This month's Think Tank roundtable debated the future role of the intermediary. With all the changes...
This month's Think Tank roundtable debated the future role of the intermediary. With all the changes currently hitting the health insurance and protection markets it is no wonder the subject sparked some lively comment. However this is nothing new. As the market has evolved over the years, the adviser has had to adapt with it. Indeed a healthy market never stands still. And as more changes inevitably lie ahead, intermediaries will need to continue moving forward.
However, one issue that has to be addressed so this can happen must be the image of advisers. It is always the minority that causes problems for the majority. However, the negative connotations that financial advisers are untrustworthy, commission-hungry sales people have yet to be completely vanquished. When advising on health cover the need to rebuild this trust is crucial. And it is only by all advisers working to the highest standards and providing a fair service that this problem will be truly overcome.
With all the headaches FSA regulation appears to be causing it is easy to skip over the fact that it could help address this very issue and shine a more positive light on the intermediary community. Change is inevitable, but it can be a change for the better.
Farewell
After almost four years writing for COVER magazine, I am leaving the industry for pastures new. I'd like to thank all our contributors for their help and support over the years and wish all our readers every success. And I leave you in good hands, as Angela Faherty takes over the role of editor next month and leads COVER into its next stage of evolution.
Kirstie Redford, editor
