Opus has become the first broker to undergo RW Associates' training and compliance course for supervisors - in preparation for the FSA regulatory changes.
Opus insurance has become the UK's first broker to successfully undergo RW Associates' (RWA) training and compliance course for supervisors.
RWA is a group of insurance, training and compliance specialists and is an authority on the subject of regulatory training and compliance.
Designed to prepare companies for the impending FSA regulatory changes set to shake up the industry, the course is aimed at supervisory and managerial personnel.
Opus, an independent insurance broking and financial service provider, was selected by RWA to work on the pilot course due to its commercial insurance industry reputation.
Headed up by RWA's compliance training experts Kate Foreman, training and compliance director, and Roy McClurg, manager, the intensive sessions were held at the Opus Northern headquarters in Bolton, one day a month for a period of four months.
The course is intended to educate and coach attendees on issues relating to the new regulations, and covers roles and responsibilities, working methods and compliance assessment. The assessment has been completed by eight Opus employees, while additional sessions are already up and running.
Commenting on the programme, Opus chief executive Ian Bruce said: "At Opus we appreciate the importance of being fully FSA compliant so we are delighted to be the first broker to pass the test."
RWA chairman Robin Wood added: "A vital aspect of modern regulation is the need for authorised firms to be able to demonstrate that they are competent to undertake a specific task. We now have over 30 companies signed-up for the course and assessment over the next few months."
