Research reveals mounting worries amongst UK banking customers about IT outages at financial institutions

LONDON, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As digital banking becomes the norm, over a third (34%) of Brits are worried about the potential of IT failures at their banks, and 25% now keep cash on hand as a precaution against outages.

This trend reflects the growing uncertainty consumers feel about the reliability of digital financial services, as the availability of in-person banking continues to decline.

Over the past year, one in six (17%) people have been affected by IT failures within their banks, facing an average disruption time of six hours, with customers unable to access their funds or pay for essential goods and services.

This data comes from GFT’s latest Banking Disruption Index, a bi-annual assessment of consumer sentiment towards digital banking.

The research also uncovered growing concern about the security and resiliency of third-party technology providers supporting banks, with 38% of respondents worried about the potential of these organisations to cause an IT outage at a bank, highlighting a broader scepticism around the security and reliability of outsourced digital services.

Additionally, 42% of those surveyed said they were wary of cyber-attacks, fearing that an outage could lead to personal information theft. This underscores the growing expectation for banks to protect both consumer data and access to funds.

Richard Kalas, Client Solutions Director, Retail Banking at GFT, said: “These findings reveal a clear disconnect between the rapid digitalisation of banking services and consumer confidence around the security and resilience of these measures. While digital banking offers numerous benefits, it’s essential that banks continue to clearly demonstrate the various measures they are taking to ensure all critical customer services are resilient.”

The role of banks in enhancing security

As digital banking continues to grow, so do consumer concerns about security and reliability. In response, banks are under increased pressure to strengthen their resilience strategies, ensure operational stability, and better safeguard customers.

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To meet these expectations, financial institutions must continue to invest in robust IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures, and partner with trusted organisations to effectively prevent and swiftly recover from outages.

What’s more, under recent Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) guidelines effective from 7^th October, banks must now refund fraud victims up to £85,000 within five days. By shifting a significant portion of responsibility back to banks, the regulation reinforces the importance of customer protection and proactive fraud prevention.

To download the full Banking Disruption Index report, please follow this link.

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LONDON, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced that Grant Smith is to head up its Transport and Logistics team, with immediate effect.

In his expanded role, Smith will be responsible for defining the underwriting strategy for the Transport and Logistics team, centered on driving sustainable, profitable growth. Smith will also be tasked with expanding market share, driving product development and further establishing Markel as a market leader in transport and logistics.

Smith takes on his new role in addition to his responsibilities as Director of Marine and Energy Liabilities – a role he was appointed to in August 2024. He will continue to report to Tom Hillier, Managing Director, International Specialty, at Markel.

Hillier commented: “Transport and logistics companies currently face a heightened risk environment, due to global economic contraction, heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing technological and regulatory risks. At times such as these, it’s crucial that companies have the right insurance partner who can help ensure they have comprehensive insurance cover in place that meets their evolving needs.

“I’m therefore delighted that Grant will be leading our Transport and Logistics team. Grant has already made a significant impact and contribution to Markel since joining earlier this year. His leadership, knowledge and experience of underwriting these classes of business will be hugely important as we continue to partner with clients and brokers and help them to navigate this evolving risk landscape.”

Smith has extensive knowledge of the insurance market, having spent more than 17 years of his career working in various underwriting and leadership positions across these classes of business. Prior to joining Markel in August 2024, he worked as Portfolio Manager Specialty at QBE European Operations – a role he held since 2014. Before joining QBE as a Marine and Energy Liability Underwriter in 2011, Smith had spent five years working in various underwriting roles across marine and aviation at Travelers.

About Markel
We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people—and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients—that differentiates us worldwide.

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NFP’s first acquisition of an Ireland-based HR services business will strengthen the company’s portfolio of human capital solutions

DUBLIN, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NFP, an Aon company and a leading international brokerage and consulting firm, today announced its acquisition of The HR Suite, a leading human resources consultancy and training business with offices across Ireland. Caroline Reidy, managing director and founder of The HR Suite, will lead NFP’s specialist HR division in Ireland and report to Colm Power, managing director, NFP in Ireland.

“We’re excited to welcome Caroline and The HR Suite team to NFP,” said Matt Pawley, president, NFP in Europe. “The team’s undeniable knowledge and expertise, combined with our shared core values and dedication to enhancing client outcomes, provide a solid foundation for many future successes. I can’t think of a better person or group to spearhead our HR division in Ireland and can’t wait to collaborate on delivering exceptional solutions and capabilities to clients.”

Established in 2009, The HR Suite offers HR system solutions and HR outsourcing services to help large employers, multinational companies and small and medium-sized enterprises improve and streamline their human resources functions. As the firm’s founder, Caroline Reidy has become a recognised, well-respected author and speaker in the HR space and beyond.

“We’re thrilled to join NFP in Ireland and create more value for our employees and clients,” said Reidy. “Our service and commitment to delivering exceptional HR offerings remain the same, and with NFP’s global solutions and resources we can now offer more comprehensive solutions and support to clients in Ireland, including outplacement, employee benefits, pension, and health and safety.”

About NFP
NFP, an Aon company, is an organisation of consultative advisors and problem solvers helping companies and individuals address their most significant risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement challenges. We are more than 7,700 colleagues in the UK, Ireland, US, Puerto Rico and Canada serving a diversity of clients, industries and communities. Our global capabilities, specialised expertise and customised solutions span commercial business insurance, employee benefits, people consultancy, health and safety, and individual financial planning. Together, we put people first, prioritise partnerships and continuously advance a culture we’re proud of. Visit www.nfpireland.ie to learn more.

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