Skip to main content

Throwback Thursday: Colonial Mutual’s business boost

Throwback Thursday

Insurance Post’s Throwback Thursday steps back in time to September 1945 to remind you what was going on this week in insurance history when Colonial Mutual was boasting of “unprecedented progress” during the Second World War.

15 September 1945: Colonial Mutual’s business boost

The front page of Post was dominated by an advertisement from Colonial Mutual pointing out that “throughout the darkest days in the Empire’s history” the provider had “achieved unprecedented progress”.

During 1939 assets increased by £1.7m in 1939, £1.8m in 1940, £2m in 1941, £1.9m in 1942, £2.3m in 1943, and £2.8m in 1944.

To put that in today’s money, Colonial Mutual made £62m in 1939, £65.6m in 1940, £72.9m in 1941, £69.2m in 1942, £83.8m in 1943 and £102m in 1944.

Colonial Mutual was acquired by the Commonwealth Bank in 2000, and the Colonial name is now part of the Commonwealth Bank’s Colonial First State subsidiary.

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.

Why MGAs need to hold the line in 2026

Trade Voice: Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association, says the softening market gives MGAs the opportunity to prove their mettle – but they must show underwriting discipline.

Diary of an Insurer: Markel’s Dan Martin

Dan Martin, managing director of distribution strategy and business development at Markel, kicks off the week with a brisk walk with his dog, connects with colleagues from across the globe and meets with an MGA to explore potential partnerships plus distribution opportunities.

Four biggest challenges facing insurers in 2026 revealed

Insurance Post reveals the four main challenges general insurers face in 2026 and the solutions experts from EY, the International Underwriting Association, AM Best, Moody’s, S&P, KPMG, Pathlight Associates and Sicsic Advisory say will matter most in the year ahead.

MGA Forecast of 2026

Entering 2026, MGA chiefs feel the sector is in a strong yet testing position buoyed by technology, specialism and capacity support, but facing a softening market that will reward those combining underwriting discipline, data-driven innovation and service excellence.

Insurers Forecast of 2026

Insurers are heading into 2026 well-capitalised, technologically accelerated and increasingly data-driven but softening markets, geopolitical volatility and emerging risks are set to test their resilience in the year ahead.

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have an Insurance Post account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here