Artificial intelligence (AI)
FCA launches AI review with Sheldon Mills at the helm
Sheldon Mills, formerly of the Financial Conduct Authority, is set to lead an FCA review into the implications of advanced AI on consumers, retail financial markets and regulators.
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.
End of Year Review 2025: Zurich Insurance’s Nikki Lidster
Nikki Lidster, head of SME at Zurich Insurance, reminisces about connecting with broker partners at the Biba Conference and promises if they want to get in touch with the business, they will get through to a skilled Zurich employee – never a bot.
End of Year Review 2025: Allianz UK’s Nick Hobbs
Nick Hobbs, chief distribution officer at Allianz UK, prays for a more balanced approach to regulation that enables and encourages great conduct and customer outcomes; congratulates Ken Norgrove for the Intact rebrand; and looks to a feathered friend for…
Chubb to reduce global headcount by 20% through digital transformation
Chubb has estimated its digital transformation programme will reduce its global headcount by circa 20% within 3-4 years.
End of Year Review 2025: Crawford & Co’s Glenn Thornton
Glenn Thornton, head of major and complex loss at Crawford & Company, says farewell to two insurance icons in ‘Royal’ and ‘Sun Alliance’; hails the youngest deputy president CILA has ever had in Marsh’s Melissa Cunningham; and predicts AI driven dynamic…
End of Year Review 2025: Gallagher’s Gary Fletcher
Gary Fletcher, managing director of commercial at Gallagher UK Retail, is proud of the broker’s data led client tools and digital strategy; and favours a duet with Coldplay’s Chris Martin over his employer’s namesake Liam from Oasis.
End of Year Review 2025: Create Insurance Solutions’ Mike Cranny
Mike Cranny, founder of Create Insurance Solutions, remains disappointed by consolidation that brings nothing beneficial for customers – and questions shiny new hires that claim to bring “a wealth of talent” to a new employer.
End of Year Review 2025: Percayso’s Chris Traill
Chris Traill, account director at Percayso Inform, is happy the market is leaning harder into data-driven segmentation rather than just chasing the cheapest headline rate; but adds even with Consumer Duty, there are still examples of poor communication…
End of Year Review 2025: UKGI’s Jill Hambley
Jill Hambley, MD of the consultancy division at UKGI reflects on the shake-up at the FCA, the potential non-financial misconduct debacle at Lloyd’s, and shows an aptitude for using Gen Z terms.
End of Year Review 2025: Bspoke’s Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan, managing director of Bspoke Sports & Leisure, echoes the concerns of others over the speed the market has softened; hails the work of Ajay Mistry in championing transparency and diversity; and shares a giant darts nickname.
End of Year Review 2025: SSP Broker’s Martyn Mathews
SSP Broker managing director Martyn Mathews crosses his fingers for the roll-out of a pilot insurance-in-education programme in 10-20 secondary schools, and looks to Star Trek for AI-related inspiration.
End of Year Review 2025: SiriusPoint International’s Rob Gibbs
Rob Gibbs, president and CEO of SiriusPoint International, highlights its success in rejecting the ‘spread betting’ approach to MGAs and instead partnering with ones that are really moving the dial; and suggests ‘Another soft market: Are we all delulu?’…
End of Year Review 2025: Liiba’s Chris Croft
Chris Croft, the CEO of the London & International Insurance Brokers’ Association, describes the UK government’s financial services strategy as “depressingly insurer focused” and imagines an AI persona with a 1986 style perm in honour of footballer…
End of Year Review 2025: Alps’ Michelle O’Reilly
Michelle O’Reilly, managing director at Alps, expresses disappointment that whilst some parts of the market have talked a good game on innovation and customer care, they have not followed through; and predicts 2026 could be the year the Financial Conduct…
End of Year Review 2025: Flood Re’s Kelly Ostler-Coyle
Kelly Ostler-Coyle, director of corporate affairs, Flood Re bemoans the fact that not enough brokers are talking to clients about Build Back Better and pays respect to “the Welsh titan of the insurance industry” Amanda Blanc.
End of Year Review 2025: Open GI’s Neil Hart
Neil Hart, chief sales officer at Open GI, reflects on the ‘old chestnut’ that the cheapest cover isn’t always the best and suggests ‘His Highness’ as his darts alter ego for the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
End of Year Review 2025: VIPR’s Paul Templar
VIPR CEO and co-founder Paul Templar is impressed by the MGAs publicly committing to modernisation and brokers championing data transparency; whilst also paying homage to British mathematician Ada Lovelace.
End of Year Review 2025: Commercial Express’ Duncan Pritchard
Commercial Express founder and managing director Duncan Pritchard bemoans inconsistent claims service and suggests ‘Rizzilience: Confidence in a Changing Market’ for the 2026 Biba Conference theme.
Cyber insurer adds Deepfake Response Endorsement to policies
Cyber insurance specialist Coalition has added a new Deepfake Response Endorsement to its policies globally, including the UK, it has announced.