108 Results found.
The regulator has written to 20 major financial advice firms to request information on their ongoing advice charges, signalling its intention to place a spotlight on the ways firms are revising their approach in line with the Consumer Duty’s fair value and consumer understanding requirements. In M
A recent Financial Ombudsman Service decision has highlighted the risks of DIY SIPP arrangements – particularly for customers displaying signs of vulnerability such as gambling addiction. In this FT Adviser feature, TCC’s Head of Advisory Practice, Gary Maude, gives his expertise regarding firms
2023 proved to be another busy year for acquisitions within financial services - and despite the relatively higher cost of borrowing, this trend shows no sign of stopping into the new year. But with DB Transfers now being considered Business As Usual (BAU) by the regulator, where should firms be foc
In June, the FCA re-iterated its focus on retirement income as a regulatory priority, requesting information from more than 1,000 firms on their approach to managing areas including processes, fees, incentives and controls via an 87-question survey. The regulator is expected to issue further communi
In the run-up to the Consumer Duty, the regulator called on firms to re-examine their charging structures to ensure compliance with the new legislation’s Price & Value outcome. However, our benchmarking study found that half of firms had no plans to change their fee model, reporting they were
In the FCA’s Business Plan for 2023/24, it prioritised reducing and preventing consumer harm, particularly in in financial promotions. The FCA has now published its Guidance Consultation on Financial Promotions on social media. Whilst firms may consider this to be aimed at ‘finfluencers’ and u
The Mortgage Charter and Handbook changes set out the standards for lenders in assisting customers during the cost of living crisis who are struggling with mortgage payments, through collaboration between lenders, government, the FCA, UK Finance and the Building Societies’ Association. With the ri
The Financial Conduct Authority, in conjunction with the Government, continue to press the financial services market for initiatives designed to help customers with the current cost of living crisis. Most recently this was discussed in FCA policy statement PS23/9. Balancing these expectations, along
Published in May 2023, the FCA's Consumer Duty price and value assessment review examined the frameworks of 14 (predominantly large) financial businesses - highlighting areas that successfully aligned with the regulator's vision for the future, alongside some key areas where firms were falling short
The FCA has issued a new warning to home and motor insurers to improve their treatment of vulnerable customers, as well as their handling of claims, following an increase in complaints regarding the quality of insurance services. In its statement, the regulator also cited concerns over rising instan
Building on the priorities outlined in last year's Strategy 2022-2025 announcement, the FCA's latest Business Plan re-iterated its commitment to improving customer outcomes by pledging to introduce a host of new, more stringent requirements for regulated firms over the coming the financial year. In
The British Steel Pensions Scheme (BSPS) redress scheme began in earnest at the end of last month - meaning firms now have until the end of February 2024 to review their advice, conduct redress calculations and provide payments to affected customers. But with such a fast pace of work, how can firms
The FCA views retirement income as regulatory priority. Unsuitable recommendations can cause ‘significant and irreversible harm’ to the financial wellbeing of retired individuals. In Money Marketing, TCC’s Technical Director David Boyhan explores what advisors can do to ensure clients are bein
The Consumer Duty is intended to raise the bar for customer protection across financial services, placing much greater emphasis than before on firms' need to identify and manage vulnerability among their customers on an ongoing basis. In Money Marketing, TCC Group's Chief Product Officer Garry Evans
With the deadline for Consumer Duty Implementation Plans now less than two weeks away, firms should be stress testing their approach to ensure they're truly putting customers' needs first across the entire business lifecycle. In Money Marketing, TCC's Associate Director Neil Dethick takes a closer l
With the FCA’s deadline for implementation plans confirmed for 31st October 2022, firms should now be discerning how they’re going to adjust their business framework to satisfy the significant step up in oversight requirements as a matter of priority. But with only weeks left to prepare, how can
Despite only weeks to go until the final Consumer Duty rules are announced, a recent survey by Royal London has found that almost one in five advisers are still unfamiliar with the new legislation - suggesting many firms remain unaware of the significant step-up in regulatory obligations awaiting th
How can you approach complaints in a way that's constructive for both parties? In FT Adviser, Associate Director Neil Dethick explains his three-step process for helping unsatisfied customers navigate your complaints procedure - and how you can transform less-than-stellar outcomes into a learning
The financial sector is currently experiencing a significant surge in acquisitions. And though these can be an efficient way of expanding your distribution, it’s essential you do your homework first to ensure a target firm won’t end up saddling you with hidden liabilities down the road. In Money
Replacing the previous Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) requirements, the Consumer Duty is expected to bring new standards of care across the entire client journey. But could it also lead to new operational challenges? In FT Adviser, Associate Director Neil Dethick outlines four potential complicat
The FCA’s long-awaited Consumer Duty is expected to hold regulated firms to a whole new standard of customer care - and with less than a year until it comes into effect, businesses should be doing all they can now to ease the transition. In Money Marketing, Associate Director Juana Diaz-Landinez o
Recent research has shown that digital engagement with customers is rapidly becoming the norm for financial services firms - so what does this mean for the traditional one-to-one service that customers have come to expect? In Money Marketing, TCC and Recordsure Group CEO Joe Norburn gives his though
The equity release market has enjoyed a surge in activity in recent years as more and more people look to release cash from their properties. But how can you be sure it's truly the best choice for your customer? In Money Marketing, TCC's Technical Director David Boyhan discusses why it's crucial to
