A mandatory code of conduct for financial services comparator websites may be on the horizon,  "to ensure they focus on benefits to consumers, not the commissions they receive."Treasurer Scott Morrison used this language yesterday to spell out one of a package of reforms relevant to Australia's energy sector. But a corresponding crackdown on comparator websites in the financial services sector looks probable, given the commentary in this month's report from the Productivity Commission.Comparison websites "may provide a skewed comparison service[and] do not necessarily provide good advice," the commission wrote in its report."At their best, comparison websites facilitate demand-side competitive pressure assisting consumers to quickly and easily compare products. They may also lower effective barriers to entry for new insurers that do now have access to the distribution channels of established insurers. "But when the comparison website has a financial interest in the products it features (either through ownership or commission structures that allow the website to benefit from recommending a particular product), they have an incentive to push these products over others," the report observed.And, it said, "these arrangements are common."iSelect and Compare the Market "receive an upfront commission for each policy purchased through them, and may also receive a trailing commission if the customer remains with the insurer."Compare the Market "is also owned by the same holding company as Auto and General Insurance, and features many of its products."Canstar and Finder "work on a 'cost-per-click' model, where the insurer pays a fee for each customer referred to their website".Choosi.com.au "is a related company of the Hollard Insurance Company".Compareinsurance "has directors and shareholders in common with six of the travel insurance brands featured on its site."Comparison websites thus "may not feature all products in the relevant market, weakening the comparison service. Commercial arrangements may also affect the way information is framed or presented."