UK market News

U.K.’s Allianz Insurance Appoints Watts as Head of Casualty Claims

Allianz Insurance, the U.K. subsidiary of Allianz SE, has appointed Lee Watts as head of casualty claims. Watts will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of technical claims strategy and best practice across all casualty and disease claims, …

UK Chief Regulator Appeals to Insurers as She Fights to Keep Top Job

UK Financial Conduct Authority acting chief Tracey McDermott appealed to insurers to get behind the regulator, setting out her plans for the industry as she fights to keep the top job. “While our roles are different, and while a degree …

Aviva CEO: Jump in New Business Will Allay Fears About Friends Life Acquisition

Aviva Plc Chief Executive Officer Mark Wilson said a 25 percent jump in new business in the first nine months of the year should allay concerns that his 5.6 billion- pound ($8.6 billion) acquisition of Friends Life Group Ltd. was …

New British Insurance Premium Tax Hike Could Further Squeeze Insurer Margins

A tax hike on British motor and home insurance policies effective from Sunday is set to hit consumers and could trigger a fresh round of margin-squeezing price competition among general insurers. The jump in the insurance premium tax (IPT), to …

UK’s Aviva Seeks Smaller Acquisitions in Other Countries After Friends Life

Aviva Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Wilson said the British insurer is looking for smaller acquisitions outside its home market as it continues to integrate Friend’s Life Group Ltd., the country’s largest insurance transaction in at least 15 years. “We’ll …

UK’s ‘Duty of Responsibility’ Rules to Extend to Insurance Executives

Executives at UK insurers, mortgage brokers and payday-loan companies will be covered by the same “duty of responsibility” as those in banks under legislation introduced in Parliament Thursday. The Bank of England and Financial Services Bill, which will be introduced …

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Appoints Viswanathan as CEO, UK Employee Benefits

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc announced the appointment of Bala Viswanathan as CEO of JLT’s UK Employee Benefits business, subject to the necessary regulatory approval. Viswanathan succeeds Duncan Howorth, who has decided to retire for personal reasons. Viswanathan joined JLT …

Willis Aims to ‘Shake Up’ UK Employee Benefits Market with PMI Health Acquisition

Willis Group Holdings plc announced the completion of its acquisition of PMI Health Group (PMIHG), a leading independent healthcare adviser and broker in the UK. PMIHG will operate as Willis PMI Group while the business integrates with Willis Employee Benefits …

A.M. Best: UK Non-Life Insurers’ Earnings Remain Under Pressure

Market conditions for UK non-life insurers are challenging as pricing remains weak across most business lines amid fierce competition, according to a new A.M. Best special report. Titled “UK Non-Life Earnings Under Pressure, In Spite of Legal Reforms,” the report …