General Insurance newsletter Friday 29th August 2025

Insurance News

Tips for attracting skilled risk and compliance professionals - With an increased number of cyber attacks, it’s paramount that insurers and MGAs recruit specialist risk and compliance talent who understand how to implement robust security measures and prepare for and mitigate the growing number of cyber hacks across the industry. Learn how to attract the best in the market. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Tips for attracting skilled risk and compliance professionals')
The AI transformation: How to prevent employee resistance - Building successful AI adoption hinges on team engagement and buy-in. Our experts share actionable strategies for a collaborative approach, moving from resistance to success. Watch our video to learn how to lead your teams on the AI journey. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The AI transformation: How to prevent employee resistance')
MGA outlook: what opportunities are there for insurers? - With the MGA market booming, insurers have a huge opportunity to optimise their product innovation and market reach. Our article explores how partnering with agile MGAs can help insurers capitalise on specialised expertise, technology, and talent to win in a competitive landscape. (IDEX Consulting news, 'MGA outlook: what opportunities are there for insurers?')
UK and US insurance regulatory reforms: what you need to know - For UK and US insurers, navigating a complex regulatory landscape is crucial. Our article provides essential insight on the changing regulatory market, from climate risk to AI, helping your business proactively adapt to new standards in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. (IDEX Consulting news, 'UK and US insurance regulatory reforms: what you need to know')
ARTes Specialty, a managing general agent focused on niche risk portfolios, has partnered with DUAL Energy (formerly EIURS) to expand inland marine offerings, leveraging ARTes' Lloyd’s-backed expertise and DUAL’s energy sector knowledge to deliver tailored insurance solutions for complex client needs. (Kenneth Araullo, 29/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'ARTes Specialty partners with DUAL Energy to broaden inland marine offerings')
Starpeak, a specialist digital distributor, has partnered with commercial insurer Peach to launch an insurance product tailored for creative professionals, including photographers, designers, and advertising agencies, offering coverage for public liability, professional indemnity, and more. The partnership builds on their three-year collaboration, leveraging Starpeak's data analytics and Peach's expertise in niche SME markets. (Kenneth Araullo, 28/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Starpeak and Peach launch insurance product for creative professionals')
A Marsh study revealed that organisations regularly testing cyber incident response plans are 13% less likely to face breach-related insurance claims, with structured planning improving day-to-day security and influencing underwriting practices. The findings highlight the importance of controls like endpoint detection, monitoring, and phishing-resistant MFA in reducing breach risks. (Josh Recamara, 28/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Incident response planning linked to fewer cyber insurance claims: Marsh study')
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate cut is expected to impact insurers by reducing investment returns, leading to tighter underwriting, higher premiums, and potential market consolidation. While short-term benefits include improved cash flow for SMEs and households, long-tail liability lines face increased reserve pressures, challenging profitability. (Daniel Wood, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Another interest rate cut – what does it mean for insurers?')
Ageas reported a 4% increase in inflows to €10.5 billion and a net operating result of €734 million for the first half of 2025, driven by growth in Life and Non-Life segments. The esure acquisition, expected to close later this year, will position Ageas as the UK’s third-largest personal lines insurer. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Ageas sees profits rise in first half')
Prudential plc reported a 12% rise in new business profit to $1.26 billion and a 14% increase in operating free surplus to $1.56 billion for H1 2025. The company plans over $5 billion in capital returns through 2027, including share buybacks and dividends, reflecting strong financial performance and strategic progress. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Prudential delivers double-digit profit growth in H1')
Aon's latest research shows re/insurers achieved a record 14.7% return on average equity and a combined operating ratio of 93.6% in 2024, despite slowing growth. Gross written premiums rose 7.5% to $1.9 trillion, with profitability driven by diversified and specialised portfolios. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Re/insurers post record profits despite slowing growth – Aon')

WTW and Klarity have introduced a life insurance underwriting model leveraging wearable technology and predictive analytics. By analysing data like heart rate, sleep quality, and activity levels, the model offers personalised mortality risk profiles, enabling more accurate pricing and tailored products. While promising, challenges around privacy and regulatory scrutiny remain. (Josh Recamara, 26/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Are wearables about to reshape life underwriting? WTW, Klarity think so')
Aegon has doubled its ongoing share buyback program from €200 million to €400 million, reflecting confidence in its capital position. The program, running until December 15, 2025, aligns with a broader trend among European insurers to return excess capital to investors through buybacks and dividends. (Josh Recamara, 26/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aegon doubles ongoing stock buyback plan')
AUB Group reported a 17% rise in underlying net profit after tax to AUD$200 million for FY25, driven by international expansion and operational progress. Gross written premium reached AUD$11 billion, with strong growth across its Australian broking, agency, and BizCover divisions. (Daniel Wood, 26/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'AUB Group reports strong profits after a "pivotal year")

Mergers & Acquisitions

Steadfast Group has acquired a majority stake in Novum Underwriting Partners, a US-based specialty underwriting agency and wholesale brokerage founded in 2019, to serve as its US program development and management platform, leveraging Novum’s proprietary technology and expertise to expand Steadfast’s global footprint and product capabilities. (Daniel Wood, 29/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Steadfast Group announces major US acquisition')
Sompo Holdings has agreed to acquire Aspen Insurance Holdings for $3.5 billion in cash, expanding its property and casualty operations globally. The deal, offering a 35.6% premium on Aspen’s share price, strengthens Sompo’s scale, specialty expertise, and capital strength, with the merger expected to close in the first half of 2026. (Roxanne Libatique, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Sompo agrees to acquire Aspen in multibillion-dollar cash purchase')
Global dealmaking in the insurance sector has slowed in 2025, with M&A activity at its lowest since 2008. According to GlobalData, overall deal activity, including M&A, venture financing, and private equity, declined by 2% year-on-year from January to July. Insurers are focusing on smaller domestic transactions and MGA investments due to high valuations and economic uncertainties, while emerging markets and niche opportunities remain areas of interest for future growth. (Roxanne Libatique, 26/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Global dealmaking stalls as insurers rethink big moves')
Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) is acquiring an 80% stake in Moldovan insurer Moldasig S.A., doubling its premium volume in Moldova and securing a 30% market share. This move strengthens VIG’s presence in Southeastern Europe, aligning with its strategy to target emerging markets with significant growth potential. (Josh Recamara, 26/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Vienna Insurance Group to acquire 80% stake in Moldovan insurer')

Movers

Nicola George, Managing Director of Allianz Personal Broker, will step down in October to pursue a new opportunity; she joined Allianz last year, leading the launch of Allianz Personal Broker into the UK personal lines market and implementing initiatives to streamline broker interactions and strengthen the business for future growth. (Josh Recamara, 29/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz Personal Broker MD to step down')
Talanx has expanded Stephanie Bode’s role to head reinsurance at HDI Global and lead the corporate & specialty lines department at Talanx Group Reinsurance, consolidating reinsurance purchasing and coordination to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and strengthen negotiating positions in a challenging reinsurance market; previously, she oversaw market management across Continental Europe (excluding Germany), South Africa, and Japan at HDI Global. (Josh Recamara, 29/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Talanx hands Stephanie Bode expanded role')
Atrium, a Lloyd’s specialty insurance group, has appointed Richard Lamb, a veteran with over 27 years of experience, along with Beth MacGregor and Adam Vulliamy (all formerly of Axis Capital), to lead its new credit and political risk team, set to launch in early 2026 to address evolving geopolitical and customer needs. (Kenneth Araullo, 29/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Atrium taps Richard Lamb to lead new credit and political risk team')
Aon plc has appointed Tom Anderson as Head of Professional Services for its Global Broking Centre in London, where he will focus on strategic advisory, operational efficiency, and client service delivery for professional services broking activities. Anderson, who joined Aon in 2023, previously led the Design and Construction Professional Indemnity team. (Kenneth Araullo, 28/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Tom Anderson appointed to lead professional services at Aon's GBC')
Lockton has appointed Magnus Sjöstrand as Head of Property for its Swedish operations, effective September 1, 2025. With over 15 years of experience, including roles at AXA XL and XL Insurance Company SE, Sjöstrand will focus on developing property insurance solutions and expanding Lockton’s client base in Sweden. (Josh Recamara, 28/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Lockton appoints head of property for Swedish operations')
Westfield Specialty International has appointed Melanie Gilbert as Head of Third-Party Claims, leveraging her 15+ years of legal experience, including roles at Markel and Simmons & Simmons. Based in London, Gilbert will oversee complex claims management and stakeholder relationships, strengthening the company’s claims leadership team. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Westfield Specialty International names Melanie Gilbert head of third-party claims')
HDI Global has appointed Nikita Tikhonov as Head of Marine Global Risk, effective September 1, 2025. Tikhonov, who joined HDI in 2018, brings expertise in Marine Cargo and Automotive sectors and will lead a team of five professionals from the Hannover headquarters. (Josh Recamara, 27/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global names new head of marine global risk')
Sedgwick has appointed Kalani Reelitz as its new Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Henry Lyons. With over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at Compass and Walgreens, Reelitz will oversee Sedgwick’s financial strategy and operations, supporting its growth and investment initiatives. (Kenneth Araullo, 26/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Sedgwick names Kalani Reelitz as new chief financial officer')