General Insurance newsletter Friday 6th February 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?')
Everest reported higher profitability and book value for 2025 after reshaping its insurance portfolio. Strategic trimming of its underwriting book and reserve actions supported stronger results and balance-sheet positioning.(Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Everest posts higher 2025 profits and book value’)
Cigna achieved a US$6 billion profit in 2025 with double-digit revenue growth, reinforcing its position as one of the strongest global health insurance performers. (Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Cigna posts US$6 billion profit on double-digit 2025 revenue growth’)
Commercial Express secured new underwriting capacity from Fortegra to support its UK schemes business, reflecting disciplined deployment of insurer capital toward specialist partners.(Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Commercial Express secures new capacity from Fortegra’)
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')
IUMI and TAPA warn that increasingly sophisticated cargo crime is driving billions in losses, forcing underwriters to rethink traditional risk controls. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Cargo insurers face rising losses as fraud reshapes global theft risk')
Argenta and Helios Underwriting have launched a new initiative to attract fresh capital to Lloyd’s, offering opportunities for investors to participate in the market. Conditions appear favourable despite signs of softening in certain lines. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Argenta and Helios Underwriting open this year's "Starter Homes" for new Lloyd's capital')
DCL refines broker-facing structure. Dedicated specialists now guide brokers from placement to policy management. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'DCL refines broker-facing structure')
Chubb reported record Q4 2025 earnings with net income of $3.21 billion and core operating income of $2.98 billion. Pre-tax catastrophe losses dropped significantly to $365 million from $607 million the previous year. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Lower cat losses, underwriting gains drive Chubb's blowout fourth quarter')
WTW reported a 3% decline in Q4 2025 revenue to $2.9 billion, though organic revenue grew 6%. Full-year revenue fell 2% to $9.7 billion due to the TRANZACT sale, but organic growth reached 5%. (Jonalyn Cueto, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'WTW posts mixed results as rivals show varied growth momentum')
Antares has restructured to consolidate all its business units under a single Bermuda-based holding company, QIC Antares Holdings Limited, streamlining governance and enhancing capital mobility. (Jonalyn Cueto, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Antares unifies under Bermuda holding'
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')
AXA UK Commercial has introduced the Horizon programme, selecting 20 brokers from 45 nominations to participate in a leadership development initiative. The programme includes a three-day residential seminar in Paris, masterclasses, and individual career coaching. (Jonalyn Cueto, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'AXA UK launches leadership programme for broker partners')
Aon's Q4 2025 Global Insurance Market Insights report highlights favorable conditions for buyers in 2025, with reduced pricing and broader terms in property, cyber, and D&O lines. However, casualty lines face mounting pressures from rising litigation costs and nuclear verdicts. (Kenneth Araullo, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Buyer-friendly insurance market won't last as casualty pressures build, Aon warns')
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has launched its 2026-28 strategy to track the industry's £100 billion commitment to UK assets supporting economic growth and the net zero transition. The plan includes a governance overhaul and focuses on building public trust and improving market effectiveness. (Kenneth Araullo, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'ABI unveils three-year blueprint to steer £100 billion investment pledge')
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')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Alan Boswell boosts its country presence as the Andrew Thompson & Associates (AT&A) Insurance Brokers deal, originally announced in April, crosses the finish line. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Alan Boswell cements dual-office Suffolk footprint with AT&A rebrand')
Zurich's persistence finally pays off, but the cyber specialist Beazley didn’t come cheap. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Zurich, Beazley reach initial agreement on £8bn deal after months of rejected bids')
HF realigns services as nearly 90 staff move in the acquisition of Crawford's legal assets. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'HF acquires Crawford legal assets')
Optio expands its presence in the Nordics following a recent Bergen-based swoop. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Optio strengthens Nordic footprint through acquisition')
Zurich has minority stake in Beazley - A regulatory filing reveals Zurich as a new shareholder in Beazley. (Rod Bolivar, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Zurich has minority stake in Beazley - report')
Gallagher Bassett adds regional depth to its global plans by acquiring a centuries-old marine claims specialist. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher Bassett acquires marine claims specialist')
Rising Edge, a London underwriting specialist, bets its future on data and technology as it sells its D&O division to K2 International. (Kenneth Araullo, 2/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Rising Edge sells D&O division to K2 International, pivots to tech-driven insurance lines')
Clear Group, with over £1 billion in GWP, merges with Gauntlet AR Network to create an AR powerhouse. (Josh Recamara, 29/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group swoops for Gauntlet AR Network')
Howden has agreed to acquire PIBL, a retail insurance broker based in the Channel Islands, to strengthen its ability to service financial services, private wealth, and corporate clients in Jersey and Guernsey. The acquisition reflects consolidation trends in the Channel Islands insurance market, driven by rising regulatory expectations and complex risk profiles. (Josh Recamara, 29/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Howden to expand in the Channel Islands with PIBL acquisition')

Moves

James Crask was appointed global supply chain practice leader at Marsh Risk, bringing extensive experience advising multinational clients on supply chain disruption, resilience and complex risk management.(Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Insurance moves: Marsh Risk, Insurwave, Keoghs and MDS’)
Deepak Saigal joined Insurwave as chief delivery officer, drawing on more than 20 years’ experience across specialty insurance, technology delivery and MGA platform scaling. (Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Insurance moves: Marsh Risk, Insurwave, Keoghs and MDS’)
Sarah Hill was appointed partner at Keoghs and Ben FitzHugh joined as head of intelligence as part of the firm’s Midlands hub expansion, with both bringing deep counter-fraud, intelligence and complex claims expertise from Clyde & Co. (Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Insurance moves: Marsh Risk, Insurwave, Keoghs and MDS’)
Pedro Soares, João Rodrigues, Carlos Mendes and Ana Ribeiro joined MDS Group across employee benefits, marine, surety and client development roles, strengthening the firm’s Spanish operations with experienced specialists serving multinational clients. (Josh Recamara, 6/2/2026, Insurance Business, ‘Insurance moves: Marsh Risk, Insurwave, Keoghs and MDS’)
Chris Varley has rejoined WTW as Global Commercial Lines Leader within its Insurance Consulting and Technology (ICT) business. Based in London, Chris will lead the global strategy for commercial lines pricing and underwriting, a key growth area for WTW. He previously served as Chief Underwriting Officer at Allianz Commercial UK and brings extensive experience in analytics and underwriting. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: WTW, Marsh Risk, McLarens, HSB, IDF')
Roberto Pinto has been appointed as International Affinity Leader at Marsh Risk. Roberto will oversee Marsh’s affinity business across multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, and the UK. With 20 years of experience, he joins from Aon, where he led global digital portfolios and affinity solutions.(Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: WTW, Marsh Risk, McLarens, HSB, IDF')
Michael Wilson has joined McLarens as Head of Marine UK & Ireland, while Richard Bradshaw has been appointed as Latent Defect Lead. These newly created roles will strengthen McLarens’ specialist practices. Michael brings over two decades of marine expertise, while Richard will focus on latent defect claims. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: WTW, Marsh Risk, McLarens, HSB, IDF')
Sunita Poll has been named Director of Strategic Partnerships at HSB (UK & Ireland). Sunita, who has 25 years of experience at AXA, will lead the partnerships division to drive strategic growth. She has worked with major financial institutions, including American Express and Visa. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: WTW, Marsh Risk, McLarens, HSB, IDF')
Alexander De Croo and Tsutomu Yamamoto have been appointed as Public Sector Co-Chairs of the Insurance Development Forum (IDF) Steering Committee. Alexander, former Prime Minister of Belgium, now serves as UNDP Administrator, while Tsutomu is Managing Director of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: WTW, Marsh Risk, McLarens, HSB, IDF')
Ed Louth has been appointed as Head of Aviation at Liberty Specialty Markets. Based in London, Ed will oversee underwriting strategy and performance for the aviation division. He brings 26 years of London market experience and was previously Head of Broking, Global Aviation, and Space at Willis. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Aon and Liberty Specialty Markets')
Catherine Williamson has joined Aon as Growth and Technical Director for its UK insolvency and restructuring insurance and risk team. Based in Birmingham, Catherine brings over 25 years of experience as an insolvency practitioner and qualified accountant. She previously led the insolvency team at Alix Partners, overseeing high-profile administrations such as Thomas Cook and Cineworld. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/2/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Aon and Liberty Specialty Markets')