Mortgage Adv. Bureau - Pure Protection Market Study Update
RNS Number : 2775R
Mortgage Advice Bureau (Hldgs) PLC
02 February 2026
2 February 2026
Mortgage Advice Bureau (Holdings) plc
("MAB" or the "Group")
Pure Protection Market Study Update
Mortgage 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").
The Report represents a positive development for MAB and reflects the constructive and ongoing dialogue the Group has maintained with the FCA.
The 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.
In 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.
MAB 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.
Peter Brodnicki, Founder and CEO, commented:
"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.
As 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 while continuing to operate to the highest regulatory standard.
Periods of regulatory uncertainty have created an overhang for the sector. The FCA's continued emphasis on proportionate, outcomes-based regulation, including its work on the Mortgage Rule Review, is therefore welcome. A clear regulatory framework that balances consumer protection with sustainable growth is critical to improving access, choice and advice for borrowers."
Enquiries:
| Mortgage Advice Bureau (Holdings) plc | Via Camarco |
| Peter Brodnicki, Chief Executive Officer Emilie McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel Company Erik Anderson / Jason Grossman / Francis North | +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 |
| Joint Broker Berenberg James Felix / Michael Burke / Dan Gee-Summons | +44 (0) 20 3207 7800 |
| Joint Broker Peel Hunt LLP Andrew Buchanan / Thomas Philpott / Rob Parker | +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 |
| Media Enquiries Camarco Tom Huddart / Letaba Rimell | mab@camarco.co.uk |
| Investor Relations | Investor.relations@mab.org.uk |
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