Hiscox
Interview: Damien Coates - the wizard of Oz
Charged with realising Hyperion's ambitions on the underwriting side, Damien Coates is a whirlwind of energy, keen to replicate his success around the world - although he may regret a marathon pact he made with marketing manager Marion May.
James Hallam develops insurer ranking matrix
James Hallam brokers has developed a ranking matrix for all insurers it deals with.
Few Brits buy travel insurance for holidays, Hiscox finds
Britons are opting not to buy travel insurance for their holidays, research by insurer Hiscox has revealed.
Hampden Underwriting posts a loss but vows to raise cash
Hampden Underwriting has posted a net loss of £387 000 (2010: £132 000) in its full year results citing last year’s catastrophes as the cause but the chairman has pledged to raise capital.
Hiscox extends PI to new professions
Specialist insurer Hiscox is unveiling five new professional indemnity (PI) products at the British Insurance Brokers' Association conference aimed at new professions such as interior designers and 'green' consultants.
Lloyd's: Can the market fully recover from the losses in 2011?
Lloyd's' market performance and underwriting discipline has long been praised by the industry but, after the near unprecedented losses in 2011, many are wondering whether it can fully bounce back.
Hiscox April renewals beat expectations
Hiscox has said it withheld reinsurance capacity on the first quarter in anticipation of higher rates, adding that April renewals had beaten expectations. But it warned that the UK market is still "under pressure".
Redomiciling: London calling as tax changes make the UK more attractive
Will a reduction in corporation tax and changes to the Controlled Foreign Companies regime make the UK a more attractive place to domicile?
Ex-Hiscox boss Ashley Cole launches new HNW business
Former Hiscox head of motor Ashley Cole has set up his own high net worth business, Aurum Underwriting, in the wake of his departure from the insurer.
Market moves: Canopius and CGSC dominate appointments
This week the recruitment space belonged to Canopius and Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford. Canopius restructured its entire executive committee, alongside appointing an underwriter, while CGSC recruited a new chief commercial officer, head of operations and…
View from the top: Brokers failing to reach next-gen HNW customers
A new generation of potential high net worth customers are not being reached by brokers, says Justin Gott.
Bonuses take a bash but salaries for the top industry jobs continue to rise
Total salaries for insurance chief executives increased across the board, according to insurers’ annual reports for the year ending 2011, despite a drop in total remuneration.
Baltic Exchange injured commemorated
The 20th anniversary of the IRA bombing of the Baltic Exchange is being commemorated with a charity dinner next week on the site of the tragedy – the Gherkin.
Market moves: Aviva shuffles its underwriting pack
Aviva was the major recruiter in the insurance industry this week, announcing a raft of changes to its underwriting team. The insurer promoted four staff to new positions while adding a further employee to the unit.
Insurers gear up for Finance Bill detail in hope of simplified CFC process
This week's publication of the long-awaited Finance Bill could provide the catalyst for overseas investment, while also serving to safeguard the status quo of UK-headquartered insurance companies.
European sovereign debt hits insurer profits
2011 was the worst year on record for natural catastrophes, yet it was cracks in the Dow Jones, faults in the FTSE and tremors on the Hange Seng that bothered many insurers more.
Repairing a reputation: interview with Xchanging's Max Pell
After the disastrous purchase of Cambridge Solutions, Xchanging is ready to fight back, move out of the shadow of shareholder Lloyd's, and secure its future, as managing director of insurance Max Pell explains.
Claims Awards 2012 shortlist announced
Insurers RSA and Sterling lead the way in nominations for the 2012 Claims Awards with three each.
Hiscox shuffles US management
Hiscox is to bring current US CEO Richard Watson, pictured, back to London to be deputy chief underwriting officer for the group and has promoted Ben Walter in his place.
MEPs on the front foot as Prudential sparks fear of mass insurer exodus
Solvency II concerns in the spotlight after UK giant linked with Hong Kong move
Commercial lags behind personal as major insurers reveal their 2011 hands
The results season is more than halfway through and, while analysts have highlighted the increased profit in personal lines despite market saturation, they claim commercial is lagging behind and could worsen.
Hiscox wants FSA as tough as Lloyd's
Robert Hiscox has demanded that regulator the Financial Services Authority call in and question any insurers offering to beat other insurers' quotes.
Hiscox says 92% fall in profit a 'good result'
Hiscox claimed that reporting a pre-tax profit down 92% to £17.3m (2010: £211.4m) was "a good result in the circumstances", as chairman Robert Hiscox announced he would complete one more year at the helm.
High Net Worth: Opportunities abound to target the top
Despite the economic conditions, high net worth insurance continues to thrive. But will this lead to a host of new entrants in the market?