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Articles by Tom Spraggs
BMS creates new A&H division with five dedicated hires
BMS, the independent insurance and reinsurance broker, today announces five appointments to its newly created accident and health (A&H) division. These appointments are based in London and will complement existing BMS A&H relationships, providing solutions without territorial or client restriction. James Early – Managing Director Early joined as managing director on the 9th of February.
Why oh why do I need Tech PI?
As technology becomes increasingly embedded within financial institutions, it is arguable that through the inclusion of aspects such as proprietary software and embedded finance, even the most traditional businesses now need to consider whether their existing insurance arrangements cover their full range of risks. Now more than ever, it is crucial that firms ensure their insurance policies are aligned with the scope of the services they provide.
BMS Re US Appoints Tony Grippa as Chief Strategy Officer
BMS Re, the reinsurance arm of independent insurance and reinsurance broker BMS Group, today announced the appointment of Tony Grippa as Chief Strategy Officer for the US business. Grippa will report to Brad Melvin, President and CEO of BMS Re, and will serve on the firm’s US Executive Committee.
Winter Storm Fern: Familiar Peril, Complex Losses
Winter Storm Impacts Large Swath of the U.S.
In memoriam: Eugenio Sánchez Belda
It is with deep sadness that BMS Group announces the passing of our dear colleague, Eugenio Sánchez Belda, who died on 20 December in Seville. Eugenio dedicated more than four decades to the insurance industry. He began his career as an insurance broker in 1979, founding Sánchez Belda Insurance Brokerage, where he specialised in industrial risks. He later served as President of Eisenar Insurance Brokerage until 2023, when the firm became part of BMS.
BMS appoints Charlie Emkes as director of commercial D&O
BMS, the independent insurance and reinsurance broker, announces the appointment of Charlie Emkes as director of commercial directors and officers (D&O) solutions, effective from January 2026. Based in London, he will report to Tom Spraggs, director and head of financial institutions - UK retail. The newly created role will advance the current commercial D&O strategy and lead new business development efforts in coordination with other BMS and DR&P colleagues.
A Review of Natural Catastrophes of 2025 For The Insurance Industry
Surprise start to 2025 with the third-largest insurance loss in recent history The majority of these BMS Insights examine the Tropical Atlantic and overall hurricane impacts on the U.S., and for good reason: named storms account for 36.2% of total U.S. insurance industry losses over the last 10 years. However, 2025 presented a very different story, which is why this BMS Insight will take a closer look at key takeaways on how natural catastrophes are shaping the insurance industry.
BMS enters Indian market with Berns Brett partnership
BMS Group Ltd is delighted to announce a strategic partnership in India with Berns Brett India. Subject to regulatory approval, the company will be rebranded BMS (India) Ltd. Nick Gillett, CEO of BMS International, commented: “BMS’s regional investments from Turkey to India show the focus we are giving to these exciting areas of growth and our belief in their importance to the Group’s diversification and geographical strength.
BMS expands Middle East presence with BMS (DIFC) launch
BMS Group Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of BMS (DIFC) Ltd with immediate effect having secured the necessary Licence and Regulatory Approval. This secures another foundation stone of the Group’s regional strategy stretching from Turkey throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Ranji Sinha is formally appointed as SEO for BMS (DIFC) Ltd responsible for all business emanating from across the MENA regions plus Turkey and for all territories and classes underwritten in the DIFC.
BMS Re strengthens regional and mutuals expertise with new hires
BMS Re, the reinsurance arm of independent insurance and reinsurance broker BMS Group, today announces the strategic hires of Thomas Spataro and Thomas Spataro Jr., bringing decades of combined experience developing reinsurance solutions for regional and mutual insurance companies. They will be based in the Company’s Philadelphia office, reporting to Christa Coletti, Managing Director and Philadelphia Branch Manager.
BMS Tropical Update 10/28/2025
In our last post, we discussed how well our long-range forecasting has become and the hints that October would close out with some very scary scenarios unfolding as the unlucky 13th named storm of the season, Melissa, had formed.
BMS Tropical Update 10/22/2025
Say what you will about how bad weather forecasts are, but check for yourself. Since our last official BMS Tropical Update post here on 9/29/2025, we discussed “What is next and are we landfall-free?” In that post, we provided objective guidance indicating that climate models suggest tropical troubles will affect areas of the Central Caribbean between October 20th and 27th.
BMS Tropical Update 09/10/2025
Welcome to Peak Hurricane Season? Or Not? Today marks the 101st day of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season, which is also classified as the peak of the season or the halfway point. This is illustrated via the campfire plot produced by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which shows September 10th is the peak day when the historical record indicates the most storms per day have occurred.
AR policy statement – what could this mean for the insurance market?
Earlier this year, on 11 August, HM Treasury released a Policy Statement setting out the Government’s overall approach and targeted reforms of the Appointed Representatives (AR) legislative regime. The reforms carry important implications for principal firms, insurers and ARs alike.
BMS Tropical Update 08/19/2025
Far Away Impacts With Erin safely recurving between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda, there will be limited to no major insurance impacts. The biggest impact will occur on the Outer Banks of NC with winds expected to be 50-60 kt (60-70 mph) as Erin passes by some 230 miles (383 km) to the east. While the core of most destructive winds will stay offshore, these gusts could get close enough to cause some damage to homes that have not been fortified.
BMS Tropical Update 08/15/2025
When Hurricanes Fan the Flames: Could Hurricane Erin Spark a Gray Swan Wildfire Threat in Canada? Frequent readers of these BMS Tropical Updates know that the value added comes from taking unique views, often ones that no one else in the industry holds. This is why in this update, we take a slightly different angle to Erin's forecast and discuss something that needs to be considered late next week.
BMS Tropical Update 08/13/2025
Erin is Puting Bermuda on Watch Today's BMS Tropical update will build upon the ideas outlined in yesterday's BMS Tropical Update on the future track and intensity of Tropical Storm Erin. But first, let's discuss a topic that may also interest the broader insurance industry, given that Typhoon Padul made landfall on Taiwan as a Category 2 hurricane over the last 24 hours.
BMS Tropical Update 08/12/2025
73 days into the Atlantic Hurricane Season We are now 73 days into the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and up to this point, there has been little to talk about. Hence, the limited BMS Tropical Updates via e-mail since our seasonal outlook was issued, as overall, there have been no hurricanes, and the four tropical storms have been short-lived prior to yesterday.
BMS Group acquires boutique Australian property broker Corporate and…
BMS Group, the independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of QLD-based Corporate and Commercial Insurance Brokers. Corporate and Commercial Insurance Brokers was founded in 2006 providing risk management advice and insurance broking services to large, privately owned organisations.
BMS Tropical Update 06/05/2025
Focusing on Landfalls The insurance industry has an obsession with Atlantic Basin seasonal hurricane forecast numbers. Around this time of year, at the start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, June 1st, before the hurricane season kicks into high gear, which is often mid-August in any given season, there seems to be almost weekly insurance industry news items related to the overall activity expected during the season.
US Coastal Closes $330M Inaugural Catastrophe Bond with BMS as Joint…
BMS is pleased to announce the successful closing of Chartwell Re Ltd.
BMS Group acquires Oria, expanding its presence in the Turkish market
BMS Group, a leading independent global insurance and reinsurance broker, has acquired Istanbul-based Oria Sigorta ve Reasürans Brokerliği A.Ş., further strengthening its position in the Turkish market. This acquisition reinforces not only BMS Group’s long-term commitment to Turkey but is a core part of its regional development as it expands further into the Middle East and beyond, and it significantly enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive, client-focused solutions across the region.
BMS iVision Changes
For fourteen years, BMS iVision has been a cornerstone of our analytical offering since its launch in 2011. However, it is time for change. After an extensive evaluation of internal and external solutions, we are pleased to provide a new platform to enhance our geospatial analytics and reporting for risk management, catastrophe response, underwriting, and claims insights. For access to our new BMS Geospatial Platform, please contact: Andrew.Siffert@bmsgroup.com
Strengthening Homes & Business, Strengthening Communities: Lessons…
This week, 22 individuals representing BMS clients, their trading partners in the reinsurance markets, and some brokers had a unique and eye-opening experience at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). As a reinsurance broker, BMS is a long-standing member of the IBHS. To provide comprehensive solutions to our clients worldwide, we often analyze risks and help clients manage exposure to natural disasters.
BMS Group announces appointment of Jean-Jacques Henchoz as Chairman…
BMS Group, the specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-Jacques Henchoz to the role of Chairman of the Board, effective May 1, 2025.
BMS Group completes acquisition of Spanish broker Rasher and its…
BMS Group, the specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, announced today that after obtaining regulatory approvals, it has completed the acquisition of insurance broker Rasher, which specialises in surety, credit, finance and risk management solutions for corporate clients. Rasher is headquartered in Spain and has subsidiaries in Colombia and Peru.
BMS Severe Weather Update 03/13/2025
BMS Severe Weather Update 3/13/2025 Buckle up… Friday (3/14) and Saturday (3/15), the stage is set to be very active regarding severe weather and impacts to the insurance industry. Tornadoes (some strong), damaging winds and hail, and enhanced wildfire risk along the east could all occur. This results from yet another powerful low-pressure system that will bring record-breaking low air pressure to parts of the Central Plains of Kansas up into Minnesota for March.
BMS Re makes two further senior London hires
BMS Re, the reinsurance arm of independent insurance and reinsurance broker BMS Group, today announces two senior appointments. Jonathan Hughes and Martin Bartell join BMS from Howden Re and will be based in London. Both will report directly to Hannah Watkins, Chief Growth Officer. Jonathan Hughes joins BMS Re as managing director – non-marine reinsurance. Hughes brings three decades of experience to the role across major industry players including Guy Carpenter, Axis and Aon.
BMS bolsters reinsurance leadership team with the appointment of…
BMS, the independent insurance and reinsurance broker, today announces the appointment of Genna Biddell as Managing Director and Head of London P&C Re. Biddell will report into Brad Melvin, president and CEO, BMS Re US. She will develop and oversee the London P&C reinsurance business while closely collaborating with the reinsurance and programmes teams across the US, London, and Bermuda.
The year ahead, part 2: the other key trends set to impact financial…
Last week I published a piece looking at some of the changes to financial regulation – of which there are a number – poised to come into effect in 2025. But while the impact of these changes will be significant, they are not the only trends set to shape the financial landscape over the year ahead – far from it.
BMS Wildfires Update 01/14/2025
History does repeat itself. The Santa Ana winds and the accompanying raging wildfires have been a part of the ecosystem of the Los Angeles Basin for over 5,000 years, dating back to the earliest habitation of the region by the native American peoples. Newspaper archives have many photographs of regional damage dating back to the beginnings of news reporting in Los Angeles.
The year ahead: an increasingly complex regulatory environment
With a considerable number of new rules and directives poised to reshape how companies, financial institutions and insurers navigate compliance and risk management, 2025 will see the regulation landscape undergo significant transformation.
BMS Group to acquire leading Spanish broker Rasher and its Latin…
BMS Group, the independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, today announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the leading insurance broker Rasher, subject to regulatory approvals. The Rasher business is based in Spain, with Latin American subsidiaries in Colombia and Peru. Rasher excels in providing surety, credit, and risk management solutions to corporate clients.
BMS continues to strengthen energy practice with three new senior…
BMS, the independent insurance and reinsurance broker, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new senior energy industry experts – Charlotte Marsh, Jack Palmer, and Toby Hanington - to its fast-growing energy team, following the appointment of Rob Neighbour earlier this year. All will be based in London. Charlotte Marsh has joined BMS Energy as Divisional Director.
FCA’s Anti Greenwashing Rules: Accountability Milestone or Litigation…
In May this year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s anti-greenwashing rules came into force, applying to all regulated firms in the UK. Published as part of the regulator’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime, the new rules aim to enforce industry standards when it comes to the communication of sustainability-related claims within the financial services sector.
Case Study: Implementing Artificial Labs’ digital Contract Builder…
The context Blueprint Two (BP2) is the London Market’s modernisation programme aimed at delivering a digitally enabled marketplace. At its foundations are the Core Data Record (CDR) and the Market Reform Contract version 3 (MRCv3) – a new insurance contract in a changed format and structure that is machine readable.
BMS Specialty expands international footprint with the hiring of Ryan…
BMS Group (BMS), the independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, today announces the appointment of Ryan Phillips as Director & African Practice Leader. Based in London, Phillips will join BMS in March 2025, and will report to Paul Galvin, director. Phillips' geographical remit will encompass the entire African continent. He will collaborate closely with the wider BMS team, which primarily serves clients based in South Africa, to expand the regional footprint.
BMS Tropical Update - 11/15/2024
Since the last BMS Tropical Update, Sara has developed along the Honduras coastline. Sara is located close to Honduras' northern coast, with sustained winds of around 50 mph, as a tropical storm. As Sara continues to slowly skirt the northern coast of Honduras, it will dump a significant amount of rain inland. However, with that being said, the proximity to land is limiting organization and development.
BMS Tropical Update - 11/13/2024
The Atlantic hurricane season officially concludes at the end of November, and what may be its final chapter is now unfolding in the western Caribbean. It seems fitting that the intense 2024 Atlantic hurricane season might end on a dramatic note. Apparently, Hurricane Rafael did not make the cut, as it dissipated in the Central Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, November 10th. Now, a more dramatic ending that could possibly take shape could bring some late-season insurance industry losses.
BMS Tropical Update - 11/13/2024
The Atlantic hurricane season officially concludes at the end of November, and what may be its final chapter is now unfolding in the western Caribbean. It seems fitting that the intense 2024 Atlantic hurricane season might end on a dramatic note. Apparently, Hurricane Rafael did not make the cut, as it dissipated in the Central Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, November 10th. Now, a more dramatic ending that could possibly take shape could bring some late-season insurance industry losses.
The insurance perspective for ELTIF 2.0
Established in 2015 as a cross-border investment vehicle, the European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) has proven its ability to support economic growth, job creation, and the development of sustainable projects across the EU.
BMS Tropical Update - 10/31/2024
No need for Halloween scares This hurricane season has already been a challenging one for the insurance industry. Whether you are in the insurance or reinsurance industry or have been affected by Beryl, Debby, Francine, Helene, Milton, or any other hurricane, just like a scary movie, people are on the edge of their seats and are eager for this season to be over. However, there is still a month left in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season.
The risk landscape for UK Directors is becoming increasingly complex:…
With the Labour government now in power, it can be said with some certainty that there are numerous changes to UK regulation on the horizon. Picking up where Rishi Sunak left off, Keir Starmer has already made clear that he intends to address areas that are key to the economic growth – AI regulation and green investing being two that immediately spring to mind. And it’s not just the regulatory landscape that is evolving.
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