Topic Management
Industry responds to FSRA’s plan for insurer MGA supervision
March 7, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoPotential risks stemming from P&C insurers’ managing general agent (MGA) outsourcing practices have caught the eye of Ontario’s insurance regulator, and it’s looking for feedback from stakeholders on a supervision plan. Insurers and MGAs alike have begun to weigh…
How to use your brokerage’s data to gain and retain clients
March 4, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoFinding ways to harness your brokerage’s data can improve customers’ expectations and overall satisfaction rates, two brokerage heads shared at the Insurance Canada Technology Forum in Toronto. For example, brokerages tracking and taking action on their internal metrics will…
PE-driven M&A is slowing, despite record deals in 2023
February 20, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoDespite some consolidators slowing their pace — namely, private equity firms — Canadian insurance brokerage M&A reached a record level of deals in 2023. There were 108 publicly announced deals last year, Smythe LLP, a P&C insurance advisory and consulting…
Making clients valuable to your brokerage for the long term
February 15, 2024 by Adam MitchellWhen it comes to ensuring clients have the right products and coverage levels, life insurance brokers are doing things much better than personal lines brokers. But there’s no reason the P&C industry can’t operate at that level. You can’t sell…
Hub’s latest Ontario brokerage acquisition
February 12, 2024 by Jason ContantHub International Ltd. has enhanced its personal, commercial and employee benefits services with the acquisition of Ontario brokerage Mitchell Sandham. Located in Oakville, Ont., Mitchell Sandham is one of the oldest and largest independently owned insurance brokerages in the Greater…
Brokerage looking to expand outside home province
February 9, 2024 by Jason ContantBritish Columbia-based brokerage AMC Insurance Services Ltd. is looking to expand outside its home province, the brokerage’s vice president told Canadian Underwriter recently. “We realized in our core business strategy that if we want to continue to be a provider…
How to reconcile financial results pre- and post-IFRS 17
January 24, 2024 by Jason ContantInsurance professionals looking to reconcile financial results pre- and post-IFRS 17 implementation need to understand specific accounting policy choices their company has taken because it’s “not going to be apples to apples right across the board,” a Wawanesa executive said.…
5 steps to negotiate a hybrid work schedule
January 19, 2024 by Jason ContantGiven the uptick in return-to-office mandates since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important for you to advocate for yourself as an employee who wants hybrid work, but also understand the needs of your employer if you face resistance,…
Why this national consolidator made layoffs
January 19, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoWestland Insurance issued an internal email dated Jan. 15, announcing the layoff of about 30 employees, citing the inability to meet its 2023 financial targets, as well as salaries and expenses that exceeded plan. “Today, I’m sharing some very difficult…
What younger job candidates want from P&C insurance jobs
January 18, 2024 by Steve Whitelaw, Applied Systems CanadaCanada’s P&C insurance industry needs to adapt in three key areas to better recruit and retain prospects among Millennials and Gen Z. First, it should teach recruits tech skills specific to the P&C industry. Second, it should use digital technology…
Why Mitch Insurance opened its first Ontario branch — and what’s next
January 16, 2024 by Alyssa DiSabatinoMitch Insurance has opened a new branch in Kingston, Ontario, with a tri-fold objective to grow its footprint organically, establish a commercial focus in the province and provide entrepreneurial brokers the chance to manage a book of business. The Kingston…
Two brokerages, one MGU involved in recent deals
January 15, 2024 by Jason ContantEditor’s Note: This story has been corrected to clarify that Keyes Insurance was not acquired by the Canadian Broker Network but rather joined its membership. Keyes Insurance remains a fully independent brokerage solely owned by Shaun Keyes. Canadian Underwriter apologizes…