General Insurance newsletter Friday 20th March 2026

Insurance News

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During the Insurtech Insights Europe 2026 event, leaders from companies like Zurich Insurance, Generali, Howden, and Solera highlighted the need for the insurance industry to expand beyond climate risk, focusing on resilience strategies, SME protection, and leveraging data to address interconnected risks and strengthen societal and economic stability. (Gia Snape, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance industry urged to move “beyond climate”)
According to W K Webster, a Gallagher Bassett company, the Middle East conflict has led to a rise in marine insurance claims, with vessel damage, disrupted supply chains, and increased war-risk premiums significantly impacting global trade. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Middle East conflict driving rise in marine insurance claims')
Arch Insurance International has launched a Lloyd’s IP consortium, backed by syndicates such as AXIS Capital, QBE, and SCOR, to meet the increasing demand for intellectual property coverage, providing up to $40 million in capacity to safeguard intangible assets amid escalating litigation risks. (Paul Lucas, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Arch launches Lloyd’s IP consortium as demand for intangible asset cover grows')
Brit Insurance has introduced C360, a new cyber product tailored for SMEs, offering broad protection with “any one claim” limits, enabling policyholders to access full coverage for multiple events, alongside 24/7 incident response services to address growing cyber risks. (Paul Lucas, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Brit targets SME cyber gap with new ‘any one claim’ product')
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is launching a Men’s Mental Health Breakfast at its 2026 conference, sponsored by Markel, to provide a platform for open discussions and practical support, featuring speakers like Luke Ambler of ANDYSMANCLUB and former footballer Peter Crouch. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'BIBA launches Men’s Mental Health Breakfast at 2026 conference')
Lloyd’s of London reported a £10.6 billion pre-tax profit for 2025, driven by underwriting and investment returns, alongside a new five-year strategy focused on improving efficiency, sharpening underwriting performance, and leveraging its capital strength to navigate competitive market conditions. (Paul Lucas, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Lloyd's posts massive profit as new strategy targets efficiency and capital advantage')
A new report by AutoRek highlights an operational divide in the insurance industry, with firms struggling to modernise financial operations as settlement cycles lengthen and AI adoption lags, leaving early adopters gaining a competitive edge while others remain reliant on manual processes and fragmented data systems. (Josh Recamara, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'AI ambition and manual reality: Insurers face 'operational divide' in 2026')
Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) reported £6.8 billion in new business for 2025, driven by deals like the £4.3 billion Rolls-Royce pension scheme buy-in, as it prepares for new ownership under Athora Group and navigates a competitive UK bulk annuity market. (Josh Recamara, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Pension Insurance posts £6.8 billion of new business as competition heats up')
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will join BIBA’s 2026 Tour of the Regions, visiting 11 UK locations to engage with brokers on regulatory issues, including the ongoing implementation of Consumer Duty, product governance, and proportionality in compliance frameworks. (Josh Recamara, 19/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'FCA joins BIBA regional tour as Consumer Duty pressures build')
Talanx AG reported a record €2.48 billion net income for 2025, a 25% increase, driven by strong performance across all divisions despite significant natural disaster losses, with plans to raise dividends and achieve a €2.7 billion net income target for 2026. (Jonalyn Cueto, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Talanx posts strong 2025 earnings')
Aon’s study reveals UK insurers lead in employee benefits like pensions, healthcare, and family leave, but challenges in communicating these offerings persist, as 62% of insurance employees consider changing jobs amid rising workforce mobility and talent retention pressures. (Jonalyn Cueto, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'UK insurers lead on employee benefits, Aon finds')
Aon is recognised by TD Cowen as leading its peers in AI strategy, thanks to its long-term investment in data infrastructure and tools like Aon Business Services, which have already driven revenue growth and positioned the company to capitalise on AI advancements. (Jonalyn Cueto, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aon leads peers on AI strategy, TD Cowen says')
MAPFRE has raised its 2026 strategic plan targets after achieving record 2025 results, including net earnings surpassing €1 billion and a combined ratio of 92.2%. The company now aims for a return on equity above 13% and a combined ratio of 93%-94% by 2026. Supported by strong reinsurance performance and technology investments, MAPFRE also approved its largest-ever dividend of €0.18 per share, reflecting its robust solvency and profitability. (Josh Recamara, 16/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'MAPFRE raises strategic plan targets as solvency and profits hit new highs')

Mergers and Acquisitions

ANV Group Holdings is set to acquire London-based Iris Insurance Brokers, founded in 2000, which operates through three segments: Lloyd's wholesale brokerage (Iris), bespoke distribution services (Blink Intermediary Solutions), and an MGA incubation platform (Vivid Underwriters, launched in 2025). The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will enhance ANV's UK distribution capabilities, provide access to Lloyd's markets, and support its entrepreneurial approach to developing MGAs. (Josh Recamara, 20/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'ANV Group to acquire London-based Iris Insurance Brokers')
Marsh's 2025 Global Transactional Risk Insurance Report highlighted a sharp rise in R&W premiums, reversing a three-year decline, driven by record-high M&A deal values nearing $5 trillion, including 70 mega deals exceeding $10 billion. North America led with a 16% premium increase, while Asia and Europe also saw growth. Claims frequency and severity climbed globally, with the UK hitting historic levels and Europe doubling claims. Tax insurance policies surged, reflecting growing complexity in cross-border transactions, while corporate buyers increasingly adopted transactional risk insurance, marking a shift from private equity-led usage. (Josh Recamara, 20/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'R&W insurance premiums rise sharply as mega deals hit record levels - Marsh')
Sodalis Capital acquired 100% of Amiga Specialty, making it its core MGA platform, while B.P. Marsh shifted to indirect exposure via a 25.55% stake in Sodalis. The deal, valued at £1.8 million, supports Sodalis's growth strategy, with Amiga driving international specialty expansion under its existing leadership. (Josh Recamara, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Sodalis buys Amiga Specialty as B.P. Marsh cashes out')
B.P. Marsh has acquired a 25% stake in Ventura Risk Partners, a new London-based energy broker focused on placing complex energy risks, addressing the gap left by consolidation in the market and emphasising independence and specialist expertise. (Paul Lucas, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'B.P. Marsh backs new London energy broker amid consolidation squeeze')
Seventeen Group has acquired Citrus Healthcare and Smith England Insurance Brokers, adding £12 million in gross written premium to its UK retail division, James Hallam. Citrus Healthcare, founded in 2010 by Richard and Claire Bamford, strengthens the Employee Benefits division, while Smith England, led by Nigel Smith, enhances the group’s presence in the North-West of England with its risk management expertise. (Jonalyn Cueto, 17/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Seventeen Group acquires two brokers in James Hallam expansion')

Moves

IGI and Brokerslink announced board changes to enhance governance, with IGI appointing reinsurance veteran Thomas Collett, who has held leadership roles at Guy Carpenter, Willis Re, Benfield, General Re, and Munich American Re, and Brokerslink adding James Kalbassi, a seasoned insurance broker with over 30 years of experience, including co-founding Paragon International Insurance Brokers and serving as executive chair of Price Forbes, reflecting a strategic focus on leadership expertise amid evolving industry challenges. (Josh Recamara, 20/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'IGI and Brokerslink refresh boards')
Verisk has launched Verisk General Insurance UK & Ireland, uniting its international underwriting, property and risk (IUPR), Claims UK, and Ignite businesses to streamline client access to solutions across underwriting, claims, and policy administration. Chris Sawford, previously Head of Verisk’s Claims UK, has been appointed Managing Director to lead the integrated unit. (Josh Recamara, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Verisk, Guy Carpenter, Lyfeguard, Markel and MDS Group')
Guy Carpenter has named Ian Bartholomew as Global Head of Parametric Advisory, effective June 1, 2026. Formerly Co-Founder and Chief Underwriting Officer at FloodFlash, Bartholomew aims to enhance parametric solutions to address the growing unpredictability of global events. (Josh Recamara, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Verisk, Guy Carpenter, Lyfeguard, Markel and MDS Group')
Markel Insurance has bolstered its UK broker distribution and change capabilities with two senior hires and an internal promotion. Joanne Foreman, previously at AXA where she optimised broker processes, joins as Head of Broker Change. Laura Fox, formerly Distribution Development Director at RSA, has been appointed Head of Distribution Strategy. Charlotte Harrison, promoted to Head of Strategic Sales and Relationships, joined Markel in 2024 as Head of Regional Broker Development and has quickly become a key leader within the distribution function. (Josh Recamara, 18/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Verisk, Guy Carpenter, Lyfeguard, Markel and MDS Group')
Talanx AG has extended CEO Torsten Leue’s contract until June 2030, reflecting confidence in his leadership since 2018. Under Leue, Talanx has achieved sustained growth and cultural transformation, positioning the company to navigate challenges like digitalisation, climate risk, and international expansion. (Paul Lucas, 17/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Talanx extends CEO Torsten Leue’s contract to 2030')
Gallagher has appointed Angela James as Chief Commercial Officer of its specialty division, effective early 2027. James, currently Chief Broking Officer at Aon’s wholesale and specialty operations, previously held property-focused roles at WTW. She will work with Gallagher Specialty CEO Sarah Lyons to develop commercial strategy, enhance client solutions, and drive growth. (Jonalyn Cueto, 17/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Angela James to lead Gallagher specialty commercial strategy')
Howden has restructured its international operations with new regional leadership, effective April 1, 2026. Mike Parrish becomes CEO of the Americas, while Sonia Caamaño leads Latin America and the Caribbean. Luigi Sturani will oversee the newly unified EMEA region, integrating Middle East and Africa operations. In Asia, Amit Agarwal’s Howden India joins the broader regional structure under Rohan Bhappu. These changes aim to enhance client alignment, regional collaboration, and specialty expertise. (Josh Recamara, 17/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Howden reshapes international structure with new regional leadership')
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has entered the Irish surety market, appointing Sean Mulvey as Head of Surety. With over a decade of experience in surety underwriting and corporate banking, Mulvey will lead efforts to provide bonding solutions for Ireland’s infrastructure projects under the €150 billion National Development Plan. Backed by Berkshire Hathaway’s financial strength, BHSI aims to support contractors and diversify security options in a competitive market. (Josh Recamara, 17/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance enters surety market in Ireland')
Markel Insurance has appointed John Riley as Senior Claims Adjuster for financial institutions. Riley, previously at Starr Underwriting Agents and Aon UK, brings over 25 years of experience in handling complex cross-border financial institutions and D&O claims. Based in London, he will support Markel’s financial institutions and fintech claims team amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and rising claims complexity. (Kenneth Araullo, 16/3/2026, Insurance Business, 'Markel bolsters financial lines claims team with Starr veteran')