MS17/2: Wholesale Insurance Broker Market Study

Read MS17/2.2 Final Report (PDF)

Annexes to the interim report and research:

• Annex 1 – Competitive Landscape (PDF)
• Annex 2 – Broker remuneration (PDF) 
• Annex 3 – Profitability analysis (PDF) 
• Annex 4 – Pay to play (PDF)
• Annex 5 – Demand side characteristics (PDF) 
• Annex 6 – Coordinated effects (PDF) 
• Annex 7 – Insurer data cleaning (PDF) 
• FWD Research: Client research into the Wholesale Insurance market (PDF)

Our market study

In November 2017 we launched the study to assess how effectively competition is working in this sector with the publication of our terms of reference.

As part of the study we analysed feedback to our Terms of Reference paper; responses to our data request; commissioned independent client research; and sent a survey to clients. We also had individual discussions with firms and other stakeholders and carried out a variety of analyses.

Our findings

Overall, we have not found evidence of significant levels of harm to competition that merit the introduction of intrusive remedies. As a consequence, we are closing our market study and this is, therefore, not an interim report but our final report. We have, however, identified some areas which warrant further action, in relation to conflicts of interest, the information firms disclose to clients and certain specific contractual agreements between brokers and insurers. These areas can be addressed within our usual supervisory processes. Given the dynamic nature of the market, we will continue to monitor developments in broker business models and the effectiveness of competition.

Next steps

If you have any queries relating to this market study, you can:

• write to: Competition & Economics Division, Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN
• email: [email protected]