Articles by Emmanuel Kenning
Bridge launches wholesale division with new recruits
Bridge Insurance Brokers is launching a specialist wholesale division for real estate business to work with third-party brokers.
FCA closes in on authorisation targets as performance rises again
The Financial Conduct Authority has improved its delivery on the two broker-related authorisation metrics that remain in the ‘amber’ zone as it hones in on delivering a ‘green’ performance in all five relevant categories.
Howden opens in Canterbury
Howden Insurance has opened in Canterbury, adding to its network of over 200 branches.
Second quarter of motor premium falls in a row – ABI
The average motor insurance premium fell by 2% in July to September to £612, according to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers, the second consecutive quarterly drop.
EY revises insurer income growth forecasts but trend remains down
EY has released improved premium income forecasts for UK non-life insurers but maintained its view of slowing growth in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
BMS unveils wine producers insurance Bacchus
BMS Group has launched BMS Bacchus, a stock throughput solution designed to protect wine across all stages of production, storage and transit, from harvested grapes to finished product.
Brown & Brown’s Bridge integrates wholesale broker brands for international launch
Bridge Specialty Group, Brown & Brown’s wholesale broker segment, is to bring its London-based businesses Lonmar Global Risks, Decus Insurance Brokers and BdB under Bridge Specialty International.
FCA bans broker and issues £1.1m fine for misusing insurer funds
Leigh Mackey, formerly sole director of closed broker Inspire Insurance Services, has been banned by the Financial Conduct Authority and fined £1.1m after using insurer funds to support the firm’s operating costs and pay for personal living expenses.
Aviva lifts the lid on young person social media ghost broking epidemic
One in three young drivers have purchased car insurance from ghost brokers selling invalid or fake policies on social media platforms, according to an Aviva survey.
RBC warns of potential £250m premium finance hit to Close Brothers
If a recent court ruling on motor finance litigation is upheld and spreads to premium finance Close Brothers could suffer a £250m hit, equity analysts RBC Capital Markets have warned.
Alistair Brighton named Marsh UK corporate and commercial CEO
Marsh has appointed Alistair Brighton as corporate and commercial UK CEO, succeeding Alistair Fraser who is moving to the newly created role of international corporate and commercial leader.
Lloyd’s wholesale broker H.W. Wood sale confirmed
H.W. International has struck a deal to sell H.W. Wood to Steadfast Group, a general insurance broker network and underwriting agency group in Australasia and owner of one of the largest agency networks in the US.
Broker deals help push Hiscox to 4.5% UK growth
Hiscox has revealed 4.5% growth in written premiums to £504.2m for the first nine months of 2024 as it topped over half a million customers.
Open GI expands panel with Commercial Express property owners
Managing general agent Commercial Express has joined Open GI’s commercial panel, the software specialists have confirmed.
Hood moves household book from RSA to Bspoke
Bspoke Group has teamed up with Hood Group to underwrite the Top 100 Broker and affinity insurance provider’s household portfolio.
i-wonder to launch classic car comparison site
Niche comparison site solutions provider i-Wonder is rolling out a service for UK classic car insurance, Insurance Age can reveal.
Ex-LV broker leader Michael Lawrence joins Grove & Dean
Michael Lawrence, previously broker distribution and underwriting director at LV GI, has joined Grove & Dean taking on the same job title, Insurance Age can reveal.
FCA reopens parts of commercial and bespoke insurance discussion paper for feedback
The Financial Conduct Authority has reopened parts of its discussion paper on commercial and bespoke insurance business in response to demand.
Antares unveils UK MGA focused retail division
Antares Global Management, formerly known as QIC Global, has rolled out a restructure of its underwriting operations with a new retail division to back managing general agents and a commercial division.
Deva buys Wrexham-based Tudor Insurance
Deva Group has struck its first deal since The Broker Investment Group upped its stake in the firm to 75% this summer.
Clear adds £10m broker Vision to portfolio in South East
Clear Group has strengthened its presence in the South East buying Bagshot, Surrey-based Vision Insurance Services.
Hiscox opens in Bristol
Hiscox has added to its regional presence with a satellite office in Bristol, Insurance Age can reveal.
GI complaints to FOS drop as workload soars in first half of 2024
While the Financial Ombudsman Service’s workload surged upwards by 43% in the first half of the year, the number of general insurance and pure protection complaints fell by 8% compared to the start of 2023, new figures have revealed.
UK commercial pricing downturn accelerates – Marsh
UK insurance rates fell 5% in the third quarter, the fastest rate of decline since the drop started at the start of 2024, according to research by Marsh.