Insight
Regional open market book key growth area for 2026 – Hiscox’s Walker
Stewart Walker, broker development manager at Hiscox UK, has highlighted up to four large schemes deals for the first half of the year, and how the regional open market book is a key growth area.
QBE divests arm with UK business to Swiss Re
QBE has entered into an agreement to divest its global trade credit and surety business to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the commercial insurance arm of the Swiss Re Group.
People Moves: 16 – 20 February 2026
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Broker Diversity Push: FOI stats show subtle improvements in broking leadership gender balance
The latest data from the Financial Conduct Authority obtained by Insurance Age via a Freedom of Information request has shown small improvements in five out of six key SMF approved functions.
Aviva secures naming rights for new 20,000 capacity Bristol concert venue
A new 20,000 capacity indoor entertainment arena in Bristol will be known as the Aviva Arena, it was announced today.
Mabb moves to advisory role as Webb named RMD of Romero
Regional managing director of Romero, Simon Mabb, will switch to an advisory role at Gallagher being succeeded by ex-Marsh leader Jonathan Webb.
CFC sale rumours resurface
The private equity owners of cyber insurer CFC are exploring “strategic options” having appointed advisers, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Zurich UK trims COR again and profits rise further in 2025
Zurich UK achieved a combined operating ratio of sub 90% for property and casualty business with profits rising 21% in 2025 while premiums stayed stable.
Survey finds broker loyalty no longer anchored in historical relationships alone
How London Market insurers harness digital technology to improve speed, integration and ease of doing business, is a major determinant on where brokers place their business, according to new research.
Close Brothers reverses premium finance commission disclosure requirement
Close Brothers Premium Finance has u-turned by cutting the need for brokers to get customers’ explicit consent to commission arrangements.
SRG broker to wholesale pothole damage cover
Strategic Insurance Services has launched a vehicle insurance product designed to cover damage caused by potholes, making it available to brokers on a wholesale basis for private motor and commercial fleet clients.
Neil Jenkinson to leave Biba after 10 years
Neil Jenkinson is set to leave his role of regional manager for the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association at the end of February.
Asset management giant Barings commits up to $180m for new MGA-backing insurer
Barings has committed up to $180m (£132.7m) for the launch of Pinion Insurance which will offer capacity to managing general agents in the UK, US and Europe.
BMS boosts new A&H team with five hires
BMS Group has created an accident and health division, adding five people to the team including managing director James Early.
Broking Success: Building up – Josh Samrai, ABA Insurance
Josh Samrai, managing director of ABA Insurance, looks to become the go to insurance broker in the construction industry while training up the next generation.
Property insurance payouts hit record £6.1bn in 2025 – ABI
Insurers paid out £6.1bn in property claims in 2025, the highest annual total on record, according to the Association of British Insurers.
England cricket captain Ben Stokes to close Biba conference
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has revealed cricketer Ben Stokes, captain of the England men’s Test team, will be closing its annual conference, as Kay Burley is set to host the two-day event along with Davina McCall also taking to the stage.
Five arrested including ex-Met officer as police hit spoof motor insurance apps network
Five people, including a former Metropolitan Police officer, have been arrested across London today in a crackdown on a network selling spoof vehicle insurance ‘apps’.
Aviva takes Myles from Gallagher as branch manager in expanded South East role
Aviva has swooped for Kerry Myles from Gallagher as branch manager for the South East, starting in the role on 16 March.
Hiscox launches technology graduate programme
Hiscox has launched a technology graduate programme to attract and develop the next generation of tech talent.
MGAA relaunches enhanced core training for members
The Managing General Agents’ Association has relaunched an enhanced core content programme of learning and insights.