United Kingdom (UK)
London market training goes international
The Lloyd's Market Association will begin offering a range of technical programmes and courses internationally.
Blockchain-driven insurtech completes $1m funding round led by insurance executives
Insurtech firm Inzura has completed a $1 million funding round led by senior industry figures.
Editor's comment: An explosive start to the year
I started this year in style watching the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland Paris. Looking at January’s headlines the insurance industry has also started this year with a bang.
Brokers unprepared for IDD, research suggests
Two thirds of brokers have little or no knowledge of the Insurance Distribution Directive.
Former Aviva director develops broker customer data sharing platform
Broker Insights has developed a platform which uses broker customer data to help insurers identify business opportunities.
QBE's Phil Dodridge on navigating the digital tempest
Threatened with disruption, insurers need to augment their business model, argues Phil Dodridge, head of business intelligence and disruption at QBE European Operations.
Romero Group sees 14% Ebitda growth for 2016/17
Leeds-based Romero Group saw adjusted Ebitda increase 14% to £2.7m in the year to 30 April 2017.
CII consulting on new corporate chartered title
The Chartered Insurance Institute is considering introducing a new chartered designation to reflect the current shape of the insurance market.
Liverpool fire response 'sets a dangerous precedent', says Axa's Blanc
Exclusive: Insurers who have waived the excess of policyholders affected by the Liverpool car park fire are setting "a dangerous precedent”, Axa UK and Ireland CEO Amanda Blanc has said.
Underwriters urged to establish policy provisions for drone usage
Traditional aviation policies are unlikely to address the emerging risks presented by the increased use in drones.
GRP acquires Country & Commercial Insurance Brokers
Global Risk Partners has acquired a majority interest in agricultural brokerage Country & Commercial Insurance Brokers.
Brexit has led to a drop in overseas business: PWC
Confidence in the market among general UK insurers dropped last year with Brexit set to impact business volumes, according to a survey.
Co-op insurance launches medical expenses travel insurance
Co-op Insurance has entered the travel insurance market with a product that offers cashless medical expenses.
Brokers informed: Real world threats demand bespoke solutions
High-net-worth individuals may be concerned by online threats, but it’s physical attacks that worry them most. Tara Parchment, Chubb’s head of European personal risk services, analyses the numbers.
Brokers informed: The perils of escape of water claims for HNW clients
Escape of water claims are reaching an all-time high and the risk can be even more prevalent in the high-net-worth sector. From bespoke wet rooms to expensive technology, with homeowners away for extended periods, the damage can prove complex and…
Career File: Rob Townend, Aviva
Townend appointed managing director of UK general insurance at Aviva
Aspen CEO Stephen Postlewhite leaves with immediate effect
Aspen CEO Stephen Postlewhite is leaving the business with immediate effect.
Market Moves: February 2018
Some of the movers and shakers in the market this month
Career Development: Zurich achieves Disability Confident Leader certification
Zurich is the first insurer to achieve Disability Confident Leader status under the auspices of the Department for Work and Pensions scheme.
MIB issues warning over scam callers
Motorists are being bombarded with calls from scam artists pretending to be the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
Watchstone sets £50.1m aside for S&G lawsuit
Watchstone has set aside £50.1m in preparation for a High Court claim issued against it by Slater and Gordon.
This week: Technology, treasury and trade credit
I'm not sure who was more excited about technology in our house this week, my son discovered that virtual pets in the form of Tamagotchi are making a comeback in the UK this year while I learnt a bar has opened where robots make you cocktails.
One Call ‘regrets’ mishandling of client money
One Call said it has rectified the client money errors that led to more than £1m in fines from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Aspen takes $245m underwriting loss in Q4
Aspen expects to post a $245m underwriting loss in the fourth quarter of 2017.