Insurance Insider - Behind the Headlines

What should we expect in the world of deal-making in 2025? According to Tony Ursano of Insurance Advisory Partners, the stage is set for a spree of transactions. In Lloyd's, it's a question of when, not if deals will take place. Meanwhile, the MGA market remains "red hot". Plus, Insurance Insider editor Fiona Robertson discusses the key messages from the London Market Conference. 

Lloyd's ambitions to attract large corporates to the marketplace is well known. But how has one of its major coups - the re-entry of Aviva via the acquisition of Probitas - impacted growth?

Underwriting director for specialty and property investors Matt Gordon explains how the Lloyd's platform is a "massive enabler" of the carrier's ambitions to grow its specialty book to $1.5bn over the next five years. In particular, it provides the opportunity to increase its geographical spread and participate in broker facilities. Plus, during a week of climate protests in London, we interview Extinction Rebellion activists about why they are targeting the insurance industry. 

How do you build a $400mn MGA? Navium Marine CEO Clive Washbourn told Behind the Headlines that his business is a "fighter jet" out hunting for deals. Navium has built scale by taking on risk "in a fairly aggressive way" with large line sizes available to deploy. Whilst the marine market is now coming under pressure, Washbourn still thinks there is "robustness" in rating, although making money in the volatile Red Sea war market is challenging.

Plus, Insurance Insider's Fiona Robertson explains the fallout from Hurricane Milton, and Samuel Casey explains the latest dynamics in the beleaguered D&O sector. 

How is the market positioned to withstand Hurricane Milton?

In this episode of Behind the Headlines, Insurance Insider editor Fiona Robertson gives an early take on what this devastating storm may mean for the market.

Also in this episode, Samuel Casey sits down with Dominick Hoare, group chief underwriting officer for Munich Re Specialty Markets. Munich Re may be famed as a reinsurer, but the carrier has a large and growing specialty insurance operation, which is now set on boosting its geographic footprint, and taking advantage of risks linked to the energy transition. 

We may be in the midst of US hurricane season, but international catastrophe losses can emerge at any moment.  

And frequently over the past couple of years, surprise losses have been driven by secondary perils: with Canada, Europe, Dubai and New Caledonia all among the zones of interest this year.  

Hiscox Re & ILS’s head of international Nick Orton rebuts the idea that international cat underwriters are not pricing for these secondary perils – but says that remaining on top of these evolving risks is a key challenge.  

Lloyd's of London is the world's oldest and most famous insurance marketplace, but how does it remain relevant to the 21st century economy?

Listen in as Lloyd's chairman Bruce Carnegie-Brown examines the need to 'double down on innovation' to curb impact from the burgeoning intangible asset risks and how the industry can approach this new landscape.

In addition, Bruce explains how the Corporation is continuing with its "elephant hunting" strategy, as it looks to attract more major corporates to the marketplace. 

Listen in as Dale Underwriting's CEO Duncan Dale discusses expansion plans following landmark CVC deal and gives his views on the casualty market. Dale also outlines his ambition to partner with third parties through the company's managing agency. 

Plus, Insurance Insider Editor-in-Chief Catrin Shi brings you the latest on the property market following the launch of a new Marsh facility. 

Insuring the transition is frequently touted as a major growth opportunity, but when it comes to renewable energy, complications abound. Natural catastrophe, evolving technology, and data scarcity all add to the complexity of underwriting in the class. GCube's Fraser McLachlan has been operating in the renewables sector over several market cycles, and gives his insight on the latest dynamics in the class. 
Plus, Insurance Insider editor Fiona Robertson digests the highlights from first half earnings season in London, after another set of strong results for listed insurers.  

What is the purpose of the Underwriting Room in the post-Covid working world? According to Lloyd's Market Association CEO Sheila Cameron, the Room remains the "beating heart" of the London insurance ecosystem, and there is "overwhelming support" to maintain it. In her role at the LMA, Sheila has a unique insight into what is top of the agenda for all 55 managing agents. Tune in to the podcast to get the latest on Blueprint Two, the state of regulation, and leadership diversity. 

Plus Insurance Insider's Abbie Wood brings you the latest from the cyber market and our perspective on the CrowdStrike situation.

Listen in as Aegis London CEO Alex Powell discusses how to underwrite profitably through the cycle, the carrier’s growth in the cyber market, and the company’s future strategy.

Also in this episode, Insurance Insider's Rachel Dalton discusses developments in the Japanese broking market.