United Kingdom (UK)
Biba to be fully engaged on FCA’s regulation reviews
David Sparkes, regulation director at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, has committed the trade body will be “fully engaged” throughout the process for the Financial Conduct Authority’s commercial insurance regulation discussion paper.
Howden scores Allianz musical insurance book
Howden has agreed to acquire the musical insurance book of Allianz UK for an undisclosed sum with the provider staying on as the underwriter.
Alan Boswell buys Priory Insurance Brokers in Norfolk
Alan Boswell Group has snapped up Wymondham-based Priory Insurance Brokers, adding to its purchase of The Insurance Centre earlier this year.
Jensten completes on three deals
Jensten has bought Asprey Harris and completed the purchases of Chris Knott Insurance Consultants and Robert Gerrard & Co in a triple swoop that has pushed headcount above 1,000.
Interview: Axa UK looks to leverage scale - Foley
Axa Commercial can now move “quicker and price more effectively” due to a new workbench system, which is “beneficial” to brokers and customers, according to Tara Foley, CEO of Axa UK and Ireland.
Biba among trade bodies welcoming FCA’s regulation moves
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulation discussion paper, calling it a “positive first step”.
Consumer Duty one year old – Mills stresses FCA support for smaller firms
The Financial Conduct Authority has been, and will continue to be, proportionate in its approach to supervising the Consumer Duty, according to Sheldon Mills on the one-year anniversary of the rules.
Moonrock boss on doubling broker base since MGA switch one year ago
Moonrock Drone Insurance has upped its broker engagement in its first year as an MGA, with a network hook-up, agriculture sector expansion and test flights for passenger drones all part of the equation, boss Simon Ritterband tells Insurance Age, and…
FSCS broker compensation costs fall to £600,000
The total general insurance distribution compensation costs the Financial Services Compensation Scheme paid out dropped to £600,000 in the year ended 31 March 2024, from £2m the year prior.
Axa boss Foley eyes midmarket space
Tara Foley, CEO of Axa UK and Ireland, told Insurance Age the insurer was looking to enter the “white space” between Axa and Axa XL.
FCA doubles down as it seeks to lower burden on firms and support growth
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a review which it claimed could streamline the rules governing financial services to reduce burdens on businesses.
FCA opens discussion on commercial insurance regulation
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a discussion paper on the regulation of commercial and bespoke insurance business.
Markerstudy to buy Northern Ireland broker Hughes Insurance
Markerstudy Group has confirmed plans to buy Hughes Insurance, just a month after completing its deal with Atlanta.
BMS buys DR&P as Inflexion exits
European mid-market private equity house Inflexion has agreed to sell its investment in David Roberts & Partners to BMS Group, having first taken a stake in 2021.
Lycetts grows turnover and operating profit in 2023
Newcastle-headquartered Lycetts grew turnover by 15.8% to £25.1m and operating profits by 20.7% to £3.77m in 2023.
Richard Hodson joins Onda
Former Oval, Gallagher and UKGlobal cyber expert Richard Hodson has joined Onda as UK business development director.
Gallagher holds steady on organic growth in Q2
Gallagher achieved 7% organic revenue growth in its UK and Ireland retail division in the second quarter of 2024, up from 6% in Q1.
Zurich invests $60m in cyber provider Cowbell
Zurich Insurance Group has invested $60m (£46.65m) in Cowbell, a provider of cyber insurance for SMEs.
Allianz updates motor trade product
Allianz has refreshed its motor trade product with the aim of reflecting the evolving needs of its customers and the technological changes that are affecting the sector.
Dual eyes up Bristol and Manchester for new regional offices
Dual is targeting Bristol and Manchester for the two regional offices previously promised this year, Insurance Age can reveal.
People Moves: 22 – 26 July 2024
Keep up to date with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Ghost broker sentenced for £17,000 Instagram insurance scam
Wahidullah Usmani, 22, of Prayle Grove, Cricklewood, has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, for making £17,618 by selling invalid car insurance policies on Instagram.
Charles Manchester: Reflections on a career in insurance
Charles Manchester shares his reflections on the challenges and achievements during his time in the market as well as the outlook for MGAs and opportunities for the sector.
The Broker Investment Group ups stake in Glowsure to 49%
The Broker Investment Group has increased its stake in Droxford-based Glowsure Insurance Brokers to 49%, having first invested in 2017.