Opinion
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.
Briefing: Fine tuning the risk in Ardonagh’s deal for Bennetts
Ardonagh’s decision to roar ahead with the takeover of motorcycle specialist Bennetts less than a fortnight ago raised a few eyebrows, but really it should not have done.
Flood Re's Andy Bord on how climate change will affect flood risk
After the floods last November, I visited Doncaster to see how the town was coping with the aftermath of the floods. While I was impressed by the swift recovery efforts of insurers, the local council and government agencies, I was also struck by just how…
Editor's comment: End of the road or new opportunity for insurtechs?
The rumours and water cooler conversations began in July 2019 as soon as it was confirmed market stalwart Amanda Blanc had left Zurich after only nine months.
Markerstudy's Gary Humphreys on the impact of Covid-19 on businesses
Pre-23 March, my diary for 2020 was already reasonably committed. The usual mix of work and family obligations, interspersed with one or two holiday highlights, not dissimilar, I imagine, to the majority of my friends and colleagues.
Briefing: Is it time to lock up your employees as Amazon comes a-calling?
News that Amazon is expanding in the Indian insurance market coupled with its recent recruitment in the UK could leave insurers feeling a bit worried for their staff and their business.
Trade Voice: Mass chair Paul Nicholls on delivering for claimants during Covid-19 and beyond
Paul Nicholls, chair of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society, addresses the insurance and legal industries’ responses to Covid-19 but warns the pandemic has delayed progress on the numerous issues that need to be tackled ahead of the implementation of…
Briefing: Tesla CEO Musk warns incumbents it is building a 'great, major insurance company'. Should they be worried?
On last week’s Q2 briefing call Tesla CEO Elon Musk told insurers he is coming for their actuaries, to help him start an insurance ‘revolution’. But could his obsession with data and math have blinded him as to where the real battle in motor insurance…
Axa's Bob Ewers on providing resilience and support during a global crisis
Covid-19 has created an enormous challenge for businesses worldwide and it is only natural to question how resilience, staff support, and customer care is maintained. Bob Ewers, CEO of Axa Partners UK & Ireland, explains the importance of business…
BGL's Peter Thompson on combating insurance fraud
Detecting and and deterring insurance fraud is a priority for many in the insurance industry. Peter Thompson, BGL Group’s CEO for insurance, distribution and outsourcing, looks at what’s next in the industry's fight against insurance fraud and reflects…
My other life: Marco Sementa, charity fundraiser
When not working as home claims trainer at RSA, Marco Sementa uses his free time to raise money for charity playing football.
Briefing: Ecclesiastical’s child abuse claims shame – CEO Hews’ admission too little too late?
If Ecclesiastical CEO Mark Hews is sorry for how the insurer has handled non-recent child sexual abuse claims, should he not be addressing the victims rather than shareholders?
Aventus' Peter Goodman on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for MGAs
With a hardening market, competition for capacity will intensify for managing general agents. As MGAs face new challenges and opportunities ahead Peter Goodman, CEO and founder of Aventus, asks if digitisation will become a regulatory requirement post…
Briefing: The FCA is sending the wrong message on dual pricing
June 2020 was to be the month insurers got their comeuppance on the saga that is dual pricing, but the Financial Conduct Authority has once again dropped the ball.
Briefing: In CEO Amanda Blanc Aviva finally gets its woman
Having began her career at Commercial Union it always seemed fitting that Amanda Blanc would one day take the top job at its successor Aviva. Post content director Jonathan Swift reflects how the stars finally aligned for her to take up a role that for…
Aviva's Patrick Tiernan on getting Britain back to business
The tragic toll of Covid-19 is incalculable. In less than five months, this pandemic has taken away so many loved ones – devastating families, friends and colleagues on a scale that could not have been imagined. Patrick Tiernan, managing director UK…