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Accenture Partners with Verizon to Help Organizations Tackle Emerging Cyber Threats 0

Accenture Partners with Verizon to Help Organizations Tackle Emerging Cyber Threats

Verizon Business and Accenture will help customers across all industries and businesses of all sizes become cyber resilient. New advanced services will help companies identify security vulnerabilities and detect, respond to and recover from cyberattacks and will be integrated with Verizon’s portfolio of network solutions. The partnership will focus on the most pressing areas of risk: identity and access management (IAM), managed extended detection and response (MxDR) and cyber risk services. New York, NY (Mar. 31, 2025) – To address the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, Verizon Business and Accenture have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and delivery of advanced cybersecurity solutions. The agreement aims to help businesses of all sizes mitigate a range of growing threats, from data breaches to phishing attacks to social engineering and beyond. Combining both companies’ strengths in cybersecurity and networking, the partnership will begin by offering new as-a-service capabilities including Identity and Access Management (IAM), Managed Extended Detection and Response (MxDR), as well as cyber risk services. Following this initial phase, the partnership will concentrate on co-innovating new solutions. “Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses. With our decades of experience in this area, Verizon is committed to offering solutions that protect...

IBAC Launches Smarter, More Interactive Hub for Insurance Brokers 0

IBAC Launches Smarter, More Interactive Hub for Insurance Brokers

IBAC Launches New IBAC Tech Website Toronto, ON (Apr. 14, 2023) – The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) is pleased to announce the official launch of its newly redesigned IBAC Tech website—a modernized and interactive hub designed to support Canadian P&C insurance brokers in staying informed, efficient, and ahead of the curve. The updated site brings together IBAC’s commitment to supporting brokers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With a streamlined layout and improved navigation, the new IBAC Tech platform makes it easier for brokers to stay informed, with access to timely technology insights, industry updates, and collaborative resources—all in one place. “We know that technology is moving fast—whether it’s AI, data-driven tools, or new platforms—and brokers need support to keep up while continuing to deliver the trusted advice and personalized service clients rely on” said Peter Braid, IBAC CEO. “This new site isn’t just a refresh—it’s a resource built by brokers, for brokers. It offers real-time updates, educational tools, and insights to help brokers streamline operations, adopt new technologies, and stay competitive in a digital-first market—without losing the human touch.” Key features of the new IBAC Tech website include: A modern, user-friendly interface that makes browsing more intuitive...

QuickFacts Welcomes Ken Sedgewick as Strategic Partnerships Manager 0

QuickFacts Welcomes Ken Sedgewick as Strategic Partnerships Manager

Toronto, ON (Apr. 14, 2025) – QuickFacts, an insurance software company dedicated to aggregating underwriting appetite and workflows, is excited to announce the addition of Ken Sedgewick to its team as Strategic Partnerships Manager. With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ken brings deep expertise and a hands-on understanding of what it takes to drive innovation and deliver value across the sector. Ken’s career spans a wide range of roles, from working as a front-line broker to collaborating with insurers, brokerages, and industry associations across Canada. His qualifications include a Level 2 insurance license and a CAIB designation, both of which reflect his ongoing commitment to professional development and industry excellence. Additionally, Ken has experience in niche Lloyd’s-backed products, giving him a unique insight into both traditional and emerging market trends. In his new role at QuickFacts, Ken will focus on cultivating strategic relationships with both new and existing insurance carriers and vendors. His goal is to foster partnerships that will maximize value for QuickFacts users, with an emphasis on ensuring that all parties in the insurance ecosystem can engage seamlessly and efficiently. His expertise in navigating the complex dynamics between brokers, insurers, and technology solutions will...

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How to Take RMDs in a Down Market

What is a high deductible health plan for purposes of an HSA? Get Answer Are remote workers eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Get Answer Is the value of employer-provided coverage under accident or health insurance taxable income to an employee when the coverage is provided for the employee’s spouse, children or dependents? Get Answer What auto-enrollment rules apply to 401(k) plans starting in 2025? Get Answer What are the penalties for failing to comply with the FBAR filing requirements? Get Answer What are the payment options that must be made available to employees on FMLA leave? Get Answer Can a 401(k) plan sponsor distribute a former participant’s account balance without consent after the participant separates from service? Get Answer Can participation in a health FSA impact an individual’s ability to contribute to an HSA? Get Answer

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SEC Backs Off Dealer Rule, but Legal Uncertainty Remains — SEC Roundup

Welcome to SEC Roundup, a bimonthly video series by former Securities and Exchange Commission senior trial counsels Nick Morgan and Tom Zaccaro, founders of the nonprofit advocacy group Investor Choice Advocates Network. The SEC’s controversial dealer rule was struck down in federal court, and the agency has since withdrawn its appeal (and apparently backed off of other ongoing litigation) — effectively killing the rule. But the fight over who qualifies as a securities dealer isn’t over. While the rule itself is no longer in effect, past court rulings have upheld the SEC’s broader interpretation in certain enforcement cases, leaving legal uncertainty. In this episode, Morgan is joined by Daniel Austin and Suzan Rose from the Alternative Investment Management Association to break down the latest developments. They discuss the SEC’s attempt to redefine securities dealers through rulemaking and litigation, why the court struck down the dealer rule and what the SEC’s withdrawal of its appeal means, the impact of past rulings that supported an expanded dealer definition, and what’s next for pending litigation and future SEC enforcement strategies. As the SEC reassesses its approach, financial professionals and market participants must stay alert to potential shifts in regulatory enforcement. Tune in for...

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US Excess & Surplus Lines Boost London Market Re/Insurers’ Topline Growth

Article 0 Comments The U.S. excess and surplus (E&S) lines market continues to offer profitable growth opportunities for insurers and reinsurers in the London market – which could help counteract some possible headwinds, according to a report from AM Best. “Excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurance in the US is a notable contributor to the topline of many London market companies and is expected to continue to provide profitable growth opportunities over the near term,” said the report titled “Market Segment Outlook: London Market Insurance,” which was published on April 8. AM Best said the outlook for the U.S. E&S segment remains positive, owing to its “significant growth and efficient capacity deployment against the backdrop of declining capacity of admitted carriers.” (The report explained that London market re/insurers write business globally, but there is a geographical bias towards North America.) U.S. admitted carriers are turning away from property lines, which have seen higher loss activity, higher reinsurance costs and retentions of risk, which are all driving premium dollars into the E&S segment, according to a separate AM Best report, specifically covering the US E&S market, which was published on March 28. “Other lines being cast off by admitted carriers and...

Deloitte Canada acquires Groundswell Group Inc. to enhance AI and cloud transformation capabilities 0

Deloitte Canada acquires Groundswell Group Inc. to enhance AI and cloud transformation capabilities

Acquisition of Groundswell Group Inc. to enhance Deloitte’s AI and cloud transformation capabilities in Western Canada and nationally New York, NY (Apr. 3, 2025) – Deloitte Canada is pleased to announce it is acquiring leading AI and data integration firm Groundswell Group Inc. to increase its ability to serve clients from Western Canada across major growth areas of artificial intelligence and cloud transformation. Deloitte’s second acquisition of 2021, Groundswell will enhance the firm’s critical digital transformation capabilities—including machine learning, intelligent automation and cloud data engineering—which have accelerated due to COVID-19. “This is a very exciting time for AI and cloud transformation, and pairing up with Groundswell is yet another way of showing our commitment to helping Canada transform as a country by serving this fast-growing space and our mid-market and large clients,” said Anthony Viel, CEO, Deloitte Canada. “Not only does this move secure Deloitte’s position as the number one artificial intelligence consultancy in Canada, but it’s an especially big win for how we serve our Western Canada and national clients with end-to-end services to help them transform at scale and thrive.” Founded in Calgary in 2001, Groundswell is the largest AI and data management firm in Western Canada. Groundswell...

EY Future Consumer Index: US consumers rethink brand loyalty as macroeconomic pressure mounts 0

EY Future Consumer Index: US consumers rethink brand loyalty as macroeconomic pressure mounts

73% of US consumers have changed their buying habits after price increases over the past year. 50% of US consumers consider price as the most important factor while making purchasing decisions. While 76% of US consumers say private labels are helping them save money (+9 percentage points increase compared with September 2023), 55% who try private label switch back to branded options. New York, NY (Mar. 27, 2025) – The 15th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index (FCI), a global study surveying 20,000 consumers across 26 countries, including 1,500 in the US, reveals that 73% of US consumers have changed their buying habits after price increases over the past year amid growing economic concerns. While private label products are increasingly recognized as money savers, 55% who try private label switch back to brands, nearly half (48%) of them for better quality, taste or performance. Decoding consumers changing values. With inflationary pressures continuing to shape buying behavior, consumers aren’t just buying labels anymore. US consumers prioritize price and quality over brand familiarity. Established brands can no longer reduce pack size or raise price without facing scrutiny. In the US, shoppers have cited that they are most likely to reduce purchase...

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Wellington, Vanguard, Blackstone Collaborate on New Multi-Asset Investment Products

What is a high deductible health plan for purposes of an HSA? Get Answer Are remote workers eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Get Answer Is the value of employer-provided coverage under accident or health insurance taxable income to an employee when the coverage is provided for the employee’s spouse, children or dependents? Get Answer What auto-enrollment rules apply to 401(k) plans starting in 2025? Get Answer What are the penalties for failing to comply with the FBAR filing requirements? Get Answer What are the payment options that must be made available to employees on FMLA leave? Get Answer Can a 401(k) plan sponsor distribute a former participant’s account balance without consent after the participant separates from service? Get Answer Can participation in a health FSA impact an individual’s ability to contribute to an HSA? Get Answer

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Hertz Says Hackers Stole License Numbers, Credit Card Data

Article 0 Comments Hertz is alerting customers to a data breach involving drivers’ license numbers and other personal information following a hack in its supply chain. The car-rental company said in a posting on its website that it completed an analysis of the incident on April 2 and determined the affected information may include names, credit-card data, driver’s license information and details related to workers’ compensation claims. The company confirmed in February that attackers obtained Hertz data during a security incident at a vendor, an enterprise software firm Cleo Communications US, according to the posting. “Our forensic investigation has found no evidence that Hertz’s own network was affected by this event,” according to a statement provided by a company spokesperson on Monday. “However, among many other companies affected by this event, we have confirmed that Hertz data was acquired by an unauthorized third party that we understand exploited zero-day vulnerabilities within Cleo’s platform in October 2024 and December 2024.” Hertz uses Cleo for limited purposes, the car-rental company said. A ransomware group last year leveraged Cleo technology to target some of the company’s partners, according to the cybersecurity firm Huntress. Cleo in December released an update to address the software...