In a recent thematic review, the FCA found that price comparison websites did not always ensure that consumers were given the appropriate information to help them make informed decisions.
This is particularly important as the FCA is concerned that consumers’ focus on headline price and brand when using price comparison websites could distract from crucial product features such as policy coverage and terms.
By failing to provide clear information, the websites are increasing the risk that consumers may buy products without understanding key features such as level of cover or excess levels and purely focus on the price. While some websites did provide this information, the level of clarity varied significantly depending on the provider.



FCS Transitional Arrangements
Steve Bailey Compliance Update
As you will be aware the Financial Services Authority ceased to be and the Financial Conduct Authority took over the regulation of financial advice firms on 01 April 2013.
The FSA issued PS13/05 last week which includes updated rules and transition arrangements. The policy statement itself is 88 pages but the ‘appendix (3)’ that accompanies it is a mere 1990 pages so you must excuse us for not as yet absorbing every word. The document can be seen here.