Regulation
FCA insurance related fines total £1.1m in 2024
The Financial Conduct Authority handed out £1.11m in fines to two general insurance broking individuals in 2024, as firms achieved the second year in a row of zero fines.
FOS forecasts levy freeze at £70m
The Financial Ombudsman Service is planning to maintain its levy for 2025/26 at the £70m total set this financial year.
FCA not seeking further headcount boost, says CEO Rathi
The Financial Conduct Authority is not “anticipating further significant growth” in headcount with the figure having risen from around 4,000 in 2020 to just over 5,000 today, CEO Nikhil Rathi has confirmed to the Treasury Committee.
FCA makes “significant changes” to ‘name and shame’ proposals
The Financial Conduct Authority is making four “significant changes” to its initial transparency proposals labelled ‘name and shame’.
MPs and peers slam “incompetent at best, dishonest at worst” FCA
A cross-party group of MPs and peers has hit out at the Financial Conduct Authority and demanded substantial changes after its call for evidence found the regulator “is seen as incompetent at best, dishonest at worst”.
Blog: What implications could the motor finance scandal have on insurance brokers?
As the industry shoots itself in the foot. Again. Matthew Maxwell Scott, founder and executive director of the Association of Consumer Support Organisations explores how the motor finance scandal fallout might see brokers caught in the cross-fire.
Government to consult on leasehold commission ban “very shortly”
The Government has revealed it plans to consult on a proposed ban on leasehold insurance commission next year.
FSCS gives first insight on increasing levy to £394m
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has indicated its levy for 2025/26 will rise to £394m from £265m this financial year as it cited having lower surpluses to carry forward and offset bills – a factor that has benefited brokers for two years in a…
FCA promises reframed and revised ‘name and shame’ plans but no decision until early next year
In a House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee evidence session earlier today, Financial Conduct Authority CEO Nikhil Rathi said no decision will be made on its investigation transparency proposals consultation until early next year.
FCA closes in on authorisation targets as performance rises again
The Financial Conduct Authority has improved its delivery on the two broker-related authorisation metrics that remain in the ‘amber’ zone as it hones in on delivering a ‘green’ performance in all five relevant categories.
FCA bans broker and issues £1.1m fine for misusing insurer funds
Leigh Mackey, formerly sole director of closed broker Inspire Insurance Services, has been banned by the Financial Conduct Authority and fined £1.1m after using insurer funds to support the firm’s operating costs and pay for personal living expenses.
FCA reopens parts of commercial and bespoke insurance discussion paper for feedback
The Financial Conduct Authority has reopened parts of its discussion paper on commercial and bespoke insurance business in response to demand.
FCA non-financial misconduct survey leads to call for action and benchmarking
The Financial Conduct Authority has released the findings from its non-financial misconduct survey as a benchmark for firms to reflect on whether their own processes, procedures and controls provide both robust detection and appropriate outcomes.
Premium finance review welcomed as EY warns of ‘heightened regulatory scrutiny’
Industry practitioners have broadly welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority launching a review into premium finance.
Industry reacts to government motor task force
The wider insurance market has given a mixed reaction to the UK government’s motor task force, with its industry-led approach questioned, but experts note it is a step forward.
FCA launches review into premium finance “fair value” and barriers to competition
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a review, known as a competition market study, to see whether people who borrow to pay for motor and home insurance are receiving fair, competitive deals.
Government announces motor insurance task force to tackle “spiralling costs”
The Government has announced a new cross-government motor insurance task force, supported by industry experts, to tackle what it claims is “the spiralling costs of car insurance”.
Broker Expo 2024: Biba encouraged by ‘step-change’ in FCA’s approachability
Head of regulation for the British Insurance Brokers’ Association David Sparkes told delegates at Insurance Age’s Broker Expo yesterday that he is encouraged by the fact that the Financial Conduct Authority is being more receptive to feedback.
Experts say industry is improving on fair value despite FCA criticism
The Financial Conduct Authority’s findings that brokers are still struggling to provide evidence that their remuneration is consistent with fair value rules has sparked mixed reactions among people working in the sector. Ida Axling explores the fallout…
FCA: Reducing rulebook would lead to boost in international competitiveness
The Financial Conduct Authority believes sharing more information on good practice and its expectations will benefit the industry and help drive better outcomes, according to Graeme Reynolds, director of competition.
Elizabeth Passey appointed FSCS chair
Elizabeth Passey has been appointed chair of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, taking up the role today succeeding Marshall Bailey.