UK market News

Nexus’ Broking Division Xenia Buys Howden’s UK Trade Credit Business

Insurance intermediary holding company Nexus Group announced that its independent broking arm, Xenia Broking Group, has entered into an agreement to acquire Howden UK Group’s trade credit broking business, based in Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff. Once the transaction is …

UK Insurers Could See Underwriting Losses After Storms Ciara, Dennis: Fitch

Losses from storms Ciara and Dennis, which brought strong winds, torrential rain and widespread flooding to the UK, will increase pressure on UK household insurers’ profits in 2020, said Fitch Ratings. While the claims are unlikely to exceed £500 million …

Most UK Insurers, Banks Unprepared for Risks of Climate Change

The Bank of England faces an uphill climb to get the finance industry ready for one of its biggest threats: the climate. About 80% of senior finance executives believe their firms “lack well-developed strategies to manage the risks of climate …

UK Markets Watchdog Cracks Down on Conduct of Financial Advisers

Britain’s markets watchdog told financial advisers on Tuesday they face a two-year crackdown to stop unsuitable advice, investment scams and excessive fees. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said in a “Dear CEO” letter to heads of financial advice firms it …

U.K. P&C Insurers Face Strong Competition, Claims Inflation: AM Best Report

Market conditions for U.K. non-life insurers were difficult in 2019 as they continued to face strong competition and claims inflation, according to a report published by AM Best. Companies have had to contend with changes in the discount rate — …

British Regulator Warns Insurance Industry to Stamp Out Bad Behavior – or Else

Britain’s markets watchdog has told the bosses of commercial insurance companies to stamp out bad behavior in the industry and improve diversity, or risk losing their jobs. The warning follows last year’s admission by Lloyd’s of London of sexual harassment …

Allianz Buys U.K.’s LV General Insurance Group and Legal & General’s Non-Life Unit

Allianz Holdings plc, the U.K. subsidiary of Allianz SE, has completed its planned acquisition of the remaining 51% of LV General Insurance Group (LV GIG) from Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society (LVFS). The total consideration by Allianz for 100 percent of …

UK Financial Services Sector Remains Resilient Ahead of Brexit: Research

Britain’s exports of financial and related services rose to 83 billion pounds ($106.5 billion) last year, with the European Union still the biggest customer, underscoring the importance of retaining market access to the bloc after Brexit. The latest figures compiled …

British Watchdog FCA Probes Data Sharing in Financial Services

Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating whether sharing data with outside competitors could be extended beyond banks to savings, insurance, mortgages, investments, pensions and consumer credit to increase innovation and choice. “Open banking” rules already allow payment companies and …

Flooding in Northern England Becomes U.K. Election Issue

Boris Johnson deployed extra troops to help flood-hit parts of Northern England as he tried to ensure that a natural disaster didn’t damage his election chances. The prime minister convened a meeting of the government’s “Cobra” emergency committee on Tuesday …