Regulation
FOS to maintain levy at £106m despite forecast increase in cases
The Financial Ombudsman Service has frozen its levy for the 2023/24 financial year at £106m stating that due to the current economic climate and the pressures that businesses are under there will be no increase for inflation.
FCA claims data shows customers get a ‘far better outcome’ via advised broking - Blanc
The FCA’s claims data on personal lines shows customers get a ‘far better outcome’ when taking advise through brokers, according to Aston Lark chief executive Peter Blanc.
Is it a golden age for broker start-ups, despite rising costs?
The CEO of Brokerring, Stuart Randall, recently told delegates at Broker Expo 2022 it can cost £250,000 to start-up a brokerage. Sophie Locke-Cooper explores why it is now so expensive - and whether it is proving detrimental to those seeking to go alone.
Fair value? Which household insurers are rejecting the most claims?
Ageas, Axa UK and LV have some of the highest claims rejection rates in home insurance out of all the insurers who work with brokers, Financial Conduct Authority figures show.
Graeme Trudgill ‘delighted’ to see FCA review funding of the FSCS
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s executive director, Graeme Trudgill has responded to the Financial Conduct Authority’s review of the funding of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
FCA reveals next steps for improving the compensation framework
The Financial Conduct Authority has published the feedback it received to its call for input on the framework for protection provided through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, following concerns about increasing costs.
FCA raises concerns on D&I strategies
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned that firms’ diversity and inclusion strategies are not consistently based on a clear diagnosis of their specific circumstances and challenges, meaning actions and initiatives may not be appropriately focused.
FCA reveals ESG committee line-up
The Financial Conduct Authority has established an environmental, social and governance advisory committee to help the regulator execute its ESG-related responsibilities.
Reform of senior managers’ regime chance to speed up director approvals – compliance experts
Government plans to reform the Senior Managers and Certification Regime are an opportunity to speed up approval processes which are taking too long, compliance experts say.
Politicians target reform of Senior Managers and Certification Regime in ‘Brexit dividend’
The government has announced plans to begin a review into reforming the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
Union calls for urgent action amid FCA staff morale “collapse”
The Financial Conduct Authority needs urgent staff reform amid a collapse in morale that means it cannot regulate effectively, union Unite has claimed.
News analysis: What next for brokers amid FCA premium finance crackdown?
The Financial Conduct Authority’s premium finance crackdown threatens a significant revenue earner for brokers. Big players with strong balance sheets are making moves
ICO fines five firms £435,000 for unlawful “white goods insurance” marketing calls
The Information Commissioner’s Office has fined five firms a total of £435,000 for making nearly half a million nuisance calls trying to sell white goods insurance.
Ransomware-hit SSP under broker fire amid latest issues
SSP has been told it must improve service after the latest attack caused Axa to cut off its personal lines to brokers
FCA outlines rogue financial promotions clamp down
The Financial Conduct Authority has proposed new measures to stamp out illegal, unfair or misleading financial marketing.
Under 20% of firms meet FCA expectations on attestation records
Only 11 out of 66 firms in the Financial Conduct Authority’s general insurance pricing review provided attestation records that met the regulator’s expectations.
FCA says insurers undervaluing cars and other items at claims stage
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned insurance firms not to undervalue items when settling insurance claims, especially during the cost of living squeeze, saying it has seen evidence the practice is happening.
IFAs who mis-sold pensions to steel workers fear insurers will reject PI claims
Financial advisers who mis-sold pensions to British Steel workers ‘are concerned that their professional indemnity insurance may not respond to claims’, it has emerged in a regulatory update.
FCA launches phase two of enhanced oversight programme for newly authorised firms
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed the start of phase two in its Early and High Growth Oversight programme and an expansion to feature 300 firms.
FCA sinking 'into a quicksand’ – brokers react to latest threat on fair value
The Financial Conduct Authority is sinking 'into a quicksand’ as it ups the ante over insurance firms failing to offer customers fair value.
FCA takes aim at gap between industry statements and results of first value measures data
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned it will consider which tools it can use to protect consumers as it unveiled its first personal lines value measures data.
FSCS maintains broker levy at £5.3m and forecasts no increase for 2023/24
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has kept the 2022/23 levy for brokers at £5.3m as it revealed the bill for 2023/24 is poised to be the same again.
Sheldon Mills insists that ‘we must not lose sight’ on diversity and inclusion
The Financial Conduct Authority’s Sheldon Mills has urged the industry to do more on ensuring diverse representation and inclusive cultures.
FCA to release crucial personal lines value data ‘imminently’
The Financial Conduct Authority is set to release value measures data ‘imminently’ that will play a crucial role in helping brokers benchmark whether their products offer value.