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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.

"​Graeme was fantastic! I felt he really listened to me, was proactive and super helpful. He made sure that I understood that his support did not just end once I got the job, but that I could reach out to him at any time if I felt I needed to. I have already recommended him to a number of people I know and will continue to do so!"

Graeme Winn, Managing Consultant, Financial Services

Graeme Winn, Managing Consultant, Financial Services

​“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 3rd October 2025

​​Insurance NewsSustainable ways to grow your business: learn how IDEX can help - IDEX Consulting facilitated the acquisition of Morton Insurance Brokers by Specialist Risk Group, ensuring a seamless transition for clients and employees. As well as enabling Morton’s founder, Adrian Morton, to plan for retirement IDEX enabled the firm's expansion, supporting long term sustainable growth. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Sustainable ways to grow your business: learn how IDEX can help')AI insurance skills Lab: level up your knowledge - Ready to transform how you work but don't know where to begin? Join IDEX Consulting on October 9th at 1pm BST for an exclusive, hands-on AI workshop designed specifically for insurance professionals. (IDEX Consulting news, 'AI insurance skills Lab: level up your knowledge')Key info insurers should know about nuclear energy - The rise of nuclear fusion energy, with its safety and environmental benefits, presents insurers with opportunities to support this transformative technology. However, outdated fission-era exclusions and risk models pose challenges, urging the industry to adopt tailored coverage for fusion's unique risk profile and unlock its potential as a clean energy source. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Key info insurers should know about nuclear energy')The climate disclosure gap US insurers can no longer ignore - Despite 97% of US insurers disclosing climate strategies, only 29% provide measurable targets, creating a transparency gap that leaves customers vulnerable. As extreme weather events escalate, regulators are pushing for mandatory climate risk disclosures, urging insurers to adopt standardised metrics and proactive accountability to bridge the growing protection gap. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The climate disclosure gap US insurers can no longer ignore')​Reputational risk is climbing the agenda for passenger transport companies, with new research showing that concerns over sustainability and cyberattacks now outweigh traditional safety issues. The findings come from the Reputation Risk Readiness Survey, which polled 100 senior executives across airlines, cruise operators and rail companies. (Josh Recamara, 03/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Transport sector faces rising reputational risks as cyber and environmental pressures mount')Businesses are embedding generative AI (Gen AI) at speed across products, services and internal operations, unlocking opportunities for innovation but also creating new categories of risk. A new report from the Geneva Association, Gen AI Risks for Businesses: Exploring the role for insurance, shed light on how corporate insurance buyers perceive these risks and what they expect from insurers. (Josh Recamara, 03/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Report: Businesses push for insurance cover as GenAI risks multiply')Willis, a business of WTW, has launched a new parametric insurance solution that activates automatically when a red weather warning is issued by the UK Met Office or Met Éireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service. Developed in collaboration with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, which will act as the insurer, the policy represents a new approach to weather-related risk transfer. (Josh Recamara, 03/10/2025, Insurance Business,'Willis launches market-first parametric policy')Japan’s largest brewer, Asahi, the owner of Peroni and Grolsch, has been forced to suspend shipments and halt production at many of its domestic plants following a cyberattack that has paralysed its logistics systems for nearly a week. Deliveries of its best-known lager, Asahi Super Dry, have already been missed by bars and retailers, raising fears of shortages. (Stephen Owens, 03/10/2025, Insurance Business,'Beer cyberattack leaves shelves empty')DUAL UK has secured a five-year capacity deal led by Zurich, together with Liberty Specialty Markets and other A-rated carriers, to support the launch of its new regional commercial combined product. The arrangement strengthens the long-standing relationship between DUAL and its insurer partners, while expanding options for brokers in the regional commercial market. (Josh Recamara, 03/10/2025, Insurance Business,'Zurich and Liberty back DUAL UK's new regional commercial combined product')​QBE Insurance Group has locked in its US-based interim cyber chief to a permanent role, underscoring the company’s move to treat digital security as a global rather than regional function. Given the insurer’s high profile in cyber insurance, the role has particular importance – a cyber incident of its own would cause substantially red faces. (Matthew Sellers, 03/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'QBE shifts cyber lead to US')Munich’s Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival, was suspended Wednesday after police confirmed a credible bomb threat linked to a violent incident in the city’s northern district. Shortly before dawn, firefighters were called to Lerchenau where a house belonging to the suspect’s parents was ablaze. Investigators later said the property had been deliberately set on fire and wired with explosives. Several vehicles nearby, including a minibus, were destroyed. The suspect was discovered at Lerchenauer Lake with gunshot wounds believed to be self-inflicted and died from his injuries. (Chris Davies, 01/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Oktoberfest closed amid bomb threat after deadly Munich explosion')We’re now decades past when email scams became common knowledge. But even as other cybercrime tactics have come and gone, social engineering attacks remain one of the most common ways threat actors gain initial access to an organisation’s systems. Once inside, threat actors can explore the network, exfiltrate (steal) data, deploy ransomware or do further social engineering to defraud the victim. (Travelers, 01/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Social engineering outgrows the inbox')Howden secures a UK Space Agency grant to develop an AI-powered biodiversity risk tool, leveraging satellite data to enhance ecological monitoring, streamline insurance underwriting, and support compliance with environmental frameworks. (Kenneth Araullo, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Howden wins UK Space Agency grant to build AI-powered biodiversity risk tool')In further news...Howden expands its renewable energy insurance facility across the UK, offering streamlined coverage for wind, solar, and battery projects with up to £150 million capacity, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. (Kenneth Araullo, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Howden expands renewable energy insurance facility across UK network')Liberty Mutual launches a global cyber insurance suite, combining tailored coverage and international expertise to address rising cyber risks, while navigating profitability challenges in an expanding market. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Mutual rolls out global cyber suite as market softens')Howden mourns the loss of Chris Cotterell, a pioneering leader in cyber insurance and founder of Safeonline, remembered for his profound industry impact, leadership, and dedication to fostering valued relationships. (Kenneth Araullo, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Howden mourns death of cyber chair and industry pioneer Chris Cotterell')Dame Susan Langley DBE, Gallagher UK Chair, has been elected as the 697th Lord Mayor of London, becoming the first to use the title "Lady Mayor." With a distinguished insurance career, including roles at Lloyd’s of London and Gallagher, Langley aims to promote London’s global financial leadership, business growth, and social impact during her term. (Kenneth Araullo, 30/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher UK chair Susan Langley elected as London’s first ‘Lady Mayor’)Fitch Ratings reports that global insurance regulators are diverging in their approaches, with Europe and Asia-Pacific easing capital requirements to boost economic activity, while the US and UK tighten oversight on reinsurance treaties. These shifts reflect efforts to balance capital flexibility with solvency and market stability. (Rod Bolivar, 30/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Global insurance regulators take divergent paths, Fitch says')Hiscox's Cyber Readiness Report reveals that 59% of SMEs faced cyberattacks in the past year, with 33% incurring fines and many reporting financial and operational fallout. Ransomware remains a key threat, with 80% of targeted firms paying ransoms, though only 60% recovered data. AI vulnerabilities are also rising, prompting 94% of SMEs to plan increased cybersecurity investments. (Rod Bolivar, 30/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'SMEs hit hard by rising cyber risks - report')A missile strike on the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels, injured two crew members and set the vessel ablaze. This incident highlights escalating maritime risks in a critical shipping corridor, raising marine insurance premiums and complicating risk assessments for insurers. (Matthew Sellers, 29/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Missile strike on Dutch cargo ship raises marine insurer risks')Bondaval has partnered with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions to expand digital credit insurance globally. Starting January 2026, Bondaval will underwrite policies via its platform, with Swiss Re providing capacity. This collaboration aims to modernise credit insurance with real-time, embedded solutions, enhancing flexibility and risk management for businesses across the UK, EU, US, and Canada. (Josh Recamara, 29/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Bondaval and Swiss Re join forces to expand digital credit insurance')​​Mergers and AcquisitionsMarsh has sold its Irish personal lines insurance portfolio to Cornmarket, transferring motor, home, travel, and van policyholders along with 20 employees. The move aligns with Marsh's strategy to focus on corporate and commercial risk advisory, while Cornmarket gains a stronger foothold in the consumer market, adding to its 240,000 clients and over 430,000 policies, with a workforce now exceeding 500 across Ireland and the UK. (Matthew Sellers, 30/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh drops Irish unit with sale')Minority Broker Partnerships, backed by insurance veteran Peter Cullum, takes a minority stake in Moonrock Insurance, providing capital to expand its underwriting capabilities, product portfolio, and international reach in the fast-growing drone and eVTOL insurance market. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Veteran-backed firm takes stake in MGA Moonrock Insurance')Movers​Shepherds Friendly has announced that Jonathan Sandell will take over as chief executive at the beginning of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. He will succeed Ann-Marie O’Dea, who is stepping down after more than a decade in the role.Sandell brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, with particular expertise in developing customer propositions and building intermediary partnerships. (Josh Recamara, 2/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Shepherds Friendly names Jonathan Sandell as next CEO')Arch Insurance International appoints Kevin Lumiste as Senior Construction Underwriter in London, leveraging his 25+ years of experience in power generation and complex risks from roles at SCOR, Zurich Global Corporate, and Starstone Insurance, to grow Arch's global construction portfolio and enhance client delivery. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Evolution Claims, Arch, Allianz Benelux, Commercial Express and Towergate')Towergate Employee Benefits appoints Dasha Ivanova as Client Director, bringing her experience from AON (NFP) to oversee strategic corporate relationships and support benefits strategy, as the firm expands its consulting team to meet growing demand for compliant, cost-effective solutions. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Evolution Claims, Arch, Allianz Benelux, Commercial Express and Towergate')Allianz Benelux reshapes its leadership team with Jeroen den Tex, former Chubb Benelux country President, as Chief P&C officer to lead underwriting and claims, and Heidi Cortois, with experience at NN Belgium, Crelan, and Marsh & McLennan, as Chief Sales Officer in Belgium, driving growth and broker engagement across the region. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Evolution Claims, Arch, Allianz Benelux, Commercial Express and Towergate')UK MGA Commercial Express appoints Paul Webley as Director of Sales and Distribution, bringing senior experience from Towergate, Arista, Arch Insurance UK, and Ashley Page Insurance Brokers, to lead key account management, sales, and marketing as the company aims to double its GWP by 2028 and transition into an MGU. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Evolution Claims, Arch, Allianz Benelux, Commercial Express and Towergate')Evolution Claims Management appoints Matt Stockton as Head of Operations, bringing his expertise from Innovation Group, where he managed property services, subsidence claims, and general perils operations, as the company continues its tech-driven expansion and client growth. (Josh Recamara, 1/10/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Evolution Claims, Arch, Allianz Benelux, Commercial Express and Towergate')Specialty MGA has appointed Nick Conway as Senior Underwriter for medical malpractice. With over 25 years of experience at firms like Marsh and BMS Global Healthcare, Conway will oversee global medical risks, including hospitals, clinics, and allied health providers, from the London office. He aims to leverage MNK Group's expertise to drive growth across healthcare and other business lines. (Rod Bolivar, 30/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: wefox, Specialty MGA, ThingCo, PoloWorks')Markel Insurance has appointed Clarice Francis as Operations Manager for its international war and terrorism division. Based in London, Francis will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen underwriting policies, and collaborate with brokers globally. Previously with Hiscox, she brings expertise in operations management and project delivery, joining Markel during rising demand for political violence coverage amid global instability. (Jonalyn Cueto, 29/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Markel appoints new operations manager')HDI UK & Ireland has appointed Tom Potter as Director of Liability, effective September 22, 2025. With over 15 years of experience, including roles at AXA XL, Potter will focus on profitable growth and technical underwriting excellence. His appointment supports HDI's strategic goals in liability underwriting across core regions. (Jonalyn Cueto, 29/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI names director of liability for UK and Ireland')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting.

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Financial Services newsletter Friday 3rd October 2025

​​Financial Services NewsFintel has launched Omnicore, a standalone distribution platform designed to connect advisers and providers, offering deeper product understanding, strategic support, and innovative solutions like Omni Protect to enhance financial outcomes across the value chain. (Financial Planning Today, 29/9/2025, 'Fintel launches Omnicore standalone distribution platform')InvestAcc's revenues more than doubled to £6m in H1 2025, driven by organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and a focus on building the UK’s leading specialist pensions administration business, including the upcoming £25m acquisition of AJ Bell’s Platinum SIPP and SSAS business. (Financial Planning Today, 25/9/2025, 'Revenues double for InvestAcc ahead of SIPP acquisition')Flying Colours, a Berkshire-based Financial Planning firm, launched an in-house investment platform powered by Seccl to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support a new lower-cost solution for clients with under £150,000 in investable assets, set to launch in early 2026. (Financial Planning Today, 24/9/2025, 'Berkshire Planner adds in-house investment platform')WH Ireland has sold its £1m wealth management arm to Oberon Investments as part of a strategic move to exit the market. The firm, which has faced financial challenges, is now beginning the process of winding down its operations, marking a significant shift in its business strategy. (Financial Planning Today, 22/9/2025, 'WH Ireland begins wind down after selling wealth arm')Royal London and Aviva have been ranked as the top recommended providers for personal pensions and SIPPs in H1 2025, with Royal London leading personal pensions at 29% of adviser recommendations and Aviva dominating SIPPs with 24.1%, according to Defaqto data. (Financial Planning Today, 18/9/2025, 'Royal London and Aviva top private pension recommendations')True Potential Wealth Management, the Newcastle-based financial advice arm of the True Potential Group, has reported a £242m loss. This significant financial setback highlights ongoing challenges within the business and marks a pivotal moment as the firm reassesses its strategy and operations moving forward. (Financial Planning Today, 18/9/2025, 'True Potential Wealth Management pivots to £242m loss')New FCA figures reveal an 8.6% rise in pension plans accessed for the first time in 2024/25, reaching 961,575 compared to 885,455 in 2023/24. The surge, particularly in pots over £250,000, coincided with fears of tax-free lump sum changes and the Budget announcement that pensions would fall under the IHT net from April 2027. Over £53bn was withdrawn during the year through drawdown without fully emptying pots. (Financial Planning Today, 16/9/2025, 'FCA figures show surge in pension pots being accessed')Fintech and adviser support firm Fintel, owner of SimplyBiz and Defaqto, reported an 18.6% revenue increase to £42.4m for the six months to July, with organic growth at 4.2% and SaaS & subscription revenues up 21% to £24.2m. Adjusted profits rose 17% to £11.2m, while net debt stood at £30.1m. The firm simplified its structure into two divisions—software & data, which saw a 17% revenue rise to £18.4m, and services, up 20% to £24m. Its January acquisition of Rayner Spencer Mills Research added £1.7m in revenue and £0.6m in profit. (Financial Planning Today, 16/9/2025, 'Fintel revenue climbs 18.6% in first half')​The UK’s investment gap widened by over 30% between 2022 and 2024, with 15m adults holding more than £610bn in “possible investments” in cash, according to Barclays. The bank attributes 23% of the £35bn increase in cash savings to rising interest rates, which climbed from 1% in May 2022 to 5.25% by May 2024. The analysis focuses on savers with over six months’ income in cash, whose savings grew significantly through interest accrual. (Financial Planning Today, 15/9/2025, 'UK’s investment gap climbs to more than £610bn')A Personal Financial Society 2025 Autumn Roadshow survey found 21% of Financial Planning firms use AI, 56% are experimenting, and 23% have yet to adopt it. Otto co-founder Madeleine Debney highlighted AI’s 40% growth in 2024, boosting productivity and streamlining tasks like onboarding, compliance, and portfolio rebalancing. The event supports wealth and cashflow planning professionals. (Financial Planning Today, 15/9/2025, 'Only 21% of Financial Planning firms have embedded AI')Client acquisition (34%) and retention (23%) are top priorities for financial advisers in the next 12 months, according to IFA directory Unbiased. Other focuses include technology adoption (14%), expanding services (9%), and regulatory compliance (8%), reflecting the competitiveness of the UK advice market. (Financial Planning Today, 11/9/2025, 'Client acquisition and retention top adviser concerns')Wealth manager Atomos has partnered with fintech Fincalc to enhance its retirement proposition and client onboarding. The integration provides advisers with tools for cashflow, retirement, and inheritance tax planning, alongside financial calculators. A new digital engagement portal will offer features like a customisable fact find, secure messaging, document uploads, and digital signatures. Atomos says the partnership aligns with its goal to lead in wealth management and financial planning. (Financial Planning Today, 10/9/2025, 'Atomos partners with Fincalc for new digital workflows')Hargreaves Lansdown is adding two Schroders Capital long-term asset funds (LTAFs) to its platform on 15 September, becoming the first to offer LTAFs within a SIPP wrapper. These funds provide access to private equity and energy transition infrastructure, offering growth opportunities for long-term, diversified portfolios. (Financial Planning Today, 8/9/2025, 'Hargreaves and Schroders first to offer LTAFs in SIPPs')Wealth manager Brooks Macdonald reported full-year net outflows of £0.4bn for the year ending 30 June, with a significant improvement in the second half, where outflows dropped to £0.1bn from £0.3bn in the first half. Net outflows for the quarter ending 30 June were just £5m, the lowest in two years. Despite challenges, including 2023 outflows and a 10% staff reduction, revenues rose 4.6% to £111.6m, driven by higher Financial Planning income. Funds under management grew 17% to £19.2bn, though underlying profit before tax fell 4.6% to £28.9m due to acquisition and integration costs. (Financial Planning Today, 4/9/2025, 'Net outflows drop for Brooks Macdonald')How leading wealth advisors are using AI to stay competitive - Leading wealth advisors are leveraging AI for enhanced portfolio management, compliance, client communication, and predictive analytics, achieving up to 40% in operational efficiency improvements. But how are they managing critical challenges like data privacy, AI bias, and technology integration? Read our insights piece to find out. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How leading wealth advisors are using AI to stay competitive')IDEX Consulting launches new M&A sell side offering - Designed for financial advice firms, IDEX’s new solution challenges the industry’s current traditional transaction-focused model, transforming how businesses prepare for sale and achieve maximum earn out revenue. Learn more on IDEX’s brand new M&A website. (IDEX Consulting news, 'IDEX Consulting launches new M&A sell side offering')Get the business edge with a competitive sustainability strategy - Building a sustainability strategy involves aligning with regulatory frameworks, embedding sustainable practices to attract talent and investors, and addressing challenges like greenwashing and transparency. Learn how you can build long-term business resilience and competitive advantage. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Get the business edge with a competitive sustainability strategy')Are your clients prepared for potential wealth tax changes? - The potential introduction of a UK wealth tax is creating uncertainty for wealth managers and clients. Wealth Managers need to be proactive with their planning, strategic advisory, and make necessary adjustments in investment and tax strategies to navigate regulatory and economic impacts. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Are your clients prepared for potential wealth tax changes?')Mergers and AcquisitionsTweed Wealth Management has acquired Edinburgh-based The James Boyd Practice, a former St. James’s Place partner, for an undisclosed sum, marking its sixth acquisition in seven years and bringing its assets under management close to £1bn. James Boyd, who plans to retire, chose Tweed due to their long-standing relationship. This follows Tweed’s acquisition of Glasgow-based Capital Wealth Consultants and other firms, including John Home Wealth Management and Melville Wealth Management. (Financial Planning Today, 17/9/2025, 'Tweed acquires former SJP Edinburgh planner')Clifton Wealth Partnership has acquired Grovebridge Financial and Clifton Business Consultancy, adding £146m in assets. Yorkshire-based Grovebridge has provided Financial Planning to 200 families for a decade. Director Paul Smith will remain, while Co-Director Hilary Stephenson retires. Clifton Business Consultancy, based in Bristol, has advised business owners for 16 years. Director Bob Thomas will stay on, with Co-Director Michael Lloyd retiring. The acquisitions further expand Clifton’s growing wealth management portfolio. (Financial Planning Today, 4/9/2025, 'Clifton Wealth adds £146m AUM with 2 Planner acquisitions')Chartered Financial Planning firm Unividual has been acquired by 7IM subsidiary Lync Wealth Management for an undisclosed sum. Bath-based Unividual, founded in 2000, will rebrand under the Lync name but retain its office, client fees, services, and adviser relationships. Lync said the acquisition strengthens its regional presence and commitment to client outcomes. Since 2023, Lync has acquired over seven firms managing £500m in assets, bolstering its growth under the 7IM group. (Financial Planning Today, 4/9/2025, 'Chartered Planning firm Unividual acquired by 7IM')​MoversDynamic Planner has made several senior appointments to drive its growth ambitions, including Alan Smith as Enterprise Development Director. Smith will lead sales of Dynamic Planner’s product and API solutions to major financial institutions. He brings extensive experience from senior roles at Citibank in New York and HSBC in London. (Dan Cooper, 29/9/2025, Money Marketing, 'Dynamic Planner strengthens leadership team to accelerate growth')Ascot Lloyd has appointed Ben Waterhouse as Chief Client Officer, a newly created role aimed at accelerating the firm’s growth strategy. Starting in January 2026, Waterhouse will report to CEO Francis Jackson and succeed Gary Stirrup, who steps down as Chief Commercial Officer in October. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Schroders Personal Wealth, Barclays Wealth, Fidelity, and Legal & General, Waterhouse will focus on uniting Ascot Lloyd’s capabilities to meet evolving client needs. (Momodou Musa Touray, 29/9/2025, Money Marketing, 'Ascot Lloyd hires Schroders’ Waterhouse as new chief client officer')Vanguard appoints Gillian Hepburn, formerly of Benchmark Capital, as Head of Adviser Solutions in the UK to expand its model portfolio services, platform partnerships, and adviser offerings, leveraging her 30+ years of financial services experience. (Financial Planning Today, 25/9/2025, 'Vanguard poaches Benchmark's Hepburn as adviser solutions head')Ortec Finance appointed John O’Driscoll, a financial services veteran with over 20 years of experience and former St. James’s Place Division Director, as Managing Director of OPAL Financial & Wealth Planning to enhance its UK Financial Planning technology, leveraging his expertise in AI, automation, and advice transformation. (Financial Planning Today, 23/9/2025, 'Ortec hires SJP exec to boost UK Financial Planning')John Goddard, former HSBC banker, has been appointed CEO of Quilter Cheviot, succeeding Andy McGlone, who led the firm through significant growth and transformation, to drive further strategic advancements in wealth management. (Financial Planning Today, 22/9/2025, 'Former HSBC banker takes over as Quilter Cheviot CEO')Fairstone Group has appointed former Aldermore Bank CEO Steven Cooper as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founder Lee Hartley, who becomes Deputy Chair. With over 30 years of financial services experience, including leadership roles at Barclays and Aldermore Bank, where he nearly doubled its size, Cooper will support Fairstone’s growth strategy to double its business by 2030. A CBE recipient for services to banking and social mobility, he also chairs Experian UK and has held various non-executive roles. (Financial Planning Today, 16/9/2025, 'Fairstone appoints former Aldermore Bank CEO')Fast-growing financial planner Finli Group, formerly Solomon Capital Holdings, has appointed former Brown Shipley CEO Calum Brewster as Chief Commercial Officer, succeeding Simon Goldthorpe, who will step back as Chief Distribution Officer at year-end but remain involved. Brewster, joining on 3 November, brings over 25 years of experience in wealth management and advisory, including leadership roles at Barclays Wealth and Julius Baer, as well as a successful career as an IFA. (Financial Planning Today, 16/9/2025, 'Finli appoints former Brown Shipley CEO as CCO')AFH has hired two senior ex-St James’s Place executives to drive growth. Iain Rayner, former COO at SJP, will join as Chief Commercial Officer in January 2026, while James Fogarty, former Head of Acquisition, has started as Recruitment Director, focusing on adviser recruitment. Both will support AFH’s launch of a Partnership proposition targeting owner-managed businesses. Rayner brings over 20 years of financial services experience, including managing SJP’s largest businesses, while Fogarty led SJP’s national recruitment team, specialising in onboarding large advisory firms. (Financial Planning Today, 12/9/2025, 'AFH recruits two senior staff from SJP')Fintech Origo has appointed Vivienne Sacco as Chief Finance Officer. Formerly group and UK CFO at FNZ, she brings 25 years of experience in technology and financial services. Sacco will oversee finance, legal, and information security, with CEO Anthony Rafferty highlighting her role in driving the firm’s next growth phase. (Financial Planning Today, 12/9/2025, 'Ex FNZ CFO joins Origo')Barnett Waddingham has appointed Emily Crotty as Head of SIPP Risk and Rebecca Smith as Head of SIPP Finance, joining its senior management team to expand its SIPP offering. Crotty, formerly with Embark Group, will shape the risk framework, while Smith, from tech firm Newsflare, will lead SIPP finance. (Financial Planning Today, 10/9/2025, 'Barnett Waddingham adds to SIPP team')Manchester-based Pareto Financial Planning has expanded its team to around 75 with the addition of Chartered Financial Planner Sarah Mullarkey, Financial Adviser Mark Singh, and Employee Benefits Consultant Holly Potts. Mullarkey, previously with JPB Financial Planning, specialises in cashflow planning. Singh, who transitioned from sports coaching and property investment, joins after launching his own Financial Planning firm. Potts brings over 20 years of experience in employee benefits, focusing on group risk, corporate healthcare, and cost-effective benefit strategies. (Financial Planning Today, 9/9/2025, 'Pareto recruits 3 including Chartered Financial Planner')Sally Plant, the CISI’s Head of Financial Planning, is leaving after nearly five years to join the LIBF as Relationship Director for financial services. At the CISI, she led the growth of Financial Planning, the CFP qualification, and UK business development. The LIBF, with 29,000 members, aims to expand its financial services portfolio, and Plant will support this growth alongside Director John Somerville. (Financial Planning Today, 3/9/2025, 'CISI Financial Planning head Sally Plant moves to LIBF')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Financial Planning Today, Money Marketing, and IDEX Consulting.

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How leading wealth advisors are using AI to stay competitive

Research shows that more and more wealth management forms are embedding AI-driven analytics into their client advisory processes, with benefits ranging from improved portfolio performance to, faster response times and a reduction in compliance management. According to Morgan Stanley’s 2024 Wealth Management Technology report, robo-advisory assets under management grew by 58% year-on-year, with AI driving much of this expansion through improved performance and client experience. Furthermore, 68% of financial services firms (including wealth managers) now prioritise AI in risk management and compliance initiatives (KPMG: The generative AI advantage in financial services).With the value proposition only growing, industry forecasts project AI managed assets to reach over $6 trillion by 2027 (Netguru: AI in wealth management, transforming financial planning and investment approaches). Deloitte projections cited by the World Economic Forum strikingly predict that by 2028, AI driven investment tools will become the primary source of advice for around 80% of retail investors (World Economic Forum: AI, wealth management and trust: could machines replace human advisors?).Whilst, some advisors have raised concerns about AI replacing them, firms that are integrating AI throughout all of their operational practices are reporting 25-40% improvements in operational efficiency. The threat therefore, isn’t AI, it’s being left behind whilst competitors embrace it. How advisors are embracing AI The practical applications extend far beyond robo-advisors. According to an Accenture survey of 500 financial advisors, 96% believe generative AI can revolutionise client servicing and investment management, with 97% foreseeing significant impacts on their work (Accenture: Using generative AI to power growth for wealth managers).Current implementations include:Portfolio management and rebalancing - AI-driven tools enable dynamic asset allocation adjustments that respond to market shifts faster than manual processes. Informa report that 76% of firms have experienced efficiency gains through AI integration, particularly in portfolio rebalancing operations (Informa: Navigating AI in wealth management, balancing tech and human touch).Compliance and risk management - EY estimate that AI-powered compliance tools can reduce compliance management time by 75%. In a heavily regulated industry, it’s essential firms continuously assess how they can reduce risk exposure. Client communication and service - Firms are increasingly adopting chatbots, and automated reporting systems to handle routine client interactions, allowing advisors to dedicate more time to complex planning conversations and relationship building.Predictive analytics - Advanced AI systems can identify patterns in client behaviour, market conditions, and risk factors that would be impossible for humans to detect manually, enabling improved insight driven conversations.Challenges The real competitive advantage often comes from understanding and overcoming specific challenges that can derail implementation.Data privacy and regulatory complianceThe 2025 GDPR amendments mandate that businesses need to provide clear explanations around how AI processes personal data, with consumers reserving the right to contest automated decisions. The SEC has also prioritised AI oversight in 2025 examinations, with particular focus on AI note-taking tools and automated client communications. The margin for error is shrinking fast.How advisors can stay compliant Implement AI systems with built-in audit trails that document decisions and data access pointsEstablish clear client disclosure protocols before deploying any AI tools in client-facing situationsCreate a compliance review process specifically for AI outputs, not just human advisor recommendationsPartner with suppliers and specialists who can demonstrate regulatory compliance documentation, not just product features.AI bias and decision qualityExperts advise that AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate bias, especially in areas like portfolio recommendations and client segmentation. Regulatory authorities including the FTC, DOJ, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have signalled this is an enforcement priority.Beyond regulatory risk, comes quality risk. AI systems trained on historical data can make recommendations that don't account for unprecedented market conditions or individual client circumstances that fall outside normal patterns.How firms can minimise risk Never deploy AI decision-making systems without human oversight and approval processesRegularly audit AI recommendations against diverse client portfolios to identify potential bias patternsTrain employees to recognise when AI suggestions don't align with client-specific circumstancesMaintain detailed documentation of when and why you override AI recommendationsTest AI systems on edge cases and outlier scenarios, not just typical client profiles.The trust gapWhen markets become volatile or personal circumstances become complex, clients need human judgement and empathy.The firms who are winning aren't choosing between AI and human advisors; they're optimising practice by strategically combining both.How firms can maximise adoption Position AI as your team's enhancement tool, not a replacement for advisor relationshipsBe transparent with clients about where and how AI contributes to their portfolio managementReserve complex, emotionally charged conversations (estate planning, divorce, business succession) for human advisorsUse AI-generated insights as conversation starters, not final recommendationsTrain advisors to explain AI recommendations in plain language that builds rather than erodes confidenceIneffective or lack of AI strategies The biggest mistake firms make is adopting AI tools without a clear implementation strategy, that lacks investment in employee understanding and training. How to overcome it Start with one specific process where AI can deliver measurable improvement (like automated portfolio rebalancing or compliance documentation)Measure baseline metrics before implementation so you can demonstrate ROIDedicate resources to comprehensive employee training, not on just how to use the tools, but when and why to use themCreate feedback loops where advisors can report what's working and what isn'tBe prepared to iterate and adjust your approach based on real-life resultsWhat success can look like Those firms experiencing the strongest results from AI adoption share common characteristics:They maintain the human element in client relationships - AI handles data analysis, routine communications, and operational tasks, whereas advisors focus on strategy, complex planning, and relationship management.They're transparent about their AI use - rather than hiding AI implementation, they proactively explain to clients how technology enhances their service delivery.They invest in training and change management - technology adoption isn't just about buying tools, it's about changing workflows, mindsets, and practices.They start small and scale intentionally - rather than attempting wholesale transformation overnight, they identify high-impact use cases, prove the value, and expand where necessary.AI adoption in wealth management is a competitive necessity, but successful adoption requires careful planning, comprehensive training and strategic investment.If you’d like more information on the topic, support with your hiring strategy or guidance on securing a new role please contact one of our financial services consultants. ​Sources Accenture: Using generative AI to power growth for wealth managersInforma: Navigating AI in wealth management, balancing tech and human touchKPMG: The generative AI advantage in financial servicesNetguru: AI in wealth management, transforming financial planning and investment approachesWorld Economic Forum: AI, wealth management and trust: could machines replace human advisors?

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 26th September 2025

​​Insurance NewsWhy climate transparency matters more than ever for US insurers - Despite 97% of US insurers disclosing climate strategies, only 29% provide measurable targets, creating a transparency gap that leaves customers vulnerable and unprepared for climate risks. With increasing regulatory pressure and extreme weather events causing billions in damages, insurers must adopt standardised metrics, enhance transparency, and embrace accountability to meet growing demands for climate risk disclosure and ensure customer trust. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Why climate transparency matters more than ever for US insurers')AI insurance skills Lab: level up your knowledge - Looking to boost your work productivity and efficiency but unsure where to start? Join IDEX Consulting on Oct 9th at 1pm BST, for a virtual exclusive, hands-on AI workshop designed specifically for insurance professionals. Reserve your spot here.What's changing in captive insurance regulations - The UK government has announced reforms to its captive insurance framework, including faster authorisation processes, lower capital requirements, and reduced reporting obligations, aiming to make the UK a competitive hub for captive insurers. These changes align with global standards and are expected to attract more captives, boosting the UK’s insurance market and economy, though challenges such as the lack of tax incentives remain. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What's Changing in Captive Insurance Regulations')MGA trends and insights - The global MGA market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by demand for specialised insurance solutions, technological advancements, and M&A activity. However, challenges like capacity constraints and regulatory compliance remain critical, requiring MGAs to diversify capacity sources, embrace technology, and maintain strong broker relationships to sustain growth. (IDEX Consulting news, 'MGA trends and insights')Davies launched its AI Underwriting Workbench to streamline underwriting processes, offering a centralised dashboard, AI-powered automation, and integration with existing systems, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance risk decision-making. (Kenneth Araullo, 26/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Davies bolsters tech portfolio with AI Underwriting Workbench launch')Businesses are increasingly adopting AI technologies like machine learning and natural language processing to combat sophisticated cyber threats, with the global AI in cybersecurity market projected to grow from $25.35 billion in 2024 to $93.75 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research, driven by the need for advanced tools to counter evolving attacks and protect critical infrastructure. (Kenneth Araullo, 25/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'The AI edge: businesses harness new tech to combat cyber threats')Bridgehaven Specialty UK Limited joined the Association of British Insurers (ABI), marking a significant milestone in its development as a hybrid insurer, with its innovative model fostering long-term partnerships with MGAs and reinsurers while contributing to the evolution of the UK insurance sector. (Josh Recamara, 25/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Bridgehaven Specialty joins ABI')The global cyber insurance market faces slowing growth and falling rates, with premiums growing just 6% annually between 2022 and 2024, down from 40% during the hard market, according to Howden's report, which highlights the need to tap underserved markets like continental Europe to sustain growth amidst evolving cyber threats. (Matthew Sellers, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cyber insurance at a crossroads as growth slows and rates fall')Aon's latest market outlook highlights strong insurer competition in the UK during H1 2025, leading to buyer-friendly conditions with rate reductions of 10-20% across most lines, while encouraging organisations to reassess insurance programmes and explore expanded coverage amidst inflation and evolving risks. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Competitive UK insurance market means great news for buyers in H1: Aon')Insify secured €16.3 million in Series B funding, led by Evli Growth Partners, to expand its AI-powered insurance platform for SMEs and freelancers across the Netherlands, France, and Germany, aiming to address underserved markets with tailored, data-driven coverage solutions. (Josh Recamara, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insify lands capital injection of €16 plus million')Allianz UK uncovered £92.6 million in insurance fraud during H1 2025, a 34% increase from the previous year, with over 15,800 cases detected across personal, commercial, and specialty lines, leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning and voice analytics to combat evolving fraud schemes. (Josh Recamara, 23/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz UK uncovers £93M in insurance fraud during H1 2025')A Marsh survey revealed that while 78% of businesses have experienced climate-related impacts, only 38% conduct detailed climate risk assessments, highlighting a significant gap in adaptation investment, with barriers like funding and competing priorities limiting proactive resilience planning. (Josh Recamara, 22/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh survey finds businesses underinvesting in climate adaptation')​Mergers and AcquisitionsSouth Korea’s DB Insurance is set to acquire U.S. specialty insurer Fortegra in a £1.18 billion deal, marking its boldest overseas expansion into the UK, US, and Europe. The acquisition aligns with DB’s strategy to diversify beyond Korea’s mature market, leveraging Fortegra’s expertise in automotive protection, warranty programs, and niche specialty lines, including its UK operations regulated by the PRA and FCA. (Matthew Sellers, 25/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurer that owns UK’s largest secondary intermediary FCA network bought in massive deal')B.P. Marsh invested £2 million for a 35% stake in Salus, a new UK insurance intermediary group specialising in professional indemnity (PI) cover, supporting its dual broking and MGA platform aimed at addressing constrained PI capacity and providing tailored solutions for SMEs and professionals. (Josh Recamara, 23/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'B.P. Marsh backs new PI intermediary group Salus with £2M investment')Movers​QBE has appointed Hannah Wilkinson as Underwriting Manager – Motor Trade for the UK, effective Oct. 1, 2025; she will oversee the motor trade portfolio, focusing on strategy, customer propositions, and client-broker relationships. Wilkinson, who joined QBE in 2011 from Allianz, brings nearly two decades of industry experience, including her recent role as senior motor trade underwriter. She succeeds Iain Bickers, who is retiring after over 15 years in the position. (Josh Recamara, 26/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Senior leadership changes at QBE and Aon')Aon has appointed Leon Walker as EMEA Captives Leader, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Walker, who joined Aon in 2022 to lead UK Inpoint, brings nearly 20 years of experience, including senior roles at Willis Towers Watson, Lloyd’s of London, and leadership positions in InsurTech at Instanda and AdvantageGo. In his new role, he will drive strategy, transformation, and growth across Aon’s Captives business in EMEA, reporting to Ciaran Healy, Global Captives Leader, and collaborating with the EMEA Risk Capital team. (Josh Recamara, 26/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Senior leadership changes at QBE and Aon')Covéa UK has announced a CEO transition, with Georges De Macedo stepping down after nearly two years to return to France and remain on the UK board. Xavier Laurent, joining from Covéa Group, will succeed him, subject to regulatory approval, bringing extensive leadership experience in general insurance to drive the next phase of growth for Covéa UK. (Josh Recamara, 26/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Covéa UK announces CEO transition')Sompo appointed Cédric Wells, a seasoned insurance professional with over 25 years of experience, as Head of Claims for Continental Europe, where he will oversee claims strategy across eight key markets, leveraging his extensive expertise from roles at Swiss Re and SCOR. (Kenneth Araullo, 25/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Sompo names Cédric Wells head of claims for Continental Europe')Amiga Specialty appointed James Rasmussen as Managing Director for management liability in the UK and Europe, tasking him with establishing the product line and collaborating with capacity partners, leveraging his extensive experience from roles at Nexus Underwriting, Chubb, and Travelers. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Rasmussen joins Amiga Specialty to lead management liability in UK, Europe')Marsh McLennan appointed Kim Abildgaard as CEO for Denmark, effective October 1, leveraging his nearly 25 years of experience to integrate global capabilities across its businesses and enhance client services, following his role as interim CEO and leadership at Mercer’s European career practice. (Kenneth Araullo, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh McLennan names Kim Abildgaard CEO for Denmark')Alta Signa appointed Cédric Denysiak as France Country Manager, leveraging his 20+ years of experience in financial lines and specialty insurance to expand the firm's presence in the competitive French market, focusing on opportunities in financial lines, cyber, and marine. (Josh Recamara, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Alta Signa names new France country manager')DWF expanded its major injury and casualty practice with 27 new hires, including five partners from leading firms, to address growing demand from insurers for expertise in high-value claims, enhancing its capabilities in liability defence, catastrophic injury, and regulatory matters. (Josh Recamara, 24/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DWF expands injury and casualty practice with 27 new hires')Davies has appointed Adam Warwick as group CIO, effective October 6, to lead its global technology strategy, including AI and cloud infrastructure, as part of its Vision 2030 goals, leveraging his 25+ years of experience in technology leadership roles at Bravura, Aviva, and Zurich. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Davies taps Adam Warwick as new CIO, expands executive team')Synthetik Insurance Technologies appointed Matt Harris as Global Head of Partnerships and Distribution, leveraging his extensive leadership experience at Argo Group and AIG to drive growth and expand the reach of its next-generation modelling tools in the insurance sector. (Kenneth Araullo, 23/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Synthetik Insurance names Matt Harris global head of partnerships')The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) appointed Iain Anderson, Founder of H/Advisors Cicero, as a Non-Executive Director, leveraging his extensive public affairs expertise to strengthen broker representation with policymakers and regulators during a period of economic and regulatory change. (Josh Recamara, 23/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'BIBA brings public affairs veteran Iain Anderson onto board')Texel Group strengthened its London team by appointing Josh McCann as Director and Axel Swiderski as Associate Director, leveraging their expertise in credit insurance, political risk, and structured finance to enhance Texel's position as a specialist, independent broker in the growing CPRI market. (Josh Recamara, 22/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Texel Group strengthens London team with new directors')All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business and IDEX Consulting.

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Why climate transparency matters more than ever for US insurers

Research shows there’s a considerable challenge hiding in plain sight across the US insurance industry. While 97% of insurers now disclose climate-related strategies, fewer than 30% actually provide measurable targets or concrete metrics. This isn't just a paperwork issue - it's a crisis of accountability that's leaving customers vulnerable and businesses unprepared.The latest data from Ceres, a non for-profit advocacy organisation, reveals a stark disconnect. It highlights that “99% of insurers reported on risk management processes, 97% on strategy, 87% on governance, but only 29% disclosed metrics and targets related to climate risks” (Ceres: 2025 progress report, climate risk reporting in the US insurance sector). The timing couldn't be worse. In 2024 alone, 27-billion-dollar weather disasters caused $182.7 billion in damages, whilst the global protection gap is projected to continue to rise 5% to $1.86 trillion throughout the remainder of 2025. The difference between what people need covered and what insurers actually cover is growing at breakneck speed.What this means for customersThis disclosure gap has real consequences for policyholders who are making critical decisions about their coverage.Without concrete metrics, customers can't evaluate whether their insurer is accurately prepared for climate risks. Are rate increases justified by improved risk modeling, or are they disguised profit enhancements? Customers deserve to know.Research shows that the problem could potentially get worse as insurers consider whether they should restrict coverage or exit markets entirely. During May 2024, there were 11 Florida home insurance companies in liquidation, while major insurers including AAA, Farmers and Progressive rolled back coverage availability in Florida (Bank rate: Home insurance crisis: First Florida, now California). As of early September 2025, QBE Insurance announced they were pulling out of the U.S. home insurance market completely, leaving around 37,000 California customers to find new coverage over the next 12 months. The insurer told the California Department of Insurance it's choosing to "narrow its market focus rather than continue operating in what's become an increasingly challenging market”(The insurer: QBE to drop 37,000 policies in California). Builders Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (BRIE) has stepped forward to take over most of QBE's policies as part of the transition.How can customers make informed decisions about their protection when some insurers won't share their risk assessment criteria? Without transparency into how insurers evaluate price climate risks, policyholders are essentially buying coverage blind, unable to compare which companies are genuinely prepared for future weather events versus those simply raising rates without adequate justification.The regulatory responseState insurance commissioners aren't sitting idle. They're moving from requests to requirements. The NAIC Climate Risk Disclosure Survey has narrowed it’s expected response time from insurers. The survey which was issued in July 2025 expected responses to be provided by August 2025. This marks a significant shift, what started as voluntary best practices is now becoming mandatory compliance. Insurers who fail to provide adequate climate risk disclosures could face regulatory scrutiny, market access restrictions, or challenges getting rate increases approved.The survey follows the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, which focuses on four key areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. The last category is where most insurers are failing.The challenge for insurers Many insurers are still figuring out how to measure climate risk effectively. Traditional actuarial models rely on historical data, but climate change has made the past a poor predictor of the future.There's also competitive pressure. Insurers worry that revealing too much about their risk models could give competitors an advantage or spook investors about their exposure levels.But some critics see these excuses as unnecessary. Only 29% of insurance companies reported their metrics and targets in 2024, which Ceres noted was "an urgent concern" considering the billions of dollars in damage from extreme weather events that occurred last year (Ceres: 2025 progress report, climate risk reporting in the US insurance sector).What insurers need to do Experts suggest a more cohesive and thorough approach is needed, outlining the following recommendations:Insurers need to standardize their climate risk metrics –This means agreeing on common definitions and measurement approaches across the industry. The NAIC's Catastrophe Modeling Center of Excellence is a good start, but adoption needs to accelerate.Transparency must become the default – insurers should publish annual climate risk assessments that include specific metrics about their exposure levels, risk mitigation strategies, and performance against targets. Regulators need to enforce meaningful consequences – Disclosure requirements without consequences are just suggestions. State insurance commissioners should link market access and rate approval authority to meaningful climate disclosure compliance.Taking actionAs Ceres highlights, "insurers must move beyond rhetoric and invest in real climate accountability." The disclosure gap isn't just about compliance, it's about whether the insurance industry can fulfil its fundamental promise to provide protection when customers need it most.  The climate crisis won’t wait for insurers to improve their disclosure practices. Every hurricane season, wildfire season, and extreme weather event that passes without proper risk measurement and transparency makes the eventual reckoning more severe.Customers need insurers to explain what risks they face, but also how they're preparing to handle them. The 29% metric gap needs to close, and it needs to close fast.The question isn't whether climate disclosure requirements will continue to evolve, they inevitably will as regulators respond to growing stakeholder demands for transparency. The real question is whether insurers will proactively embrace comprehensive disclosure as a competitive advantage, or find themselves playing catch-up when enhanced regulatory standards become unavoidable.If you’d like more information on the US insurance market or guidance on recruiting the best talent in the market don’t hesitate to contact one of our insurance consultants. ​Sources  Bank rate: Home insurance crisis: First Florida, now CaliforniaCeres: 2025 progress report, climate risk reporting in the US insurance sectorThe insurer: QBE to drop 37,000 policies in California

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 19th September 2025

​​Insurance NewsHow strong is your employer brand? - Companies with a strong employer brand see a significant reduction in hiring costs and time-to-fill, while also lowering annual turnover by up to 69%. Learn how IDEX Consulting could help you strengthen your EVP and employer brand to attract the top 10%. (IDEX Consulting news, 'IDEX EVP Solutions')The Risk and Compliance employment market - Candidates no longer tolerate poor interview experiences, making slick processes essential to attract quality professionals. Jack Johnson, our Risk & Compliance recruiter shares what professionals are looking for in this market and how to attract the very best. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The Risk and Compliance professionals employment market')Looking for M&A support? - Our Insurance M&A specialists discuss IDEX M&A's new sell side offering for brokers and MGAs and how this is different to anything else in the market in our latest video. Find out how IDEX can help you prepare for sale and achieve maximum earn out post sale. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Looking for M&A support?')AI insurance tools - which ones could help you? - Key tools include InsurGPT, Eigen Technologies, and Guidewire. Which ones are you aware of and which ones could help your job? Access our detailed overview to find out. (IDEX Consulting news, 'AI insurance tools - which ones could help you?')Fortegra Insurance UK, a specialty insurer established in the UK and Europe since 2018, has joined the Association of British Insurers (ABI), marking a milestone in its growth journey; known for providing tailored insurance and risk management solutions, Fortegra aims to contribute to industry discussions on regulatory reform, consumer outcomes, and resilience while enhancing its collaboration with peers in the UK market. (Insurance Business, 19/9/2025, 'Fortegra Insurance UK joins ABI')The Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) has released a report highlighting how generative AI (GenAI) is transforming the professional liability landscape, with opportunities to enhance efficiency but also introducing risks like liability for AI errors, data breaches, and regulatory compliance; the report provides guidance for underwriters on assessing AI-related exposures, adapting policy wording, and fostering collaboration between insurers, brokers, and clients to navigate this evolving market. (Josh Recamara, 19/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AI adoption could reshape professional liability landscape - LMA')EIP, a UK-based embedded insurance provider supporting international brands with over €200 million in gross written premium annually, has joined Brokerslink as its newest affiliate; this partnership highlights the growing momentum of embedded insurance, which integrates coverage into consumer purchases, and positions brokers to differentiate themselves in a rapidly evolving distribution landscape. (Kenneth Araullo, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'EIP joins Brokerslink as embedded insurance gains momentum')Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has opened a new London office in the St Botolph Building, consolidating multiple locations to enhance collaboration and integration across its specialist teams; this milestone reflects SRG’s growth since its 2020 launch, driven by organic expansion and acquisitions, and supports its commitment to the London Market and future development. (Kenneth Araullo, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Specialist Risk Group opens new London office in St Botolph Building')Uris Group has renewed and expanded its partnership with Zurich, securing a five-year agreement effective October 1, allowing Uris to underwrite up to £55 million in premiums annually for its specialist non-standard household insurance portfolio under the Midas brand, with Zurich providing long-term capacity and support for growth ambitions. (Josh Recamara, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Uris Group renews and expands Zurich partnership')DUAL Ireland and Hiscox Ireland have partnered to create one of the largest high-net-worth (HNW) insurance providers in Ireland, combining DUAL's underwriting expertise and broker relationships with Hiscox's capacity and reputation to offer tailored coverage for luxury assets like high-value homes, yachts, and private aircraft, while streamlining broker and client services. (Josh Recamara, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DUAL and Hiscox partnership reshapes Ireland's HNW insurance market')Personal Group reported record insurance sales in H1 2025, with revenue up 11% to £23.3 million and profit before tax rising 68% to £3.8 million. Insurance premium income grew 12% to £38 million, supported by strong retention rates and new partnerships, including an expanded deal with Sage Group. CEO Paula Constant highlighted the group's progress toward its 2030 goals of £100 million revenue and £30 million EBITDA. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Personal Group reports record insurance sales in H1 2025')Allianz Trade’s Q2 Sector Atlas reveals that 90% of industries now fall into medium-to-high risk zones due to tariff pressures, rising costs, and weakening demand. Sectors like metals, autos, and retail face significant challenges, while tech and AI-linked industries show resilience. Companies are adapting through supply chain rerouting and operational agility, though these strategies carry long-term risks. (Gia Snape, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Tariff shock leaves 90% of industries in medium-to-high risk zones')The London Market reported £49.3 billion in premium income for 2024, a 1.7% increase from 2023, according to the IUA. Growth slowed compared to previous years, with property remaining the largest business class at nearly 30% of premiums. Treaty business grew 10%, while professional lines declined. The US and Canada contributed over £10 billion, highlighting their growing significance. (Kenneth Araullo, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'London Market sees slower growth as premium income tops £49bn - IUA')Arrow Risk Management and Bridgehaven Specialty UK have partnered to launch a combined technology errors and omissions (Tech E&O) and cyber coverage practice. Led by Graeme King, formerly of Volante Global, the initiative targets tech product and service providers, leveraging Arrow’s MGA platform to deliver tailored solutions. (Kenneth Araullo, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Arrow Risk, Bridgehaven team up to offer combined tech E&O and cyber coverage')According to The Insurance Brokers & Agents Market Report 2025 by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global insurance brokers and agents market is projected to grow from $467.3 billion in 2024 to $496.3 billion in 2025, reaching $636.9 billion by 2029 at a 6.4% CAGR. Growth is driven by emerging markets, rising healthcare costs, and digital transformation, with major players investing in technology and M&A to expand capabilities and improve efficiency. (Josh Recamara, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Global insurance brokers and agents market set to surge')Movers​Marsh McLennan has appointed Renee McGowan as Chief Commercial Officer, International, effective October 1; with over two decades at the company, including roles as CEO of IMEA and senior leadership positions across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and the UAE, she will lead the firm's commercial strategy across six regions, focusing on strengthening client relationships and advancing integrated solutions to address complex risks. (Josh Recamara, 19/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh McLennan appoints chief commercial officer')Lycetts has announced senior promotions, including Simon Aitken as Head of Office for General Insurance in Newcastle, Cristina Ion as Head of Office in Edinburgh, Dorothy Pigg as Chair of the Commercial Leadership Group, and Toby Heathcoat Amory as Chair of the Household and Private Client Leadership Group; with over 25 years of combined experience at Lycetts, these appointments, alongside the creation of a Chief of Staff role filled by Gill Teasdale, aim to support growth, enhance client service, and strengthen leadership across the UK. (Insurance Business, 19/9/2025, 'Lycetts strengthens leadership team with senior promotions')Following its acquisition by NFP, The Bspoke Group has appointed Ryan Gill (formerly Chief Commercial Officer) as CEO, with Tim Smyth becoming Deputy Chair and Craig Hunter remaining COO. A new retail division unites brands like Police Mutual and Arma Karma, led by Kerry McMahon-White as Retail Managing Director. Andy Talbot (ex-Gallagher) joins as Retail Operations Director, Adrian Ewington becomes Retail Underwriting Director, and Stuart Bromley takes over as Managing Director of Bspoke Private Clients. (Kenneth Araullo, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance hires: Bspoke Group names CEO, Specialist Risk Group names CCO')Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has appointed Sasa Brcerevic, formerly Managing Director of Aon’s carrier solutions group, as Group Chief Commercial Officer, effective November 1. This follows the recruitment of Neil Nimmo as SRG UK CEO, as the group strengthens its leadership to drive growth and reinforce its position as a specialist insurance group focused on people, culture, and market relevance. (Kenneth Araullo, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance hires: Bspoke Group names CEO, Specialist Risk Group names CCO')Seventeen Group has appointed Oliver Thorne, currently Managing Director of Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions (SRIS) and formerly of Gallagher and Stackhouse Poland, as CEO effective October 27, 2025, succeeding Paul Anscombe. Thorne brings over 20 years of experience in broking and underwriting, with expertise in team growth, acquisitions, and organic development, as the group continues its expansion backed by IK Partners' recent investment. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Seventeen Group names new CEO')Arch Insurance (EU) dac has appointed Julien Martins, formerly Regional Product Leader for casualty at AXA XL and with prior senior roles at Liberty Specialty Markets and XL Catlin, as Head of Executive Assurance for France. Based in Paris, Martins will develop the insurer's executive assurance portfolio, providing D&O coverage to corporates, SMEs, and financial institutions across French-speaking markets, including France, Belgium, Monaco, and Luxembourg. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, DUAL Europe, ISC Group')DUAL Europe has bolstered its cyber business with Marek Stanislawski, formerly of Zurich, appointed as Head of Business Development, Cyber Europe, effective Sept. 3, to drive scalable solutions and broker partnerships from Stockholm. Additionally, Erika Chemello and Johan Hedenstedt have been promoted to Head of Cyber Southern Europe and Northern Europe, respectively, overseeing regions including Italy, Ibérica, the Nordics, Ireland, and Benelux, effective Oct. 1. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, DUAL Europe, ISC Group')ISC Group has named Declan O’Rourke, CEO of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC and former President of the Insurance Institute of Ireland, as its first male ambassador in Ireland. With over 30 years of experience, including senior roles at AIG across multiple regions, O’Rourke will support ISC’s mission to promote gender balance and drive cultural change in financial services, emphasising shared responsibility for inclusivity. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, DUAL Europe, ISC Group')Willis has appointed James Gillespie, formerly of Aon and RPC Tyche, as Head of Data & Analytics for its global direct & facultative specialty team. With over 15 years of experience, Gillespie will focus on developing new products, leveraging proprietary data, and enhancing risk insights to support brokers and clients. This move aligns with Willis’ strategy to strengthen its data capabilities and deliver advanced risk solutions. (Kenneth Araullo, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Willis names James Gillespie head of data & analytics for specialty team')Allianz UK has appointed Glyn Hughes, currently Director of Personal Lines Underwriting and pricing at Ageas, as Managing Director of Allianz Personal Broker, effective February 2026. Hughes brings extensive experience in underwriting, pricing, and broker partnerships, supporting Allianz’s strategy to grow its broker-facing personal lines business in motor, home, and travel insurance. (Josh Recamara, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz UK names managing director of personal broker business')Liberty Specialty Markets has appointed Alexandra Weigel, formerly of Zurich Insurance, as Head of Multinational for Europe. Based in Zurich, Weigel will lead the growth of Liberty’s multinational programme as part of its Invest in Europe 2030 strategy, focusing on digitisation, AI-driven underwriting, and tailored solutions to expand its regional presence. (Kenneth Araullo, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Specialty Markets taps Alexandra Weigel to lead European multinational expansion')AXA XL has promoted Donnacha Smyth, currently Head of Casualty for the Americas, to Global Chief Underwriting Officer for casualty, effective November 3. With over 30 years of experience, Smyth will focus on product innovation, portfolio resilience, and underwriter development, aligning regional practices with a global strategy to address evolving liability exposures. (Josh Recamara, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXA XL elevates Smyth to global casualty underwriting role')All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business, Insurance Age, and IDEX Consulting.

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What will a bespoke regulatory framework mean for MGAs?

As the MGA market continues to grow, with significant development across specialty lines such as parametric insurance, climate risk, and emerging technologies, calls from the insurance community for a bespoke regulatory framework heighten. Research from Corin Underwiring shows that 68% of the 147 brokers surveyed support the decision for the FCA to implement a dedicated regulatory framework for MGAs, emphasising a need for increased operational clarity to ensure they remain compliant. “67% of brokers indicated they would be more inclined to work with MGAs if such a framework were introduced” (Corin: Call for MGA specific regulation gains broker support). Marking a 90% cumulative growth since 2020, the MGA market reached $109.2 billion in direct premiums written in 2024. In terms of loss adjustment expense (LAE) ratios were 1.9 points lower than the overall property/casualty market in 2024, showcasing MGAs expertise and efficiency in managing risks. Many argue that due to the flexible and adaptive nature of MGAs existing regulations need to be strengthened to ensure the sector’s continued growth protects customers, which will further increase trust in the model. On the point Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agent’s Association says “A tailored approach, once fully evaluated would assist in enhancing transparency and operational clarity and strengthen the confidence organisations have when partnering with MGAs. This is a vital step towards ensuring the regulatory landscape evolves in line with the innovation and value MGAs continue to bring to the market” (Insurance Age: MGAA boss Keating weighs in as broker survey backs dedicated MGA regulation).A dedicated framework could move MGAs out of a regulatory grey area, unlocking new opportunities for growth and efficiency. Understanding the potential changes is the first step toward leveraging them for a competitive advantage. Below we consider what a bespoke regulatory framework might mean for MGAs. Potential benefits for MGAsA purpose-built regulatory system could offer significant advantages, empowering MGAs to operate more effectively.1. Enhanced clarity and reduced ambiguityA clear set of rules designed for MGAs would eliminate the need to interpret regulations intended for insurers. This would reduce compliance burdens and legal uncertainties, allowing them to focus more on core business activities. With less ambiguity, MGAs can operate with greater confidence, knowing they are meeting specific, relevant standards.2. Greater operational freedomCurrently, MGAs operate under the delegated authority of their carrier partners. A bespoke framework could provide MGAs with more direct regulatory standing, potentially allowing for greater autonomy in areas like product innovation and distribution strategies. This could speed up time-to-market for new offerings and allow MGAs to respond more nimbly to changing customer needs.3. Increased credibility and trustFormal recognition through a dedicated framework would enhance the credibility of the MGA sector. For capacity providers, this means greater assurance in their MGA partners. For clients, it signals a well-regulated and stable market. This heightened trust can make it easier to attract top-tier talent and secure long-term, stable carrier relationships, which remain a top priority for MGAs.4. Enhanced innovationA tailored framework could be designed to encourage innovation. By setting principles-based rules rather than prescriptive ones, regulators could create an environment where MGAs can experiment with new technologies, data analytics, and business models without being hindered by outdated regulations. This is especially important as InsurTech continues to reshape the industry.Challenges and strategic considerationsWhile the benefits are compelling, the transition to a new framework would not be without its challenges. It will be essential for MGAs to plan ahead to navigate changes successfully. 1. Increased compliance costs and scrutinyResearch shows that a bespoke framework would likely come with its own set of compliance obligations and direct regulatory oversight. This could mean increased costs related to reporting, staffing, and systems. MGAs, particularly smaller ones, would need to assess their resources and prepare for potentially higher operational expenses. The key will be to invest in scalable compliance solutions that can adapt to new requirements efficiently.2. Navigating the transition periodAny change of this magnitude involves a transition period filled with uncertainty. MGAs would need to stay informed about proposed changes and actively participate in industry consultations to help shape the new rules. Developing a transition plan early that outlines potential impacts on operations, technology, and partnerships will help to ensure a smooth adjustment. 3. Redefining carrier relationshipsA new framework could alter the dynamic between MGAs and their insurer partners. While it may grant MGAs more autonomy, it could also require a re-evaluation of delegated authority agreements. Both parties will need to work together to redefine roles and responsibilities, prioritising transparent communication.How MGAs might prepare strategicallyWhether a bespoke framework is on the immediate horizon or a long-term possibility, there are steps firms can take now to position themselves for success.Tighten governance and risk managementIt’s important for MGAs to strengthen their internal governance structures and risk management protocols. This might include improving how underwriting guidelines and claims handling procedures are documented, ensuring additional detail and information is recorded. Demonstrating robust self-regulation will not only build trust with partners but also prepare MGAs for any future regulatory scrutiny. Technology and data investment Modern, flexible technology is the backbone of a successful MGA. Investing in scalable systems that can support sophisticated data analytics, streamline compliance reporting, and enhance operational efficiency is critical. A strong tech stack will make it easier to adapt to new regulatory demands while unlocking insights that drive business growth.As the MGA market continues its impressive growth trajectory, with projections showing that the sector could reach over $30 billion by the end of 2025, the discussion around a bespoke regulatory framework for MGAs is a sign of the sector's maturity and importance. While the path to implementation may be long, the potential for a more stable, innovative, and efficient market is significant. The need for a regulatory structure that supports, rather than constrains this dynamic sector will be key in ensuring MGAs continue to thrive. If you’d like some intel on the insurance and MGA market, specifically in terms of employment and M&A opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact one of our insurance consultants. ​

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General Insurance newsletter Friday 12th September 2025

​​Insurance NewsWhat will a bespoke regulatory framework mean for MGAs? - As the MGA market continues to boom, how can MGAs prepare for enhanced regulatory scrutiny and what opportunities and challenges are there? Read our insights piece for useful guidance. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What will a bespoke regulatory framework mean for MGAs?')How to embed AI tools across your insurance firm - Access advice from AI and employee behavioural experts in our video, including how to successfully adopt tools and minimise employee resistance. Don't wait to join the AI revolution. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How to embed AI tools across your insurance firm')Navigating nuclear energy insurance: what insurers need to know - Nuclear energy insurance requires specialised expertise due to federal Price-Anderson Act mandates requiring $450 million primary coverage, extending to $15 billion through industry pooling. Insurers must navigate complex regulations and catastrophic risk exposure. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Navigating nuclear energy insurance: what insurers need to know')How to increase your income and EBITA - When independent insurance broker Adrian Morton needed the perfect buyer for his minicab specialist firm, IDEX's revolutionary sell-side M&A service delivered results in just seven months. Discover how our brand-new M&A solutions for brokers and MGAs, unlike anything in the market, helps businesses grow their EBITDA and achieve maximum earn out value. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How to increase your income and EBITA')Assurex Global has launched AG London, an independent broker platform designed for independent firms, operating under a wholesale-only model to provide better representation, higher margins, and improved efficiency in the London insurance market. (Kenneth Araullo, 12/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AG London debuts as independent broker platform backed by Assurex Global')DUAL Europe has launched a dedicated cargo insurance business, led by experienced professionals, offering all-risks coverage with extensions like Waterborne War Worldwide, to address growing demand for comprehensive cargo solutions across European markets. (Josh Recamara, 12/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DUAL Europe enters cargo market with new insurance offering')The global cargo marine insurance market remains stable, with 2024 premiums rising 1.6% to $22.64 billion and improved loss ratios since 2018, but faces challenges from tariffs reshaping insured values, shifting trade patterns, and risks like mis-declared goods, net-zero transitions, and geopolitical pressures, according to the International Union of Marine Insurance's, Mike Brews. (Josh Recamara, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cargo marine insurance holds steady - IUMI')AXA launches Shareplan 2025, a share offering for over 110,000 employees in 40 countries, marking the brand's 40th anniversary. The plan includes an exceptional matching contribution, allowing participants to receive one free share for every share subscribed (up to 20 shares), alongside discounted purchase options. (Kenneth Araullo, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXA unveils Shareplan 2025 to mark 40th anniversary')Offshore energy insurance premiums fell 7.9% to $4.34 billion in 2024, driven by lower oil prices, increased market capacity, and competitive pressures, according to IUMI. While attritional losses remained high, the absence of major catastrophic events reflected improved safety. The sector faces profitability challenges but sees growth opportunities in offshore renewables and the rising role of gas as a transitional energy source. (Kenneth Araullo, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Offshore energy insurance faces downturn as market faces new pressures – IUMI')Pro MGA Global Solutions has launched Orb Specialty, a new UK-based managing general underwriter (MGU) connecting insurers with high-potential MGAs in its incubation ecosystem. The platform streamlines capacity distribution, addresses regulatory challenges, and supports long-term capacity commitments, with plans for global expansion. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Pro MGA Global Solutions launches new managing general underwriter')Willis, part of WTW, has launched a Global Risk Engineering team within its Risk & Analytics division. Comprising nearly 200 engineers across 30 countries, the team will deliver tailored, data-driven risk assessments to help clients improve resilience and reduce the total cost of risk. The initiative combines global expertise with local insights, focusing on emerging risks, ESG goals, and strategic challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Willis launches global risk engineering team to boost client resilience')Certa has increased its Lloyd’s capacity for non-US primary tax risks to £157 million, €200 million, or $207 million per insured, claiming the largest primary line size in the market. This expansion supports larger, complex tax risks and highlights Certa’s growth amid market capacity challenges. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Certa boosts Lloyd’s capacity for non-US tax risks')The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has urged marine insurers to adopt AI to address rising sector risks and improve efficiency. AI is being used for claims automation, fraud detection, and risk assessment, with rapid advancements reshaping the industry. However, IUMI emphasised the need for ethical AI training and highlighted challenges like ageing fleets, shifting trade routes, and environmental risks. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marine insurers urged to embrace AI amid rising sector risks – IUMI')ARAG has reported growth for DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company in its first year post-acquisition, with gross written premiums rising to £141.4 million in 2024. Despite integration costs leading to a £4 million after-tax loss, underwriting results improved, and claims costs remained stable. The rebranded ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company reflects the group's commitment to steady growth and integration success. (Kenneth Araullo, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DAS reports growth in first year after ARAG acquisition')The FCA has proposed simplifying product governance rules in commercial insurance by allowing a single "lead" manufacturer, limited to insurers or Lloyd’s managing agents, to reduce duplication and inefficiencies. While this aims to streamline compliance, concerns have been raised about sidelining intermediaries with deep product expertise. The FCA estimates long-term cost savings but acknowledges limited benefits for intermediaries. (Jonalyn Cueto, 9/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'FCA proposals aim to cut duplication in insurance governance')Marine Insurer, Skuld, reported a net profit of $36 million for the first half of 2025/26, up from $25 million the previous year, driven by improved technical results and a 4.3% investment return. The combined ratio improved to 99%, reflecting premium growth and normalised claims costs. However, claims volatility and geopolitical challenges remain key concerns for the marine insurer. (Kenneth Araullo, 8/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Skuld posts improved half-year profit as technical results rebound')Movers​HDI Global appoints Bob van Alphen, formerly of Allianz and Everest Insurance with expertise in global engineering and construction risks, as Head of Engineering Underwriting to lead a regional team, expand the company’s engineering insurance strategy across key markets, and drive profitable growth through enhanced client and broker partnerships. (Kenneth Araullo, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'HDI Global taps Bob van Alphen as head of engineering underwriting')Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM) unifies its UK and MENA third-party operations under a new division led by Terry Fitzgerald, who joined in 2021 and brings 25 years of industry experience, to streamline FinPro and casualty portfolios, align with market trends, and enhance client and broker relationships. Supporting him are Emma Pearce as Head of FinPro, Daniel Munro as Head of Casualty, and Niamh Moloney continuing as General Manager of insurance in Ireland, while Stuart Sutherland and Dermot Walsh take on newly created roles as Directors of UK Retail. (Kenneth Araullo, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Specialty Markets unifies UK, MENA third-party operations')Arch Insurance (EU) dac appoints Patrick Richard as Head of Casualty for France and Virginie du Parc Locmaria as Senior Casualty Underwriter, effective September 15, to expand its casualty portfolio in France, covering primary, umbrella, and excess liability for industrial and services clients. Richard brings 30 years of experience from Volante Global, Swiss Re, and AXA, while du Parc Locmaria adds expertise from Volante, Chubb, Hiscox, and AIG. (Josh Recamara, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Sicsic Advisory, Willis and Davies')Willis, part of WTW, strengthens its placement and portfolio solutions team with Gina Mulhall as Head of Global Portfolio Solutions, overseeing the Gemini facility and portfolio initiatives, and Kapila Rudra as Head of Data Strategy for global placement. Mulhall joins from Marsh, where she was Managing Director, while Rudra brings 15 years of experience from Marsh and Canopius. (Josh Recamara, 11/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Sicsic Advisory, Willis and Davies')Stuart Rouse has stepped down as CEO of Nexus Underwriting after over a decade, during which he led the company’s international expansion and growth in specialty lines, establishing it as a leading independent MGA. Nexus, now part of Brown & Brown, has not yet announced interim leadership or succession plans. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Nexus Underwriting CEO Stuart Rouse steps down')Chris Haggart has been appointed group CEO of The Broker Investment Group (TBIG), succeeding Dave Clapp, who transitions to Deputy Chairman to focus on strategic initiatives and M&A. Haggart joins from Hedron Network, where Duncan Pagan steps in as CEO, subject to regulatory approval. The leadership changes come as TBIG continues its growth through acquisitions and its MGA platform. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'CEO makes jump to rival in major shake-up')Broadstone has named Cormac Bradley as Senior Actuarial Director in its insurance, regulatory, and risk division. With nearly 30 years of experience, including senior roles at Direct Line Insurance Group and Willis Towers Watson, Bradley will support re/insurers, captives, MGAs, and London Market firms in risk and capital management, reserving, and chief actuary duties. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Crawford, Broadstone and Kennedys')Crawford & Company has appointed Andrew Shaw as Head of Agriculture for the UK, leading its ARIEL (agriculture, rural industries, and estates losses) practice. Previously interim Head of Agriculture and Head of Property Claims, Shaw will oversee the firm’s rural team. The appointment addresses growing demand for specialised agricultural claims expertise amid climate-driven risks, with Crawford maintaining the UK’s largest agriculture claims practice supported by a locally responsive rural branch network. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Crawford, Broadstone and Kennedys')RSA Insurance, part of Intact, has appointed Tom Argentieri as Chief Distribution Officer for UK & Europe, Specialty Lines. This new role aims to enhance broker relationships and regional distribution strategy. Argentieri, formerly leading Allianz's marine hull team in London, brings over 15 years of experience in global specialty markets and MGA development. (Josh Recamara, 10/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: RSA, Crawford, Broadstone and Kennedys')​All information provided in this market digest has been gathered from Insurance Business, Insurance Age, and IDEX Consulting.