General Insurance newsletter Friday 8th May 2026

Insurance News

Private Equity is changing. What it means for insurance and wealth businesses - With tougher market conditions, the focus has moved from financial engineering to operational growth. Strong leadership, governance, and scalability are now key, as consolidation accelerates and talent becomes critical for success. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Private Equity is changing. What it means for insurance and wealth businesses')
Benchmark your earnings with confidence - The IDEX Salary Calculator delivers reliable compensation data tailored specifically to General Insurance and Financial Services professionals. Instantly check your current pay against the latest market trends to ensure your compensation package truly reflects your expertise. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Benchmark your earnings with confidence')
Discover the true value of your firm - Built specifically for brokers, insurers, and MGAs, our complimentary valuation tool delivers a clear estimate in seconds. Simply enter your company profile, revenue, and profit details to receive the actionable data you need to drive your strategy forward with confidence. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Discover the true value of your firm')
Develop your EVP strategy with IDEX - IDEX’s Employer Value Proposition (EVP) focuses on helping people achieve both personal and professional goals. Built on six key pillars - leadership development, an inspiring ecosystem, recognition and rewards, work-life balance, authenticity, and contributing to a growing business - the EVP emphasises fostering individual success. By prioritising flexibility, career growth, and a supportive culture, IDEX creates an environment where people can thrive and achieve what they once thought impossible, aligning personal aspirations with professional achievements. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Develop your EVP strategy with IDEX')
QBE reported an 11% growth in gross written premiums for Q1 2026, with strong underwriting performance despite geopolitical instability and catastrophe claims below budget. CEO Andrew Horton highlighted the insurer's resilience, supported by a robust balance sheet and strategic focus, while maintaining pricing discipline across most lines. (Daniel Wood, 8/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'QBE flags resilient Q1 as catastrophe claims run below allowance, premium growth 11%')
Ascend Insurance Holdings (AIH) surveyed UK brokers, revealing that 96% expect the soft market to plateau by Q4 2026, with anticipated revenue growth of 5%-15% over the next year. Key growth areas identified include D&O insurance, employee benefits, and cyber risk coverage, reflecting brokers' optimism about market opportunities. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'UK brokers call the bottom – when will the soft market plateau?')
Intact Financial exceeded Q1 2026 analyst expectations with net operating income per share of CA$4.33, up 8% year-over-year, and a group combined ratio of 91.3%. However, its UK and Ireland operations faced challenges, with a combined ratio of 103.2% due to elevated catastrophe losses and higher expenses. (Josh Recamara, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Intact beats Q1 street forecasts but suffers UK hit')
MS Amlin has launched a Property Treaty Per Risk Consortium, increasing its line size by 35% to $67.5 million. Backed by four Lloyd's syndicates, the consortium simplifies placements for brokers, particularly for the growing demand in data centre insurance, where single-site insured values can exceed $20 billion. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'MS Amlin boosts property treaty line size 35% with four Lloyd's syndicates')
Hiscox reported a 10.2% rise in Q1 2026 premiums to $1.72 billion, driven by a 15.1% surge in retail premiums. The company continues to target double-digit retail growth by 2028, despite a softening rate environment and contained losses from Middle East conflicts. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Hiscox Q1 premiums climb 10.2% as retail surges')
Allianz Commercial has transferred its standalone commercial cyber insurance portfolio to Coalition under a multiyear global agreement. Coalition will manage underwriting, product design, and claims handling, while Allianz focuses on multinational accounts and capacity provision. The partnership aims to expand cyber insurance offerings globally. (Roxanne Libatique, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Allianz transfers global commercial cyber portfolio to Coalition')

International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. (IGI) reported a 35.2% increase in Q1 2026 underwriting income to $37.7 million, despite a decline in net income and gross written premiums. The company attributed the premium drop to non-renewals and softer market conditions but highlighted improved margins and disciplined capital management. (Jonalyn Cueto, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'IGI improves margins as premiums soften in Q1')
AXA reported a 6% increase in Q1 2026 premiums to €38 billion, driven by growth in property and casualty (P&C) and life and health lines. While P&C premiums rose 4%, AXA XL Reinsurance contracted by 7% due to selective underwriting in a softening market. The group maintained a strong solvency ratio of 211%. (Josh Recamara, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'AXA reins in reinsurance as core insurance lines drive Q1 performance')
Crawford & Company reported a 27% drop in Q1 2026 net income to $4.9 million, citing reduced weather-related claims in the US. Revenue fell 1% to $309.5 million, with the US Property & Casualty segment seeing an 11.3% decline. International operations, however, grew 4.5%, driven by strong results in Canada, Australia, and Asia. (Jonalyn Cueto, 5/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Crawford posts lower Q1 profit amid quiet weather season')
CNA Financial Corporation reported a decline in Q1 2026 earnings, with net income falling to $211 million due to weaker underwriting results and adverse prior-year reserve development. The P&C combined ratio deteriorated to 102.2%, driven by higher loss ratios in excess casualty and workers' compensation. Despite challenges, investment income rose modestly, and the company maintained a strong capital position. (Josh Recamara, 5/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'CNA’s Q1 earnings hit by casualty reserve action and weaker underwriting')
Aon reported Q1 2026 revenue of $5.03 billion, a 6% increase, surpassing analyst estimates. Adjusted EPS rose to $6.48, driven by strong performance in Risk Capital, which grew 10%. Operating income increased 17%, with the operating margin improving to 34.1%. Aon reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, highlighting progress in its 3x3 Plan. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aon beats Q1 estimates as revenue climbs to $5.03bn')
WTW reported an 8% increase in Q1 2026 revenue to $2.41 billion, with organic growth at 3%, trailing broking rivals like Aon and Marsh. Adjusted EPS rose 19% to $3.72, beating estimates. Despite revenue growth, softer organic momentum and missed new business targets in Risk & Broking drew investor caution. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'WTW revenue climbs 8% but organic growth trails broking rivals')
Berkshire Hathaway's Q1 2026 profit surged to $10.1 billion, driven by an 18% rise in operating earnings to $11.3 billion. Insurance underwriting income grew 29% to $1.72 billion, reflecting strong performance across primary and reinsurance operations. The results highlight Berkshire's role as a key capacity provider in the global P&C market. (Josh Recamara, 4/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Berkshire Hathaway Q1 profit jumps as operating earnings climb 18%')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Aventum Group has acquired Rotterdam-based Post & Co, marking its first MGA acquisition and entry into Continental Europe. The deal strengthens Aventum's marine underwriting capabilities and aligns with its goal to build a leading independent specialty MGA platform. Post & Co will integrate into Aventum's Rokstone arm, with no changes to its management. (Jonalyn Cueto, 5/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aventum acquires Post & Co in first MGA deal')

Moves

BIBA appoints four new advisory chairs to its main board: Shona Robertson (H&R Insurance) for SME Brokers, Andy Tedstone (Cobra Networks) for Networks and Managing Agents, Stuart Hulbert (Brents Insurance) for Insurance Brokers' Standards, and Adam Wenn (Lockton) for Finance. Each brings extensive industry experience, from regional broking to global operations. (Kenneth Araullo, 8/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'BIBA names four new advisory chairs to Main Board')
Euna Underwriting has appointed Nicholas Hartley as Head of Property and Casualty to drive its multi-line proposition. With over 25 years of underwriting experience, Hartley previously served as Head of SME Underwriting at AXA UK, managing a diverse portfolio across property, casualty, motor fleet, and financial lines. (Josh Recamara, 8/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Association of Average Adjusters and Euna Underwriting')
The Association of Average Adjusters (AAA) has appointed Stelios Magkanaris as Chairman for the coming year. Founder and Director of Maradco in Greece, Magkanaris brings extensive experience, including roles in technical and claims at a major Greek shipping company and as Marine Claims Manager at the Swedish Club’s Piraeus office. (Josh Recamara, 8/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Association of Average Adjusters and Euna Underwriting')
Covéa Insurance has appointed Stephen Long as Chief Operating Officer (COO), recognising the strategic importance of his role. With 25 years at Covéa, Long will continue leading claims, operations, IT, and customer functions, focusing on agility, service excellence, and strong Consumer Duty outcomes. (Josh Recamara, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Covéa, Consilium, Pro Legal, BIBA and Van Ameyde')
Consilium has appointed Henrietta Burgess as Partner - International Casualty Risk Solutions. With nearly a decade of experience in complex international placements, Burgess has held roles at BMS, Ambris, Gallagher, and JLT Re, where she developed expertise in life sciences, healthcare, and casualty business across Australia, Canada, the UK, Latin America, and the Middle East. (Josh Recamara, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Covéa, Consilium, Pro Legal, BIBA and Van Ameyde')
Pro Legal has appointed Darren Goldthorpe as Legal Director – Legacy. With over 20 years of legal and insurance experience, Goldthorpe has held senior roles at Kennedys, DAC Beachcroft, and BC Legal, specialising in complex claims. He will lead Pro Legal's legacy offering, focusing on run-off portfolios for insurers and MGAs. (Josh Recamara, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Covéa, Consilium, Pro Legal, BIBA and Van Ameyde')
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has appointed Lesley Maxwell as Regional Manager North, effective May 11. Maxwell will oversee strategic development and relationship management across Yorkshire, the North East, Scotland, the North West, and Northern Ireland, while promoting BIBA’s initiatives and addressing member priorities. (Josh Recamara, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Covéa, Consilium, Pro Legal, BIBA and Van Ameyde')
Van Ameyde Marine has appointed Ben Sturrock, formerly of Allseas, as Head of Marine Services for its UK operations. Sturrock brings extensive experience in offshore and marine operations, including marine warranty, oil spills, casualty investigations, and project cargo. He will lead the UK marine services team, oversee technical delivery, and enhance capabilities in marine assurance, surveying, and offshore support. (Josh Recamara, 7/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Covéa, Consilium, Pro Legal, BIBA and Van Ameyde')
BPL has appointed Emilia Levett as Chief Operating Officer to drive its next phase of expansion. Levett, formerly Head of Strategy and Execution for Global Direct & Facultative at WTW, will focus on strategic priorities, including leveraging data, AI, and technology, and fostering high-performing teams.(Josh Recamara, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: BPL, L&G, ABI and ARTes')
L&G has appointed Rob Groves as Chief Investment Officer for its Institutional Retirement business, a leader in the global pension risk transfer market. Formerly CIO at PIC, Groves managed a £55 billion portfolio and developed strategies for active portfolio management and de-risking. At L&G, he will oversee global investment strategy and portfolio management, focusing on long-term pension liabilities. (Josh Recamara, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: BPL, L&G, ABI and ARTes')
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has strengthened its board with four new appointments: Laura Mason, CEO of Retail at Legal & General; Chris Rash, CEO of AIG UK; Dominic Veney, Interim CEO at Pension Insurance Corporation; and Richard Washington, CEO of Bupa UK Insurance. The board oversees key political, regulatory, and consumer issues impacting the sector. (Josh Recamara, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: BPL, L&G, ABI and ARTes')
ARTes Specialty has appointed Martin Parker as Head of Construction to lead its new division targeting SME and mid-market construction and engineering risks. With over 22 years of experience, including senior roles at Markel UK and HSB Engineering Insurance, Parker will focus on disciplined underwriting, consistent pricing, and e-trade capabilities. (Josh Recamara, 6/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: BPL, L&G, ABI and ARTes')
Sedgwick has appointed Suzanne Dann as Global President to unify its core business lines under a single leader. Dann, with experience from Wipro, Avanade, and IBM, will focus on strengthening Sedgwick's operating model and leveraging technology. The company also launched Omni, a digital claims and risk management platform integrating AI for enhanced efficiency and insights. (Josh Recamara, 5/5/2026, Insurance Business, 'Sedgwick names Suzanne Dann global president')