General Insurance newsletter Friday 27th June 2025

Insurance News

What does nuclear fusion energy mean for insurers? - Nuclear fusion energy, nearing commercial viability, offers insurers a unique opportunity to support clean energy while potentially driving new commercial avenues. By embracing tailored coverage for fusion's distinct safety profile, insurers can unlock new markets and play a pivotal role in advancing this transformative technology. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What does nuclear fusion energy mean for insurers?')
How the Brokerbility network creates opportunities for brokers - In an interview with John Dunn, Managing Director of Brokerbility, the premier network was highlighted for its tailored growth support, peer mentoring, innovative tech solutions, and training academy, enabling independent brokers to achieve double-digit growth and outperform market competitors. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How the brokerbility network created opportunities for brokers')
The AI insurance tools to look out for - AI tools to support predictive analytics, and automated claims processing are transforming the insurance industry by enhancing risk assessment, customer service, and operational efficiency, while addressing challenges such as regulatory scrutiny and integration with legacy systems. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The AI insurance tools to look out for')
Attracting top insurance talent: what you need to know- The insurance employment market continues to see positive growth, with a 0.58% increase in jobs driven by technological advancements and rising demand for skilled talent, while challenges like talent shortages, an ageing workforce, and employee dissatisfaction highlight the need for stronger employer value propositions and improved industry reputation. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Attracting top insurance talent: what you need to know')
Beazley's 2025 Risk & Resilience report reveals that 29% of global executives now rank cyber risk as their top concern (up from 26% in 2024), with 83% feeling prepared to manage threats despite the increasing complexity of cyber challenges, including AI-driven ransomware, hacktivism, and third-party vulnerabilities. (Josh Recamara, 27/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'More executives consider cyber risk as top concern – Beazley report')
SBS Insurance Services partnered with UnlikelyAI to pilot a claims processing platform that automated 40% of claims with 99% accuracy, leveraging rule-based logic for transparency and regulatory compliance, while reducing miscategorisation rates by 99% and improving operational efficiency. (Josh Recamara, 27/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'SBS Insurance Services' pilot project with alternative AI system')
Marsh launched Cyber Unity, a cyber insurance facility offering up to €5 million in primary coverage for mid-sized businesses in Europe and select regions, featuring broader protections, streamlined claims processes, and integrated risk management services to address accessibility challenges in the cyber insurance market. (Josh Recamara, 27/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh launches cyber insurance facility')
Aviva's Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) division has unified its construction, latent defects, and real estate operations under a new "Real Estate & Construction" framework. This strategy supports sustainable construction, including mass timber projects, and offers insurance across 180+ jurisdictions. The initiative aims to enhance risk management, sustainability, and client engagement throughout project lifecycles. (Kenneth Araullo, 25/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva unifies construction and real estate under new GCS strategy')
Paris-based digital insurer Orus has raised €25 million in a Series B funding round led by Singular, with plans to expand into Spain and other European markets. Orus, which offers digital-first insurance for SMBs, will also launch a broker platform to streamline policy management. Since its Series A, Orus has grown revenue tenfold and now serves over 30,000 businesses. (Josh Recamara, 25/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Orus secures €25 million in funding round')

Saga Group is finalising a partnership with NatWest to enhance its financial services offerings through NatWest's "Banking-as-a-Service" platform. This collaboration will introduce Saga-branded savings and personal finance products, aligning with Saga's strategy of leveraging third-party partnerships to expand its Money division. (Matthew Sellers, 24/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Saga Group confirms tie-up with NatWest')
Aon's analysis reveals the UK insurance market has entered a soft phase, with rates dropping 11-20% across most classes, excluding motor insurance. Buyers benefit from increased capacity, broader coverage, and competitive pricing. Professional indemnity and liability lines saw significant rate reductions, while motor insurance rates rose slightly due to inflation. Aon advises clients to lock in favourable terms and revisit policies reduced during the hard market. (Matthew Sellers, 24/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK insurance market tips further in favour of buyers, Aon finds')
In further news...Aon has launched Broker Copilot, a platform designed to enhance the insurance placement process by providing brokers with real-time data insights on pricing, carrier appetite, and market sentiment. Integrated with Aon's Risk Analyzer tools, it aims to improve decision-making and streamline workflows. Initially rolled out in the US and London, it will expand globally by 2026. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aon unveils Broker Copilot to transform insurance placement')
Berkeley Research Group (BRG) has launched its Business Insurance Claims (BIC) practice in the EMEA region, marking its first expansion outside the US. Led by Richard Cameron-Williams, the practice will focus on high-value and complex insurance claims, including business interruption disputes. This move aligns with BRG's strategy to meet growing demand for forensic claims expertise in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and retail. (Josh Recamara, 24/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Berkeley Research Group launches new insurance claims practice')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Munich Re's Ergo Group has merged its Nordic operations, combining Danish travel insurer Europæiske Rejseforsikring A/S with Norwegian health insurer Ergo Forsikring AS. The new entity, Ergo Forsikring A/S, headquartered in Copenhagen, will focus on health and travel insurance across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. (Kenneth Araullo, 25/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Munich Re's Ergo merges Nordic units to form new pan-Scandinavian insurer')
Aon's 2024 Global Transaction Solutions Claims Study reported record M&A insurance claims payouts, with a 26% rise in claims notifications in EMEA. North America saw over $300 million in recoveries, with tax and compliance breaches leading claims. Globally, Aon has handled over 1,600 claims, totalling $1.75 billion in payouts. (Josh Recamara, 25/6/2025, Insurance Business, '2024 saw highest ever total for M&A claims payouts, Aon report')
Marco Capital has acquired R&Q Gamma, a UK-based legacy insurer with liabilities tied to maritime and port worker claims from the UK P&I Club. This marks Marco's continued expansion in the European legacy insurance market, supported by €500 million in equity from Oaktree Capital. The acquisition aligns with Marco's strategy to manage complex run-off liabilities. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marco Capital acquires UK legacy insurer R&Q Gamma')

Movers

Robert Kennedy will become CEO of Howden UK & Ireland on October 1, succeeding Carl Shuker, who transitions to Deputy Chairman. Kennedy, previously CEO of Howden Ireland, brings experience from Aston Lark, Aviva, and RSA. Shuker, with 45 years in the industry, will support the leadership transition. (Gia Snape, 26/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Shuker replaced as Howden CEO')
Dr. Christian Wegener has been appointed as HDI Global's new Head of Investment Management, effective June 15. He succeeds Thorsten Wölbern and will oversee asset allocation, risk-adjusted returns, and global currency hedging. Wegener brings experience from HSBC and AXA, with roles across Europe and Asia. (Kenneth Araullo, 26/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global appoints Christian Wegener as head of investment management')
Everest Group has appointed Pamela Sinclair as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 14. She succeeds Gail Van Beveren, who retires after nearly 40 years with the company. Sinclair brings over 30 years of HR experience, including leadership roles at PGIM and Barclays. (Josh Recamara, 26/6/2025, Insurance Business 'Everest Group names new chief human resources officer')
Aviva's £3.7 billion acquisition of Direct Line Group will finalise in July, creating the UK's largest motor insurer. Leadership changes include the departure of Direct Line's CEO Adam Winslow and CFO Jane Poole, with Aviva's Jason Storah and Stephen Pond stepping into these roles. The merger aims to achieve £125 million in annual cost synergies and strengthen Aviva's motor and home insurance presence. (Matthew Sellers, 24/6/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva set to clear the decks at Direct Line as CEO, CFO out')