From July 2011, all firms with retail investment advisers will be required to notify the FSA of competence and ethics issues that arise with their investment advisers. What do I need...

Earlier this year the Competition Commission introduced new PPI rules which extend beyond those of ICOBS. The PPI definition includes MPPI, ASU and short term Income Protection so if you...

Organisations should take a positive approach to meeting their information rights obligations, the ICO said as it published new guidance explaining the benefits of being proactive. The guidance explains that...

Many mortgage advisers seem unaware of mortgages that are appropriate for people who follow Islamic Law. As a brief introduction the following explains some points about these. Home purchase...

For those of you who have not picked up the subtle change, there has been a revision of the names of the new regulator. The element of the FSA that...

We reported in Issue 44, Oct 2010 of DMA Bulletin Board regarding the governments plan to introduce legislation, which would bring in rigorous anti-corruption regulations, was due to come into...

This policy statement confirmed that retail investment advisers will need to hold a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) if they want to give independent or restricted advice after January 2013. The...

If you have not had chance to attaned the FSA Mortgage Market Review roadshow then a useful summary of the points presented is as follows: Distribution  Removing any specific regulatory...

The FSA published final rules to strengthen training and competence requirements for all individuals carrying out customer facing regulated retail activities. The rules also clarify FSA expectations regarding standards of...

The FSA has obtained a High Court ruling appointing provisional liquidators over three firms that the FSA considers were engaged in insurance activities without FSA authorisation. The firms offered BSkyB’s...

For those of you who do venture onto the FSA website they have made some improvements to the smaller firms web pages following feedback from firms. The main changes are:...

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched an 8 week consultation on the ‘adequate procedures’ guidance under the Bribery Act 2010 (the "Act"), which is due to be published by...

As you all know affordability is a crucial issue to consider before recommending a mortgage. The FSA is continuing to find that firms do not assess affordability well enough and...

In Bulletin Board 41 (July) you were informed of the FSA's change to Online Notifications and Applications (ONA). The system allows you to submit the following applications and notifications: approved...

The FSA previously published an undertaking relating to a term in a firm's contract requiring consumers to declare that they had read and understood the terms of the contract. They...

As you will all know I sometimes introduce you to products or services that I feel may benefit your business. You are all aware, as reported in Bulletin Board 28...

Firms involved in the sale of mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI) are reminded of the June 30 deadline for taking action under the agreement that was negotiated with the MPPI...

Mortgage Market Review feedback statement summarising the responses received following its Mortgage Market Review discussion paper, which was published on 19 October 2009. The FSA received a wide range of constructive...

At a recent event held by the FSA for Compliance Consultants they revealed that the RMAR now has a believability factor built into it. If a submission by a...

Continuing the FSA theme of improving information on RMAR completion the most recent guide relates to Section E – Professional Indemnity Insurance. Although this is not a complicated section to...

The FSA are keen to emphasis that despite rumours and press reports that RDR I still alive and kicking and will continue to be implemented. To assist with this they...

FSA have observed that changing weather patterns may lead to higher and more frequent claims in buildings and contents insurance. The FSA have issued factsheet that outlines some areas for...

There are a number of useful documents, available in PDF format, for you to download in the members area of this site. Please click on 'Members' and register online to...

If you would like to request one of our FREE information guides, please complete the form on our website and we will put one in the post to you. ...

Douglas Martin Associates are proud to launch their new website, designed and developed by Trencham Web Solutions. ...