General Insurance newsletter Friday 12th September 2025

Insurance News

What will a bespoke regulatory framework mean for MGAs? - As the MGA market continues to boom, how can MGAs prepare for enhanced regulatory scrutiny and what opportunities and challenges are there? Read our insights piece for useful guidance. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What will a bespoke regulatory framework mean for MGAs?')
How to embed AI tools across your insurance firm - Access advice from AI and employee behavioural experts in our video, including how to successfully adopt tools and minimise employee resistance. Don't wait to join the AI revolution. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How to embed AI tools across your insurance firm')
Navigating nuclear energy insurance: what insurers need to know - Nuclear energy insurance requires specialised expertise due to federal Price-Anderson Act mandates requiring $450 million primary coverage, extending to $15 billion through industry pooling. Insurers must navigate complex regulations and catastrophic risk exposure. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Navigating nuclear energy insurance: what insurers need to know')
How to increase your income and EBITA - When independent insurance broker Adrian Morton needed the perfect buyer for his minicab specialist firm, IDEX's revolutionary sell-side M&A service delivered results in just seven months. Discover how our brand-new M&A solutions for brokers and MGAs, unlike anything in the market, helps businesses grow their EBITDA and achieve maximum earn out value. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How to increase your income and EBITA')
Assurex Global has launched AG London, an independent broker platform designed for independent firms, operating under a wholesale-only model to provide better representation, higher margins, and improved efficiency in the London insurance market. (Kenneth Araullo, 12/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AG London debuts as independent broker platform backed by Assurex Global')
DUAL Europe has launched a dedicated cargo insurance business, led by experienced professionals, offering all-risks coverage with extensions like Waterborne War Worldwide, to address growing demand for comprehensive cargo solutions across European markets. (Josh Recamara, 12/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DUAL Europe enters cargo market with new insurance offering')
The global cargo marine insurance market remains stable, with 2024 premiums rising 1.6% to $22.64 billion and improved loss ratios since 2018, but faces challenges from tariffs reshaping insured values, shifting trade patterns, and risks like mis-declared goods, net-zero transitions, and geopolitical pressures, according to the International Union of Marine Insurance's, Mike Brews. (Josh Recamara, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cargo marine insurance holds steady - IUMI')
AXA launches Shareplan 2025, a share offering for over 110,000 employees in 40 countries, marking the brand's 40th anniversary. The plan includes an exceptional matching contribution, allowing participants to receive one free share for every share subscribed (up to 20 shares), alongside discounted purchase options. (Kenneth Araullo, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXA unveils Shareplan 2025 to mark 40th anniversary')
Offshore energy insurance premiums fell 7.9% to $4.34 billion in 2024, driven by lower oil prices, increased market capacity, and competitive pressures, according to IUMI. While attritional losses remained high, the absence of major catastrophic events reflected improved safety. The sector faces profitability challenges but sees growth opportunities in offshore renewables and the rising role of gas as a transitional energy source. (Kenneth Araullo, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Offshore energy insurance faces downturn as market faces new pressures – IUMI')
Pro MGA Global Solutions has launched Orb Specialty, a new UK-based managing general underwriter (MGU) connecting insurers with high-potential MGAs in its incubation ecosystem. The platform streamlines capacity distribution, addresses regulatory challenges, and supports long-term capacity commitments, with plans for global expansion. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Pro MGA Global Solutions launches new managing general underwriter')
Willis, part of WTW, has launched a Global Risk Engineering team within its Risk & Analytics division. Comprising nearly 200 engineers across 30 countries, the team will deliver tailored, data-driven risk assessments to help clients improve resilience and reduce the total cost of risk. The initiative combines global expertise with local insights, focusing on emerging risks, ESG goals, and strategic challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Willis launches global risk engineering team to boost client resilience')
Certa has increased its Lloyd’s capacity for non-US primary tax risks to £157 million, €200 million, or $207 million per insured, claiming the largest primary line size in the market. This expansion supports larger, complex tax risks and highlights Certa’s growth amid market capacity challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Certa boosts Lloyd’s capacity for non-US tax risks')

The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has urged marine insurers to adopt AI to address rising sector risks and improve efficiency. AI is being used for claims automation, fraud detection, and risk assessment, with rapid advancements reshaping the industry. However, IUMI emphasised the need for ethical AI training and highlighted challenges like ageing fleets, shifting trade routes, and environmental risks. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marine insurers urged to embrace AI amid rising sector risks – IUMI')
ARAG has reported growth for DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company in its first year post-acquisition, with gross written premiums rising to £141.4 million in 2024. Despite integration costs leading to a £4 million after-tax loss, underwriting results improved, and claims costs remained stable. The rebranded ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company reflects the group's commitment to steady growth and integration success. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DAS reports growth in first year after ARAG acquisition')
The FCA has proposed simplifying product governance rules in commercial insurance by allowing a single "lead" manufacturer, limited to insurers or Lloyd’s managing agents, to reduce duplication and inefficiencies. While this aims to streamline compliance, concerns have been raised about sidelining intermediaries with deep product expertise. The FCA estimates long-term cost savings but acknowledges limited benefits for intermediaries. (Jonalyn Cueto, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'FCA proposals aim to cut duplication in insurance governance')
Marine Insurer, Skuld, reported a net profit of $36 million for the first half of 2025/26, up from $25 million the previous year, driven by improved technical results and a 4.3% investment return. The combined ratio improved to 99%, reflecting premium growth and normalised claims costs. However, claims volatility and geopolitical challenges remain key concerns for the marine insurer. (Kenneth Araullo, 8/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Skuld posts improved half-year profit as technical results rebound')

Movers

HDI Global appoints Bob van Alphen, formerly of Allianz and Everest Insurance with expertise in global engineering and construction risks, as Head of Engineering Underwriting to lead a regional team, expand the company’s engineering insurance strategy across key markets, and drive profitable growth through enhanced client and broker partnerships. (Kenneth Araullo, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global taps Bob van Alphen as head of engineering underwriting')
Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM) unifies its UK and MENA third-party operations under a new division led by Terry Fitzgerald, who joined in 2021 and brings 25 years of industry experience, to streamline FinPro and casualty portfolios, align with market trends, and enhance client and broker relationships. Supporting him are Emma Pearce as Head of FinPro, Daniel Munro as Head of Casualty, and Niamh Moloney continuing as General Manager of insurance in Ireland, while Stuart Sutherland and Dermot Walsh take on newly created roles as Directors of UK Retail. (Kenneth Araullo, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Specialty Markets unifies UK, MENA third-party operations')
Arch Insurance (EU) dac appoints Patrick Richard as Head of Casualty for France and Virginie du Parc Locmaria as Senior Casualty Underwriter, effective September 15, to expand its casualty portfolio in France, covering primary, umbrella, and excess liability for industrial and services clients. Richard brings 30 years of experience from Volante Global, Swiss Re, and AXA, while du Parc Locmaria adds expertise from Volante, Chubb, Hiscox, and AIG. (Josh Recamara, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Sicsic Advisory, Willis and Davies')
Willis, part of WTW, strengthens its placement and portfolio solutions team with Gina Mulhall as Head of Global Portfolio Solutions, overseeing the Gemini facility and portfolio initiatives, and Kapila Rudra as Head of Data Strategy for global placement. Mulhall joins from Marsh, where she was Managing Director, while Rudra brings 15 years of experience from Marsh and Canopius. (Josh Recamara, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Sicsic Advisory, Willis and Davies')
Stuart Rouse has stepped down as CEO of Nexus Underwriting after over a decade, during which he led the company’s international expansion and growth in specialty lines, establishing it as a leading independent MGA. Nexus, now part of Brown & Brown, has not yet announced interim leadership or succession plans. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Nexus Underwriting CEO Stuart Rouse steps down')
Chris Haggart has been appointed group CEO of The Broker Investment Group (TBIG), succeeding Dave Clapp, who transitions to Deputy Chairman to focus on strategic initiatives and M&A. Haggart joins from Hedron Network, where Duncan Pagan steps in as CEO, subject to regulatory approval. The leadership changes come as TBIG continues its growth through acquisitions and its MGA platform. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'CEO makes jump to rival in major shake-up')
Broadstone has named Cormac Bradley as Senior Actuarial Director in its insurance, regulatory, and risk division. With nearly 30 years of experience, including senior roles at Direct Line Insurance Group and Willis Towers Watson, Bradley will support re/insurers, captives, MGAs, and London Market firms in risk and capital management, reserving, and chief actuary duties. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Crawford, Broadstone and Kennedys')
Crawford & Company has appointed Andrew Shaw as Head of Agriculture for the UK, leading its ARIEL (agriculture, rural industries, and estates losses) practice. Previously interim Head of Agriculture and Head of Property Claims, Shaw will oversee the firm’s rural team. The appointment addresses growing demand for specialised agricultural claims expertise amid climate-driven risks, with Crawford maintaining the UK’s largest agriculture claims practice supported by a locally responsive rural branch network. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Crawford, Broadstone and Kennedys')
RSA Insurance, part of Intact, has appointed Tom Argentieri as Chief Distribution Officer for UK & Europe, Specialty Lines. This new role aims to enhance broker relationships and regional distribution strategy. Argentieri, formerly leading Allianz's marine hull team in London, brings over 15 years of experience in global specialty markets and MGA development. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Crawford, Broadstone and Kennedys')