Chapter 6: Key financial issues facing insurance brokers Flashcards
Why must client funds be managed correctly?
Ensure clients are confident their assets are looked after and the UK insurance market is regarding as a safe place to conduct business
Where does the FCA set out rules regarding client assets?
Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS)
What does the FCA place particular emphasis on within CASS?
Provision of adequate protection of client money as it is critical for success of the financial services industry
How must a broker segregate funds?
Separate bank account held under a trust.
When must earned commission be withdrawn?
At least every 25 days or when client money calculation is done, whichever is sooner
Does the insurer bare the risk of money being lost if the broker fails to transfer claims money or premiums?
Yes
When can co-mingling take place?
When the broker has the insurers permission to do so., which is stated in TOBA
What TOBA is most appropriate when an insurer is unsure about a broker?
Non-risk transfer TOBA
What is the purpose of the Insurance Distribution Directive?
Easier for firms to trade across borders, strengthen policyholder protection and provide a level playing field
What are the key provisions of the IDD?
- Professionalism
- Commission Disclosure
- Harmonisation
- Product Governance Requirements
- Introduction of Ancillary Insurance Intermediary
- Necessity to provide Insurance Product Information
What is an Ancillary Insurance Intermediary?
Do not sell or introduce insurance as main source of business
What is the IPID?
Insurance Product Information Documents
- Pre contractual, non-personalised product summary document with a fixed layout
What type of customers receive an IPID?
Consumer Customers
What is the purpose of the IPID?
Allow consumers at quotation stage to compare similar products offered by different insurers in an easy consistent way
Does the IPID replace documentation?
No, it is in addition to usual documentation
Does the IPID only apply to consumer contracts?
Yes
What is one of the best ways to achieve growth?
Investment in sales/new clients
Why is client retention important?
Cost of new business
How can firm retain their clients?
Investing in:
- Good staff quality
- Good IT
- Adequate Training
An insurance broker’s ability to improve renewal retention figures is LEAST likely to be impacted by:
The breadth of products available to them.
When must an Insurance Product Information Document be given to a client?
On quotation, renewal or significant mid-term adjustments.
What is selling a client additional cover for high value items under their house insurance policy and example of
Up-selling
What should insurance brokers refer to for details of when commission payments can be withdrawn from the premiums paid by insureds?
The insurers’ terms of business agreements.
Under the Insurance Distribution Directive, what does an intermediary need to disclose about its commissions on small consumer risks and by when?
The nature of the remuneration must be disclosed before the contract is completed.
Which type of activity is an insurance broker most likely to take to increase their new business?
Use specialist sales teams.
he Insurance Distribution Directive includes requirements for those distributing insurance to:
have appropriate knowledge and to undertake at least 15 hours per year of development activity.
