Clear victory for the industry
Equitable life claimed against Ernst & Young, arguing that it had failed to take account of the uncertainties surrounding the guaranteed annuity rates and the Hyman litigation.
The High Court decision in Equitable Life v Ernst & Young should bewelcomed by underwriters and brokers alike, confirming once again the
court's willingness to restrict the scope of a professional's duties.
Until June 1998, Equitable Life issued with profits policies that
guaranteed annuity rates. This scheme worked well until 1993 when, for the
first time, the guaranteed annuity rate exceeded the prevailing annuity
rate in the market.
The firm tried to address the problem by adopting a
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Regulation
Further increase in FCA insurance S166s
The Financial Conduct Authority hit the insurance sector with three skilled person reports in the third quarter, taking the running total for the financial year to six.
The most significant pressures reshaping UK insurance broking in 2026
With the UK’s top insurance brokers facing shifting market conditions, there is no better time to reassess the commercial, regulatory, and technological pressures shaping the sector. PKF Littlejohn insurance partner Paul Goldwin and director Charles Drew consider the areas of focus and the importance of discipline to position firms for the year ahead.
Customer empowerment levels rising, says Aviva’s Storah
Aviva has seen an “increasing level of empowerment” among customers as the usage of artificial intelligence for research rises, according to Jason Storah, CEO of GI at the insurer.
FCA calls on insurance companies to “engage early and often”
There are no new market wide interventions needed to drive positive progress, according to Sarah Pritchard, deputy CEO at the Financial Conduct Authority, as she called on the industry to engage.
No price cap or zero interest order plans from FCA on premium finance
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed it will not introduce a price cap or order that premium finance is provided without interest, as it published its final report.
Blog: How the regulatory axe could fall in 2026
Isabella Macfarlane, head of London Markets at Insurance Compliance Services, explores how the Financial Conduct Authority may address its priorities in 2026.
FCA launches AI review with Sheldon Mills at the helm
Sheldon Mills, formerly of the Financial Conduct Authority, is set to lead an FCA review into the implications of advanced AI on consumers, retail financial markets and regulators.
Biba pitches industry wide fair value assessment templates
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has targeted further regulatory rule simplification in its 2026 Manifesto, as it urged industry wide support of developing a fair value assessment template, and called on the government to deliver a new Financial Services Bill.