Howden boosts cyber offering with specialist broker acquisition

Howden Broking Group is to acquire insurtech Safeonline, a cyber and tech specialist broker and Lloyd’s coverholder, to create a ‘centre of excellence’ in London.

The transaction brings a team of cyber insurance specialists to Howden’s cyber division, adding resources and expertise to its existing presence in this market. The deal also enhances its ability to service retail SME clients and enlarge its US wholesale cyber book.

Safeonline offers a range of product lines including cyber and tech, financial & professional lines, programmes & binders and contingency and is a member of the Brokerslink network.

Its tech capability will be rolled into HX, Howden’s data and analytics business. Howden has recently increased its client base in the UK through its agreement to acquire A-Plan, a specialist personal and commercial lines brokers.

Additionally, Safeonline has a proprietary insurtech platform iQ, which comprises online quote & bind functionality that distributes to both the UK SME and international wholesale sectors. The portal provides capacity for SME retail customers and represents a complementary distribution model for Howden.

iQ also complements Howden’s existing wholesale cyber client base and offers the capability to provide ‘on the ground’ cyber quote and bind capability throughout the Howden office network globally.

Charlie Langdale, managing director of financial lines at Howden, said: “Cyber as a class has been growing strongly for us over recent years and this acquisition supercharges our growth in this important market. In a stroke, it gives us the ability to service retail SME clients and enlarge our US wholesale cyber book. It also means we can improve our service to large global retail accounts and grow further our Financial Lines retail capability.

"This enhanced offering builds on our centre of excellence in London under the management of David Rees that complements our Global Practice Group, run by Shay Simkin, and will help us deliver even more for our clients.”

Chris Cotterell, CEO of Safeonline who will join Howden as chairman of its cyber division, said: “Having pioneered cyber insurance since 1999, I am delighted that the Safeonline team will be able to continue its growth and innovation in this sector. Becoming a part of Howden gives us the scale, resources and an international platform to allow us to take the business to the next level. We look forward to working with the Howden team to educate, protect and create solutions critical to businesses and individuals operating in this digital world.”