Thoresen: Insurers capable of delivering Osborne's pension advice promise

Jenna Towler
clock

The insurance industry is capable of cost effectively delivering the Chancellor's ‘retirement advice for all' pledge, but passing the "impartiality test" would be challenging, Otto Thoresen told MPs.

Speaking at a Treasury Select Committee hearing on Tuesday, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) director general said impartiality was "critical". He told members: "I am very alive to this being something that has to pass the test of public opinion. I do think the industry could deliver this and deliver it cost effectively. But the test would be demonstrable impartiality." He said all facets of insurers' involvement, including the scripts used during client conversations, clear auditing of the process and eventual outcome statistics, would need careful monitoring. "We would h...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

State pension age review: Govt launches call for evidence

State pension age review: Govt launches call for evidence

UK faces long-term demographic pressures

Jenna Brown
clock 18 August 2025 • 2 min read
'Barriers are institutional, not technical': Industry split over ten-day pension switch proposal

'Barriers are institutional, not technical': Industry split over ten-day pension switch proposal

After PensionBee calls for a legally enforceable transfer guarantee

Sahar Nazir
clock 18 August 2025 • 2 min read
FCA to crack down on life insurers with 'slower' pension transfer service times

FCA to crack down on life insurers with 'slower' pension transfer service times

Regulator warns slow pension transfers risk harming client outcomes

Isabel Baxter
clock 15 August 2025 • 5 min read