Business
Pure Protection Market Study Update
Mortgage Advice Bureau (Holdings) plc welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority's interim report on pure protection product distribution, which concludes the market is largely working well with good consumer outcomes, low complaints, and high claims acceptance rates, indicating no significant market interventions are anticipated. The FCA's findings align with MAB's approach to panel governance and fair value, reinforcing the company's commitment to high standards and its strategic growth priority in protection, which is seen as a long-term opportunity to address the protection gap. Disclaimer*
About this update from Mortgage Advice Bureau (holdings) Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n \n2 February 2026\nMortgage Advice Bureau (Holdings) plc\n(\"MAB\" or the \"Group\")\n \nPure Protection Market Study Update\n \nMortgage Advice Bureau (Holdings) plc (AIM: MAB1.L), a leading technology-driven UK mortgage network and broker, welcomes the publication by the Financial Conduct Authority (\"FCA\") of its interim report into the distribution of pure protection products to retail customers (the \"Report\").\n \nThe Report represents a positive development for MAB and reflects the constructive and ongoing dialogue the Group has maintained with the FCA.\n \nThe FCA concludes that, in many respects, the distribution of pure protection products is working well and delivering good consumer outcomes, supported by high claims acceptance rates and low complaint levels. It also indicates that it does not envisage significant market interventions.\n \nIn relation to pricing, the FCA observes that, on average, practices such as \"loaded premiums\" or restricted panels are not creating worse pricing outcomes for consumers. These findings align with MAB's long-standing approach to panel governance and fair value, with our Consumer Duty Fair Value Assessment providing a strong evidential foundation for continued investment in high-quality protection advice and consumer outcomes.\n \nMAB welcomes these findings and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of consumer outcomes and regulatory engagement, while continuing to support the development of the protection market and the reduction of the protection gap identified in the Report.\n \nPeter Brodnicki, Founder and CEO, commented:\n \n\"The FCA's findings are a positive and reassuring outcome for the protection market and for firms that have consistently focused on delivering good consumer outcomes. Protection advice plays a critical role in supporting financial resilience, and intermediaries are central to helping customers access appropriate cover.\n \nAs discussed at our recent Capital Markets Update, protection is a strategic growth priority for MAB. We are investing in dedicated capability alongside our core mortgage proposition, and the FCA's recognition of the need to address the protection gap reinforces the long-term opportunity in this market. MAB is well-positioned to support customers w...