Regulation
FSA focuses on governance standards
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today issued a consultation paper (CP) on effective governance standards within firms
IUA says insurers that successfully implement Solvency II may win competitive edge
Companies that successfully implement Solvency II may make efficiency improvements and gain a competitive advantage on their rivals, according to the International Underwriting Association (IUA)
FSA letter in the post for broking CEOs warning them of obligations over clients' money
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has sent a letter and report to the chief executive officers (CEOs) of major insurance brokers drawing attention to the regulator's concerns over the handling of clients' money and assets.
FSA bans Bolton broker
Mortgage and insurance broker, Riaz Ahmad, has also been fined £5,000
Biba welcomes Government decision on terrorism
British victims of terrorism abroad will now receive compensation
Antares receives regulatory approval
Management of Lloyd's Syndicate 1274 transfers from Chaucer Syndicates to Antares Managing Agency
FSA bans insurance fraudster
Mark Hazelwood, company director of Hertfordshire-based Synergys Ethical, deceives customers out of almost £400,000
Legal industry voices concerns following Jackson report
RPC warns of serious downside risk for insurers while Apil adds there is little in the report that helps claimants
FSA bans three insurance brokers
"They showed themselves to be neither fit nor proper" - Margaret Cole
IIB attacks FSA levy proposals
Barbara Bradshaw claims proposed fee is disproportionate
Biba launches 2010 manifesto
Eric Galbraith, Biba chief executive, highlights changing political and regulatory landscape as major challenge
Biba welcomes ABI guide
Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at Biba, describes guide as a "positive step"
ABI guide aims to aid brokers
Brokers who sell general insurance online could benefit from new guidance from the Association of British Insurers
FSA fines up 53% to £34.8m in 2009
Average fine up 97%, according to law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain
Biba describes IPT meeting as "constructive"
British Insurance Brokers' Association and the Institute of Insurance Brokers arrange another meeting with HM Revenue and Customs
Insurers call for more guidance on Solvency II
PwC poll reveals fears the directive could negatively impact investment
ABI calls for RDR advice to be simplified
Association welcomes retail distribution review but says a simplified advice process is needed
Pure protection market could shrink due to RDR impact
Majority fear pure protection market will diminish if Retail Distribution Review is applied to the sector
Biba concern over IPT changes
Government to apply insurance premium tax to fees on personal lines insurance
Compliance is not an option
My firm's new accountant has pointed out that we have not been doing our client money reconciliations properly. This has now been rectified but the accountant is insistent that we notify the regulator of the breach although we are now solvent. Surely it…
Checking up on sick leave
An employee has been sick for a long time and is unsure of when they will return. I am unconvinced of the validity of their absence. What can I do and how do I combat my business being affected like this again?
Steep penalties for corporate manslaughter
With the first case under the new Corporate Manslaughter Act to be heard early next year, Andrew Stokes and Duncan Reed argue that brokers must make their clients aware of risks that could close their businesses.
Change on the horizon
Emmanuel Kenning looks at the start of the planning process for the technology implications of Solvency II, an issue that will loom larger for brokers in 2010.