Biba makes 10 ‘key asks’ to stakeholders as it launches 2026 manifesto

Biba has made 10 “key asks” of stakeholders as it launched its 2026 manifesto at the Houses of Parliament today (14 January 2026).

Entitled Economic Resilience, the association’s annual document sets out its agenda items and action points for the year ahead.

For the first time, the manifesto sets out clear summaries of 10 requests it is making to the industry, government and regulator and, in turn, the 10 “key commitments” the association has made to help build resilience.

Among the trade body’s pledges this year is to create a new startup in broking guide, work with Markel to expand insurance broker understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), build a directory of brokers able to advise on, and place, cyber risk and signpost businesses to it, further improve insurer service, educate SMEs on the benefits of using a broker, support leaseholders, support members with their own professional indemnity (PI) by delivering a new guide to brokers’ PI risks and run another Ben the Broker campaign.

Alongside all this, Biba will ask the FCA for further simplification of the rulebook and request that the industry promotes cyber insurance and works together to reduce flood risk and introduce the new fair value product information exchange template.

As for the government, Biba has asked that there is no increase in insurance premium tax (IPT) over the course of this Parliament and that a new Financial Services Bill is introduced.

Biba chief executive Graeme Trudgill said the association was pressing Treasury to introduce a new Financial Services Bill early in the next parliamentary session to act as a legislative vehicle for reforms already trailed by government and regulators.

He added: “We want to be crystal clear on what we want to achieve for our members and highlighting the most important issues puts them sharply into focus.

”A key part of our asks is to ensure that the reforms announced by His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA are implemented as a matter of urgency, driving efficiencies so that our members can actively contribute our nation’s resilience.

”A Financial Services Bill is needed early in 2026 to realise the Leeds Reforms, and we will work constructively with the FCA to continue creating efficiencies for insurance brokers.”

Wins from 2025

This manifesto comes after last year’s Partnering to deliver value document, which focused on regulation, the government’s growth mission and collaboration.

Speaking to Insurance Times, Trudgill said: ”I’m really pleased to say that I think it was probably our most successful ever year.

“We had at least 20 wins within it, which was fantastic.”

This includes an improvement in insurer service, the government increasing flood defence spending and the FCA streamlining regulation.

Ahead of developing the 2026 manifesto, Biba garnered member views across the country and a consistent theme was on helping brokers become more efficient.

Biba said it hopes the manifesto demonstrates how it intends  to help brokers to deliver resilience for themselves, for people, for businesses and for the economy. 

The trade body’s new chair, Caroline Barr, said: This is a manifesto for the times we are facing.

”Resilience to financial shock is essential for people, businesses and the economy. Insurance brokers are key to building resilience, providing insurance cover that gives families peace of mind and businesses the confidence to grow and thrive.

”We are committed to ensuring that insurance is available to all those who need it and to helping our members deliver on that need.”