Topic Management
How Fairfax is addressing anti-Black racism
August 28, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe corporate parent of Northbridge Insurance has formed its own anti-racism committee and joined a new Canadian organization that aims to create opportunities for visible minorities and indigenous people in the industry. “We have formed a Black Initiatives Action Committee,”…
Shareholders approve Aon-Willis merger
August 26, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAon plc’s proposed acquisition of Willis Towers Watson plc was approved Wednesday by both firms’ shareholders. The merger still requires approval from competition regulators in various jurisdictions (including Canada) plus the Irish High Court. Aon and Willis Towers Watson rank…
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty names new chief agent for Canada
August 25, 2020 by Jason ContantAllianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) announced Tuesday it has appointed Bernard McNulty as chief agent for Canada, effective immediately. In addition to taking on the chief agent role, McNulty will remain in his current position as head of claims…
How COVID-19 could permanently alter Marsh & McLennan
August 19, 2020 by Greg MeckbachTravel and entertainment spending could be down permanently for Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., though it’s sure to rise again somewhat later this year, suggests CEO Dan Glaser. “I am not sure we will go running back to hopping on…
What Intact is telling competitors who distribute through BrokerLink
August 17, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIntact CEO Charles Brindamour is assuring his competitors that they are not at a competitive disadvantage with Intact should they distribute their insurance through Intact Financial Corp.’s BrokerLink brokerage unit. “Our strategy is not to get the brokerage business to…
With the pandemic abated, OSFI restarts work on IFRS 17
August 17, 2020 by David GambrillThree things in life are inevitable — death, taxes, and the transition to IFRS 17. With the country now over what appears to be the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic thus far, Canada’s solvency regulator, the Office of the Superintendent…
Insurtechs urge P&C industry to keep foot on the gas with innovation
August 17, 2020 by Adam MalikInnovation in the insurance industry has shown to be critical over the last number of months, and insurtechs are urging brokers and carriers not to lose the momentum they’ve established. Insurtechs called for closer collaboration between the property and casualty…
What COVID has taught Aon about leveraging technology
August 12, 2020 by Greg MeckbachFor large commercial brokerages, video conferences can work at least as well as in-person meetings when placing business for large accounts, if Aon PLC’s recent experience is any indication. “With the investment we have been making in technology, we are…
Why this BrokerLink exec thinks COVID could accelerate brokerage M&A
August 12, 2020 by David GambrillBefore the pandemic, hard market conditions and the increasing digitization of brokerages were already reasons for some broker principals to ponder selling the business and moving on, but the novel coronavirus may have further accelerated the pace of M&A, says…
U.S. wholesale broker expands into Canada with acquisition of SUM
August 11, 2020 by Jason ContantA United States-based national wholesale insurance broker has acquired Strategic Underwriting Managers, Inc. (SUM), a Canadian managing general agency for property, casualty and other specialty insurance products. Boston-headquartered wholesale broker, program manager, and insurance aggregator One80 Intermediaries announced the acquisition…
Skills to promote change
August 9, 2020 by Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAndy Taylor, Gore Mutual Insurance Company’s newly-minted president and CEO, reveals the soft skills required for a successful business transformation — and how to find them. – As told to Greg Meckbach To recruit talent capable of shepherding a…
How job-protected leaves could affect your brokerage’s re-opening plans
August 7, 2020 by Adam MalikBrokerage principals shouldn’t be rigid when it comes to dealing with employees who are skeptical about returning to the office and decide to extend or take a leave, an employment lawyer advised. A key observation management needs to make about…