The FCA has joined industry, government and consumer groups to tackle the UK protection gap, reporting that around 58% of adults have no life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection. The regulator expects meaningful progress over the next 18 months, with AMI leading work to help advisers improve protection conversations and a TechSprint planned to encourage innovation.
For mortgage advisers, this supports embedding a properly evidenced protection discussion at key life and property events, rather than treating it as an optional add-on. Data-led prompts could identify relevant moments—such as a house purchase, remortgage, new child, self-employment or a change in borrowing—but must not become automated pressure selling. Consent, data minimisation, clear explanations and human suitability assessment will be essential to align AI-supported engagement with Consumer Duty and product-governance expectations.