Cyber Risk
Scattered Spider Behind Cyberattacks on M&S and Co-op, Causing Up to $592M in Damages
The April 2025 cyber attacks targeting U.K. retailers Marks & Spencer and Co-op have been classified as a "single combined cyber event."
That's according to an assessment from the Cyber Monitoring Centre (CMC), a U.K.-based independent, non-profit body set up by the insurance industry to categorize major cyber events.
"Given that one threat actor claimed responsibility for both M&S and Co-op, the close timing, and the similar tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), CMC has assessed the incidents as a single combined cyber event," the CMC said.
The organization has categorized the disruption of the retailers as a "Category 2 systemic event." It's estimated that the security breaches will have a total financial impact of £270 million ($363 million) to £440 million ($592 million).
Cybersecurity
However, the cyber attack on Harrods around the same time has not been included at this stage, citing a lack of adequate information about the cause and impact.
The initial access vector employed in the attacks targeting Marks & Spencer and Co-op revolved around the use of social engineering tactics, particularly targeting IT help desks.
The CMC further noted that its attribution efforts are still ongoing. That said, the notorious cybercrime group known as Scattered Spider (aka UNC3944) is believed to be behind the intrusions.
The group, an offshoot of the larger cybercrime community known as The Com, has a track record of leveraging its English-speaking members to carry out advanced social engineering attacks where they impersonate members of a company's IT department to obtain unauthorized access.
"The impact from this event is 'narrow and deep,' having significant implications for two companies, and knock-on effects for suppliers, partners, and service providers," the CMC said.
Earlier this week, Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) revealed that Scattered Spider actors have begun to target major insurance companies in the United States.
News
Alabama - Aerial Imagery Uses and Limitations
The Alabama Department of Insurance published a bulletin providing information on the allowable use of aerial imagery in insurance activities, following in the footsteps of a few other states. The bulletin applies to homeowner, commercial property, and casualty insurance.
The Department first defines aerial imagery as photographs, videos, or other visual data captured using satellites, aircraft, drones, or other aerial platforms. The use of aerial imagery is permitted and can make the claims process more efficient; however, insurers should be aware of its limitations.
Aerial images can be blurry, outdated, or unclear in showing the damage to a property. When being used as a reason for nonrenewal or cancellation, or in claims handling, they should not be the only tool used. If, for example, an insurer is concerned about the condition of a roof because of aerial photos, they should follow up with a physical inspection. In addition, Insurers using aerial imagery to justify nonrenewal or cancellation of a policy should provide the policyholder with copies of the images to allow them a chance to dispute the accuracy of the images.
Research
ISG to Study Providers of Strategic Insurance Services
Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm, has launched four research studies examining providers of services that address the complex needs of insurance enterprises.
The study results will be published in four ISG Provider Lens™ reports: Insurance Global Capability Centers (GCCs) by Service Providers, Insurance GenAI and Agentic AI Services, Insurance Services Specialists and Insurance Digital Engineering Services. The reports are scheduled to be released in November 2025.
Enterprise buyers will be able to use information from the reports to evaluate their current vendor relationships, potential new engagements and available offerings, while ISG advisors use the information to recommend providers to the firm’s buy-side clients.
The insurance services ecosystem is evolving to address demands for streamlined processes, enhanced customer interactions and greater adaptability. Insurance companies increasingly use GCCs as essential hubs to boost operational efficiency. The integration of advanced AI technologies, such as generative AI and agentic AI, has become crucial for enhancing customer experience and operational resilience. Enterprises are seeking insurance services specialists to address skills gaps through tailored solutions. At the same time, digital engineering is transforming the industry by streamlining design-to-execution processes.
“Insurance enterprises are navigating a steep landscape of digital transformation, embracing advancements in AI and digital engineering,” said Iain Fisher, director at ISG. “Providers play a crucial role in fostering these capabilities, ensuring that companies are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.”
AI in Insurance
Aon Launches Aon Broker Copilot to Modernize Insurance Placement with AI and Data at Scale - Jun 23, 2025
Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the launch of Aon Broker Copilot, a proprietary, patent-pending platform that uses artificial intelligence, large-language models and predictive analytics to transform the commercial insurance placement process.
Developed in-house and co-designed with the firm's frontline brokers, Aon Broker Copilot is designed to streamline complex workflows, elevate placement strategy and deliver better outcomes for clients navigating an increasingly volatile risk environment.
"Aon Broker Copilot equips our brokers with the tools to lead with insight powered by client priorities and real-time data," said Clyde Bernstein, head of placement technology and trading analytics for Aon. "For the first time, we're capturing and structuring data across all submissions—quoted or not taken up—so we can provide brokers and clients with live intelligence of pricing, carrier appetite and market sentiment. It's a smarter, faster way to make better decisions."
By capturing and standardizing data from every submission—whether quoted, bound, or declined—Aon Broker Copilot provides an unprecedented view into how the global insurance market is pricing risk. This comprehensive dataset allows Aon to move beyond anecdotal insights, enabling brokers to deliver sharper, real-time advice to clients based on actual market behaviour, not just completed deals. It fills a critical intelligence gap, helping clients make better decisions in a dynamic and competitive environment.
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Commentary/Opinion
Plenty of Investor Interest in Insurance Despite Drop in Deal Volume, Says PwC
Deal volume is down but the total value of the deals that were made is up, according an analysis by PwC of mergers and acquisitions in the insurance sector.
The look at M&A activity showed total deal value within the insurance sector of $30 billion from 209 deals for the six-month period ending May 15. This compares to a value of $20 billion on 297 deals for the prior six-month period ending November 15, 2024.
“The insurance sector continues to be attractive to investors and has remained resilient through challenging market conditions,” said Mark Freidman, insurance deals leader at PWC
Tesla Finally Launches Its Robotaxi. What Comes Next? | Insurance Thought Leadership
The stock added almost $100 billion of market cap on the news, and some analysts argue a revolution is at hand, including for insurers. Really?
Now that Elon Musk has finally begun a robotaxi service, after nearly a decade of hype, fans are declaring that we've entered a whole new world that will, among many other things, mean the phaseout of personal auto insurance.
The stock market seems to agree that what one calls the "golden age of Tesla" is here: It carries a market cap of $1.09 trillion, and analysts say some 75% of that valuation stems from projections about the company's driverless technology.
I'm unconvinced, including for a reason that has been ignored in all the coverage I've seen.
I'll explain.
Paul Carroll is the editor-in-chief of Insurance Thought Leadership
Why We Need a New Data Model in Insurance | Insurance Thought Leadership
Insurers are great at using their abundant data for analysis but can't constantly mine it for insight that drives action in real time.
Data-led insurance is a necessity, and despite the millions of dollars spent on transformation projects, it is something the sector has yet to make happen. I know what you're thinking, "Sheesh, why doesn't this guy know that insurance already has massive data scale?"
I get it. I really do. But being data heavy isn't the same as being data rich. Certainly, the adage is true: Data is the new oil. However, the issue isn't the volume of data at insurers' fingertips. The challenge is extracting it, refining it and using it operationally in a way that builds massive value in the new economy.
It's this disconnect that I believe has led to a stall zone in insurance, especially in the face of the AI onslaught. It's something that must be overcome to achieve the data-led transformations that are demanded by customers and create the engines to drive the sustainability of the sector.
Rory Yates is the SVP of corporate strategy at EIS, a global core technology platform provider for the insurance sector.
InsurTech/M&A/Finance💰/Collaboration
Yardify Partners With NEXT Insurance To Offer Landscaping Pros Liability Coverage
Yardify, Inc., the Landscaping On Demand pioneer with a simple mission to Create Beauty™, has teamed with NEXT Insurance to offer Landscaping Pros on its platform liability coverage.
Yardify's new partnership with NEXT Insurance provides Landscaping Pros who traditionally have not been able to secure lability insurance the opportunity to work with the insurance industry's leading provider of tailored insurance solutions for small business owners.
"This is a rare triple win in the business world," commented Yardify founder Tom Rapko. "Now Landscaping Pros traditionally marginalized by legacy insurance companies can obtain insurance coverage for their businesses, Yardify Clients have added peace of mind, and NEXT Insurance can deliver great solutions to an underserved community."
Yardify encourages Landscaping Pros to download the Yardify App on the Apple App Store or visit today to apply.
Announcements
LKQ Corporation and IAA’s SYNETIQ Announce Strategic European Joint Venture - CollisionWeek
Venture a key step in Europe-wide vehicle recycled parts strategy.
LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ: LKQ), today announced that LKQ Europe has entered into a joint venture with SYNETIQ Ltd., an IAA company. LKQ Europe is the leading distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans, and industrial vehicles in Europe. SYNETIQ is one of the UK’s leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling companies.
LKQ SYNETIQ, the newly named joint venture, will combine LKQ’s unrivalled distribution reach and data-driven logistics network with SYNETIQ’s market-leading dismantling, reuse and remanufacturing expertise with approximately 27,000 vehicles dismantled annually across four UK sites in 2024. The joint venture is a key building block in the development of LKQ Europe’s salvage channel and its ability to meet future EU Fit-for-55, End-of-Life Vehicle and battery-recycling regulations. It also further enhances SYNETIQ’s strategic goal of maximizing the environmental and financial potential of every vehicle.
The joint venture will be led by SYNETIQ’s Dismantling Operations Director, Michael Hill; LKQ Europe’s Senior Project Director Salvage, Annick Jourdenais; and the CEO of LKQ Atracco and MD of LKQ Europe’s Salvage Channel, Magnus Tagesson.
Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director, LKQ Europe, said, “This joint venture is a major milestone in our mission to put sustainable, affordable mobility within reach of every workshop and body shop in Europe. By combining SYNETIQ’s dismantling and recycled parts expertise with LKQ’s unmatched parts catalogue and logistics footprint, we will give customers genuine choice, reduce the carbon footprint of repair and stay ahead of evolving European regulations. It is further proof that as market leader, we are not standing still but investing to keep our customers one step ahead. We will continue to look at further opportunities to expand this channel across Europe.”
Karl Werner, Chief Business Development Officer, at RB Global (NYSE: RBA) the parent company of IAA, added, “Partnering with LKQ allows SYNETIQ to accelerate the flow of quality reused and remanufactured components into UK repair networks. SYNETIQ has long been committed to sustainability, innovation and customer excellence. Together LKQ and SYNETIQ will offer insurers, body shops and workshops a seamless supply of sustainable parts while continuing to support and invest in the UK’s vibrant salvage community with the globally recognized IAA auctions.”
By bringing new aftermarket parts, certified remanufactured parts and quality-assured recycled parts into a single catalogue, LKQ SYNETIQ will offer affordable workshops and body shops, sustainable options for today’s increasingly complex repairs—including hybrid and EV models—and help them access “captive” OEM parts that are withheld from the independent aftermarket. LKQ will continue to acquire salvage vehicles and recycled parts from a variety of sources across Europe to provide the best availability and access to consumers. The additional demand generated by LKQ’s scale will channel fresh investment into the wider UK salvage sector to support and invigorate the industry.
QuantivRisk Appoints Former Progressive Insurance Chief Legal Officer Daniel P. Mascaro to Advisory Board
QuantivRisk, a leader in enhancing objectivity and transparency in auto accident liability determination through data-driven solutions, today announced the appointment of Daniel P. Mascaro, former Chief Legal Officer of the Progressive Corporation, to its Advisory Board. Mascaro brings over two decades of extensive legal, claims, and operational leadership experience from one of the nation's largest auto insurers, further strengthening QuantivRisk's strategic insights and industry expertise.
Mascaro's appointment underscores QuantivRisk's commitment to leveraging top-tier expertise from across the insurance landscape as it continues to innovate and drive market leadership in auto claim adjudication. His deep understanding of the legal and operational intricacies of auto insurance claims aligns perfectly with QuantivRisk's mission to deliver cutting-edge, objective solutions.
"We are incredibly honored to welcome Dan Mascaro to the QuantivRisk Advisory Board," said John Pettit, CEO of QuantivRisk. "His unparalleled experience provides an invaluable perspective"
Post this "We are incredibly honored to welcome Dan Mascaro to the QuantivRisk Advisory Board," said John Pettit, CEO of QuantivRisk. "His unparalleled experience as Chief Legal Officer and in various leadership roles at Progressive, particularly in claims and legal operations, provides an invaluable perspective. His insights will be instrumental as we continue to refine our solutions and expand our impact on the auto claims industry."
Embedded Insurance
Upcover combines insurance, legal access - Insurance News - insuranceNEWS.com.au
Insurtech Upcover has partnered with legal platform Lawpath to offer bundled insurance and legal services for small businesses and start-ups.
Companies can buy tailored cover and legal documents in one place online via both platforms.
Lawpath CEO Dominic Woolrych says his customers often ask for help with business insurance, while many Upcover clients need legal documents.
“This partnership brings two essential services under one roof, simplifying operations for Australia’s entrepreneurs and business owners,” he said.
Innovation
Indigo Launches Broker Portal to Streamline Medmal Distribution | Insurance Innovation Reporter
The new platform gives medical malpractice brokers real-time access to policy data and physician-level pricing.
Indigo, a Miami-based medical professional liability platform powered by AI, has launched a new Broker Portal designed to simplify distribution and service for medical malpractice brokers. The portal offers real-time quoting, prospecting, and policy-level access, reflecting Indigo’s ambition to modernize the medical malpractice insurance sector.
Developed in collaboration with broker partners, the portal eliminates many of the manual processes that have traditionally slowed down underwriting and quoting in the medmal space. For the majority of accounts, Indigo has removed the need for applications and loss runs, enabling real-time responses and physician-specific pricing.
“This is not just a portal—it’s a distribution revolution,” says Jason Foucher, Chief Product Officer, Indigo. “We’re eliminating the bottlenecks that have plagued medical malpractice for decades and replacing them with instant access, intelligent automation, and real-time visibility.”
Anthony R. O’Donnell // Anthony O'Donnell is Executive Editor of Insurance Innovation Reporter. For nearly two decades, he has been an observer and commentator on the use of information technology in the insurance industry, following industry trends and writing about the use of IT across all sectors of the insurance industry. He can be reached at AnthODonnell@IIReporter.com or (503) 936-2803.