General Insurance newsletter Friday 27th March 2026
Insurance NewsCompare your salary to industry standards - The IDEX Salary Calculator offers accurate insights into compensation across General Insurance and Financial Services roles. Quickly find out if your pay matches industry benchmarks and ensure you're receiving the package you deserve. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Compare your salary to industry standards')Wondering what your business is worth? - Try our free valuation calculator, designed for brokers, insurers, and MGAs. Instantly estimate your company’s value based on its profile, revenue, and profit. Gain valuable insights to support confident and strategic decisions. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Wondering what your business is worth?')Elevate your hiring - Structured interviews, multi-method assessments, and diverse panels are transforming recruitment success. Learn how to leverage AI tools, eliminate biases, and apply behavioural frameworks to make smarter decisions and attract top talent.(IDEX Consulting news, 'Elevate your hiring')Aegon reported a 15% rise in 2025 operating profit to €1.7 billion, driven by strong US-focused growth, a strategic shift to relocate its head office to the US, and plans to rebrand as Transamerica Inc., while maintaining selective international operations and advancing sustainability goals like net-zero emissions by 2050. (Jonalyn Cueto, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aegon posts higher 2025 profit amid strategic shift')The Swedish Club reported a $48 million operating result for 2025, driven by disciplined underwriting, risk management, and capital management, with free reserves rising to $270 million, a 205% solvency ratio, 99% member retention, and nearly 8% tonnage growth during the 2026 P&I renewal. (Jonalyn Cueto, 27/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Swedish Club posts $48 million operating result')Aviva is set to launch a New York-based surplus lines operation in Q2 2026, expanding its Global Corporate & Specialty division to target US property, casualty, and specialty risks; led by commercial lines veteran Mike Karmilowicz, the initiative aims to enhance access to domestic specialty risks, complement its London market operations, and support its ambition to become a leading global specialty insurer. (Gia Snape, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aviva targets US surplus lines market with New York launch')Arrow Global has launched Arrow Global Insurance (AGI), a new unit focused on specialist, non-catastrophe insurance lines, including property, casualty, and specialty risks; leveraging its expertise in private credit and real estate, AGI aims to provide institutional investors access to underserved markets, supported by its managing general agent Toremis Specialty and reinsurer Halldora Re. (Jonalyn Cueto, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Arrow Global launches insurance arm')MS Amlin has partnered with French MGA WeSpecialty through a binder agreement to provide contract frustration and credit risk cover for French exporters, offering policy limits of €20m and €15m respectively; leveraging WeSpecialty’s local market expertise and MS Amlin’s global capacity, the partnership aims to address complex risks in France’s export sector amidst growing global uncertainties. (Jonalyn Cueto, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'MS Amlin, WeSpecialty sign export cover deal')Gallagher’s AI Adoption and Risk Survey highlights a growing gap between AI deployment and governance, with 43% of firms lacking formal AI risk frameworks and fewer than half conducting impact assessments; while AI boosts productivity and drives training investments, the lack of oversight raises operational, legal, and reputational risks, prompting calls for stronger risk controls and advisory roles for brokers to address emerging regulatory and insurance challenges. (Josh Recamara, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'AI roll‑out is outpacing risk controls, Gallagher warns')Amiga Specialty has partnered with AXA XL to enhance its financial institutions (FI) offering, focusing on directors' and officers' liability, professional liability, and crime; the partnership provides access to AXA XL’s global capacity, supporting Amiga’s growth across the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America, while offering brokers a streamlined approach to placing FI risks with consistent underwriting and broader limits. (Josh Recamara, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Amiga Specialty secures AXA XL capacity for global FI drive')Alacrity Solutions has opened a Lloyd's-based claims hub to support insurers and coverholders managing US risks; as a Lloyd's delegated claims administrator, Alacrity will handle property, auto, casualty, catastrophe, and specialty claims, combining US-based execution with London market compliance and governance, while leveraging its tech-enabled Alacrity Intelligence platform to deliver scalable, data-driven claims solutions for complex and high-volume portfolios. (Josh Recamara, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Alacrity Solutions opens Lloyd's-based claims hub for US risks')Brit Group has launched BRIDGE, a marine cargo consortium offering up to $80 million in capacity for global risks; designed to address rising asset values, supply chain disruptions, and accumulation risks, BRIDGE provides comprehensive coverage for complex and high-value cargo placements, leveraging a consortium structure to streamline broker access and enhance aggregation control in the Lloyd’s and London market. (Josh Recamara, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Brit launches BRIDGE cargo consortium with US$80 million capacity')Aviva is set to launch a ChatGPT app enabling users to obtain home insurance quotes for its Signature product through a conversational interface; the app, part of Aviva’s collaboration with OpenAI, reflects the insurer’s expansion into AI-driven distribution channels, offering initial quotes before redirecting customers to its website for policy completion, while raising questions about regulatory compliance and the role of brokers in AI-based insurance solutions. (Paul Lucas, 24/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aviva launches on ChatGPT app')George Grimshaw, divisional Head of Technology and Cyber at Clear Group, highlights that cyber underwriting has become more in-depth, focusing on direct analysis of technical security controls rather than traditional disclosure models; he emphasises the importance of addressing overlaps between cyber and other insurance lines, such as property and crime, to ensure comprehensive risk management and avoid coverage gaps. (Bryony Garlick, 24/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Cyber risk is reshaping how insurance is underwritten')HDI Global reported strong 2025 results, with revenue rising 5% to €10.3 billion and a combined ratio of 90.3%; its UK & Ireland operations saw growth in short-tail segments like accident & health, cyber, and credit risk, alongside investments in captives, international programs, and climate risk, positioning the insurer for further expansion under its Xcelerate29 strategy, which emphasises AI, data analytics, and risk engineering. (Josh Recamara, 24/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global posts strong 2025 results, boosts UK corporate and specialty play')Chaucer Group and Ceto AI have launched a data-driven marine MGA at Lloyd’s, leveraging real-time vessel performance and machinery data to inform underwriting decisions; supported by Tokio Marine Kiln, the MGA aims to address challenges in the marine hull market, such as ageing fleets and rising repair costs, by aligning capacity with demonstrated maintenance standards and operational insights through Ceto’s Watchkeeper platform. (Josh Recamara, 24/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Chaucer and Ceto AI launch data‑driven marine MGA at Lloyd’s')Nemesis Specialty Underwriting has launched in Mauritius following the acquisition and rebranding of Rokstone Underwriting Mauritius by TRM Holdings. Targeting Africa's $8 billion specialty insurance and reinsurance market, Nemesis operates as a managing general agent (MGA) with A-rated capacity from London market insurers. Directors Hugo Hill and James Hill emphasised the platform's focus on addressing Africa's underserved specialty insurance market, aiming to provide innovative underwriting solutions and expand access to capacity across the continent. (Jonalyn Cueto, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Nemesis Specialty Underwriting launches in Mauritius')Mergers and AcquisitionsStarr has completed its acquisition of IQUW Group, creating a larger specialty re/insurance platform spanning the London market, Bermuda, and UK motor. The deal strengthens Starr’s position at Lloyd’s, making it the ninth-largest managing agent in the market. IQUW’s Bermuda-based reinsurer and London market reinsurance operations will now operate under the Starr Re brand, while Syndicate 1856 will be rebranded under Starr, and ERS will retain its existing brand. The acquisition expands Starr’s specialty portfolio across property, casualty, aviation, marine, and energy, reflecting a broader trend of scale and diversification in the re/insurance sector. (Paul Lucas, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Starr completes IQUW acquisition, expanding specialty and reinsurance footprint')Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, through its subsidiary National Indemnity Company, has acquired a 2.49% stake in Tokio Marine Holdings for ¥287.4 billion (US$1.8 billion) as part of a strategic partnership. The deal includes reinsurance collaboration and joint M&A efforts, combining Berkshire's capital strength with Tokio Marine's global underwriting platform. This marks Berkshire's first major investment in Japan's insurance sector, expanding on its previous stakes in Japanese trading houses. Tokio Marine, Japan's oldest insurer, operates in 38 countries and reported ¥31.2 trillion in assets as of March 2025. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Buffett's Berkshire takes US$1.8 billion stake in Japan's Tokio Marine')MovesCommercial Express has appointed Gary Holmes as Head of Schemes Development to support its transition to an MGU by 2026, leveraging his 30+ years of industry experience, including roles at Jensten Underwriting as Head of Property and Casualty and 15 years at Direct Line Group, to drive strategic growth, enhance schemes propositions, and expand distribution capabilities. (Josh Recamara, 27/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Commercial Express, HLPartnership, DUAL, AXIS and Arkel')DUAL Group has promoted Scott Sayce to Group Chief Commercial Officer, effective April 1, 2026, leveraging his experience as Group Chief Innovation Officer since 2024, where he led initiatives like launching global cyber capacity and implementing solutions across multiple regions. (Josh Recamara, 27/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Commercial Express, HLPartnership, DUAL, AXIS and Arkel')Matthew Kirk has officially assumed the role of CFO at AXIS Capital Holdings, effective March 31, 2026, following a planned transition; with prior experience as CFO at Enstar Group, senior roles at Sirius International, and a career start at Arthur Andersen, he brings extensive expertise in global finance, treasury, and capital management. (Josh Recamara, 27/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Commercial Express, HLPartnership, DUAL, AXIS and Arkel')Arkel has appointed Joshua Pool as Claims Manager to support its growth, leveraging his 20+ years of experience, including roles at Sedgwick International, Acumen Claims, Innovation Group, and HSBC, as the MGA expands its claims capability alongside partnerships with Markerstudy, Gallagher, and Intelligent Insurance, aiming to exceed £100 million GWP by 2030. (Josh Recamara, 27/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Commercial Express, HLPartnership, DUAL, AXIS and Arkel')Pinion Insurance has appointed Chris Jones as group CFO, bringing over 30 years of experience, including roles as UK CFO at Aspen Insurance, senior finance positions at Beazley and Liberty Syndicates, and a career start at PricewaterhouseCoopers, as the technology-enabled specialty insurer builds its leadership team.(Josh Recamara, 27/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Pinion Insurance appoints Aspen veteran as group CFO')Qlaims Limited has appointed Martin Johnson as Head of Partnerships to strengthen broker and MGA relationships, leveraging his 14 years of experience at Arc Legal Assistance, as the company continues its growth and focuses on enhancing customer awareness and improving claims outcomes.(Jonalyn Cueto, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Waggel, Qlaims, Arch expand with key appointments')Arch Insurance UK Regional Division has appointed Henry Tinworth as Senior Property and Casualty Underwriter, bringing over 10 years of experience, including roles at DUAL and Hiscox, to focus on new business development in northern England and strengthen broker partnerships with tailored solutions for complex risks. (Jonalyn Cueto, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Waggel, Qlaims, Arch expand with key appointments')Markel International has appointed Roughan as senior underwriter – energy, leveraging her 20+ years of experience in international energy programs, offshore construction, and upstream and midstream insurance, to enhance underwriting discipline, streamline workflows, and strengthen broker and client relationships. (Jonalyn Cueto, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Waggel, Qlaims, Arch expand with key appointments')Claims Consortium Group CEO Matt Brady will step down on March 27 after 19 years, including five years as CEO during which he oversaw strategic growth, acquisitions like WeatherNet, and diversification of claims operations; founder Jeremy Hyams, who established the company three decades ago and has remained closely involved in its strategy, will resume the CEO role to lead the next growth phase amidst evolving UK claims challenges, including climate volatility and regulatory pressures. (Josh Recamara, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Claims Consortium Group CEO to depart')AXA XL has appointed Michael Reynolds as Head of Marine, UK & Lloyd's, and Global Chief Underwriting Officer for hull, effective Q3 2026; with over 40 years of London market experience, including roles at Lockton as Head of Marine and at Chubb as Deputy Head of Marine, Reynolds will oversee underwriting strategies for AXA XL’s UK & Lloyd's marine portfolio and global hull book. (Josh Recamara, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA XL and Aegon')Aegon has nominated Marco Keim, CEO of its international business, to succeed Lard Friese as a non-independent member of the supervisory board of Dutch insurer a.s.r.; with a strategic 24% stake in a.s.r., Aegon announced the nomination following Friese’s decision to focus on relocating Aegon’s head office to the US, with Keim’s appointment, pending shareholder approval at the May 20 AGM, set to run until July 4, 2028; Keim, who joined Aegon in 2008 as CEO of Aegon the Netherlands, brings extensive leadership experience, including roles at Zwitserleven and in marketing across insurance and other industries. (Josh Recamara, 26/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA XL and Aegon')Stephen Catlin has stepped down as Chairman of Convex Group, with Bobby Le Blanc, CEO of majority shareholder Onex Corp., succeeding him; Catlin, who co-founded Convex in 2019, will remain on the board as Founder and Life President, continuing to provide strategic counsel, mentor leadership, and support global initiatives, including sustainability efforts, as Convex transitions under its new long-term ownership structure with Onex and AIG. (Jonalyn Cueto, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Catlin steps down as Convex chairman')Westfield Specialty has promoted Katie MacGregor to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately; with a decade of experience leading the claims function for the international business and a key role in its growth, MacGregor will now oversee operational functions across international markets, supporting strategic growth plans; she joined Westfield Specialty in 2016 after 12 years in senior claims leadership roles at Liberty Specialty. (Josh Recamara, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Westfield Specialty, Liberty Specialty and Indemnity Law')Liberty Specialty Markets has appointed Ettore Palma as Broker Relationship Manager in Italy, a newly created role; with 30 years of insurance market experience, Palma will focus on expanding Liberty’s footprint in central and southern Italy by strengthening existing relationships and building new partnerships with brokers and intermediaries; he joins from HECA, where he contributed to the company’s growth in the region. (Josh Recamara, 25/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Westfield Specialty, Liberty Specialty and Indemnity Law')7AXA UK & Ireland has restructured its operations by merging its commercial and retail divisions into a single general insurance entity, AXA Insurance UK, led by CEO Jon Walker; the move aims to enhance scale, underwriting alignment, and operational efficiency while maintaining distinct customer focus for each segment, with Mike Crane as Managing Director for commercial and Julie Barbey joining as Managing Director for retail in May. (Bryony Garlick, 24/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'AXA UK & Ireland overhauls structure with combined commercial and retail business')Crawford & Company has appointed W. Bruce Swain Jr. as President and CEO, transitioning from his interim role since January 2026; with over three decades at Crawford, including 19 years as CFO, Swain will lead the company’s global strategy and client service focus, while Jesse Crawford Sr., a board member since 1986, will step down and be named honorary board member and emeritus officer at the 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting. (Jonalyn Cueto,24/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Crawford appoints W. Bruce Swain CEO')Acrisure London Wholesale (ALW) has launched a specialist aviation insurance division, appointing Jonny Rowling as Senior Vice President and Head of Aviation. Rowling, who brings over 15 years of experience, previously served as Co-Head of General Aviation and Placement Leader at Marsh and spent seven years at Lockton. The division, complementing Acrisure Aerospace's US retail operations, will focus on placing aviation risks through Lloyd’s and London markets, addressing a transitioning aviation insurance landscape marked by rising repair costs, cybersecurity concerns, and geopolitical volatility. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Acrisure London Wholesale launches aviation division with Marsh hire')Arch Insurance has appointed Ángel Gándara Bonaechea as Claims Manager for third-party lines at Arch Insurance (EU) dac (AIEU), effective immediately. Based in Madrid, Gándara Bonaechea will oversee AIEU claims across Iberia, including cyber, casualty, and executive assurance lines. He brings over 25 years of claims management experience, having previously served as Claims Manager at Aon Risk Solutions and held claims roles at Marsh and Mapfre. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Liberty Specialty Markets, Ki, BPL')Liberty Specialty Markets, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has appointed Kevin Demmon to the newly created role of Property Divisional Director, effective March 19. He will oversee the UK commercial and D&F international portfolios, focusing on underwriting strategy and strategic goals for Liberty's UK and MENA property divisions. Demmon joins from Everest, where he was International Head of Property, managing a global retail and wholesale portfolio. With over two decades of London market experience, he has also held roles at RSA, Swiss Re, XL Insurance, and Zurich. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Liberty Specialty Markets, Ki, BPL')Ki, the algorithmically-powered Lloyd's digital follow platform, has appointed Helen Rios as Active Underwriter for Syndicate 1618, effective March 2026, pending regulatory approval. Rios, who has been Underwriting Director for Ki's casualty division since its inception in 2020, played a key role in developing the division and broader underwriting function. She will also join the firm's executive committee. Rios brings extensive experience, having previously held underwriting roles at Brit, Liberty Specialty Markets, and RMS. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Liberty Specialty Markets, Ki, BPL')Not subscribed yet? Subscribe for the latest news, market trends, and weekly insights - all delivered straight to your inbox.All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting.
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