Account aggregation: 61% of eFS customers will take advantage

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Account aggregation: winning over the critics

Account aggregation remains on the banking scene. Its critics have been unable to kill it off and now Cahoot and First Direct have announced that they will launch services in early 2003. With other banks such as Barclays, Lloyds TSB and Co-operative all showing an interest, 2003 looks set to be a critical year for account aggregation in the UK.

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Account portability in Australia is one step closer, but major challenges remain

One of the key objectives of the new banking reform launched by the Australian government is to conduct a feasibility study for implementing full account number portability. While this is a positive step for consumers, who will be able to keep their account numbers when switching providers, Datamonitor believes that there are major challenges which need to be addressed.

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Admiral looks closer to home as insurers seek to diversify

UK car insurer Admiral has announced that from 2011 it will commence underwriting household insurance products. This is a public display of diversification from the direct insurer, which Datamonitor research indicates is currently sixth largest in the motor market. The move bodes well for Admiral, but more significantly suggests a burgeoning trend of players branching out in the insurance market.

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Admiral: breaking the cycle

In order to counter an expected downturn in market profitability, Admiral plans to increase premiums rates in the motor insurance market. However, should stronger competitors use their size to lower prices, Admiral could find itself once again sucked into the cycle of an increasingly unprofitable market.

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Admiral: calm waters now but storms ahead

Launching the biggest flotation on the London market this year, and one of only eight IPOs so far on the main exchange, Admiral has set its stall out to go public. While rapid growth and financial success has been Admiral's trademark, serious questions remain as to whether the timing and pricing of the offer will attract sufficient interest.

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Admiral: full steam ahead

UK car insurer the Admiral Group plans to go public later this year, with an estimated market valuation of GBP600 million. The move would allow its current owners to realize the gains on their investment in the company. The IPO will be well received given the insurer has just announced record results.

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Admiral: total profits up by 11% for 2008, profits down for Confused.com

Insurance group Admiral has announced an increase of 11% in its overall profits in 2008, but has witnessed a drop in profits for its aggregator business, Confused.com, as a result of heightened competitive pressures. With the likes of Tesco and Comparethemarket.com diverting business away from more established players, Confused.com will have to work hard to maintain its market share.

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Advisors are confident that term assurance will help to grow the protection market as a whole

Exclusive Datamonitor survey data reveal that advisors are confident that term assurance will continue to play a vital role within the protection market over the next five years, as the UK economy and mortgage market begin to recover.

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Advisors miss out on tablets

Applications giving wealth management clients access to investment and market information were very popular in 2012, as were applications allowing banking and trading transactions. However, despite numerous firms offering software to create applications for advisors uptake was limited. Granted, implementation is costly, but the security benefits and client interaction offer unique advantages.

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