United Kingdom (UK)
Further increase in FCA insurance S166s
The Financial Conduct Authority hit the insurance sector with three skilled person reports in the third quarter, taking the running total for the financial year to six.
imarket adds another MGA to portfolio
Industry-owned imarket has pushed further into the managing general agent sector with Chapman and Stacey Underwriting launching a liability product onto Open GI’s platform via its service.
Lucida and Right Choice founder Mike Joseph to retire
Lucida Group founder and chief underwriting officer Mike Joseph will retire at the end of March, the business has confirmed.
Swansea broker Compare buys £1.5m GWP book of clients
Swansea-based Compare Insurance has acquired the book of clients from Insure My Business, adding £1.5m gross written premiums to the business.
People Moves: 2 – 6 February 2026
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Commercial Express adds Fortegra as capacity provider as MGU plans step forward
Managing general agent Commercial Express has struck a capacity partnership with Fortegra, Insurance Age can reveal.
Interview: Allianz’s chief distribution officer Nick Hobbs
Nick Hobbs, chief distribution officer at Allianz UK, tells Insurance Age about the importance of the provider’s regional footprint now including broker hubs, the challenges of the soft market and its MGA appetite as well as the ongoing investment in…
Blog: Four cyber threats brokers can’t afford to ignore in 2026
Tom Draper, managing director of Coalition UK, assesses four threats that show the dynamic nature of cyber risk to brokers and their clients, highlighting cybersecurity cannot be a once-a-year questionnaire or a box-ticking exercise at renewals.
Peach partners with Paragon on property
Niche commercial insurer Peach has partnered with insurtech managing general agent Paragon, to provide capacity for its non-standard household and residential let property products.
FCA calls on insurance companies to “engage early and often”
There are no new market wide interventions needed to drive positive progress, according to Sarah Pritchard, deputy CEO at the Financial Conduct Authority, as she called on the industry to engage.
No price cap or zero interest order plans from FCA on premium finance
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed it will not introduce a price cap or order that premium finance is provided without interest, as it published its final report.
FCA imposes growth restrictions on Markerstudy
Markerstudy has confirmed a “cap” on growth after the Financial Times reported the Financial Conduct Authority has restricted its activities.
Aviva launches HNW in Lloyd’s
Aviva’s high-net-worth business, Aviva Private Clients, has launched in the Lloyd’s market in a move the insurer claimed “creates new opportunities for brokers”.
Blog: How the regulatory axe could fall in 2026
Isabella Macfarlane, head of London Markets at Insurance Compliance Services, explores how the Financial Conduct Authority may address its priorities in 2026.
Intact joins Gracechurch’s SQM hall of fame
Gracechurch has awarded regional Service Quality Marques to six insurers, with Intact joining the roster, while Allianz was the only provider to secure recognition for both underwriting and claims.
Ex-Clear boss Lickens joins Konsileo as chair
After retiring from Clear Group at the close of 2025, Howard Lickens has taken up the post of chair at Konsileo.
Prestige CEO hails ‘landmark’ AUB deal
“Partnering with AUB Group gives us an exceptional platform to accelerate our growth, invest further in our people and services, and expand our presence across our current markets, while retaining the independence and culture that have been central to…
Coversure opens tenth office in a year
The Coversure network, part of the Jensten Group, has launched an office in Canary Wharf, London, its tenth opening this financial year.
Ecclesiastical takes Levens from Allianz
Ecclesiastical Insurance has named Andy Levens as northern regional underwriting manager joining from Allianz and succeeding Andy Pearce.
Fitch neutral on UK insurers for 2026 but echoes motor losses warning
Fitch’s sector outlook for the UK non-life company market in 2026 is neutral, unchanged from 2025.
‘Softening’ of language offers Zurich hope over Beazley deal, say analysts after latest bid rejection
The sixth time could be the charm and a Zurich takeover of Beazley is still possible, according to analysts at Jefferies who have put forward a potential top price of 1,408 pence per share.
CII insurance virtual work experience programme tops 2,300 participants
Over 2,300 students have engaged with an insurance virtual work experience programme since it was launched in October 2023, the Chartered Insurance Institute has revealed.
Liiba lists 2026 agenda
The London and International Insurance Brokers’ Association has put accelerating growth in a softening market and reinforcing London’s position as the world’s leading specialty insurance centre at the heart of its agenda for 2026.
Marsh-owned MGU targets property owners business with new flexible product
Marsh-owned Victor Insurance UK has launched a flexible property owners product on its own digital platform and Acturis, bringing together three existing policies into one.