The ‘Accessibility in Financial Services Report’, by compliance training provider Skillcast, analysed over 270 UK companies in nine financially regulated sub-sectors, considering key factors directly related to accessibility and digital inclusion - including page speed, best practices and number of errors.
Each sub-sector was then assigned a weighted index score out of 80 to gauge the accessibility of its websites, and insurance and risk management ranks third in accessibility and digital inclusion, with an overall index score of 52.8 out of 80, closely following banking (60.4) and pensions and retirement planning (53.4).
The sub-sector demonstrates a solid approach to website speed and optimisation and experienced the lowest number of accessibility errors, while performing well on adopting best practices. Banking topped the list, while
Globally, only 12% of websites met accessibility standards in 2024, and previous research by Skillcast found that all 20 of the UK's leading financial institutions had accessibility errors on their website homepages when tested, underscoring a need for improved compliance.
Vivek Dodd, CEO at Skillcast, commented: "Insurance and risk management’s strong performance in accessibility highlights its commitment to providing a seamless and inclusive user experience. With an index score of 52.8 out of 80, the sub-sector ranks third in digital inclusion, making significant strides in improving accessibility. Digital inclusion is especially important in insurance, ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities and older adults, can access vital services affecting their health and finances.
“Our ‘Accessibility in Financial Services Report’ shows that while the sub-sector is performing well, there is still room for improvement. With a diverse customer base that includes vulnerable groups, the sub-sector must continue refining its platforms to ensure no one is excluded from accessing essential services.
“The sub-sector’s focus on accessibility is a positive step, but as accessibility moves higher up on the regulatory agenda, ongoing investment in digital enhancements and compliance training is crucial. As standards and regulations evolve, prioritising inclusivity will create a more accessible financial ecosystem and foster stronger customer trust and loyalty."
