A GlobalData survey has found that a cyber protection gap persists across UK SME segments, driven by rising threat exposure and the under-penetration of cyber insurance. As SMEs deepen their reliance on digital systems and cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, many firms remain uninsured or underinsured relative to their exposure. GlobalData’s 2025 UK SME Insurance Survey found that cyber insurance penetration rises sharply in line with firm size: 13.1% of sole traders report holding cyber insurance, co ...

This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Cyber insurance prices are expected to remain flat through at least the first half of 2026, after “market softening conditions” that began three years ago have now mostly stabilized, according to global insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. The industry’s pricing has retreated from the highs that occurred in the very beginning of the “hard market cycle” o ...

Group 1: Acquisition Details - Zurich has made a bid of £7.7 billion ($10.3 billion) for Beazley, which could be one of the largest insurance acquisitions ever [1] - Beazley is currently urging its shareholders to reject the deal, despite a surge in its share price following the announcement [1] - Beazley has previously rejected several offers from Zurich, indicating a complex negotiation history [1] Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - Zurich is the second-largest player in the UK SME market for standalone cyber insurance, holding a 7% market share in 2025, just behind Aviva [2] - The acquisition aims to reduce Zurich's reliance on the US market and strengthen its presence in the UK, where Beazley operates as a specialty insurer [3] - Zurich ranks as the fourth-largest insurer in the UK with £3.5 billion ($4.7 billion) in gross written premium (GWP) and a market share of 4.4% [4] Group 3: Growth Potential - The global cyber insurance market is projected to grow from $22.2 billion in 2025 to $35.4 billion by 2030, highlighting a significant growth opportunity [5] - Acquiring Beazley, a specialist in cyber insurance, positions Zurich to capitalize on this expanding market [5]

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, a specialty re/insurer, has published new research examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the risk environment, based on perspectives from Chief Executive Officers and Chief Information Security Officers.In commissioning this study, AXIS Capital surveyed 500 CEOs and CISOs across the United States and the United Kingdom and found clear contrasts in how senior leaders assess AI’s risks, benefits, and implications for cyber readiness, with AXIS Capital consisten ...

Zurich Insurance Group AG has gone public with a £7.67 billion ($10.3 billion) bid to buy Beazley Plc, increasing pressure on the UK-listed company it’s been wooing for more than 12 months.The Swiss insurer offered to buy London-based Beazley at 1,280 pence a share in cash, according to a statement Monday, a 56% premium to the company’s closing price Friday. A deal would create a “global leader” in specialty insurance with about $15 billion of gross written premiums, Zurich said. The proposal is the fifth m ...

Professional advice and fears surrounding new technology (such as AI) are key cyber insurance policy triggers among SMEs as per a GlobalData survey. As the market becomes more preventative, specialised cyber policies may reduce the barrier to entry and help provide adequate protection for SMEs. According to GlobalData’s 2025 SME Survey, professional advice is the most important driver prompting global SMEs to take out a cyber insurance policy. Being advised by a broker is the single most important factor ...

Core Insights - Corgi Insurance has raised $108 million in funding and received regulatory approval to operate as the first AI-native, full-stack insurance carrier focused on start-ups [1][5] - The company aims to provide comprehensive insurance solutions for start-ups, emphasizing speed, coverage quality, and price [2][3] Funding and Backers - The funding round included participation from various investors such as Contrary, Glade Brook Capital Partners, Kindred Ventures, and Y Combinator, among others [1] - The capital raised will be utilized to expand insurance offerings and enhance product development [2] Business Model and Technology - Corgi operates as a full-stack carrier, managing the design and administration of insurance products internally, allowing for flexible policy adjustments as clients evolve [3] - The company leverages AI technology for underwriting, claims processing, and policy management, enabling instant quotations and adaptable coverage options [4] Market Focus and Offerings - Corgi's insurance portfolio targets venture-backed and fast-moving companies, offering coverage options such as AI liability, directors and officers liability, and cyber insurance [4] - Since receiving full regulatory approval in July 2025, the company has reported annual recurring revenue exceeding $40 million, indicating strong demand for its innovative insurance products [5]

Core Insights - Shares of Axis Capital Holdings (AXS) are showing bullish momentum, trading above both the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA) [1][8] - The stock has gained 20.5% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 11% [3][8] - Analysts have set a Zacks average price target of $118.18 per share, indicating an 8.7% potential upside from the last closing price [3] Company Performance - AXS is currently trading at a price-to-book multiple of 1.42, which is lower than the industry average of 1.52 but above the median of 1.37, suggesting it is undervalued compared to its peers [10] - The company has a trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) of 19%, significantly higher than the industry average of 8.1% [17] - AXS has maintained a strong dividend growth record, with 18 consecutive annual increases and a current yield of 2.3%, well above the industry average of 0.2% [16] Strategic Focus - AXS specializes in higher-value, less commoditized insurance products, targeting markets with higher margins and lower competitive intensity [13] - The company has expanded its underwriting capabilities and repositioned its portfolio over the past three years, resulting in improved performance and reduced volatility [14] - Strong client and distribution relationships are central to AXS's business model, enabling effective risk management and high service standards [15] Market Position - AXS is well-positioned in the specialty insurance market, with growth opportunities in segments such as marine cargo, cyber, and renewable energy, expected to deliver attractive double-digit returns on equity [13] - The company has a solid capital position and continues to enhance shareholder value through consistent dividend growth and share repurchases [16] Analyst Sentiment - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 revenues indicates a 5.1% year-over-year increase, but earnings are expected to decline by 0.1% [19] - Analyst sentiment remains muted, with no movement in the consensus estimate for 2026 earnings over the last 30 days [19]

Group 1: Core Themes Impacting Insurance - AI, cyber insurance, and climate change/natural catastrophes are identified as the three themes that will significantly impact the insurance industry in 2026 [1][5] - Insurers that lead in these themes are expected to experience enhanced performance, product offerings, and customer service [1] Group 2: AI in Insurance - AI is currently the leading technology trend in the insurance sector, with agentic AI expected to further amplify its influence by 2026 [2] - The total value of M&A deals in AI within the insurance industry surged by 328% in value and 125% in volume in 2025, driven by the rise of generative and agentic AI [3] Group 3: Cyber Insurance Market - The global cyber insurance market is projected to grow from $22.2 billion in 2025 to $35.4 billion by 2030, indicating substantial growth potential [4] Group 4: Climate Change and Natural Catastrophes - Climate change and the increase in severe weather events are major concerns for insurers, with natural catastrophe insurance seeing significant annual increases in premiums and claims [4] - The frequency of severe weather events poses a threat to the insurance industry, leading to large areas becoming uninsurable, which presents challenges for consumers [4]

Core Insights - The primary driver for SMEs purchasing cyber insurance is broker advice, highlighting the importance of broker-led distribution in increasing cyber insurance uptake among smaller businesses [2][3][4] - CFC Underwriting Limited has introduced a Cyber Threat Review tool aimed at helping brokers communicate cyber risks in understandable commercial terms, thereby addressing the SME cyber protection gap [3][4] Group 1: Cyber Insurance Market Dynamics - A GlobalData survey indicates that 26.7% of SMEs acquired cyber insurance due to broker recommendations, emphasizing the trust and clarity brokers provide in the purchasing process [2] - The survey also reveals that 40.4% of SMEs believe it is unlikely they will be targeted by a cyberattack, and 9.2% are unaware of cyber risks altogether, indicating a significant knowledge gap [3] Group 2: CFC's Cyber Threat Review Tool - The Cyber Threat Review tool offers tailored insights into specific cyber exposures, translating complex vulnerabilities into practical business risks such as financial loss and reputational damage [3][4] - By integrating risk intelligence into the distribution process, CFC aims to enhance broker effectiveness and improve SME awareness of cyber risks, ultimately supporting growth in this under-penetrated market [4]