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Looking to grow or exit your business?

Our mergers and acquisitions experience of 100 combined years means our specialists have strong UK and international connections with owners, CEOs and Managing Directors looking to acquire or exit their business. We offer a range of impartial solutions which we tailor to your objectives to ensure the best outcome for you.

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OUR M&A EXPERTISE

With an established network of over 40,000 UK and international businesses and over 100 combined years of Mergers and Acquisitions experience, we provide impartial best-in-class M&A solutions. Over the past couple of years our specialists have introduced our clients to over £750 million GWP of opportunity and added over £100 million of value to firms. Whether you’re looking to grow through acquisition or planning an exit, our specialists know the market inside out.

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750m

GWP of opportunity introduced to clients

100m

of value added to UK and international companies

1000s

of businesses in our network

100+

combined years of M&A experience

OUR M&A PARTNERS

Our strong network of over 40,000 businesses across the UK, Europe, US and Middle East means we have established, trustworthy relationships with Managing Directors, CEOs and Private Equity firms, often looking to acquire or sell. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built and how firms return to us again and again for help with their business growth.

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MATCHING YOU TO THE RIGHT BUSINESS

  • 01

    ANALYSIS

    Our specialists conduct a detailed analysis and assessment of your business, including a financial valuation and growth trajectory. This helps to identify areas of opportunity and investment.

  • 02

    STRATEGY

    Once we understand how your business works and what your long-term goals are, we compile a detailed strategy. This includes set milestones with timescales and clear expectations.

  • 03

    MARKETING

    A detailed marketing strategy is crafted to effectively differentiate your business to potential buyers. We also introduce clients to tax, accounting and legal specialists for guidance.

  • 04

    OPTIONS

    We establish a panel of suitable businesses with mutually aligned values and cultures. Essential background information and data is provided to help clients select their preferred options.

  • 05

    FEEDBACK

    Dedicated support is provided to help our clients carefully assess options. Our specialists then work with clients to progress next steps and secure any offers from compatible businesses.

  • 06

    SUPPORT

    IDEX provide dedicated support throughout the process, offering guidance on all due diligence. We ensure issues are dealt with promptly, acting as an intermediary until contracts are signed.

​“My experience with Charlotte has been truly exceptional. From start to finish, she was consistently supportive, proactive, and genuinely invested in my success. Her positive attitude and approachable nature made the entire process smooth and reassuring. It never felt like just a job to her—she truly had my best interests at heart and went above and beyond to ensure I had everything I needed and felt confident every step of the way.”

Charlotte Faherty, Senior Consulting, Financial Services

Charlotte Faherty, Senior Consulting, Financial Services

​“Drew seems to know everyone. We have been very impressed with the candidates he introduces, and we have made hires as well. We have just made a replacement hire with a candidate Drew introduced. Drew not only identifies candidates but he qualifies them based on our unique needs, filters and presents them in such a way that is a huge time saver, in addition to finding folks we would never have reached. Through his activities sourcing yacht candidates for us and others, he identifies personal lines high net worth experts as well. As I mentioned, doing this for so long I was sure that I already knew everyone…how wrong I was. I highly recommend a call to Drew.”

Drew Crawford, Business Director, General Insurance

Drew Crawford, Business Director, General Insurance

​“You have been an invaluable partner to us in sourcing talent. Your proactive approach has greatly contributed to our success in filling recent vacancies by consistently delivering quality candidates who’s skills and experience align very well with our needs. Your efficiency and professionalism have made our recruitment process a lot smoother and I would highly recommend your services to any organisation seeking a reliable recruitment partner.”

Michelle Paish, Business Manager, General Insurance

Michelle Paish, Business Manager, General Insurance

​“IDEX continue to demonstrate their skill in sourcing and introducing high quality broking businesses that are aligned strategically and culturally with Clear. Buyers and sellers interests are fully understood and well managed throughout the process, leading to very successful outcomes for all parties” says Paul Beck, M&A Director, Clear Insurance Management.

Colin McKenna, M&A Specialist

Colin McKenna, M&A Specialist

​“IDEX has been an absolute pleasure to work with; specifically Dan Griffiths. They listen to our needs and search for quality candidates whose experience align with our open roles. They are responsive and provide frequent follow ups on open items. Great customer service all around. I would highly recommend using IDEX to any organization who needs assistance with staffing.”

Dan Griffiths, Business Manager General Insurance

Dan Griffiths, Business Manager General Insurance

​“Meena was exceptional throughout the entire process and made the move go very smoothly. She provided excellent advice and assistance throughout.”

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

"​From the moment you meet Alison she makes you feel at ease, and she really took time to listen to the types of roles I was interested in. Alison asked me a range of questions to get to know me, my strengths and my ambitions and then very quickly managed to short list a range of roles that all very much fit the profile I was looking for. Alison kept in touch with me during the end to end recruitment process, offering help, support and encouragement and I am really delighted to have found the perfect role for me as a result! If you are looking for a recruitment partner I would not hesitate to recommend Alison for either search and selection or recruitment partnership. A very enjoyable experience from start to finish as a candidate and a really nice person to be connected with too. 5 stars and a huge thank you Alison!”

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

​“I just want to say thanks so much again for your help. I know you were just doing your job, but this is literally a life changing opportunity for me. This has opened doors for me to provide more for my family. From the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate you and everything you’ve done.”

Drew Crawford, Business Director Marine/Transportation

Drew Crawford, Business Director Marine/Transportation

​“I found Lisa friendly, attentive and very efficient. She kept me in the loop every step of the way, from client overview to interview and onboarding assistance. I would wholeheartedly recommend getting in contact with her if you are looking for a job change!”

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

​“I would like to provide a special thanks to Allison who supported the development of my career and found me a fantastic opportunity. Her communication was excellent and having spent 3 weeks in my new position, I am very pleased I engaged with her in securing this position. Having such a great experience with Allison, I will highly recommend your services to anyone in the industry who is looking for a new role”

Allison Marshall, Client Partnership Director General Insurance

Allison Marshall, Client Partnership Director General Insurance

​"Meena was absolutely excellent! Hopefully I don't have any need to use her services anytime soon, but if I did, I would contact her in a heartbeat. I would definitely recommend Meena to any friends or family who are looking to change jobs. She kept in touch regularly and provided me with plenty of advice before interviews.Meena is extremely efficient and supportive. She listened to my views on what kind of role/firm I was looking for. She organised 5+ interviews so quickly. She caught up with me after each interview and kept in touch during the periods where I was waiting to hear from the employers. Even if there was no update, Meena kept in touch to let me know she was chasing for responses.Before starting my new job, Meena kept in contact to make sure the whole onboarding process went smoothly and she checked in even after I started to make sure all was okay. Highly recommend. Thanks Meena!”

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

​“Meena is a first class consultant who gets to know what the client wants and matches them with the perfect job. I have recommended Meena to many colleagues over the years and will continue to do so. She has been fantastic and I wouldn’t trust another consultant as much as I trust Meena to find the correct role.”

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

“I couldn't recommend Ashlea enough, from the start of the recruitment process to the end she has been amazing. She is not only professional but very personable and makes what can be a daunting decision much easier.I really don't know how Ashlea has the time to offer such a personalised experience, throughout the process I felt I was the only person she was looking after. Even when I had accepted the role she was still in contact to ensure everything went smoothly, she is really by your side from start to finish to ensure the decision you make is what is best for you.Can't thank Ashlea enough, she is a true expert in her field, and is a pleasure to deal with.”

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

"I cannot rate Ashlea highly enough and would definitely recommend her to anyone thinking about their career options. Her knowledge of the employee benefits industry, being able to match candidates to the needs of her clients, and her ability to understand what you are looking for is second to none. The support I received from Ashlea during the interview and recruitment process was fantastic, I honestly felt like I was the only candidate that she was dealing with and nothing was too much trouble for her”

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​“From the minute I started to look into the next step of my career, Ashlea has been fab in terms of listening to what I wanted to explore, was very supportive and created opportunities for me. She has helped me gain my preferred role. Throughout the process, Ashlea kept me updated and always responded quickly. She was open with all the feedback and is very passionate about helping her candidates. Also, ensuring a good client/ candidate match. She’s definitely a recruiter who is on your side!”

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​“Ashlea provided me with the most support in identifying, preparing for and transitioning to a new role, I have ever had. I would always recommend Ashlea to anyone looking for a new role”

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​“Ashlea has amazing knowledge and insight of the employee benefits industry. Ashlea provides practical and realistic advice and is extremely proactive in the way she works. Throughout the whole process Ashlea was reassuring, had my best interests at heart and looked after me as a candidate, more than I have ever experienced with other recruiters”

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​“Thank you for all your help, Louise! Must say I’m very impressed with you and the way you have been so on the ball and efficient. I have registered with a few recruitment services and not one of them got back to me after my initial contact, but you have been amazing!”

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

​“Lynn was amazing and had me set up with interviews within a day or two. I wouldn’t have managed this myself and I am so very grateful for all of her help and support during this process.”

Lynn Wilson, Senior Consultant Financial Services

Lynn Wilson, Senior Consultant Financial Services

​“Alex was amazing from the get-go, she was really friendly and helpful and managed to secure me a few offers - all different, which was good as it gave me options. In the end, I went to Verlingue who have been great so far. I would highly recommend any of my friends to speak to Alex in the future, she was just amazing from start to finish and even took the time to see how I was settling in. Thanks again Alex."

Alex Callinan, Managing Consultant General Insurance

Alex Callinan, Managing Consultant General Insurance

​"Rhys is highly knowledgeable about the legal industry and goes the extra mile to ensure both the candidate and employer are the right fit. At all stages of the recruitment process, Rhys set himself aside from other recruiters through his great communication skills, connections with firms, and hard work. These qualities are highly appreciated in what can be a stressful time for the candidate. I highly recommend other legal professionals to use Rhys when they want to find a job, either inside or outside of London."

Rhys Elliott, Senior Consultant Legal Private Practice

Rhys Elliott, Senior Consultant Legal Private Practice

"​Ashlea spent three years trying to contact me - that is tenacity!! It paid off because when I was ready to leave my job her name was very familiar to me, so I was happy to have a chat. She does her homework and does not try to fit a round circle into a square hole. She actually takes time and care in selecting the right candidates for the roles she has and therefore both parties are happy with the outcome. She was incredibly professional and responsive making sure that the interview and enrolment process was moving forwards quickly. She builds rapport easily and consequently, I find her very easy to talk to. Would highly recommend. Thank you Ashlea - I am happy to be working again!"

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​"Rhys has a thorough understanding of the legal market and provided invaluable assistance during my job search. I really enjoyed working with Rhys and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a new legal role.”

Rhys Elliott, Senior Consultant Legal Private Practice

Rhys Elliott, Senior Consultant Legal Private Practice

​“As a need arose within Piiq Risk Partners to appoint an Aviation Broker in Chicago, we instructed Drew to help us find a suitable individual who would not just suit the role specification, but would fit into the culture within our business.We found Drew to be highly professional, he knew his market very well, despite being based in the UK. He identified a number of impressive candidates and we have since made an appointment on an individual who ticked all the boxes.”Kevin Wagner, Partner, Piiq Risk Partners

Drew Crawford, Business Director Marine/Transportation

Drew Crawford, Business Director Marine/Transportation

​"I am pleased to be able to say Ashlea sourced, recommended and ultimately helped me to secure a superb position last year. She works extremely hard for her candidates and is in constant contact throughout the whole process.Subsequently she has continued to help us with new and vacant positions, counselling on the market and best approach for success.I have no hesitation in recommending Ashlea, whether you are looking for a position, or a business that needs one filled."

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​"I worked with Ashlea when looking for a new position. I found Ashlea to be very proactive and was able to source many opportunities for me, with a variety of different companies.It took a lot of the pain away from looking for a new position, a lot of recruiters will offer you one opportunity and that will be it, whereas with Ashlea, she was able to offer me a variety of different companies and had a point of contact with the majority of the companies I was interested in working for.She is very down to earth, very relaxed and takes a genuine interest in getting to know the candidates. I would strongly recommend anyone to work with Ashlea if they are looking for alternative employment."

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​"Ridiculously intuitive, Lisa understood what I was looking for in a role and employer and has always worked with me to find the best fit for me.Lisa gets an understanding of who you are and what you are looking for and has never just treated me like a candidate and wants to ensure you find the right fit.Whilst I hope to have found my forever home, I would recommend working with Lisa to find yours. She listens and hears more than you say.Thank you Lisa.”

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

​"I can't thank Alison MacMillan enough for her dedication and professionalism in helping me to secure a fantastic new role with one of the top companies in the UK. Friendly and approachable, she has been extremely supportive throughout the whole journey.She is extremely proactive, knowledgeable, polite, and supportive. She has a genuinely positive, can-do attitude and worked with me to better understand the roles that I was genuinely interested in - rather than blindly sending lists of unsuitable vacancies. Highly recommend."

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

​"I have worked in partnership with IDEX frequently over the last 15 years and they have always delivered. In a recent recruitment project, Lisa took the time to properly understand the brief both in terms of the skill set required but more importantly understanding the ‘fit’ of the candidates to the organisation and culture that the roles require.She displayed a methodical and organised approach and always kept me appraised of progress; both good and the bad, that helped us adapt to the demands of a very challenging environment, where there is strong competition for great talent. IDEX quickly and efficiently narrow down to a shortlist of suitable candidates, of which I am delighted to say has contributed to the delivery of recruiting a great fit to some highly talented teams over the years. I have always been satisfied with both the process and the end result! Thank you IDEX and long may it continue.”

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

​"I can't thank Alex enough for the support and encouragement he gave me to secure my new job role. He really listened to what I was looking for, matched me with a great opportunity, and coached me throughout the application/interview process. Alex is professional yet approachable and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for work in Financial Services."

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

"​Rhys was brilliant. He was efficient and knowledgeable and by far the best Recruiter I have ever encountered. He listened to what I wanted and my experience and secured interviews with firms that fit my wants. He never distributed my CV to thoughtless firms and he seemed to genuinely care for my new role hunting. I couldn’t recommend Rhys more if I tried. I hope I never have to use him again, but if I do, I wouldn’t think twice."

Rhys Elliott, Senior Consultant Legal Private Practice

Rhys Elliott, Senior Consultant Legal Private Practice

​"Alex invested a great amount of time in getting to know me and helping me find a suitable role.Throughout the process, Alex remained in regular contact, and I valued having somebody I could talk to about the anxieties that you might typically face when considering a big move.Thanks to Alex, I've found the perfect role with an excellent company and look forward to getting my feet firmly under the table."

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

"​Louise, and the wider team at IDEX, has and continues to be a great partner for Amber River. Louise has gone to great lengths, building key relationships not only with our Central HR Team but also with each of our individual businesses, providing tailored, knowledgeable guidance and support. I know I don't even need to be involved in conversations between Louise and our hiring managers, I'm confident in both her abilities in recruiting within financial services but also her stakeholder management. We have only had great feedback and praise for Louise and the rest of the Team at IDEX and will continue to partner with them."

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

​"There is one word that best describes Lisa and that is Amazing! Her passion and enthusiasm are infectious and Lisa really does show that she is interested in the best possible outcome for her clients. Lisa is an absolute credit to her company and her clients and I am extremely pleased to have worked with Lisa, which resulted in me finding my dream job!Lisa is engaging and supportive and really takes time to understand what is needed to get the right match for the candidate and the company. The whole process was great and this is down to Lisa's commitment to offering a great service.I know Lisa worked very hard for me and did a great job in updating and supporting me through the process, I really am forever grateful for her support and I would recommend Lisa to everyone over and over as she really is a superstar!"

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

"​James Salmon was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. He took the time to listen thoroughly at the start of the process, advising which potential placements were more likely to meet my requirements. He kept me well informed with any progress and I had excellent pre-interview discussions and advice. James always followed up with me after an interview both before and after speaking to the interviewer. I am incredibly grateful for his service, it has made a daunting process far more manageable, and should I decide to move on in the future he'll be the first person I call!"

James Salmon, Business Manager Financial Services

James Salmon, Business Manager Financial Services

​"Ashlea helped me to find my current role with Towergate and was a pleasure to deal with throughout the process. She works with candidates to identify the right fit and keeps in touch with regular updates. Her focus is on building relationships rather than just placing a candidate. I would (and have) whole-heartedly recommend partnering with Ashlea."

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

"Earlier this year I had the pleasure of dealing with Allison Marshall from IDEX Consulting with regard to a new opportunity/role.I had previously worked for a specialist insurer for 20 years, so this was always going to be an extraordinarily difficult and somewhat brave move for me.Allison was absolutely fantastic in supporting me throughout the process. I cannot express just how brilliant Alison has been both in presenting the opportunity, supporting me through the recruitment process, and indeed afterward.I am pleased to report I am doing really well in my new job and the opportunity was everything Allison said it would be. I am absolutely confident in the decision made and I would like to express my sincere thanks to Allison and the IDEX team for their professionalism and support throughout."

Allison Marshall, Client Partnership Director General Insurance

Allison Marshall, Client Partnership Director General Insurance

​"I have worked with Ian for a good part of 2022 on a collaborative project to recruit high quality candidates for vacancies at NIG. I value the pace at which Ian works, as we both recognise that this is important within the current climate and there is no room for unnecessary delays. Ian is hungry for business, seeks to genuinely understand the role he is looking to place a candidate into, and is honest when he feels someone may not be the right fit. All qualities of a successful recruitment partner. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Ian again on a similar project, or to recommend him to anyone else."

Ian Kennelly, Regional Manager General Insurance

Ian Kennelly, Regional Manager General Insurance

​"Both Jayne and Lisa were fabulous, they were clear and supportive all the way through, and helped me negotiate through a very new experience. I had been in my previous company for 23 years so it was a daunting experience to look elsewhere and take that lunge. Jayne and Lisa were both knowledgeable and really considerate of how I felt through the whole process. Making it simple and as stress free as possible. I couldn't compliment them both anymore and have already recommended them to friends and colleagues as people to go to if they decide to move."

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

Lisa Williams, Client Delivery Manager General Insurance

"​The whole process was brilliant with a few potential opportunities presented to me. I hadn’t interviewed for 6 years so I felt a bit out of practice but James helped my confidence to not only complete but enjoy the interview process. I received great guidance for the assessment center day on how to and how not to come across and the type of questions I should ask and be asked."

James Salmon, Business Manager Financial Services

James Salmon, Business Manager Financial Services

"​Michelle is my go-to recruiter, she delivers honest and clear advice on candidates. Her approach is one that works for us and I have been lucky to have her recruiting for my team over the past 5 years, she recruits my team and as we grow, she will continue to do so for us and the wider business. She is an absolute star and we have consistently turned down any approaches from other recruiters because her practical, professional, and personal approach is unrivaled. Also, she absolutely makes me laugh!"

Michelle Paish, Business Manager General Insurance

Michelle Paish, Business Manager General Insurance

​"Ashlea recently placed me for a role within the Employee Benefits industry and I cannot speak highly enough of how helpful Ashlea has been throughout the process. She really took the time to understand what role would be best for me based on my experience and always acted in my best interests which was a refreshing approach in a competitive industry. From start to finish she checked in with me to keep me updated at all stages and ensured that I was fully prepared for my interview. Certainly the best I have worked with to date and would highly recommend to anyone within the Employee Benefits industry that is looking for a new role."

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

Ashlea Walton, Client Director Financial Services

​"The experience was very positive, never an easy decision to change roles/firm but, I was able to make informed decisions because of the support Louise showed me throughout, thanks again IDEX!"

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

"​Alex has been fantastic throughout the whole recruitment process. He has supported me at every step and was more than happy to pick up the phone and discuss any questions I had and offer his expertise on numerous occasions. He is a very experienced recruiter and this comes across in his understanding of the industry. His explanation of the role was very accurate and was exactly what I was looking for. He made sure that the role was going to be suitable for me by asking relevant questions and really listening to what was important to me and for my career. I found this a refreshing approach and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I would highly recommend Alex for anyone looking to progress their career in financial services."

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

​“A few months ago, we recognised the need for a Marine business development manager for the USA, recruiting and retaining producers for our business, and we set Drew the task of finding the right individual.In no time at all, Drew presented us with 7 high quality candidates, all of whom would have done justice to the role.During the process, it became clear that the position was really a 2 person role and Drew quickly adapted to the new circumstances. This did mean that one of the positions would not be quite as attractive to the candidates, but Drew quickly understood what needed to be done and in no time we had interviewed and recruited the people we needed.Drew’s work didn’t stop there, however. With all offers of employment come questions, obstacles and, inevitably with this calibre of candidate, counter offers and alternative persuasions. Drew dealt with all this for us and has now delivered 2 high quality individuals who will be committed to our business.We can’t speak highly enough of Drew.”

Drew Crawford, Business Director Marine/Transportation

Drew Crawford, Business Director Marine/Transportation

"​Alex approached me about a fantastic opportunity to further my career - I cannot recommend him strongly enough very professional and also personally caring, no hard sell - if he says he’ll call you back, he does! If you’re thinking of changing jobs, you could do a lot worse than speak to Alex."

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

​"Meena has recently assisted me in finding my current role. Her knowledge and professionalism are exceptional, not to mention her invaluable support and sound advice in every stage of the process. I cannot recommend Meena enough."

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

"​Working with Alex has made me see the value in working with a recruiter. He not only showed me a great opportunity but also helped me understand more about the role and the company. He clearly knew his client very well and kept me updated regularly on what to expect and next steps throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend working with Alex and definitely worth at least having a conversation with him."

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

Alex Merrick, Business Manager Financial Services

​"Meena helped place me in my current role in 2021. The service she provided was professional and personal from start to finish. I felt that she really understood what I was looking for. The after care service was also appreciated; we're still in touch and I was so grateful for her support while I was starting in the new role. I would recommend her without a doubt."

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

Meena Bahanda, Business Director and Head of Legal recruitment for Scotland

​"Louise is extremely delivery focussed and committed to delivering a great service. Feedback from the businesses that Louise has worked with has been really positive!Louise has been very good at managing our expectations on the market and the need to focus on our offer – package, hybrid working, commitment to development & growth – and the candidate packs have been well received in the business."

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

​“I have had the pleasure of working and forging a healthy working relationship with Adam. I am in a rush for talent, but not for the sake of it, and it's been imperative that the candidates presented are put through a strong three stage due diligence process. Out of the four candidates presented for one role, we had offer letters to three, and one other strong candidate's salary request proved to be a deal breaker. The market Adam operates within is vicious; the war on retention of talent meant candidates rescinded on their words, despite Adam going through a vigorous validation process."

Adam Burns, Client Director General Insurance

Adam Burns, Client Director General Insurance

"​It has been an absolute pleasure working with Matt. From the outset, he listened attentively to my personal and professional goals and took the time to understand what I was looking to achieve in my career, my timescales and the type of company I wanted to be a part of. I was extremely conscious of maintaining confidentiality and Matt understood my concerns and was supportive, which was very important to me. He remained on hand throughout the entire process and I felt he not only had my best interests at play but gave me fantastic, impartial advice. His employee – employer matchmaking expertise is second to none and this has been evident with feedback internally. I wouldn’t work with anybody else. I am very thankful I chose Matt with my career move and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him."

Matt Green, CEO IDEX

Matt Green, CEO IDEX

​"Well first and foremost, for me, was the ease and simplicity of the whole recruitment process. To which I would again take this opportunity to thank you for. From initial direct approach and to the job offer, you have provided invaluable help & support, even when I thought I had messed up the second interview. I am struggling to find any areas that could have been improved upon. I even appreciate the joke when you called with the job offer and I’m glad that you felt we had built up a relationship where you felt comfortable in pulling my leg (it would probably be something I would have done as well)."

Alex Callinan, Managing Consultant General Insurance

Alex Callinan, Managing Consultant General Insurance

​"I would like to thank Louise for the support that she provided to me whilst seeking alternative roles in Financial Services. Louise took time to understand why my previous role had not turned out as expected, what went well and importantly what did not go so well. Time was taken to understand the key elements to any new role, focusing on my main requirements. Time was taken to understand my skills and preferences in identifying roles that would be of interest. Her availability and communication during the process was faultless. Louise knew that it was not just about the salary, but the company, its culture and remuneration was not the main objective. I would have no hesitation in recommending Louise to the many colleagues I have built up during 30 years in financial services."

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

Louise Bibb, Regional Manager Financial Services

"​I have worked with Ian for a number of years now and he is my ‘go to’ person for recruitments needs from junior, entry-level, right through to leadership roles. I find him to be friendly, personable and a great communicator and is a pleasure to work with. When recruiting, it is key to me that I work with someone who communicates regularly, understands the role requirements and also the culture of the company, along with the team dynamics. This is exactly my experience of working with Ian as he consistently identifies candidates that meet the criteria. Not only does Ian understand the demands and needs of our company but he has a strong understanding of the Insurance market and the challenges posed in recent times across UK Regions and London market. All of the candidates onboarded through Ian have been retained in permanent roles with a couple being fast tracked into more senior roles which is a testament to the quality overall and the ‘fit’ of the candidates introduced."

Ian Kennelly, Regional Manager General Insurance

Ian Kennelly, Regional Manager General Insurance

​"Alison kept looking when other recruiters stopped. In this day and age of spam recruitment messages and never ending applications the only person you need is Alison at IDEX. After spending time carefully listening to my requirements and noting down my personal circumstances she endlessly searched and never gave up until she delivered on the job I was looking for. After attempting to use many agencies on LinkedIn I'd all but given up on moving roles until Alison got involved. Now I'm in the job I've been after for years and have no need to speak to recruiters again! I cannot recommend Alison enough."

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

​"I would highly recommend using Alison if you are looking for a new role! She helped me find my current position and couldn’t have been more helpful. We had spoken on the phone and Alison really took the time to listen and hear me out. I felt that Alison took into consideration everything I had said and found me the perfect role. I was given interview techniques and advice and found her services invaluable. Alison checked in with me before my interview and also on my first few weeks in my new role. My current role is exactly what I had been looking for and I am grateful to Alison for finding me this position."

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

Alison MacMillan, Executive Director Financial Services

​"Whilst working with Alex, she has shown professionalism as well as a passion for not only SJL’s needs but also for the candidate’s best interests. Whilst providing quality candidates who are of relevance, she has communicated with us at every step of the process ensuring all parties are comfortable and informed. It has been a pleasure to work with IDEX and Alex and I look forward to continuing to work together in future. "

Rob McKechnie

Rob McKechnie

​"I dealt with IDEX Consulting when recruiting a new member for our support team. I was really pleased with the help and advice they provided which resulted in us securing a new member of staff. I was particularly pleased, and grateful, that IDEX listened to my requirements and responded with appropriate candidates, this made the process a lot easier. Thanks IDEX, I look forward to working with you again in the future."

Doug Pritchard, owner PFP Wealth Planning

Doug Pritchard, owner PFP Wealth Planning

"​Emma made a very daunting, complicated process a smooth and effortless one. Emma was always easily contactable outside of office hours and a pleasure to deal with. She fully understood and appreciated what I wanted in my career and acted in my best interests at all times. I would thoroughly recommend Emma to anyone looking change roles."

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

​"Since her initial contact with us last year, Emma has very quickly become one of our top recruitment partners on the PSL by consistently providing us with top quality matches, across all of our departments. She has taken the time to get to know each of our areas and as a result is able to work with very little instruction and think outside the box when need be. She is just the right balance of friendly and professional. Truly a pleasure to work with."

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

"​Emma helped to guide me through a relocation to a new city. She had a number of contacts which opened up some unadvertised roles for me to apply for. She really listened to and provided advice on my concerns, and was never pushy which I really appreciated. She had a friendly and positive approach which also took a lot of the stress out of the process!"

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

​"I was exceptionally fortunate to have Jonathan as my recruiter in my recent experience relocating back to the Middle East. Jonathan was professional and most importantly very responsive. He kept me informed of developments regarding applications and interviews as soon as they occurred. This meant updating me via text, phone call or email nearly every day. Jonathan took the time to understand my career objectives, the type of firm I wanted to work for, the work I was keen to continue doing and the location I wanted to live in. By taking the time to understand my objectives Jonathan put me forward for positions that were most suitable. It was clear that Jonathan had existing relationships with Partners in high calibre firms and understood their needs as well. Jonathan therefore was uniquely aware of positions and opportunities. Jonathan was supportive and encouraging during the interview process and subsequent negotiations. I am now happy in my new position which I feel is a good fit for me both personally and professionally. I can highly recommend Jonathan to both clients and candidates as a leader in the region for recruitment."

Jonathan Turner, Executive Director Legal Private Practice

Jonathan Turner, Executive Director Legal Private Practice

​"Jonathan has assisted us with the selection of candidates for a number of our more challenging roles and I have always found him to be highly customer centric. He is very diligent in his approach and is able to provide us with high calibre candidates quickly which helps us minimise the downtime we experience as a result of any turnover or growth. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jonathan to others who require quality recruitment support."

Jonathan Turner, Executive Director Legal Private Practice

Jonathan Turner, Executive Director Legal Private Practice

​"Jonathan is a consummate professional. He knows the Middle East market inside out and everybody involved in it. Jonathan's client care skills are second to none. He always made himself available for a conversation and happy to offer independent advice and tips about living in Dubai despite it not having any direct benefit to himself. Jonathan will be the first person I get in touch with should I look for a new challenge and he is my recommendation to anyone else looking for the next step up in their career."

Barrister and Senior Associate

Barrister and Senior Associate

"​From start to finish my experience of working with Emma was first class. She was given a difficult task, that many other recruitment consultants couldn’t help with, but by using her excellent recruitment skills and by paying attention to detail she found the right candidate to match the profile I was looking for. I would highly recommend Emma to anyone."

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

Emma Delli-Bovi, Business Director Legal Private Practice

​"I contacted Jack to look at opportunities with local firms and he was fantastic exceptional from start to finish. He was proactive which is often not found with my recruitment agencies who just try and fill a job. Jack engaged me with several firms and kept close contact throughout. The icing on the cake was a good luck message on the day of my first new position. I'd highly recommend Jack to anyone seeking opportunities and also for any companies looking for suitable candidates. A little gem!”

Jack Lawlor, Business Manager

Jack Lawlor, Business Manager

​"I have been dealing with IDEX for the last few years and they are one of the best recruitment consultancies I have ever dealt with. In what is a very competitive and cut throat industry, IDEX's professionalism shines through. My consultant immediately understands what type of staff I require, and only sends me CVs for people who can fit the role. Allied to this, they work hard to keep me informed of progress and are very personable to deal with."

Managing Director

Managing Director

​"IDEX Consulting helped with my recruitment needs in finding key hires within the company. They were incredibly proactive in finding candidates and helping with the process from start to finish. The candidates were of high quality and everything is well prepared for interview with excellent feedback."

Kevin White

Kevin White

​"IDEX have worked as a supplier of the Brown Shipley Birmingham office and have successfully completed a number of key appointments for the business. I would have no hesitation in recommending IDEX as a specialist consultancy within Financial Services."

Head of Birmingham Office

Head of Birmingham Office

​"Working with IDEX was one of the most pleasurable experiences I have had whilst working with recruiters! From first contact until they successfully placed me into my new role, they constantly supported me in my application and provided me insightful and genuine feedback. They went above and beyond my expectations and what I have previously experienced from other recruiters and ensured that I was prepared for interviews and provided an approachable but professional service. The service is highly recommended to anyone looking for a recruiter who genuinely cares about your application.”

Corporate Broker

Corporate Broker

​"I’ve known Alex for a number of years and have always found her professional and knowledgeable. She has a huge amount of expertise in the local insurance market and, less commonly, in my specific area of business too. I’ve not known her to push opportunities for the sake of it and, as a case in point, the role she brought to me was ideal and something of genuine interest. I have now been in my current job 3 months and am thoroughly enjoying it – many thanks to Alex and IDEX. I now wouldn’t consider dealing with another recruitment firm and I would highly recommend Alex to all candidates.”

Alex Callinan, Managing Consultant General Insurance

Alex Callinan, Managing Consultant General Insurance

​"IDEX have a personable yet professional approach to representing their clients and sourcing opportunities which match their skills, knowledge and experience. They communicate well at all stages of the process and have a calm yet tenacious approach. A real pleasure to work with and a company I would recommend."

Corporate Account Manager

Corporate Account Manager

​"I have used IDEX Consulting now for 7 years, for all my recruitment needs. Most importantly, they take time to understand the role that you are trying to fill and also to get to know their clients. Therefore, when you receive a CV, you know that the candidate should be suitable for an interview. I will, on this basis, continue to use IDEX and would not hesitate to recommend their services."

Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager

"​Through IDEX, we have found the right people for the right position. They understand client requirements and the market place, which sets them apart from the opposition. IDEX have met all of my requirements and I see them as an important partner for our future development needs."

Mike Hawkes

Mike Hawkes

​"Tasker Insurance Group Limited have worked with IDEX Consulting for a number of key hires. Our business spans Lloyd's Broking, MGA and Retail Broking so it's important we work with consultants who understand the insurance intermediary sector. David Carr and his team have worked hard to understand our business model and this has enabled them to deliver quality candidates to us - a key advantage to our growing business."

CEO

CEO

​"IDEX have been a key partner for us as we pursue our strategy of building and developing our new “Trading” team in Birmingham. We have worked closely with the IDEX team to identify and recruit a large number of key individuals into our business. I have been impressed with the approach of the Senior IDEX team, their market knowledge and most importantly their ability to advise me of the best talent available in the current market. We have received an excellent service, cementing their strategic importance to our business"

Lee Anderson

Lee Anderson

​"Ian has supported me on a number of individual & bulk recruitments, taking the time to fully understand the role & my requirements. Ian has met some difficult deadlines & is consistently dependable and highly professional. Exceptional service at all times from Ian & the team at Idex."

Karen Rolph

Karen Rolph

​"David and his team at IDEX have been instrumental in assisting our growth here at REG over the past 6-12 months. When I joined the business our recruitment strategy was rather archaic and costly, having discussed with David our plans I am pleased to say that he and his team not only delivered on all of our assignments at the highest level, but also in a cost efficient way where we received excellent service and market leading, diverse candidates across all hires. I could not recommend IDEX enough as a Business Partner, after all a business needs to have talent attraction at the core of their strategy"

Paul Tasker

Paul Tasker

M&A INSIGHTS

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 22nd August 2025

​​Insurance NewsJoin Brokerbility and supercharge the growth of your brokerage - Brokerbility empowers independent brokers with tailored growth strategies, peer mentoring, innovative tools like a bespoke Broker Insights platform, and a robust training academy - helping members consistently achieve double-digit growth. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Join Brokerbility and supercharge the growth of your brokerage')What does nuclear energy mean for insurers? - Nuclear fusion energy represents a game-changing opportunity for insurers, requiring a shift from traditional nuclear risk models to tailored coverage that supports this safe, clean, and innovative energy source. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What does nuclear energy mean for insurers?')Interview strategies to secure the right talent - Mastering the interview process is key to smart hiring - employers can enhance outcomes by adopting structured frameworks, reducing bias, leveraging technology, and integrating diverse panels for better, long-term hires. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Interview strategies to secure the right talent')How insurers can be more agile - The UK insurance market faces challenges like economic volatility, cyber threats, and climate risks, requiring insurers to embrace digital innovation, regulatory compliance, and agile strategies to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How insurers can be more agile')The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) reported significant growth from August 2024 to July 2025, with membership increasing across all tiers, expanded education and insights offerings, and strengthened advocacy efforts, highlighting the MGA sector's growing role in insurance and its focus on innovation, collaboration, and professional standards. (Josh Recamara, 22/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'MGAA reports membership surge')A GlobalData survey reveals that while most UK SMEs are open to AI-driven insurance solutions, only 5.2% of brokers see AI as a major threat, highlighting a significant gap in adoption and awareness that could lead to brokers losing relevance as AI reshapes the industry. (Josh Recamara, 22/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Are brokers aware of how much of a threat AI is?')IB Markets has launched in the UK, providing brokers with a free, intuitive platform to connect directly with underwriters and MGAs for specialty insurance coverage, offering instant access to niche, hard-to-place, and high-capacity policies while streamlining the search and comparison process. (Insurance Business, 21/8/2025, 'IBmarkets launches in the UK: The broker-loved platform connecting you with specialty coverage')iFarm Underwriting has secured a five-year capacity deal with Hadron UK, an A- rated carrier, to support its Farm Combined, Farm Focus, and Property Owners’ Select portfolios. This partnership strengthens iFarm’s position in the UK agricultural market, enhances broker access to secure capacity, and aligns with its growth strategy under Rokstone, its parent company. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'iFarm secures five-year capacity deal with Hadron UK')Aegon reported a net profit of €606 million for H1 2025, reversing a €65 million loss from the same period in 2024, driven by stronger US operations and improved experience variances. The company increased its share buyback program by €200 million, set an interim dividend of €0.19 per share, and is reviewing a potential relocation of its legal domicile to the US to align with its primary market. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aegon reverses last year’s loss with stronger profits in H1')Zurich CEO Mario Greco has raised concerns about the growing role of private equity in the insurance sector, warning that asset-focused strategies by firms like Apollo and KKR could conflict with the industry’s core purpose of long-term risk management. He emphasised the need for alignment with policyholder needs and regulatory frameworks, as private equity interest continues to reshape the market, particularly in life and annuity sectors. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Zurich chief raises concerns over private capital's growing role in insurance')Marine insurers face pressure to address modern slavery and forced labour risks, as highlighted by the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI). High-risk sectors like shipping and fishing require ethical practices, including compliance with labour standards and human rights clauses. With stricter regulations like the UK Modern Slavery Act, insurers must act proactively to avoid reputational, legal, and regulatory risks. (Josh Recamara, 20/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marine insurers face growing pressure to address exploitative practices - IUMI')HDI Global SE reported €5.1 billion in revenue, a 91.6% combined ratio, and €377 million in profit for H1 2025, with strong regional growth in the US, Canada, UK, and Asia-Pacific, focusing on innovation, liability offerings, and international expansion. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global reports positive half-year results and shares expansion plans')Willis, part of WTW, launched Gemini, a digital auto-follow facility backed by A+ rated Lloyd’s syndicates, offering Willis clients competitive pricing, simplified claims handling, and stable capacity. It goes live on September 1, 2025, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce transaction costs. (Paul Lucas, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Willis launches Gemini digital auto-follow facility with Lloyd's backing')Inigo Limited launched the Inigo Crime Excess, a new policy addressing financial crime risks like AI-driven social engineering and digital asset fraud. It complements existing US bond policies, offering broader coverage and enhanced claims handling, with global availability through Lloyd’s. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Inigo unveils new solution for financial crime')Allianz launched the Smart Broker Brief and upgraded its QuoteSME platform to enhance broker efficiency. The tools provide data-driven insights, streamline quoting processes, and address risks like underinsurance, helping brokers focus on client support. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz introduces Smart Broker Brief and QuoteSME upgrades')Former Allianz and DAS executives Mickey Attia and Robin Stagg launched Elevate Specialty, a UK-based MGA focused on embedded and specialty insurance. Using AI-powered claims automation and rapid product rollouts, the firm offers legal expenses, cyber cover, and more. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'New MGA Elevate Specialty enters UK market with former Allianz and DAS leadership')Pen Underwriting partnered with Bridgehaven Specialty UK to expand capacity for solicitors’ professional indemnity. The collaboration supports firms of all sizes, leveraging Pen’s 25 years of expertise and Bridgehaven’s hybrid insurance model. (Jonalyn Cueto, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Pen Underwriting and Bridgehaven form partnership')Aviva, through Founders Factory, backed AI-native broker Meshed in a £950,000 pre-seed funding round. Meshed uses AI for quoting and data collection, aiming to reduce costs and underinsurance for SMEs. Early clients reported savings of up to 52%. (Jonalyn Cueto, 18/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva backs AI heavy brokerage start-up')A Covernet survey found that 39% of UK insurers and MGAs prioritise digital transformation for competitive advantage, while 21% are driven by customer demand and 15% by cost savings. Despite this, only 61% of respondents feel their current platforms meet functional needs, and 39% report neutral or poor satisfaction. The report emphasises the importance of thorough evaluation during platform selection to ensure long-term operational benefits, as many insurers risk duplicating inefficiencies by rushing into digital adoption. (Rod Bolivar, 18/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK insurers go digital for competitive advantage - report')The QualRisk Cyber Insurance Center (QCC) projects global cyber insurance premiums to grow from $15.1 billion in 2024 to $27 billion by 2030, with Europe driving growth at a 22% annual rate. Key challenges include systemic risk and regulatory demands. (Josh Recamara, 18/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cyber premiums projected to grow to $27 billion by 2030')​​​Mergers & AcquisitionsAspen Insurance Holdings' shares surged 17% following reports of a potential takeover bid by Japan's Sompo Holdings. The discussions, unconfirmed by either party, come just months after Aspen's May IPO, which raised nearly $400 million. This potential deal aligns with ongoing consolidation trends in the insurance industry as companies seek scale and diversification. (Steven Byerley, 20/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aspen shares surge on whispers of possible Sompo takeover bid')Gallagher completed its acquisition of AssuredPartners, enhancing capabilities in sectors like transportation, energy, and healthcare. The $13.45 billion deal supports Gallagher’s M&A strategy, adds talent, and is expected to deliver double-digit earnings growth. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher completes giant deal with AssuredPartners')Movers​Marsh has expanded its global aviation and space leadership team, appointing Brian Glod as Global Head, bringing over 35 years of experience, including his time at Johnson & Higgins. Tony Ambrose has been named Global Chairman, with more than 30 years of expertise in global aviation insurance. Patton Kline, who started his career in Marsh’s graduate program and has over 21 years of experience, has been appointed as the US Regional Leader. These appointments aim to address risks such as cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh expands global aviation and space leadership team')Laura Hay has joined Everest Group's board as an Independent Director, bringing over 30 years of experience, including her tenure as Global Head of Insurance at KPMG, where she led a team of 10,000 professionals across 90 countries. Her expertise in risk, regulatory, and capital market issues will enhance Everest's governance as it navigates evolving risks and growth opportunities. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Laura Hay joins insurer’s board as independent director')Clear Group has appointed Barbara Duffy as Group Chief People & Performance Officer, effective September 8, bringing experience from senior HR roles at IG Group, St. James’ Place, and Centrica. Victoria Gallimore’s role as Group Chief of Staff has been expanded to include strategic initiatives and operational alignment. These leadership changes support Clear’s growth strategy, which includes 11% organic growth in Q1 2025 and investments in technology, acquisitions, and leadership development. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')Reassured has appointed Beth Whelan as Chief Strategy & Data Officer, reporting to CEO Mark Townsend and joining the executive leadership team. Whelan will oversee strategic planning, embed data-driven decision-making, enhance AI capabilities, and lead the change and data science functions. With over 20 years of financial services experience, she previously served as Data and Transformation Director at Reassured and as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at TDX Group, an Equifax company. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')Prestige Underwriting has promoted Tim Baxter, who joined in 2014 and brings over 25 years of insurance experience, to Business Development and Relationship Director. He will focus on broker engagement, partnerships, and growth across Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the firm partnered with Ardonagh Advisory to become a preferred non-standard household partner, offering brokers access to products for complex risks like non-standard household and motor, amid growing demand in the non-standard market. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')Specialist underwriting agency Doe and Emuss has appointed John Watmough as Underwriter and Director of Broking. Based in London, Watmough brings over 25 years of experience in the London insurance market and expertise in the North American insurance landscape. He will focus on enhancing the firm’s broking and underwriting capabilities while expanding its client offering. (Josh Recamara, 21/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Clear Group appoints Barbara Duffy as group chief people & performance officer')AIG appointed Scott Hallworth as Chief Digital Officer, effective September 1, 2025. With over 30 years of experience at HP Inc., Capital One, and Travelers, Hallworth brings expertise in digital, data, and GenAI strategies. He will succeed Claude Wade, who transitions to an advisory role by year-end. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AIG, Commercial Express, Bravo, Weightmans')Commercial Express announced senior underwriting appointments, including Matt Warby, Richard Wilson, Kieran Jones, and Sally Scott (promoted internally). Helen Bingham also rejoined as a technical specialist. Following 36% growth in 2024, the firm targets £50M GWP by 2025 and £100M long-term. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AIG, Commercial Express, Bravo, Weightmans')Bravo Networks, part of Everywhen, appointed Karen Jackman as Managing Director (pending regulatory approval). Currently Sales and Distribution Director at Geo Underwriting, Jackman brings experience from senior roles at Aviva and will report to CCO Phil Bayles. (Rod Bolivar, 19/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AIG, Commercial Express, Bravo, Weightmans')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting.

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 15th August 2025

​​Insurance NewsWhat do possible wealth tax changes mean? - The potential introduction of a UK wealth tax, highlighted in discussions around the Autumn Budget 2025, has created uncertainty for wealth managers and their clients. This has led to increased client inquiries, concerns over capital flight, and a need for strategic adjustments in investment and tax planning to navigate potential regulatory changes. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What do possible wealth tax changes mean?')Risk and compliance employment market insights - The risk and compliance talent market is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing regulatory complexity and technological advancements. Employers face challenges in attracting top talent, with demand for professionals skilled in areas like ESG, data privacy, and M&A. Jack Johnson of IDEX Consulting emphasises the importance of streamlined hiring processes, strong employer branding, and adapting to trends like automation and AI to secure the best talent. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Risk and compliance employment market insights')Get the business edge with a competitive sustainability strategy -Building and implementing a sustainability strategy is crucial for businesses to attract talent, investors, and clients while addressing regulatory and societal demands. Dr. Rosina Watson of Cranfield School of Management highlights the importance of basing your strategy on the UN's sustainability goals, avoiding greenwashing, and preparing for future challenges to drive positive change and long-term success.(IDEX Consulting news, 'Get the business edge with a competitive sustainability strategy')Cyber risks for the US insurance market: what you need to know - The rising frequency and sophistication of cyber risks, including ransomware, data breaches, and AI-driven attacks, are significantly impacting the US insurance market. With most businesses under-insured, insurers face challenges in adapting to evolving threats and upskilling employees on cyber resilience. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Cyber risks for the US insurance market: what you need to know')Fidelis Insurance reported a net loss of $22.8 million for the first half of 2025, driven by $407.6 million in catastrophe and large losses, including California wildfires and aviation claims tied to the Ukraine conflict. Despite these challenges, the company expanded its risk transfer capabilities with a $90 million catastrophe bond and maintained confidence in delivering shareholder returns. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Fidelis records H1 loss as wildfire and aviation claims drive costs')The UK government’s proposed ban on ransomware payments by public sector bodies and critical infrastructure operators could reshape cyber insurance underwriting, with insurers expected to tighten resilience requirements, revise policy terms, and reassess risk models to address increased claims exposure and operational disruptions. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Proposed ransom ban raises underwriting pressure on cyber insurers')Aviva's H1 2025 operating profit rose 22% year-on-year to £1.07 billion, driven by a focus on capital-light businesses, which now contribute 66% of profits, alongside growth in insurance, wealth, and retirement sales. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva boosts H1 operating profit as capital-light strategy pays off')Talanx Group reported record H1 2025 net income of €1.37 billion, up from €1.09 billion, driven by strong contributions across divisions, lower large loss payments, and favourable currency effects, prompting an upgraded full-year forecast to €2.3 billion. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Talanx lifts 2025 income forecast after record €1.37bn H1 profit')Insurtech Gateway acquired a Lloyd’s license, enabling direct access to the Lloyd’s market for early-stage MGAs, streamlining underwriting capacity and accelerating product launches in underserved and emerging risk markets. (Josh Recamara, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurtech Gateway acquires Lloyd’s license to trade')CFC's carbon insurance product supported a $210 million project finance credit facility for Chestnut Carbon, backed by a Microsoft carbon removal agreement. This innovative insurance, mandated by lenders, enabled lower-cost financing and highlights the growing role of insurance in de-risking voluntary carbon markets and fostering climate finance. (Josh Recamara, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'CFC supports voluntary carbon market financing')MS&AD Insurance Group reported a 9% rise in Q1 net income to ¥222.7 billion ($1.51 billion), driven by improved underwriting performance and reduced natural catastrophe losses. While domestic nonlife operations saw strong growth, international profits declined due to stock price drops and foreign exchange losses, with mixed results across regions. (Jonalyn Cueto, 13/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'MS&AD reports higher Q1 profit')Beazley shares dropped 11.8% after lowering its 2025 premium growth forecast to low-to-mid single digits, citing large catastrophe losses and rising cyber threats. Despite a 31% drop in H1 profit to $502.5 million, Beazley maintained strong underwriting discipline with an 80.3% combined ratio, outperforming peers Hiscox and Lancashire. Its solvency ratio rose to 287%, signalling potential for strategic expansion amid challenging market conditions. (Matthew Sellers, 13/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Beazley shares plummet as growth forecast cut – but underwriting discipline still leads peers')Antares Syndicate 1274 at Lloyd’s reported a $42 million H1 profit, exceeding targets despite major losses from California wildfires and Russian aviation claims. With a 96.3% combined ratio on $369 million in gross written premiums, CEO Mark Graham credited strong underwriting and portfolio diversity for the syndicate's resilience. (Kenneth Araullo, 13/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Antares Syndicate beats H1 profit target despite major wildfire and aviation losses')Evolution Claims Management has relocated to a new headquarters in Oldbury, West Midlands, as part of its expansion. The move provides a modern, eco-friendly workspace for its growing team, which has doubled to 55 employees since 2020. CEO Russell Crewe highlighted the improved environment's positive impact on collaboration, productivity, and sustainability. (Josh Recamara, 13/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Evolution Claims Management moves into new headquarters')The insurance industry is advancing gender balance through cross-gender collaboration, with research showing that inclusive leadership teams improve profitability and retention. ISC Group, with over 10,000 members, is leading efforts by appointing its first male ambassador, Hugh Evans of KPMG, and forming a Male Allyship Committee to drive cultural change and unlock talent potential. (Carmen Powell, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Driving gender balance in insurance')Markel-backed Certa Specialty Limited has launched to provide consultancy services for managing agents and Coverholders in the Lloyd’s London market. Led by Dan Lott, the firm focuses on MGA compliance, governance, and binding authority agreements. This launch aligns with market trends emphasising robust due diligence and regulatory compliance for MGAs. (Kenneth Araullo, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Markel-backed Certa Specialty launches, targets MGA compliance and growth')Howden Group has repriced a $3.1 billion term loan and £765 million credit facility, securing $8 million in annual savings. CFO Mark Craig highlighted this as one of the tightest pricing levels for leveraged loans in its category, reflecting investor confidence in Howden’s growth trajectory. (Josh Recamara, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Howden Group reprices US$3.1 billion loan')Marine insurers are rethinking coverage as geopolitical instability becomes a constant in the shipping industry, says The Swedish Club. Managing director Thomas Nordberg highlighted challenges like sanctions, altered routes, and cyber risks, emphasising the need for advisory roles and industry collaboration on geopolitical risk data. (Josh Recamara, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marine insurers forced to rethink coverage')Rokstone-owned Novus Underwriting has secured an exclusive binding authority agreement with Collinson Insurance, covering over 500,000 annual warranty policies. This partnership supports Novus’s UK operations and complements its global presence across 26 countries, with plans to expand into the US, Australia, and India. (Kenneth Araullo, 11/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Rokstone-owned Novus secures exclusive binder with Collinson Insurance')Prestige Underwriting’s latest survey reveals deepening underinsurance in the UK non-standard market, with 92% of brokers citing affordability issues as a key factor. Tim Baxter, business development director, emphasised the need for tailored solutions to address economic pressures and evolving client needs. (Kenneth Araullo, 11/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Underinsurance trend deepens in UK non-standard sector, Prestige Underwriting finds')Miller’s mid-year 2025 update highlights a softening London construction market, with falling rates and increased competition. Underwriting discipline is under pressure as capacity grows, while evolving risks like NATCAT exposure and AI-related liabilities reshape approaches across construction, PI, D&O, and real estate sectors. (Josh Recamara, 11/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Softening London construction market puts pressure on underwriting discipline')​​​Mergers & AcquisitionsMarshBerry reports that the UK insurance distribution M&A market has undergone a valuation reset, with private equity-backed brokers seeing lower multiples, a shift from scale-driven acquisitions to strategic fit, and increased opportunities for diverse and international buyers due to moderated pricing. (Josh Recamara, 15/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'MarshBerry says UK insurance distribution M&A market has seen valuation reset')Specialist Risk Group (SRG) announced plans to acquire City Quarter Brokers, a London-based firm specialising in complex risks in construction, engineering, and infrastructure. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will enhance SRG’s Wholesale division and expand its capacity to deliver placement solutions for global complex risks. City Quarter Brokers CEO Rob Walton highlighted the deal's potential to provide greater resources while maintaining a specialist focus. (Josh Recamara, 13/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Specialist Risk Group to acquire City Quarter Brokers')Unilink Group, owned by Acrisure, has acquired Mega Brokers, Greece’s largest retail insurance agent, marking its entry into the Greek market. The deal combines Mega Brokers’ local expertise with Unilink’s regional scale, expanding its network to 10.3 million clients across nine countries. (Josh Recamara, 11/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Unilink Group acquires Greek retail insurance agent')Movers​Hiscox has appointed Matthew Budd as Group Head of Technical Claims, a new role aimed at enhancing the handling of complex, high-value claims. Budd brings over 30 years of experience, including leading aerospace claims at AIG and senior roles at Talbot Underwriting, aligning with Hiscox's growth ambitions and the industry's focus on technical expertise to address rising claims complexity. (Josh Recamara, 15/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Hiscox Group names group head of technical claims')AXIS Capital launched AXIS Capacity Solutions, a new unit led by David Murie, a chartered accountant with over 15 years of experience, including roles as Global Head of Underwriting Governance & Execution and Head of Business Performance at AXIS International Insurance. Murie, who also held managerial positions at Aviva, will leverage his expertise to develop multi-line portfolio capacity deals, utilising AXIS's global underwriting platform and Lloyd’s licenses to meet the rising demand for streamlined risk placement and enhanced broker relationships. (Josh Recamara, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXIS Capital launches new business unit')Amiga Specialty, backed by B.P. Marsh, appointed Richard Mills as Transactional Risks Managing Director for the UK and Europe. Based in London, Mills, who began his insurance career at Capital Risks in 2018 and previously held legal roles at Proskauer Rose and Linklaters, will establish and lead the transactional risks line, focusing on strategic positioning, distribution, and carrier relationships. This marks Amiga’s entry into the growing transactional risks market, addressing warranties, indemnities, tax liabilities, and contingent risks amid rising M&A activity and corporate restructurings. (Josh Recamara, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Amiga Specialty and Verisk')Verisk appointed Eric Spear as Chief Technology Officer for its Extreme Event Solutions division. Spear, formerly Senior Vice President of engineering at Flywire, will oversee engineering, quality assurance, and IT, focusing on advancing AI- and cloud-based catastrophe risk modelling. Extreme Event Solutions, which provides models for over 120 countries, aims to enhance automation, scalability, and resiliency in response to growing climate volatility, secondary perils, and severe weather losses impacting underwriting. (Josh Recamara, 14/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Amiga Specialty and Verisk')Davies appointed Richard Barke as CEO of its Insurance Solutions division. With over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at Asta, Aspen, and KPMG, Barke will oversee operations and drive growth strategies. His appointment aligns with Davies' Vision 2030 strategy to expand global revenues and invest in innovation. (Kenneth Araullo, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Davies appoints Richard Barke to head Insurance Solutions')Lancashire Holdings announced the Q1 2026 retirements of John Spence and Hayler Johnston, with internal promotions to succeed them. Rachel Sabbarton will lead Lancashire Syndicates Limited, and Jennifer Wilson will head Lancashire Insurance Company Limited. Other internal promotions include Matthew Thomas as CUO, Colette Murphy as deputy CUO, and Tom Sutton and David Chalk as deputy underwriters for Syndicates 2010 and 3010. (Josh Recamara, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Lancashire, BHSI, Vitality, Fidelis and Blenheim')Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has appointed Franco Masciovecchio as Country Manager for Switzerland. Previously a senior property and construction underwriter in Europe, Masciovecchio will now lead growth in the DACH region, focusing on commercial and industrial risks. (Josh Recamara, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Lancashire, BHSI, Vitality, Fidelis and Blenheim')The Fidelis Partnership has appointed Conor O’Riordan as group CFO, succeeding Hinal Patel. O’Riordan, previously Chief Capacity Officer and a senior leader since 2021, played a key role in major capital transactions and the firm’s bifurcation from Fidelis Insurance Group. (Josh Recamara, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Lancashire, BHSI, Vitality, Fidelis and Blenheim')Blenheim Underwriting has appointed Alex Stratton-Thomsett as Casualty Underwriter starting January 2026. Previously Lead Underwriter for US casualty at MS Amlin, he will work with David Barber to grow the MGA’s casualty portfolio. (Josh Recamara, 12/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Lancashire, BHSI, Vitality, Fidelis and Blenheim')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting.

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What does the OPRC review of the digital justice system mean for lawyers?

The UK legal landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, and the Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) is a major part of it. Established under the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022, the OPRC's mandate is to create rules for online court and tribunal proceedings across the civil, family, and tribunal jurisdictions.The OPRC aims to enhance the experience for online users by promoting an integrated digital system, alongside the strategic use of artificial intelligence. The potential for AI to improve the justice system, leading to swifter, fairer and more accessible opportunities is huge. A particular benefit is the potential to reduce court backlogs. According to Gov UK’s Justice in Numbers pocketbook, in the three months to March 2025, there were 344,994 magistrates' court disposals and 27,950 Crown Court disposals, with just 30% of Crown Court trials labelled as ‘cracked trials’ (Ministry of Justice: Justice in numbers pocketbook). Further, at the end of March 2025, the prison population was approximately 87,919. These numbers demonstrate the immense volume of cases that the justice system must handle. The move to a more efficient digital system is not a luxury; it's a necessity to manage this workload effectively.However, the changes are not just about digitising existing processes; it's about fundamentally reshaping the way justice is accessed and administered. The OPRC's review, particularly its recent ‘Inclusion framework and pre-action model’, signals a new era for legal practice. For lawyers, this presents a significant challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. The OPRC's mandate and visionThe OPRC's vision is to build an integrated digital justice system that is "accessible to everyone, easier for everyone to use, capable of delivering justice more quickly, and, of course, transparent and trusted” (Legal futures: OPRC consults on inclusion framework and pre-action model). This goal is being pursued through two key initiatives: an inclusion framework and a pre-action model.The inclusion framework sets out design principles and standards to ensure all users, especially those at risk of exclusion, can engage with digital justice services. It focuses on user-centered design, plain language, and robust data collection to measure inclusion outcomes. For lawyers, this means a new focus on accessibility. It's no longer enough to simply file a document online; the process itself must be understandable and navigable for a diverse range of clients, including those with limited digital literacy or disabilities. This will require law firms to re-evaluate their client communication strategies and potentially invest in new tools and training to ensure their services align with these new standards.The pre-action model, on the other hand, aims to standardise the landscape of online pre-court dispute resolution services. It “encourages providers to adopt and follow principles and standards in the pre-action space that are consistent with those applied to online court-based dispute resolution” (Legal futures: OPRC consults on inclusion framework and pre-action model). It outlines guidance for online legal information, advice, and dispute-resolution services to promote early, fair, and efficient resolution of disputes outside of court. The OPRC’s goal is to create a seamless, end-to-end digital journey, where data can be easily transferred from a pre-court online service into the court system if a dispute is not resolved. This shift places a new emphasis on the pre-action space. Lawyers will need to become experts in a new ecosystem of online dispute resolution platforms and services. Moving forward, they will be required to understand the rules and data standards that govern these platforms and be able to effectively guide clients through them.What does this mean for legal practice? The OPRC's work will have a multi-faceted impact on how lawyers practice law. The changes will affect everything from case management and client interaction to business models and professional development. We delve into some of the key implications and changes that lawyers need to be aware of in our analysis below.Navigating a new digital landscapeThe most immediate impact for lawyers is the need to understand and adapt to a new digital ecosystem. The OPRC is developing rules and guidance that will govern how online proceedings are conducted, so it will be essential for lawyers to be proactive in understanding these new rules. This will be “the first time the OPRC would set out the basic rules which would, in time, apply to all online proceedings” (Online Procedure Rule Committee: Minutes from May 12 2025 meeting).This is not just about using new software, it’s about embracing a new philosophy of justice delivery. A 2025 Ministry of Justice report highlighted the success of early digital adoption, with millions of digital transactions completed through various apps. These trends indicate that a significant portion of legal work is already moving online, and lawyers who resist this shift will be left behind. The report further noted that over 4.1 million cases have been processed digitally since April 2019, demonstrating the scale of the change.The rise of the "Pre-Action" specialistThe OPRC's focus on the pre-action space presents a unique opportunity for lawyers to develop new skills and solutions. With the goal of resolving disputes before they reach the courts, lawyers who can effectively navigate online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms and guide clients through pre-action protocols will have a distinct competitive advantage. This could lead to a rise in a new type of legal specialist: the digital dispute resolution practitioner. These lawyers would not only have expertise in a specific area of law but also in new technology and ODR processes.Rethinking the client relationshipThe OPRC's inclusion framework places a strong emphasis on user-centered design and accessibility. This means that lawyers must reconsider how they communicate with and serve their clients. With the days of legal jargon and complex paperwork numbered, the new digital justice system further promotes the use of plain language and the use of intuitive interfaces. Lawyers who can adapt their communication styles and provide clear, accessible guidance will be better positioned to serve a wider client base and build stronger relationships. This shift also presents an opportunity to streamline processes, automate routine tasks, and focus on higher-value advisory work.The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)The OPRC's work is closely linked to the broader adoption of AI in the justice system. The government's ‘AI action plan for justice’ policy published in July 2025, details the plan to embed AI across justice services. The plan, developed in collaboration with the OPRC, aims to use AI to "[reduce] administrative burden with secure AI productivity tools including search, speech and document processing” and “[support] better decisions through predictive and risk-assessment models” (Gov.UK: AI action plan for justice).While the plan emphasises that the human element remains critical in all judicial work, lawyers should expect to see AI tools becoming more commonplace in their practice. These tools could automate document review, case summarisation, and other routine tasks, freeing up lawyers to focus on strategic and client-facing activities. Lawyers who embrace these technologies will be more efficient and productive, while those who resist are likely to find themselves at a disadvantage.The OPRC's work represents a pivotal movement for the legal profession. Its focus on an inclusive and integrated digital justice system will fundamentally alter the way lawyers operate. For law firms, this means a need to adapt and evolve, embracing new technologies and business models, and for lawyers a requirement to become proficient in a new, end-to-end digital ecosystem. The challenges are real, but the opportunities for those who are willing to innovate are even greater. The future of law is digital, and the OPRC is setting the rules for the road ahead.If you’re looking for support with your legal hiring strategy or for a new career opportunity, contact one of our legal specialists who will be happy to help. Sources:Gov.UK: AI action plan for justiceGov.UK: Digital justice system: inclusion framework and pre-action modelGov.UK: Modernising courts and tribunals: benefits of digital servicesLegal futures: OPRC consults on inclusion framework and pre-action modelMinistry of Justice: Justice in numbers pocketbookOnline Procedure Rule Committee: Minutes from May 12 2025 cent meeting

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 8th August 2025

​​Insurance NewsIDEX Consulting and WPR form strategic merger to deliver change and transformation talent solutions - Combining WPR's expertise in contract and permanent change management recruitment and IDEX's global reach, clients across finance change and technology change will be supported with their most complex transformation initiatives.(IDEX Consulting news, 'IDEX Consulting and WPR form strategic merger to deliver change and transformation talent solutions')What are the implications of the wealth tax uncertainty? - The potential introduction of a UK wealth tax, highlighted in Autumn Budget 2025 discussions, raises challenges and opportunities for wealth managers, requiring proactive strategies to address client concerns, mitigate risks, and adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What are the implications of the wealth tax uncertainty?')Captive insurance reforms: what you need to know- The UK’s new captive insurance framework aims to boost competitiveness by streamlining authorisations, lowering capital requirements, and integrating captives into the PCC framework, positioning the UK as a stronger player in the global captive insurance market. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Captive insurance reforms: what you need to know')Nuclear fusion energy: impact for insurers- The rise of nuclear fusion energy, with its safety and sustainability advantages, presents insurers with opportunities to innovate coverage models, moving beyond outdated fission-era exclusions to support this transformative energy source and its unique risk profile. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Nuclear fusion energy: impact for insurers')QBE reported a 27% rise in half-year net profit to US$1.02 billion, driven by a 6% increase in gross written premium to US$13.8 billion and an improved combined operating ratio of 92.8%, despite global weather challenges. (Daniel Wood, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'QBE has a 27% profits surge')Aspen Insurance's Q2 2025 underwriting income rose to $100 million, with a combined ratio improvement to 85.1% and a 53.5% year-on-year increase in fee income from its capital markets division, reflecting strong performance across earnings streams. (Kenneth Araullo, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aspen Insurance improves underwriting income in Q2')Tokio Marine's Q1 net income surged by 136% year-on-year to ¥466.8 billion, driven by strong underwriting and investment gains, despite a decrease in total assets and challenges in international insurance performance. (Kenneth Araullo, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Tokio Marine Q1 net income soars on strong underwriting and investment gains')MS Amlin's Q1 2025 profit after tax rose to £15 million (up from £11 million in Q1 2024), driven by strong premium growth despite wildfire-related losses, with net premium written increasing by £283 million year-on-year. (Kenneth Araullo, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'MS Amlin Q1 profit after tax climbs despite wildfire impact')SiriusPoint is leveraging broker-led Managing General Agent (MGA) programs as a key growth strategy, with over half of its premiums now flowing through MGAs, emphasising underwriting discipline, selective partnerships, and alignment with fast-growing distribution channels in the US and UK. (Gia Snape, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'SiriusPoint doubles down on MGAs to fuel growth amid market volatility')Insurance M&A activity hit historic lows in H1 2025 due to geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, including the lingering impact of Trump-era policies, but cautious optimism for H2 growth is driven by pent-up demand, clearer policy directions, and a focus on MGAs and emerging markets for strategic expansion. (Gia Snape, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cautious optimism rises after Trump-era uncertainty slows insurance M&A')Liberty Mutual reported $2.87 billion in H1 2025 profit, driven by a sharp 53.6% drop in catastrophe losses and strong underwriting discipline, despite a modest 1.9% decline in net written premiums and a slight revenue contraction. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Mutual posts $2.87bn in H1 profit as catastrophe losses drop sharply')Fidelis Insurance announced a $200 million stock buyback plan and increased its quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share, emphasising shareholder value despite Q1 losses driven by California wildfires, with plans for disciplined capital management and long-term growth. (Josh Recamara, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Fidelis Insurance announces stock buyback plan, increases dividend')The UK P&I Club opened a new office in Newcastle to expand its talent pool, enhance service delivery, and strengthen ties with the region's maritime industry, aligning with its strategy of maintaining financial stability and underwriting quality. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK P&I Club expands local footprint with Newcastle office opening')Generali reported a €4.05 billion operating profit in H1 2025, an 8.7% increase driven by strong performance across P&C, life, and asset management segments, reflecting early progress on its "Lifetime Partner 27" strategic plan. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Generali operating profit rises to €4.05bn in H1 as all core segments deliver')Zurich Insurance Group posted a record H1 2025 operating profit, driven by improved underwriting results and growth across P&C, life, and farmers segments, with a 9% rise in P&C operating profit and a combined ratio improvement to 92.4%. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Zurich posts record H1 2025 profit as underwriting and segment growth accelerate')Allianz reported a €4.4 billion Q2 2025 operating profit, a 12.2% increase driven by broad business growth across all segments, with total business volume rising 8% and strong contributions from life/health and property-casualty divisions. (Kenneth Araullo, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz Q2 profit jumps to €4.4bn amid broad business growth')AIG reported a $1.1 billion Q2 2025 net profit, reversing a $4 billion loss from the prior year, driven by strong general insurance underwriting, improved investment income, and cost savings from its transformation program, with a combined ratio of 89.3%. (Josh Recamara, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'AIG reports dramatic reversal in second-quarter results')RSA Insurance partnered with the University of Hull for an 18-month research project to improve flood resilience in commercial properties, focusing on scalable property-level measures and developing tools to better model and manage flood risk amid rising climate-related claims. (Josh Recamara, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'RSA Insurance partners with University of Hull for flood resilience research project')Aon launched the Accelerate Programme to support UK tech start-ups, particularly in AI and automation, by offering tailored risk management and insurance solutions, focusing on intellectual property protection and leveraging its global advisory expertise. (Kenneth Araullo, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aon launches Accelerate Program to help UK tech start‑ups manage risk')Lancashire Holdings reported a 5.8% rise in H1 2025 gross premiums to $1.36 billion, driven by reinsurance growth and US platform expansion, despite wildfire losses impacting results. The company maintained resilience with a discounted combined ratio of 87.4%. (Kenneth Araullo, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Lancashire H1 premiums rise despite wildfire loss impact')Hiscox reported a 5.7% rise in H1 2025 premiums to $2.94 billion, with growth across all divisions. Retail led the expansion, while London Market and Re & ILS divisions contributed despite wildfire losses, reflecting the strength of its diversified business model. (Kenneth Araullo, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Hiscox H1 premiums rise as all divisions deliver growth')IGI reported a 3.9% rise in Q2 2025 net income to $34.1 million, despite weaker underwriting results due to higher loss ratios and catastrophe losses. Gross written premiums grew 1.9% in H1, driven by reinsurance expansion. (Kenneth Araullo, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'IGI posts higher Q2 net income despite weaker underwriting results')According to Travelers, the rise in FSMA Sections 90 and 90A claims is transforming the UK D&O insurance landscape. Increased investor activism, collective litigation mechanisms, and regulatory scrutiny are driving these claims. Travelers emphasises the importance of brokers advising clients on robust D&O policies, entity securities cover, and reputational risk management to mitigate financial and reputational risks effectively. (Travelers, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'How brokers can help clients manage rising D&O market risks')Amphitrite Underwriting has achieved full independence from Arch following a buyback of Arch’s minority stake. Founded in 2018, the marine MGA has expanded its portfolio beyond marine hull to include cargo and marine war insurance, with recent capacity support from Lloyd’s. CEO Konstantinos Tampakakis highlighted the milestone as a step toward diversifying the company’s global marine offerings, while Arch remains a key capacity provider for its marine hull business. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Amphitrite Underwriting gains full independence from Arch')Artificial intelligence insurance premiums are projected to reach $4.8 billion globally by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 80%, according to Deloitte. As AI adoption accelerates, insurers are addressing risks like algorithmic bias, intellectual property violations, and system failures. Companies like Munich Re and Armilla AI are already offering tailored policies, while regulatory frameworks, such as the EU’s upcoming AI rules, are expected to drive demand for coverage. This trend mirrors the evolution of cyber insurance, with insurers cautiously developing bespoke frameworks to price emerging AI risks. (Matthew Sellers, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Artificial Intelligence insurance premiums to hit US$4.8 billion within 7 years')CNA Financial reported Q2 2025 net income of $299 million, down from $317 million last year, while core income rose 3% to $335 million. The P&C segments saw a 5% growth in gross written premiums and a combined ratio improvement to 94.1%, aided by reduced catastrophe losses. CEO Doug Worman highlighted balanced growth and strong underwriting as key drivers for the first half of 2025. (Kenneth Araullo, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'CNA sees growth in net premiums, stronger underwriting in Q2')Berkshire Hathaway's Q2 2025 net earnings fell to $12.37 billion, down from $30.35 billion, due to reduced investment gains and a $3.76 billion Kraft Heinz write-down. GEICO's earnings rose, but primary and reinsurance units declined. Operating earnings were $11.16 billion. (Josh Recamara, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Berkshire Hathaway posts lower Q2 net earnings')United Insurance Brokers Ltd (UIBL) has relocated its London headquarters to The Leadenhall Building, ending a 30-year tenure on Mansell Street. The move aligns with UIBL’s ESG goals and aims to modernise operations while enhancing collaboration. The new location, in the heart of London’s insurance district, supports the firm’s focus on innovation and client service. (Josh Recamara, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'United Insurance Brokers Ltd moves London headquarters')Sabre Insurance reported a 26% rise in H1 2025 pretax profit to £25.5 million, despite a drop in gross written premium to £100.3 million. The combined operating ratio improved to 82.6%, and the net insurance margin rose to 19%. CEO Geoff Carter emphasised a focus on profitability over volume, with stabilising market conditions expected in H2. (Josh Recamara, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Sabre Insurance reports stronger profitability in first half of 2025')​​​Mergers & AcquisitionsNFP acquired Bspoke Insurance Group, enhancing its presence in the UK’s delegated authority market and gaining access to specialist underwriting expertise, while Bspoke aims to accelerate growth with NFP's resources. (Josh Recamara, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'NFP acquires Bspoke Insurance Group')Optio Group completed its acquisition of Circles Group, a leading European MGA in film and live event insurance, enhancing its specialty lines portfolio and leveraging Circles' digital underwriting technology to expand capabilities in high-value risk sectors. (Josh Recamara, 7/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Optio Group completes purchase of Circles Group')Software Circle acquired a 95% stake in Dublin-based insurance tech firm Artificial Intelligence Finance (AIF) for €9 million, aiming to enhance digital mortgage and life insurance solutions. The deal reflects growing investor interest in platforms streamlining financial services. (Josh Recamara, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance tech firm snapped up in €9 million deal')The Broker Investment Group (TBIG) has acquired KSL Thomas & Co Ltd, a Romford-based insurance broker specialising in commercial insurance with over 63 years of experience. Managing approximately £2 million in GWP, KSL Thomas will retain its brand, team, and premises, with Director Rex Thomas continuing in his role. This marks TBIG’s fifth acquisition of 2025, further expanding its footprint in Essex. The deal aligns with TBIG’s strategy of supporting regional brokers through sustainable growth and partnership, as it works toward its target of £250 million GWP by the end of 2024. (Josh Recamara, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'The Broker Investment Group completes KSL Thomas acquisition')A consortium including Allianz, BlackRock, and Hannover Re has completed the acquisition of Viridium Group, a European closed-book life insurance platform, from Cinven. Viridium will remain independent, managing closed life insurance portfolios across Europe. The deal reflects growing interest in the life run-off sector, with insurers and asset managers collaborating to manage long-term obligations efficiently. (Josh Recamara, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Consortium completes acquisition of Viridium Group')Movers​CFC appointed Dan Keeler as Head of Digital Underwriting to drive its API partner strategy and oversee its Connect platform, which handles 40% of new business inquiries. Keeler brings experience from Ascot Group as Portfolio Delivery Manager and prior roles in underwriting and transformation at Covea Insurance and Hiscox. (Josh Recamara, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, Liberty Mutual and Munich Re')Liberty Mutual Surety expanded its presence in Germany with a new office in Hamburg, complementing its Cologne base and supporting its global strategy. Martin Wendt, formerly of Tryg Trae and Allianz Trade, has been appointed head of Surety Germany, overseeing underwriting in Austria and Switzerland. (Josh Recamara, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, Liberty Mutual and Munich Re')Thomas Artmann, CEO of Munich Re Syndicate Limited (MRSL), will retire on August 30, 2026, after over 30 years with Munich Re. Having led the Lloyd’s platform since 2015, Artmann oversaw consistent performance and underwriting profitability. A successor will be announced later. (Josh Recamara, 8/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, Liberty Mutual and Munich Re')Arch Insurance International appointed James Byford as Senior Contingency Underwriter to enhance its capabilities in event risk coverage, including event cancellation, non-appearance, liability, and cyber-linked exposures. Byford brings over 14 years of underwriting experience, joining during a period of increased risk awareness and challenges in the live events sector. (Josh Recamara, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Nexus, Ecclesiastical and West P&I')Nexus Group appointed Eamonn Long as Chief Underwriting Officer for its Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) business, leveraging his 18 years of experience, including senior roles at Allianz and SCOR. This move supports Nexus's focus on structured re/insurance solutions following the launch of its ART unit in December 2024. (Josh Recamara, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Nexus, Ecclesiastical and West P&I')Ecclesiastical Insurance appointed Neil McGeachie as UK Chief Operating Officer, bringing 30 years of experience from Aspen, Chubb, QBE, Lloyd’s, and Royal & Sun Alliance. McGeachie will focus on enhancing operational efficiency during the insurer's phase of ambitious growth under the Benefact Group. (Josh Recamara, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Nexus, Ecclesiastical and West P&I')Richard Macnamara retired from West of England P&I Club after 43 years, having played a key role in establishing the Hong Kong office as a regional hub, which now generates 40% of the Club’s gross premium income. Macnamara's leadership significantly expanded the Club's presence in Asia. (Josh Recamara, 6/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch, Nexus, Ecclesiastical and West P&I')Lloyd’s appointed Stephane Flaquet as Chief Operating Officer, effective September 1, 2025. Flaquet, who brings extensive experience from Hiscox, where he served as Group Chief Operations and Technology Officer, has also held senior roles at American International Group and Capital One. At Lloyd’s, he will oversee operations, technology, data, and market infrastructure resilience, while leading the Blueprint Two modernisation program to drive efficiency and scalability across the market. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Lloyd’s appoints new COO to lead modernisation and resilience')Howden has launched a US retail broking business, appointing Mike Parrish as CEO and Jim Hays as Vice Chairman of its parent company. Parrish, formerly Marsh’s Florida zone leader, brings extensive experience from his tenure at Marsh and Aon. Hays, known for founding Hays Group, which became the 22nd-largest US broker before its acquisition by Brown & Brown, adds significant leadership expertise. This move marks Howden's formal entry into the US retail market, despite facing a lawsuit from Marsh over alleged recruitment poaching, as the company aims to expand its American footprint amid ongoing legal disputes and industry scrutiny. (Matthew Sellers, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Howden announces US retail business despite Marsh lawsuit')Eddie Grant has been appointed as the disability ambassador for the insurance sector by the UK Minister for Social Security and Disability. A Non-Executive Director of the Personal Finance Society and Vice-President of the Insurance Institute of London, Grant brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He aims to drive accessibility improvements for disabled customers and employees, building on initiatives like the Access to Protection industry agreement and the Chartered Insurance Institute’s vulnerability roundtables. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Eddie Grant named disability ambassador for insurance sector')H.W. Kaufman Group has announced the launch of RB Jones Global, an international MGA targeting credit, energy, and construction markets. Ed Kelly, formerly AIG’s Global Head of Credit Lines, will lead the business, while Helen Jones-Bak, with over 25 years of London market experience, joins as CFO. This move follows Kaufman’s recent restructuring to consolidate global operations and expand specialty underwriting capabilities. (Kenneth Araullo, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'H.W. Kaufman Group launches RB Jones Global for worldwide MGA growth')Aspen Insurance Holdings has named Ryan Cushway as Head of International and UK Casualty Insurance, effective August 1, 2025. Cushway, with Aspen since 2017, will oversee UK and international casualty lines, including the environmental team led by Richard Spinks. Additionally, Leanne Bellows has been named Head of Excess Casualty – London & Lloyd’s Markets and will report directly to Cushway. (Josh Recamara, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Aspen, HDI and DAC Beachcroft')HDI Global has appointed Nils Langrehr as Head of Power Underwriting within its energy & power unit. With nearly 14 years at Hannover Re, Langrehr brings expertise in traditional and renewable energy insurance. He will oversee underwriting for renewable and conventional power risks, supporting HDI Global’s strategy to aid clients in the energy transition. (Josh Recamara, 5/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Aspen, HDI and DAC Beachcroft')Gallagher has appointed Alistair Lester, formerly Aon’s global co-CEO of M&A and transactional solutions, as CEO of its private equity and M&A client practice. Lester, who also held roles at WTW, will lead transactional risks teams across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, focusing on expanding services for M&A transactions. He will report to Michael Rea, CEO of Gallagher’s UK broking operations. (Josh Recamara, 4/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher brings in CEO of key unit from Aon')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting.

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IDEX Consulting and WPR form strategic merger to deliver change and transformation talent solutions

​IDEX Consulting, a global talent and business growth consultancy, and WPR, a market-leading contract and interim talent provider, are pleased to announce a strategic merger. The merger will provide clients across technology change and finance change, two of the most in-demand areas in today’s market, with an enhanced suite of talent management and M&A solutions for their change and transformation needs.This partnership is a direct response to the evolving challenges faced by clients in the financial services and insurance sectors, such as major regulatory changes, technology innovations and broader business modernisation requirements. “We’re incredibly excited about our new partnership with WPR, which makes us well positioned to support clients through their most complex change and transformation initiatives. By bringing WPR's expertise into the fold, IDEX can now offer a specialised contract and permanent talent solution across technology change and finance change,” says Matt Green, CEO of IDEX Consulting. Noting the benefits for IDEX’s M&A clients, Matt adds, “After helping organisations execute strategic acquisitions, we can now also ensure they have the bench strength to deliver on post-deal synergies– a critical success factor in any M&A journey.” WPR’s reputation, built over more than a decade on strong values and a commitment to quality over quantity, has resulted in significant repeat business from clients such as Hiscox, Aspen and Beazley. The investment by IDEX provides them with a platform for further growth.“This is an exciting time for WPR. Partnering with IDEX provides us with the international reach our clients need to expand their business, especially with so many of our clients having a presence stateside,” says James Pepe, WPR Co-founder and Executive Director. Niall Wynne, WPR Co-founder and Executive Director adds: "Working alongside IDEX will enable us to provide our consultants with additional tools and resources, helping them to achieve more for our client base. We’ve always been committed to doing business the right way, building long lasting relationships that add tangible value and contribute to the success of our clients, and it was important to us that we found a partner who prioritised the same values.” This collaboration marks a significant milestone in both IDEX and WPR’s growth journey, enabling them to collectively deliver additional solutions for clients whilst paving the way for future partnerships with other high-performing firms who share the same values and ambition.For more information go to IDEX Consulting and WPR.

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 1st August 2025

​​Insurance NewsWhat do the UK’s Captive insurance reforms mean for the market? - The UK government’s announcement of a dedicated framework for captive insurance is causing ripples across the financial and insurance sector. Will this boost the UK’s competitiveness or lead to increased cost and risk? Our article explores what these reforms, including faster authorisation and lighter regulation, could mean for your business. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What do the UK’s Captive insurance reforms mean for the market?')The AI transformation: How to bring your team on the journey - Building successful AI adoption hinges on team engagement and buy-in. Our experts share actionable strategies for a collaborative approach, moving from resistance to success. Watch our video to learn how to lead your teams on the AI journey. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The AI transformation: How to bring your team on the journey')MGA outlook: an opportunity for insurers - With the MGA market booming, insurers have a huge opportunity to optimise their product innovation and market reach. Our article explores how partnering with agile MGAs can help insurers capitalise on specialised expertise, technology, and talent to win in a saturated landscape. (IDEX Consulting news, 'MGA outlook: an opportunity for insurers')UK and US insurance regulatory reforms: what you need to know - For UK and US insurers, navigating a complex regulatory landscape is crucial. Our article provides essential insight on the changing regulatory market, from climate risk to AI, helping your business proactively adapt to new standards in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. (IDEX Consulting news, 'UK insurance regulatory reforms: what you need to know')AXA reported a 7% increase in gross written premiums for H1 2025, driven by growth in property & casualty (+6%), life & health (+8%), and asset management (+4%), alongside strategic initiatives like reinsurance integration and the acquisition of a 51% stake in Prima, an Italian digital insurer. (Kenneth Araullo, 1/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXA grows premiums in H1 amid P&C and life insurance momentum')Arthur J. Gallagher reported a 23% rise in adjusted EBITDAC to $1.01 billion for Q2 2025, driven by 16% brokerage revenue growth, 5.4% organic growth, and nine acquisitions, while progressing on its $13.45 billion AssuredPartners acquisition expected to close in Q3 2025. (Josh Recamara, 1/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'Arthur J. Gallagher reports strong Q2 results')UK Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) receipts rose 9% to £8.88 billion in 2024-2025, according to HMRC, driven by increased demand for private health insurance amid NHS access challenges, with calls for targeted IPT exemptions to improve affordability and support public services. (Josh Recamara, 1/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK insurance premium tax receipts rise to £8.88 billion')The UK P&I Club launched "UK Fixed," a fixed premium P&I product for smaller vessels, following the integration of Thomas Miller Specialty Marine, aiming to expand its market share and provide predictable pricing for operators of offshore support ships, tugs, and inland watercraft. (Josh Recamara, 1/8/2025, Insurance Business, 'UK P&I Club expands fixed premium offering')WTW reported 5% organic revenue growth in Q2 2025, driven by strong performance in its risk and broking segment, which saw a 7% revenue increase to $1.05 billion. Overall revenue was $2.26 billion, slightly down from $2.27 billion in Q2 2024 due to the sale of TRANZACT. Net income rose significantly to $332 million, up from $142 million a year earlier. The company continues to focus on its "Grow, Simplify & Transform" initiative, targeting $450 million in cost savings. (Kenneth Araullo, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'WTW posts organic revenue growth in Q2 amid strong risk & broking results')Arch Capital Group reported Q2 2025 net income of $1.2 billion, down from $1.3 billion in 2024. Gross premiums in the insurance segment rose 27.5%, driven by the MCE acquisition, while the reinsurance segment saw an 8.7% increase in gross premiums. The underwriting expense ratio improved to 33.6%, supported by scale efficiencies. Despite a slight profit dip, Arch achieved strong premium growth and maintained a 22.9% return on equity. (Rod Bolivar, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Arch Capital Group's Q2 profit slips to US$1.2 billion')Intact Financial, RSA's parent company, reported a 4% rise in Q2 2025 premiums, driven by strong personal lines growth in Canada, including an 11% increase in personal auto premiums. The combined ratio improved to 86.1%, while net operating income reached $935 million. UK and Ireland premiums fell 5% due to portfolio adjustments, though underlying growth was 3%. The company anticipates high single-digit premium growth in personal lines over the next year. (Rod Bolivar, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'RSA parent firm reports 4% Q2 premium growth')Avatar MGA has secured Lloyd’s coverholder approval and FCA authorisation, allowing it to begin binding US mid-market property risks from August 1, 2025. Backed by three Lloyd’s syndicates, Aon, and Santam, Avatar will underwrite properties with insured values of $25 million to $1 billion using a tech-driven underwriting model. This move supports Santam’s international growth and diversification goals. (Kenneth Araullo, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Avatar MGA secures Lloyd’s approval, begins binding US property risks')Five firms were granted Chartered status by the CII in Q2 2025, recognising their commitment to professional and ethical standards. These include Morgan Williams & Co, M4 Financial Group, The Islands’ Insurance Brokers, Hepburns Insurance, and M.J. Touzel (Insurance Brokers) Limited, trading as Islands Insurance. (Josh Recamara, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Five firms granted Chartered status by the CII')Markel Group reported Q2 2025 revenues of $4.6 billion, up from $3.7 billion in 2024, driven by insurance revenues of $2.23 billion and $580.2 million in investment gains. Operating income rose to $1.1 billion, while the combined ratio increased to 96.9% due to adverse development in run-off lines. (Kenneth Araullo, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Markel Group Q2 revenues climb as investment gains rebound')Everest Group reported Q2 2025 net income of $680 million, with a 14.8% annualised shareholder return. Reinsurance grew 1.6%, while insurance declined 3.3%. The combined ratio improved to 90.4%, driven by favourable reserve development and reduced catastrophe losses. (Kenneth Araullo, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Everest posts net income recovery in Q2 as reinsurance lifts performance')Allianz UK has partnered with Sainsbury’s Bank to provide home and motor insurance starting November 1, 2025. This agreement aligns with Sainsbury’s shift to a brand-partner model and expands Allianz’s reach in the UK retail market. (Josh Recamara, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz UK announces Sainsbury's Bank agreement')AXIS Capital reported Q2 2025 operating income of $261 million, driven by a 7% rise in insurance premiums, offsetting a 7% decline in reinsurance. Gross premiums grew 3% to $2.5 billion, while net income reached $216 million. (Kenneth Araullo, 30/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXIS Q2 operating income hits US$261 million as insurance segment drives growth')Aon’s Q2 2025 Global Insurance Market Insights report highlights a temporary window of lower rates and improved terms for insurance buyers, driven by increased market capacity. However, systemic risks like geopolitical tensions, climate events, and cyber threats could quickly reverse these conditions, making this soft market phase potentially short-lived. (Kenneth Araullo, 30/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance buyers benefit from lower rates as Aon flags brief market window')MAPFRE’s report, 'The Future of Interaction: The Role of Interaction in a World Shaped by Intelligent Agents', explores how AI could transform insurance by 2035. It outlines four scenarios, ranging from limited digital progress to universal access to intelligent systems, highlighting trends like automation, seamless interactions, and rising data security expectations. Early adopters of AI in underwriting, claims, and customer service may gain a competitive edge. (Josh Recamara, 30/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'How AI could reshape insurance by 2035')Willis’ Natural Catastrophe Review predicts global insured losses from natural disasters in 2025 will exceed $100 billion for the seventh consecutive year. Major events like the $40 billion Los Angeles wildfires and record-breaking tornadoes in the US have already strained insurers, with an active hurricane season expected to add further pressure. (Mav Rodriguez, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Catastrophe costs show no sign of slowing in 2025 – Willis')Brown & Brown reported a 9.1% year-over-year revenue increase in Q2 2025, reaching $1.3 billion, driven by an 8.2% rise in commissions and fees and a 3.6% organic revenue growth. Adjusted EBITDAC rose 12.1% to $471 million, with a margin improvement to 36.7%. (Josh Recamara, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Brown & Brown reports strong Q2 revenue growth')The insurance industry continues to grapple with the fallout from the seizure of over 400 leased aircraft in Russia, with claims under hull war policies exceeding $3 billion. A UK High Court ruling confirmed coverage but emphasised aggregate limits, leading insurers to tighten terms and reassess risk models. According to WTW, the judgment has significant implications for policy response and market practices, with reinsurers reviewing exposures and potential disputes over loss definitions and aggregation clauses. WTW also noted broader underwriting caution across aviation classes, as further legal cases could shape recovery outcomes and market dynamics. (Josh Recamara, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance industry faces fallout from Russian aircraft seizures')QBE has partnered with Matrix iQ to provide fleet clients with real-time insights into driver behaviour, claims trends, and operational risks. The platform integrates with telematics systems, consolidating data into a dashboard that includes ESG metrics for tracking emissions and sustainability. Jon Dye, QBE Europe’s motor underwriting director, highlighted the collaboration’s role in enhancing fleet management and aligning with QBE’s broader service goals. The system is being rolled out to select clients, with wider access planned soon. (Josh Recamara, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'QBE partners up to enhance fleet risk insights')Aon reported $4.2 billion in Q2 2025 revenue, an 11% year-over-year increase driven by 6% organic growth and contributions from its NFP acquisition. Risk Capital revenue rose 8% to $2.9 billion, while Human Capital revenue grew 15% to $1.3 billion. CEO Greg Case highlighted strong client demand for advisory services amid a complex risk landscape. The NFP acquisition, completed in April 2024, has bolstered Aon’s middle-market presence and is expected to generate over $2.8 billion in value. (Kenneth Araullo, 28/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aon Q2 revenue climbs with NFP deal cited as a major booster')Branko Bjelobaba, a compliance consultant and industry advocate with nearly 40 years in insurance, warns the UK sector faces a talent crisis without better engagement with young people. With over a quarter of employees aged 50+, the industry risks a skills gap. Bjelobaba highlights its failure to promote itself effectively, noting only 11% of employees are aged 20-30. He calls for coordinated outreach, financial literacy education, and modernised messaging to attract fresh talent and secure the sector's future. (Bryony Garlick, 28/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Can UK insurance survive without young talent?')BIBA CEO Graeme Trudgill visited Nigeria to strengthen ties with its growing insurance market. He met with key industry bodies to discuss broker development, regulation, and innovation, highlighting collaboration opportunities in a market with under 1% insurance penetration. (Josh Recamara, 28/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'BIBA CEO visits Nigeria to deepen ties with growing insurance market')​​​Mergers & AcquisitionsVerisk has acquired AccuLynx, a SaaS provider for roofing contractors, in a $2.35 billion deal to enhance its insurance claims and restoration network. The acquisition, expected to close in Q3 2025, will integrate AccuLynx’s tools into Verisk’s Property Estimating Solutions. Verisk also reported Q2 revenue growth of 7.8% to $773 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising 11.9% to $445 million. (Rod Bolivar, 31/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Verisk acquires roofing software firm AccuLynx amid strong Q2 results')Movers​Liberty Specialty Markets has bolstered its energy division with three key hires: Alex Nelson, previously leading Chaucer Group’s onshore energy portfolio, joins as Underwriting Manager for power and renewables; Andrea Ciraci, with nine years at AXA and AXA XL underwriting power, renewables, and UK nuclear portfolios, becomes a Senior Underwriter; and Oliver Prout, with seven years of London market experience specialising in renewable energy contracts at Chaucer, also joins as a Senior Underwriter. These appointments aim to expand its renewables portfolio, including wind, solar, and battery storage projects. (Kenneth Araullo, 30/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Specialty Markets boosts energy team with three key renewables hires')Starting November 1, Dennis Siebrasse will take on the role of Head of Liability Underwriting Europe at HDI Global. Previously Head of Technical & Strategic Services – long tail, Siebrasse will now oversee underwriting activities across HDI Global’s core European markets. Dr Pascal Nef, formerly leading Swiss Re’s Risk Consulting & Analytics team for EMEA, will succeed Siebrasse, leveraging over a decade of experience in insurance analytics. Since March, Mark Appleton has managed HDI Global’s local liability units on an interim basis, contributing to the development of the company’s liability portfolio. (Kenneth Araullo, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Gallagher Bassett, Towergate Employee Benefits')Sarah Penny has been named Client Services Director for Gallagher Bassett’s UK operations, reporting to Chief Operating Officer John Fearn. In her new role, Penny will manage corporate and carrier client relationships while collaborating with the business development team to improve client onboarding and enhance services. With 15 years of insurance experience, Penny has held roles at Previsico, Liberty Specialty Markets, Pen Underwriting, Ecclesiastical, and Allianz Insurance, progressing from claims handler to management positions in relationship management, business development, and partnerships. (Kenneth Araullo, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Gallagher Bassett, Towergate Employee Benefits')Towergate Employee Benefits has named Roberto Russo as Global Benefits Management – Principal Consultant. Reporting to Sarah Dennis, Russo will handle client relationships, business development, and team support. With nine years’ experience at Generali and MAXIS, he brings expertise in global benefits strategies and financing solutions. Russo will also mentor team members and support client growth initiatives. (Kenneth Araullo, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Gallagher Bassett, Towergate Employee Benefits')Arch Insurance International has promoted David Maher to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately. Maher will lead the company’s technology strategy and infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and scalability. Joining Arch in 2024 as International Head of Delivery, he previously held senior technology roles at Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Direct Line Group, WTW, and UBS, bringing over 25 years of financial services technology experience. (Josh Recamara, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: FCA, Victor Insurance and Arch Insurance')The Financial Conduct Authority has named Liam Coleman as interim Chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service, effective October 10, 2025. Succeeding Baroness Zahida Mazoor, Coleman brings over 30 years of experience, including roles as CEO of The Co-operative Bank and senior treasury positions at RBS and Nationwide. He also chairs boards such as Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and London and Quadrant Housing Trust. (Josh Recamara, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: FCA, Victor Insurance and Arch Insurance')Victor Insurance UK has promoted Paula Saxon to UK Agriculture Product Lead, overseeing underwriting strategy, profitability, and growth for the agriculture portfolio. She succeeds Sarah Robinson, who moved to the US to support Victor US Specialty’s agriculture program. With over 14 years of experience in agricultural insurance and broking, Saxon joined Victor in 2022 after leading farm underwriting operations at AIUA/Geo Agriculture. (Josh Recamara, 29/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: FCA, Victor Insurance and Arch Insurance')Volante Global has appointed former StarStone CEO Demian Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, pending regulatory approval. With 30 years of experience in broking and underwriting, Smith previously held leadership roles at Guy Carpenter and StarStone Group. He succeeds interim CEO Martin Reith, who will remain as Chairman. Smith’s appointment aligns with Volante’s expansion efforts, including the launch of its treaty reinsurance platform, Volante Re, and recent leadership additions to strengthen its MGA and syndicate operations. (Kenneth Araullo, 28/7/2025, Insurance Business, 'Former StarStone CEO Demian Smith to head Volante Global')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting

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The wealth tax uncertainty: impact for wealth managers and their clients

The potential introduction of a wealth tax in the UK, highlighted by ongoing discussions surrounding the Autumn Budget 2025, has created ripples across the financial services sector. Post the pandemic, the most disadvantaged groups saw their incomes drop by 7.5% in real terms, while the wealth of the richest fifth was estimated to have grown by 7.8% (Equality Trust: The scale of economic inequality in the UK). With the UK facing economic challenges and an estimated £2.7 trillion national debt, a wealth tax is being eyed as a potential solution to stabilise public finances. While no formal proposal exists, the idea is sparking widespread discussion.For wealth managers and their high-net-worth clients, this development brings both challenges and opportunities, requiring proactive planning and strategic adjustments. What is wealth tax? A wealth tax is a levy on an individual’s net assets rather than their annual income. It encompasses holdings like real estate, savings, investments, and personal property. Wealth taxes can be categorised into two primary forms:Annual wealth tax: A recurring charge on total wealth above a specific threshold.One-time wealth tax: A temporary measure to address extraordinary fiscal demands, often introduced during national crises. The debate over wealth taxes in the UK has been sparked by proposals such as a 2% yearly tax on wealth exceeding £10 million. This approach, according to recent studies, would affect only 0.04% of the population, an estimated 20,000 individuals, and could raise as much as £24 billion annually. While such a measure has its proponents, complexities around valuation, compliance, and administration make its potential implementation a polarising issue among policymakers.Political and economic context The UK’s financial landscape is marked by persistent economic uncertainty, compounded by post-Brexit trade dynamics, inflationary pressures, and government borrowing that reached its second-highest June figure since 1993. Against this backdrop, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, faces calls to find ways to bolster the Treasury’s resources without increasing taxes on working individuals.Thus far, Reeves has not ruled out the possibility of introducing a wealth tax, though she has remained noncommittal. The Labour government previously pledged not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance contributions, creating pressure to explore alternative revenue streams such as taxing wealth. Campaigners emphasise that wealth inequality in the UK has steadily risen, with the number of billionaires steadily, underscoring a growing disparity between the ultra-rich and those struggling with rising cost of living expenses.Debates around wealth tax implementation are not limited to fairness. Concerns over administrative costs, valuation complexities, and behavioural reactions (such as capital flight) weigh heavily on policymakers' decisions, with arguments from both advocates and critics shaping public discourse. What does this mean for wealth managers?For those working across the Wealth Management sector the uncertainty surrounding a potential wealth tax introduces a set of challenges and opportunities that demand agility and foresight in client management.1. Spike in client enquiries and advisory needs Wealth managers are already observing an uptick in enquiries from clients concerned about potential changes in their tax liabilities. Questions typically centre around mitigating exposure to new levies and making strategic adjustments to personal and corporate holdings. This creates an urgent need for financial advisors to not only reassure their clients but also offer tailored strategies to align portfolios with potential regulatory shifts. 2. Capital flight concerns One of the primary fears associated with a wealth tax is the possibility of capital flight. Affluent individuals may consider transferring assets or relocating to jurisdictions with more favourable tax regimes. Though such behaviours are often less widespread than anticipated, with studies noting that “just 0.01% of the richest households relocated after wealth tax reforms were introduced in Norway, Sweden and Denmark” (Tax Justice UK: How would a wealth tax work in practice?). These concerns often influence clients’ decisions, making it even more important for wealth managers to offer strategic guidance grounded in facts.3. Investment strategies Uncertainty about future policy changes may lead clients to adopt more cautious investment tactics. Wealth managers must explore options such as higher liquidity allocations, tax-efficient investments, and diversifying holdings to hedge against potential market or legislative volatility. Additionally, the prospect of increased taxes on traditional assets could accelerate interest in alternative investments, such as private equity or assets held overseas. It’s imperative that wealth managers stay ahead of global market trends, diversification opportunities across asset classes and geographies, and tax efficient strategies.What does this mean for clients?The ramifications of a potential wealth tax extend beyond the advisory realm, influencing clients’ financial behaviours and planning priorities. 1. Potential knee jerk responses The spectre of a wealth tax may prompt some clients to consider pre-emptive measures such as estate planning, intergenerational wealth transfers, and charitable contributions. However, hurried actions could backfire; for instance, early liquidation of assets to avoid taxation could trigger additional costs like capital gains tax, undermining the intended objectives. The Tax Justice Network have suggested that for each percentage of wealth tax, reported wealth could fall by 14% due to behavioural responses like migration and shifting assets (Tax Policy Associates: Number of OECD countries levying individual net wealth taxes).2. Asset reallocation Clients concerned about potential tax implications might look to reallocate assets into categories that are traditionally exempt from wealth taxes or are harder to value. Assets like pensions, offshore accounts, or complex trusts may become more attractive. However, these strategies could draw scrutiny from regulators, emphasising the need for compliance and cautious navigation of legal frameworks.3. Intensified tax planning While annual wealth taxes have never been implemented in the UK, existing measures like inheritance tax (IHT), capital gains tax (CGT), and council tax already contribute to the taxation of accumulated wealth. Faced with the possibility of additional tax burdens, many high-net-worth individuals are likely to explore in-depth tax planning solutions. Wealth managers will need to collaborate with tax specialists to ensure robust strategies that address both compliance and optimisation.A proactive approach For financial advisors and wealth managers, the key to navigating these turbulent times lies in a proactive and strategic approach. This includes:Scenario planning: Preparing for various outcomes based on potential tax structures and thresholds, while providing clients with actionable strategies for each scenario.Effective and consistent communication: Building trust through consistent, transparent updates about regulatory developments and their implications.Leveraging technology: Utilising advanced data analytics, compliance tools, and fintech platforms to optimise portfolio management and risk assessment.By taking a proactive stance, financial advisors can mitigate fears, provide clarity, and position themselves as indispensable partners to their clients.Maintaining focus on clarity, compliance, and adaptability will ensure resilience in the face of potential changes to the UK’s wealth taxation landscape.If you're looking for further intel on the market, support to find top talent or for a new career opportunity contact one of our financial service consultants.​Resources DS Burge & Co: What is a wealth tax? Labour’s potential proposal explainedEquality Trust: The scale of economic inequality in the UKTax Justice UK: How would a wealth tax work in practice?Tax Policy Associates: Number of OECD countries levying individual net wealth taxesPie: Wealth tax in the UK, what it might look like

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What do the UK’s Captive insurance reforms mean for the market?

The UK government’s announcement of a dedicated framework for captive insurance, made by the Chancellor, mark a significant shift in the country’s approach to this niche but vital segment of the insurance market. This move, along with broader measures aimed at boosting the finance sector, underscores the urgent need to ease regulatory burdens and stimulate economic growth.While specific details were initially scarce, one of the most anticipated initiatives is a plan to accelerate the authorisation process for new captives. This measure has the potential to significantly reduce approval times from six weeks to just ten days, allowing fast-track captives to establish themselves in the UK quickly. This could be a crucial factor in making the UK a more competitive and attractive destination for setting up captive entities.Captive insurance, a form of self-insurance where companies establish their own insurance entities to manage specific risks, has long been underutilised in the UK compared to other jurisdictions like Bermuda, Guernsey, and Vermont. The new regulatory changes aim to address this imbalance, making the UK a more attractive home for captive insurers.Globally, captives account for 20-25% of all insurance premiums, representing a growing market driven by large insurers seeking greater control over their risk management and cost of risk. This is particularly relevant when faced with rising premiums and limited coverage in the traditional market. Beyond the obvious benefits, a strong captive sector helps a jurisdiction build a deep pool of insurance talent that can be leveraged by the wider market.Experts note that for the UK to compete effectively, it must develop a proposition that outshines other strong captive markets, who offer offer specific advantages that the UK has traditionally lacked, making them more financially appealing. For instance, Luxembourg provides equalisation reserve provisions for smoothing underwriting profits; Malta is the only EU member state offering Protected Cell Companies (PCCs); Guernsey's independence from Solvency II allows for greater flexibility and faster setups; and France offers flexible equalisation reserve treatment.For businesses with operations in both the UK and the EU, while a reformed UK captive regime would be more attractive, the issue of "passporting" rights post-Brexit for EU-based risks would remain a challenge.Key features of the reformsThe reforms are part of the UK government’s broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of its financial services sector. Key elements include:Lower capital requirements: Captive insurers will benefit from proportionately lower capital requirements, reflecting their unique risk profiles.Streamlined authorisation: Faster authorisation processes will reduce the time and administrative burden for setting up captives.Reduced reporting obligations: Captives will face lighter reporting requirements compared to traditional insurers.Protected cell companies (PCCs): The reforms integrate captives into the UK’s PCC framework, making it easier for smaller businesses to establish captives.These changes align the UK’s regulatory framework with international standards, particularly those in Bermuda and Singapore, which have long been leaders in the captive insurance space.Economic and market implicationsThe reforms are expected to generate significant economic benefits. By attracting more captive insurers, the UK could see increased job creation and enhanced activity in its insurance market. A survey by the Association of Insurance and Risk Managers in Industry and Commerce (Airmic), a risk management association, revealed that due to growing demand “67% of respondents said their organisation already uses a captive. Of those whose organisation did not, 75% said their organisation was exploring the possibility of forming a captive now or in the future” (AIRMIC: AIRMIC calls for a class based or graded regulatory regime for captives in the UK).The UK’s insurance market, already the largest in Europe, stands to potentially make large gains from these reforms. By offering a competitive alternative to offshore jurisdictions, the UK could retain more insurance business domestically, boosting revenue across the sector.Challenges and limitationsWhile the reforms have been broadly welcomed, they are not without challenges. Critics argue that the changes are relatively cautious, focusing more on catching up with other jurisdictions than on breaking new ground. Notably, the exclusion of certain types of firms, such as financial institutions, from establishing captives has been seen as overly restrictive.Moreover, the reforms do not include tax incentives, which are often a key factor in the attractiveness of offshore captive domiciles. This could limit the UK’s ability to compete with jurisdictions like Bermuda, which offer favourable tax regimes.What to expect next?The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are expected to finalise rules for the new framework by mid-2027. These consultations will provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders to shape the final regulations, ensuring they are both effective and competitive.The integration of captives into the PCC framework is particularly promising. PCCs allow businesses to pool resources and reduce administrative costs, making captive insurance more accessible to smaller companies. This could potentially democratise the use of captives, enabling a broader range of businesses to benefit from this risk management tool.The UK’s captive insurance reforms represent a significant step forward in making the country a competitive player in the global captive insurance market. By addressing long-standing barriers to entry and aligning with international best practices, the reforms have the potential to transform the UK into a hub for captive insurance. However, the success of these reforms will depend on their implementation and the willingness of businesses to embrace the new framework.For more insight on the captives insurance market or for a discussion about your hiring strategy, get in touch with one of our insurance consultants. ​Sources AIRMIC: AIRMIC calls for a class based or graded regulatory regime for captives in the UKCaptive.com: A milestone year for captive insurance growthCaptive insurance times: Global captive numbers soar to 8,000 in 2024Marsh: 2025 Captive benchmarking reportPinsent Masons: Captive insurance regulatory regime to be introduced in the UKSkadden: UK’s proposed new captive insurer regime