Regulation
Biba calls for freeze on Insurance Premium Tax
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) is urging the Government not to increase the 5% rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) on insurance products in its next Budget on 22 June 2010.
FSA bans two insurance brokers
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has taken action against two insurance brokers - Delwyn Way of Shield Insurance Consultancy and Adrian Shillaker of Griffiths McAlister Insurance Brokers for failing to adequately protect client’s money and assets.
FSA authorisation time increasing, says RPC
The length of time that financial services firms are having to wait to get authorisation from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) continues to climb "inexorably", says law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC).
FPB issues World Cup advice
With the football World Cup just over a week away, the Forum of Private Business has advised its members to plan ahead for the likelihood that some employees will take more of an interest in their team’s fortunes than their duties and want to watch games…
FSA extends PPI complaint window
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has announced a temporary rule to give customers, who recently made a complaint about their payment protection insurance (PPI) policy, more time in which to refer their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service …
FSA signs off 9.9% rise in funding
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has confirmed its annual funding requirement for 2010/11.
Back in discussion: CC pushes for point-of-sale PPI ban
The Competition Commission (CC) is to return to the issue of payment protection insurance (PPI) and is once again pushing for a point-of-sale ban.
Tim Breedon to become ABI chairman
The Association of British Insurers has confirmed that Tim Breedon, group chief executive of Legal & General, has been nominated to become its next chairman.
FBP welcomes coalition policy pledge
The Forum of Private Business claims thousands of smaller businesses could benefit from measures outlined in the coalition agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties published today.
BIBA 2010: Ex-Aviva public affairs head urges Tory colleagues not to scrap IIWG
The former head of public affairs at Aviva and new Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, believes the Insurance Industry Working Group (IIWG) report should not simply be scrapped because of a change of government.
FOS insurance disputes up 38% due to PPI complaint surge
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) resolved a record 166,321 disputes in 2009/10 – a 46% annual increase – resulting in compensation for consumers in 50% of cases.
BIBA 2010: Willis CEO questions FSA's "grandfathering" of Quinn
Willis chief executive Joe Plumeri has questioned the Financial Service Authority's (FSA) role in the problems revolving around Quinn Insurance.
BIBA 2010: Galbraith calls on Government to introduce the "right legislation"
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) is set to launch a major lobbying campaign to promote the role of the broker to the Liberal-Conservative coalition government.
Annual inflation rate rises again
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the year to April, the consumer prices index (CPI) rose by 3.7%, up from 3.4% in March.
FSA criticises brokers' anti-bribery and corruption standards
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has published the findings of its recent review of anti-bribery and corruption systems and controls in commercial insurance broker firms.
Possible future for FSA, despite Tory promise
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is likely to survive despite the Tory pledge to abolish the financial watchdog.
PB Week: Discussions, drinks and the CII's Steve Davis pool challenge - all at Biba 2010
Biba's conference and exhibition, which kicks off next Wednesday, gives us the chance to talk to carriers and brokers about what is going on in their world.
Complaints about GI intermediaries on the rise
The number of complaints against general insurance intermediaries has increased by 1,000 to 144,975 in the second half of 2009, compared to H1 2009, according to FSA figures.
IIB relaunches legal advice line
The Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) has relaunched its legal advice line for members.
SMEs crave post-election certainty following hung parliament
The Forum of Private Business has commented on the election result
Legal: Introducing The Equality Act (2010)
The UK's disparate laws on equality based on personal characteristics have been unified with the introduction of The Equality Act (2010). James MacNish Porter and Rachel Dineley explain the big changes that the Act heralds.
Viewpoint: Labour's regulatory record
When Labour swept into office in 1997 they arrived with a manifesto with much to say about financial services. They launched into their promised reforms of the institutions governing the sector, making the Bank of England independent for the first time…
News Analysis: Is new note approach fit for purpose?
Emmanuel Kenning looks at a change in legislation designed to get people back to work as soon as possible after a period of sickness.
News Analysis: Promoting public financial knowledge
Emmanuel Kenning reviews the formation of an independent body designed to enhance the public's understanding and knowledge of financial services.