UK insurance distribution regime

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This Overview signposts core materials on the UK insurance distribution regime and links to legislation, FCA rules and practical guidance.

The regime governs how insurance products are designed and sold, implementing the onshored Insurance Distribution Directive through the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 framework and the FCA Handbook. Practitioners must navigate the regulatory perimeter (advising on, arranging and assisting in the administration and performance of contracts), permissions, and use and oversight of appointed representatives. Conduct requirements arise mainly under ICOBS, PROD (product governance and fair value) and SYSC, alongside the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. Distributors must meet training and competence standards, provide demands‑and‑needs statements and Insurance Product Information Documents, manage inducements, and handle cancellations and renewals appropriately.

Current supervisory priorities include fair value assessments across the distribution chain, pricing practices for general insurance (including home and motor renewal pricing remedies), and implementation of the Consumer Duty for retail customers, including treatment of vulnerable customers. Interactions with premium finance and add‑on sales raise particular conduct and disclosure issues. Cross‑border business post‑Brexit requires attention to loss of passporting and run‑off arrangements. Complaints and redress are governed by DISP,...

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