6 Added to their competitive and comprehensive Income Protection Product, this will be a valuable addition to their range and well worth investigating. Friendly societies sometimes have a different view on Claims payments given their mutuality and member status and consideration can be given to this in reviewing suitability of a Product. As Shepherds Friendly marks an incredible 200 years as a mutual, they have made a leap forward in their Income protection Product. Investment in new Technology is set to significantly increase straight through processing; delivering faster, smoother underwriting decisions for advisers. In addition they boast: • Reviewable medical exclusions after 12 months symptom-free • Flexible plan options: short-term (1–2 years), full-term (to retirement), career breaks, and guaranteed insurability • Free member benefits: 24/7 virtual GP, Nuffield Health gym discount, rehabilitation support, £250 Junior ISA new child payment, and £6,000 bereavement payment Guardian have launched their new CI essentials policy and Critical Illness Essentials and Combined Life and Critical Illness Essentials are now live as part of Guardian’s Essentials range. Advisers and industry experts have welcomed the 4 additional payout conditions for early-stage cancer, when comparable policies cover less. New, simplified policy terms and conditions to make it easier for clients to understand their cover and see clearly what they can claim for. The new covers are available today on the Protection Portals and information will soon be available on the Guardian Paradigm Page and we are shortly to release an Insights Video outlining the changes as well Income Protection Action Week (IPAW) runs from 21–25 September, led by the Income Protection Task Force (IPTF). Over the past five years, Income Protection has seen strong percentage growth in product sales, with initiatives like IPAW helping to drive awareness and engagement across the industry. The free to attend Webinars are broadcast daily between 12 and 1pm. This Year amongst other topics they will: • Focus on Younger Lives • Look at clients who change careers • Explore Self Employed challenges/myths • Consider implications and solutions on Divorce • Revisit 7 families • Investigate building Financial resilience in an AI World. You can check the Income Protection Task Force website closer to the event date to register for the daily webinars, access educational resources, and review past campaigns. Mandatory Advice for FTB’s Campaign You may well have seen in the Financial Press recently that we have launched a campaign to highlight the need for Mortgage advice to be given to First Time Buyers. The FCA’s vulnerability guidance (FG21/1) defines vulnerability as circumstances that make consumers especially susceptible to harm, and we believe this is a strong rationale to support advice
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