Insurance Insider - Behind the Headlines

The proliferation of broker facilities has been a growing trend – but is it just a symptom of the market cycle? According to Simon Wilson – president of Markel International – the current move to facilitisation is a “structural shift” driven by tech and algorithmic capabilities. These structures are here to stay. Tune in to the latest episode of Behind the Headlines to hear how Wilson thinks market conditions will develop in 2025, why Markel is leaning into specialty, and how he thinks the industry can address its talent challenge.

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.