Wholesale brokers' handling of client money and their management of binding authorities are two key areas that the FSA will be examining in 2005.

Speaking at the Insurance Times Making Money from SMEs conference, FSA head of wholesale insurance firms Julian Adams told delegates that the FSA would be scrutinising agency agreements to ensure "order and clarity".

"It reflects our intention to remove reliance on unwritten and implied agency terms and arrangements," he said.

On the management of binding authorities, Adam said the regulator would be carrying out a review of firms' management of binding authorities in the fourth quarter of 2005.

"Key risks here include the acceptance of risks that are outside the binder, continuing to bind risks after a facility has been closed, and the proper management of conflicts that are inherent in the operation of binding authorities."

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.