage" with Defra
The Association of British Insurers is in "advanced stages" of discussions with the government to find a replacement for the statement of principles, which ensures that homeowners in flood-risk areas are able to get insurance, when it expires in July…
Keoghs appoints eight partners
Keoghs has appointed eight new partners, taking the total to 66.
Beazley offers single piracy and war product
Beazley is offering owners of ships sailing in troubled waters the option to buy one policy covering war risks and piracy.
BMS ups game in Australia with Aon Benfield hire
BMS has hired former Aon Benfield facultative broker Glenn Kerr to head up a push into Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Poor seat design puts two-thirds of car users at risk of whiplash
Hundreds of thousands of whiplash claims could be prevented each year with better head restraints and seats in UK cars, according to research conducted by Axa Personal Lines and motor research organisation Thatcham.
RAC sells Ace travel product
RAC is to sell travel insurance in the UK after striking a deal with Ace Group.
"Devil in the detail" of pensions insurance scheme
Actuarial firm Barnett Waddingham has offered cautious support to proposals for an insurance scheme that would provide certainty for members of defined contribution pension schemes that they would get a guaranteed minimum pension at retirement.
Rural targets the south amid plans to double in size
Specialist agricultural insurer Rural Insurance has laid out plans to double in size within three years.
HSBC sells Irish legacy businesses
HSBC Holdings has agreed to sell two Irish legacy businesses to Bermuda-based run-off specialist Catalina Holdings.
Zurich joins UN-backed responsible investment initiative
Zurich has signed up to a United Nations-backed network of institutional investors, asset managers and service providers that aims to promote best practice in responsible investment.
"More of the same" from GI man Spencer
Aviva’s UK chairman Trevor Matthews said the general insurance business is “firmly embedded in the group” and welcomed “GI man” Robin Spencer on board as the new chief executive of the UK & Ireland general insurance operations.
Aviva to exit 16 worst performing businesses
Aviva is to dump 16 of its worst performing business segments including its Italian partnerships businesses, UK large-scale businesses; and its South Korea business as part as an overhaul of the whole business.
Aviva appoints new general insurance CEO amid senior shake-up
Aviva’s UK & Ireland general insurance chief executive David McMillan has been given the new role of director group transformation and a remit to manage the implementation of the new strategic plan across the group.
Interview: Rob Terry: tackling the problems
Approaching insurance from a technological background, Quindell’s Rob Terry is looking to tackle the dysfunctional motor market and shake up the status quo
Hardy boss looks to the future after restructure and sale are finalised
Hardy chief executive Barbara Merry has said the business can now “look to the future”, following a restructure of its property treaty book and conclusion of its sale to US insurer CNA.
Four arrested in suspected crash-for-cash bus fraud
Four men in Liverpool believed to be part of a suspected crash for cash scam involving a bus have been arrested.
Post magazine – 5 July 2012
The latest issue of Post is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Quindell boss outlines FTSE ambitions
Quindell chief executive and chairman Rob Terry has outlined his strategy to lead the business he founded nine years ago into into a FTSE-100 company through acquisitions and organic growth.
Biba slams European timetable for commission disclosure
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has accused the European Commission of ignoring the views of major financial and insurance bodies in its decision to impose a timetable to mandate disclosure of insurance commissions.
Guernsey issues 63 insurance licenses in 2012
Guernsey issued 63 new licenses to international insurance entities in the first five months of this year.
Hardy acquisition completed
Hardy has ceased trading on the London Stock Exchange as of today following completion of its acquisition by CNA Financial.
Changes to client money rules pose threat to unprepared brokers
Brokers that lack the necessary tools to handle compliance changes will struggle if proposed rules governing client monies are implemented by the Financial Services Authority, according to insurance software specialist Sequel.
Rate hardening slows in second quarter
The global insurance market hardened in Q2 2012 for the fourth consecutive quarter, albeit at a slow rate, according to Marsh.