MiFID Firms vs IDD: Which is Best for You? Part 1

by | Feb 28, 2024

Consumers should know which type of firm they are dealing with

MiFID firms and IDD firms are very different.

With insurance advisers, unbeknown to the public, passing themselves off as Wealth Managers or Investment advisers, consumers should know which type of firm they are dealing with.  

Understanding the distinction between firms with investment and insurance licences is crucial as they provide completely different protection levels and regulatory protections. 

The intricate regulations, licences, reporting, and regulatory scrutiny exist to protect investors. Clients are probably unaware that they lose all of these essential protections by choosing an insurance regulated adviser based purely on claims on a website or even within contracts or terms of business which may prove worthless. 

Clients are investing and insuring to protect their own future or those of beneficiaries. They should start by making sure their advisers are there to protect them. 

Investment firms, that hold a MiFID licence, help individuals grow wealth through strategic investment.

Insurance firms, that hold an IDD licence, focus on protecting against financial loss due to unforeseen events.  

Understanding this helps individuals make more informed decisions about how to manage their finances and mitigate risks. Knowing the difference between these types of firms is crucial for making informed decisions about managing one’s financial future and for engaging with the appropriate professionals to meet specific financial needs. 

Financial Services Selection

Knowing the type of licence a firm holds helps individuals or businesses choose the right service provider. If someone needs investment advice or wants to purchase securities, they should approach a firm with an investment licence. Conversely, for insurance-related needs, they’d seek out a firm with an insurance licence.

Regulatory Compliance

Financial firms need to comply with specific regulations tied to their licences. These regulations are designed to protect consumers and ensure the proper handling of financial transactions. Understanding which licence a firm holds can give insight into the regulatory framework under which it operates 

Scope of Services

Different licences allow firms to offer different services. Knowing the scope of services a firm can provide helps clients understand the limitations and capabilities of the firm. This informs the type of assistance or products one can expect from the firm.  

Risk and Protection

The services offered by each type of firm cater to different aspects of financial health. Investment firms help individuals grow wealth through strategic investment, while insurance firms focus on protecting against financial loss due to unforeseen events.

Understanding this helps individuals make more informed decisions about how to manage their finances and mitigate risks. Knowing the difference between these types of firms is crucial for making informed decisions about managing one’s financial future and for engaging with the appropriate professionals to meet specific financial needs.

MiFID array of services
IDD array of services
What Should Investors Know About Differences Between MiFID and IDD Advisor Licences?

The views expressed in this article are not to be construed as personal advice. Therefore, you should contact a qualified, and ideally, regulated adviser in order to obtain up-to-date personal advice with regard to your own personal circumstances. Consequently, if you do not, then you are acting under your own authority and deemed “execution only”. The author does not accept any liability for people acting without personalised advice, who base a decision on views expressed in this generic article. Importantly, where this article is dated then it is based on legislation as of the date. Legislation changes but articles are rarely updated, although sometimes a new article is written; so, please check for later articles or changes in legislation on official government websites, as this article should not be relied on in isolation.

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Post written by:

James Pearcy-Caldwell

James founded and runs Aisa with an emphasis on a pro-client and transparent approach. He is always looking for the most suitable solution for the benefit of the client. He has been in the field of investment advice since 1998, and therefore fully understands the necessity of open communication and honesty. James is certified in many financial areas in several countries and also holds the most prestigious European certificate in investment planning EFP (European Financial Planner).

Aisa International is the only financial advice service company specialising in advice for expats that is regulated as a Securities Trader in the Czech Republic, USA, and UK.