Insurance Times Advent Calendar: Gary Humphreys

Open your advent calendar below!

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What do you hope to find under the industry’s Christmas tree for 2026?

Rate hardening! If Santa’s listening, forget the novelty socks and give us a little less soft competition and a little more balanced pricing.

What our industry really wants is a market that recognises risk properly and rewards discipline. This would be the perfect present under the tree and it would be the gift that keeps on giving, ensuring sustainability across the market. It won’t arrive neatly wrapped with a bow, but I can dream!

What was your insurance industry highlight of 2025?

The Aviva/DLG acquisition was the standout moment of 2025. It wasn’t just another headline merger, it was the kind of shift that makes even the most seasoned of us raise an eyebrow. I’ve experienced many acquisitions and I understand more than most the challenge that lies ahead for those two giants as they attempt to knit together their cultures, portfolios and ambitions.

It’s a reminder that scale matters, but so does agility. The proverb, ’if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen’, is apt – Aviva knows what they’re doing and who doesn’t enjoy the opportunity to speculate at our Christmas gatherings!

What is your Christmas message for your insurance colleagues?

Next year is our year to shine. It’s not just my festive optimism – it’s a challenge! We’ve collectively weathered storms, adapted to shifting markets and survived more regulatory updates than anyone cares to count.

Now it’s time to prove that our resilience translates into results. So, enjoy the turkey and mince pies, recharge your mental batteries, and prepare to make 2026 merry and bright!

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