Opinion

Does RDR apply to protection pricing? This one appears simple. No. Job done. But in reality it isn't that simple.

There appears to be confusion among consumers, some financial advisers and in particular claims chasing companies, when it comes to payment protection insurance (PPI) and income protection (IP).

The challenge for income protection continues. The current focus for most providers is currently on the legislative issues of Solvency II, RDR and gender neutral pricing. These issues are large and distracting from product development.

There has been very little clarity or certainty over funding in the social care White Paper response to the Dilnot report. What does this mean for financial services and its ability to support the gaping funding hole?

One thing you can say about the recent Review of Simple Financial Products is that Carol Sergeant and her team have done their homework. If nothing else, it breaks down and builds up a clear target market for a simple income replacement concept.

Maybe the world of lobbying government to influence policy making is about to be shaken up?

There has been a significant increase in broker training of late; Tenet's CII accreditation and Partnership's sell-out, long-term care roadshows. And, it was only January when Amii launched a healthcare exam with the CII. Is the industry seeing a ramp...

Another government, another NHS IT strategy. And as usual we lurch from one polarity to another.

Westfield Health has recently released a new product, Hospital Treatment Insurance, aimed at the middle ground between cash plans and PMI. Considering the lengthening of hospital waiting lists, could this be the birth of a third tier to the health insurance...

John Ritchie of Ellipse notes the beginning of the end for price matching.