ABI: Good news for consumers as FSA backs ABI

ABI: Good news for consumers as FSA backs ABI’s distribution reform proposals

ABI: Good news for consumers as FSA backs ABI’s distribution reform proposals

Consumers will benefit from reforms unveiled today by the FSA to the financial advice system in the UK. The reforms endorse the ABI’s own proposals to improve financial advice, which have been discussed with the FSA throughout the Retail Distribution Review. Specific measures announced today include:

. Reform of adviser remuneration in order to eliminate the perception of sales bias. The ABI called for a new system of adviser remuneration to be introduced, in which the cost of advice and method of payment is agreed by the adviser and the customer, without any input from the product provider. The FSA has accepted the principles of this, which will form the basis of the ‘Adviser Charging’ system.
. Improved adviser professionalism. The ABI called for minimum qualifications for advisers and a new body to govern and oversee all adviser qualifications. The FSA will introduce both measures.

These reforms will widen access to financial advice, bringing great benefits to the financial services industry and its consumers.

Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s Director General, said:

“Today’s announcement is a positive and significant milestone in the reform of financial advice and is very good news for consumers. The insurance industry fully supports the FSA’s proposals and will continue to work with it to ensure they are implemented in full.

“Moving away from the commission model of remuneration for independent financial advisers will eliminate any bias, or perception of bias, towards particular products. This means that consumers can have absolute confidence that the products recommended to them are best for them, not their IFA. Greater levels of professionalism and qualifications for advisers will also help to increase trust in financial services.

“Transparency is key throughout the advice process – of cost, level of service and expectations. These reforms will go a long way towards achieving this, and we believe they will work in the best interests of consumers by ensuring a healthy market and clear selling of financial products.”

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Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:
Jonathan French 020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2. The ABI is the voice of the insurance and investment industry. Its members constitute over 90 per cent of the insurance market in the UK and 20 per cent across the EU. They control assets equivalent to a quarter of the UK’s capital. They are the risk managers of the UK’s economy and society. Through the ABI their voice is heard in Government and in public debate on insurance, savings and investment matters.

3. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk