IRESS enhances annuity service to comply with new FCA rules

The Exchange's new functionality will automate the process of obtaining whole of market rates, enabling annuity providers to present the comparison of rates needed to meet the new requirements.

The options, which can be tailored to customer needs, include the provision of whole of market rates by secure exchange of batch files, or via real time messaging. An additional new solution will enable the generation of documents, including the page complying with the templated format of the FCA information prompt.

Andrew Simon, Executive General Manager, Product, IRESS, said: “We believe it’s vital that the benefits of shopping around for the best annuity are made as clear as possible, and there is strong evidence that providing the value of income available elsewhere encourages consumers to consider their options.

“The inclusion of prominent information prompts in provider communications is certainly a step in the right direction. We agree with others in the industry that more could be done to promote enhanced annuities, and we hope this will be the focus of future FCA developments.

“We’re absolutely committed to providing the best technology solution to help firms comply with the new rules. The enhancements we’re making to our market leading annuity service is proof of that commitment. We expect the new FCA information prompts will result in increased interest in people shopping around for competitive annuity rates after the rules come into force in March next year, and that won’t just be via direct services like the Money Advice Service. More and more people are likely to engage with advisers when they come to assess their retirement income options. The Exchange will help advisers comply with their obligations under the new rules by providing reliable whole of market annuity rate comparisons for their clients approaching retirement.”