Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Brokers pledge to stop sharing building commissions and cap fees
Five top 100 UK broking groups have pledged to end sharing building insurance commissions with landlords and to cap fees. However, many others have not signed up including Gallagher UK who has refused to back the pledge in its existing version over…
EY: 2022 was worst year on record for UK home insurer profitability
The UK home insurance market faced the worst performing year on record in 2022 with a loss-making net combined ratio of 122%, according to EY’s annual UK Home Results Analysis.
FCA data reveals spike in insurance skilled persons reports
The Financial Conduct Authority has revealed commissioning seven skilled person reports across the general insurance and protection sector between July and September.
Biba delivers fair value assessment framework
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has launched a fair value assessment framework, after the Financial Conduct Authority took aim at brokers in its review of flat insurance costs.
Blog: Why is claims in such a mess?
Claims service is not in a good place at the moment and it is brokers who are having to pick up the slack. That is the view of Movo Partnership head of claims Liz Tytler, who suggests the right people, process and technology would go a long way to…
FSCS adds Martyn Beauchamp as interim CEO
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has appointed Martyn Beauchamp as interim CEO. Beauchamp will join the board as an executive director.
Headline makers – October 2023
The hottest stories from 1 to 30 September.
Has the FCA’s new appointed representatives regime agenda hurt the sector?
The Financial Conduct Authority’s new regime for appointed representatives came into force in December last year. It puts a fresh burden on those working in the AR sector. What has the impact been?
FCA not banning commission for brokers, says Sheldon Mills
The Financial Conduct Authority is not looking to ban or set commission levels, but brokers have more work to do in valuing their services, according to executive director of consumers and competition Sheldon Mills.
Could regulators stymie the growth of the fronter market in the UK?
The failure of Vesttoo in the US has only increased scrutiny on fronters in the UK. But as Saxon East discovers the emergence of Bridgehaven and continued growth of the MGAs, mean that they still have a potentially bright future.
Biba welcomes FCA flat insurance reforms
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority’s rule changes on residential multi-occupancy buildings insurance.
FCA confirms start date for leasehold buildings insurance reforms
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed new measures to support leaseholders in the multi-occupancy buildings insurance market will come into force on 31 December which for brokers will mean being transparent on commission and a near ban on paying…
FCA flags PI concern in AR update
The Financial Conduct Authority has highlighted the need for principal firms to have compliant professional indemnity insurance to cover the activities of current and former appointed representatives.
Premium finance market warned of serious consequences amid latest FCA concerns
The premium finance market is being warned it faces serious regulatory consequences after the Financial Conduct Authority issued yet more concerns about industry practices.
Regulators consult on measures to boost D&I in financial services
The Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority have released consultation papers setting out proposals to boost diversity and inclusion to support healthy work cultures, reduce groupthink and unlock talent.
FCA ready to swoop on ‘outliers’ amid concerns on cyber insurance
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned the cyber insurance market over its concerns on policy wordings.
FCA hammers GAP insurance as it issues general warning on high commission levels
The Financial Conduct Authority has written to insurers, calling on them to take action, as it released the latest set of fair value data and again brought the spotlight onto the issue of high commission levels.
Insurance sector facing FCA ‘big bombshell’ on commission model – Michael Sicsic
Insurance is facing a ‘big, big bombshell’ on commissions, as the shockwaves reverberate from the Financial Conduct Authority’s property buildings’ investigation, according to regulatory consultant Michael Sicsic.
News analysis: How to boost organic customer acquisition through lead generation
From specialist commercial players to mass market personal lines, lead generation has been part of the broker sales armoury for years. But with a greater focus on digital channels and data, Sian Barton explores how the practice is evolving.
Direct Line customers in line for £30m refund as insurer reviews past pricing in regulatory first
Direct Line has agreed to a voluntary review of previous home and motor insurance pricing having charged some customers more for their renewal than they would have done if they were a new customer, the Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed.
Motor broker Verex Insurance Services enters into administration
Car Care Plan has bought the assets of both Verex Insurance Services and its appointed representative Verex Assistance.
FCA authorisation service improvements continue
The Financial Conduct Authority has improved its authorisations performance in four out of five categories affecting brokers, with none of these service levels now in the red.
‘A major breakthrough’ – ChatGPT bots to revolutionise broker customer service
Ignite Insurance Systems has launched a super-advanced artificial intelligence bot to answer insurance customer queries. Technology enthusiasts believe this is the start of an AI-powered chatbot revolution in dealing with customer interactions. But this…
Brokers still not Consumer Duty ready despite survey boost – compliance experts
Compliance experts have issued warnings to brokers still not ready for the fast-approaching Consumer Duty deadline.