In January 2005, the Financial Services Authority began the regulation of general insurance. All intermediaries who sold general insurance had to be registered. The registration process was expensive and created a complex set of rules with which all intermediaries must comply.

This affected property managers significantly, as they were often involved with arranging property insurance for their landlord clients. As this was really only a sideline however, the commission generated was scant reward for the additional work and fees involved. The decision was to either withdraw from arranging insurance, or take the expensive decision to become registered.

Ferguson Green can offer two different services for property managers, depending on their required level of involvement:

• The property manager chooses not to be regulated and can act as an 'appointed introducer' to Ferguson Green. We handle all parts of the insurance transaction for the manager, giving the peace an mind of a quality cover and first class service.
• The property manager becomes FSA registered or an 'Appointed Representative' of Ferguson Green and handles the insurance transactions on behalf of their clients. Ferguson Green provide a large panel of underwriters with excellent products, and access to technical expertise for a broad range of property covers. Assistance in becoming and maintaining FSA authorisation is also available.

In either scenario we can ensure a healthy commission level can still be earned by the property manager.