UK News

Bank of England’s Bailey Is Surprise Choice for Chief of U.K. Regulator, FCA

Bank of England Deputy Governor Andrew Bailey will become the new chief executive officer of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, as the Chancellor George Osborne turned to a familiar face following a six-month search for the country’s top markets regulator. …

Insured Losses from U.K. Storm Desmond Estimated at $1.1 Billion: PERILS

The initial estimate of the insured property market loss for flood damage caused by storm Desmond during Dec. 4-24, 2015 is £717 million ($1 billion), while windstorm losses from the event are estimated at £42 million ($59.3 million), according to …

UK’s Chancellor of Exchequer to Double Budget to Fight Cyber Terrorism

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced he’ll double funding to strengthen the U.K.’s cyber defenses, while refusing to confirm that budget cuts to be announced next week would spare Britain’s police forces, as Europe braces for further attacks from …

HSB Engineering Insurance Launches Cyber Insurance Cover for UK SMEs

HSB Engineering Insurance has launched a new cyber insurance product aimed directly at small to medium-sized businesses in the U.K. In response to the growing demand for insurance solutions to cover cyber risks, HSB’s Cyber Insurance product provides computer, data …

London’s Development of Islamic Products Enhances Position as Insurance Hub

Islamic financial activity in London is developing a growing maturity, the chief executive of the International Underwriting Association (IUA), stated. Dave Matcham pointed to the growth of commercial sharia compliant products as an important example of the innovation required by …

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 …