General Insurance newsletter Friday 5th September 2025

Insurance News

IDEX Consulting announces new innovative M&A approach - Designed for businesses across insurance, financial services and legal, IDEX’s new solution challenges the industry’s current traditional transaction-focused model, transforming how businesses prepare for sale and achieve maximum earn out revenue. Learn more on IDEX’s brand new M&A website. (IDEX Consulting news, 'IDEX Consulting launches new M&A sell side offering')
Change and Transformation specialists on the rise- Tech change and finance change, two of the most in-demand sectors in the market currently are experiencing a significant recruitment drive. Are you looking for specialists to deliver your change programmes? IDEX in partnership with WPR has a new offering. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Change and Transformation specialists on the rise')
Are you using your EVP to attract talent and customers? - According to published research, 42% of candidates' decisions to accept job offers are determined by company reputation and EVP which now outweighs traditional factors like position, pay, or benefits. Does your company's EVP tell a compelling story? Learn how IDEX can help you enhance your employer brand and boost your competitiveness. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Are you using your EVP to attract talent and customers?')
Captive insurance reforms: the latest updates - The Chancellor's new UK captive insurance framework dramatically reduces authorisation times from six weeks to ten days, with lower capital requirements and streamlined reporting. With captives representing 20-25% of global premiums and 75% of UK businesses exploring captive options, this could transform the UK's competitive position against offshore jurisdictions. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Captive insurance reforms: the latest updates')
IDEX Consulting has introduced a new M&A advisory service tailored for brokers and MGAs, aiming to disrupt the traditional transaction-focused model. Led by Andy Fairchild, former CEO of Broker Network and Applied Systems Europe, the service emphasises a long-term, partnership approach to deal-making, with a commitment to maximising earn-out potential for sellers. (Emmanuel Kenning, 3/9/2025, Insurance Age, 'IDEX launches M&A sell side offering for brokers and MGAs')
Dale Underwriting Partners will exit standalone offshore energy underwriting at Lloyd’s to focus on portfolio discipline, aligning with performance goals and evolving risk appetite, while ensuring a smooth transition for clients and brokers. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Dale Underwriting to exit standalone offshore energy at Lloyd’s')
OAK Global has launched OAK Enterprise, a new business unit focused on underwriting retrocession for property and specialty risks through Lloyd’s Syndicate 1440, led by Chief Underwriting Officer Roland Morse, with operations set to begin in January 2026. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'OAK Global launches new enterprise to underwrite retrocession at Lloyd’s')
Lloyd’s reported a 6.2% increase in gross written premium to £32.5 billion for H1 2025, but its combined ratio worsened to 92.5% due to major claims like the California wildfires, while disciplined underwriting and strong investment performance supported resilience amidst rising expenses. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Lloyd’s sees premium growth but worse combined ratios in H1')
The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has updated its guidance on shipping electric vehicles (EVs) by sea, addressing unique fire risks such as higher temperatures, explosion potential, and re-ignition, while recommending measures like enhanced firefighting systems, crew training, and battery charge management to improve safety. (Josh Recamara, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marine insurers update EV shipping guidance as fire risks evolve')
Aviva thwarted over 6,000 fraudulent claims in the first half of 2025, preventing losses exceeding £60 million. Led by Pete Ward, Head of Claims Counter Fraud, the insurer’s efforts have resulted in record prison sentences for fraudsters, reflecting its commitment to protecting customers and enhancing fraud detection capabilities amidst rising scams like crash-for-cash and ghost broking. (Kenneth Araullo, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva thwarts over 6,000 fraud attempts in first six months of 2025')
TT Club warns of rising cargo theft, with UK losses surging to £111 million in 2024. Managing director Mike Yarwood calls for industry and government action to improve security standards and combat the growing threat. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'TT Club warns of soaring cargo theft losses')
Ceta Insurance has partnered with Cornerstone Finance Group as a general insurance provider. This expands Ceta’s distribution network and gives Cornerstone’s brokers access to Ceta’s Infinity platform, known for its high quotability on standard and non-standard policies. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Ceta Insurance secures general insurance partnership with Cornerstone')

Tokio Marine GX has launched with $500 million in capacity to support green transition risks, offering coverage for renewable energy, carbon capture, hydrogen, and more. The division aims to lead in sustainable initiatives, leveraging Tokio Marine’s global network and GCube expertise to meet growing market demand. (Kenneth Araullo, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Tokio Marine GX debuts with US$500 million capacity for green transition risks')
FinCred and Building & Land Guarantees (BLG) have rebranded under the Acrisure name as part of its UK expansion. BLG, based in Leicestershire, focuses on construction insurance, while FinCred, in Kent, specialises in trade credit and surety bonds. This move strengthens Acrisure’s regional presence and aligns with its broader growth strategy. (Kenneth Araullo, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'FinCred, BLG rebrand as Acrisure expands UK presence')
Santam, South Africa's largest short-term insurer, is entering the UK market with Lloyd's Syndicate 1918, set to begin underwriting in January 2026. This move provides access to Lloyd's global platform and supports Santam's international growth strategy amid strong domestic earnings. (Josh Recamara, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Santam sets up in the UK with Lloyd's Syndicate as earnings surge')
FERMA warns that insurance gaps are slowing Europe’s net-zero transition, with limited coverage for emerging technologies like hydrogen and lithium batteries. The report calls for better collaboration, data sharing, and tailored underwriting to support climate investments and sustainable business models. (Josh Recamara, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance gaps threaten Europe's net-zero transition, FERMA warns')

Mergers & Acquisitions

Tysers Insurance Brokers has partnered with Istanbul-based Rönesans Reinsurance & Insurance Brokerage, taking an equity stake to expand its presence in Türkiye’s growing insurance and reinsurance market. The partnership combines Tysers’ global network and access to Lloyd’s markets with Rönesans’ local expertise, aiming to provide innovative risk solutions and capitalise on growth opportunities in Türkiye and Central Europe. (Josh Recamara, 5/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Tysers strikes deal for Türkiye’s Rönesans')
Bain Capital has agreed to acquire Jensten Group, a UK-based commercial insurance distribution platform, from Livingbridge. With over £600 million in gross written premium and a strong M&A track record, Jensten will leverage Bain Capital’s backing to enhance growth, technology, and regional expansion. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2025. (Paul Lucas, 1/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Bain Capital to acquire Jensten Group from Livingbridge')

Movers

RSA, part of Intact Financial Corporation, has appointed Becky Henry as Vice President, eTrade for its UK Commercial Lines business. With 26 years at RSA, most recently as Commercial Lines Trading & Operations Director, Henry will oversee SME e-traded products as the company invests in e-trading to enhance broker service, expand product offerings, and prepare for its transition to the Intact Insurance brand. (Josh Recamara, 5/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Open GI and McGill')
McGill and Partners has appointed Mike Reynolds as group CFO, pending regulatory approval. Reynolds, formerly group CEO at Oneglobal and with nearly 30 years of experience at JLT Re, JLT Group, ACE Europe, and Aon Benfield, joins as the broker, founded in 2019 with Warburg Pincus backing, consolidates its position as a fast-growing specialty market firm. He succeeds Dominic Mignon, who will step down next year after three years as CFO. (Josh Recamara, 5/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Open GI and McGill')
Gallagher has expanded its private equity and M&A practice in Europe by appointing Cristina Montserrat Chaparro Vaquero, a Senior Broker with experience at PwC, AON, and Sabseg; Veronica Orosa Talarewitz, a broking and claims expert with a background at Clyde & Co, AIG, and Sabseg; and Pau Lopez Fornons, an Associate Broker with tax advisory experience at PwC, Aedas Homes, and Crowe, to strengthen its capabilities in transactional risk solutions. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher adds trio to private equity, M&A practice')
Flood Re has appointed Michael Murphy, with over 30 years of experience in insurance, reinsurance, and asset management (including roles at Canada Life, Aviva, and Willis Towers Watson), as an Independent Non-Executive Director, and Sue Mulry-Lawson, a seasoned risk and compliance expert (formerly with Standard P&I Club and Charles Taylor), as interim chief risk officer, to strengthen its leadership and prepare for risk-reflective pricing by 2039. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Flood Re names new member to board, appoints interim chief risk officer')
HSB UK & Ireland has appointed Andrew Burke as CEO, subject to regulatory approval. Burke, formerly CEO of DAS UK Group and with over 30 years of experience, including senior roles at RSA Insurance Group, will oversee HSB’s insurance, inspection, and building warranty operations, focusing on leveraging the company’s specialist expertise to support customers and drive growth. (Gia Snape, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'HSB taps former DAS UK chief to lead its UK and Ireland operations')
Steve Hearn, Chief Operating Officer of Brown & Brown and former CEO of Ed Broking and Willis Global, has been appointed to lead all international operations outside North America, focusing on global strategy and growth, as the company strengthens its position with major acquisitions and expanded capabilities. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Brown & Brown taps Steve Hearn to lead international operations')
AXA UK & Ireland has appointed Amanda Vaughan as Chief People Officer and Louise Isaacs as Chief Customer & Communications Officer, both reporting to CEO Tara Foley, with Vaughan bringing extensive HR experience from AXA and Westpac, and Isaacs focusing on customer engagement and brand strategy with over 20 years in senior roles at Barclays, Cigna, and American Express. (Josh Recamara, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA UK & Ireland and New Dawn Risk')
Anthony Kerr has joined New Dawn Risk as Senior Client Manager and Claims Advocate, leveraging over 35 years of experience in Lloyd's and company markets, including senior claims roles at Munitus Insurance, St Paul Specialty Underwriting, and Beazley, to enhance claims support for professional liability clients. (Josh Recamara, 4/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA UK & Ireland and New Dawn Risk')
Jane Poole, former CFO of Direct Line Group, has joined CFC as group Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive FTSE 100 experience, including leading strategic transformations and overseeing major acquisitions, to support CFC’s global expansion and financial strategy. (Kenneth Araullo, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Ex-Direct Line CFO Jane Poole joins CFC in same role')
Agile has launched its construction underwriting operations, appointing Gordon McNab as Head of Construction to lead the development of contract works insurance supported by its Lloyd’s syndicate. McNab, a recognised leader in the construction insurance sector, brings extensive experience and has been instrumental in preparing Agile’s entry into this market. His expertise will drive Agile’s construction underwriting capabilities and strengthen its position amid a competitive and softening construction insurance market. (Kenneth Araullo, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Agile enters construction insurance with new product line, leadership')
Bridgehaven Specialty UK Limited has appointed Jamie Wakeling as Head of Underwriting Strategy. With over 20 years of experience in the London reinsurance market, including roles as group CUO at Ocean Re and leadership positions at Canopius, Wakeling will focus on driving strategic initiatives, profitable underwriting opportunities, and complex reinsurance placements across UK, European, and international markets. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Bridgehaven, DAC Beachcroft, HDI, SRG, Willis and Blenheim Underwriting')
DAC Beachcroft (DACB) has named Helen Yiacoumis as the head of its global shipping practice. With over 20 years of experience in the Greek shipping market and senior roles at NorthStandard and Skuld’s Piraeus office, Yiacoumis’ appointment strengthens DACB’s shipping expertise to better serve clients across major international markets. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Bridgehaven, DAC Beachcroft, HDI, SRG, Willis and Blenheim Underwriting')
HDI Global has strengthened its ESG Risk Solutions division with the appointments of Chris Strong as Head of ESG Risk Solutions (Manchester), Thordis Jensen as Head of ESG Risk Solutions International (Cologne), and Ludovic Ruiller as Head of ESG Solutions Europe (Paris). These leaders will drive the international expansion of HDI’s ESG insurance products, which integrate environmental, social, and governance coverage. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Bridgehaven, DAC Beachcroft, HDI, SRG, Willis and Blenheim Underwriting')
Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has expanded its real estate, legal indemnities, and rights of light expertise with the appointment of Mark Manwaring and his team. Previously leading complex real estate solutions at Price Forbes and Aon, Manwaring’s addition bolsters SRG’s capabilities in handling intricate UK and international real estate projects, according to CEO Neil Nimmo. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Bridgehaven, DAC Beachcroft, HDI, SRG, Willis and Blenheim Underwriting')
Willis, part of WTW, has named Louis Elwood as Head of Sports within its crisis management global specialty division. With 18 years of experience, Elwood will lead strategic growth in sports and entertainment insurance worldwide. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Bridgehaven, DAC Beachcroft, HDI, SRG, Willis and Blenheim Underwriting')
Blenheim Underwriting has appointed Phil Lawson and Alex Hewlett as Class Underwriters, set to join its delegated authority team in February 2026. Both bring significant expertise from Scor Syndicate 2015. Group chairman Peter Scales emphasised that these appointments align with Blenheim’s strategy of recruiting experienced underwriters to drive portfolio growth. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Bridgehaven, DAC Beachcroft, HDI, SRG, Willis and Blenheim Underwriting')
Liberty Specialty Markets has appointed James Cole as Head of Client and Broker Distribution for the UK and MENA region. With over 20 years of experience, Cole will focus on strengthening distribution strategies and aligning global approaches with regional opportunities. (Josh Recamara, 3/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Specialty Markets appoints head of client and broker distribution for the UK and MENA region')
Acies SME UK has expanded into the South West and Midlands, led by former Liverpool Victoria managers Kevin Wildman and Natalie Brewster. This move is part of Acies’ national growth strategy, offering brokers experienced local teams to enhance SME insurance services. (Kenneth Araullo, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Acies SME UK expands into South West, Midlands with veteran teams')
Claims Equilibrium Club (CEC) has promoted Christine Thomson and Paul Nicholson to its board of directors. Thomson, now Operations Director, and Nicholson, now Sales and Marketing Director, were recognised for their contributions during a period of expansion, reflecting CEC’s commitment to a client-focused approach. (Josh Recamara, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Verlingue and CEC')
Verlingue UK has appointed Melissa Liddicoat as Deputy Sales Director for its employee benefits business. With over a decade of experience at firms like AXA, Gallagher, and Aon, Liddicoat will focus on client development, team leadership, and enhancing national sales performance, supporting Verlingue’s consultancy-led growth strategy. (Josh Recamara, 2/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Verlingue and CEC')
Allianz Trade has announced leadership changes in Northern Europe. Benoit Semelin becomes regional CFAO, succeeding Sébastian Rageot, now CEO for the Nordics. Sorina Eremia is Regional Credit Director, following Matt Williams’ move to UK & Ireland CEO. Craig Ironside, previously Global Head of Commercial Underwriting, is now Regional Commercial Director, succeeding Rodrigo Jimenez, now CEO for Asia Pacific. These changes reflect Allianz Trade’s focus on internal talent and growth. (Kenneth Araullo, 1/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz Trade announces key leadership changes in Northern Europe')
Consilium has appointed Michael Harte as Associate Partner and Olivia Taylor as Associate in its professional and executive risk solutions division. Harte, with over 11 years of experience, joins from Jensten Insurance Brokers, while Taylor, previously at Praden Pty Limited in Sydney, brings expertise in financial lines. These hires reflect Consilium’s focus on expanding its global book and enhancing client relationships. (Kenneth Araullo, 1/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Consilium welcomes new talent to professional and executive risk solutions')
Sedgwick has appointed Dan Sivertsen as CEO of its Sweden operations, effective September 20. Currently CEO of Sedgwick Norway, Sivertsen brings over 20 years of experience in insurance and claims management. This dual role aims to strengthen Sedgwick’s Nordic presence and unify its regional claims strategy. (Josh Recamara, 1/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Sedgwick names CEO of Sweden operations')