2018年-FCA英国金融行为监管局_ms16_2_2_annex_9_5页_232kb

报告摘要

MS16/2.2: Annex 9 - Market Study Summary

Core Content

Annex 9 of the MS16/2.2 Market Study outlines a series of questions for discussion aimed at improving the mortgages market by enhancing consumer choice, support, and accessibility. The focus is on developing tools and remedies that help consumers find the right mortgage, reduce switching barriers, and provide better information about intermediaries.

Main Questions and Themes

1. Vision for the Market and Principles for Potential Remedies

Q1: Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposed vision for the market and any suggested principles for remedies.
Objective: To create a fair, transparent, and efficient mortgage market that better serves consumers.

2. Making it Easier for Consumers to Find the Right Mortgage

Q2: Stakeholders are asked whether tools such as mortgage comparison platforms could help consumers find the best mortgage for their needs.
Q3: The main challenges include ensuring that lenders provide intermediaries with accurate and timely information about products consumers qualify for, as well as addressing technical barriers to tool development. It also asks about the need for meaningful outputs for consumers who do not qualify for any products.
Q4: The potential for unintended consequences is explored, such as risks to consumer protection or reduced innovation incentives in the industry.

3. A Wider Range of Tools for Consumer Choice and Convenience

Q5: Stakeholders are asked whether consumers would benefit from more choice in tools (including advice) and which categories of consumers might need this most. It also inquires about ways to encourage the development of online advice.
Q6: This question asks about the necessary steps to implement this approach and the challenges, including the need for clear information on the value of advice and overcoming regulatory barriers.
Q7: Potential unintended consequences are examined, such as reduced consumer benefits for those who no longer seek advice or risks associated with an over-reliance on online advice.

4. Helping Consumers Choose an Intermediary

Q8: Stakeholders are asked whether consumers should be given more help to assess the strengths and weaknesses of intermediaries.
Q9: The question focuses on what information is necessary to help consumers make informed choices, such as pricing, service quality, and other relevant factors. It also asks how this information can be effectively communicated.
Q10: Potential unintended consequences of providing more intermediary information are explored.

5. Reducing Barriers for Consumers Who Cannot or Do Not Switch

Q11: Stakeholders are asked whether it should be easier for consumers with active regulated lenders to switch to better mortgage deals.
Q12: This question explores the scope of the intervention, including whether it should apply to consumers who switched before a post-crisis tightening in lending criteria, or to those in financial difficulty due to reversion rates. It also raises the question of whether customers in arrears should be addressed under existing payment shortfall rules.
Q13: The focus is on how changes can be effectively communicated to relevant consumers and what challenges might arise.
Q14: Unintended consequences, such as negative impacts on new customers' mortgage prices, are considered.

6. Encouraging Long-Term Inactive Customers to Switch

Q15: Stakeholders are asked whether more should be done to encourage long-term inactive customers to switch mortgages.
Q16: The question explores what is necessary to make this approach effective, whether it requires industry action or regulatory changes, and what alternatives exist if no suitable product is available from the existing lender.
Q17: Unintended consequences, such as increased prices for new customers, are examined.

Key Information

The study aims to improve the mortgage market by increasing consumer choice and support.
It emphasizes the importance of developing tools that help consumers compare and choose mortgages more effectively.
There is a focus on reducing switching barriers, particularly for those who have not switched in a long time or are in financial difficulty.
The effectiveness of these remedies depends on clear communication, regulatory support, and the availability of accurate product information.
Unintended consequences, such as reduced consumer benefits or negative impacts on market dynamics, are acknowledged and need to be mitigated.

Potential Remedies and Considerations

Tools for mortgage comparison and advice.
Enhanced intermediary information for consumers.
Regulatory and technical support for tool development.
Tailored approaches for different consumer groups, such as those who switched before a post-crisis tightening or those in financial difficulty.
Consideration of long-term inactive customers and the need for effective communication and alternatives.

Timeline and Relevance

Stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposed timeline for implementing these remedies.
The relevance of findings on first-charge residential mortgages to other markets, such as second charge or lifetime mortgages, is also considered.