Broker
Vela MD among redundancies
The managing director of Oval-owned underwriting agency Vela is among seven staff to lose their jobs as part of a plan to "simplify" the operation and secure its future.
LV Broker teams up with specialist home insurance provider
LV Broker has launched its ABC home insurance product on Insure 4 Retirement.
MoJ reforms spark Questgates mediation pilot with Validus
Questgates has launched a pilot scheme with Validus of their Go2 Mediation service developed to provide an online liability mediation service, ahead of the incoming Ministry of Justice reforms.
US firm invests in Health Claims Bureau
Healthcare and risk management specialist Health Claims Bureau has signed an investment deal with US specialist Professional Disability Associates.
Solvency II can be good for captives, Aon says
The Solvency II regulatory framework presents challenges for parent organisations and their captives structures, but it can also bring benefits, according to Markus Mende, Aon Risk Consulting's group managing director.
Willis Group moves to one IT platform
Willis Re has moved 500 of its international employees onto one single software platform for the first time.
Willis implements Sequel software in UK and India
Willis Re, the reinsurance arm of global broker Willis, has implemented Sequel’s Eclipse broking software.
Can Germany's local brokers serve global firms?
After calls for the German insurance market to open up to the international market, Francesca Nyman asks whether it could really support new business from this quarter.
Biba broaches independence issue with Scottish brokers
The British Insurance Brokers' Association is talking to its members about how Scotland's insurance sector would be affected if Scottish voters choose independence in 2014.
Autonet to implement Experian credit check software
Van insurance broker Autonet is in the closing stages of finalising a deal with Experian to introduce a new credit check software to aid premium pricing and an instalment payment plan for their customers.
Aspen swoops for Fusion marine underwriter
Aspen Risk Management has appointed Paul Singh as marine underwriting manager.
Credit card insurer CPP rocked by record FSA fine for mis-selling scandal
Credit card insurer Card Protection Plan has been slapped with a £10.5m fine by the Financial Services Authority for the mis-selling of insurance products.
Zurich UK results dented by 'exceptionally large' commercial claim
Zurich UK general insurance chief executive Steve Lewis has blamed adverse weather conditions for a £15m slump in business operating profit, compared to the nine month stage last year.
Penny Black's Insurance Week
Hollywood and the insurance industry crossed swords again this week with none other than A-list actor Tom Hanks caught squarely in the middle.
Schemes: Overcoming the obstacles
Brokers are often critical of the way insurers handle schemes, so how can these problems be solved?
Aggregators audit software providers after hackers exploit SSP vulnerability
Insurance software houses have warned that hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in breaking through security systems, forcing businesses to engage in a "never-ending fight" to stay ahead.
Market moves: Chartis and Antares dominate recruitment space
The recruitment space was dominated by Chartis and Lloyd’s insurer Antares this week. Chartis welcomed four new staff to its team, while Antares recruited an energy underwriter and two aviation specialists.
Go Compare admits future sale 'entirely possible'
The timing of Go Compare's strategic review is "no coincidence" given that the aggregator's major shareholder has a flotation in its sights, according to commentators, who have also mooted a potential management buyout or private equity deal.
Direct Group eyes US expansion following sale to Ryan Specialty Group
Direct Group chief executive Derek Coles intends to take advantage of new opportunities to enter international territories following the completion of the firm's sale to Ryan Specialty Group.
Poor change management can cost insurers millions
Insurance players are wasting millions of pounds each year through a lack of capability and investment in change management, according to BGL’s affinity arm Junction.
Plumeri puts Sandy industry losses at $50bn
Outgoing Willis chairman and chief executive Joe Plumeri believes that insured losses arising from superstorm Sandy could be up to 10 times higher than the early industry estimates of $5bn (£3.15bn).
Towergate branch director joins Giles
Giles has recruited David Cook, pictured, to be Durham branch director.
Sandy is a muted point for pricing, Willis finds
Superstorm Sandy is unlikely to have an impact on pricing, according to estimates by Willis Capital Markets & Advisory.
Markel places collectables cover on broker e-trading system
Specialist insurer Markel UK has launched the first personal lines product on its broker e-trading system.