General Insurance newsletter Friday 28th November 2025

Insurance News

Insurance business valuation calculator - Are you planning your 2026 business strategy, but are perhaps lacking credible data and insights on your business performance? Our free business calculator for brokers, insurers and MGAs provides an instant valuation, based on your company's profile, revenue and profit, offering you the essential data you need to make key business decisions. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Insurance business valuation calculator')
InsurTech market insights - The InsurTech market is poised for continued growth, creating a huge opportunity for traditional insurers to overhaul their product distribution strategies. Read IDEX's analysis on which product lines are growing and how businesses across insurance can capitalise on them. (IDEX Consulting news, 'InsurTech market insights')
The Risk and Compliance professionals employment market - Candidates no longer tolerate poor interview experiences, making slick processes essential to attract quality professionals. Jack Johnson, our Risk & Compliance recruiter shares what professionals are looking for in this market and how to attract the very best. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The Risk and Compliance professionals employment market')
How insurers and brokers are winning with predictive analytics - As competition intensifies, predictive analytics separates winners from followers in insurance. Our article reveals how brokers and insurers are transitioning from technology experiments to scalable solutions that address complex workflows, compliance demands, and customer expectations. Discover the strategies driving success. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How insurers and brokers are winning with predictive analytics')
Lloyd’s highlights mounting pressures for 2026, including inadequate casualty rates, rapid cyber growth outpacing risk capacity, and fast-declining property rates, emphasising the need for underwriting discipline, sustainable profitability, and principles-based oversight amidst a softening market and evolving risk landscapes.(Kenneth Araullo, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Lloyd’s flags mounting pressures as market heads into 2026')
The UK Autumn Budget introduces measures to support SMEs, such as free apprenticeships for under-25s and broader skills investment, which SJL Insurance Services views as constructive for addressing skills shortages, alongside a National Living Wage increase; however, insurers warn of rising risks like underinsurance, inflation-driven costs, and operational challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK Autumn Budget puts SME skills in focus as insurers flag rising risks')
The London Market Group's Data Council has launched a 12-week consultation on the claims component of the Core Data Record (CDR), aiming to standardise claims data for improved automation, reduced duplication, and faster settlements. This initiative, aligned with ACORD’s GRLC standard, builds on the existing placing CDR and supports the market's digitalisation and global interoperability goals. (Josh Recamara, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'London Market Group launches consultation on new Core Data Record for claims')
Temple Legal Protection has been awarded Corporate Chartered Insurance Underwriting Agent status by the Chartered Insurance Institute, recognising its high standards in underwriting, staff training, and client service. Managing Director Laurence Pipkin highlighted the accreditation as a testament to the firm's professionalism and market trust, further bolstered by its recent Chambers directory listing. (Josh Recamara, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Temple Legal Protection accredited by Chartered Insurance Institute')
CFC launches Cyber Threat Review, a tool providing SMEs with personalised, plain-language threat analyses to bridge the cyber protection gap. Designed to help brokers engage smaller businesses, the reports translate technical risks into business terms, addressing barriers like lack of awareness and confusion over cyber insurance, while supporting global adoption and new income streams. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'CFC launches cyber tool to bridge SME protection gap')
QBE Insurance Group reported steady premium growth, robust investment returns, and lower-than-expected catastrophe losses for the first nine months of 2025, reaffirming its full-year guidance and announcing a A$450 million share buyback program. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'QBE expands premiums, reaffirms full-year guidance amid favourable cat losses')
Shares of China Taiping Insurance fell sharply as the company faces potential liabilities from the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong, which has killed at least 44 people, left hundreds missing, and raised concerns about construction safety and underinsurance. (Stephen Owens, 27/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Major insurer’s shares plummet as deadly Hong Kong fire rages')
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) criticised the Autumn Budget for capping salary sacrifice pensions and maintaining high Insurance Premium Tax rates, warning these measures could undermine retirement savings, investor confidence, and private health insurance uptake. (Josh Recamara, 27/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Budget missed opportunity to support growth and protection, UK insurers warn')

Staysure founder Ryan Howsam urged the UK government to reform tax and regulatory policies to retain talent and attract entrepreneurs, warning that current measures are driving high-net-worth individuals and businesses overseas. (Josh Recamara, 27/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Staysure founder says UK must reset tax and regulation to support growth')
AXA XL's Future Risks Report highlights cyber as a top concern for UK businesses, warning that evolving threats like AI-driven attacks, cloud vulnerabilities, and advanced phishing require insurers and clients to enhance resilience and adapt to the shifting risk landscape. (Emily Douglas, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'We haven't seen the full scale of AI yet': AXA XL warns UK cyber risk is only growing')
The IUA is prioritising underwriting discipline, policy clarity, and claims innovation, with new initiatives like a Chief Underwriting Officer Council and updated claims practices aimed at improving feedback loops, addressing emerging risks, and fostering talent in the London market. (Bryony Garlick, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'IUA sharpens focus on underwriting discipline and claims innovation')
A Coalition survey revealed that nearly 75% of UK SMEs experienced cyber incidents in the past five years, yet 35% have dropped standalone cyber insurance, highlighting a gap in coverage despite rising threats and increasing costs of cyberattacks. (Kenneth Araullo, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Nearly three-quarters of UK SMEs hit by cyber incidents, but coverage still lacking – Coalition')
Moody's identified 10 emerging risks for 2026, including intensifying natural catastrophes, systemic cyber disruptions, and liability exposures like PFAS chemicals, urging insurers to adapt underwriting models, enhance risk mitigation, and prepare for evolving global challenges. (Josh Recamara, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Moody's identifies 10 emerging risks set to reshape global insurance market in 2026')
Brokerslink has added three specialist affiliates - Corporate Counselling Services, HealthNEXT, and Inova Care - to enhance its employee benefits offerings. These additions strengthen capabilities in mental health, healthcare management, and population health, reflecting growing demand for integrated wellbeing and operational solutions. (Josh Recamara, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Brokerslink announces new specialist affiliates')
Tom Bolt, a veteran insurance leader with over 40 years of experience at AIG, Berkshire Hathaway, and Lloyd's of London, has passed away. Known for his contributions to underwriting standards and risk management, Bolt's legacy includes pivotal roles in shaping industry practices and operational excellence. (Kenneth Araullo, 25/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'AIG risk chief and insurance industry vet Tom Bolt dies')
According to LexisNexis, UK insurers are under growing pressure to address long-term flood risks, with projections showing over 600,000 additional properties at high risk by 2100. Their climate datasets aim to help insurers model future risks, adapt underwriting, and mitigate escalating claims and infrastructure challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 25/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK insurers confront century-long flood risk as climate reshapes underwriting')
According to the Commons Business and Trade Committee, the UK is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and economic coercion. The Committee has called for a cyber backstop and an Economic Security Bill to protect critical infrastructure, mitigate risks, and enhance national resilience against modern threats. (Josh Recamara, 25/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Commons Committee calls for cyber backstop to strengthen UK economic security')
Allianz UK has earned an EcoVadis Silver Medal for sustainability, placing in the top 10% of 130,000 companies assessed globally. This recognition highlights its strong environmental performance and reflects a broader trend among UK insurers to enhance ESG credentials through external validation and transparent reporting. (Josh Recamara, 25/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK insurers step up sustainability efforts as Allianz UK earns EcoVadis Silver Medal')
Insurance asset managers are increasingly exploring stablecoins for portfolio diversification, yield generation, and faster transactions. While stablecoins offer benefits like efficient liquidity management and streamlined operations, insurers must address risks such as counterparty exposure and evolving regulations. Their integration could drive innovation in insurance products and global financial strategies. (Josh Recamara, 24/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance asset managers start exploring stablecoins')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Sodalis Capital, a London-based insurance investment platform led by Colin Thompson, has launched with backing from major investors like Alliant and BP Marsh, aiming to acquire managing general agent platforms and drive sustainable growth in the insurance intermediary sector. (Kenneth Araullo, 27/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'New insurance platform Sodalis launches with eye on intermediary acquisitions')
The UK P&I Club and TT Club have entered early discussions on a potential merger, aiming to create a market-leading mutual that enhances service, financial stability, and resilience amid rising claims and regulatory pressures in the global transport and maritime sectors. (Josh Recamara, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK P&I and TT Club begin talks on potential merger')

Moves

Arch Insurance International appoints Beth Jenkins, formerly of Allied World, as Senior Casualty Underwriter to support the expansion of its UK risk-managed retail platform and wholesale EEA business, with Jenkins reporting to Marie-Claire Bessada, head of retail, general liability.(Josh Recamara, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Pen, Arch Insurance, Tokio Marine and The Swedish Club')
Pen Underwriting announces a new leadership structure for its marine practice, effective Jan. 1, 2026, retaining marine underwriting specialisms while introducing pan-practice roles to drive growth and consistency. Tom Batterbury will lead marine war and professional indemnity (Vessel Protect and Freeboard), Jack Buchan will head Fortify (brown water hull), James King will oversee BMM Ports & Terminals, and Stephen Loader will lead TMT (tailored cover for marine businesses). Munro Anderson is promoted to Director of Strategy and Operations, James Kent becomes Commercial Director, and Co-Managing Directors Paul Hartley and Chris Goddard will depart as part of the restructuring. (Josh Recamara, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Pen, Arch Insurance, Tokio Marine and The Swedish Club')
Tokio Marine Kiln recruits Harry Gregory, formerly of Marsh, to its liability team, where he will report to departmental head Oliver Delaney. Gregory brings expertise in managing multinational programs across the energy, power, and renewables sectors. (Josh Recamara, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Pen, Arch Insurance, Tokio Marine and The Swedish Club')
The Swedish Club appoints Terri Jay, formerly of Gard AS, as Head of Charterers & Traders. With three decades of international underwriting and leadership experience, Jay's appointment enhances technical capabilities and expands services for global charterers and traders, according to Managing Director Thomas Nordberg. (Josh Recamara, 28/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Pen, Arch Insurance, Tokio Marine and The Swedish Club')
Glemham Underwriting has appointed Kirsty Blois as lead Professional Indemnity Underwriter. With over 28 years of experience at firms like Arch and Hiscox, Blois will focus on complex service industry risks, strengthening Glemham’s PI offerings as the MGA continues its hands-on underwriting approach. (Josh Recamara, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Glemham Underwriting and Davies')
Davies has appointed Reshma Jose as Vice President and Finance Lead of its captive management business. With over a decade of experience at Aon, EY, and Deloitte, Jose will oversee financial strategy, compliance, and investments across Davies’ global captive operations, supporting its international growth strategy. (Josh Recamara, 26/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Glemham Underwriting and Davies')
Amiga Specialty has expanded its transactional risks division with new hires, including Sam Batchelor as Head of Transactional Risks Europe, supported by Underwriters Meeza KeziahCabansag and George Brain. This move aligns with Amiga’s goal to lead in warranty & indemnity coverage across the UK and EU, backed by multi-million-pound capacity via the Accelerant Risk Exchange. (Josh Recamara, 25/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Amiga Specialty and Apollo')
Apollo is implementing key leadership changes in its MET division as part of a planned succession. Simon Mason will retire on January 1, 2026, after contributing significantly since 2013. Martin Jackson will be promoted to Head of MET, with Mark Phythian and Ciara Sheikh taking on roles as Deputy Head of MET and Class Leader, Cargo, respectively, alongside other internal promotions to ensure continuity. (Josh Recamara, 25/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Amiga Specialty and Apollo')
Hylant Group appoints Anne Marie Towle as CEO of Hylant Consulting, where she will lead the expanded consulting division, including analytics, business risk consulting, captive management, M&A solutions, and outsourced services. Towle joined Hylant in 2019 and previously served as CEO of global risk management and captive solutions. (Claire Wilkinson, 24/11/2025, Business Insurance, 'Anne Marie Towle appointed CEO of Hylant Consulting')
Crawford & Company has appointed CFO W. Bruce Swain, Jr. as interim President and CEO, effective January 1, 2026, following Rohit Verma's departure. Swain, with over 30 years at Crawford, will also join the board of directors. Holly Boudreau, who joined Crawford in 2013 and previously worked as a Tax Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, will succeed Swain as CFO. These leadership changes come as the company builds on its strong financial performance and operational momentum. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Crawford & Company names CFO as interim chief executive')
Liberty Specialty Markets has named Oliver Delvos as Head of Cyber and Technology E&O for Europe, effective December 1. Formerly Managing Director at Corvus Insurance, Delvos brings 15+ years of experience and will lead Liberty's European cyber strategy. The move aligns with Liberty's Invest in Europe 2030 strategy and follows strong Q3 results for Liberty Mutual. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Liberty Specialty Markets, Folgate Underwriting Agency')
Folgate Underwriting Agency has appointed Mathew Harvey as Head of Professional Indemnity and Debbie Farman as Head of PI Renewals. Joining from Aqueous Underwriting, they bring 50 years of combined expertise, bolstering Folgate's PI capabilities. This follows the launch of its contractors combined policy, streamlining construction insurance for brokers. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Liberty Specialty Markets, Folgate Underwriting Agency')
Helvetia Group has appointed Martin Gingg as CEO of its Specialty Lines Switzerland & International unit, effective January 1, 2026. Gingg, who also serves as CEO of Helvetia Global Solutions, brings extensive experience from senior roles at National Suisse and Helvetia. This move strengthens Helvetia's specialty insurance leadership as it expands its global portfolio in areas like cyber, renewable energy, and fine art. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'Helvetia taps Martin Gingg to lead specialty lines unit')
United Risk has promoted Hayden Smith to CEO as it marks two years since its formation. Smith, with experience at Enstar Group and StarStone, will lead the MGA’s global operations. Other key appointments include Andrew Lucas as General Counsel, Gregg Holtmeier as Chief Commercial Officer, and Patrick Watson as COO, strengthening United Risk’s leadership as it continues its international growth. (Josh Recamara, 24/11/2025, Insurance Business, 'United Risk strengthens global leadership, names new CEO')