News/Regulation
The FCA piles on the pressure
News analysis: As the regulatory watchdog bares its teeth in its new business plan, are brokers ready to come to heel? Rachel Gordon investigates.
Ghost broker sentenced for selling fraudulent Esure policies
The fraudster had previously pleaded guilty in June this year to fraud by false representation, money laundering, forgery and to the offence of being an unauthorised broker.
Firms must respond to FCA pricing reform survey by 9 August
The watchdog, which announced new rules earlier this year, is canvassing brokers about their readiness to implement the remedies.
FCA fines totalled £189.8m in 2020/21
The total amount fell by 15% from £224.4m in 2019/20 as the regulator also outlines its response to the pandemic and other actions taken last year in its annual report for 2020/21.
FCA Business Plan a "significant change of tone"
Industry experts say firms need to focus on fair value after the regulator reveals plans to be tough and forward-looking.
FCA pledges to be tough and take action as it publishes 2021/22 Business Plan
Watchdog to focus on innovation and tackling misconduct as it aims to to become a "forward-looking, proactive regulator".
European Commission clears Aon/WTW merger
But the deal is still on hold as a November trial looms in the United States and the New Zealand Commerce Commission also raises competition concerns.
FCA fines Lloyds Bank £90.7m for failings in home insurance renewal letters
The regulator says LBGI sent renewal communications including misleading language between 2009 and 2017.
FCA puts diversity under the microscope
The regulator is consulting on policy options to drive D&I in financial services as it warns lack of representation can “weaken the quality of decision-making”.
FCA warns of Beagle Insurance clone
The watchdog said scammers were using the details of an authorised firm to defraud customers.
Brokers ordered to review client money arrangements
The Financial Conduct Authority has written to intermediaries to remind them it will fine businesses if misconduct occurs as it highlights key failings.
FCA's product governance rules to have "significant ramifications" for commercial brokers
Compliance expert Branko Bjelobaba urges commercial lines brokers to pay attention as the FCA zones in on fair value across the whole of the insurance sector.
Hiscox agrees settlement with business interruption action group
Hiscox and the Hiscox Action Group said the arbitration proceedings have been resolved "to the mutual satisfaction of all parties".
US DoJ files lawsuit to block Aon/WTW merger
The two brokers have said they disagree with the move after the DoJ warns merger would “create a broking behemoth” and “threatens to eliminate competition, raise prices and reduce innovation”.
Analysis: Gefion collapse highlights risks of unrated capacity
Niche brokers say they have no choice but to use unrated insurers as compliance experts call for a change of the "unfair" FSCS levy system after the scheme steps in to pay claims following Gefion's bankruptcy.
Industry warned of "bumpy ride" ahead after FCA confirms dual pricing ban
While insurance experts have welcomed the regulator's new rules on pricing, coming into force in January 2022, some warn that the reforms will present challenges for the sector.
FCA wraps up rules on dual pricing ban
The regulator has said that the new rules on pricing, auto-renewal and data reporting remedies come into effect on 1 January 2022.
Insurance Hound: Most read by brokers in March and April 2021
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FCA reveals measures to increase consumer protection in retail markets
Regulator proposes to enhance existing rules around treating customers fairly with the aim to drive a shift in culture and behaviour for firms.
FCA reveals CEO recruitment spending
The regulator also brought clarity on the number of interviews conducted ahead of its appointment of Nikhil Rathi.
Biba 2021: The impact of Covid-19 on regulation
The FCA’s Matt Brewis discusses product value, business interruption insurance and the test case, challenges around PI and why the time is right to focus on cyber insurance.
FSCS reduces broker levy for 2021/22
Biba welcomes the move to slash the total broker contribution by half, as it brands the original forecasted levy as "grossly unfair".
“Wake-up call” for brokers as FCA zones in on fair value
The regulator sends a shot across the bow to brokers about leaseholder buildings insurance as the sector is warned to look at the wider picture.
FCA spent almost £7m on BI court case
The regulator brought the case to provide clarity for policyholders on payment of business interruption claims arising from the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.