Topic Operations
BrokerLink execs discuss expansion strategy
March 4, 2022 by Jason ContantBrokerLink’s M&A strategy remains focused on regions where it currently does business and is not looking to get into other verticals at the moment, senior executives at the brokerage tell Canadian Underwriter. “The focus continues to be Ontario, Alberta, and…
How inflation could prolong the hard market
February 25, 2022 by David GambrillInflation could prolong the hard market in Canada’s property and casualty lines, brokers caution. RMS Canada reports that inflation will hit 5% in 2022 before approaching 3% by the year’s end. “Persistent inflation is primarily due to supply constraints and…
Western-based brokerage eyes expansion in Ontario and across Canada
February 24, 2022 by Jason ContantB.C.-based brokerage InsureLine is looking to expand its unique franchise model to build its brand in Ontario and across Canada. To meet this objective, the brokerage appointed Kevin McKinnon as vice president of franchise development in mid-February. “My goal is…
Large brokerage makes fourth acquisition in 2022
February 18, 2022 by Jason ContantNavacord Corp. is expanding its reach in northern Alberta with the addition of Stone Insurance Brokers. Based in Manning, Alta., Stone Insurance Brokers services clients across northern Alberta and British Columbia, specializing in forestry, farming, transportation and oil and gas. …
Expanding brokerage announces rebrand, new approach to insurance
February 16, 2022 by Jason ContantOntario brokerage Mitchell & Whale Insurance Brokers has announced it is rebranding its company under the new name Mitch. Announced on Valentine’s Day, the rebrand will officially launch in late March and will be accompanied by a new value proposition…
Why Intact beat its own expectations in recent quarters
February 9, 2022 by Jason ContantIntact Financial Corporation expects its combined ratio to marginally improve in Canada as it continues to beat its own financial result expectations, the insurer’s chief financial officer says during an earnings call. Canada’s largest insurer saw operating direct premiums written…
Regulation: A threat or benefit to innovation?
February 8, 2022 by Jason ContantWhile there is a perception that regulation is a threat to innovation in the Canadian financial services space, that’s not the case, say executives from a fintech hub. “[For] any start-up here in Canada, I think there’s a bit of…
How Intact is faring with the RSA integration
February 3, 2022 by Jason ContantIntact Financial Corporation’s integration of RSA plc is on track, with earnings slightly better than originally anticipated, the insurer’s chief executive officer reports. The deal increases Intact’s specialty lines presence in North America by close to 30%, Intact Financial Corporation…
Indemnities can significantly increase the risk to your client
February 1, 2022 by Michael CareyCorporations are increasingly using standard form agreements to conduct business with suppliers. If your client is faced with one, watch out for the inclusion of an unlimited indemnity. A standard form agreement provides several benefits to the corporation that drafts…
Ransomware claims: behind the scenes
January 27, 2022 by Ashley BurdonSadly, many of your clients will have fallen victim to cybercrime over the past couple of years – their data held hostage, systems suspended, or payments redirected by some faceless criminal halfway around the world. Worse, despite the clear benefit…
The biggest cyber threats for your small business client
January 26, 2022 by Jason ContantYour small business clients have a significant susceptibility to spoofing and clickjacking cyberattacks, a new survey finds. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) cybersecurity company CyberCatch randomly sampled 1,850 small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Canada across 10 industry segments. Spoofing (84.3% of SMBs…
Customers rank P&C industry’s winners and losers during COVID
January 25, 2022 by David GambrillCOVID-19 has shown that Canadians appreciate insurance agents and brokers with good attitudes and product knowledge. But insurance companies are still struggling with basic service issues like phone wait times, billing/payment, and policy cancellation, according to an analysis of more…