General Insurance newsletter Friday 22nd August 2025

Insurance News

Join Brokerbility and supercharge the growth of your brokerage - Brokerbility empowers independent brokers with tailored growth strategies, peer mentoring, innovative tools like a bespoke Broker Insights platform, and a robust training academy - helping members consistently achieve double-digit growth. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Join Brokerbility and supercharge the growth of your brokerage')
What does nuclear energy mean for insurers? - Nuclear fusion energy represents a game-changing opportunity for insurers, requiring a shift from traditional nuclear risk models to tailored coverage that supports this safe, clean, and innovative energy source. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What does nuclear energy mean for insurers?')
Interview strategies to secure the right talent - Mastering the interview process is key to smart hiring - employers can enhance outcomes by adopting structured frameworks, reducing bias, leveraging technology, and integrating diverse panels for better, long-term hires. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Interview strategies to secure the right talent')
How insurers can be more agile - The UK insurance market faces challenges like economic volatility, cyber threats, and climate risks, requiring insurers to embrace digital innovation, regulatory compliance, and agile strategies to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How insurers can be more agile')
The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) reported significant growth from August 2024 to July 2025, with membership increasing across all tiers, expanded education and insights offerings, and strengthened advocacy efforts, highlighting the MGA sector's growing role in insurance and its focus on innovation, collaboration, and professional standards. (Josh Recamara, 22/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'MGAA reports membership surge')
A GlobalData survey reveals that while most UK SMEs are open to AI-driven insurance solutions, only 5.2% of brokers see AI as a major threat, highlighting a significant gap in adoption and awareness that could lead to brokers losing relevance as AI reshapes the industry. (Josh Recamara, 22/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Are brokers aware of how much of a threat AI is?')
IB Markets has launched in the UK, providing brokers with a free, intuitive platform to connect directly with underwriters and MGAs for specialty insurance coverage, offering instant access to niche, hard-to-place, and high-capacity policies while streamlining the search and comparison process. (Insurance Business, 21/8/2025, 'IBmarkets launches in the UK: The broker-loved platform connecting you with specialty coverage')
iFarm Underwriting has secured a five-year capacity deal with Hadron UK, an A- rated carrier, to support its Farm Combined, Farm Focus, and Property Owners’ Select portfolios. This partnership strengthens iFarm’s position in the UK agricultural market, enhances broker access to secure capacity, and aligns with its growth strategy under Rokstone, its parent company. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'iFarm secures five-year capacity deal with Hadron UK')
Aegon reported a net profit of €606 million for H1 2025, reversing a €65 million loss from the same period in 2024, driven by stronger US operations and improved experience variances. The company increased its share buyback program by €200 million, set an interim dividend of €0.19 per share, and is reviewing a potential relocation of its legal domicile to the US to align with its primary market. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aegon reverses last year’s loss with stronger profits in H1')
Zurich CEO Mario Greco has raised concerns about the growing role of private equity in the insurance sector, warning that asset-focused strategies by firms like Apollo and KKR could conflict with the industry’s core purpose of long-term risk management. He emphasised the need for alignment with policyholder needs and regulatory frameworks, as private equity interest continues to reshape the market, particularly in life and annuity sectors. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Zurich chief raises concerns over private capital's growing role in insurance')
Marine insurers face pressure to address modern slavery and forced labour risks, as highlighted by the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI). High-risk sectors like shipping and fishing require ethical practices, including compliance with labour standards and human rights clauses. With stricter regulations like the UK Modern Slavery Act, insurers must act proactively to avoid reputational, legal, and regulatory risks. (Josh Recamara, 20/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marine insurers face growing pressure to address exploitative practices - IUMI')

HDI Global SE reported €5.1 billion in revenue, a 91.6% combined ratio, and €377 million in profit for H1 2025, with strong regional growth in the US, Canada, UK, and Asia-Pacific, focusing on innovation, liability offerings, and international expansion. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global reports positive half-year results and shares expansion plans')
Willis, part of WTW, launched Gemini, a digital auto-follow facility backed by A+ rated Lloyd’s syndicates, offering Willis clients competitive pricing, simplified claims handling, and stable capacity. It goes live on September 1, 2025, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce transaction costs. (Paul Lucas, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Willis launches Gemini digital auto-follow facility with Lloyd's backing')
Inigo Limited launched the Inigo Crime Excess, a new policy addressing financial crime risks like AI-driven social engineering and digital asset fraud. It complements existing US bond policies, offering broader coverage and enhanced claims handling, with global availability through Lloyd’s. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Inigo unveils new solution for financial crime')
Allianz launched the Smart Broker Brief and upgraded its QuoteSME platform to enhance broker efficiency. The tools provide data-driven insights, streamline quoting processes, and address risks like underinsurance, helping brokers focus on client support. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz introduces Smart Broker Brief and QuoteSME upgrades')
Former Allianz and DAS executives Mickey Attia and Robin Stagg launched Elevate Specialty, a UK-based MGA focused on embedded and specialty insurance. Using AI-powered claims automation and rapid product rollouts, the firm offers legal expenses, cyber cover, and more. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'New MGA Elevate Specialty enters UK market with former Allianz and DAS leadership')
Pen Underwriting partnered with Bridgehaven Specialty UK to expand capacity for solicitors’ professional indemnity. The collaboration supports firms of all sizes, leveraging Pen’s 25 years of expertise and Bridgehaven’s hybrid insurance model. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Pen Underwriting and Bridgehaven form partnership')
Aviva, through Founders Factory, backed AI-native broker Meshed in a £950,000 pre-seed funding round. Meshed uses AI for quoting and data collection, aiming to reduce costs and underinsurance for SMEs. Early clients reported savings of up to 52%. (Jonalyn Cueto, 18/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva backs AI heavy brokerage start-up')
A Covernet survey found that 39% of UK insurers and MGAs prioritise digital transformation for competitive advantage, while 21% are driven by customer demand and 15% by cost savings. Despite this, only 61% of respondents feel their current platforms meet functional needs, and 39% report neutral or poor satisfaction. The report emphasises the importance of thorough evaluation during platform selection to ensure long-term operational benefits, as many insurers risk duplicating inefficiencies by rushing into digital adoption. (Rod Bolivar, 18/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK insurers go digital for competitive advantage - report')
The QualRisk Cyber Insurance Center (QCC) projects global cyber insurance premiums to grow from $15.1 billion in 2024 to $27 billion by 2030, with Europe driving growth at a 22% annual rate. Key challenges include systemic risk and regulatory demands. (Josh Recamara, 18/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cyber premiums projected to grow to $27 billion by 2030')

Mergers & Acquisitions

Aspen Insurance Holdings' shares surged 17% following reports of a potential takeover bid by Japan's Sompo Holdings. The discussions, unconfirmed by either party, come just months after Aspen's May IPO, which raised nearly $400 million. This potential deal aligns with ongoing consolidation trends in the insurance industry as companies seek scale and diversification. (Steven Byerley, 20/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aspen shares surge on whispers of possible Sompo takeover bid')
Gallagher completed its acquisition of AssuredPartners, enhancing capabilities in sectors like transportation, energy, and healthcare. The $13.45 billion deal supports Gallagher’s M&A strategy, adds talent, and is expected to deliver double-digit earnings growth. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher completes giant deal with AssuredPartners')

Movers

Marsh has expanded its global aviation and space leadership team, appointing Brian Glod as Global Head, bringing over 35 years of experience, including his time at Johnson & Higgins. Tony Ambrose has been named Global Chairman, with more than 30 years of expertise in global aviation insurance. Patton Kline, who started his career in Marsh’s graduate program and has over 21 years of experience, has been appointed as the US Regional Leader. These appointments aim to address risks such as cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh expands global aviation and space leadership team')
Laura Hay has joined Everest Group's board as an Independent Director, bringing over 30 years of experience, including her tenure as Global Head of Insurance at KPMG, where she led a team of 10,000 professionals across 90 countries. Her expertise in risk, regulatory, and capital market issues will enhance Everest's governance as it navigates evolving risks and growth opportunities. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Laura Hay joins insurer’s board as independent director')
Clear Group has appointed Barbara Duffy as Group Chief People & Performance Officer, effective September 8, bringing experience from senior HR roles at IG Group, St. James’ Place, and Centrica. Victoria Gallimore’s role as Group Chief of Staff has been expanded to include strategic initiatives and operational alignment. These leadership changes support Clear’s growth strategy, which includes 11% organic growth in Q1 2025 and investments in technology, acquisitions, and leadership development. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')
Reassured has appointed Beth Whelan as Chief Strategy & Data Officer, reporting to CEO Mark Townsend and joining the executive leadership team. Whelan will oversee strategic planning, embed data-driven decision-making, enhance AI capabilities, and lead the change and data science functions. With over 20 years of financial services experience, she previously served as Data and Transformation Director at Reassured and as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at TDX Group, an Equifax company. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')
Prestige Underwriting has promoted Tim Baxter, who joined in 2014 and brings over 25 years of insurance experience, to Business Development and Relationship Director. He will focus on broker engagement, partnerships, and growth across Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the firm partnered with Ardonagh Advisory to become a preferred non-standard household partner, offering brokers access to products for complex risks like non-standard household and motor, amid growing demand in the non-standard market. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')
Specialist underwriting agency Doe and Emuss has appointed John Watmough as Underwriter and Director of Broking. Based in London, Watmough brings over 25 years of experience in the London insurance market and expertise in the North American insurance landscape. He will focus on enhancing the firm’s broking and underwriting capabilities while expanding its client offering. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')
AIG appointed Scott Hallworth as Chief Digital Officer, effective September 1, 2025. With over 30 years of experience at HP Inc., Capital One, and Travelers, Hallworth brings expertise in digital, data, and GenAI strategies. He will succeed Claude Wade, who transitions to an advisory role by year-end. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AIG, Commercial Express, Bravo, Weightmans')
Commercial Express announced senior underwriting appointments, including Matt Warby, Richard Wilson, Kieran Jones, and Sally Scott (promoted internally). Helen Bingham also rejoined as a technical specialist. Following 36% growth in 2024, the firm targets £50M GWP by 2025 and £100M long-term. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AIG, Commercial Express, Bravo, Weightmans')
Bravo Networks, part of Everywhen, appointed Karen Jackman as Managing Director (pending regulatory approval). Currently Sales and Distribution Director at Geo Underwriting, Jackman brings experience from senior roles at Aviva and will report to CCO Phil Bayles. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AIG, Commercial Express, Bravo, Weightmans')