News
Job cuts expected as Aviva prepares to close Belfast claims function
Aviva has confirmed it will close its Belfast claims function by the end of April next year in a move that is expected to result in around 30 redundancies.
Tokio Marine Kiln syndicates forecast to deliver profits for 2012 and 2013
Tokio Marine Kiln Syndicates 510 and 557 remain forecast to deliver profits for the 2012 and 2013 years of account, according to updated forecasts for the two years of account.
BMS hires Cooper Gay's Hitchings to head specialty reinsurance
BMS Group has launched a specialty reinsurance division with the appointment of Cooper Gay’s Andrew Hitchings as managing director.
Axa unveils big data tool for brokers targeting commercial business
Brokers are expected to be able to provide a more bespoke offering to clients following the launch of a big data tool by Axa that pools company information from public sources.
R&Q expects full year pre-tax result to be below expectations
Lower than anticipated investment income and a “disappointing” trading performance in the US have contributed to Randall & Quilter predicting its full year pre-tax result will be materially below market expectations.
Large losses below expectations at Catlin despite aviation disasters
Catlin has achieved third quarter gross written premium growth in line with its business strategy after chalking up a GWP rise of 11% to $4.89bn (£3.1bn) (Q3 2013: $4.42bn) for the period.
Markel expands trade credit team in Singapore
Markel has appointed Linda Naili as business development manager, trade credit for Asia-Pacific.
RSG hires Argo underwriter to lead London MGA
Chicago-based insurance services business Ryan Specialty Group has recruited Argo Re underwriter Mark Peeters to lead a new London-based managing general agent specializing in directors and officers liability cover.
Swinton unlikely to be last broker to face add-ons penalties
The sales practices that saw three former Swinton executives fined and banned remain widespread and the broker is unlikely to be the last to face sanctions, according to compliance specialists.
QBE Europe motor director Bains exits
QBE European Operations has confirmed the departure of retail motor and business performance director Talbir Bains.
Duplication inflating Claims Portal figures
The Claims Portal has warned that duplication is inflating the total number of claims registered with the claims portal, but cautioned it is unable to estimate the scale of the problem.
Fusion looks to Aviva for Glasgow-based underwriting hire
Fusion has appointed Richard Daubney as Scotland and Northern Ireland regional underwriting manager as it announces a move to larger premises in Glasgow.
Gallagher grows D&O offering with two products
Arthur J Gallagher has expanded its directors and officers insurance offering with two further products.
Hood Group looks to Axa for new sales boss
Hood Group has swooped for an Axa account manager to lead its sales operations in a newly created group-wide role.
Sawyer joins Barbican international property team
Barbican Insurance Group has appointed John Sawyer as an underwriter to lead property binders in its international property division.
Open GI recruits commercial product specialist from Blackpool broker
Open GI has bolstered its product management unit by recruiting commercial product specialist Sara Noble from Blackpool-based Central Insurance Services.
UK insurance industry ranks lowest in Europe for customer trust, finds EY
Consumer trust in insurance providers was lower in the UK than any other European country and 50% below the global average, according to research from EY.
Charles Taylor unhampered by large claims drought
Charles Taylor has reported performance in line with expectations, in spite of a drop off in numbers of large commercial losses.
Money Supermarket sees 15% Q3 insurance revenues boost
Price comparison website Money Supermarket saw insurance revenues grow 8% to £106m for the nine months ending 30 September 2014.
Flats broker Deacon launches online quote and buy offering
Arthur J Gallagher’s specialist blocks of flats broker Deacon has pumped more than £65,000 into creating its first online quote and buy website for smaller blocks of up to 20 flats.
Brit shrugs off 'variable' market conditions after chalking up 4.9% GWP rise
Brit CEO Mark Cloutier is confident his firm will continue to deliver “healthy returns” for shareholders after the Lloyd’s insurer unveiled a 4.9% increase in gross written premium to £990.7m (Q3 2013: £944m) in the third quarter.
Novae delivers 6% GWP increase in Q3 despite property and casualty slump
Lloyd’s insurer Novae Group has chalked up a 6% increase in gross written premium to £515.1m for the period ended 30 September 2014 (Q3 2013: £484.6m), despite recording GWP reductions in its property and casualty businesses.
Rolling Stones in legal battle over cancelled Australia concerts
The Rolling Stones are in a legal battle over a payout in lost earnings for their cancelled tour dates in Australia and New Zealand.
Hyperion and Willis to spearhead raft of M&A activity in London Market
IPO said to be in the offing after RK Harrison deal gives scale