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COBS 13.1 The obligation to prepare product information

Non-PRIIP packaged products, cash-deposit ISAs and cash-deposit CTFs

COBS 13.1.1 R RP

1A firm must prepare:2

  1. (1)

    a key features document for each non-PRIIP packaged product8, cash-deposit ISA, cash-only lifetime ISA7 and cash-deposit CTF it produces2; and2

  2. (2)

    a key features illustration for each non-PRIIP packaged product8 it produces;2

in good time before 2those documents have to be provided.

PRIIPs

COBS 13.1.1A G
  1. (1)

    8The PRIIPs Regulation requires the manufacturer of a PRIIP to draw up a key information document in accordance with the PRIIPs Regulation before that PRIIP is made available to retail investors (as defined in the PRIIPs Regulation).

    [Note: article 5 of the PRIIPs Regulation]

  2. (2)

    Since the PRIIPs Regulation imposes directly applicable requirements in relation to the preparation of product information for PRIIPs, the rules in COBS 13.1 to COBS 13.4 do not apply to a firm in relation to the manufacture of a PRIIP (except where applicable to Solvency II Directive information). COBS 13.5 and COBS 13.6 continue to apply where relevant.

Application of the PRIIPs regulation to funds

COBS 13.1.1B G
  1. (1)

    8A UCITS management company is exempt from the PRIIPs Regulation until 31 December 2019 (see article 32(1) of the PRIIPs Regulation). These firms should continue to publish a key investor information document until that date (see COLL 4.7).

  2. (2)
    1. (a)

      A manager of a fund offered to retail investors, other than a UCITS, is able to benefit from this exemption where a Member State applies rules on the format and content of the key investor information document in articles 78 to 81 of the UCITS Directive to that fund (see article 32(2) of the PRIIPs Regulation).

    2. (b)

      The FCA has made rules for authorised fund managers of non-UCITS retail schemes to give them the choice of benefiting from this exemption (see COLL 4.7).

    3. (c)

      An authorised fund manager of a non-UCITS retail scheme offered to retail clients may, until 31 December 2019, draw up either:

      1. (i)

        a key information document in accordance with the PRIIPs Regulation; or

      2. (ii)

        a NURS-KII document.

Information on life policies5

COBS 13.1.2 R RP

A firm must prepare the Solvency II Directive information6 for each life policy it effects:

6
  1. (1)

    in a clear and accurate manner and in writing; and6

  2. (2)

    in an official language of the State of the commitment, or in another language if the policyholder so requests and the law of the State of the commitment so permits or the policyholder is free to choose the law applicable;6

in good time before that information has to be provided.

[Note: article 185(1) and (6) of the Solvency II Directive6]

6
COBS 13.1.2A G

8A firm that effects life policies which are also PRIIPs should consider whether it is also required to draw up a key information document in respect of those life policies in accordance with the requirements of the PRIIPs Regulation.

Exceptions

COBS 13.1.3 R RP

A firm is not required to prepare:

  1. (1)

    a document, if another firm has agreed to prepare it; or

  2. (2)

    a key features document for:

    1. (a)

      a unit in a regulated collective investment scheme8; or

      3
    2. (b)

      [deleted]8

      33
    3. (c)

      [deleted]8

    4. (d)

      a stakeholder pension scheme, or personal pension scheme that is not a personal pension policy, if the information appears with due prominence in another document; or

    5. (e)

      an interest in an investment trust savings scheme; or8

  3. (3)

    2 a key features illustration:3

    2
    1. (a)

      for a unit in a regulated collective investment scheme8; or

      3
    2. (b)

      [deleted]8

      3
    3. (c)

      if it includes the information from the key features illustration in a key features document; or3

    4. (d)

      [deleted]85

      6
    5. (e)

      for an interest in an investment trust savings scheme.8

  4. (4)

    [deleted]6

    6
COBS 13.1.4 R RP

[deleted]8

3 3 4 4

COBS 13.2 Product information: production standards, form and contents

COBS 13.2.1 G RP

1When a firm prepares documents or information in accordance with this chapter, the firm should consider the rules on providing product information (COBS 14). Those rules require a firm to provide the product information in a durable medium or via a website that meets the website conditions (if the website is not a durable medium).

[Note: article 29(4) of the MiFID implementing Directive]

COBS 13.2.1A G RP

3When a firm prepares documents or information for a life policy, personal pension or stakeholder pension in accordance with this chapter, the firm should:

  1. (1)

    consider the rules on communicating with clients (COBS 4). Those rules require a firm to ensure that a communication is fair, clear and not misleading. In particular, a firm should:

    1. (a)

      take into account its target market's understanding of financial services when preparing documents and information;

    2. (b)

      present information in a logical order;

    3. (c)

      use clear and descriptive headings, and where appropriate, cross references and sub-headings to aid navigation;

    4. (d)

      where possible, use plain language and avoid the use of jargon, unfamiliar or technical language;

    5. (e)

      if it is necessary to use jargon, unfamiliar or technical language, provide accompanying explanations in plain language;

    6. (f)

      use short sentences;

    7. (g)

      (if the key features illustration is separate from the key features document) clearly cross-reference between the two and avoid duplication where possible;

    8. (h)

      concentrate on key product information, cross reference to background information, detailed explanations and information about how to apply for the product; and

    9. (i)

      avoid duplication and unnecessary disclaimers;

  2. (2)

    taking into account the means of printing or display, consider whether the following can be used to improve the client's understanding of the product, in particular:

    1. (a)

      design devices such as side annotations, shading, colour, bulleted lists, tables and graphics; and

    2. (b)

      the type size, line width, line spacing, and use of white space; and5

  3. (3)

    ensure that the use of colour in a document does not disguise, diminish or obscure important information if that document is printed or photocopied in black and white.5

COBS 13.2.2 R RP

A key features document and a key features illustration2must also:

  1. (1)

    (if it is a key features document) 2be produced and presented to at least the same quality and standard as the sales or marketing material used to promote the relevant product;

  2. (2)

    (if it is a key features document) 2display the firm's brand at least as prominently as any other;

  3. (3)

    (if it is a key features document or a key features illustration which does not form an integral part of the key features document) 2include the ‘Key facts’ logo in a prominent position at the top of the document; and

  4. (4)

    (if it is a key features document or a key features illustration which does not form an integral part of the key features document) 2include the following statement in a prominent position:

    “The Financial Conduct Authority is a financial services regulator. It requires us, [provider name], to give you this important information to help you to decide whether our [product name] is right for you. You should read this document carefully so that you understand what you are buying, and then keep it safe for future reference”.

COBS 13.2.3 G RP

The Solvency II Directive information4 can be included in one or more of5 a key features document, a key features illustration, (where permitted by the PRIIPs Regulation) a key information document5 or any other document.

4 2
COBS 13.2.4 R RP

The documents and information prepared in accordance with the rules in this chapter must not include anything that might reasonably cause a retail client to be mistaken about the identity of the firm that produced, or will produce, the product.

COBS 13.3 Contents of a key features document

General requirements

COBS 13.3.1 R RP

A key features document must:

  1. (1)

    include enough information about the nature and complexity of the product, how it works, any limitations or minimum standards that apply and the material benefits and risks of buying or investing for a retail client to be able to make an informed decision about whether to proceed; 7

  2. (2)

    explain:

    1. (a)

      the arrangements for handling complaints about the product;

    2. (b)

      that compensation might be available from the FSCS if the firm cannot meet its liabilities in respect of the product (if applicable);

    3. (c)

      that a right to cancel or withdraw exists, or does not exist, and, if it does exist, its duration and the conditions for exercising it, including information about the amount a client may have to pay if the right is exercised, the consequences of not exercising it and practical instructions for exercising it, indicating the address to which any notice must be sent;

    4. (d)

      (for a CTF) that stakeholder CTFs, cash-deposit CTFs and 1security-based CTFs1 are available and which type the firm is offering; and

    5. (e)

      (for a personal pension scheme that is not an automatic enrolment scheme)2 clearly and prominently, that stakeholder pension schemes are generally available and might meet the client's needs as well as the scheme on offer; and7

  3. (3)

    7(for a cash-only lifetime ISA) include the information set out in COBS 14 Annex 1.

COBS 13.3.1A G RP

6When preparing a key features document for pension annuity and drawdown pension options firms should consider the information requirements for firms communicating with clients about their pension decumulation product options in COBS 19.4.12R and COBS 19.4.14R.

Additional requirements for non-PRIIP packaged products

COBS 13.3.2 R RP

Table

A key features document for a non-PRIIP packaged product8 must:

(1)

Include the title: ‘key features of the [name of product]’;

(2)

describe the product in the order of the following headings, and by giving the following information under those headings:

Heading

Information to be given

‘Its aims’

A brief description of the product’s aims

‘Your commitment’ or ‘Your investment’

What a retail client is committing to or investing in and any consequences of failing to maintain the commitment or investment

‘Risks’

The material risks associated with the product, including a description of the factors that may have an adverse effect on performance or are material to the decision to invest

‘Questions and Answers’

(in the form of questions and answers) the principle terms of the product, what it will do for a retail client and any other information necessary to enable a retail client to make an informed decision.

5[Note: in respect of ‘Risks’, article 185(4) of the Solvency II Directive]

COBS 13.3.3 R RP

[deleted]8

3
COBS 13.3.4 R RP

[deleted]8

4
COBS 13.3.5 G RP

[deleted]8

4

COBS 13.4 Contents of a key features illustration

COBS 13.4.1 R RP

1 A key features illustration must include appropriate charges information, information about any interest that will be paid to clients on money held within a personal pension scheme bank account5 and, if it is a non-PRIIP packaged product8 which is not a financial instrument:

  1. (1)

    must include a standardised deterministic projection;

  2. (2)

    the projection and charges information must be consistent with each other so that:6

    6
    1. (a)

      the same intermediate growth rate and assumptions about regular contributions are used;6

    2. (b)

      a projection in nominal terms is accompanied by an effect of charges table and reduction in yield information in nominal terms; and6

    3. (c)

      a projection in real terms is accompanied by an effect of charges table and reduction in yield information in real terms;6

  3. (3)

    it may also include stochastic projections if there are reasonable grounds for believing that a retail client will be able to understand the stochastic projection6 except that the most prominent projection must be a standardised deterministic projection.

    6

Exceptions

COBS 13.4.2 R RP

When the rules in this chapter require a key features illustration to be prepared, it must not take the form of a generic key features illustration:3

3
  1. (1)

    unless 3there are reasonable grounds for believing that it3 will be sufficient to enable a retail client to make an informed decision about whether to invest; or

    3
  2. (2)

    if it is part of a3direct offer financial promotion which contains a personal recommendation; or3

    3
  3. (3)

    if a personal pension scheme or a stakeholder pension scheme is facilitating the payment of an adviser charge; or3

  4. (4)

    if a group personal pension scheme or a group stakeholder pension scheme is facilitating the payment of a consultancy charge and the combined effect of the consultancy charges facilitated by the product and the product charges is not consistent for all investors in the relevant group or sub-group; or3

  5. (5)

    unless it is prepared for groups or sub-groups of employees in a group personal pension scheme or a group stakeholder pension scheme and it contains:3

    1. (a)

      a generic projection which is prepared in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 2 paragraph 1.3 and based on a default fund or other commonly selected fund;3

    2. (b)

      an effect of charges table calculated in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 4 R paragraph 2 and contains additional rows that show a range of typical periods to retirement age; and3

    3. (c)

      reduction in yield information which is calculated in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 4 R paragraph 3.3(2) and combines the product charge and, if applicable, the consultancy charge.3

COBS 13.4.3 G RP

A generic key features illustration3is unlikely to be sufficient to enable a retail client to make an informed decision about whether to invest if the premium or investment returns on the product will be materially affected by the personal characteristics of the investor.

3
COBS 13.4.4 R RP

There is no requirement under COBS 13.4.1 R5 to include a projection in a key features illustration:

  1. (1)

    for a single premiumlife policy bought as a pure investment product, a product with benefits that do not depend on future investment returns or any other product if it is reasonable to believe that a retail client will not need one to be able to make an informed decision about whether to invest; or

  2. (2)

    if the product is a life policy that will be held in a CTF or sold with basic advice (unless the policy is a stakeholder pension scheme); or7

    55
  3. (3)

    if a retail client proposes to withdraw the funds in full from their , personal pension schemestakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension reducing the value of their rights to zero. 7

COBS 13.4.4A R

7Where COBS 13.4.4R(3) applies, if a retail client subsequently does not withdraw the funds in full from their personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension reducing their rights to zero, the firm must provide the client with a standardised deterministic projection.

COBS 13.4.5 G RP

Although there may be no obligation to include a projection in a key features illustration, where a firm chooses to include one, the projection should:9

  1. (1)

    9Comply with the requirements in this section unless the projection relates to an investment that is a financial instrument.

  2. (2)

    9Where the projection relates to a financial instrument, the firm should comply with either:

    1. (a)

      9the requirements in article 44(6) of the MiFID Org Regulation (see COBS 4.5A.14EU) where the firm is carrying on MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business); or

    2. (b)

      9the requirements in COBS 4.6.7R where the firm is not carrying on MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business.

COBS 13.5 Preparing product information: other projections

Projections for in-force products

COBS 13.5.1 R RP

1A firm that communicates a projection for an in-force packaged product which is not a financial instrument:

  1. (1)

    must include a standardised deterministic projection;

  2. (2)

    may also include a stochastic projection2 except that the most prominent projection must be a standardised deterministic projection; and

    2

must follow the projectionrules in COBS 13 Annex 2.

COBS 13.5.1A R

3The requirement in COBS 13.5.1R does not apply where a retail client proposes to withdraw the funds in full from their personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension reducing the value of their rights to zero.

Projections: other situations

COBS 13.5.2 R RP
2 2 2
  1. (1)

    5A firm that communicates a projection for a packaged product which falls within (2) must ensure that the projection is either a standardised deterministic projection or a stochastic projection in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 2.

  2. (2)

    This rule applies to a packaged product which is:

    1. (a)

      not a financial instrument or an in-force packaged product; and

    2. (b)

      either:

      1. (i)

        a non-PRIIPpackaged product for which a key features illustration is not required to be provided; or

      2. (ii)

        a PRIIP where the projection is not in the key information document.

COBS 13.5.2A R

3The requirement in COBS 13.5.2R does not apply where a retail client elects to withdraw the funds in full from their personal pension scheme or stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension reducing the value of their rights to zero.

COBS 13.5.2B G

5Where a firm communicates a projection for a packaged product that is a financial instrument,5 the following5 future performance5 requirements are likely to apply:5

  1. (1)

    5article 44(6) of the MiFID Org Regulation (see COBS 4.5A.14EU) where the firm is carrying on MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business; or

  2. (2)

    5COBS 4.6.7R where the firm is not carrying on MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business.

Exceptions to the projection rules: projections for more than one product

COBS 13.5.3 R RP

A firm that communicates a projection of benefits for a packaged product which is not a financial instrument, as part of a combined projection where other benefits being projected include those for a financial instrument or structured deposit, is not required to comply with the projection rules in COBS 13.4, COBS 13.5 and COBS 13 Annex 2 to the extent that the combined projection4 complies with the future performance requirements in either:4

  1. (1)

    4article 44(6) of the MiFID Org Regulation (see COBS 4.5A.14EU) where the firm is carrying on MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business; or

  2. (2)

    4COBS 4.6.7R where the firm is not carrying on MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business.

COBS 13.5.4 G RP

The general requirement that communications be fair, clear and not misleading will nevertheless mean that a firm that elects to comply with the future performance rule in COBS 4.6.7 R, or, if applicable, the requirement in article 44(6) of the MiFID Org Regulation (see COBS 4.5A.14EU),4 will need to explain how the combined projection differs from other information that has been or could be provided to the client, including a projection provided under the projectionrules in COBS 13.4, COBS 13.5 and COBS 13 Annex 2. In4 particular, the firm should identify where a projection in real terms is required under COBS 13.

COBS 13.6 Preparing product information: adviser and consultancy charges

COBS 13.6.1 R RP

1A firm that agrees to facilitate3 the payment of an adviser charge or consultancy charge, or an increase in such a charge, from a new or3 in-force packaged product, must prepare sufficient information for the retail client to be able to understand the likely effect of that facilitation, in good time before it takes effect2.

2
COBS 13.6.2 G

3Where a firm agrees to facilitate the payment of an adviser charge or consultancy charge for a new non-PRIIP packaged product, it will satisfy the rule in COBS 13.6.1R by including the appropriate charges information in the key features illustration.

COBS 13 Annex 1 Solvency II Directive Information1

This annex belongs to COBS 13.1.2 R (The Solvency II Directive information1)

1

Information about the firm

(1)

The firm's name and its legal form;

(2)

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

1

(3)

The address of the head office and, where appropriate, agency or branch concluding the contract; and1

1(3A)

A concrete reference to the firm'sSFCR allowing the policyholder easy access to this information.

Information about the commitment

(4)

Definition of each benefit and each option;

(5)

Term of the contract;

(6)

Means of terminating the contract;

(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 premiums for each benefit, both main benefits and supplementary benefits, where appropriate;

(11)

For unit-linked policies, the1 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 cancellation period or right to withdraw;1

1

(14)

General information on the tax arrangements applicable to the type of policy;

(15)

The arrangements for handling complaints concerning contracts by policyholders, lives assured or beneficiaries1under contracts including, where1appropriate, the existence of a complaints body (usually the Financial Ombudsman Service)1, without prejudice to the right to take legal proceedings; and

1 1

(16)

Law applicable to the contract where the parties do not have a free choice or, where the parties are free to choose the law applicable, the law the insurer proposes to choose.

[Note: article 185(2) and (3) of the Solvency II Directive1]

1

COBS 13 Annex 2 Projections

This annex belongs to COBS 13.4.1 R (Contents of a key features illustration), COBS 13.5.1 R (Projections for in-force products) and COBS 13.5.2 R (Projections: other situations).

1R

Projections

1

Calculating standardised deterministic projections

1.1

A standardised deterministic projection must:

(1)

include a projection of benefits at the lower, intermediate and higher rates of return;

(2)

be rounded down; and

(3)

show no more than three significant figures.

R

1.2

Calculating projections: additional requirements for a personal pension scheme13and stakeholder pension scheme13

(1)

A standardised deterministic projection must be in real terms and12 be accompanied by information explaining why price inflation has been taken into account and that price inflation reduces the worth of all savings and investments12.

13 12 12

(2)

A1213standardised deterministic projection in real terms must be calculated using:12

12 12

(a)

the appropriate lower, intermediate and higher rates of return;12

12

(b)

the intermediate rate of price inflation, in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 2 2.5R; and

(c)

an annuity calculated in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 2 3.1R.

12

12(3)11

13The standardised deterministic projection must show only the numeric value of the three real rates of return after the appropriate price inflation assumption has been taken into account, that is, the real rate of projected growth which has been applied to the real value of the contributions.

G

1.2A11

A firm is not prevented from providing a retail client with a projection of the fund or pension commencement lump sum in nominal terms for planning purposes (for example for a pension mortgage) if it is prepared in a way which is consistent with the standardised deterministic projection.

R

1.3

(1)

If a generic projection is prepared for a stakeholder pension scheme or personal pension scheme in circumstances where a generic key features illustration is permitted under COBS 13.4.2 R,6 sufficient separate projections, covering a range of different contractual periods and contributions, must be included for a retail client to be able to make an informed decision about whether to invest.

(2)

A projection prepared on that basis may omit projections at the lower and higher rates of return12 and only show a range of benefits in real terms12 at the intermediate rate of return.

12 12 12

G

1.4

A firm will provide sufficient separate projections if it prepares a table that shows projections in real terms for a variety of periods to maturity and a variety of contribution levels, taking into account the charges and other material terms that apply to the stakeholder pension scheme or personal pension scheme. Such a table could be laid out like a specimen benefits table (see COBS 13 Annex 2 1.8).

R

Providing a stochastic12 projection

12

1.5

A stochastic projection may only be provided if:12

12

(1)

[deleted]12

12

(2)

[deleted]12

12
12

[deleted]12

12

(3)

12
12

[deleted]12

12

12(4)

it is based on a reasonable number of simulations and assumptions which are reasonable and supported by objective data;

12(5)

it is accompanied by enough information for the retail client to be able to understand the difference between the stochastic projection and the standardised deterministic projection being provided; and

12(6)

it is presented in real terms where the accompanying standardised deterministic projection is required to be in real terms.

12

1.6

[deleted]12

12

R

Exceptions

1.7

13

13A projection for an in-force product that will mature in six months or less may be prepared and presented on any reasonable basis.

13

141.7A

If a projection is prepared in connection with an offer for or conclusion of a personal pension scheme, three different rates of return must be used.

14[Note: article 185(5) of the Solvency II Directive]

R

1.8

In the case of a stakeholder pension scheme in circumstances where a generic key features illustration is permitted under COBS 13.4.2R,6 the specimen benefits table, contained within the "Stakeholder pension decision tree" factsheet available on 24www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk4and headed "Pension Table...How much should I save towards a pension?" which sets out initial monthly pension amounts, may be used instead of a standardised deterministic projection but only if it is accompanied by an explanation of the caveats and assumptions behind the table.

2

R

1.9

The rules in this Annex do not apply to:16

13

16(1)

a projection for an in force product which is consistent with the statutory money purchase illustration requirements; and

16(2)

a safeguarded-flexible benefits risk warning.

R

1.10

A standardised deterministic projection for an in force product may omit the1213intermediate rate of return except for personal pension scheme and stakeholder pension scheme contracts taken out after 5 April 2014.13

13 12 13

R

2

Assumptions to follow when calculating projections.

Assumptions: projection date

2.1

A standardised deterministic projection must be calculated to the projection date described below:

Product

Projection date

(1)

A contract which is a whole life assurance the premiums under which are regular premiums

The anniversary of the commencement date:

(a) which first falls after the seventy-fifth birthday of the life assured; or

(b) (if there is more than one life assured) the anniversary of the commencement date which falls after the seventy fifth birthday of:

(i) (if benefits are payable on the first death) the oldest life assured; or

(ii) (in all other cases) the youngest life assured;

subject to a minimum projection date of ten years.

(2)

A contract that is not in (1):

(a) where the relevant marketing refers to a surrender value or an option to take benefits before they would otherwise be paid; or

(b) that is open-ended, or linked to one or more lives, which is not a personal pension scheme or stakeholder pension scheme

An appropriate date which highlights the features of the product

(3)

A contract that is not in (1) or (2) and has a specified maturity date

The maturity date specified in the contract

(4)

A contract that is not in (1) or (2) or (3)

The tenth anniversary of the commencement date

R

Assumptions: contributions

2.2

A standardised deterministic projection must:

(1)

take account of all contributions due during the projection period;

(2)

be calculated on the basis that contributions are accumulated, net of charges, at the appropriate rate of return compounded on an annual basis;

(3)

(if it includes assumptions about contribution increases in line with an index) be based on an assumption that contribution increases are consistent with any assumptions regarding that index in this annex; and

(4)

deduct from contributions any rider benefits or extra premium which may be charged for an increased underwriting risk.

R

Assumptions: rates of return

2.3

A standardised deterministic projection must be calculated as follows:15

9 9 12

15(i)

the intermediate rate of return must accurately reflect the investment potential of each of the product’s underlying investment options;

15(iii)

the lower and higher rates of return must maintain a differential of 3% relative to the intermediate rate of return; and

15(iii)

the rates of return for each underlying investment option must not exceed the following maximum rates:

Nominal rates

Lower rate

Inter-mediate rate

Higher rate

tax-exempt business held in a wrapper or by a friendly society

personal pension schemes, stakeholder pension schemes and investment-linked annuities

2%9

5%9

8%9

all other products

1½%9

4½%9

7½%9

R

Exceptions15

2.4

A standardised deterministic projection:

(1)

[deleted]9

9

(2)

may be calculated using a lower rate of return if a retail client requests it; and15

15(3)

where there is a contractual obligation to provide a minimum rate of return that exceeds any one or more of the lower, intermediate or higher rates of return, the standardised deterministic projection must be calculated by substituting the obligated rate of return for the lower, intermediate or higher rate of return, as appropriate.

R

Assumptions: inflation

2.5

If inflation is taken into account, the standardised deterministic projection must be calculated using the following rates:

Lower rate

Inter-mediate rate

Higher rate

Price inflation

0.50%

2.50%

4.50%

Earnings inflation

>2%

>4%

>6%

R

Assumptions: charges

2.6

The charges allowed for in a standardised deterministic projection:

(1)

must properly reflect:

(a)

all of the charges, expenses and deductions a client will, or may expect to be taken after investment into the product;6

6

(b)

the tax relief available to the firm in respect of so much of the firm's gross expenses as can properly be attributed to the contract; and

(c)

the fact that certain charges will be fully or partially off-set, but only to the extent that the firm can show that the off-set funds will be available when the relevant charges arise; and

(2)

must not include the firm's dealing costs incurred on the underlying portfolio; and15

15(3)

must include the retained interest charges specified in COBS 13 Annex 3 1.1R(4) or COBS 13 Annex 4 1.1R(4), where relevant.

G

2.7

(1)

Development and capital costs should normally be written off in the year in which they are incurred. However, some costs (for example, exceptional new business expenses) may be amortised and previous years’ costs may then be brought into account.

(2)

If it is reasonable to assume that higher expenses will be incurred in the future, appropriate allowances should be made, and any inflation assumptions should be consistent with those prescribed in these rules.

(3)

Expenses should be apportioned appropriately between products so that scales of expenses can be calculated and applied.

(4)

Where appropriate, mortality and morbidity should be allowed for on a best estimate basis. The basis for annuities should allow for future improvements in mortality.

(5)

A projection should not assume that charges will fall over time to a rate that is lower than the rate currently being charged on the relevant product (or, if there is no such charge, on a similar product).

(6)

A projection of surrender value, cash-in value or transfer value should take into account any specific current surrender value basis and penalties which may be applied.10

10(7)

If a personal pension scheme is invested in assets that are volatile or difficult to value, the standardised deterministic projection should be prepared using the best available reasonable assumptions.

15(8)

The methodology for a projection including retained interest charges should:

(a)

take account of any required minimum cash balances;

(b)

be based on reasonable assumptions such that the overall charges in relation to the product and the investments are unlikely to be understated; and

(c)

have regard to the overall level of retained interest charges across all relevant business.

R

Additional requirements: with-profits policies

2.8

(1)

A standardised deterministic projection for a with-profits policy must properly reflect the deductions from asset share which a firm expects to make in accordance with its deductions plan.

(2)

A standardised deterministic projection for a with-profits policy where bonus rates apply must assume that the bonus rates supported by the relevant premium and rate of return apply throughout the term of the contract.

R

Additional requirements: drawdown5 pensions and regular uncrystallised funds pension lump sum payments15

5

2.9

(1)

A standardised deterministic projection for a drawdown pension5 or regular uncrystallised funds pension lump sum payments15 must be based on the requirements contained in (2) to the extent that they impose additional or conflicting requirements to the balance of the rules in this section.

5

(2)

A standardised deterministic projection for a drawdown pension5 or regular uncrystallised funds pension lump sum payments15 must15 include:

5

(a)

where relevant 5the maximum initial income specified in the tables published by the Government Actuaries Department for a drawdown pension;5

5

(b)

the assumed level of income;

(c)

for a short-term annuity, where subsequent short-term annuities are assumed, a statement reflecting that fact;

(d)

(under 'What the benefits might be' or similar heading12, either:155

12 12 12 5 12

(i)15

the amount of income and the projected value of the fund at five yearly intervals to age 99 for the lower, intermediate and higher rate of return for as long as the fund is projected to exist (at the higher rate of return); or15

(ii)15

a description of the income and a projection of the age at which the fund will cease to exist for the lower, intermediate and higher rate of return; and15

(e)

[deleted]15

5 5

(f)

the amount of annuity that could be secured using an immediate annuity rate available in the market.

15(3)

A standardised deterministic projection for a drawdown pension or regular uncrystallised funds pension lump sum payments may also include the projected open market values and the amounts of annuity that might be purchased at some point in the future.

15(4)

A standardised deterministic projection for a drawdown pension entered into before 6 April 2015 must, where relevant, be based on an assumption that the current gilt index yield will continue to apply throughout the relevant term.

12R

Drawdown Pension: Exception

2.10

A standardised deterministic projection15 can be prepared in nominal terms, rather than real terms for a:15

15(1)

drawdown pension; or

15(2)

personal pension scheme or stakeholder pension scheme from which there has been an election to take regular, ad-hoc or one-off uncrystallised funds pension lump sum payments.

R

3

How to calculate a projection for a future annuity

3.1

A projection for a future annuity must:

(1)

be calculated by rounding all factors to three decimal places before applying them to the relevant retirement fund;

(2)

use a mortality rate based on the year of birth rate derived from each of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ Continuous Mortality Investigation tables PMA0815 and PFA0815 and including mortality improvements derived from each of the male and female annual mortality projection models, in equal parts;8

8

(3)

[deleted]7

7

(4)

(for an annuity where two lives are concerned):

(a)

reflect the age difference between the two lives; or

(b)

be based on the assumption that the male life is three years older than the female (if the genders differ) or the two lives have the same age (if the genders are the same);

(5)

include an expenses allowance of 4%;

(6)

be based on the following rates of return as appropriate:

R

Lower rate

Intermediate rate

Higher rate

Level or fixed rate of increase annuities

Y+1.5%

Y+3.5%

Y+5.5%

RPI or LPI linked annuities

Y-1%

Y

Y+1%

R

where:

'Y' is 0.5* (ILG0 + ILG5)-0.5 rounded to the nearest 0.2%, with an exact 0.1% rounded down; and

'ILG0' and 'ILG5' are the real yield on the FTSE Actuaries Government Securities Index-linked Real Yields over 5 years, assuming 0% and 5% inflation respectively, updated every 6 April to use the ILG0 and ILG5 which applied on or, if necessary, the business day immediately before, the preceding 15 February; and

(7)

(in the case of a future annuity with less than one year to maturity) be calculated using annuity rates that are no more favourable than the firm's relevant current immediate annuity rate or (if there is no such rate) the relevant immediate annuity rate available in the market; and

(8)

be assumed to be payable monthly in advance with a guaranteed period of 5 years, unless it is unreasonable to do so.

8E

3.1A

For any year commencing 6 April, the use of the male and female annual CMI Mortality Projections Models in the series CMI(20YY-2)_M_[1.25%]15 and CMI (20YY-2_F)_[1.25%]15, where YY-215 is the year of the Model used, will tend to show compliance with COBS 13 Annex 2 3.1 R (2).

15R

3.3

A projection for an annuity with a guaranteed annuity rate must:

(1)

show an additional projection of the income that could be provided where that guaranteed annuity rate provides higher rates of return than those otherwise shown; and

(2)

calculate the income that could be provided on the basis of the rates in the guaranteed annuity rate, using a projection of the fund calculated using the intermediate rate of return.

15G

3.4

When providing an additional projection for an annuity with a guaranteed annuity rate, a firm should:

(1)

[deleted]16

(2)

take account of multiple guaranteed annuity rates on the fund or non-guaranteed elements of the fund on a proportionate basis; and

(3)

provide an explanation of the key restrictions which may apply when the guaranteed annuity rate is taken up, particularly where these differ from the other projections shown.

R

3.2

A projection for a future annuity:

(1)

must be calculated using lower rates of return , if the rates described in this section overstate the investment potential of the product;

(2)

may be calculated using a lower rate of return if a retail client requests it.

4

[deleted]7

7

R

5

Projections: accompanying statements and presentation12

12

5.1

A standardised deterministic projection must be accompanied by:

(1)

appropriate risk warnings, including warnings about volatility and the impact of inflation and that the product may pay back less than paid in (if that could be the case),12 and the degree to which any figures can be relied upon; and

12

(2)

a statement:

(a)

[deleted]12

12

(b)

that charges may vary;

(c)

of the contributions that have been assumed;

(d)

that increases in contributions have been assumed (if that is the case), together with sufficient information for a retail client to be able to understand the nature and magnitude of the assumed increases;

12

(e)

of the sum of any actual premiums charged for any rider benefits or increased underwriting risks (where these have been charged);15

12 12

12(f)

(for personal pension schemes and stakeholder pension schemes) of the assumptions used to calculate the regular income and that the client may choose when to take this income (if that is the case); and15

15(g)

that the projection takes account of the existence of contractual obligations to provide a minimum rate (if that is the case).

14[Note: article 185(5) of the Solvency II Directive]

12R

5.1A

When presenting a standardised deterministic projection a firm must:

(1)

include a short introductory explanation of what the projection seeks to illustrate;

(2)

use a descriptive heading such as ‘What your regular income might be worth in future or 'What might I get back from my plan?';

(3)

place the projection and the associated explanation adjacent to each other on the same page; and

(4)

explain that the client will be sent annual statements (if that is the case) which will allow them to keep track of their benefits.

R

Additional requirements: pension schemes and products linked to other products

5.2

A standardised deterministic projection for a product where the benefits illustrated depend on a link to a separate product must include an appropriate description of the material factors that might influence the returns available overall and any restrictions assumed in providing an illustration of benefits in relation to that separate product.

14[Note: article 185(5) of the Solvency II Directive]

COBS 13 Annex 3 Charges information for a non-PRIIP packaged product

(except for a personal pension scheme and a stakeholder pension scheme where adviser charges or consultancy charges are to be facilitated by the product)4

This annex belongs to COBS 13.4.1 R (Contents of a key features illustration)

1R

Charges

1

Appropriate charges information

1.1

Appropriate charges information 9 comprises:

9

(1)

4(a)

a description of the nature and amount of the charges (including, where applicable, any retained interest charges under (4), below)7 a client will or may be expected to bear in relation to the product and, if applicable, any investments within the product; and7

4(b)

if applicable, a description of the nature and amount of the adviser charges a retail client has agreed may be taken, including whether it is taken before or after investment into the product;

(2)

an 'effect of charges' table;

5

(3)

'reduction in yield' information; and5

5(4)

in relation to a personal pension scheme, the amounts (or if the amounts cannot be given, the formula by which the amounts can be calculated) of the charges7, if any, which a personal pension schemeoperator or pension scheme trustee will receive as retained interest in relation to money held within the personal pension scheme.

1.2

Where a firm does not include a projection within its key features illustration the charges information can be on a generic basis.5

51.2A

The information described in 1.1(4) must be disclosed alongside information about any other charges the client will be expected to bear, and information about any interest that will be paid to clients on money held within a personal pension scheme bank account.

Exceptions

1.3

An effect of charges table and reduction in yield information are not required for:

(1)

a life policy without a surrender value, but an appropriate warning must be included to make it clear that the policy has no cash-in value at any time;

(2)

[deleted]5;

5

(3)

[deleted]4

4

(4)

a stakeholder product or a product that will be held in a CTF where the relevant product and the CTF levy their charges annually, if the following is included instead:

“There is an annual charge of y% of the value of the funds you accumulate. If your fund is valued at £250 throughout the year, this means we charge6 [£250 x y/100] that year. If your fund is valued at £500 throughout the year, this means we charge6 [£500 x y/100] that year. [After ten years these deductions reduce to [£250 x r/100] and [£500 x r/100] respectively.]”

where ‘y’ is the annual charge and ‘r’ is the reduced annual charge (if any); or7

4 6 6 4

7(5)

a personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension where the client elects to withdraw their funds in full, reducing the value of their rights to zero.

71.3A

Where 1.3(5) applies, if a client subsequently does not withdraw the funds in full from their personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension reducing their rights to zero, the firm must provide the client with an ‘effect of charges’ table and ‘reduction in yield’ information.

1.4

Reduction in yield information is not required for a without profits life policy with guaranteed benefits (except on surrender or variation), a life policy with a term not exceeding five years or a life policy that will be held in a CTF.

R

2

Effect of charges table

2.1

Each ‘effect of charges’ table must be accompanied by, or refer to:

(1)

a statement that all relevant guarantees have been taken into account (if there are any);

(2)

[deleted]6

6

(3)

the rate of return (for personal pension schemes and stakeholder pension schemes, this must be net of price inflation, where appropriate)6 used to calculate the figures in the table; and6

6

6(4)

an explanation of the purpose of the table and what the table shows.

2.2 The effect of charges table:

(1) for a life policy must be in the following form unless the firm chooses to adopt the form of the effect of charges table in COBS 13 Annex 4 :4

4

R

Note 1A

Note 2

Note 3

Note 4

Note 5

Note 6

At end of year

Total paid in to date

With-drawals

Total actual deductions to date

Effect of deductions to date

What you might get back

£

£

£

£

£

1

...

5

10

...

(2) for any other non-PRIIP packaged product8 must be in the following form:

R

Note 1B

Note 2

Note 3

Note 5

Note 6

At end of year

Investment to date

Income

Effect of deductions to date

What you might get back

£

£

£

£

1

5

10

...

(3) must be completed in accordance with the following notes:

R

Note 41A

(a)

This column must include the first five years, every subsequent fifth year and the final year of the projection period.

(b)

Figures may be shown for every subsequent tenth year rather than subsequent fifth year where the projection period exceeds 25 years, or for whole of life policies.

(c)

For whole of life policies, should the projected fund reach zero before the end of the projection period this must be highlighted.

(d)

[deleted]4

3 4

(e)

If there is discontinuity in the trend of surrender values, the appropriate intervening years must also be included.

(f)

Figures for a longer term may be shown.

Note 41B

(a)

This column must include the first year, the fifth year and every subsequent fifth year of the projection period.

(b)

[deleted]3

3

(c)

Figures for a longer term may be shown.

Note 42

This column must show the cumulative contributions paid to the end of each relevant year.

Note 43

This column must show the cumulative withdrawals taken or income paid to the end of each relevant year (if any). The column may be omitted if withdrawals or income are not anticipated or allowed.

Note 44

This column is optional. If it is retained, it must show the total actual deductions to the end of each relevant year calculated using the following method:

(a)

apply the intermediate rate of return for the relevant product to the figure in the ‘effect of deductions to date’ column for the previous year;

(b)

subtract this figure from 2the figure in the ‘effect of deductions to date’ column for the year being shown; and

2

(c)

add the resulting figure to the figure in the ‘total actual deductions to date’ column for the previous year (if any).

Note 45

This column may be deleted if the product is a without profits life policy with benefits that are guaranteed except on surrender or variation, a life policy with a term not exceeding five years, or a life policy that will be held in a CTF.

If this column is not deleted, the ‘effect of deductions to date’ figure must be calculated by taking the accumulated value of the fund without reference to charges and then subtracting from this figure the figure in the ‘what you might get back column’ for the same year.

Note 46

This column must show the6standardised deterministic projection of the surrender value, cash-in value or transfer value, calculated in accordance with the rules in COBS 13 Annex 2 (Projections) at the appropriate intermediate rate of return to the end of each relevant year.

R

Exception

2.3

An effect of charges table and its title can be amended to the extent that it is necessary:6

6(1)

to properly reflect the nature and effect of, for example, the adviser charges, consultancy charges or the charges inherent in a particular product; or

6(2)

to ensure that the column labels and any explanatory text reflect the product and whether inflation has been taken into account; or

6(3)

to ensure consistency with the terminology used in relation to a particular product.

G

2.4

[deleted]6

6 4

R

3

Reduction in yield

3.1

Reduction in yield (‘A’) is ‘B’ less ‘C’ where:

(1)

'B' is the intermediate rate of return (for personal pension schemes and stakeholder pension schemes, net of price inflation, where appropriate)6 for the relevant product; and

(2)

'C' is determined by:

(a)

carrying out a standardised deterministic projection to the projection date, using ‘B’; and then

(b)

calculating the annual rate of return (‘C’) (rounded to the nearest tenth of 1 %) required to achieve the same projection value if charges are left out of account.

3.2

A firm must present reduction in yield as ‘A%’, as part of statements which explain that:6

6

6(1)

charges have the effect of reducing investment growth (after price inflation for personal pension schemes and stakeholder pension schemes) from 'B%' to 'C%', or in some other appropriate way; and

6(2)

the information about the reduction in investment growth can be used to compare the effect of charges with similar products.

3.3

If contributions will be invested in more than one fund in a single designated investment or made by an initial lump sum payment that is followed by regular contributions, the reduction in yield must be:

(1)

calculated separately for each fund or for the single contribution and the regular contributions (as the case may be); and

(2)

presented:

(a)

on a fund by fund, or single contribution and regular contribution, basis, together with a statement which explains the nature and effect of a reduction in yield, the reason for the inclusion of more than one reduction in yield figure and the reason for the differences between them; or

(b)

(if the reduction in yield results are so similar that one figure could reasonably be regarded as representative of the others), as a single figure together with a statement which explains the nature and effect of a reduction in yield, and that the reduction in yield figure given is representative of the reduction in yield figures for each of the funds or for the single and regular contributions (as the case may be); or

(c)

through a single figure combining the separate figures for each fund or contribution in a proportionate manner, with an appropriate description.

3.4

Where a firm is calculating reduction in yield information, it must:

(1)

disregard charges related to mortality and morbidity risks; or

(2)

(where the requirement in (1) produces figures that are misleading) include a statement with the reduction in yield information that it has been calculated taking into account charges related to mortality and morbidity risk.

COBS 13 Annex 4 Charges information for a personal pension scheme and a stakeholder pension scheme

(where adviser charges or consultancy charges are facilitated by the product)

This annex belongs to COBS 13.4.1 R (Contents of a key features illustration)

1R

Charges

1

Appropriate charges information

1.1

Appropriate charges information comprises:

(1)

(a)

a description of the nature and amount of the charges (including, where applicable, any retained interest charges under (4), below)4 a client will or may be expected to bear in relation to the product and, if applicable, any investments within the product;

(b)

if applicable, a description of the nature and amount of the adviser charges and consultancy charges a retail client or employer has agreed may be taken before investment into the product;

(c)

if applicable, a description of the nature and amount of the adviser charges and consultancy charges a retail client or employer has agreed may be taken after investment into the product;

(2)

an ‘effect of charges’ table;

2

(3)

‘reduction in yield’ information; and2

2(4)

in relation to a personal pension scheme, the amounts (or if the amounts cannot be given, the formula by which the amounts can be calculated) of the charges,4 if any, which a personal pension schemeoperator or pension scheme trustee will receive as retained interest in relation to money held within the personal pension scheme.

Exceptions4

1.2

An effect of charges table and reduction in yield information are not required for a stakeholder pension scheme, where adviser charges or consultancy charges are not being facilitated by the scheme, if the following is included instead:

“There is an annual charge of y% of the value of the funds you accumulate. If your fund is valued at £500 throughout the year, this means we charge3 [£500 x y/100] that year. If your fund is valued at £7500 throughout the year, we will charge3 [£7500 x y/100] that year.”2

3 3

41.3

An effect of charges table and reduction in yield information are not required for a personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension where the client elects to withdraw their funds in full, reducing the value of their rights to zero.

41.3A

Where 1.3 applies, if a client subsequently does not withdraw the funds in full from their personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or drawdown pension reducing their rights to zero, the firm must provide the client with an ‘effect of charges’ table and ‘reduction in yield’ information.

21.2A

The information described in 1.1(4) must be disclosed alongside information about any other charges the client will be expected to bear, and information about any interest that will be paid to clients on money held within a personal pension scheme bank account.

R

2

Effect of charges table

2.1

Each effect of charges table must be accompanied by:

(1)

an explanation of what the table shows;

(2)

a statement that all relevant guarantees have been taken into account (if there are any); and3

(3)

[deleted]3

(4)

the rate of return (after price inflation, where appropriate)used to calculate the figures in the table.

2.2

An3 effect of charges table must be in the following form:

3

Note 1

Note 2

Note 3

Note 4

Note 5

Note 6

At end of year

The payments into your plan3

3

Withdrawals

Before3 charges are taken3

3

If only plan3 and investment charges are taken

3

After all charges are taken from this plan3

£

£

£

£

£

1

...

5

At age [xx]

Note 1

This column must include at least the first, third and fifth year and the intended date of retirement.

For a drawdown pension or uncrystallised funds pension lump sum payments4, figures must be included for each of the first ten years, or less if the value of the fund is projected at the intermediate rate of return4 to reach zero before then.

Note 2

This column must show the cumulative contributions paid to the end of each relevant year.

3

Note 3

This column must show the cumulative withdrawals intended to be taken to the end of each relevant year. The column may be omitted if withdrawals are not anticipated or allowed.

Note 4

This column must show a standardised deterministic projection of the benefits, calculated in accordance with the rules in COBS 13 Annex 2 (Projections) at the appropriate intermediate rate of return,3 to the end of each relevant year, but without taking any charges into account.

Note 5

This column must show a standardised deterministic projection of the benefits, calculated in accordance with the rules in COBS 13 Annex 2 (Projections) at the appropriate intermediate rate of return to the end of each relevant year, but taking into account only the charges described in COBS 13 Annex 4 R paragraph 1.1(1)(a).

Note 6

This column must show a standardised deterministic projection of the benefits, calculated in accordance with the rules in COBS 13 Annex 2 (Projections) at the appropriate intermediate rate of return to the end of each relevant year taking into account all charges described in COBS 13 Annex 4 R paragraph 1.1(1)(a) and (c).

Where both adviser charges and consultancy charges are being facilitated from a product this column should show the combined effect of those charges.

This column may be omitted if there are no adviser charges or consultancy charges.

R

Exception

2.3

An effect of charges table and its title can be amended, to the extent that it is necessary:3

3(1)

to properly reflect the nature and effect of, for example, the adviser charges, consultancy charges or the charges inherent in a particular product; or

3(2)

to ensure that the column labels and any explanatory text reflect the nature of the product and to make it clear whether price inflation has been taken into account; or

3(3)

to ensure consistency with the terminology used in relation to a particular product.

G

2.4

[deleted]3

3

2.5

An effect of charges table must be appropriately titled, for example, ‘How the charges reduce the value of your pension fund’.

R

3

Reduction in yield

3.1

Product reduction in yield (‘A’) is ‘B’ less ‘C’ where:

(1)

‘B’ is the intermediate rate of return (net of price inflation, where appropriate)3 for the relevant product; and

(2)

‘C’ is determined by:

(a)

carrying out a standardised deterministic projection to the projection date, but without taking any adviser charges or consultancy charges into account, using ‘B’; and then

(b)

calculating the annual rate of return (‘C’) (rounded to the nearest tenth of 1 %) required to achieve the same projection value if charges are excluded.

3.2

Total reduction in yield (‘D’) is ‘B’ less ‘E’ where:

(1)

‘B’ is the intermediate rate of return (net of price inflation, where appropriate)3 for the relevant product; and

(2)

‘E’ is determined by:

(a)

carrying out a standardised deterministic projection to the projection date taking all charges into account, using ‘B’; and then

(b)

calculating the annual rate of return (‘E’) (rounded to the nearest tenth of 1 %) required to achieve the same projection value if charges are excluded.

3.3

(1)

A firm must present the product reduction in yield as ‘A%’, as part of statements which explain3 that:

3

3(a)

'product charges reduce investment growth after price inflation from 'B%' to 'C%'', or in some other appropriate way; and

3(b)

the information about the reduction in investment growth can be used to compare the effect of charges with similar products.

(2)

If adviser charges or consultancy charges, or both adviser charges and consultancy charges are to be facilitated by the product, a firm must also present the reduction in yield as ‘D%’, as part of a statement which explains that ‘all charges reduce the investment growth (after price inflation, where appropriate)3 from ‘B%’ to ‘E’%’’, or in some other appropriate way and explain the difference between the two reduction in yield figures.

3

3.4

If contributions will be invested in more than one fund in a single designated investment or made by an initial lump sum payment that is followed by regular contributions, the reduction in yield must be:

(1)

calculated separately for each fund or for the single contribution and the regular contributions, as applicable; and

(2)

presented:

(a)

on a fund-by-fund, or single contribution and regular contribution, basis, together with a statement which explains the nature and effect of a reduction in yield, the reason for the inclusion of more than one reduction in yield figure and the reason for the differences between them; or

(b)

(if the reduction in yield results are so similar that one figure could reasonably be regarded as representative of the others) as a single figure together with a statement which explains the nature and effect of a reduction in yield, and that the reduction in yield figure given is representative of the reduction in yield figures for each of the funds or for the single and regular contributions, as applicable; or

(c)

through a single figure combining the separate figures for each fund or contribution in a proportionate manner, with an appropriate description.