UK
Analysis: Brokers urged to keep on top of SMCR as rules kick in
The Senior Managers and Certification Regime regulation focused on greater personal responsibility has come into force for senior broker managers, and businesses have a year to train all relevant staff on conduct rules.
Willis IRM buys Hale Kavanagh in Leeds
Belfast-based Willis Insurance and Risk Management has bought Leeds firm Hale Kavanagh Insurance Brokers for an undisclosed sum.
ABI opts against legal challenge to Ogden rate decision
The Association of British Insurers will not be proceeding with a legal challenge to the “misguided and incorrect” decision to set the Ogden personal injury discount rate at -0.25%, the organisation has confirmed.
This Week: Getting stuff done
Helios has (almost) done his work and got the week done. Probably because he has an oven ready plan. To leave the working week and enter the weekend.
Eldon rebrands as Somerset Bridge
Arron Banks’ Eldon Insurance Services has rebranded as Somerset Bridge Insurance Services after receiving approval from members and the Financial Conduct Authority.
No sales talks at Kingsbridge, says CEO
Kingsbridge is “not currently in a sales process”, CEO James Twining has confirmed to Post.
Trade Voice: The ABI's James Dalton on why GI pricing will be a priority in 2020
James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers, reveals what the trade body will be focusing on next year and why.
Searchlight trained on GRP as broker eyes PE deal
Global Risk Partners is in discussion with three private equity firms including Searchlight Capital Partners about taking a majority holding in the consolidator, Post can reveal.
German insurtech Wefox targets UK launch in 2020 after $110m fundraise
Berlin-based insurtech Wefox will be opening an innovation hub in London before the end of the second quarter next year, a spokesperson confirmed to Post after the business raised a further $110m (£83.7m) in its latest funding round.
Loyalty a top priority among consumers when choosing an insurer
The biggest opportunity for insurers to improve their performance is in relation to customer loyalty, which ranked above price as a decision driver when it comes to picking a provider, according to research by the Chartered Insurance Institute.
German insurtech Getsafe plots UK launch
Heidelberg-headquartered Getsafe is planning to launch a contents and liability product in the UK in the first quarter of 2020.
Interview: William Stovin, Markel International
As Markel International gears up for more growth across its national markets business and looks to build on its presence in Europe, Jen Frost spoke to Markel International president William Stovin about the history of the business and why Brexit has…
Marsh Commercial unveils locations for five 'Enterprise Centres of Excellence'
Marsh Commercial has confirmed that Bristol, Glasgow, Harrogate, Leeds, and Worcester will host its previously announced Enterprise Centres of Excellence focused on SME business.
Davies Group makes key appointments
Davies Group has made two senior appointments, as it revealed a jump in Ebitda and revenue for the year ended 30 June 2019.
Aviva targets 20% premium growth by 2022
Aviva CEO Maurice Tulloch has revealed that the insurer is targeting a 20% increase in general insurance premiums by 2022.
Analysis: Ageas and Tesco joint venture labelled success with separation on horizon
Experts have predicted an increase in partnerships in the insurance industry but do not see another joint venture on the horizon, as Tesco gears up to buy out Ageas' share of their Tesco Underwriting joint venture.
Thousands of Alpha latent defect policyholders yet to submit FSCS claims
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has called on “thousands” of Alpha Insurance latent defect policyholders to submit their premium refund claims to the portal on the Danish insurer's website.
Marsh Commercial closing four offices
Marsh Commercial is closing offices in Northampton, Newmarket, New Malden and Leeds.
UK composite insurance pricing surges 12% in Q3, says Marsh
Insurance pricing in the third quarter of 2019 surged by 11.8% year on year in the UK driven by increases in property as well as financial and professional liability lines, according to research by Marsh.
Ogden rate, large losses and claims inflation knock Allianz UK COR in Q3
Allianz reported operating profit of £100m for the year to date in its Q3 results, with its combined operating ratio slipping to 96.5% from 95.7% at the half year.
Radius buys majority stake in The Burley Group
Radius Payment Solutions has bought a majority stake in transport specialist The Burley Group for an undisclosed sum.
Car crash repair costs up 4% in first half of 2019
The average cost per motor repair has reached £1919, research company Trend Tracker has calculated.
Blog: What does Admiral’s move to consolidate its aggregator businesses as Penguin Portals say about the state of price comparison in 2019?
A week after Go Compare's parent re-financed, Admiral has consolidated its global aggregation businesses as Penguin Portals 'to realise its global growth ambition'. Post content director Jonathan Swift ponders if this signals a first step toward…
This week: All at sea
The fraudulent claims we’re used to hearing about involve banged-up cars and invented cases of whiplash. Ones involving oil tankers, pirates, the Admiralty Judge, and statements given in places as far-flung as Aden and Manila are somewhat harder to come…