Cyber
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
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.
Markel launches life science combined
Markel has launched life science combined created specifically for SMEs operating in the sector.
CFC extends ‘flagship’ SME cyber cover
CFC has launched a customer business interruption extension to its ‘flagship’ cyber proactive response cover for SMEs.
Coalition UK expands footprint
Cyber insurer Coalition has expanded its ability to deliver cover to organisations based in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, the remaining Channel Islands, and Gibraltar.
MGU recruits NEDs from Google and Microsoft and opens Lloyd’s box
Managing general underwriter Advanced Technology Assurance has recruited a pair of former big tech executives to its board and opened an underwriting desk in Lloyd’s.
End of Year Review 2025: Markel UK’s Joanne Skyes
Joanne Sykes, divisional director - broker at Markel UK, predicts an escalation in demand for cyber risk and ransomware cover, whilst singing the praises of Biba CEO Trudgill and ‘Yellow’ with Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
MBP invests in cyber broker taking deal count to four in recent months
Peter Cullum-backed Minority Broker Partnerships has invested in London-based specialist cyber and technology insurance broker and digital platform, Cyber Cover.
Aviva urges brokers to educate SMEs on cyber risks
Research from Aviva has found 36% of SMEs rank cyber as their most significant risk, with the insurer urging brokers to step in as firms underestimate cyber and other disruptive risks.
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.
South African insurance giant gets Lloyd’s green light to trade from 1/1
Santam, Africa’s largest short-term insurer, has been granted Lloyd’s final permission to underwrite for business incepting from 1 January 2026.
Survey finds over one-third of SMEs have not renewed standalone cyber cover
Coalition has found nearly three-quarters of UK SMEs have been affected by a cyber incident in the last five years.
CFC aims to open up new cyber income streams for brokers with launch
Specialist insurance provider CFC has unveiled a new tool it claims will help make cyber insurance more appealing to a broker’s SME clients.
Brokers warned HNW clients more likely to walk than ever if demands not met
The concept of “one size fits all is all but dead” in the private client market, according to Matthew Perkin, trading director, high net worth, art and collections at Hiscox.
MGA Rokstone launches cyber unit
Managing general agent Rokstone has launched a cyber division, recruiting Debbie Hobbs who will join in 2026 following completion of her notice period.