News
Plum plots ‘accelerated’ expansion following Global Risk Partners-backed MBO
Specialist household MGA Plum Underwriting has completed a management buyout backed by London Market focussed consolidator Global Risk Partners.
China launches small business venture capital fund
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission is encouraging insurers to invest in a venture capital fund scheme for small companies.
Covéa launches new fleet product to boost commercial growth
Covéa Insurance, the UK subsidiary of French mutual Covéa, will launch a new fleet product for commercial brokers this month.
Tasker completes Pro Hospitality purchase
Tasker Insurance Group has completed its acquisition of broker Pro Hospitality.
Bermingham exits Xchanging as Lloyd's consolidates market on to new claims scheme
Xchanging Claims Services executive director Paul Bermingham has left the company following the accelerated progress of the Lloyd's claims transformation programme.
The POST Power List 2014
After much deliberation, Post finally reveals the top 10 shining lights of the insurance industry, along with details of who we think would play them in a movie of their life, to complete the Post Power List.
FCA reputation diminished after damning Davis report
The Financial Conduct Authority has been left "diminished" by a damning report into its handling of publicity around a life insurance thematic review, according to certain market observers.
Beaumonts deal over a year in the making, claims Jelf CEO
Jelf and Yorkshire-based Beaumonts Insurance Group were in discussions for more than a year before the terms of the takeover were agreed, group CEO Alex Alway has revealed.
UK insurers undeterred on sharing society progress despite international Uber concerns
The banning of Uber in several territories will not deter the UK insurance industry's engagement with sharing economy companies, according to commentators, with telematics providers tipped to help small car-sharing organisations obtain cover.
Future sustainability of Pool Re to be achieved by modernisation in 2015
The Pool Re board is aiming to complete its modernisation of the 22-year-old terrorism facility by the end of next year.
Cyber risk underwriting a pressing issue for insurers in 2015, states EY
The growing threat of complex cyber crime will present businesses with significant challenges throughout the course of next year, according to analysis undertaken by EY.
Direct Line brand awareness dominance not translated in policy sales
Direct Line is failing to transform dominant brand awareness among consumers into policy sales, according to the latest Global Reviews UK motor insurance providers digital marketing effectiveness study.
Jelf builds northern presence with Beaumonts acquisition
Jelf has widened its footprint in the north of England with the acquisition of Yorkshire-based broker Beaumonts Insurance Group.
Anbang agrees deal to buy Delta Lloyd Bank Belgium
Chinese financial services company Anbang Insurance has reached an agreement to buy Delta Lloyd Bank Belgium from Dutch financial group Delta Lloyd for €219m.
JLT confirms Steve Abbott's retirement
Nick Cousins, managing director JLT Hong Kong, has praised his deputy Steve Abbott as he retires from the broker after 45 years in insurance at the end of the year.
China to open three more free trade zones
China is seeking to replicate the Shanghai free trade zone in the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong and the port city of Tianjin.
One in 10 car deaths linked to alcohol, says WHO
Following a study, the World Health Organisation has said one in every 10 car deaths is linked to alcohol.
Ryan Direct Group joins AA panel
Broker AA Insurance Services has signed a home affinity deal with Ryan Direct Group that will see the Doncaster-based firm join the AA’s panel with immediate effect.
JLT named broker for Swansea Tidal Lagoon
JLT has been named as the broker for the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay, the world’s first man-made energy generating lagoon.
Household pressure to offset improved motor climate in 2015, says Fitch
A halt in motor premium declines and improved commercial performance is expected to see the UK non-life market stabilise in 2015 but this could be offset by increased pressure in the household space, according to Fitch Ratings.
Moody's downgrades Towergate's corporate family rating
Ratings agency Moody's has downgraded the corporate family rating and probability of default rating on Towergate Holdings II by two notches to Caa3/Caa3-PD.
ABI holding off Flood Re contracts as government talks continue
The Association of British Insurers is holding off contracting with a managing agent and a reinsurance broker for the Flood Re scheme due to ongoing discussions with government around the initiative's secondary legislation.
New look IFB technical board to be chaired by Axa fraud boss Davies
Axa global chief fraud control officer Richard Davies has been appointed as chairman of the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s technical board as part of a shake-up that will result in an influx of new board members.
Quindell's Currie seeks stock market sponsor
Quindell is reportedly on the hunt for a new stock market sponsor after the exit of an analyst at its nominated adviser Cenkos Securities last month.