Where will discrimination take us in financial services?

clock

Discrimination is good. A dictionary definition is "the power of making fine distinctions", so it's a synonym for good judgement. Most insurance is based on discrimination.

Of course, unfair discrimination is not good at all. Discriminating on grounds of race, gender, sexuality, religion or any of many other criteria is unacceptable without good justification. But what is good justification? Most insurance discriminate between males and females. Life insurance and motor insurance is generally cheaper for women than for men, because women live longer on average and are (allegedly) safer drivers. On the other hand, medical insurance and annuities are generally more expensive for women. Similarly, insurance discriminates by age. Older people are likely to l...

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 Protection

Targeted support: FCA opens door to protection inclusion

Targeted support: FCA opens door to protection inclusion

Could help address protection gap

Cameron Roberts
clock 29 January 2026 • 2 min read
FCA Pure Protection Market Study: No interventionist remedies proposed

FCA Pure Protection Market Study: No interventionist remedies proposed

The regulator pledged to release its final report in Q3 2026

Cameron Roberts
clock 29 January 2026 • 4 min read
FCA: 72% of protection customers' needs not covered

FCA: 72% of protection customers' needs not covered

FCA: 'We want to support firms in narrowing the protection gap.'

Jaskeet Briah
clock 29 January 2026 • 3 min read