Personnel Changes: Aon Appoints Shukri as UK Reinsurance Client Services Leader; Blenheim Underwriting Recruits Stratton-Thomsett from MS Amlin as Casualty Underwriter

Two notable appointments have been announced in the insurance and reinsurance sectors, highlighting fresh leadership at Aon and Blenheim Underwriting. Mehmet Shukri has stepped up as the new head of UK Client Services for Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions. Based in London, Shukri moves into this role right away. Before this, he was the deputy head of … Read more

Obsidian raises capital to pursue further growth.

Obsidian Insurance Holdings, Inc. is boosting its financial strength to keep up with fast growth. The company raised capital through issuing $40 million in senior notes and receiving $30 million in additional investments from current shareholders, including Genstar Capital. This move brings the group’s total capital and surplus to $131.65 million. Obsidian is the parent … Read more

Personnel Updates: Alliant Hires Assistant VP for Finance; InterCoastal Adds Blinn to PAs Team

Steven Money has stepped into a new role as assistant vice president at Alliant Insurance Services, joining the employee benefits group in Atlanta. With more than 20 years of experience, Money brings deep knowledge from both brokers and carriers. He focuses on serving mid-sized companies, offering solutions like self-funded plans, stop-loss insurance, captives, and reference-based … Read more

Growth of Shadow Tanker Fleet Slows as Western Sanctions Focus on Russian Oil

This year, fewer tankers have joined what’s known as the “shadow fleet” compared to previous years, as Western countries ramp up sanctions against Russia’s oil exports. The harshest restrictions yet have made it harder to find tankers willing to carry Russian oil, according to sources in the shipping industry. The European Union and Britain recently … Read more

World Insurance Purchases Abacus in Texas

World Insurance Associates LLC has expanded its reach by acquiring Abacus Insurance and Financial Services, a Texas-based company known for its focus on commercial insurance. The deal, which was finalized on April 1, 2025, brings Abacus’ expertise and client base under World Insurance’s umbrella. The financial terms of the acquisition were not made public. Abacus … Read more

Industry groups support California Commissioner’s insurance reforms.

A wide group of consumer and industry organizations is backing new insurance reforms proposed by Commissioner Ricardo Lara to fix delays and rising costs in California’s insurance market. The coalition stressed the need for urgent change, citing growing problems that affect homeowners, small businesses, farmers, builders, and more. In a letter to Commissioner Lara, the … Read more

Cyber insurance seeks stability amid rising risks from AI advancements.

The cyber insurance market is still trying to find the right balance between affordable prices and staying financially stable, according to Megan North, executive vice president at Amwins Insurance Brokerage. Despite efforts, the industry hasn’t yet figured out how to offer competitive rates while maintaining long-term sustainability. North explained that cyber insurance is a tricky … Read more

State Farm lowers auto insurance rates in Georgia

State Farm is cutting personal auto insurance rates again in Georgia, this time by 3%, marking another step in lowering costs for drivers. This latest approval from Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire adds to previous cuts, bringing the total average rate drop for State Farm customers in the state to … Read more