Insurer
John Sims to leave AIG
John Sims, the current head of UK private client group at AIG, has decided to leave the business and return to running his insurance consultancy business.
Reserve releases and low cat losses aid 30% rise in Zurich UK GI profits
Zurich’s UK general insurance CEO Vibhu Sharma has described a 30% rise in business operating profit as “the obvious highlight” in his firm’s opening quarter results for 2015.
Esure posts first quarter GWP increase
Esure has reported an increase in gross written premiums for the first three months of 2015 in an interim management statement released today (7 May).
Markel reports 83% Q1 combined ratio
Markel Corporation saw a more than 10 percentage point improvement in its combined ratio for the first quarter of 2015 to 83% from 95% in Q1 2014.
Piracy: Risks moving from Africa to Asia
Although there has been good progress tackling piracy in both East and West Africa, ensuring global attacks declined for a fourth year in a row last year, it continues to thrive elsewhere.
Aviva's Wilson outlines stance on ‘Brexit' ahead of potential referendum
Aviva is keeping a close eye on the proposed European Union membership referendum that would take place under a future Conservative government, with group CEO Mark Wilson playing down the insurer's exposure to such a move.
Telematics performance bolsters RSA personal motor growth in Q1
RSA has attributed “strong performance” in its telematics offering as the driver of 14% growth within its UK personal motor business, which chalked up £57m of net written premiums in the first quarter of 2015 (Q1 2014: £50m).
Mike Fairey joins Hastings as non-exec chair
Hastings Insurance Group has appointed Mike Fairey as its non-executive chairman, effective as on 1 June 2015.
Beazley's Horton hails specialty and US growth
Gross written premiums at Beazley climbed 6% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year.
Aviva's UK&I GI Q1 net premiums grow 1%
Aviva's UK and Ireland general insurance combined operating ratio improved marginally in the first three months of 2015 to 98.3% (Q1 2014: 98.6%) while net premiums for the region grew 1%.
Anbang's Belgium acquisition given green light
China's Anbang has completed the purchase of Fidea from JC Flowers after approval from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission.
Zurich blames currency movements for global profits dip
Zurich posted a $174m (£114m based on today's exchange rate) fall in general insurance pre-tax profits to $706m in the first quarter of 2015, a drop of 20%.
Axa's Indian joint venture stake increases approved
The Indian government has approved Axa's application to raise its foreign ownership to 49% from 26% in two insurers for undisclosed sums.
Pro Global completes share buyback after staff departure
Pro Global Insurance Services has bought back more than 31,000 in the company after the departure of one of its employees.
Post magazine – 7 May
The latest issue of Post Magazine is now available for Post subscribers. Download the latest Post iOS or Android App Edition on the App Store or Google Play respectively or read the Post Digital Edition online.
DAS removed from S&P's Creditwatch list
Standard and Poors has removed DAS from its negative Creditwatch and affirmed the provider's A rating following a £14m capital injection and improvement in its governance framework.
L&G direct sales growth a result of 'enhanced digital capabilities'
Legal & General recorded a 16% year-on-year increase in gross written premium within its direct business in the first quarter of 2015 despite a 4% drop in total GWP over the same period.
Zurich's McManus takes Aon HNW role
Former Zurich personal lines broker head Ian McManus is to join Aon Risk Solutions as high net worth proposition head.
Blog: ERRA Update - Scotland poised to reverse the impact of s69?
On 5 January 2015, Richard Baker MSP lodged a consultation document on a proposed Damages Claims (EU Directive on Safety and Health at Work) (Scotland) Bill.
MGAA Matters Survey reveals most desirable skillsets
Communication and entrepreneurial skills are seen as the most important skills that UK managing general agents require of their employees according to the third Managing General Agents' Association Matters Survey.
TT Club's 2014 COR improves to 85.6%
Transport insurer TT Club has reported increased gross written premiums for the 12 months ended 31 December 2014 to $182.2m (£120m) from $181.1m the year prior.
Young motorists unimpressed with efforts to reduce cost of driving
Six out of 10 young drivers polled by Carrot Insurance claim the coalition government has not done enough to tackle the cost of driving, with 26% stating they will not be voting in tomorrow’s (7 May) general election.
Editor's comment: The quest for talent
Securing and retaining talent has always been important for the insurance sector but recent high-profile litigation in the broking arena suggests this is becoming more of a fight than ever.