Knowledge is Power

6 July 2014 Steve BaileyCompliance

Management information is important. Rather than consider it as ‘something else the FCA expects of us‘ consider it to be excellent business practice.

All businesses need good MI, but it is only good if it is relevant and is analysed. Back office systems have not caught up in this respect and some of the traditional MI and KPI, like persistency and provider spread, are of less relevance in today’s industry.

You should therefore decide what is relevant to your firm and implement systems for capturing the information, for producing meaningful output and for analysing it.

Don’t forget to check Our View about this article and the Actions Required By You

Important Note: ATEB news is intended to provide general information ONLY. The content, including any views expressed or guidance provided, does not replace the need to comply fully with FCA Rules and Guidance. Unless you have discussed news article content with ATEB, and specifically how it relates to your circumstances, then ATEB disclaims all liability and responsibility and actions arising from any reliance placed upon it. For the avoidance of doubt therefore, any reliance you place on such information without our consultation is at your own risk.

ATEB Compliance offers compliance and regulatory advice.

ATEB Suitability provides report writing software for the financial services market.

Our View

As Phil Dunphy of Modern Family puts it “Success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration and 2% attention to detail”.

A common objection that we hear is ‘I know what goes on in my business. I don’t need reports to tell me‘.

Our experience points to the contrary. Firms often think they know, but can’t be certain. All information is good information and the analysis of business data and attention to detail is one of the cornerstones of good business practice and effective risk management. Without it, you will always, to an extent, be guessing what goes on in your business.

Action Required By You

The importance that the FCA lends to this topic can be seen from the toolkit resource available on their website here. Further information for sole traders is available here.

Very importantly, don’t just produce the reports – analyse them and act on the information.

ATEB has developed a comprehensive MI ‘hit list’; ATEB clients should discuss this with their consultant.