The PRA is consulting on its approach to the determination of the availability of subordinated liabilities and preference shares in group own funds under Solvency II. Views on the PRA’s statements regarding...
Category - Insurance
Roseyna JahangirCommission adopts unfair terms guidance
The European Commission has adopted a guidance note on the Unfair Contract Terms Directive. The note covers: the objectives and scope of the directive; key terminology such as “supplier” and...
Emma RadmoreEIOPA discussion paper on insurance stress testing
EIOPA is inviting views from stakeholders on the methodological principles of insurance stress testing. The discussion paper considers aspects of stress tests such as: process and objectives; scope scenario design; and...
Updated FCA and PRA MoU published
The FCA and the PRA have updated the MoU setting out the relationship between the two regulators and the way in which they respectively operate, particularly in common areas. The MoU was first published at the time of...
FCA fines Standard Life for non-advised sales failings
FCA has fined Standard Life Assurance Limited £30,792,500. The fine relates to non-advised sales of annuities, and sales practices over nearly 8 years. Although the sales were non-advised, FCA found that the firm...
FCA publishes feedback statement on fair pricing
In the context of ongoing work by both the FCA and CMA on fair pricing and loyalty penalties, the FCA has published a feedback statement setting out a framework for how it will evaluate the fairness of a given pricing...
FCA to help travel insurance customers with pre-existing medical conditions
The FCA has launched a consultation on a new ‘signposting’ rule, aimed at helping customers with pre-existing medical conditions (PEMC) purchase travel insurance. The rule would specify circumstances in...
FCA discusses AI in financial services
In a recent speech, Christopher Woolard of the FCA considered three lenses through which the FCA views the issues relating to AI: what are new, and what are existing issues; how to ensure that AI creates value for...
FCA invites feedback on Gabriel replacement
The FCA has announced that it is planning a replacement for Gabriel, its data collection system. It has therefore asked current Gabriel users to complete a feedback survey to provide views that can be considered in the...
The Government responds to the Treasury Committee Report on Consumers’ Access to Financial Services
The Government’s response to the Treasury Committee report was published on 11th July. The document sets out the Government’s response to each of the report’s conclusions and recommendations. The key...
Caroline StevensonESA evaluates cross-border supervision of retail financial services
A report published by the Joint Committee of European Supervisory Authorities, ie the EBA, ESMA and EIOPA, has reviewed the current landscape of cross-border supervision, in particular in the light of the regulatory...
BEIS review of Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has completed its 5 year review of the Consumer Contracts Regulations. While these regulations broadly exclude financial services, they may be engaged where...
EBA reports on POG guidance implementation
EBA has reported on how industry has implemented its Product Oversight and Governance arrangements guidelines. It found a mix of good and bad practices. Some of its criticisms were that: often the manufacturer’s...
CMA launches digital advertising market study
The CMA has launched a study into online platforms and digital advertising. The study will focus on harm caused by consumers in connection with three areas of digital advertising: the extent online platforms (such as...
Alex LouchUK financial regulators publish climate change Joint Declaration
The FCA, PRA, TPR and FRC have jointly issued a declaration reiterating their commitment to work on the enhancement of climate-related disclosures. The Joint Declaration also welcomes the UK’s Green Finance...
UK government launch Green Finance Strategy
HM Treasury and BEIS have launched a Green Finance Strategy to meet the government’s target of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, to boost sustainable investment, and to help make the UK a ‘green...
EIOPA consults on cloud outsourcing guidelines
EIOPA is consulting on draft guidelines regarding outsourcing to cloud service providers. The areas covered by the draft guidelines include: guidance on determining whether or not cloud services should be considered to...
FCA publishes general insurance Notice of Undertaking
The FCA has published a Notice of Undertaking under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 from ETA Services Ltd in relation to a Cycle Insurance Policy. The FCA was concerned that the policy in question had two terms that...
Treasury promotes InsurTech for low-income renter help
Treasury and FCA organised an industry workshop aimed at helping low-income renters to get better access to contents insurance. Many contents insurance products are not suitable for the needs of these renters, so the...
“Not all about Brexit” says Philip Hammond
Philip Hammond, speaking at the Mansion House dinner, highlighted the many ways in which a no-deal Brexit would be damaging for the financial services industry and the UK as a whole. He noted also the political...
ABI comments on ‘loyalty penalty’ issue
In a recent speech, the Director General of the ABI noted that, amid the current government and regulatory focus on this issue, member firms have committed to a set of Guiding Principles and Action Points for GI Pricing...
Solvency II amended Delegated Regulation published in OJ
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/981 was published in the OJ on 18 June 2019. This Delegated Regulation amends the Solvency II Delegated Regulation in a number of respects primarily relating to capital and risk. It will...
CMA may be given enhanced powers to impose fines for consumer law breaches
The government has announced that it will consult on whether the CMA should be given the power to fine businesses directly if they have breached consumer law, for example through the ‘loyalty penalty’ and...
FCA publishes first perimeter report
FCA has published the first of what will be an annual report on its regulatory perimeter. Among other things, the report is designed to explain what challenges the perimeter is presenting and whether there might be a...
CMA updates on loyalty penalty work
CMA has updated on its work on the loyalty penalty. It says key decisions are due shortly and that two enforcement cases are underway. It says it expects regulators to take strong action where they find problems and...
PRA feeds back on fees and levies
PRA has published its policy statement on proposed rates for 2019/2020. It will be implementing the proposals unchanged, and its updated rules and supervisory statement will take effect on 1 July.
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest Policy Development Update heralds a few interesting papers on the near horizon, including: a consultation in June on alternatives to high cost credit; perhaps, a policy statement on general insurance...
PRA proposes minor form changes
PRA’s latest Occasional Consultation Paper proposes minor changes to miscellaneous Rulebook Parts, Supervisory Statements and templates and LOG files in respect of: Solvency II: The quality of capital instruments...
Treasury Committee announces inquiry into decarbonisation of the UK Economy and Green Finance
The Treasury Committee has announced an inquiry that will look at the respective roles of HMT, regulators and financial service firms in supporting the government’s climate change commitment. The terms of...
IUA publishes cyber exclusion clauses
The International Underwriting Association (IUA) has published two new cyber exclusion clauses: Cyber Loss Absolute Exclusion Clause (IUA 09-081): provides a broad exclusion against losses arising from the use of a...
Amy Rose-McMullenFCA and Dutch Authority agree on closer partnership
The FCA and the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets have agreed to work more closely together in order to protect and enhance the integrity of their financial systems. The regulators will share information to...
Angie BamboulisFCA tells CMCs what it expects
FCA has written a Dear CEO letter to CMCs who have temporary permissions telling them how it expects them to behave then making financial promotions or acting for their customers. There has been an increase in cases...
Treasury consults on funeral plan pressure sales
Treasury is consulting on how to deal with pressure sales of pre-paid funeral plans. Most of the sector is subject to voluntary regulation only through the Funeral Planning Authority. There is an increasing demand for...
FCA makes shareholder engagement and transparency rules
FCA has made new rules to improve shareholder engagement and increase transparency around stewardship. The new requirements take effect from 10 June. FCA will require: asset managers and life insurers to publish their...
Barry StimpsonFCA extends temporary permissions deadline
FCA has confirmed the deadline for EEA firms to notify it of their intention to use the temporary permissions regime is now 30 October. FCA has updated its website with details of how the TPR applies, and its policy for...
PRA framework for climate change risk management
Earlier this year, the PRA published PS11/19 and SS319 on ‘Enhancing banks’ and insurers’ approaches to managing the financial risks from climate change’. Following on from this, they have now published a...
FOS Annual Review 2018/2019
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published its Annual Review 2018/2019. The Annual Review highlights that FOS has: received more than 388,000 complaints over the past 12 months, which is up 14% on 2017/2018...
Inside FCA Podcast: Andrew Bailey on the Business Plan and future of regulation
On 14th May 2019, the FCA published a podcast interview with Andrew Bailey on the FCA’s Business Plan and future of regulation. Key topics can be summarised as follows:- Brexit – Brexit has affected the...
Treasury committee report on access to financial services
On 13 May 2019, the Treasury Committee published its 29th report on consumers’ access to financial services. The report urges financial services providers, the Government, and financial regulators to ensure...
ICO fines for spam PPI claim texts
The ICO has fined a claims management company £120,000 for sending spam texts. It found Hall and Hanley Ltd, using a third party, had sent over 3.5m direct marketing texts about PPI claims without having valid consents...
65% of insurers to use cloud over next 3 years
EIOPA has published its study on the use of big data analytics in motor and health insurance. It had noted a strong trend towards data-driven business models throughout the insurance value chain. Insurers have always...
Jonathan DrakeFSCS sets next year’s levy
FSCS has set its 2019/2020 levy. It will be £532m, which is slightly more than its forecast, but still less than the 9 month levy for last year (had it been a 12 month levy). FSCS puts the increase down to an uplift in...
EIOPA issues stress test Recommendations to NCAs
Following analysis of the 2018 Insurance Stress Test results, EIOPA has issued recommendations to National Competent Authorities to address identified vulnerabilities. Analysis was done at individual group level. ...
EIOPA reports on 2018 supervisory activity and 2019 priorities
EIOPA has published a report on its 2018 supervisory activities. EIOPA reported that in 2018 it achieved key milestones including: issuing a cross-border insurance technical opinion, developing a common framework to...
With-profits firms should review consumer harm risks
FCA has published its thematic review of firms’ practices in key areas of the with-profits market that FCA had identified as presenting the highest potential for customer harm. The review focused on: investment...
FCA publishes research agenda
One of the documents that accompanied FCA’s Business Plan is its Research Agenda. This sets out its intentions in respect of the themes that underpin the Business Plan. The document explains how FCA welcomes...
FCA prioritises culture, customers and crime prevention
FCA’s Business Plan for 2019/2020 holds few surprises. It highlights 4 ongoing cross-sector priorities and three additional longer-term priorities. FCA will focus on: culture and governance, not least in SMCR...
Complaint levels fall
FCA’s data for complaints against regulated firms for H2 2018 show that complaints decreased by 5%, with PPI complaints falling by 8% – although PPI still accounted for 40% of all complaints. In part this...
Policy and Supervisory Statements on climate change financial risks published
The PRA has published PS11/19 and SS3/19 on ‘Enhancing banks’ and insurers’ approaches to managing the financial risks from climate change’. These statements are intended to steer firms towards...
UK insurance stress test feedback request
As the PRA prepares to conduct a stress test exercise, it has written to firms and industry participants to ask for feedback. The exercise will involve the largest life and general insurers, and run from Monday 1 July...
FCA publish thematic review on GI distribution chain
The FCA has published its thematic review on the general insurance distribution chain. This includes a call to action on firms to ensure that they address the issues identified and bring the recommendations to front...
Memorandum of Understanding between the FCA and the ASA published
The FCA has published a Memorandum of Understanding between the FCA and the ASA. The MoU sets out the areas of responsibility for the FCA and ASA in relation to advertising in the financial services industry. It also...
Lloyd’s warns on sanctions evasion tactics
Lloyd’s has issued a new market bulletin on how to counter North Korean and other sanctions evasion tactics. The bulletin points out the constant evolution of tactics to evade sanctions, including using otherwise...
FCA updates on Access to Insurance
FCA has issued an update on its work following its call for input on access to insurance in respect of travel insurance for those who have or have had cancer, and its subsequent feedback statement. Since the 2018...
FCA publishes final no-deal Brexit rules
Perhaps in anticipation of what would follow later in the day, FCA published its final instruments and guidance that would apply in the event of a no-deal, no-implementation period Brexit, on the morning of 29 March...
EIOPA reviews InsurTech authorisation in the EU
EIOPA has published a report on current authorising and licensing approaches to financial innovation, including InsurTech startups and peer-to-peer insurance. The report identified that while the EU market for InsurTech...
EIOPA to prepare guidelines on outsourcing to cloud service providers
As part of its response to the European Commission’s FinTech Action Plan, EIOPA has published a report setting out: a summary of the current NSA work on cloud computing, an analysis of the current EU (re)insurance...
FCA extends temporary permissions window
In light of the current short extension to Brexit, FCA has decided to extend the notification window for EEA firms to apply for temporary permissions. The window was due to close on 28 March, but will now close on 11...
FCA looks at life beyond Brexit
In a speech on Brexit delivered by Nausicaa Delfas, Executive Director of International, the FCA reminded firms that the deadline for notifications under the temporary permissions regime is 28 March 2019. Firms that...
Europe reaches political agreement on reforms to EU supervision
The European Parliament and Member States have reached agreement on core elements of the reform of European supervision of financial markets, including strengthening the supervisory framework in the area of anti-money...
Insurance firms to be required to provide Civil Liability Act reforms costs information
HM Treasury is consulting on draft regulations to require certain firms that sell third party personal injury insurance policies to provide certain information to the FCA. The information will be used by the Government...
CMA’s Loyalty Penalty Working Group terms of reference published
Following work by both the FCA and the CMA, and the ‘loyalty penalty’ super-complaint, the CMA has published the terms of reference of its recently convened Loyalty Penalty Working Group (LPWG). The LPWG...
FCA Update on Digital Regulatory Reporting
The FCA has updated its webpage on digital regulatory reporting (DRR) by publishing – a video which explains the concept of DRR and outlines the work carried out by the DRR pilot group; a report which sets out an...
What the Spring Statement brings for regulation
In the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, the Chancellor referred to the need to ensure financial regulation can adapt to a no-deal Brexit and then, longer term, to the UK’s new constitutional position.
No-deal for the insurance sector – a look across Europe
We have written a short article on the pan-European view, and the views in certain key jurisdictions in the EU, on the effects of no-deal Brexit on the insurance regulation.
FCA fines Carphone Warehouse for insurance misselling
FCA has fined the Carphone Warehouse over £29 million for misselling its “Geek Squad” mobile phone insurance and technical support product, and acting in breach of its Principles 3,6 and 9. Following...
FCA finalises guidance on SoRs and responsibilities maps
FCA has published its finalised guidance to help firms prepare their statements of responsibility and responsibilities maps under the SMCR. The guidance addresses the rules as they apply to each category of SMCR firm...
FCA confirms FOS increase
FCA has issued a policy statement confirming the increase in the FOS award limit. From 1 April, the limit that FOS can award against firms will be £350,000. This amount will apply in relation to complaints about...
FCA makes Directory rules
FCA has made its final rules on its “Directory“. The new public register will enable searches on all directors and senior managers, certification staff and other individuals who require qualifications to...
Insurance MoUs agreed between BoE, FCA, EIOPA and EU supervisors
The UK supervisory authorities have agreed memoranda of understanding with European counterparts, to facilitate the coordinated supervision of insurance entities in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The MoUs cover...
EU agrees draft directive to enhance consumer protection
The EU has agreed the terms of a draft directive that, if passed, will amend a number of consumer protection directives, including the consumer rights directive (2011/83/EU), to introduce measures such as: harmonised...
FCA updates rules
FCA has made a number of amendments to various parts of its rulebook, including: amendments to COBS on information relating to pensions savings, taking effect from November 2019 and April 2020; introducing a Devolved...
Up next from FCA
FCA is running behind schedule on some expected publications. Its latest Policy Development Update highlights the following: consultation and discussion on the Investment Platforms Market Study remedies due in March...
BoE and FCA update on Brexit approach
BoE and FCA have updated their respective websites with coordinated information on their approach to a hard Brexit. BoE has published a series of materials setting out its updated plans to its supervisory approach to a...
Paper published on supervision of insurers’ corporate guidance
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors has published an Application Paper on Proactive Supervision of Corporate Governance. The paper sets out principles and practices to support supervisors in their...
FCA renews call for firms to prepare for Brexit
The FCA has published sector-specific information to help regulated firms ensure they are prepared for the consequences of Brexit, including a no-deal Brexit. The guidance covers banking and payments, life insurance...
Final report on wholesale insurance broker market study published by FCA
Following the initiation of its market study into the wholesale insurance brokers market in November 2017, the FCA has now published its final report. The focus of the market study was on the following five areas: the...
Court rules that Brexit is not frustrating event for a lease
The High Court has ruled that a European agency cannot terminate the lease of their premises at Canary Wharf on the basis of Brexit being a ‘frustrating event’. Our article provides more detail on this case...
FIN. TeamEIOPA set out conduct risk framework for product lifecycle
EIOPA has published a framework that sets out what drives conduct risk and how to assess it throughout a product life cycle. It looks at: business model and management risks manufacturing risks delivery risks and...
Commission prepares to review Solvency II
Under the Solvency II Directive, the Commission is required to review certain areas covered by the Directive by 2020. Accordingly, the Commission has sent EIOPA a formal request for technical advice on the review of the...
Keep UCITS KIID for MOPs for longer, says industry
Insurance Europe and EFAMA are calling for an extension to the date on which PRIIPs KIDS must be produced for multi-option products. Currently, where a UCITS KIID has been produced for underlying funds, insurers and...
PRA updates fees position
PRA has issued its feedback statement, new rules and a new supervisory statement on certain aspects of its periodic and transaction fees. Its update covers: a revised approach to periodic fees for Designated Investment...
Financial Stability Board 2019 work programme published
The Financial Stability Board has published its work programme for the forthcoming year. The areas upon which it intends to focus are: addressing emerging vulnerabilities in the financial system; working with standard...
ESMA briefs on non-EU branches
ESMA has published a supervisory briefing aimed at helping supervisors dealing with non-EU branches of EU firms. It highlights how the supervisors should ensure that the non-EU branch can comply with the requirements of...
ESMA creates Brexit page
ESMA has created a new web-page on Brexit, setting out how it is preparing for it. Its latest agreement is a MoU with BoE for recognition of CCPs and the Central Securities Depository. It aims to recognise all UK CCPs...
Treasury lays Brexit FS SI before Parliament
Treasury has laid before Parliament the Financial Services (Miscellaneous)(Amendment)(EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The wide-ranging instrument amends several pieces of UK and retained EU law relating to financial...
FCA publishes call to action for firms to prepare for no-deal Brexit
Under draft legislation published by the Treasury, the FCA and the PRA are to be given temporary powers to make transitional provisions, in order to ensure that most firms and other regulated entities’ day to day...
FCA agrees Brexit MoUs with European securities regulators
As part of the preparation for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, the FCA has agreed MoUs with ESMA and with EU and NCAs, covering supervision, enforcement and information exchange, including in relation to credit rating...
ESMA publishes 2019 Regulatory Work Programme
ESMA has published its Regulatory Work Programme for 2019, setting out ESMA’s Single Rulebook work. The matters it is working on for the forthcoming year include: Post-trading RTS under EMIR; RTS relating to...
Regulators consult on FSCS MELL
FCA and PRA are consulting on the management expenses levy limit (MELL) for FSCS for the 2019/2020 year. They propose an increase of 2.4% over the current year with a levy for FSCS management expenses of £74.6m and an...
FCA feeds back on RND and Plevin issues
FCA has published a detailed policy statement to back up the new rules on regular premium PPI complaints and recurring non-disclosure of commission. FCA stresses that one of the main purposes of its consultation and now...
FCA and FRC focus on encouraging effective stewardship
The FCA is working with the the FRC to set out proposals and a discussion paper encouraging asset managers and others managing investments to take a closer interest in the operation of the businesses in which they...
FCA consults on reporting requirements for General Insurance firms
The FCA is inviting views on proposals to require firms to report certain value measures data on a wide range of GI products. This consultation follows the identification of issues of poor value in the GI market, and a...
UK / Switzerland deal reached on insurance
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Swiss and UK governments signed a deal to allow both countries to trade freely within the insurance sector post-Brexit. The agreement will come into force when the current EU...
EIOPA calls for improvements to the assessment of the propriety of AMSB members
On 25 January 2019 EIOPA published findings of its peer review, which examined how national competent authorities (NCAs) assess the propriety of administrative, management or supervisory body (AMSB) members and...
FMLC writes to Treasury on Brexit regulations
FMLC has written to Treasury with its key observations on the FSMA (EU Exit) Regulations. The Committee is concerned at some wording proposed in relation to the financial promotion rules. Specifically, FCA has power to...
Treasury Committee launches post-Brexit FS inquiry
The Treasury Committee has started a new inquiry looking at financial services in the UK after Brexit. Its focus is to look at: what the UK’s financial services priorities should be when negotiating the UK’s...
Treasury writes to Treasury Committee on no-deal planning law
The Treasury has written to the Treasury Committee enclosing a draft of secondary legislation that would give temporary transitional powers to the UK financial regulators in the event of a no-deal Brexit that would...
FCA to look at product governance and research unbundling
A set of oral evidence given to the Treasury Committee includes statements from FCA that: it is now content on how to interpret the mortgage affordability test compliantly with the MCD and now plans to consult on...
New Financial Services head at Womble Bond Dickinson
We are delighted that Jonny Williams has joined the financial services regulatory team at Womble Bond Dickinson UK.
More information on Jonny and his appointment can be found here.