Articles by Emmanuel Kenning
Polaris at 30 – Theo Duchen
Acturis Group co-CEO Theo Duchen delivers the third Q&A of the Polaris at 30 series and details the collective goal that would put “the UK light years ahead of any other market”.
Car and motorcycle insurance complaints stick in FOS top five
The number of car and motorcycle insurance complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service in the second quarter of 2024/25 dropped compared to the same period a year ago however the sector has remained in the top five.
MPs and peers slam “incompetent at best, dishonest at worst” FCA
A cross-party group of MPs and peers has hit out at the Financial Conduct Authority and demanded substantial changes after its call for evidence found the regulator “is seen as incompetent at best, dishonest at worst”.
Polaris at 30 – Stuart Reid
In the second Q&A instalment of the Polaris at 30 series, chair of Partners& Stuart Reid shares memories of the industry moving from paper rating guides to digital trading and his view on the “plainly daft” frustration in e-trading today.
Polaris at 30 – Ray Vincent
As insurance industry owned Polaris celebrates its 30th birthday, Insurance Age asks experts for their recollections on the dawn of digital trading and what is coming next.
JMG in quadruple deal swoop
JMG has snapped up four brokers, adding additional expertise in high-net-worth, commercial, motor trade, technical and specialist consultancy services to the Yorkshire-headquartered group, Insurance Age can reveal.
Polaris at 30 – managing director Vivek Banga
Ahead of a week-long ‘Polaris at 30’ series Insurance Age caught up with managing director Vivek Banga to run the rule over the history of e-trading developments and what is coming next for brokers.
FSCS gives first insight on increasing levy to £394m
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has indicated its levy for 2025/26 will rise to £394m from £265m this financial year as it cited having lower surpluses to carry forward and offset bills – a factor that has benefited brokers for two years in a…
Rising Edge adds to employment practices liability insurance
Managing general agent Rising Edge has released a policy endorsement for its Employment Practices Liability Insurance, in move it said was in response to new UK employment laws.
i-Wonder delivers on fast food
i-Wonder, provider of niche insurance comparison website solutions, has confirmed the adoption of its offering for the UK fast food delivery sector by “one of” the UK’s main aggregators, Insurance Age can reveal.
MGA goes live targeting “significant gap” in the market
Managing general agent Carrow Insurance, led by Ronan Conboy, has launched targeting warranty, accident & health and income & payment protection products through a network of broker and distribution partners.
Bridge launches wholesale division with new recruits
Bridge Insurance Brokers is launching a specialist wholesale division for real estate business to work with third-party brokers.
FCA closes in on authorisation targets as performance rises again
The Financial Conduct Authority has improved its delivery on the two broker-related authorisation metrics that remain in the ‘amber’ zone as it hones in on delivering a ‘green’ performance in all five relevant categories.
Howden opens in Canterbury
Howden Insurance has opened in Canterbury, adding to its network of over 200 branches.
Second quarter of motor premium falls in a row – ABI
The average motor insurance premium fell by 2% in July to September to £612, according to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers, the second consecutive quarterly drop.
EY revises insurer income growth forecasts but trend remains down
EY has released improved premium income forecasts for UK non-life insurers but maintained its view of slowing growth in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
BMS unveils wine producers insurance Bacchus
BMS Group has launched BMS Bacchus, a stock throughput solution designed to protect wine across all stages of production, storage and transit, from harvested grapes to finished product.
Brown & Brown’s Bridge integrates wholesale broker brands for international launch
Bridge Specialty Group, Brown & Brown’s wholesale broker segment, is to bring its London-based businesses Lonmar Global Risks, Decus Insurance Brokers and BdB under Bridge Specialty International.
FCA bans broker and issues £1.1m fine for misusing insurer funds
Leigh Mackey, formerly sole director of closed broker Inspire Insurance Services, has been banned by the Financial Conduct Authority and fined £1.1m after using insurer funds to support the firm’s operating costs and pay for personal living expenses.
Aviva lifts the lid on young person social media ghost broking epidemic
One in three young drivers have purchased car insurance from ghost brokers selling invalid or fake policies on social media platforms, according to an Aviva survey.
RBC warns of potential £250m premium finance hit to Close Brothers
If a recent court ruling on motor finance litigation is upheld and spreads to premium finance Close Brothers could suffer a £250m hit, equity analysts RBC Capital Markets have warned.
Alistair Brighton named Marsh UK corporate and commercial CEO
Marsh has appointed Alistair Brighton as corporate and commercial UK CEO, succeeding Alistair Fraser who is moving to the newly created role of international corporate and commercial leader.
Lloyd’s wholesale broker H.W. Wood sale confirmed
H.W. International has struck a deal to sell H.W. Wood to Steadfast Group, a general insurance broker network and underwriting agency group in Australasia and owner of one of the largest agency networks in the US.
Broker deals help push Hiscox to 4.5% UK growth
Hiscox has revealed 4.5% growth in written premiums to £504.2m for the first nine months of 2024 as it topped over half a million customers.