Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Premium finance: industry welcomes Supreme Court appeal and hopes for clarity
As evidenced by differing actions by premium finance specialists in recent months there are differing views in the market, but the hope remains that a Supreme Court case on motor finance, to be heard on 1-3 April, can help to bring clarity.
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.
No change to Premium Credit disclosure arrangements
Premium Credit is not asking distribution partners to make any changes to existing customer journeys after reviewing the implications of a legal ruling for commission disclosure in motor finance.
US insurance group looks to sign up MGA partners after UK arm gets PRA nod
US specialty insurer Fortega has received approval to establish Fortegra Insurance Company UK.
Review of the Year 2024: iprism’s Ian Lloyd
Ian Lloyd, CEO of iprism, reflects on integrating the MGA’s first acquisition, the over-use of the term AI and how he might shake the curse of ‘dad dancing’ by appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Brokers raised concerns to Biba on initial FCA ‘name and shame’ proposals
Brokers raised concerns to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association about the Financial Conduct Authority’s original transparency proposals, the trade body has confirmed to Insurance Age.
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.
Close Brothers bringing in written consent rule on commercial broker premium finance commission
Close Brothers will require consent from commercial customers for broker commissions for premium finance as of Monday 25 November.
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.
RBC warns of potential £250m premium finance hit to Close Brothers
If a recent court ruling on motor finance litigation is upheld and spreads to premium finance Close Brothers could suffer a £250m hit, equity analysts RBC Capital Markets have warned.
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 “uncomfortable reading” – CII
Insurance industry bodies and practitioners have welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority publishing the findings of its non-financial misconduct survey and see opportunity to drive change.
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 charges as high as 37% but dropping overall – report
Pearson Ham has found average premium finance costs for motor and home insurance fell over the last year but also revealed charges as high as 36.8%.
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.