Articles by Scott McGee
Markerstudy and Atlanta deal given FCA approval
The merger between Markerstudy and Atlanta, the personal lines broking business of The Ardonagh Group, has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Kindertons linked with Markerstudy investor Pollen Street
Private equity house Pollen Street has been tipped to purchase accident management and mobility company Kindertons, after a potential deal with Auxillis’s owner fell through, sources have told Insurance Post.
Tribunal slams ‘connected’ leasehold insurance arrangement
A tribunal has ruled that leaseholders in a block of flats were overcharged by 145% after it had “not been presented with one item of documentary evidence to suggest that the insurance premiums for the building are competitive”.
FCA allows four firms to sell Gap insurance
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that four insurance firms are now permitted to recommence their sales of guaranteed asset protection insurance.
Is premium finance still a tax on the poor?
News Editor’s View: Scott McGee considers whether recent steps taken by trade bodies to address premium finance will reassure the Financial Conduct Authority that this payment method is no longer a ‘tax on being poor’ that needs to be tackled.
Singapore Airlines victim named as retired insurance manager Geoff Kitchen
The man who sadly passed away after a Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence yesterday has been named as Geoff Kitchen, a former branch manager at Axa and business development manager at Acturis.
Motor to return to profitability in 2024
Data Analysis: The latest Oxbow Partners motor insurance report proves to be encouraging reading for those operating within the space.
Applied building momentum as it enters pilot with Aviva
After increasing the number of brokers on its Epic platform in 2023, Applied Systems Europe CEO Tom Needs said he expects to match that growth again this year.
Aviva building out strategic broker proposition
Aviva is undertaking a process in which it is engaging with key, strategic brokers in order to build out a new proposition, with a view to launch by January 2025 at the latest.
FCA overwhelmed by feedback on naming and shaming
Emily Shepperd, chief operating officer of the Financial Conduct Authority, has said the regulator will “really take our time” when considering its proposed plans to name firms it is investigating before any decision has been made.
FCA lifts Gap restrictions on two firms
The Financial Conduct Authority has lifted its restrictions around guaranteed asset protection insurance for two firms.
Zurich consolidates UK commercial and retail distribution teams
From 20 May, Zurich UK will consolidate its commercial and retail distribution teams into one unit for brokers accessing the business, Insurance Post can reveal.
Biba follows ABI in addressing premium finance
Less than a month after the Association of British Insurers published guidance for members providing premium finance to customers, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association has followed suit.
Biba defends centuries-old commission model
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has today launched a guide encouraging members to stick to the traditional commission model and warning of the dangers of straying from it.
Jensten restructures after £170m fundraise
Following the recent announcement of its £170m in fundraising, Jensten has announced a “strategic reorganisation” with the view “to triple the premium managed” by the MGA business within the next four years.
Quote speed and data accessibility at top of brokers’ wish list
Aviva's broker barometer has put access to data and insight, and speed of quotes at the top of broker wish lists as insurer service continues to be a top challenge.
Repair costs continue to push up home insurance premiums
According to the Association of British Insurers’ premium tracker, home insurance premiums increased 3% in the first quarter of 2024, following a severe winter for weather damage.
Flood Re makes changes to ‘address evolving landscape’
Flood Re has today announced changes to key scheme parameters, with the aim of ensuring the continued availability and affordability of flood insurance.
Toilet fraudster’s claim hits the fan
A claimant, who attempted to claim for £200,000 after slipping in a restaurant toilet, is now facing the prospect of having to repay at least £40,000 in legal fees after being found to be fundamentally dishonest.
Flock teases more deals as it expands into taxi fleets
Commercial fleet insurtech Flock has entered a capacity partnership with The Acorn Group, targeting black taxi as well as Uber fleets.
Direct Line Group confirms Milliner amid raft of leadership hires
Direct Line Group has today confirmed Martin Milliner as its managing director of claims, in a swathe of leadership hires that also includes naming Lloyds Bank's Craig Thornton as MD of home and growth, and Hugh Hessing as COO.
Trade bodies lambast FCA’s transparency plans
16 financial services trade bodies have warned the Financial Conduct Authority against any plans to publish details of future regulatory investigations before they reach their conclusion.
Wakam looking to exploit ‘unlimited UK potential’ following regulator approval
French B2B2C insurer Wakam has received approval by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority to launch a UK subsidiary.
Big Interview: Ola Jacob, Descartes Underwriting and Biba
Six months into his tenure at Descartes Underwriting, and not long after being announced as the new chair for Biba’s South East and London committee, Ola Jacob sits down with Scott McGee to talk about the potential of parametric insurance, and what his…