Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The Financial Conduct Authority is the conduct regulator for 59,000 financial services firms and financial markets in the UK and the prudential supervisor for 49,000 firms, setting specific standards for 19,000 firms.
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.
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.
FCA still undecided on taking GAP-like action over premium finance fair value
The Financial Conduct Authority “remains concerned” over the fair value of premium finance, it has revealed at a press conference after the regulator's annual public meeting yesterday.
Broker Expo 2024 Countdown: David Sparkes of Biba
As we count down to Insurance Age’s Broker Week, we asked our Broker Expo speakers to share some insights into the event, market issues and reveal their favourite chocolate bar. Today, we focus on the British Insurance Brokers’ Association regulation…
Blog: Are insurance add-ons still relevant in 2024?
Julian Tomlinson, chairman of Alps, argues some insurance add-ons are more vital for policyholders today than they’ve ever been.