Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

376 Continuation of contracts of long-term insurance where insurer in liquidation. U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to the winding up of an insurer which effects or carries out contracts of long-term insurance.

(2) Unless the court otherwise orders, the liquidator must carry on the insurer’s business so far as it consists of carrying out the insurer’s contracts of long-term insurance with a view to its being transferred as a going concern to a person who may lawfully carry out those contracts.

(3) In carrying on the business, the liquidator—

(a) may agree to the variation of any contracts of insurance in existence when the winding up order is made; but

(b) must not effect any new contracts of insurance.

(4) If the liquidator is satisfied that the interests of the creditors in respect of liabilities of the insurer attributable to contracts of long-term insurance effected by it require the appointment of a special manager, he may apply to the court.

(5) On such an application, the court may appoint a special manager to act during such time as the court may direct.

(6) The special manager is to have such powers, including any of the powers of a receiver or manager, as the court may direct.

(7) Section 177(5) of the 1986 Act (or Article 151(5) of the 1989 Order) applies to a special manager appointed under subsection (5) as it applies to a special manager appointed under section 177 of the 1986 Act (or Article 151 of the 1989 Order).

(8) If the court thinks fit, it may reduce the value of one or more of the contracts of long-term insurance effected by the insurer.

(9) Any reduction is to be on such terms and subject to such conditions (if any) as the court thinks fit.

(10) The court may, on the application of an official, appoint an independent actuary to investigate the insurer’s business so far as it consists of carrying out its contracts of long-term insurance and to report to the official—

(a) on the desirability or otherwise of that part of the insurer’s business being continued; and

(b) on any reduction in the contracts of long-term insurance effected by the insurer that may be necessary for successful continuation of that part of the insurer’s business.

(11) “Official” means—

(a) the liquidator;

(b) a special manager appointed under subsection (5); or

(c) the [F1 PRA].

[F2 (11A) The PRA must—

(a) consult the FCA before making an application under subsection (10), and

(b) provide the FCA with a copy of any actuary's report made to the PRA under that subsection.

(11B) In the event that the activity of effecting or carrying out long-term contracts of insurance as principal is not to any extent a [F3 PRA-regulated] activity—

(a) the reference in subsection (11)(c) to the PRA is to be read as a reference to the FCA, and

(b) subsection (11A) does not apply.]

(12) The liquidator may make an application in the name of the insurer and on its behalf under Part VII without obtaining the permission that would otherwise be required by section 167 of, and Schedule 4 to, the 1986 Act (or Article 142 of, and Schedule 2 to, the 1989 Order).

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in s. 376(11)(c) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 14 para. 24(2) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F2 S. 376(11A)(11B) inserted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 14 para. 24(3) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F3 Words in s. 376(11B) substituted (1.3.2014) by Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 (c. 33), s. 148(5), Sch. 10 para. 2; S.I. 2014/377, art. 2(1)(a), Sch. Pt. 1