United Kingdom (UK)
Regulators form working group to tackle 'phoenix' companies
Financial services regulators have formed a working group to collaborate on tackling ‘phoenixing’ in the sector, whereby companies or individuals avoid liabilities or penalties by shutting down businesses only to re-emerge as new legal entities.
Canopius attracts investment from Samsung
Canopius has partnered with Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance to offer “innovative customer-focused” insurance solutions across the globe.
This week: The Godfathers of insurance return
Just when they think they’re out, insurance pulls them back in. This week, two big names from the recent past, Stephen Catlin and Steve McGill, returned to the fold.
Blog: What the FCA market study means for brokers
Despite giving the broker market a clean bill of health Richard Burger, head of financial services regulatory investigations warns brokers should expect the FCA to continue to explore key areas it has identified that are in need of improvement.
Blog: Why mediocrity shouldn’t be accepted
Would you give a contract to a software firm that says it will be complacent with your business? Why accept it when it happens then, argues André Symes, chief operating officer of Genasys Technologies.
Senior departures at RSA as it announces management shakeup
RSA has announced a number of senior role changes in its UK and international business.
Eldon Insurance director no longer at the broker
Jacobus Coetzee no longer holds a directorship at Arron Banks’ Eldon Insurance.
GRP brokers make three acquisitions
GRP-owned Cavendish Munro has made one acquisition, while Green Insurance Group has bought two businesses.
Blog: Why perfection is unobtainable for driverless cars
Trials for driverless cars are moving up in the UK, while they have stalled in some parts of the US due to reported deaths. Mark Hemsted, partner at Clyde & Co, argues that the public looking for perfection in this area could be misguided.
Abbey Legal BTE rebrands to Markel Legal Expenses Insurance
Abbey Protection Group and its associated branding, including Abbey Legal Before the Event Services, has rebranded to Markel.
Allianz proposes office closures that put 97 staff at risk of redundancy
Allianz has proposed shutting its Woking and Luton offices, which could lead to 97 people being made redundant.
Covéa strikes up motor insurance deal with John Lewis
Covéa has arranged a deal with John Lewis Finance that will see it act as the sole insurer for the company’s motor insurance offering.
Claims costs drive an increase in van insurance premiums
Claims costs have driven an average premium increase of 35.1% since April 2014, Consumer Intelligence has found.
BMS appoints Nick Moss as chief financial officer
BMS has appointed Nick Moss as chief financial officer of the group.
Q&A: Claims Apprentice 2019 winner Verity Ross
Verity Ross, motor claims handler for Zurich has been crowned winner of the Claims Apprentice 2019. Hiriyti Bairu caught up with her to discuss how she met the challenge, what the experience has taught her now and moving forward in her career.
Spotlight on: Beazley's Birmingham office
Exclusive: Beazley opened its Birmingham office as part of a strategy to diversify away from its core US business. Fourteen months later, the office is likely to be held up as a model for the company's further expansion plans.
General insurers see FSCS levy increase £1m more than expected for 2019/20
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has revealed that its levy for 2019/20 will be £532m over a twelve month period, £16m more than planned, with general insurers paying an extra £1m than anticipated.
KPMG fined £6m over Equity Syndicate Management audit
The Financial Reporting Council has issued sanctions against KPMG and others in relation to its Equity Syndicate Management audit.
Catlin founder launches PE-backed specialty insurer Convex
Stephen Catlin and Paul Brand, both formerly executives at the Lloyd’s insurer that bore Catlin’s name, have launched a new specialty insurer and reinsurer with $1.8bn (£1.4bn) in initial capital.
Axa places 125 jobs at risk following claims restructure
Axa has placed 125 roles at risk of redundancy as a result of further restructuring of its claims business.
Spotlight: Data - Ordering data in
Insurers continue to hang their success on the quality and use of data, with businesses continually reviewing how to gain a commercial advantage. Edward Murray looks at the benefits of using external data providers and why some peril risks have proven…
Spotlight: Data - Why are insurers ignoring data for escape of water claims?
Don’t blame the rain for the growing number of water-related claims in the UK, blame the plumbing
Allianz in talks to buy L&G general insurance business – report
Allianz is in talks to buy Legal & General general insurance business, according to Sky News.
ABI tracker shows fall in motor premiums in advance of whiplash reforms
The average cost of motor insurance fell to its lowest level in two years, according to a survey from the Association of British Insurers.