COBS 7.3 Additional insurance distribution obligations

1. (1)

   Prior to the conclusion of a life policy, a firm must specify, on the basis of the information obtained from the client, the demands and needs of that client.

2. (2)

   The details must be modulated according to the complexity of the life policy proposed and the type of client.

3. (3)

   A statement of the demands and needs must be communicated to the client prior to the conclusion of a life policy.

4. (4)

   This rule and COBS 7.3.4R do not apply when a firm makes a personal recommendation in relation to a life policy.

[Note: first paragraph of article 20(1) and article 20(2) of the IDD]

When proposing a life policy a firm must ensure it is consistent with the client’s insurance demands and needs.

[Note: recital 44 to, and second paragraph of article 20(1) of, the IDD]

The sale of a life policy must always be accompanied by a demands and needs test on the basis of information obtained from the client.

[Note: recital 44 to, and article 20(1) of, the IDD]

1. (1)

   Where an insurance distributor is distributing through a person relying on the connected contracts exemption in article 72B of the Regulated Activities Order, the insurance distributor must ensure that the requirements in (2) are met.

2. (2)

   The requirements referred to in (1) are:

   1. (a)

      SYSC 19F.2 (Remuneration and insurance incentives)

   2. (b)

      COBS 4 (Communicating with clients, including fair financial promotions);

   3. (c)

      COBS 2.1.1R (client’s best interests);

   4. (d)

      COBS 6.1ZA.7AR(1)(a) and (c) (Status disclosure general information: insurance distribution);

   5. (e)

      COBS 7.3.1R to COBS 7.3.5R (Additional insurance distribution obligations: demands and needs); and

   6. (f)

      COBS 6.1ZA.16AR to 6.1ZA.16DR (cross-selling).

[Note: article 1(4) of the IDD]