Specific responsibilities of United States Trustees include:

Appointing and supervising private trustees who administer Chapter 7, 12 and 13 bankruptcy estates (and serving as trustees in such cases where private trustees are unable or unwilling to serve).

Taking legal action to enforce requirements of Bankruptcy Code and to prevent fraud and abuse.

Referring matters for investigation and criminal prosecution when appropriate.

Ensuring that bankruptcy- estates are administered promptly and efficiently, and that professional fees are reasonable.

Appointing and convening creditors’ committees in Chapter 11 business reorganization cases.

Reviewing disclosure statements and applications for retention of professionals.

Advocating matters relating to Bankruptcy Code and rules of procedure in court.

The distinction between two terms has become increasingly blurred. This is principally due to many companies offering both types of policy and grouping insurance and assurance titles in similar contexts, sometimes interchanging two terms. Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Moneynet.co.uk, clarified situation by stating, “most life insurance companies offer a wide range of insurance and investment services – for example pension, investment funds, investment bonds, car insurance, home & contents insurance, life assurance, and even loans. Sometimes a ‘life insurance’ company will call itself a ‘life assurance’ company but they mean one and same.”

More companies within financial services industry have realised that consumers are becoming increasingly baffled by choice of financial products available. Although this confusion has resulted in a certain amount of apathy, many firms are resolving situation by providing comprehensive information guides. This has lead to an increase in number of online financial guides and glossaries that have become available. Sites such as http://www.Moneynet/ or http://www.Moneyfacts/, and http://www.MoneyExtra/ not only provide comparisons of financial products, but also information to help consumers make informed decisions. With organisations like Which? writing publications such as ‘Be Your Own Financial Adviser’, focus has turned to providing consumers with sufficient information to make their own financial judgements.