Opinion
Zurich’s Anita Fernqvist on embedding sustainability in organisational transformation
Anita Fernqvist, chief data officer and director of operations at Zurich UK, argues that advances in and adoption of new technology means reskilling for the future is more important than ever and looks at the opportunities and challenges for insurers.
Rising Star: Victoria Kancheva, Clear Insurance Management
Three months after leaving behind a career in rights of light surveying for a new challenge in insurance broking, Victoria Kancheva was placing million-pound policies at Clear Insurance Management.
Briefing: The BI test case – QIC’s failed intervention and the ‘spirit of co-operation’
The business interruption test case is meant to be about co-operation to find clarity. Qatar Insurance Company’s attempt to intervene has rocked the boat.
Aviva’s Phil Bayles on trading in a hard market
As trusted advisors providing access to high quality risk management resources brokers can help clients meet the challenges that lie ahead and should be in contact with insurers as early as possible to review cost and cover options, says Aviva’s chief…
Brightside’s Brendan McCafferty on why the insurance industry needs to get real on its social contract
The insurance industry needs to find the right answers quickly if it is going to rebuild its reputation with the public, particularly after the recent business interruption court case and dual pricing headlines, says Brightside CEO Brendan McCafferty.
Editor's comment: What a difference a year makes
I’m a firm believer that even when you are facing your darkest days things will be better on the other side and good things will always follow.
RSA’s Adele Sumner on the evolving challenge of fraud during the pandemic
Adele Sumner, head of counter fraud strategy and financial crime at RSA, details how fraudsters have been diversifying their techniques during the coronavirus pandemic and the steps insurers can take to fight the scams.
Trade Voice: Sam Elsby, Apil
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Sam Elsby reflects on the need for collaboration between the representatives of claimants and defendants to ensure the best outcomes for injured people, both during and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
Briefing: The great home/office flip flop
This week will have seen many of us who had been ready to get back to the office reconsider, as guidelines across England shifted.
My other life: Joanne Butler, actor
Away from her role as a product portfolio manager at Charles Taylor Insuretech, Joanne Butler, regularly takes to the stage and runs a movie-making club for kids
Gallagher’s Simon Matson on a balance of the old and the new
Brokers should see the hard market as an opportunity to prove their value as trusted advisors, says Gallagher’s UK broking and underwriting CEO Simon Matson, as he also looks at the changes to office life due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Briefing: Lloyd's start-up Ki secures $500m of backing, is it a Direct Line to success
Ahead of its first quarter 2021 launch, Lloyd’s of London syndicate Ki has received $500m (£390m) backing from Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and Fairfax Financial Holdings.
Briefing: The search for clarity continues after the BI ruling
It is important not to lose sight of what is at stake for the policyholders after the landmark ruling in the business interruption insurance test case this week.
LV’s Steve Treloar on demonstrating value to customers
In an ever more uncertain world, customers want ‘peace of mind’ and the confidence of knowing they are covered if things go wrong. Covid-19 has brought fear and distrust explains Steve Treloar, CEO, LV General Insurance Group.
Briefing: FCA BI test case result no panacea
On 15 September the judges in the Financial Conduct Authority’s business interruption test case will hand down their judgment. But this will not mark the end of the struggle between insurers and customers.
Briefing: Do Revolut and Lloyds Bank moves signal a bancassurance renaissance?
The model of banks with in-house general insurance divisions, or bancassurance, has thrived elsewhere in Europe but failed to pick up the pace in the UK. Is this about to change?
Allianz's Graham Gibson on using technology in claims
Graham Gibson, chief claims officer at Allianz Insurance, takes a look at how technology is bringing benefits in the claims arena
Editor's comment: Year of action on climate change
While pandemics have been predicted for some time it’s fair to say not many people had foreseen an almost global lockdown, a workforce at home and a virus that affects every walk of life.
Briefing: QBE makes the only decision on cutting ties with CEO but where will Pat Regan surface next?
QBE will have had little choice but to part ways with CEO Pat Regan after an external investigation concluded his conduct had been unsatisfactory. But the proof in the inclusion pudding for the industry will be whether he resurfaces. And if so, where…
Bupa’s Alex Perry on risk and insurance in a post-Covid world
The sector has shown how well it can quickly adapt its services to care for customers, says Alex Perry, CEO of Bupa Insurance UK, but it must also learn from the pandemic crisis and plan for the next big event.
Trade Voice: LMA’s Lee Elliston on making claims the jewel in Lloyd’s crown
Lee Elliston, Lloyd’s Market Association claims director, tackles the need to recruit and retain top talent from a diverse background as he argues that independent-minded claims professionals harnessing the power of technology can help Lloyd’s be the…
Rising Star: Alex Sorrie, Allianz Insurance
Alex Sorrie joined Allianz as a graduate after setting his sights on the financial services sector and has since led an international project working on a claims automation proof of concept.
My other life: Lee Rogers, scrutineer
When not working as engineer for Scheme Serve, Lee Rogers spends his free time adjudicating the judges at street dance competitions around the world.
Briefing: Leadership and lip service - a progress predicament
Insurance companies, like those in other sectors, are waking up to inequalities in society that could measurably affect their own make up. But if they are going to face up to sometimes harsh realities then they need to stop clinging to a PR narrative.