Coface launches EasyLiner trade credit insurance for smaller businesses in the UK. Coface has introduced EasyLiner in the UK for companies with turnover below £10 million. The policy combines cover for unpaid invoices with debt collection and buyer-risk monitoring and is managed online. Coface says it is available to businesses with turnover from £500,000, with annual rates starting at £2,500. Customers can obtain an online quote in a few clicks, while Coface monitors the financial position of customers and prospects. Where receivables cannot be recovered, the policy provides compensation of up to 90% of unpaid invoices. Debt collection can cover domestic and international debts, with claims and policy management handled through Coface’s online platform. To read Coface's news release, go to https://www.coface.uk/news-economy-and-insights/introducing-easyliner-trade-credit-insurance-designed-for-smes.

 

UKEF announces up to £5 billion Flexible Finance pilot. The UK Chancellor has announced Flexible Finance, a UK Export Finance (UKEF) pilot offering up to £5 billion in loan guarantees to encourage overseas buyers to purchase British goods and services. Announced on 28 September, the product will target selected buyers in fast-growing economies such as Brazil, Morocco and Mexico, where the government sees scope to increase UK exports. Guarantees will cover up to 80% of a commercial loan, giving borrowers greater flexibility over how they use the funding than under UKEF's existing guarantees. UKEF will work with participating borrowers to increase their imports from British companies, supported by matchmaking with UK suppliers and procurement assistance. The initiative aims to widen access to finance while helping British businesses secure opportunities in overseas markets. For more information, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-overseas-firms-enticed-to-buy-british. Licensed under the terms of Open Government Licence v3.0.
 

Atradius highlights contrasting risks across nine UK sectors. Atradius' Q3 2026 Industry Highlights report says businesses face higher costs, margin pressure, subdued consumer confidence and geopolitical uncertainty, although opportunities remain in technology, sustainability and operational efficiency. Among the sectors, construction remains challenging, with weak demand and a thin pipeline, and underwriting stays cautious. ICT benefits from strong demand for AI, cloud, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Atradius remains positive but more cautious on food and agriculture, while metals underwriting focuses on margins and working capital. In transport, risk appetite remains strong, although limits apply to highly leveraged hauliers, intensive fuel users without effective hedging and single-franchise auto dealers exposed to manufacturer agency-model shifts. To read the report, go to https://atradius.co.uk/knowledge-and-research/reports/atradius-industry-highlights-2026-q3.

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Trade credit insurers reassess cover for commodity trades. Global Trade Review (GTR) reports that disputes following trader insolvencies in 2020 and 2021 have led trade credit insurers to reconsider cover for “string trades”. In these transactions, intermediary traders buy and resell goods several times in transit, often without intending to take delivery, to generate short-term funding. ICISA’s Richard Wulff says he hears that some smaller insurers no longer want to cover commodity trading, while larger insurers tend to focus on large commodity traders. Other insurers remain willing to provide cover but have changed policy wording. Wulff suggests insurers who want to exclude financing-driven string trades could require traders to show they intended to take possession of the goods. Lawyers say traders should disclose their arrangements to underwriters from the outset to avoid allegations of misrepresentation. To read GTR's article, go to https://www.gtreview.com/magazine/gtr-issue-3-2026/after-the-storm-whats-next-for-insuring-string-trades/.

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Rezolva develops Credit Control Health Check for trade credit insurance brokers. Rezolva has developed a new Credit Control Health Check designed to help trade credit insurance brokers engage with prospective and existing clients about their wider credit management strategy. The tool reviews areas including credit checks, credit limits, payment terms, overdue debt and bad debt exposure, helping identify potential weaknesses in a business's current approach. Rezolva says the Health Check gives brokers a more natural way to open conversations about underlying credit risk and show where trade credit insurance may complement a client's broader credit management strategy. The company is currently working with a number of broker partners on co-branded versions for use in their own business development activity. For more information, go to https://rezolva.co.uk/credit-control-health-check/.

Atradius forecasts uneven GDP growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. Atradius' LAC Economic Outlook – October 2026 says growth will remain subdued and vary sharply across the region. South America is expected to be the weakest-performing subregion, with GDP growth slowing from 2.9% in 2025 to 2.0% in 2026 before edging up to 2.2% in 2027. Mexico is forecast to grow by 1.2% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027, while Central American growth is expected to ease from 4.3% to 3.3% before recovering to 3.7%. The Caribbean is expected to be the strongest-performing subregion, with growth forecast to rise from 3.7% in 2025 to 4.4% in 2026 and 5.2% in 2027, supported by tourism, investment, reconstruction and higher oil output from Guyana. To read Atradius news release, with a link to the full report, go to https://atradius.co.uk/knowledge-and-research/reports/economic-outlook-latin-america-caribbean-october-2026.

 

Donna Furmidge shares her leadership lessons. ICISA's September WICI Spotlight features Donna Furmidge, Regional Manager at Brown & Brown Trade Credit. Donna says that early in her career she sometimes felt she had to prove her expertise more than her peers and ensure her voice was heard. She responded by delivering results, developing her knowledge, building strong relationships and showing resilience. Donna believes good leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening, asking the right questions and helping others succeed. She advises aspiring leaders to keep developing their technical knowledge, speak up, find a mentor, take on difficult challenges and build strong relationships. She hopes to help others grow in confidence, develop their careers and realise their potential. To read ICISA's article, go to https://icisa.org/news/wici-spotlight-on-donna-furmidge/.

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Tokio Marine HCC highlights rising credit risk despite falling UK retail insolvencies. Its September 2026 UK Retail Sector Report says retail sales volumes have returned to February 2020 levels, but this recovery has been achieved while non-food prices remained flat despite rising costs. Retail insolvencies totalled 1,763 in the 12 months to July, down 7.3% year-on-year but still around 35% above 2019 levels. Across England and Wales, administrations rose 19.3% to 1,810, returning to their immediate pre-pandemic peak. The report says distress is shifting towards larger companies and bigger trade creditor balances, while pre-pack sales can leave unsecured creditors with poor recoveries, as illustrated by the Harvey Nichols case in August. To read Tokio Marine HCC's news release, with a link to the full report, go to https://www.tmhcc.com/en/news-and-articles/thought-leadership/uk-retail-sector-report-september-2026.

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Atradius Surety enters the Canadian market. Atradius Surety has expanded into Canada, establishing its first branch outside Europe. The new offering helps businesses meet contractual, legal and regulatory obligations, while preserving bank credit capacity. It will focus on construction, real estate developers, publicly listed companies and international businesses requiring cross-border capacity in both Canada and Europe. Sam Halilovic, appointed Senior Manager, Surety Canada, on 31 August 2026, will lead the development of the business and relationships with customers and brokers. To read Atradius' news release, go to https://group.atradius.com/knowledge-and-research/news/atradius-surety-enters-the-canadian-market.​​

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Tech City Labs rebrands as Turnstone Intelligence. Tech City Labs has rebranded as Turnstone Intelligence as it broadens its focus on company intelligence and research. Its proprietary UK corporate data is already integrated into five of the UK’s six major credit reference agencies and is used to identify corporate connections, company histories and risk indicators. Alongside the rebrand, Turnstone Intelligence has launched Dani, an AI-powered company research analyst built on DataNexus. Dani combines the company’s proprietary data with external sources to support research into counterparties, directors and individual cases. For more information, go to https://turnstoneintelligence.com/.

 

Company Watch to launch Probability of Distress model. Company Watch will launch its new Probability of Distress (PoD®) model on 21 October 2026, giving the likelihood of a company entering insolvency within the next 12 months as a percentage. Covering more than 5.7 million UK and Irish companies, PoD uses machine learning to assess accounts alongside CCJs, charges, petitions, filing behaviour, director history and group links. For credit insurers, underwriters and brokers, the model can be used alongside buyer exposure information, while each score also shows the factors behind it. PoD will sit alongside Company Watch’s existing H-Score. To find out more, go to https://www.companywatch.net/probability-of-distress/

 

IAG settles Credit Suisse Greensill claims. Reinsurance News has reported that IAG's subsidiary, Insurance Australia Limited (IAL), has agreed to settle Credit Suisse proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia. The litigation concerns policies purportedly issued by BCC Trade Credit on IAL's behalf to Greensill entities. Claims had an aggregate face value of approximately A$2.8 billion plus interest. Terms are confidential, but IAG says the settlement will not materially affect its financial position or FY27 results, reflecting anticipated insurance and reinsurance recoveries and other indemnities. The agreement follows May's settlement of proceedings brought by Greensill Bank. White Oak's remaining claims, worth approximately A$170 million plus interest, continue to be defended. To read Reinsurance News' article, go to https://www.reinsurancene.ws/iag-reaches-settlement-over-a2-8bn-credit-suisse-greensill-claims/.​​

 

Congratulations to . . .​
Turnstone Intelligence (formerly Tech City Labs) on being shortlisted in five categories at the 2026 Credit & Collections Technology Awards. The company is a finalist for Innovator Leader Person of the Year, Credit Reference & Information Solution, Best Technology Demonstration, Best Use of Technology, and Machine Learning in Credit & Collections Solution. The shortlisting follows Turnstone Intelligence's recent rebrand, the launch of its new website, and increased focus on DataNexus and Dani, its AI company research analyst.

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Trade Credit Insurance Industry Dinner 2026 

Trade Credit Insurance Industry Dinner 2026 – Hosted by SCHUMANN, London. 12 November 2026
An Evening of Inspiration, Networking & Meaningful Impact
On Thursday, 12th November 2026, SCHUMANN is delighted to host this year's annual Trade Credit Insurance
Industry Dinner 2026 – an exclusive event to celebrate industry achievements, strengthen professional relationships, and support a charitable cause.
Venue: City Central at the HAC – a premier venue in the City of London, providing an elegant setting for an exceptional evening.
Time: 6:30 PM – 1:00 AM

Evening Highlights:

• Live music – An evening enriched by captivating performances

• Gourmet dining and drinks – A premium menu with soft and alcoholic beverages included

• Dress code: Black Tie – Formal attire recommended for an evening of sophistication

An Evening with Purpose:
The event will support Akwaaba Volunteers, a UK-registered charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged children in Accra, Ghana, through education, care, and community support. Participation in the dinner contributes to this meaningful initiative.
Tickets are now available. Find further details on the event page.
Secure your seat and join this special evening in the heart of London.

https://order.awesome-events.co.uk/events/trade-credit-insurance-industry-dinner-2026.

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​​​​​​New Appointments​

Allianz Trade has made several new appointments:

• Mark Johnson has been promoted to Regional Risk Director for the Americas – Multinationals, based in New York. He moves into the role after serving as AVP Risk Underwriting at Allianz Trade in North America since June 2023. Before joining Allianz Trade, Mark spent more than 18 years with Coface, most recently as AVP – Risk Underwriting for Coface Global Solutions.

• Andreas Karg has been promoted to Head of Marketing at Allianz Trade in Germany. Andreas has been with the company for more than 25 years and moves into the role after serving as IT Masterplattform Project Lead Commercial. Earlier roles included more than four years as Head of Customer Relationship Management.

• Barbara Cestaro has been promoted to Head of Account Management – Oceania, based in Sydney. She moves into the role after more than two years as Senior Account Manager at Allianz Trade. Before joining Allianz Trade, Barbara spent almost five years with Aon as Client Manager – Credit Solutions.

• Simone Proietti has been promoted to Sales Area Manager at Allianz Trade, Italy. He moves into the role after more than seven years as Broker Business Development Specialist at Allianz Trade. 

• Hugh Harman has moved into the role of Relationship Manager at Allianz Trade in London. He joined the company in March 2026 in Account Support, Bank & Direct Distribution.

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Aon has appointed Adam Smith as Client Manager – Credit Solutions, based in Manchester. He joins from Bartlett Group, where he spent five years as an Account Executive. Adam previously worked at Aon as an Account Executive and, before that, spent more than three years as a Client Advisor with Acumen Credit Insurance Brokers.

 

Aon Re China has appointed Stan Wu as Head of Credit & Surety, Greater China. Stan moves from Taiping Reinsurance Brokers, where he most recently served as GM of East China Division and Head of Credit & Surety, overseeing reinsurance business across Eastern China. Earlier in his career, he spent more than eight years with Coface in China.
 

Atradius has made two new appointments:

• Tiziana Nitti-Payne has been promoted to Manager, Credit Specialties – US, based in Maryland. She moves into the role after more than seven years as Senior Underwriter – Credit Specialties Americas. Tiziana has been with Atradius for more than 15 years.

• Prem Padmakumar has been appointed Senior Business Development Manager at Atradius UK. Prem joins from Aon, where he worked as a Client Manager in London. Before Aon, he spent more than two years as Senior Customer Success Manager at Nimbla and TradeCrediTech. 

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AU Group has made two new appointments:

• Christophe Ghyselinck has joined AU Group as Head of AU Group Belgium & Luxembourg. He moves to AU Group after more than 11 years with ADD Verzekeringen, where he most recently served as Head of Trade Credit Solutions & Financial Institutions.

• Ladislas Cassin has been appointed Head of AU Group Ibérica. Ladislas joined AU Group as a Broker in 2014 and was promoted to Senior Broker in 2020, when he also became a member of AU Group's Sales Committee. ​

 

Axco Insurance Information has appointed Flemming Bengtsen as Managing Director, based in London. He joins after serving as Product & Commercial Lead at United Fintech. Flemming previously served as interim Chief Revenue Officer at Satago and, before that, as founder and CEO of Nimbla, the trade credit insurance technology business he led for almost eight years. He also currently holds advisory roles with Senen and Palisade.
 

BPL has appointed Steve Ciprini as Senior Broker in London. He joins from Howden Insurance Brokers Limited, where he spent almost four years progressing through a series of broking roles, most recently as an Account Executive.

 

Cartan Trade has appointed Rebecca Love as Commercial Manager. She joins the business from Tokio Marine HCC International, where she spent almost three years as a Commercial Underwriter in London. Before that, Rebecca worked at Marsh, progressing from Graduate Client Advisor to Associate Consultant and then Senior Consultant. Her earlier Marsh role was based in Dublin before she moved to London.

 

Coface has appointed Zach Spencer as Head of Risk Underwriting, Asia Pacific at Coface, based in Singapore. He moves to the role after serving as Head of Claims and Debt Collection, North America. During his nearly six years with the company, Zach has held a number of senior positions, including VP, Head of Risk Underwriting (Canada), and Director, Head of Broker Relations (Mid Market) – Canada.

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Credendo Guarantees & Speciality Risks has appointed Niall Mallon as Country Manager, based in Dublin. Niall most recently served as Senior Credit Underwriter, Corporate Banking Credit at Bank of Ireland. 

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Credit & Surety Brokers has appointed Wilf Roberts as an Account Handler, based in Halifax. He joins from Attis Credit Solutions, where he worked as a Trainee Account Handler. 
 

Howden has made two new appointments:

• Jake Clifton has been appointed as New Business Account Executive in London. He joins from Marsh, where he spent more than three years as a Client Advisor within the Credit Insurance team.

• Roddy McCrea joins Howden as Senior Associate, based in Sydney. He joins from Everest Insurance, where he spent more than eight years, most recently as a Credit & Political Risk Underwriter. 

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ICISA has announced the appointment of Annet de Grooth as its new Executive Director. Annet brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry, with expertise spanning surety underwriting, reinsurance and leadership, and currently serves as Head of Surety Europe at Dual Europe. She will succeed Richard Wulff.

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Lockton has made two appointments:

• Alex Bursak has been appointed as Regional Director, Credit, Asia. Based in Singapore, Alex joins from WTW, where he spent more than three years as Senior Director, Multinational Trade Credit Leader, Asia Pacific. His previous roles include Regional Director, Sales and Business Development, Asia Pacific at LiquidX, and a number of senior positions with Allianz Trade.

• Oliver Priest joins Lockton as National Sales Leader – Trade Credit in the UK. He joins from Gallagher, where he spent more than nine years as Business Development Executive within the Trade Credit division. Before Gallagher, Oliver worked at JLT Specialty as a Business Development Executive in construction. 

 

Markel has made two new appointments:

• Jonathan Handen joins Markel as Head of Trade Credit & Political Risk, Americas, based in Baltimore. Jonathan moves to the role after more than ten years at Atradius Trade Credit Insurance, where he was Vice President, Credit Specialties, Americas. Earlier in his career, Jonathan spent more than 11 years with Euler Hermes.

Kevin O'Regan joins Markel as Business Development Underwriter for UK & Europe, effective from Monday 12 October and based in London. Kevin joins from AIG, where his most recent position was Senior Trade Credit Underwriter. Prior to that, Kevin was a Commercial Underwriter with Liberty Financial Group in Australia.

​Marsh Europe has appointed Andreas Bäckström as Head of Trade Credit Nordics, based in Copenhagen. He joins from Allianz Trade, where he spent more than three years as Commercial Director – Nordics. Before Allianz Trade, Andreas spent almost ten years with Coface in a number of senior roles.

One Source, a division of Alliant Insurance Services, has appointed Brandon Baker as First Vice President, based in North Carolina. He joins from Marsh, where he spent more than seven years as Senior Vice President, Credit Specialties. Before Marsh, Baker was Vice President, Business Development at JLT Specialty USA. Earlier in his career, he spent almost 20 years as a Partner at International Risk Consultants.

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PSC Insurance Brokers has appointed Sam Rodda as Director – Trade Credit & Surety, based in Melbourne. He joins from Lockton, where he spent almost four years in trade credit and political risk roles, most recently as Client Manager. Before Lockton, Rodda spent nearly four years with Coface in Sydney.

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Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has appointed Ali Gunusen as Global Head Trade Credit Insurance, based in London. He moves into the role after serving as Head, Strategy – Credit & Surety since January 2025 in New York, during which he led work on Swiss Re's acquisition of QBE's Trade Credit & Surety business and the integration of the Credit & Surety Reinsurance unit into Corporate Solutions. 

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Trade Credit Insurance Agency has appointed Greg Coale as President, following his acquisition of the business from founder Edward Arnold. Greg joined TCIA as a Broker in 2020 and became Vice President in 2025. Before joining TCIA, he held a number of sales and business development roles with Euler Hermes North America and Coface.
 

W Denis Credit Risks has made two new appointments.

• Angela Halmkan has joined W Denis' London team. Angela has more than 35 years' experience managing high-value portfolios. Her previous experience includes roles with Atradius, Nexus and Allianz Trade.

• Keeley MacDonald joined W Denis as Trade Credit Administrator. Based at the company's Leeds head office, she will provide administrative and operational support to the Trade Credit Insurance Team.

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Willis Re has appointed James Loggie as Head of Credit, Surety and Political Risk. He joins from Howden Re, where he spent almost four years as Managing Director in London. James previously spent more than ten years with Willis Re, including as Senior Director – Credit, Surety and Political Risk and Executive Director. Earlier in his career, he was Vice President at Guy Carpenter and Senior Underwriter – Special Products at Atradius.