Protection M&As: Loss of a great underwriting philosophy or new opportunity?

clock • 2 min read

Alan Knowles questions whether the consolidation of major protection insurers last year represents a win or a loss for advisers and the overall market.

During 2015 we saw consolidation in the protection industry. Scottish Provident and Bright Grey merged and rebranded to Royal London. We also saw Friends Life and Aviva merge at the corporate level, with the rebrand to the Aviva banner now complete. Such unifications often present positive change with hopefully the best parts of each insurer retained and brought to the forefront. On the other hand, there is always anxiety when a brand disappears, especially for those of us who are big supporters of the original company. I remember dreading the Resolution buyout of AXA and Friend...

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