In the field of wealth management, the status of insurance broker is particularly important. It allows wealth management advisors to offer solutions such as:

• life insurance;
• capitalization contracts;
• provident insurance;
• loan insurance;
• retirement contracts;
• certain wealth protection products.

The COA generally acts in the client’s interest and not on behalf of a single insurance company.

What is the role of a COA in wealth management?

In wealth management, the insurance broker occupies a central position because life insurance is one of the most widely used investments by the French.

The COA supports clients in various wealth strategies:

• retirement planning;
• tax optimization;
• wealth transfer;
• investment diversification;
• generating additional income;
• family protection;
• estate planning.

The professional generally analyzes the client’s wealth situation, objectives, investment horizon, and risk profile before selecting the most suitable contracts.

In wealth management firms, COA status is often combined with other regulatory authorizations to provide comprehensive support.

Why is COA status common among CGPs?

Many wealth management advisors (CGPs) hold insurance broker status to be able to market wealth solutions independently.

This status allows them to work with several insurance companies and access a wide range of contracts.

A CGP can thus compare:

• fees;
• investment vehicles;
• performance;
• management options;
• guarantees;
• tax and inheritance characteristics.

In the wealth management world, this independence is often a key differentiator.

It is common for a professional to hold several statuses:

• CIF (Financial Investment Advisor);
• COA (Insurance Broker);
• COBSP;
• real estate agent or holder of the T card.

What is the difference between a COA and an insurance agent?

The insurance broker generally acts independently and can select contracts from several companies.

The insurance agent, on the other hand, acts on behalf of a specific principal, such as a company or another intermediary.

In the context of wealth management, COA status often offers more freedom in the choice of life insurance contracts or provident solutions offered to the client.

This ability to compare is one of the main benefits of insurance brokerage.

Must a COA be registered with ORIAS?

Yes. The insurance broker must be registered with ORIAS to legally carry out their activity.

ORIAS registration allows for verifying:

• the professional’s regulatory status;
• the validity of their registration;
• their professional liability insurance;
• their authorizations;
• their regulatory compliance.

In the context of a wealth strategy, verifying a professional’s registration is an essential step before any subscription.

What regulation governs insurance brokers?

COAs are subject to the Insurance Code as well as European rules relating to the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD).

They must notably:

• provide clear and transparent information;
• analyze the client’s needs;
• justify the proposed solutions;
• specify their method of remuneration;
• respect advisory obligations.

In the wealth management sector, these obligations are particularly important because the proposed solutions can involve a significant portion of the clients’ assets over the long term.

Why use an insurance broker?

Using an insurance broker can provide access to more personalized support and a wider range of contracts.

In the context of a wealth strategy, the COA can notably help to:

• compare several life insurance contracts;
• optimize the taxation of savings;
• diversify investments;
• prepare a transfer of assets;
• structure a retirement strategy;
• protect loved ones.

Insurance brokerage is thus one of the pillars of many wealth management strategies.

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