Consumer Duty
Allianz commits to investing in local structure to support brokers
“The strength of the Allianz commercial business in the UK is without doubt our local, regional capability in those markets and the ability to deliver,” Allianz Holdings CEO Colm Holmes told Insurance Age.
Brokerbility’s John Dunn on how to counter poor insurer service
Intermediaries do not have to accept poor insurer service and be done with it, argues Brokerbility managing director John Dunn. Strategic partnerships and a better use of data can help improve trading and smoothe the client-broker relationship.
‘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…
Interview: Chris Withers, Ecclesiastical
There is disruption in the schemes market and Ecclesiastical is taking advantage, says Chris Withers. Investment is being ploughed into its schemes, an important part of the insurer’s growth plans.
In Depth: Legal expenses cover… needed more than ever?
Clients may want brokers to advise on how to reduce premiums, but this is the one add-on to hang onto according to providers as Rachel Gordon discovers.
Blog: 'Do the right thing' to grow your own culture and future leaders
Broker management teams face many challenges in the post pandemic world, not least defining their company culture and attracting the next generation of talent. Mike Edgeley, group CEO of the Clear Group, offers a perspective on one roadmap to potential…
Editor's letter: Consumer Duty – maybe not so 'Mission Impossible' after all?
I am really looking forward to the film 'Mission Impossible Seven', or to give it it’s exact title: ‘Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’.
Graeme Trudgill on taking up the reins at Biba
Graeme Trudgill has committed to fighting strongly for brokers and to getting even more access to the Financial Conduct Authority for members as he takes up the role of CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
Brokers split on benefits versus costs of Consumer Duty
Only 49% of brokers agree the long-term benefits to their firm of the Consumer Duty will outweigh the short-term costs, according to research by the Financial Conduct Authority.
FCA reveals 69% of brokers feel fully ready for Consumer Duty deadline
The Financial Conduct Authority has set out that 69% of brokers believe they will be ready to comply with all requirements of the Consumer Duty when it comes into force on 31 July.
FCA research shows brokers outperforming financial services on Consumer Duty understanding
Detailed research by the Financial Conduct Authority has revealed brokers are ahead of the financial services industry on almost all metrics of Consumer Duty understanding.
Start-up broker boss eyes big growth amid property sector turbulence
The boss of a new property broker believes customers need faster service than ever amid the current issues facing the property market.
Academy Insurance updates on sale after deal fell through
Personal lines specialist Academy Insurance Services’ shareholders are going through due diligence in a sale process, according to a filing at Companies House.
Sicsic Advisory teams up with software experts for fair value product
Regulation consultancy Sicsic Advisory has teamed up with lifecycle management experts Skyjed to launch a new all-in-one product oversight and governance solution.
Brokers waiting on insurers and tech vendors to demonstrate value of AI and ChatGPT
Brokers are unlikely to actively embrace artificial intelligence and explore the potential of ChatGPT until insurers and technology vendors have demonstrated their value, and none need fear that they will replace them in giving advice.
Brightstar launches insurance broker Solstar
The Brightstar Group, predominantly a mortgage intermediary business, has launched an insurance brokerage which offers advice direct to clients and a referral service for mortgage brokers.
Premium Credit rolls out service to help brokers win over FCA on fair value
Premium Credit has rolled out a benchmarking report service that can help brokers with their fair value assessments, remaining compliant at a time of intense regulatory focus on premium finance and the credit sector.
Sicsic warns brokers leaseholder commission disclosure sets a ‘precedent’
Michael Sicsic, managing partner of Sicsic Advisory, urged brokers to review all their remuneration arrangements following the Financial Conduct Authority’s report today revealing incompetence and unjustifiable remuneration in the buildings’ insurance…
FCA’s Brewis: brokers key to helping curb unjustifiable freeholder commissions
The Financial Conduct Authority recommended insurance brokers interrogate property managers more to justify their commission with the publication of its latest paper on multi-occupancy buildings insurance.
Opinion: Now is the time to demonstrate the value of insurance
With the recent raft of insurance results, the personal lines sector is very much under the spotlight. Mike Crane, LV Broker managing director and L&G General Insurance CEO, offers some thoughts on how to navigate 2023 and beyond.
FCA proposes 10.4% hike to broker fees block
The Financial Conduct Authority is poised to raise fees for the general insurance mediation pot where brokers sit to £34.7m for 2023 to 2024, as its budget rises to £684.2m, including a £5.3m Consumer Duty cost.
The FCA: 10 years on has it been a success, failure – or somewhere in between?
On 1 April 2013 insurance brokers faced a new regulatory dawn as the baton passed from the Financial Services Authority to the Financial Conduct Authority. Insurance Age canvassed opinion throughout the market to find out views on how the first decade…
Brokers face ‘fair value’ dilemma on premium finance amid interest rate rises
Brokers are faced with a dilemma as interest rates rise. The Financial Conduct Authority’s demand for them to offer ‘fair value’ products is at the forefront of their minds when they decide how to deal with the customer. Saxon East reports.
FCA boss Brewis to address Consumer Duty concerns at Insurance Age event
Matthew Brewis, director of insurance at the Financial Conduct Authority, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the first Insurance Age Broker Breakfast event in Leeds next month.