Broker
Brokers urged to be mindful of new legal act
Insurers need to keep clearer records to aid in potential claims disputes following the introduction of the Consumer Insurance Act, according to industry observers.
Quindell expands ranks with Crusader acquistion
Quindell Portfolio has acquired motor claims management specialist Crusader Assistance Group Holdings in a £9m deal, subject to regulatory approval.
Moody’s downgrades Towergate after patchy 2012 financial results
Towergate’s financial results for 2012 have revealed vastly divergent performances among its four main insurance divisions, ranging from a 24% year-on-year drop in earnings in its network arm to a 17% rise in underwriting earnings.
Barnett & Barnett rebrand delayed by Equity sale
A rebranding exercise at Barnett & Barnett and NBJ was delayed by the sale of Equity Insurance Group to US private equity house Aquiline, according to managing director Neil Campling.
Private equity houses tipped as frontrunners in Giles sale
Giles backer Charterhouse will find a welcoming audience in private equity markets as it seeks to sell its stake in the broker.
Video chat firm targets insurers with facial recognition software
The company behind a new online facial recognition technology has claimed insurers that sign up to use the software will make significant savings by reducing fraud and winning back market share from aggregators.
Brokerbility inks law firm partnerships
Broking group Brokerbility has complete partnership deals with law firms Berrymans Lace Mawer and DAC Beachcroft that will see members provided with services.
Former Catlin boss Freshwater to take on CFO role at Zurich
Zurich has appointed Neil Freshwater to the role of chief financial officer for its general insurance and shared services business in the UK.
Career development: Giving praise is the key to boosting performance in the workplace
With Solvency II, rising strength in the aggregator market and twin peak regulators, the insurance market is awash with change and uncertainty.
Market Moves: Ace, Bluefin, LV and Charles Taylor Insurance make new hires
It was honours even between the insurer and the broking sectors this week, with Ace once again leading the way for insurers with a couple of key hires.
Towergate’s B rating affirmed by Fitch
Fitch Rating has affirmed Towergate’s B rating and revised its outlook to stable from negative.
Top 5 European news stories
The top five European news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Aggregators: We don't need the aggravation
As aggregators come under fire for a lack of standards and insurance qualifications, some are still cool on improving professionalism.
My Best XI: Steve White, British Insurance Brokers’ Association
Steve White, newly appointed chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, selects his best XI for an insurance industry start-up. The diehard Arsenal fan’s team includes one of the club’s legends as well as a smattering of industry…
Towergate hit with Moody's downgrade
Moody's has cited "significant" levels of debt and limited earnings as the reasons behind its downgrade of Towergate, following publication of the consolidator's results.
NFU Mutual appoints ex-Axa boss as sales and agency director
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has named Nick Turner as the successor to the sales and agency director role vacated by Ian Leech.
Beazley bolsters marine liability and cargo operation with double hire
Beazley has to strengthen its marine liability and cargo capabilities with two new hires.
Hodges upbeat about network future
Towergate chief executive Mark Hodges said he is confident that the firm’s network division can create an “incredible service offering for brokers” despite a 24% drop in its operating earnings in 2012 to £10m (2011: £13.1m).
UK is 'Europe's whiplash capital' states ABI select committee submission
The Association of British Insurers has published its submission to the Transport Select Committee’s recently closed whiplash inquiry, in which the association labelled the UK as “the whiplash capital of Europe”.
Clear Insurance acquires Steveni Kessler
Clear has acquired the noth-London based commercial specialist general insurance business Stevni Kessler.
Affinity Partnerships: Finding the perfect fit
To achieve success in the affinity market, insurers must be careful to foster mutually beneficial relationships with the right partners and ensure they select relevant products
Ex-Chelsea trainee boosts sporting connection at Thomas Carroll
Thomas Carroll Group has snapped up former Chelsea Football Club trainee Geza Hajgato to take on the role of account executive within the firm’s commercial insurance division.
Barnett & Barnett reveals post-MBO rebrand
Barnett & Barnett and NBJ are rebranding as ICB Group from 1 May following their management buyout from IAG in December.
Towergate shrinks full year losses to £6m
Towergate has improved its figures for the year ending 31 December, declaring a pre-tax loss of £6.1m, despite worsening performance from its network division.