News
£1.3bn tech firm targets brokers with premium finance launch
Credit technology provider Abound has launched a new premium finance solution which it claims will “revolutionise” the sector by replacing “slow and outdated direct debit system with instant, automated payments”.
Lycetts buys broker Cheviot
Lycetts has strengthened its presence in the North East, purchasing fellow Newcastle-based broker Cheviot Insurance Services.
FOS forecasts levy freeze at £70m
The Financial Ombudsman Service is planning to maintain its levy for 2025/26 at the £70m total set this financial year.
Drazen Jaksic named Zurich UK CEO as Bailey moves to global life role
Drazen Jaksic has been appointed Zurich UK CEO, moving across from being CEO of Zurich Benelux, as Tim Bailey switches to become CEO of the group’s new global life protection business.
Close Brothers to launch digital commission disclosure consent solution
Close Brothers Premium Finance has announced plans to launch a new digital solution to help brokers fulfill their commission disclosure consent obligations.
Flood Re promises more educational material for brokers in 2025
Flood Re is developing a series of new learning and educational materials for brokers and the wider insurance market for the new year, after recent changes to the scheme.
Simply Business names Julie Fisher as permanent UK CEO
Simply Business has appointed Julie Fisher as UK CEO having held the role on an interim basis.
Biba unveils ‘A New Era’ as 2025 conference theme
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has revealed that ‘A New Era’ will be the theme for its 2025 conference to be held on 14 and 15 May in Manchester.
SRG buys broker R3
Specialist Risk Group has bought specialist insurance broker, R3, its eleventh acquisition of the year.
Gallagher to cement UK broking top spot with £10.5bn AssuredPartners swoop
Broking giant Arthur J. Gallagher has signed a definitive agreement to acquire US rival AssuredPartners, it announced this morning.
Former Eleven Network MD Derbyshire joins Cowens Group in strategic role
Cowens Group has appointed former Eleven Network managing director Dawn Derbyshire as consultant strategic director of its general insurance division.
Coles leads MBO of Ardonagh retail MGA Uris Group
Uris Group, the Ardonagh-owned specialist personal lines MGA and services provider, has been sold to a new vehicle backed by its leader Derek Coles, Insurance Age can reveal.
No change to Premium Credit disclosure arrangements
Premium Credit is not asking distribution partners to make any changes to existing customer journeys after reviewing the implications of a legal ruling for commission disclosure in motor finance.
Aviva has hit ‘strategic jackpot’ with £3.6bn DLG deal agreement, claims analyst
An analyst at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown has described Aviva’s £3.6bn bid as a “golden ticket” for Direct Line Group shareholders.
Insly creates AI tool to speed up quotes for brokers
Insurtech Insly has created FormFlow, a tool to help manage submissions for managing general agents and insurers, which will lead to brokers getting quotes faster, according to CEO Risto Rossar
People Moves: 2 – 6 December 2024
Follow the latest insurance personnel moves.
US insurance group looks to sign up MGA partners after UK arm gets PRA nod
US specialty insurer Fortega has received approval to establish Fortegra Insurance Company UK.
Sabre to launch new online direct brand in Q1 2025
Sabre has revealed plans to enter the direct motorcycle market with an online brand in Q1 2025.
Aviva has Xmas deadline for DLG offer after both agree prospective £3.6bn deal
Aviva and Direct Line Group have jointly announced that they have reached preliminary agreement on the financial terms of a potential acquisition of the latter by the former.
Blackrock to buy Ardonagh-backer HPS in $12bn deal
Global investment management company Blackrock has signed up to buy long-standing Ardonagh backer HPS Investment Partners in a $12bn (£9.43bn) deal.
Alps moves another book to AmTrust
Alps, a provider of insurance add-on policies, has moved its landlord legal expense book to AmTrust International.
Pen signs up to Flood Re’s Build Back Better
Pen Undewriting has signed up to Flood Re’s Build Back Better with all eligible new and renewing home policies automatically including the benefits of the scheme from 1 January 2025.
AbbeyAutoline buys Coleraine-based Wallace Insurance Brokers
AbbeyAutoline has bought the customer book of business of fellow Northern Ireland firm Wallace Insurance Brokers in its third deal of the year.
Capacity to dominate PI market trends in 2025 as report outlines rate decline
Professional indemnity rates have fallen at a speed that has surprised many, according to the fourth edition of the UK PI Market report from law firm, Clyde & Co.