Regulation
FCA launches five-year strategy promising smarter, more efficient and effective regulation
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched its five-year strategy revealing the four priorities for 2025 to 2030.
Which? calls out ongoing “hefty” premium finance charges
Consumer champions Which? have branded premium finance rates currently being charged by many insurers as “difficult to justify”, especially with car insurance where it found a third of rates are above 25%.
FOI reveals smaller broker involvement in FCA’s first Consumer Duty board reports review
The Financial Conduct Authority included 34 firms from the insurance sector in its review of the first annual Consumer Duty board reports, a Freedom of Information request from Insurance Age has revealed.
MGAA boss Keating weighs in as broker survey backs dedicated MGA regulation
A recent survey of insurance brokers has shown backing for the establishment of a dedicated regulatory framework for MGAs, with 68% agreeing that the Financial Conduct Authority should regulate MGAs separately from insurers and brokers.
Experts respond to FCA shelving ‘flagship initiatives’ on enforcement, D&I and non-financial misconduct
The Association of British Insurers has welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority’s decision not to push ahead with enforcement investigation publicity plans, also known as ‘name and shame’.
FCA scraps D&I rules plan and delays non-financial misconduct update
Regulators have ended work on proposed rules and expectations aimed at improving diversity and inclusion in regulated firms.
FCA cancels broker’s permissions
The Financial Conduct Authority has cancelled the ability of George Baker (Insurance Brokers) to carry out any regulated activities, with immediate effect.
FCA u-turns on enforcement transparency proposals
The Financial Conduct Authority is not going ahead with changes to announcing enforcement investigations, proposals that were labelled ‘name and shame’ and led to a huge outcry across the financial services market.
Gallagher deal for AssuredPartners delayed by request for more information
Broking giant Arthur J. Gallagher now expects to complete the acquisition of AssuredPartners in the second half of 2025, after it received a request from the US antitrust agency for additional information.
Martyn Beauchamp named FSCS CEO
Martyn Beauchamp has been appointed CEO of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, having held the role on an interim basis since October 2023.
FCA and PRA committed to driving competition and innovation
The Financial Conduct Authority is looking at what rules can be stripped out following Consumer Duty and if fair value assessments need to be every year.
Top 100 brokers adapt as AI and smarter data shape success in 2025
The insurance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in technology, evolving customer expectations, and a shifting regulatory landscape. Brokers and insurers alike are being forced to adapt to a world where data and…
Two more S166s into insurance firms
The Financial Conduct Authority commissioned two skilled person reports into insurance businesses between October and December 2024, taking the running total for the financial year into double digits.
FSCS opens to claims after Scottish broker stopped from trading by FCA
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has opened for claims from customers of Arthur Temlett, who traded as Abacus Insurance Consultants and was forced to stop carrying out any regulated activities by the Financial Conduct Authority at the start of…
Ex-England manager Gareth Southgate among Biba conference speakers
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has confirmed former England men’s football team manager Gareth Southgate as one of its 2025 conference keynote speakers.
MGAA’s Mike Keating sees opportunity to ramp up support material on claims
Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association, sees an opportunity to ramp up guidance on claims, while also highlighting the “extremely buoyant” MGA market.
Seven kilometre high pile – FCA moves to clarify email deletion plans
The Financial Conduct Authority has acknowledged it hit the headlines last week with criticism of its plans to delete emails held in staff inboxes after a year, and has sought to explain what it is doing and why.
Broking Success: Personable service
David Walton, senior director of commercial specialist broker Bromwall, is aiming to double turnover in five years, as the business looks to remain independent offering personable service.
FCA within a whisker of green sweep on authorisations
The Financial Conduct Authority delivered a top rating of ‘green’ across 16 authorisation metrics with only one ranked as ‘amber’ and none in the red zone during October to December last year.
6% of FCA financial promotions cases caused by GI & Protection
The Financial Conduct Authority has revealed the general insurance and protection sector accounted for 6% of its workload in the final quarter of last year against firms breaching financial promotion rules.
Lords Committee ‘unconvinced’ on FCA name and shame proposal
The House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee is unconvinced on the FCA’s name and shame plans as it branded the consultation an “abject failure” and urged if concerns have not been addressed in the regulator’s second consultation the…
Tributes paid following the passing of ‘one of the great characters’, Mike Slack
Former British Insurance Brokers’ Association board member and managing director of specialist motor trade intermediary Road Runner, Mike Slack, has died.
Blog: The compliance threat to M&A
Jill Hambley, managing director of Insurance Compliance Solutions, tackles the compliance basics smaller brokers must keep front of mind before listing a business for a potential sale to make sure any deal doesn’t end up on the scrapheap.
FCA issues restrictions on Scottish broker because of personal lines premium concerns
The Financial Conduct Authority has taken action to stop Arthur Temlett, trading as Abacus Insurance Consultants, from carrying out any regulated activities, including acting as an insurance broker.