Apart from carrying out supervision of the register proper, the Intermediary Supervision Department of FOPI commenced on-site visits and market analyses in 2007. All of their activities are geared towards protecting insurance policy holders from damages.
Supervision consists of on-site visits to insurance intermediaries throughout the whole of Switzerland. The original details provided by the intermediary are checked during such a visit, particularly with regard to registration requirements. Other subjects of the interview include agreements of collaboration with insurance companies, commissions, as well as the organisational structure. Finally, we look at compliance by the insurance intermediary with respect to all of the latest requirements concerning the provision of information, as contained in art. 45 of the ISL. As of 2006, all tied and not-tied intermediaries must comply with obligations for the provision of information at the time of the initial client contact.
In its market surveillance, FINMA follows up on tip-offs or feedback received from insurance policy holders or members of the public.
