Cyber
Q&A: Pen’s Nick Wright
Nick Wright, chief business development officer at Pen Underwriting, tackles its recent M&A quietness, capacity in the market and the benefits to brokers from niche products. He updates on the goal of hitting £1.75bn GWP by 2030, streamlining its agency base and shares why he thinks the Gallagher-owned MGA will “go from strength to strength”.
Axa’s door “fully open” to new DA and schemes business – Markham
Joel Markham, Axa Commercial’s director of schemes, delegated authorities, financial lines and speciality, has outlined its pipeline in DA business remains strong; whilst noting its investment in technology means it is more “nimble” and less frictional…
Regional open market book key growth area for 2026 – Hiscox’s Walker
Stewart Walker, broker development director 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.
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.
Brokers have mixed reaction on Zurich/Beazley deal
Insurance brokers have given a mixed response to the potential Zurich/Beazley deal highlighting the acquisition would create a “strong proposition” and could create opportunities but noted another competitor leaving the market as a medium-term worry.
Cyber risk analytics firm names new CEO
CyberCube has promoted Chris Methven to CEO succeeding Pascal Millaire who has taken on the role of senior advisor.
The most significant pressures reshaping UK insurance broking in 2026
With the UK’s top insurance brokers facing shifting market conditions, there is no better time to reassess the commercial, regulatory, and technological pressures shaping the sector. PKF Littlejohn insurance partner Paul Goldwin and director Charles Drew…
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.
Markel boss Mooney warns SMEs are 'consciously' choosing to underinsure
Experts have called on greater education around renewals and the true value of insurance as underinsurance has started to become a conscious decision for SMEs.
UK commercial softening accelerated to 7% in Q4
The commercial insurance market in the UK softened by 7% in the final quarter of last year, in its eighth drop in a row, according to research by Marsh.
Survey: Rebuilding trust in commercial combined
Commercial combined etrade was meant to simplify placement. Instead, brokers say rigid systems, slow referrals and automated declines are making one of the market’s most important products harder to trade. Martin Friel reports
Cullum and McCaffrey on Minority Broker Partnerships’ aim to hit £100m GWP by end of 2026
Launched without much fanfare, Minority Broker Partnerships reunites Peter Cullum and James McCaffrey into the intermediary investment space. However, as the pair tell Jonathan Swift the market has changed since their last attempt - with younger brokers…
Arch adds cyber coverage to event cancellation policies
Arch Insurance International has launched event cancellation cyber coverage.
Brit launches integrated cyber and financial institutions cover
Brit has rolled out joined up cover across cyber, professional indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability, and crime in an integrated package for financial institutions.
Broking Success: Cass Stephens MD James Cass
Cass Stephens managing director James Cass explains how the broker is targeting the specialist care and park home sectors for growth as the business celebrates its 60th anniversary, and highlights the importance of cyber insurance for SMEs.
Beazley reveals it rejected higher £8.4bn Zurich proposal in 2025 as it dismisses latest approach
Lloyd’s insurer Beazley’s board has rejected Zurich’s recent £7.67bn takeover proposal, revealing it dismissed a higher offer valuing it at £8.4bn in June 2025.
Zurich trying to ‘bear hug’ Beazley, says investment advisory firm
“Zurich is clearly trying to ‘bear hug’ Beazley. They obviously think they are offering a price that is high enough for target shareholders to put pressure on the company to sell itself.”
Biba to launch cyber insurance broker directory
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association is working on the launch of a directory of accredited cyber insurance brokers, as the trade body highlights growing cyber-attack risk.
US cyber specialist promotes UK boss to chief commercial officer
Cowbell has promoted Simon Hughes to chief commercial officer stepping up from being senior vice president of global distribution and general manager of the UK.
Manifesto 2026: Biba calls for new Financial Services Bill
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched its 2026 Manifesto titled ‘Economic Resilience’, calling on the government to introduce a new Financial Services Bill in early 2026.
Cyber remains top business risk but AI rising fast in Allianz Risk Barometer
Cyber incidents created many headlines in 2025 and are still the biggest worry for UK companies in 2026, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer.