The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is prompting reinsurers to rapidly reprice and recalibrate risk across many lines, with continuity of coverage and trade as primary objective, even amid rising instability. If the war continues for an extended period, it will impact the revenue growth of top reinsurers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region over the next few years, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.
With oil-driven inflation volatility, both BoE and Fed likely to prioritise credibility over speed, says Rathbones’ John Wyn Evans, Head of Market Analysis. Scars from Russia-Ukraine war will inform both central bank and investor mindsets as Middle East conflict continues
Apocryphally, a Sultan wanted an inscription on his signet ring that would be true forever, so he tasked his wisest subjects to come up with something. They came back with “this too shall pass”. Had they worked in finance, they may have said something slightly less pithy, like “there’s a price at which anything is worth buying, it just might not be the current one”. While somewhat trite, it’s also true, and has corollaries.
Rising inheritance tax exposure is prompting families to gift earlier but with safeguards over how wealth is used. Trust usage is rising fast with 121,000 registered in 2024/5, taking the total number to 835,000. Intergenerational strategies becoming an increasingly central component of financial advice and wealth planning
Only 12% of Brits know the exact rate of pension tax relief they receive. One in three (29%) have already, or have plans to top up their pension before tax year end, with 48% not currently planning to. One in ten (11%) would prioritise a pension top-up if they had spare savings.
FTSE 100 edges up. Asian stocks fall despite positive surprises in China. Brent Crude at $104 per barrel. Fed, BoE, ECB, BoJ to set rates this week. Gold falls below $5,000 per ounce. US stock futures rise. NVIDIA GTC kicks off as tech investors assess what’s next for AI
This is the first in a series on pricing in a softening market. Here we focus on the growing gap between technical price and market price. Later articles will dive into thoughts on judgement and governance. As rates soften across many lines in the London Market, it is worth stepping back and asking a simple question: what role should technical pricing play when the softening market is driving the price? Soft markets are not new. What feels different today is the amount of investment in pricing transformation.
With more than 10 million workers having been newly enrolled into workplace pensions as a result of automatic enrolment, and with the changing make-up of the UK population, pension scheme membership is becoming much more diverse than in the past.
More than six in ten employers (62%) fear more employees will opt out of workplace pensions due to financial pressure. Almost two thirds (61%) expect employees to reduce pension contributions to cope with day-to-day living costs. Nearly six in ten (59%) say employees do not understand how valuable pensions are as part of their total reward. Almost half (49%) admit they do not communicate or promote their pension effectively
UK economy flatlines in January, UK stocks open lower. US markets stumble as investors begin to price in a prolonged conflict. Energy markets see a rare moment of calm, but no sign of easing. Gold on track for back-to-back weekly losses
AI investments and an explosion of megadeals are creating a K-shaped M&A market. Explore how today's relentless capital spending on AI could be tomorrow's catalyst for deals in PwC's global M&A industry trends 2026 outlook.
Bank of England faces tough decision on interest rates when it meets next Thursday (19 March). MPC members voted 5-4 to hold at the last meeting, with four members voting for a cut to interest rates. The Bank’s playbook is being re-written as the war in Iran impacts global energy prices. Airfares and fuel prices are already surging. Just weeks ago markets had been expecting at least two cuts in 2026 – now they’re eyeing a potential hike
We take a look at what has happened over the last 25 years in pensions, and what could happen in the next 25 years? Over the past 25 years, the UK pensions landscape has transformed. Benefit accrual in defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, once the cornerstone of UK retirement provision, has largely disappeared from the private sector. Defined contribution (DC) schemes and automatic enrolment have become the norm, with an increasing shift in risk from employers to individuals.
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has responded to the current FCA consultation on ESG ratings. The consultation seeks industry views on FCA proposals to regulate the ESG ratings market, with the aim of making ESG ratings more transparent, reliable and understandable.
FTSE 100 opens down as oil price climbs back to $100. Buyer demand for UK houses dries up in February. Tech stocks hold their own – Uber partners with Amazon’s Robotaxi start up. Stable US CPI inflation offers markets a ray of light
Report from a coalition of nine major providers* highlights how pensions are out of sync with the modern finance worldFinds legacy pension providers can delay legitimate pension transfer requests through misuse of anti scam legislationAnalysis suggests that digital pension platforms will provide £18bn annual benefits to the UK economy by 2055.
As families across the UK celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, it is important to reflect not only on the essential role mothers play within their households and communities, but also be aware of the sacrifices they make and the financial disadvantages many can face in later life as a result.
Mark Futcher, Head of DC Pensions at Barnett Waddingham (Part of Howden) “The tabled amendment to increase the proposed salary sacrifice cap to £5,000 – if it ultimately remains in place – is a welcome step in recognising the vital role it can play in helping people build their pension savings.
Fraudsters are using people’s personal details to take over their pension accounts and steal savings, new analysis indicates. TPR warns pensions industry to tighten their security to protect their scheme members after reports spike
Nearly a quarter (23%) of investors risk facing poor financial outcomes by going against the recommendations of their financial adviser, new research from Scottish Widows has revealed.
Aon has advised Achmea Pension & Life Insurance on broking the longevity risk on a back book of €8 billion of defined benefit group pension contracts, individual annuities and individual pensions.
Following dramatic spikes earlier in the week, the oil price fell to below $90. Lower oil has proved a relief trade for stocks, and Asian markets have rallied. Futures for Europe and the US are mixed – noting that the war is far from over. JPMorgan downgrade private credit portfolio adding to cockroaches concerns. Oracle results, shares up 12%
Quantum Advisory have published the latest results from its quarterly Fiduciary Management (FM) Dashboard as part of its ongoing ‘State of Play’ series.
Insurance exists to protect people from uncertainty — yet, as the U.K. Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy highlights[i], affordability and accessibility remain persistent barriers, particularly for renters, self-employed workers, and lower-income households. But beyond cost, there is a deeper issue of visibility: insurance providers may struggle to meet the needs of vulnerable people if they can’t see them clearly. That’s where the value of a single customer view becomes critical