HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Treasury to research developing ISA market [March 1999]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 3 March 1999.

The Treasury announced today a research contract designed to identify and track major trends in flows and charges as the market for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) develops after the launch on 6 April.

The research will involve surveying ISA providers, including measuring the extent to which CAT standard products are sold. The Treasury invites firms approached by the consultancy conducting the research to assist this important exercise by providing data for the survey. This will not identify contributing firms by name.

To provide a baseline for the first year of the ISA, it will also involve conducting a similar assessment of the final weeks of the present market, including PEPs. The Treasury, Inland Revenue and Financial Services Authority will use the results of the research for policy evaluation. The research will be carried out by the McKinsey consultancy.