General Insurance newsletter Friday 23rd January 2026

Insurance News

Looking to hire or land your next role in Change & Transformation? - Partnering with WPR, we connect businesses in change management, tech, financial services, and insurance with top talent for everything from small projects to large-scale transformations. Whether you’re after contract, interim, or permanent roles, we work with companies of all sizes to find the right fit. And if you’re a professional on the hunt for your next opportunity, we’ll help you secure a role that matches your skills and ambitions. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Looking to hire or land your next role in Change & Transformation?')
Check the value of your business - Are you considering selling your business, planning for growth, or shaping your 2026 strategy but need credible insights into your business's value? Our free valuation calculator, designed specifically for brokers, insurers, and MGAs, provides an instant estimate based on your company’s profile, revenue, and profit. Gain the essential data you need to make informed, strategic decisions with confidence. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Check the value of your business')
Why climate transparency matters more than ever for US insurers - Only 29% of US insurers provide measurable climate risk targets, despite most disclosing strategies. This lack of transparency leaves customers vulnerable and unprepared for rising claims from extreme weather. Regulators are enforcing stricter disclosure requirements, pushing insurers to standardise metrics and improve accountability. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Why climate transparency matters more than ever for US insurers')
Develop your EVP strategy with IDEX- In addition to our core services, IDEX offers support to businesses looking to enhance their Employer Value Proposition (EVP). Drawing on six key pillars - leadership development, an inspiring ecosystem, recognition and rewards, work-life balance, authenticity, and contributing to a growing business - we can help you shape an EVP that prioritises flexibility, career growth, and a supportive culture. By working with IDEX, you can create an environment where your team thrives, aligning personal aspirations with business goals and unlocking the full potential of your workforce. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Develop your EVP strategy with IDEX')
Acrisure London Wholesale has launched Acrisure Connect, a digital platform developed with Verisk and supported by Lloyd’s and Flux Syndicate 1985, to provide small and mid-sized businesses with streamlined access to the London insurance market, offering products like errors and omissions, transportation, and cyber insurance, while leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance efficiency and underwriting. (Jonalyn Cueto, 23/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Acrisure launches digital platform for London market access')
A Lloyd’s Market Association survey on AI-related loss scenarios across professional indemnity, cyber, product recall, and accident and health insurance highlights professional indemnity as the highest-risk area due to AI use in professional services, with underwriters expecting AI-related exposures to grow as adoption increases. (Jonalyn Cueto, 23/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Underwriters weigh AI loss scenarios in new study')
A report by iCAN Apply, the job board of the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN), reveals a 70% rise in AI-related job listings in the UK insurance industry, reflecting the sector's shift towards automation and innovation in areas like underwriting, claims, and data strategy, with roles increasingly requiring skills in AI tools, machine learning, and ethics, while emphasizing the need for upskilling and inclusion to bridge the digital divide. (Jonalyn Cuteo, 22/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'UK insurance jobs demand more AI skills')
Helios Underwriting has reduced its 2026 Lloyd's capacity to £467 million, down from £491 million in 2025, reflecting a sharper focus on portfolio quality following recent acquisitions and auction trading. The company increased its freehold capacity to £218 million and continues to prioritise syndicates with proven track records to ensure sustainable, cross-cycle performance. (Kenneth Araullo, 22/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Helios Underwriting trims 2026 Lloyd's capacity to £467 million')
Travelers Companies Inc. reported a 23% increase in Q4 net income per diluted share to $11.06, driven by strong underwriting performance and higher investment income. Net income for the quarter rose to $2.496 billion, with a combined ratio improving to 80.2%. The company also returned $1.897 billion to shareholders, authorised an additional $5 billion in share repurchases, and declared a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share. (Jonalyn Cuteo, 22/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Travelers Q4 profits jump 23%')
AXIS Capital's survey revealed that 82% of CEOs and CISOs plan to increase cybersecurity budgets in 2026, while 75% anticipate reducing headcount due to AI-driven productivity gains. AI is seen as both a transformative tool for defense and a driver of emerging threats like shadow AI, deepfakes, and advanced ransomware. Regional differences showed UK executives more concerned about AI-driven attacks (29.6%) than US counterparts (20.8%), with US leaders expressing higher confidence in AI's ROI and effectiveness in cybersecurity. (Rod Bolivar, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'AI-driven cyber threats impact spending plans - AXIS')

Acrisure has completed the rebranding of UK brokers Russell Scanlan and WH&R McCartney, consolidating all its acquired UK brokerages under the Acrisure name. This move unifies its UK operations, enhancing its ability to support SMEs, corporates, and private clients with a combination of local expertise and global resources. (Rod Bolivar, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Acrisure completes rebrands of Russell Scanlan and WH&R McCartney')
Brokerslink has added Stockholm-based insurtech Vantel as a specialist affiliate, integrating its AI-powered platform to enhance brokers' efficiency in tasks like policy analysis and contract reviews. The partnership aims to improve operational workflows and client service, aligning with Brokerslink's innovation goals. Vantel CEO Love Redin emphasised the potential of AI to deliver better client outcomes and strategic value. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Brokerslink add insurtech Vantel as specialist affiliate')
AXA Digital Commercial Platform (DCP) has partnered with ICEYE to leverage its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology for enhanced natural catastrophe monitoring. This collaboration enables AXA DCP to track events like floods and wildfires in near real-time, even under challenging conditions, shifting its focus from reactive responses to predictive and preventive risk management. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'AXA DCP taps ICEYE satellite tech to strengthen natural catastrophe response')
Intact Insurance has launched "Intact Trading," a broker-focused initiative featuring weekly Trading Days, in-office training, and renewal support to strengthen relationships and streamline collaboration. Initially rolling out in Southern England, it will expand nationwide by March 2026, following Intact's recent rebrand. (Kenneth Araullo, 20/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Intact Insurance rolls out trading programme to deepen broker relationships')
Ardonagh Europe has launched Orvia Underwriting, a pan-European MGA headquartered in Dublin. Consolidating several MGAs across London and Europe, Orvia manages a portfolio exceeding €250 million in gross written premium. The platform will focus on specialist insurance products and faster decision-making, with Cooper Gay Germany's trade credit and cyber business being the first to transition. Conor Geraghty has been named CEO, aiming to expand capabilities and foster growth. (Kenneth Araullo, 19/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Ardonagh Europe launches Pan-European MGA Orvia Underwriting')
The aviation insurance market faced rising claims and regulatory pressures in 2025, with insurers implementing rate increases to address premium inadequacies, according to Gallagher Specialty's Plane Talking Q4 2025. US-exposed airlines saw the greatest scrutiny, while repair costs surged due to material shortages and advanced engine servicing. Emerging risks like sustainability and AI-driven underwriting are shaping the market, with modest rate increases and stable aerospace premiums expected in 2026. (Josh Recamara, 19/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aviation insurance facing rising claims and market shifts - report')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Nexus Underwriting has acquired Sure Insurance Services, a specialist MGA in medical tourism insurance, which will now operate under Nexus' Millstream Underwriting. Founded in 2003 by Alison Thornberry, Sure serves markets in the UK, Australia, and South Africa. The acquisition aligns with Nexus' strategy of integrating niche MGAs and was facilitated by IDEX. Thornberry and her team will remain with the business, led by Millstream Managing Director Rob Amati. (Nexus, 'Nexus acquires medical tourism specialist Sure Insurance Services')
Zurich Insurance Group plans to launch its first Lloyd's syndicate by April 2026, aiming to access private capital for underwriting risks and write hundreds of millions in premiums. This move aligns with Zurich's £7.67 billion acquisition bid for Beazley plc, a leading Lloyd's underwriter specialising in cyber, property, and marine insurance. The revised offer of £12.80 per share follows an earlier proposal rejected by Beazley's board, with Zurich emphasising the bid's full value across all metrics. (Kenneth Araullo, 22/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Zurich confirms Lloyd's Syndicate plans ahead of possible £7.67 billion Beazley bid')

Moves

Samantha Hazlewood has been appointed Head of AXA Group Partnerships and Strategic Client Management for AXA XL, effective February 1, where she will leverage her 15 years of industry expertise and experience in strategic account management to oversee relationships with AXA’s key global accounts and support tailored solutions. (Rod Bolivar, 23/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA XL, Argenta, Targa Telematics')
The London Market Group (LMG) has announced board changes for 2026, with Theo Butt, Sean McGovern, Alex Powell, and Patrick Tiernan joining under new Chair Chris Lay. These appointments aim to enhance representation across the London market's broking and underwriting sectors, focusing on attracting talent and advocating for a competitive regulatory environment. Departing members Claire Macdonald, Andrew Brooks, and Rachel Turk were acknowledged for their contributions. (Rod Bolivar, 22/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'London Market Group starts 2026 with board departures and new appointments')
Crawford & Company has announced a global restructure, dividing operations into two divisions: US operations, led by new CEO Mike Hoberman, and international operations, led by Andrew Bart. The restructure aims to streamline reporting, enhance accountability, and improve cross-regional coordination. Additionally, Pat Van Bakel has been appointed as Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer to oversee corporate strategy and engagement with multinational clients. (Roxanne Libatique, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Crawford announces global restructure')
The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) has appointed Nick Moore, CEO of Argenta, and Vinay Mistry, Chief Commercial Operations Officer of Apollo, to its board. Mistry, who has been active in LMA committees since 2019, expressed enthusiasm for driving meaningful change. The appointments follow the departure of Alex Powell and Andrew Brooks, who were acknowledged for their significant contributions. (Rod Bolivar, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: LMA, Markel Insurance, Pinpoint UK')
Markel Insurance has appointed Charlotte Major as Senior Claims Adjuster for professional indemnity, based in its London office. Major will handle complex PI claims across professions like accountants, construction firms, and insurance brokers. She will also advise on claims scenarios, policy wordings, and renewals, while mentoring claims handlers and strengthening broker relationships. She joins Markel from Travelers, where she gained extensive experience managing professional indemnity claims. (Rod Bolivar, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: LMA, Markel Insurance, Pinpoint UK')
AM Specialty Insurance Group has appointed Joe Harding as Managing Director of UK enterprises at Pinpoint UK. Harding will oversee the enterprise-focused underwriting strategy, develop scalable specialty insurance solutions, and manage broker and client relationships across the UK market. With around 15 years of London Market underwriting experience, Harding joins from Aspen Insurance Group, where he served as an Underwriter. Prior to Aspen, he spent over seven years at Allied World, holding roles such as Senior Underwriter and Assistant Vice President, and earlier worked at Gravity Underwriting Ltd. (Rod Bolivar, 21/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: LMA, Markel Insurance, Pinpoint UK')
Prestige Underwriting has promoted Katy Peacock to Head of Home, Product, and Governance. With over 20 years of personal lines underwriting experience, Peacock will oversee the firm's home insurance portfolio. Joining in 2015, she previously served as Technical Underwriting Manager, managing home insurance products across all regions. Her promotion follows the departure of Chris Duck in December 2025. (Kenneth Araullo, 20/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Prestige Underwriting, Allianz Partners, MNK International, Cogent Hire')
Allianz Partners has announced four senior appointments within its health line of business. Giovanni di Meo, with 15 years of international life and health insurance experience, is now Head of Commercial, Health & Benefits, leading global sales strategy. He joined Allianz from Generali in 2020 and previously served as Head of Sales Performance and steering for health and benefits. Liam Hughes, former Chief Commercial Officer at Cigna International, has been appointed Head of Sales Europe, Health & Benefits, bringing over 30 years of B2B experience. Carl Downham, with 15 years at Allianz, is now Head of Sales Middle East & Africa, health & benefits. Elke De Cauwer, with 25+ years in global healthcare and insurance, has been named Head of Sales Steering, Transformation, and Performance. (Kenneth Araullo, 20/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Prestige Underwriting, Allianz Partners, MNK International, Cogent Hire')
MNK International, a Lloyd's of London broker, has appointed Jamie Illing as CEO to lead its South African and Southern African market operations. With over 30 years of experience at firms like Marsh, JLT Group, and Regent Insurance, Illing brings extensive expertise in insurance and reinsurance. Joining him are Gerhard Raath as Head of Insurance & Reinsurance Broking and Paul Ray as Business Development Director, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, mining, construction, and agriculture. (Kenneth Araullo, 20/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Prestige Underwriting, Allianz Partners, MNK International, Cogent Hire')
CFC has appointed Christyn Yoast as Global Head of Commercial to lead its global commercial strategy amid significant international expansion. Based in New York, Yoast joins from BOXX Insurance, where she served as US President, bringing extensive experience in cyber insurance and strategic partnerships. This appointment follows CFC's recent leadership hires as it continues to grow its global footprint. (Josh Recamara, 19/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'CFC taps Christyn Yoast to lead global commercial strategy')