Last week saw plenty of news for smaller financials. WH Ireland’s interim results, which are covered in a separate note (“Strategic progress in choppy waters”) were followed by impressive ones from Beazley (see below) and accompanied by a trading statement from Charles Stanley, an update and strategic focus on Legal Services from Fairpoint (separate note), an acquisition by Randall & Quilter and interims from Hiscox: the latter no longer a “smaller” financial, with a market cap. of >£3 billion.