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COB 6.5 Content of key features and important information: life policies, key features schemes, ISA and CTF cash deposit components and stakeholder pension schemes19

Application

COB 6.5.1R

COB 6.5 applies in accordance with COB 6.1.1 R.

General

COB 6.5.2R

A firm must ensure, unless COB 6.5.3 R applies, that:

  1. (1)

    the key features it produces for a life policy or a key features scheme other than a stakeholder pension scheme (whether or not held within a PEP or an ISA) 19includes the information required by COB 6.5.11 R, set out in the order shown divided by appropriate and prominent sub-headings, some of which are prescribed in the rules;

    19
  2. (2)

    the information it produces under COB 6.4.13R (1) for a cash deposit ISA or cash deposit CTF complies with whichever of COB 6.5.42 Ror COB 6.5.42A applies to it;15

  3. (3)

    the information document or abbreviated form of key features it produces:

    1. (a)

      relating to friendly society tax exempt policies or traded life policies contains the applicable information specified in COB 6.5.43 R- COB 6.5.44;14

    2. (b)

      relating to broker funds contains the applicable information in COB 6.5.45;14

  4. (4)

    the post-sale confirmation document it produces contains the applicable information specified in COB 6.5.46 R;11

  5. (5)

    the key features it produces or issues for a stakeholder pension scheme:

    1. (a)

      includes the relevant sub-headings set out at COB 6.5.11 R, the applicable information specified in COB 6.5.12 R - COB 6.5.40 R appropriate to those sub-headings; and

    2. (b)

      is, subject to COB 6.5.6 R, accompanied by or includes the decision trees specified in COB 6.5.8 R, unless the stakeholder pension scheme is being purchased as a result of a personal recommendation; and11

  6. (6)

    11all:14

    1. (a)

      key features; and14

    2. (b)

      abbreviated key features mentioned at COB 6.5.2 (3)(a) above,14

    it produces in relation to a distance contract with a retail customer include or are accompanied by all the contractual terms and conditions and the information in COB App 1 except to the extent that they are separately provided to the retail customer in a durable medium in good time before the retail customer is bound by the contract or offer.14

COB 6.5.3R

A firm may adapt the prescribed content and format requirements in COB 6.5 only when it can demonstrate that this is necessary to reflect the terms and nature of a particular product and that, in relation to a distance contract with a retail customer, in doing so it does not omit the contractual terms and conditions and information in COB App 1.11

COB 6.5.4G
  1. (1)

    Where the rules in COB 6.5 do not require the use of prescribed text, firms may give the relevant information using their own words and style.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of COB 6.5.2 R (1):

    1. (a)

      a firm which offers more than one key features scheme19 may choose whether to produce separate key features for each scheme (including a fund or sub-fund or share class), or to produce a single key features to cover a range of funds (provided the differences between those funds are made clear);

      19
    2. (b)

      where a publication covers more than one key features scheme19 (for example, in the case of a year book comprising information on all the funds offered by a unit trust manager), it might consist of a key features section at the beginning giving details common to all the relevant funds (whether unit trusts, ICVCs, sub-funds of an umbrella scheme or share classes within an ICVC), followed by separate pages setting out, for each fund, those items which are specific to it, for example 'Aims', 'Risk Factors' and 'Charges and their Effect'.

      19

Stakeholder pension schemes: decision trees

COB 6.5.5G

There is no obligation to supply a decision tree as specified in COB 6.5.8 R where a firm has personally recommended a stakeholder pension scheme to a private customer. Firms may wish to supply a copy of any decision tree used as part of the advice process along with the mandatory suitability letter.5

COB 6.5.6R

Where a firm knows that a certain decision tree or trees will not be relevant to a private customer to whom key features are to be given, the firm can omit them and include only the relevant decision tree or trees.

COB 6.5.7G

There are three versions of the decision trees for employed persons, the self-employed and those not in employment. The specified introductory text is a required part of each decision tree. Firms are permitted to issue one decision tree, consisting of the introductory text and the relevant version of the flowcharts, where the employment status of the customer is known. In other circumstances, the introductory text and all three versions of the flowcharts should be included. This guidance applies whether decision trees are within the key features or are used separately.

COB 6.5.8R
  1. (1)

    Whether a firm produces decision trees within or separate from key features, it must (unless COB 6.5.9 R applies and subject to COB 6.5.8A R) reproduce the text, content and format set out in COB 6 Annex 1.

  2. (2)

    If COB 6 Annex 1 is subsequently amended:

    1. (a)

      the firm must amend its decision trees as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any case, within three months of the date when the amendments to COB 6 Annex 1 come into force; and

    2. (b)

      the firm may continue to use decision trees that complied with the previous version of COB 6 Annex 1 until it has done so.

COB 6.5.8AR

A firm must ensure that its decision trees include:

  1. (1)

    (in the place in the relevant table in the Further information text at COB 6 Annex 1 where the square brackets appear):

    1. (a)

      in the heading of the table, the current tax year; and

    2. (b)

      the Basic State Pension rates and Pension Credit minimum income rates for the current tax year;

  2. (2)

    (where the square brackets appear) at the bottom of the cover page and at the bottom of each page of the flow charts, the current tax year; and

  3. (3)

    (where the square brackets appear) in the introductory text where additional explanatory text within Further information is signposted, the appropriate page number.512

COB 6.5.8BR
  1. (1)

    A firm must, subject to (2), make the changes required by COB 6.5.8A R as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any case, within three months of the start of the tax year.

  2. (2)

    Where, in any year, a firm is required to make changes to the trees under COB 6.5.8 R and COB 6.5.8A R, it may make both sets of changes at the same time, provided that it does so within the time limits in COB 6.5.8 R (2)(a).5

COB 6.5.8CG
  1. (1)

    The FSA expects to review the decision trees once each year and will amend them as necessary as near as possible to the start of the new tax year. The amended version of the decision trees will be published on the FSA's web-site and available in printed form when the rules are amended each year. Firms must bring their trees into line with the amended rules within three months, but may continue to use their "old" trees until they have done so.

  2. (2)

    Firms are required, by COB 6.5.8A R, to insert the Basic State Pension rates and Minimum Income Guarantee rates for the current tax year into the relevant table in the introductory text to their decision trees each year and to identify the relevant year in the heading of the table and also at the bottom of the pages specified in COB 6.5.8A R (2). The rules require firms to do this within three months of the start of the tax year if no other changes to the trees are required. However, COB 6.5.8B R (2) allows them to delay updating the Basic State Pension and Minimum Income Guarantee rates until the same time as they make any other amendments to their trees which they are required to make under COB 6.5.8 R, provided that they do so within no more than three months of the date when those amendments come into force.

  3. (3)

    The appropriate rates will be those announced by the Government (usually, but not necessarily, in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's annual Budget) as applying to the tax year in question. The relevant Basic State Pension and Minimum Income Guarantee rates for the current tax year will be included in the version of the trees published by the FSA.5

COB 6.5.8DR

A firm must ensure, subject to COB 6.5.8 R (2), that it uses only the most recent version of its decision trees.5

COB 6.5.8ER

Where a firm makes use of both electronic and hard copy versions of the decision trees specified in COB 6.5.8 R, it must synchronise the timing of any changes to those trees as far as reasonably practicable.5

COB 6.5.8FG

Firms are expected to ensure that they make the necessary changes to all of their trees at the same time (or as close to the same time as possible), including those used by other organisations for which they are responsible, in order to minimise the risk of consumer confusion. This may mean delaying changes to the trees in some instances until the firm is able to make all of the required changes, but all of a firm's trees must be amended within the time period allowed.5

COB 6.5.9R

The only adaptations, other than those in COB 6.5.8A R - COB 6.5.8E R, that a firm may make to the decision trees specified in COB 6.5.8 R are those suitable to brand the decision tree with the corporate image of the firm, to reflect the design of its stakeholder pension scheme promotional material or to reflect the use of interactive delivery.5

COB 6.5.10G
  1. (1)

    There is a limited scope within COB 6.5.9 R to depart from the prescribed decision tree format and content in order to blend in the trees with other promotional materials such as key features or internet financial promotions. However, the text and general design should follow the prescribed content and format. Firms will be aware that the FSA publishes its own version of the decision trees for public use: firms may consider them as examples of acceptable design.

  2. (2)

    Examples of items and formatting where no adaptations should be made include:

    1. (a)

      the text - both content and order, whether in the introduction, the boxes within the flowcharts, or any other sections of the decision trees;

    2. (b)

      the use of boxed items within the introductory text;

    3. (c)

      the use of emphasis (firms can choose the method of giving emphasis, such as size, bold or italic text);

    4. (d)

      the vertical flow and pagination of the flowcharts within the decision trees;

    5. (e)

      the boxes within the flowchart pages, these should be rectangular and filled with one consistent colour, except that two tints of the base colour may be used to highlight tick boxes and to differentiate columns of figures;

    6. (f)

      the directional arrows linking the boxes within flowchart pages, these should be of one design and the same colour as fills the flowchart boxes.

  3. (3)

    Examples of items where adaptations can be made include:

    1. (a)

      the typeface and font size of the text;

    2. (b)

      the pagination of the introductory text and the use of columns;

    3. (c)

      the edging of boxes (for example, use of shadow or rounded corners);

    4. (d)

      the use of background colours, for example, to match corporate colours or product brochures (see (2)(e));

    5. (e)

      separate colour schemes to differentiate between sets of decision trees, for example between employed and self-employed versions;

    6. (f)

      the use of an extra colour to highlight headings within flowchart pages and to identify separate versions of the decision trees;

    7. (g)

      the size of paper used (A4 is recommended, but other sizes are possible, provided that the flowchart pages are clear and legible);

    8. (h)

      where delivery is through an interactive computer-based system, the wording of the introductory text that explains how to use the decision trees.

COB 6.5.11R

Table of Information/Applicable provisions

This table belongs to COB 6.5.2 R (1)

Information

Applicable provisions

Title

COB 6.5.12 R

Nature of life policy or key features scheme19 or stakeholder pension scheme

19

COB 6.5.13 R - COB 6.5.14 G

An example

COB 6.5.15 R - COB 6.5.19 R

Description of the life policy or key features scheme19 or stakeholder pension scheme

19

COB 6.5.20 R

Tables:

Life policies

Key features schemes19

19

COB 6.5.23 R - COB 6.5.26 R

COB 6.5.30 R - COB 6.5.32 R

Deductions summary:

Life policies

Key features schemes19

19

COB 6.5.27 R - COB 6.5.29 R

COB 6.5.33 R - COB 6.5.36 G

Commission and remuneration

COB 6.5.38 R - COB 6.5.39 G

Further information

COB 6.5.40 R

Title

COB 6.5.12R

A firm must include this heading: 'key features of the [name of life policy/key features scheme19/stakeholder pension scheme]'.

19

Nature of life policy or key features 19scheme or stakeholder pension scheme

COB 6.5.13R
  1. (1)

    A firm must describe the nature of the life policy or key features scheme19 or stakeholder pension scheme under the following headings: 'its aims', 'your commitment', or, 'your investment' (whichever is more appropriate) and 'risk factors'.

    19
  2. (2)

    Under 'risk factors' a firm must give a brief description of the factors which may have an adverse effect on performance or are otherwise material to the decision to invest.

COB 6.5.14G

The description which a firm is required to provide under 6.5.13R(2) might include information on the matters set out in the following non-exhaustive list:

  1. (1)

    whether the value of the capital and any income from it might fluctuate;

  2. (2)

    cancellation issues, including the fact that, if the value of the investment falls before notice of cancellation is given, a full refund of the original investment may not be provided but rather the original amount less the fall in value;

  3. (3)

    particular risks, if any, associated with the underlying assets in which the packaged product is invested;

  4. (4)

    risks associated with the markets in which investments will be made, with particular reference to emerging markets; such risks might include dealing difficulties, settlement and custody practices;

  5. (5)

    special risks such as capital erosion or constraints on capital growth in the case of funds where charges are deducted from capital, or where buying income or dividend stripping forms part of the investment strategy;

  6. (6)

    volatility, in particular with regard to higher volatility funds such as geared futures and options schemes and warrant schemes and the fact that the loss on realisation of the investment could be very high, even equalling the amount originally invested;

  7. (7)

    the inclusion of a 'market value adjustment' in respect of with-profits funds, and the risk that, in adverse circumstances, benefits could be reduced;

  8. (8)

    potential problems with investment in property in respect of liquidity, and the fact that repurchase or surrender might be delayed during a period when the property is not readily saleable, and that property valuation is a matter of judgement by a valuer;

  9. (9)

    in the case of a broker fund, whether the private customer has the right, or may be required, to transfer out of that fund to any other fund or scheme of a firm; if so, the name of the fund or scheme, the transfer terms and the circumstances in which, and by whom, such a transfer may be required or made;

  10. (10)

    the risk that a current favourable situation may not be maintained in future, for example the tax treatment of ISAs;

  11. (11)

    the fact that if the private customer does not maintain contributions he may not meet any target benefit which has been projected and may lose the benefits of any life protection;

  12. (12)

    in the case of a new fund, the risk that, if its assumed size is not achieved, the proportion of charges and expenses allocated to the investment may be higher and the value of the investment consequently reduced;

  13. (13)

    the fact that there is no guarantee that a life policy such as an endowment assurance used to repay an interest-only mortgage will produce sufficient funds at the end of the mortgage term and that the amount the investor will have to continue to pay may need to increase to achieve repayment of the loan;

  14. (14)

    the fact that with personal pensions there may be penalties if the private customer takes the benefits before the stated retirement date;

  15. (15)

    in the case of a guaranteed packaged product, where it is a possibility, the fact that there may be a capital shortfall at the end of the contract; where there is a fixed regular payment of income, it should be drawn to the attention of the private customer that such payments often involve a risk to capital; 913

  16. (16)

    for a security or an investment trust savings scheme which satisfies the conditions specified in COB 3.8.9 G (6), the fact that the investment may be subject to sudden and large falls in value and that the private customer may get back nothing at all if the fall in value is sufficiently large;91313

  17. (17)

    guarantees or other actual or potential liabilities, and their effect or potential effect, whether they are attributable to:

    1. (a)

      the contractual terms and benefits of the packaged product which the private customer is or may be acquiring; or

    2. (b)

      the contractual terms and benefits of any of the product provider's other products; or

    3. (c)

      the business activities of the product provider or its associates;

    if they have or may have a material adverse effect on the returns to the private customer or are otherwise material to his decision to invest; and13

  18. (18)

    in the case of a long-term care insurance contract which is based on single premium investment bonds, the fact that the income produced by the bonds may be insufficient to continue to meet the premiums of the underlying contract of insurance. The description could also explain the consequences of this, including, if it is the case, that capital may be eroded, further single premium may be payable, or the cover reduced.13

    10

An example

COB 6.5.15R

A firm must include a projection, illustrating how the principal terms of the proposed transaction apply to the private customer:

  1. (1)

    where the proposed transaction is for a life policy other than: 17

    1. (a)

      a long-term care insurance contract which is a pure protection contract;1317

    2. (b)

      a linked life stakeholder product.17

    3. (c)

      one that relates to a CTF or a stakeholder product sold through basic advice,17

  2. (2)

    where the proposed transaction does not relate to a CTF or a stakeholder product sold through basic advice and is for a key features scheme19 or a linked life stakeholder product:17

    19
    1. (a)

      and relates to an election to make income withdrawals; or

    2. (b)

      where the private customer's primary objective is to acquire;

      1. (i)

        a specified sum of money on a specified date; or

      2. (ii)

        a specified sum of money on death; or

      3. (iii)

        an annuity of a specified amount payable as from a specified date.

COB 6.5.16G

A projection may be included for key features schemes19 where COB 6.5.15 R (2) does not require one, at a firm's discretion.

19
COB 6.5.16AG

13A projection is not appropriate for a long-term care insurance contract which is a pure protection contract. Policy benefits and premiums must be illustrated in accordance with the relevant provisions of COB 6.5.49 R.

COB 6.5.17G

Where the proposed transaction is for a stakeholder pension scheme, a specimen projection will have been included in the decision tree. There is no requirement in these rules for a personalised projection in the key features for a stakeholder pension scheme. Where projections are given for stakeholder pension schemes in other circumstances, for example where a scheme member requests a personalised projection, they should follow the standard projection rules in COB 6.6 (Projections).

COB 6.5.18R
  1. (1)

    All projections included in key features, except a specimen projection in a decision tree for a stakeholder pension scheme, must be calculated in accordance with COB 6.6 (Projections), using the lower, intermediate and higher rates of return in COB 6.6.50 R, and followed by the appropriate statements form COB 6.6.15 R.

  2. (2)

    In addition, if the projection in (1) is for a pension scheme or a stakeholder pension scheme, a firm may also include a type P projection in the key features (see COB 6.6.34 R (5)). The pension must assume increases linked to the retail prices index using the appropriate intermediate rate in COB 6.6.51 R. 6

COB 6.5.19R
  1. (1)

    A life policy projection in key features must be specific to the private customer, calculated on the basis of the private customer's age and sex, the sum assured, the premium and other principal factors of the proposed life policy unless:

    1. (a)

      the life policy is a single premium life policy; or

    2. (b)

      the total premiums payable do not exceed ÂŁ120 a year (or ÂŁ130 a year if the premiums are paid every four weeks); or

    3. (c)

      the total premiums are less than ÂŁ1,000; or

    4. (d)

      the key features are part of a direct offer financial promotion; or17

      17
    5. (e)

      the projection is in respect of a stakeholder product (which is not a stakeholder pension).17

  2. (2)

    If (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) applies and no customer specific projection is included, a projection must be provided which typically represents the type of business which the firm conducts (or proposes to conduct) in relation to the life policy in question.

  3. (3)

    A scheme projection in key features must be based on either:

    1. (a)

      the actual amount which the private customer is proposing to invest; or

    2. (b)

      an amount which typically represents the type of business which the firm conducts (or proposes to conduct) in relation to the scheme in question;

    unless it is for income withdrawals, when it must be on the basis of (a).

Description of the life policy or key features 19scheme or stakeholder pension scheme

COB 6.5.20R

In addition to COB 6.5.13 R and COB 6.5.18 R, a firm must set out in the form of questions and answers a description of the principal terms of the life policy, key features scheme19, or stakeholder pension scheme, and any other information necessary to enable the private customer to make an informed decision.

19
COB 6.5.21G

The information required by COB 6.5.20 R should include:

  1. (1)

    for a life policy such as an endowment which is being used to repay an interest-only mortgage loan, details of how and when the private customer will be notified whether the life policy is on target to provide sufficient funds to repay the loan and, if it is not, what options the private customer has;

  2. (2)

    for a life policy, the consequences of making the life policy paid up or taking a contribution holiday;

  3. (3)

    for an FSAVC, a prominent warning that, as an alternative, a scheme AVC exists which may offer better terms, details of which can be obtained from the occupational pension scheme administrator;

  4. (3A)

    for a long-term care insurance contract, information to make policyholders aware of the importance of:13

    1. (a)

      regularly reviewing their circumstances and the likely costs of long-term care with a view to ensuring that their long-term care needs continue to be appropriately covered; and 13

    2. (b)

      seeking advice in the event of change affecting the policyholder's long-term care needs, or in the event of a variation of the contract terms so as to provide long-term care benefits;13

  5. (3B)

    for a long-term care insurance contract in which the insurer has the right to review the premium:13

    1. (a)

      a statement of that fact, the frequency of any right to vary the premium payable and a description of the circumstances which would give rise to a variation of the premium, for example, a change in claims experience;13

    2. (b)

      a statement of the consequences of not paying any increased or extra premium resulting from any review, such as a reduction in policy benefits;13

    3. (c)

      a statement of the rate of investment return assumed in the premium calculation together with a note of each other main assumption subject to variation;13

    4. (d)

      a statement that the higher the assumed rate of investment return, the greater the chances of being asked to pay increased or extra premiums following a premium review;13

    5. (e)

      if the rate of investment growth assumed in the premium calculation is more than the intermediate rate shown in COB 6.6.50 R, an illustration of the potential increased regular premium or additional single premium that may be payable following the first premium review, assuming that the rate of investment return achieved up to the review and assumed thereafter was at the intermediate rate shown in COB 6.6.50 R;13

  6. (3C)

    for a long-term care insurance contract in which long-term care benefits are available after commencement of the policy at the option of the policyholder, a statement of the amount of premium payable for that option. Where any change to the level of cover requires further underwriting this should, where possible, be made clear at the outset.13

  7. (4)

    for a long-term care insurance contract which is based on single premium investment bonds -13

    1. (a)

      a statement drawing attention to the possible effect on the capital invested where withdrawals are taken to pay for care; this can be communicated by including a standard, non-client-specific, example comparing the effect of claim payments on the value of the life policy, first assuming no claims and then assuming a claim beginning at age 80 and lasting for five years; the standard mid rate of return should be used assuming claim payments at the highest benefit level payable under the life policy; and

    2. (b)

      information to make the private customer aware that he can use key features to compare the investment potential of different product providers'packaged products, for example surrender values at various times and the effect of deductions;

  8. (5)

    for a personal pension scheme, including a group personal pension scheme, a clear and prominent indication of the general availability of stakeholder pension schemes and the fact that these might meet the consumer's needs at least as well as the personal pension scheme on offer;

  9. (6)

    for a stakeholder pension scheme, a description of the default investment option offered under regulation 3(5) of the Stakeholder Pension Schemes Regulations 2000;

  10. (7)

    for an individual pension account:

    1. (a)

      where the key features relate to a stakeholder pension scheme or personal pension scheme and the firm chooses to highlight, within key features or elsewhere, that the investment will be made through an IPA, a statement:

      1. (i)

        identifying by name any IPA eligible investments which are to be or may be held as assets of the stakeholder pension scheme or personal pension scheme; and

      2. (ii)

        indicating which of those assets will benefit from the Stamp Duty Reserve Tax exemption available to IPA's;

    2. (b)

      where the firm is acting as an operator or distributor of a regulated collective investment scheme or investment trust savings scheme and elects to include within key features a statement that some or all of the investments are IPA eligible investments, an indication in respect of each such investment whether pension scheme members will benefit from the Stamp Duty Reserve Tax exemption available to IPA's12.20

  11. (8)

    for a life policy or a key features scheme19 which is to be held within a CTF the information referred to in COB 6.5.40 R (7).15

    19

Tables and deductions summaries for life policies, key features 19schemes and stakeholder pension schemes

COB 6.5.22G
  1. (1)

    COB 6.5.23 R - COB 6.5.29 Rset out the Tables, Deductions Summary and method of calculating the 'Effect of deductions to date' for life policies.

  2. (2)

    COB 6.5.30 R to 19COB 6.5.36 G set out the Tables, Deductions Summary and method of calculating 'Effect of deductions to date' for key features schemes19.

    19
  3. (3)

    COB 6.5.37 R outlines a simplified illustration of charges for stakeholder pension schemes. There is no requirement for the tables of figures or the reduction in yield summary required for life policies or schemes.

Tables for life policies

COB 6.5.23R

For life policies which can have a surrender value, a firm must include the contents of COB 6.5.24 R unless COB 6.5.28 R applies.

COB 6.5.24R

The early years

This table belongs to COB 6.5.23 R

The early years

WARNING - if you cash in during the early years you could get back less than you have paid in.

The last two columns assume that investments will grow at [insert the intermediate rate appropriate to the type of life policy set out in COB 6.6.50] a year.

At end of year

Total paid in to date

[Total actual deductions to date]

Effect of deductions to date

What you might get back

ÂŁ

ÂŁ

ÂŁ

ÂŁ

1

2

3

4

5

The later years

Notes: The column headed 'Total actual deductions to date' is optional. If included, it must follow the requirements inCOB 6.5.23 - COB 6.5.29. In the case of a Holloway sickness policy, an indication of the total cost of risk benefits expressed as a figure in ÂŁs may be given by way of a footnote to the column headed 'Effect of deductions to date'.

COB 6.5.25R

When completing COB 6.5.24 R, a firm must:

  1. (1)

    under the heading 'the early years' include figures for the first five years of the life policy or, if the life policy has a fixed term of less than five years, as many of them as fall before the maturity date;

  2. (2)

    under the heading 'the later years' include figures for the tenth and every subsequent fifth year of the term of the life policy (or of the contract period as defined in COB 6.6.25 R if that is shorter) and for the final year, except in the following cases:

    1. (a)

      for a whole-life policy, figures must be included for every tenth year and:

      1. (i)

        the final year, assuming that the life policy will continue (unless and until converted to a fixed term) until the insured life (or the youngest insured life) attains the age of 75 years or to a term of ten years if that is later; or

      2. (ii)

        the year in which the projected fund reaches zero if earlier than (i); the consequences of this must be drawn to the private customer's attention;

    2. (b)

      in the case of a single premium life policy with no fixed term, a term of ten years should be assumed, but figures for a longer term may be shown in addition;

    3. (c)

      for a ten-year life policy, the figures for the final year may be included in the 'early years' table;

    4. (d)

      for a personal pension policy with income withdrawals, there is an option to quote figures for the sixth year and at three-yearly intervals thereafter; and

    5. (e)

      where there is any significant discontinuity in the trend of surrender or transfer values, figures should be given for all the intervening years.

  3. (3)

    in the 'Total paid in to date' column, include cumulative totals of premiums paid (making adjustment as necessary to take account of any automatic premium changes);

  4. (4)

    in the 'Total actual deductions to date' and 'Effect of deductions to date' columns, include the cumulative sum of the charges and expenses (as defined in COB 6.6.23 R) and the cost of any protection benefits expected to be levied against the life policy; they must be calculated in accordance with COB 6.5.29 R;

  5. (5)

    in the 'What you might get back' column, include projections of surrender values for the life policy:

    1. (a)

      these must be calculated in accordance with COB 6.6.38 R (projections of surrender values) assuming the premium and any other relevant matters given for the purposes of COB 6.5.13 R (Nature of policy) and COB 6.5.15 R (An Example);

    2. (b)

      the surrender value of a premium on a particular date must be calculated by assuming that any premium payable on that date is payable on the following day; and

    3. (c)

      where any surrender values are guaranteed they must be provided with a suitably adjusted heading and introductory text;

  6. (6)

    where the life policy is a personal pension, replace 'What you might get back' with 'What the transfer value might be' and make suitable amendments to the explanatory text; for a personal pension policy with income withdrawals it must be replaced with 'Open market value';

  7. (7)

    where the private customer is entitled to exercise and has chosen, or expressed the intention, to exercise the right to make partial surrenders, include a column headed 'Withdrawals' or, in the case of a personal pension with income withdrawals, 'Total income taken'; the sum of withdrawals must be shown;

  8. (8)

    for a personal pension with income withdrawals, include a table headed 'What effect will the deductions have?' instead of 'The early years' and 'The later years'; where there is any charge or penalty in calculating the open market value, all the years to which this applies should be given; and

  9. (9)

    in the case of a long-term care insurance contract based on single premium investment bonds, where the standard ten-year table does not illustrate adequately how the charges taken from a policy can increase considerably with age:13

    1. (a)

      the table must be extended to show figures at ten-year intervals and the year in which the private customer attains 100 years or the year the fund is exhausted if earlier; but

    2. (b)

      the standard ten-year figure must be used for the reduction in yield and the accompanying words amended accordingly;17

      17
  10. (10)

    in the case of a stakeholder product (which is not a stakeholder pension) the table may be given on the basis of generic figures and values.17

COB 6.5.26R

COB 6.5.23 R - COB 6.5.25 R do not apply to a life policy which will never have a surrender value; the following warning must be given instead of the tables: 'WARNING - this policy has no cash-in value at any time'.

Deductions summary for life policies

COB 6.5.27R

The following statements must appear beneath the information required by COB 6.5.23 R, unless COB 6.5.28 R applies:

  1. (1)

    'What are the deductions for?'

  2. (2)

    'The deductions include [the cost of life cover, sickness benefits,] [commissions/remuneration,] expenses, charges, any surrender penalties and other adjustments.'

  3. (3)

    'The last line in the table shows that over the full term of the policy the effect of the total deductions could amount to ÂŁx.'

and then either:

  1. (4)

    'Putting it another way, leaving out the cost of life cover [and sickness benefits] this would have the same effect as bringing investment growth from x% a year down to y% a year.' or

  2. (5)

    'Putting it another way, if the growth rate were to be x%, which is in no way guaranteed, this would have the effect of reducing it to y% a year.'

COB 6.5.28R

The information relating to 'Total actual deductions to date' and 'Effect of deductions to date' in COB 6.5.23 R, and the information relating to reduction in yield required by COB 6.5.27 R, do not need to be given for the following categories of life policy:

  1. (1)

    a without-profits life policy of which the benefits, except on surrender or variation, are guaranteed benefits;

  2. (2)

    a life policy for a term not exceeding five years; and15

  3. (3)

    a life policy held within a CTF.15

Calculation method for 'effect of deductions to date' for life policies

COB 6.5.29R

In COB 6.5.24 R the 'Total actual deductions to date' and the 'Effect of deductions to date' must be calculated for each of the years detailed in COB 6.5.25 R. These are the amounts of all deductions that are expected to be levied against the assets and premiums in respect of charges and expenses (as defined in COB 6.6.23 R), and surrender penalties, as well as allowance for the cost of risk benefits (defined in COB 6.6.28 R) to the end of the year. They must be calculated as follows.

  1. (1)

    The premiums must be accumulated at the intermediate rate prescribed in COB 6.6.49 R for the category of life policy to which the key features relates (the 'prescribed rate'), making no allowance for charges and expenses and other deductions.

  2. (2)

    'Effect of deductions to date' must be derived by subtracting the amount shown in the column 'What you might get back' from premiums accumulated in accordance with (1).

  3. (3)

    The figures in the column 'Effect of deductions to date' must reflect the charges and expenses accumulated at the prescribed rate. The column headed 'Total actual deductions to date' must show the sum of actual deductions.

  4. (4)

    The deductions for each year must be calculated by subtracting from the 'Effect of deductions to date' for that year the 'Effect of deductions to date' for the previous year (if any), increased by the amount of interest for the year calculated at the prescribed rate.

  5. (5)

    'Total actual deductions to date' is the sum of the figures derived in accordance with (4) for the year in question and all previous years; where it is negative, nil must be shown for that year.

Table for key features 19schemes

COB 6.5.30R

For key features schemes19, a firm must include the contents of COB 6.5.31 R unless the key features scheme19 is to be held within a stakeholder CTF.15

1919
COB 6.5.31R

This table belongs to COB 6.5.30 R

How will charges and expenses affect my investment?

[Give an indication of the nature and amount or rate of the charges and expenses which the private customer will or may bear, including any relevant proportion ofscheme charges deducted directly from the fund or not directly attributed to the account of the private customer. In describing the nature of charges state how the charges will be made, in particular whether they will be taken from capital or income. Include a statement that dealing costs are not included.]

[Give a statement that there is a buying price and a selling price (if that is the case) and that the difference between them is called the 'spread', and an indication of where up-to-date information may be obtained on these prices.]

Their effect on an investment of ÂŁ______ assuming growth of [insert the intermediate rate appropriate to the type of scheme (set out in COB 6.6.49)] a year, is set out below

[Where (except as described in COB 6.5.15 (2)) a projection is not a requirement, include a statement that the figures are not guaranteed and serve only to demonstrate the effect of charges and expenses on an investment.]

At end of year

Investment to Date

Effect of deductions to date

What you might get back [at the appropriate intermediate rate]

ÂŁ

ÂŁ

ÂŁ

1

3

5

10

COB 6.5.32R

When including the contents of COB 6.5.31 R, a firm must replace the wording in brackets as directed by the instructions in those brackets and:

  1. (1)

    when the inclusion of a scheme projection within key features is compulsory in accordance with COB 6.5.15 R (2), include figures calculated in accordance with COB 6.6 (Projections):

    1. (a)

      at the end of years 1, 3, 5 and 10 and (optionally) for years 2 and 4;

    2. (b)

      then for each fifth year following the tenth year which falls within the period of the projection; and

    3. (c)

      the final year of the projection;

  2. (2)

    when a scheme projection is not required by COB 6.5.15 R (2) but is included at a firm's discretion, include figures at the end of years 5 and 10 and (optionally) for years 1 and 3 or for years 1 to 4, all calculated in accordance with COB 6.6 (Projections);

  3. (3)

    in the 'Investment to date' column, include:

    1. (a)

      the actual amount which the private customer is proposing to invest; or

    2. (b)

      an amount which is representative of the type of business which the firm conducts (or proposes to conduct) in relation to the contract in question;

    but where, under COB 6.5.15 R (2), a projection is included in the key features, the amount shown as the 'Investment' must be the same as the amount used as the basis for the projection;

  4. (4)

    in the 'Effect of deductions to date' column, include the cumulative sum of charges and expenses (as defined in COB 6.6.23 R) for each of the years shown, these figures must be calculated in accordance with COB 6.5.35 R- Calculation Method for Effect of charges to date;

  5. (5)

    in the 'What you might get back' column, include figures taking account of charges and expenses showing what the value might be if the scheme were cashed in;

  6. (6)

    where the contract is a personal pension, replace 'What you might get back' with 'What the transfer value might be', and make suitable amendments to the explanatory text; for a personal pension contract with income withdrawals the replacement must be 'Open market value';

  7. (7)

    include extra columns in the Table in the following cases:

    1. (a)

      where the private customer is entitled to exercise and has chosen, or expressed the intention, to exercise the right to make partial withdrawals, an extra column must be included headed 'Withdrawals' or, in the case of a personal pension contract with income withdrawals, 'Total income taken'; 'Withdrawals' must include distributions of income;

    2. (b)

      where the investment involves periodic redemptions at pre-determined intervals to make payments to the private customer, a column headed 'Redemptions' is needed;

    3. (c)

      where the investment distributes income and does not involve the automatic reinvestment of this income, a column headed 'Income' must be included;

    in (a), (b) and (c) the arithmetic sum of the withdrawals or redemptions or income payments must be stated, on the assumption that these are made throughout on the same basis as contemplated at the time the projection was prepared; the method set out in COB 6.6.36 R must be used to calculate distributions of income;

  8. (8)

    for a personal pension contract with income withdrawals, include in a table under the heading 'What effect will deductions have?' figures for every third year or every fifth year; where there is any charge or penalty in calculating the open market value, all the years to which this applies must be given;

  9. (9)

    include a statement that allowance for tax relief has been made in the calculation where any tax relief available to the scheme has been taken into account in the calculation of charges and expenses.

  10. (10)

    in the case of a stakeholder product (which is not a stakeholder pension) the table may be given on the basis of generic figures and values.17

Deductions summary for key features 19schemes

COB 6.5.33R

The statements in (1) and (2), or in (1) and (3) must appear beneath the information required by COB 6.5.31 R:

  1. (1)

    'The last line in the table shows that over [n] years the effect of the total charges and expenses could amount to ÂŁx';

  2. (2)

    'Putting it another way, if the growth rate were to be (x)%, which is in no way guaranteed, this would have the effect of reducing it to (y)% a year';

  3. (3)

    'Putting it another way, this would have the same effect as bringing investment growth from (x)% a year down to (y)% a year'.24

COB 6.5.34R
  1. (1)

    The figure [n] in the prescribed wording in COB 6.5.33 R is the number of years in figures given at the bottom of the table, as appropriate for each transaction.

  2. (2)

    The 'Investment to date' must be accumulated to the end of [n] years at the relevant rate of return (x)% making full allowance for the charges and expenses (as specified in COB 6.6.23 R).

  3. (3)

    The rate of return (y)% must be found which, if applied (on a compound basis) to the amounts included in the 'Investment to date' column over the [n] years, without making any allowance for the charges and expenses, would produce the same sum as that calculated in (2).

Calculation method for 'effect of charges to date' for key features 19schemes

COB 6.5.35R

For each year, figures must be given for the effect of deductions assuming the fund grows in accordance with a relevant rate of return (as defined in COB 6.6.33 R). These calculations must reflect all deductions (charges and expenses as defined in COB 6.6.23 R) expected to be levied against the fund and against the private customer's investment. The calculations must be made on the basis of the following principles:

  1. (1)

    for each year the 'Investment' must be accumulated, at the relevant rate of return (as specified in COB 6.6.33 R), to the end of each year, making due allowance for the charges and expenses;

  2. (2)

    for each year the 'Investment' must be accumulated, at the relevant rate of return, to the end of each year, but making no allowance for the charges and expenses;

  3. (3)

    the 'Effect of deductions to date' is the amount calculated in (1) subtracted from the amount calculated in (2);

  4. (4)

    a rate of return which is lower than the relevant rate of return must be used where the firm expects that rate would imply an overstatement of the investment potential; and

  5. (5)

    the calculations specified in (1) and (2) must allow for any partial encashment of units or shares or distributions of income where under the terms of the scheme the private customer has exercised, or has expressed the intention of exercising, an option to make such encashments or to receive such income or where such encashments or distributions will automatically apply. The allowance must be assumed in accordance with the estimated rate or amount, unless to do so would be inappropriate for that scheme.

COB 6.5.36G

COB 6.5.35 R (5) applies, for example, to money market schemes and bond funds.

Stakeholder pension schemes

COB 6.5.37R
  1. (1)

    The statement in (2) must appear beneath or within the information required by COB 6.5.20 R.

  2. (2)

    "There is an annual charge of [y]% of the value of the funds you accumulate. If your fund is valued at ÂŁ500 throughout the year, this means we deduct [ÂŁ500 x y/100] that year. If your fund is valued at ÂŁ7500 throughout the year, we will deduct [ÂŁ7500 x y/100 that year."

CTFs and stakeholder products: annual charges17

COB 6.5.37AR
  1. (1)

    17If a firm imposes one annual charge including expenses, it need not make the detailed disclosures required by COB 6.5.24 and COB 6.5.30; but if it does not make those disclosures, it must instead include either:

    1. (a)

      the following statement (the last sentence must be included if and only if it is clear at the time of acquisition that the annual charge will reduce to r% after a fixed period):

      "There is an annual charge of [y]% of the value of the funds you accumulate. If your fund is valued at ÂŁ250 throughout the year, this means we deduct [ÂŁ250 x y/100] that year. If your fund is valued at ÂŁ500 throughout the year, this means we deduct [ÂŁ500 x y/100] that year. After ten years these deductions would reduce to [ÂŁ250 x r/100] and [ÂŁ500 x r/100] respectively."

      or;

    2. (b)

      the information required by COB 6.5.20.

Commission and commission equivalent for life policies, key features 19schemes and stakeholder pension schemes16

COB 6.5.38R

A firm must include under the heading 'How much will the advice cost?' either the statement prescribed in (1), (1A) or (1B), as applicable, or the information required by (2):13

  1. (1)

    for life policies (other than long-term care insurance contracts which are pure protection contracts) or stakeholder pension schemes: 'Your adviser will give you details about the cost. The amount will depend on the size of the premium and the length of the policy term. It will be paid for out of the deductions'; or13

  2. (1A)

    for key features schemes19: 'Your adviser will give you details about the cost. The amount will depend on the size of your [use: 'investment' or 'contribution'] [add if appropriate: 'and in the case of regular savings the period for which you make them']. It will be paid for out of the charges'; or

    19
  3. (1B)

    for long-term care insurance contracts which are pure protection contracts: 'Your adviser will give you details about the cost. The amount will depend on the size of the premium and the length of the policy term.'13

  4. (2)
    1. (a)

      the amount or value in cash terms of the commission or remuneration, and an indication of the timing of these payments; and16

    2. (b)

      a statement that commission or equivalent is paid for out of 'the deductions or charges, if more appropriate' and, if applicable, that the amount will depend on the size of the premium or contribution and the length of the life policy, scheme or stakeholder pension scheme term.164

COB 6.5.39G

The information given under COB 6.5.38 R (2) may include the name of the representative to whom the commission or equivalent is to be paid.16

Further information for life policies, key features 19schemes, 22stocks and shares 22ISAs, PEPs, CTFs and stakeholder pension schemes15

COB 6.5.40R

A firm must include the following information in the key features, separately or as part of the information required by COB 6.5.2 R:

  1. (1)

    for life policies:

    1. (a)

      a clear indication, in one place, of the nature and amount or rate of any charges or expenses which the private customer will or may bear; if charges or expenses are levied in the form of reduced investment, both the method and effect must be clearly explained; in the case of a single premium charge for mortality or morbidity under linked benefit policies, it is sufficient to describe its nature and basis;

    2. (b)

      the information that Annex III to the Consolidated Life Directive requires to be communicated to policyholders, which is specified in COB 6.5.49 R; and

    3. (c)

      an explanation how the private customer may obtain further information about compensation arrangements and other matters relating to the life policy;

  2. (2)

    for all key features schemes19, an explanation that other information about the scheme is available on request and how it may be obtained;

    19
  3. (3)

    for regulated collective investment schemes that constitute key features schemes 19and for such investments held within a PEP or an ISA:

    1. (a)

      a statement where details of the latest estimated distribution yield and buying and selling prices can be found;

    2. (b)

      in the case of any purchase, how and when the price to be allocated in respect of each payment will be determined;

    3. (c)

      whether certificates will be issued and, if so, when they will be sent;

    4. (d)

      how units or shares may be redeemed and when payment on redemption will be made;

    5. (e)

      the names and addresses of the scheme manager or authorised corporate director, and the names of the trustees, or depositary (if any);

    6. (f)

      where and how copies of scheme particulars, annual and half-yearly reports and accounts and prospectuses can be obtained;

    7. (g)

      an explanation of any relevant right to cancel or withdraw, or, where it is the case, that such rights do not apply;

    8. (h)

      how complaints and queries are dealt with and how further details of compensation arrangements (if any) can be obtained;

    9. (i)

      a summary of the private customer's potential liability (if any) to income tax and capital gains tax;

    10. (j)

      whether the private customer has a choice to reinvest income, where uninvested money will be held and whether interest is paid on such money;

    11. (k)

      for single-priced schemes:

      1. (i)

        how the scheme may suffer dealing costs as a result of transactions in units; and

      2. (ii)

        whether it is the authorised fund manager's policy that investors who carry out such transactions may be liable to contribute towards those dealing costs by means of a dilution levy or dilution adjustment, and, if not, an explanation of how this may affect the future growth of the scheme;

    12. (l)

      in relation to SDRT provision:

      1. (i)

        how the scheme may suffer stamp duty reserve tax as a result of transactions in units; and

      2. (ii)

        whether the authorised fund manager's policy is such that an SDRT provision may be imposed;

    13. (m)

      if there is any arrangement intended to result in a particular capital or income return from the units or shares or any investment objective of giving protection to their capital value or income return:

      1. (i)

        details of that arrangement or protection;

      2. (ii)

        for any related guarantee, sufficient details about the guarantor and the guarantee to enable a fair assessment of the guarantee; and

      3. (iii)

        a description of the risks that could affect achievement of that return or protection including details of what happens when an investment is encashed before the expiry of any related guarantee or protection;

    14. (n)

      if there is a class of limited issue shares or limited issue units, a summary of the restrictions on the issue and sale of those shares or units.

  4. (4)

    for investment trust savings schemes and for such investments held within a PEP or an ISA:

    1. (a)

      when shares will be purchased for the scheme, where uninvested money will be held and whether interest is paid;

    2. (b)

      where information about the investment trustshare price, yield, and premium and discount information can be obtained;

    3. (c)

      where information about the net asset value and latest dividend can be found;

    4. (d)

      whether the private customer has a choice to reinvest income, how it is reinvested, or how it is paid to the private customer;

    5. (e)

      details of any nominees with which shares are registered;

    6. (f)

      how shares can be sold and how the sale proceeds are determined;

    7. (g)

      whether applications and payments will be acknowledged and whether contract notes or certificates are issued;

    8. (h)

      whether there will be a statement of account showing details such as number and cost of shares and balance of cash;

    9. (i)

      an explanation of any right to withdraw or cancel (as specified in COB 6.7) or, where it is the case, that such rights do not apply;

    10. (j)

      where the investment trust report and accounts may be obtained;

    11. (k)

      information about the manager and administrator of the scheme;

    12. (l)

      the private customer's options in the case of items such as rights issues;

    13. (m)

      how to stop investing in or how to leave a scheme and the position in respect of the shares held;

    14. (n)

      terminations or alterations by the scheme manager;

    15. (o)

      taxation details in respect of the private customer's investment; and

    16. (p)

      how complaints are dealt with and how further details of compensation arrangements (if any) can be obtained;

  5. (5)

    for ISAs with a stocks and shares (equity and insurance)22 component and PEPs, in addition to (1), (2), (3) or (4):

    2222
    1. (a)

      a description of the nature of the services which will be provided for the private customer;

    2. (b)

      [deleted]22

      22
    3. (c)

      [deleted]22

      22
    4. (d)

      a statement that the favourable tax treatment of ISAs may not be maintained;

    5. (e)

      how and when statements (if any) will be sent;

    6. (f)

      an explanation how the ISA or plan may be terminated or transferred to another ISA or PEP manager; and

    7. (g)

      whether the ISA is a mini-or maxi-ISA agreement and an explanation of the differences between the two.

  6. (6)

    For stakeholder pension schemes, an explanation how complaints are dealt with and how further details of compensation arrangements (if any) can be obtained.

  7. (7)

    For investments held within a CTF:15

    1. (a)

      a prominent statement that after money is paid into a CTF it is locked in, and that this means that it can only be accessed by the child when he is 18, except as permitted by the CTF Regulations, and any contributions made to the CTF cannot be returned to the donor;15

    2. (b)

      if the CTF is a stakeholder CTF, an explanation of the minimum standards (as described in paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the CTF Regulations) and CTF lifestyling approach (as described in paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the CTF Regulations), together with a statement that satisfying these minimum standards does not mean that the investment is suitable for a customer or that there is any guarantee of performance;15

    3. (c)

      if the CTF is a non-stakeholder CTF, a prominent statement that it is not a stakeholder CTF and that a stakeholder CTF is available from a named alternative CTF provider, together with a detailed description of that stakeholder CTF;15

    4. (d)

      a statement that the CTF will not be opened until any cancellation period has expired; and15

    5. (e)

      a balanced comparison between stakeholder CTFs and non-stakeholder CTFs.15

COB 6.5.41G

14[deleted]11

COB 6.5.42R

If COB 6.4.13 R applies, for a cash deposit ISA, the private customer must be given the following information (in accordance with COB 6.4.13 R) and, in relation to a distance contract with a retail customer, all the contractual terms and conditions and the information in COB App 1 in place of key features:1114

  1. (1)

    [deleted]22

  2. (2)

    a statement making it clear whether the ISA is a mini or a maxi-ISA agreement and explaining the differences between the two;

  3. (3)

    the minimum amount needed to open an account;

  4. (4)

    the maximum yearly deposit;

  5. (5)

    the interest rate earned, and if and how it may vary;

  6. (6)

    the calculation of interest;

  7. (7)

    how to make withdrawals and any limits;

  8. (8)

    details of the arrangements for the application of the right to cancel, including the following:11

    1. (a)

      the options available on cancellation (a firm must either assist the private customer in switching accounts or refund all monies deposited together with interest);11

    2. (b)

      information about how cancellation will operate in circumstances where the account forms part of a maxi-ISA which contains other components;11

    3. (c)

      a statement that the effect of cancelling the last component has the effect of cancelling the entire ISA agreement and may also (where it is the case) delay the customer from entering into another ISA agreement until the next tax year; and11

    4. (d)

      a statement that a private customer who exercises a right to cancel will not incur any additional charges or be affected by any notice period; 11

  9. (9)

    the arrangements for handling complaints;

  10. (10)

    that the favourable tax treatment may not be maintained;

  11. (11)

    that compensation may be available from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme;

  12. (12)

    where applicable, that the firm cannot accept money directly and acts only as agent in arranging the cash deposit ISA, identifying the principal to whom such monies should be made payable, and explaining that the principal has accepted responsibility for the activities of the firm in relation to the cash deposit ISA;

  13. (13)

    where a private customer can obtain further information about ISAs and, if applicable, other products within the firm's range; and

  14. (14)

    a warning that a mini- and maxi-ISA may not be opened in the same tax year and that, by opening a mini cash ISA, the customer will be limiting the amount of investment in equities that he can make through ISAs, if he does not already have a mini stocks and shares or insurance ISA (not applicable for a TESSA-only ISA).10

COB 6.5.42AR

15If COB 6.4.13 applies, for a cash deposit CTF, the private customer must be given in place of key features:

  1. (1)

    the information contained in COB 6.5.42 (4) and COB 6.5.42 (8) and in COB 6.5.40 (7);

  2. (2)

    details of the arrangements for exercising any right to cancel;

  3. (3)

    a statement explaining where a private customer can obtain further information about CTFs

  4. (4)

    in relation to a distance contract with a retail customer, all the contractual terms and conditions and the information in COB App 1.

Friendly Society tax exempt policies

COB 6.5.43R

Where a private customer buys a tax-exempt policy issued by a friendly society, or agrees to make additional contributions to such a policy, the firm may, where there is a right to cancel under COB 6.7 (Cancellation and withdrawal), issue an abbreviated form of key features containing the following details:14

  1. (1)

    the amount of the contribution;

  2. (2)

    the term over which the contribution will be paid;

  3. (3)

    material differences between the terms of any increase and those of the existing policy;14

  4. (4)

    the amount or value in cash terms of the commission or remuneration; and14

  5. (5)

    in relation to a distance contract with a retail customer, all the contractual terms and conditions and the information in COB App 1.1114

Traded life policies

COB 6.5.44R

When personally recommending the purchase of a traded life policy, a firm may provide a private customer with the information in COB 6.5.49 R and, in relation to a distance contract with a retail customer, all the contractual terms and conditions and the information in COB App 1 in place of key features (in accordance with COB 6.4.14 R).11

Broker funds

COB 6.5.45R

In relation to any fund or scheme of which the firm is a broker fund adviser, at the same time as providing a private customer with a suitability letter (in accordance with COB 5.3 (Suitability)) or before any change in investment objectives or strategies, the firm must inform the private customer in writing of:

  1. (1)

    the investment objectives, and the policies and strategies which are proposed to be followed to achieve those objectives;

  2. (2)

    the relevant published index or other indicator with which comparison of the performance of the fund or scheme may fairly be made, which is, in the case of:

    1. (a)

      life policies or pension funds:

      1. (i)

        where the long-term insurer has its own managed unit-linked life or pension fund, the average performance of that managed fund; or

      2. (ii)

        the average performance of one or more other funds, which are not broker funds, into which under the terms of the policy the private customer may switch, the objectives of which do not conflict with those of the broker fund; or

      3. (iii)

        where there is no such fund, the sector average of general managed life or pension funds;

    2. (b)

      broker unit trusts, the sector average of unit trusts appropriate to the objectives and strategy of the broker unit trust;

  3. (3)

    a published index or sector average which the firm must identify as appropriate to the investment objectives and strategy of the fund or scheme under comparison; and

  4. (4)

    the name of any person providing advice under the arrangement.

Other information: post-sale confirmation: life policies

COB 6.5.46R

The post-sale confirmation to be given to private customers in accordance with COB 6.3.3 R must include the information required by COB 6.5.15 R - COB 6.5.19 R(an Example), COB 6.5.23 R to COB 6.5.28 R (Tables and Deductions Summary) and COB 6.5.38 R (Commission and commission equivalent).16

Consolidated Life Directive annex III: 'information for policyholders'

COB 6.5.47R
  1. (1)

    A firm to which COB 6.5.40 R (1)(b) applies must communicate in writing the information prescribed in COB 6.5.49 R to the policyholder, before the policy is concluded, in an official language of the EEA State of the commitment.

  2. (2)

    This information may be in another language if the policyholder so requests, and the law of the EEA State so permits or the policyholder is free to choose the law applicable.

COB 6.5.48G

The headings and other wordings within COB 6.5.49 R follow those used in the European Directives.

COB 6.5.49R

Consolidated Life Directive annex III table of 'information for policyholders'

This table belongs to COB 6.5.47 R

Consolidated Life Directive - 'information for policyholders'

Information about the assurance undertaking

Information about the commitment

1. The name of the undertaking and its legal form

4. Definition of each benefit and each option

2. The name of the EEA State in which the head office and, where appropriate, the agency or branch concluding the policy is situated

5. Term of the policy

3. The address of the head office and, where appropriate, of the agency or branch concluding the policy

6. Means of terminating the policy

7. Means of payment of premiums and duration of payments

8. Means of calculation and distribution of bonuses

9. Indication of surrender and paid-up values and the extent to which they are guaranteed

10. Information on the premium for each benefit, both main benefits and supplementary benefits, where appropriate

11. For unit-linked policies, definition of the units to which the benefits are linked

12. Indication of the nature of the underlying assets for unit-linked policies

13. Arrangements for application of the right to cancel

14. General information on the tax arrangements applicable to the type of policy

15. The arrangements for handling complaints concerning policies by policyholders, lives assured or beneficiaries under policies, including, where appropriate, the existence of a complaints body, making clear that its existence is without prejudice to the right to take legal proceedings.

16. Law applicable to the policy where the parties do not have a free choice or, where the parties are free to choose the law applicable, the law the long-term insurer proposes to choose. 8

Life policies: requests for quotations for surrender values

COB 6.5.50R

When a long-term insurer receives:

  1. (1)

    a request from a private customer for a quotation for the surrender value of a life policy; or

  2. (2)

    any other indication that a private customer wishes to surrender a life policy;

which is of a type which may be traded on an existing secondary market for life policies, it must, before or when providing the quotation (or, if no quotation is provided, before accepting a surrender), make the policyholder aware in writing of:

  1. (3)

    the fact that, as an alternative to surrendering to the long-term insurer, the life policy may be traded on that secondary market;

  2. (4)

    the fact that there may be financial benefits in trading the life policy when compared to surrendering it to the long-term insurer;

  3. (5)

    how the policyholder may trade the life policy on the secondary market should he decide to do so; and

  4. (6)

    other relevant options available to the policyholder.3

COB 6.5.51G
  1. (1)

    When complying with COB 6.5.50 R, a long term insurer may identify whether the policy is of a type which may be traded by obtaining information from a trade association or other body which holds information on the relevant secondary market.

  2. (2)

    COB 6.5.50 R (5) requires a firm to ensure that the policyholder is made aware of the existence of the secondary market and how he might access it. A firm may, if it wishes, go further than this (for example, by telling the policyholder more about the market and the procedures) but it is not obliged to do so.

  3. (3)

    The other relevant options referred to in COB 6.5.50 R(6) may, for example, include informing the policyholder about making the policy paid-up or taking a loan against the policy, and about the desirability of obtaining professional advice before surrendering.3

COB 6.5.52R

Where a long-term insurer believes that COB 6.5.50 R does not apply because its own policies are of a type which are not tradable, it must review the position every six months and make and retain records indefinitely to support its view.3

Open market option: "Wake-up letter"

COB 6.5.53R
  1. (1)

    A firm must provide a scheme member or policyholder described in (2) with the information set out in (3) in writing:

    1. (a)

      when there is a request for a retirement quotation more than four months before the scheme member's or policyholder's intended retirement date; and

    2. (b)

      at least four months before the scheme member's or policyholder's intended retirement date.

  2. (2)

    A person in relation to whom (1) applies is a private customer who:

    1. (a)

      is a member of a personal pension scheme; or

    2. (b)

      is a member of a stakeholder pension scheme; or

    3. (c)

      is the holder of a free-standing additional voluntary contribution contract; or

    4. (d)

      (where an open market option is available under the contract terms) is the holder of a retirement annuity contract; or

    5. (e)

      (where an open market option is available under the contract terms) is the holder of a pension buy-out contract.

  3. (3)

    The information which a firm must provide in writing under (1) is an explanation of:

    1. (a)

      the open market option (including the fact that companies offer different annuity rates and different types of annuity, and that these include:18

      18
      1. (i)

        annuities which provide level or increasing benefits;18

      2. (ii)

        annuities which cover either a single life or make provision for a spouse or a partner; and18

      3. (iii)

        annuities which may be with or without guarantee on the early death of the scheme member or policyholder;18

      and that the scheme member or policyholder may get a better deal by shopping around);18

    2. (b)

      the financial advantages and disadvantages in general terms of making use of this option when compared with taking a pension annuity with that firm;

    3. (c)

      how the scheme member or policyholder may make use of the open market option should he decide to do so; and

    4. (d)

      the advisability of taking professional advice.3

COB 6.5.53AR

18A firm to which COB 6.5.53 R (3)(a) applies must also provide general information explaining characteristic features of the types of annuity mentioned.

COB 6.5.54G

Principle 7 (Communications with clients) requires a firm to pay due regard to the information needs of its clients and communicate information to them in a way which is clear, fair and not misleading. In the FSA's view, a firm would not normally be able to satisfy its obligations under Principle 7 if it sent the information required under COB 6.5.53 R (1)(b) more than six months before the scheme member's or policyholder'sintended retirement date.3

COB 6.5.55G
  1. (1)

    A firm may comply with its obligations under COB 6.5.53 R (3)(a) (b) (c) and (d) and COB 6.5.53A R18 by providing a copy of the FSA's factsheet about annuities entitled "Your pension 'it's time to choose'". However, if a firm is aware that its pension scheme or contract offers particular features which are likely to be relevant to customers' decisions (for example, an option to acquire an annuity at a guaranteed rate of interest) then the firm would also be expected to draw attention to those features. Firms can obtain copies of this factsheet by contacting the FSA's Consumer Helpline on 0845 606 1234.

  2. (2)

    Where a firm provides the FSA 's factsheet about annuities ("Your pension "it's time to choose?") under COB 6.5.53 R, it may wish to include the following wording in its covering letter:"The enclosed factsheet about your options is from the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the independent watchdog set up by Parliament. Please read this document carefully".3

Open market option: "Reminder letter?"

COB 6.5.56R

A firm which has provided information under COB 6.5.53 R must, at least six weeks before his intended retirement date, remind the scheme member or policyholder of that communication, and must provide him with an estimated final transfer value.3

Pension income withdrawals and phased retirement

COB 6.5.57R

When a scheme member or policyholder described in COB 6.5.53 R (2) indicates to the provider of that scheme or policy that he is considering or has decided:

  1. (1)

    to discontinue an income withdrawal arrangement; or

  2. (2)

    to take out a further sum of money from his pension fund to buy an annuity as part of a phased retirement arrangement;

the provider of that scheme or policy must send the scheme member or policyholder the information required by COB 6.5.53 R, unless the scheme member or policyholder has already been sent the information by the provider in the previous 12 months. 7

COB 6.5.58G

COB 6.5.57 R is intended to ensure that, when a scheme member or policyholder is considering or has decided to discontinue an income withdrawal arrangement and buy an annuity, he receives a further reminder from his current provider of the information required by COB 6.5.53 R (3). Similarly, where a scheme member or policyholder has opted for phased retirement, COB 6.5.57 R requires his pension plan provider to send him this information when he is about to buy a further annuity. This may be several years after the information on the open market option was previously sent to the scheme member or policyholder and will ensure that he is made aware, at the time he decides to buy an annuity, of the advantages and disadvantages of using the open market option. However, it is not necessary to send the information to scheme members or policyholders described in COB 6.5.57 R (1) or (2) if the provider has already done so in the previous 12 months.7