Insight
FCA proposes 1.4% fee rise for broker block
The Financial Conduct Authority is consulting on raising levies from brokers by 1.4% in 2026/27 – double its annual budget increase – as it also laid out its work programme going into the second year of its five-year strategy.
rrelentless targets SMEs and mid-market with management liability launch
Managing general agent rrelentless has strengthened its financial lines proposition with the launch of a management liability product as it seeks to be ‘a go-to market for brokers’.
Rotherham-based broker gains Lloyd’s accreditation
Readhunt, based in Rotherham, has achieved Lloyd’s of London broker status.
Aviva to open US commercial lines branch in New York
Aviva is setting up an onshore surplus lines business in the US, based in New York City, with a target of starting to trade in the second quarter of this year in a move it claimed will strengthen its proposition for brokers and clients.
Interview: TBIG CEO Chris Haggart on unlocking the ambition
“The strategy is not being ripped up and rewritten,” TBIG CEO Chris Haggart tells Insurance Age, as with the “foundations laid” it’s about executing at scale to unlock the ambition.
Ghost broking victims almost double in 2025
The number of victims of motor insurance ghost broking scams leapt by 93% in 2025, according to analysis by Synectics Solutions, as it called for greater cross-organisation intelligence sharing.
Hyams to return as Claims Consortium Group CEO as Brady exits
Claims Consortium Group has revealed Matt Brady will be stepping down as CEO with its inaugural CEO, Jeremy Hyams, returning to the role.
Catlin steps down with Le Blanc named Convex chairman
Stephen Catlin is stepping down as chairman of Convex, staying with the business as a director, with Bobby Le Blanc succeeding him.
The stats: Commercial rates continue to fall in Q4 2025
The latest Acturis Commercial Broking Index confirms softer market conditions, as negative movements in Q4 led to rate stabilisation for the full year and put a stop to a six-year growth period. Ida Axling reports.
Aviva unveils ChatGPT insurance app
Aviva is set to launch an app on ChatGPT where customers can get an initial home insurance quote in just a couple of minutes.
Walker to lead Axa’s combined commercial and retail business following restructure
Axa UK & Ireland has created a general insurance business, Axa Insurance UK, with Jon Walker leading the unified UK commercial and retail business units as CEO.
Dual UK enters credit risk insurance market
Dual UK has rolled out long-term credit risk insurance with an AA- rated policy it claimed can support cross-border trade.
Top 100 broker Principal grows motorcycle book buying Europa
Principal Insurance has bought Bristol-based broker Europa Group, racing into the top five intermediaries in the motorcycle market.
Amiga Specialty adds more financial institutions capacity
Managing general agent Amiga Specialty has added capacity from Axa XL to its financial institutions arm.
Arc Legal launches Renters Rights ready cover for landlords
Arc Legal has launched an enhanced landlords legal expenses proposition for brokers, managing general agents and letting agents, flagging it came in readiness for implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May 2026.
Starr completes deal for ERS owner
Starr has completed the acquisition of motor insurer ERS’ parent, IQUW Group.
Biba adds Woodgate & Clark as associate
Loss adjusters Woodgate & Clark has become an associate of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
Berkshire Hathaway to take 2.5% stake in Tokio Marine in £1.35bn deal
Berkshire Hathaway is taking a 2.5% shareholding in Japanese insurance giant Tokio Marine Holdings, in a partnership deal designed for mergers and acquisitions and reinsurance.
Regional presence tops brokers’ insurer want list
Almost nine in 10 (88%) brokers want to work with insurers with a strong regional presence up 12% year-on-year according to Aviva’s latest Broker Barometer survey.
UK home insurers to fall back into the red in 2026 – EY
The UK home insurance market is expected to swing back to loss-making territory in 2026 with a net combined ratio of 103%, according to EY.
HDI launches new portal for fleet owners and brokers
HDI Global UK & Ireland has launched a new centralised motor fleet portal, which it claims will provide “a one-stop digital platform for fleet operators and brokers”.