Author: Benjamin Étoile

As per accountancy firm Deloitte’s 2026 Global Insurance Outlook, property and casualty (P&C) and life insurers are increasingly turning to investor-backed and other forms of alternative capital to navigate shifting market conditions.In its 2026 outlook, the firm notes that property and casualty (P&C) carriers will need more flexible capital models that blend self-retained and reinsured risk with investor-backed instruments such as catastrophe bonds and other insurance-linked securities (ILS) to better manage volatility and remain competitive. Moreover, Deloitte also explains that the P&C insurance segment appears to be moving beyond a prolonged hard cycle and entering a period of margin pressure…

Kashbox Coach Note: Leadership Coaching Crises are inevitable in any business or organization, and they come in many forms—economic downturns, public relations disasters, sudden market shifts, or global events that disrupt the status quo. While crises often bring fear, uncertainty, and instability, they also present a unique opportunity for leaders to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and vision. Effective leadership during these critical moments can transform a seemingly insurmountable challenge into a pivotal moment of growth and innovation. Rather than simply managing a crisis, great leaders use these moments to redefine their strategies, strengthen their teams, and emerge stronger on the other side.…

As major hurricane Melissa bears down on the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica, the significant intensity of the storm could activate the country’s parametric catastrophe bond and insurance protection triggers which, should they pay out, will provide a valuable source of financial liquidity and recovery funding at a particularly challenging time for the country.Hurricane Melissa remains a very major storm and is set to potentially become the strongest ever to hit Jamaica. At the latest forecast update from the National Hurricane Center, Melissa had sustained winds estimated around 175 mph, with gusts well over 200 mph and a minimum central…

Deals for P&C and benefits brokers in United States and Canada slip as market consolidation continues The pace of insurance agency mergers and acquisitions across the United States and Canada slowed slightly in 2025, with total announced deals through the third quarter down 7% year over year, according to OPTIS Partners’ latest M&A report. Overall, 520 transactions have been counted during the first three quarters of 2025, as compared to 560 during the same period in 2024. Deal volume, however, accelerated during the third quarter with 188 transactions were reported, representing a 5% increase from the second quarter. “Looking ahead…

Collard greens are a southern staple that have that comforting flavor of home and nostalgia to many Southerners. This dish combines the bitter, salty, and spicy flavors perfectly while getting a taste of this delicious and nutritious vegetable. Collard greens are usually paired with flavorful smoked meats like ham, bacon, or in this case turkey for a more complex, deeper flavor. How to prepare Collard Greens Ingredients 3 bunches of collard greens about 2 lbs. 2 cups onion diced 4 garlic cloves minced 1 green pepper diced 1 sweet bell pepper diced 1 tbsp jalapeno pepper diced 2 lbs. whole smoked turkey wings 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional) 2-3 tsp crushed red pepper 2 tsp onion powder 2 tsp garlic powder 3 cups chicken broth 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar 2 tbsp granulated sugar salt and pepper for taste Instructions Wash collard greens and remove the thick stems and veins from the leaves. Then…

Fifth Agency Network to Join Renaissance Since 2023 Renaissance Alliance is making a major expansion out west. The former family-owned insurance agency network founded in Wellesley announced its acquisition of the agency network business of Insurance Services of the West, LLC, which operates as Insurance Agency Network (IAN). Based in Washington, IAN is a membership organization with more than 70 member agencies representing $400 million in premium. The organization focuses on helping independent insurance agencies expand their operations through enhanced carrier access, agency management tools, technology solutions, and a collaborative peer community. “This acquisition expands Renaissance’s national footprint while strengthening…

Lefse is a Norwegian staple that migrated its way to the United States when many Norwegians immigrated to the Midwest, many years ago. Lefse can be eaten as a sweet or savory dish paired with foods like cinnamon butter or smoked salmon and cream cheese. Try out this delicious bread substitute for a holiday meal this year. How to make Lefse Ingredients 10 pounds potatoes ½ cup butter ⅓ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Instructions Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 20 minutes, until tender. Potatoes…

A new Nationwide 2025 Homeowners Survey reveals a striking generational divide in how Americans protect and maintain their homes. Millennials and Gen Z are adopting smart technology at higher rates, while Baby Boomers lean on traditional hands-on maintenance to keep their properties in shape. But despite their differing approaches, the report suggests both groups could benefit from blending technology with practical upkeep. A Blend of Tools and Tactics is Best As Nationwide’s Sarah Griffin, Senior Vice President of Personal Lines Product and Underwriting, put it: “Smart tech is a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for basic maintenance. The…

Following through with your desire to practice healthy eating habits can be tough, especially when you’re not entirely certain which foods are considered “healthy.” To help you maintain your healthy eating goals, here two powerful acronyms to drive home the truth about how you food affects your health, energy, weight, and sense of well-being. To get a better understanding of what makes a food “healthy,” let’s start with defining what food really does for our bodies. The definition of food: Any nourishing substance that is consumed or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, and promote growth…

Stone Ridge, the New York based alternative risk premia focused investment management group, has executed on a $1.2 billion adverse development reinsurance cover for global re/insurer Everest Group.The adverse development reinsurance agreement came into force from October 1st 2025 and was supported by reinsurer Longtail Re, which is an affiliate of Stone Ridge Holdings Group. Longtail Re, as a reinsurer with a growing stature in the market operates differentiated strategies, on the capital inwards side being backed at least in part via private investor funds, as well as in its asset management approach for the ongoing management of assets related…