FCA stunt launches new Firm Checker tool as around 700,000 people lose money to investment scams. Morning commuters at London Waterloo got more than their usual caffeine hit today when a mysterious 'ATM' promising to 'give away a fortune' stopped them in their tracks – and revealed an unexpected surprise.As curious passers-by approached the machine, the screen slid open to unveil Emil the Seal, the FCA's finance-friendly mascot, delivering a blunt message about the dangers of investment scams...
The FCA has called on the insurance industry to help more consumers access products that support them and their families if they become critically ill or die. The interim findings of its competition review of pure protection products found that, for those consumers that have taken out protection insurance, the market mostly works well. There are a wide range of products, most consumers can claim when they need to, and the costs of cover have remained stable in the last few years.But 58% of ad...
We’re working closely with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), UK law enforcement, and our regulatory partners to tackle the abuse of cryptoassets and associated money‑laundering activities. Read the full blog on the OFSI’s website.
We have signed a contract with Etrading Software (ETS) to deliver the UK bond consolidated tape. A high-quality tape will provide investors with a comprehensive overview of the bond market and support price formation and liquidity. It will help maintain the UK’s position as a highly competitive and compelling place to invest and grow.ETS has now launched a website that sets out key milestones and provides technical information for data contributors and users. We will continue to support ETS a...
The FCA has launched a review into the implications of advanced AI on consumers, retail financial markets and regulators. The Review will be led by Sheldon Mills and builds on the FCA’s existing work on AI. This includes its AI Discussion Paper, AI Sprint, and AI Lab including AI Live Testing and its groundbreaking Supercharged Sandbox supported by NVIDIA.AI is already embedded across financial services. Rapid advances in generative, agentic and emerging forms of AI mean the next phase of cha...
On 21 January 2026, Guavapay Limited entered compulsory liquidation. The Official Receiver, an officer of the Insolvency Service, is its liquidator. Guavapay is authorised by the FCA to issue E-money and provide payment services to its customers.On 17 September 2025, Guavapay agreed to a voluntary requirement with the FCA, restricting the activities it can undertake. See details on the Financial Services Register.As liquidator, The Official Receiver is responsible for:Managing customer claims...
The latest Accelerated Settlement Taskforce (AST) report updates on the significant progress made towards the move to T+1. Read the AST report.Jamie Bell, head of capital markets at the FCA, said:'T+1 marks a major milestone in our drive to support growth and innovation. Faster settlement cycles will reduce risk, free up capital for faster reinvestment and align with other major markets.'We are delighted to see the great progress made last year highlighted in the AST’s report. By the end of t...
GC25/1 within Primary Market Bulletin No. 55 consults on targeted amendments to FCA Knowledge Base technical notes to align with UK Listing Rules (UKLR) changes effective 29 July 2024 and a new ESEF taxonomy for digital reporting. This matters for listed issuers and advisors as it updates formal guidance on periodic reporting, inside information handling, and position disclosures, ensuring compliance with post-reform listing regime requirements.
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What Changed
Amendments to five technical notes: FCA/TN/506.2 (Periodic financial information and inside information), Primary Market/TN/507.1 (Structured digital reporting for IFRS annual statements, reflecting new ESEF taxonomy per DTR 4.1.15R), UKLA/TN/520.2 (Delaying disclosure/dealing with leaks and rumours), UKLA/TN/521.3 (Assessing and handling inside information), and UKLA/TN/542.2 (Issuer's obligations on position disclosures).
Broader PMB 55 finalises 44 notes (e.g., TN/209.4 on Listing Principle 2
What You Need To Do
Review blacklined amendments in GC25/1 and PMB 55; submit feedback by 15 May 2025 if impacted
Update internal policies, training, and procedures to reflect finalised notes (e
Until finalised, interpret existing guidance in light of UKLR; monitor for TN/710 update in future PMB
For digital reporting, prepare for new ESEF taxonomy in annual IFRS statements
Key Dates
2025Guidance Consultation opens.
2025Guidance Consultation closes; comments due to primarymarketbulletin@fca.org.uk.DEADLINE
July 2025(target) - FCA intends to finalise consulted notes.
2024UKLR effective date (context for updates).
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium – Past consultation deadline (15 May 2025) as of January 2026, but finalisation expected by July 2025 requires proactive policy reviews to avoid non-compliance with updated listing guidance. Matters for market integrity and operational alignment with UKLR reforms, with low immediate
The FCA's guidance outlines good and poor practices in communicating costs for international money remittance and cross-border payments involving currency conversion, emphasizing transparency under the Consumer Duty to enable informed consumer decisions. It matters because non-compliance risks supervisory action, as the FCA plans future reviews to assess improvements, raising the bar on pricing clarity amid ongoing Duty enforcement.
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What Changed
This is not new rulemaking but illustrative guidance applying existing Consumer Duty rules from FG 22/5 and PRIN 2A.5.3R, which mandate communications that are clear, fair, not misleading, meet retail customers' information needs, are understandable, and support effective decisions. Key emphases include pre-transaction disclosure of: amount remitted (GBP), applied exchange rate (explaining markups as consumer costs), recipient amount (local currency), variable/fixed fees, total fees, and interme
What You Need To Do
Review and update pre-transaction communications (e
Ensure markups are framed as consumer costs, not obscured (e
Monitor communication effectiveness regularly under Consumer Duty to confirm good outcomes, enabling cost comparisons and informed choices
Apply principles to all channels; proactively disclose fee variability and third-party impacts
Key Dates
31 July 2023- Consumer Duty effective date for new and existing products/services.
1 May 2025- FCA publication date of this good/poor practice guidance.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – Consumer Duty is live since 2023, but this 2025 guidance signals intensified FCA scrutiny on payments transparency, with planned follow-up work and engagement to enforce improvements. Firms risk remediation demands or enforcement if disclosures remain inadequate, especially as it tar
FCA PS25/19 finalizes rules to streamline complaints reporting by replacing multiple existing returns with a single consolidated return, enhancing data quality, consistency, and vulnerability identification while reducing burdens. This matters for compliance teams as it mandates system and process updates to improve regulatory oversight and consumer protection, with implementation required within 12 months.
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What Changed
Consolidated complaints return: Replaces five existing returns (DISP 1 Annex 1, Consumer Credit Return (CCR), Funeral Plans (FP), Claims Management Companies (CMCs), and Electronic Money and Payment Services Return (PSR)) with one unified return to reduce duplication and improve comparability.
Permission-based reporting: Firms report only sections relevant to their regulated permissions, targeting reporting to specific activities.
Simplified nil returns: Proportionate approach allows upfront sel
What You Need To Do
Review and update internal complaints recording, categorization, and reporting systems to align with new consolidated return, taxonomy, permission-based sections, and vulnerability data points
Integrate FCA Vulnerability Guidance into complaints processes for identification and reporting
Test and prepare for fixed 6-monthly submissions via FCA systems; complete nil return simplifications where applicable
For Retail Banking, Insurance, Payment Services, and CMCs: Retain and adapt contextualised data capture
Key Dates
2025Consultation opened.[User Query]
2025Consultation closed.[User Query]
2025Policy Statement PS25/19 published, with 12-month implementation period starting.
2026Feedback deadline on Chapter 4 questions (email to FCA).DEADLINE
202730/06/2027 - First reporting period under new process.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – With publication on 3 Dec 2025 and a 12-month implementation window (to ~Dec 2026), firms must prioritize system changes now, as the first period starts 1 Jan 2027; non-compliance risks enforcement, especially on vulnerability reporting and transparency, amid FCA's focus on consumer
CP25/15 proposes prudential rules and guidance for UK firms issuing **qualifying stablecoins** and safeguarding **qualifying cryptoassets**, aiming to foster a safe, competitive crypto sector while prioritizing consumer protection and market integrity. This matters for compliance professionals as it introduces tailored prudential sourcebooks (COREPRU and CRYPTOPRU) to mitigate firm failure risks, aligning with the FCA's crypto roadmap and Treasury's statutory plans.
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What Changed
Prudential Sourcebooks: Introduces COREPRU (core requirements across sectors) and CRYPTOPRU (crypto-specific calibrations) for "CRYPTOPRU firms" handling regulated crypto activities, covering own funds adequacy, capital resources, and stress-adjusted internal capital assessments.
Own Funds and Capital Rules: Firms must hold financial resources adequate in amount and quality, including adjustments for valuation uncertainty, stress realizable values, and interim profits in CET1 capital; supplement
What You Need To Do
Respond to Consultation
Assess Applicability
Prepare Prudential Frameworks
Engage on Related CPs
Data and Reporting Readiness
Key Dates
28/05/2025- Consultation opens and CP first published.
31/07/2025- Consultation closes; submit feedback via online form, email ([email protected]), or post.
Post-31/07/2025- FCA considers feedback and publishes final rules (no specific date given).
Q3 2025- Upcoming Conduct and Firm Standards CP affecting all cryptoasset firms, including QS issuers and custodians.
Future (CP2 per Roadmap)- Consultation on remaining prudential sourcebook requirements.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – As of January 2026, the consultation closed over five months ago, signaling imminent final rules that could reshape prudential requirements for crypto firms; non-compliance risks authorization barriers, enforcement, or market exclusion in a regime prioritizing stability amid global c
The FCA's GC25/2: Primary Market Bulletin No. 57 (PMB 57), published 25 July 2025, consults on amendments to Technical Note 710.1 ('Sponsor Services: Principles for Sponsors') and a new Technical Note 638.1 on complex financial history and significant financial commitment rules for prospectuses. This matters as it updates the Knowledge Base to align with the new UK Listing Regime (UKLR) and Prospectus Rules, providing clarity for sponsors and issuers ahead of the PRM sourcebook effective January 2026, reducing compliance risks in primary markets.
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What Changed
Amendments to TN 710.1 (Sponsor Services: Principles for Sponsors): Revisions clarify the scope of 'preparatory work' and sponsor obligations under UKLR 4, building on feedback from PMB 48, 53, and PS24/6; changes marked against PMB 53 version.
New TN 638.1 (Guidance on complex financial history and significant financial commitment rules): Updated draft provides detailed guidance for prospectus applications by companies with complex histories (e.g., acquisitive models), including scenarios, exam
What You Need To Do
Review and respond
Update policies/processes
Monitor finalisation
Implement NSM changes
Key Dates
2025Consultation opens (GC25/2 published).
2025Consultation closes (submit comments to primarymarketbulletin@fca.org.uk).
2026New Prospectus Rules: Admission to Trading on a Regulated Market (PRM) sourcebook, UKLR changes, and Market Conduct amendments effective (per PS25/9).
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium – Consultation closed 12/09/2025 (past deadline as of January 2026), but final notes (e.g., TN 710 by end-2025) and PRM effective 19/01/2026 require immediate policy reviews to avoid prospectus rejections or sponsor breaches. Matters for primary market competitiveness and investor pr
The FCA's updated Statement of Policy outlines its approach to statutory investigations into possible regulatory failures under Part 5 of the Financial Services Act 2012, including criteria for triggering investigations and producing reports for HM Treasury. It matters because it clarifies when the FCA must self-scrutinize serious lapses in regulation, helping firms anticipate rare but high-profile probes into systemic issues affecting consumer protection, market integrity, or competition. The primary update adjusts inflation-linked monetary thresholds for assessing "significant" consumer detriment, ensuring the policy remains relevant.
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What Changed
Inflation-adjusted monetary thresholds for consumer detriment: Detriment exceeding £210 million is more likely deemed "significant," while below £45 million is unlikely to meet the threshold unless qualitative factors (e.g., consumer vulnerability, widespread impact) apply. These replace 2013 levels and will be reviewed periodically.
No other substantive changes from the 2013 policy; refinements emphasize internal "lessons learned" reviews for non-statutory cases to avoid resource duplication in
What You Need To Do
Monitor for triggering events
Enhance internal reviews
No direct firm obligations
Document qualitative factors (e
Key Dates
14 November 2025- Publication date of updated Statement of Policy.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium. This update signals FCA's commitment to accountability without imposing new firm-level rules, but it heightens focus on significant failures (£45m+ detriment), potentially leading to public reports exposing industry-wide gaps. Firms with high consumer exposure (e.g., retail-facing)
The FCA's CP25/31 proposes a regulatory framework for introducing a UK equity Consolidated Tape (CT), operated by a Consolidated Tape Provider (CTP), to collate and distribute comprehensive post-trade data (prices and volumes) across trading venues and OTC trades in equities, including shares, ETFs, depository receipts, and similar instruments. This matters for compliance as it imposes new data contribution obligations on trading venues and APAs, aims to enhance market transparency and competitiveness under the FCA's 2025-2030 Strategy, and builds on FSMA 2023 powers for Data Reporting Services Providers (DRSPs). Firms must engage now to shape rules via consultation, with potential operations targeted for 2027.
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What Changed
CTP Obligations: Proposed rules establish core regulatory requirements for CTPs, including governance, operational resiliency, data collation/distribution, competitive pricing, and simple licensing structures to ensure accessibility and affordability.
Data Contributor Obligations: Trading venues and Approved Publication Arrangements (APAs) must provide trade data (e.g., prices, volumes) to the CTP, covering trades across venues and OTC equity transactions.
Scope and Outcomes: CT focuses on post-
What You Need To Do
Respond to Consultation
Data Readiness
Monitor Updates
Engage Stakeholders
Compliance Mapping
Key Dates
2025Consultation opens and CP25/31 first published.
2026Consultation page last updated; period extended.
2026Consultation closes (extended from original dates).
2026FCA to publish CP on equity transparency regime (linked to CT).
2027Target for equity CT to be operational.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – While still in consultation (closes 13/02/2026), proposals mandate data contributions from trading venues/APAs and CTP setup, with 2027 operations targeted; non-engagement risks misaligned systems or missed CTP opportunities. Matters due to FSMA 2023 empowerment, links to equity tran
The FCA's PS25/22 establishes a new regulatory framework for **targeted support**—a form of financial guidance that allows authorised firms to provide ready-made suggestions to consumer segments without conducting individualised suitability assessments. This framework addresses the UK's "advice gap" by enabling firms to deliver affordable, scalable financial support to an estimated 18 million consumers within a decade, fundamentally shifting how retail investors and pension savers access guidance on investment and retirement decisions.
What Changed
The framework introduces several material regulatory changes:
*New Specified Activity Status**
Targeted support will be designated as a new specified activity under the Regulated Activities Order, meaning only FCA-authorised firms can provide this service. This creates a regulatory boundary distinct from both unregulated guidance and regulated investment advice.
*Purpose Statement Refinement**
The FCA amended its original purpose statement from "better outcomes" to "better position" to clarify
What You Need To Do
*Immediate (January–February 2026)
*Pre-Implementation (March 2026)
Consumer segment definitions with supporting rationale
Ready-made suggestion frameworks
Communication templates explaining the nature of targeted support
Key Dates
29/08/2025- Consultation period closed (CP25/17 and CP25/26)
11/12/2025- Policy Statement PS25/22 published with near-final rules
March 2026- Firms may begin applying for targeted support permission
06/04/2026- New rules expected to come into force (subject to Government legislation making targeted support a specified activity)
The FCA's PS25/23 finalizes guidance on tackling **non-financial misconduct (NFM)** in financial services, amending the COCON sourcebook to clarify how serious NFM breaches conduct rules and integrating it into FIT assessments for fitness and propriety. This matters because it aligns rules across banks and non-banks, enhances accountability, deters harmful workplace cultures, and supports FCA objectives like consumer protection and market integrity by ensuring consistent handling of issues like bullying or harassment.
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What Changed
COCON amendments: Expands scope to non-banks for work-related serious NFM involving financial services personnel; provides flowcharts, examples, and factors (e.g., seriousness, pattern, dishonesty, violence) to assess breaches consistently; clarifies only "serious" NFM qualifies, aligned with Equality Act concepts, and excludes trivial/private matters.
FIT sourcebook updates: Integrates NFM into fit and proper tests for employees/senior personnel; firms assess case-by-case without investigating
What You Need To Do
Review and update policies/handbooks to incorporate COCON/FIT guidance on NFM assessment, including flowcharts and factors for breaches/fitness
Train HR, compliance, and managers on applying rules consistently, emphasizing seriousness thresholds, case-by-case judgement, and alignment with employment law/privacy
Enhance regulatory reference processes to disclose past NFM; ensure reporting of serious breaches to FCA
Assess current NFM handling for gaps (e
Firms not to investigate trivial/improbable allegations or overstep privacy laws
Key Dates
2023Consultation on D&I in financial sector opened
2023Consultation on D&I in financial sector closed
2025Policy Statement and Consultation on non-financial misconduct guidance (CP25/18) published
2025Consultation on non-financial misconduct guidance closed
2025Policy Statement on non-financial misconduct (PS25/23) published
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – With rules effective 1 September 2026 (9+ months from today), firms have preparation time, but PS25/23 closes FCA's NFM policy work, shifting to supervision/enforcement focus; non-compliance risks enforcement, FIT failures, and reputational damage amid trust-building priorities in FC
The FCA and PRA are consulting on setting the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) Management Expenses Levy Limit (MELL) at £113 million for 2026/27, comprising a £108 million management expenses budget (up £4.4 million from 2025/26, broadly in line with inflation) and a £5 million unlevied reserve. This matters because it caps the operating costs (e.g., IT, staff, legal, claims handling) that FCA- and PRA-authorised firms must fund via levies, excluding separate compensation payments, ensuring FSCS efficiency while controlling firm burdens.
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What Changed
Proposed MELL of £113 million for 2026/27: £108 million budget + £5 million unlevied reserve.
Budget increase of £4.4 million (4%) from 2025/26, aligned with inflation; excluding new revolving credit facility (RCF) enhancement costs, it reflects a £6.6 million nominal and £11 million real-terms reduction on a like-for-like basis.
Budget allocated across PRA and FCA fee blocks based on firms' regulated business volume, with smaller firms contributing less.
No changes to compensation levies, which
What You Need To Do
Review CP26/2 (FCA) and CP1/26 (PRA) alongside FSCS January 2026 Budget Update for allocation details
Submit feedback on proposed MELL by 10 February 2026 to PRA (email or 20 Moorgate, London EC2R 6DA)
Budget for potential levy payments starting 1 April 2026, based on firm's share of PRA/FCA classes (see Appendix 4 in CP)
Monitor post-consultation Policy Statement/Handbook Notice for final MELL confirmation
Key Dates
13 January 2026- Consultation opens (CP26/2 FCA; CP1/26 PRA).
10 February 2026- Consultation closes; submit comments via email or post to PRA (accepted on behalf of both regulators, shared anonymously with FSCS).
1 April 2026- Final rules effective (start of FSCS financial year); PRA Policy Statement and FCA Handbook Notice expected post-consultation.
31 March 2027- MELL period ends.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium - Firms face predictable levy increases aligned with inflation, with levies allocated by business volume (minimal for small firms), but must act on consultation feedback by 10 February 2026 (today is 25 January 2026, leaving ~2 weeks). Matters for financial planning and budgeting, as
We urge consumers thinking of investing in high-risk securities, such as mini-bonds and loan notes, to continue to be cautious. On 19 January 2026, the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading regime came into force. The regime sets new rules and standards about when an offer of securities to the public can be made.A security is a financial instrument that represents some type of financial value (for example, shares, bonds and stock) that can be traded on a financial exchange.The types of secu...
We are seeking views on further rules for cryptoasset firms as the final step in our consultations on our crypto rules. We have made significant progress in delivering our crypto roadmap and are helping firms to meet our standards and get ready for when the gateway opens in September 2026.We have set out our proposals on how the Consumer Duty, conduct standards, redress and safeguarding will apply to cryptoasset firms. We are also seeking feedback on our proposed approach to international cry...
Speech by Sheree Howard at the FCA's Gateway to growth, Chicago Booth London Conference Centre. The first time I flew was in my teenage years, and like many of my generation, that was a flight to Europe for a family holiday. I didn’t make it further afield until I was in my mid to late twenties.Today, most, if not all of us, would think of international travel as the norm – especially given the global nature of our business.It is amazing, therefore, to think that right around this time in 197...
We have issued a joint statement with the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) giving clarity on open banking pricing models. We and the PSR have issued the following statement (PDF).This confirms we will not, at this stage, prioritise a Competition Act 1998 (CA98) investigation into the centralised ‘access fee’ pricing model being developed by the UK Payments Initiative (UKPI) for commercial Variable Recurring Payments (cVRPs). cVRPs are an emerging open banking technology that allow consumers to...
AI Analysis
The FCA and PSR have jointly confirmed they will not prioritize a Competition Act 1998 investigation into the UK Payments Initiative's (UKPI) centralized access fee pricing model for commercial Variable Recurring Payments (cVRPs), with the CMA's concurrent agreement. This regulatory clarity provides temporary certainty for cVRP development ahead of anticipated legislation by end-2026, creating a critical window for firms to develop compliant commercial models in this emerging open banking technology.
What Changed
The regulatory statement establishes the following key positions:
Non-prioritization of CA98 investigation: The FCA, PSR, and CMA have jointly confirmed they will not prioritize competition law enforcement against UKPI's centralized access fee model for Phase 1/Wave 1 cVRPs (limited to "lower risk" use cases).
Scope limitation: The regulatory clarity applies only to Phase 1/Wave 1 of UKPI's cVRP scheme, specifically addressing lower-risk payment use cases including regulated financial services
What You Need To Do
*For UKPI and participating firms
*Governance documentation
*Pricing methodology transparency
*Phase 1/Wave 1 compliance
*Market engagement
Key Dates
15 January 2026- FCA and PSR wrote to CMA setting out their non-prioritization position
16 January 2026- CMA confirmed alignment with FCA/PSR position on CA98 prioritization
20 January 2026- Joint FCA/PSR statement issued on open banking pricing models
Q1 2026- Expected first live UKPI cVRP payments
End of 2026- Government anticipated to introduce legislative framework granting FCA new open banking powers
The FCA and PSR have issued a joint statement providing clarity on open banking pricing models, specifically regarding the centralised 'access fee' pricing model for commercial Variable Recurring Payments (cVRPs). This statement confirms that they will not prioritize a Competition Act 1998 investigation into this model at this stage. The goal is to support the development of cVRPs, giving consumers more control over their payments and lowering processing fees for businesses.
What Changed
The FCA and PSR have clarified their enforcement position on the UKPI's proposal for a commercial model for cVRPs, indicating they will not prioritize a Competition Act 1998 investigation at this stage.
What You Need To Do
Monitor market developments and updates on the legislative framework for open banking
Review and understand the implications of the centralised 'access fee' pricing model for cVRPs on your business operations
Ensure compliance with existing competition laws and regulations
Key Dates
31 Dec 2026Expected implementation of the government's legislative framework for open bankingDEADLINE
1 Jul 2027End of the temporary measure if the legislative framework is not implementedDEADLINE
Non-Compliance Risk
Enforcement action, fines, or other regulatory penalties for non-compliance with competition laws and regulations
We have opened applications for the second cohort of our AI Live Testing service. AI Live Testing is the first of its kind in the financial sector to help firms who are ready to use AI in UK financial markets. Participating firms receive tailored support from our regulatory team and our technical partner Advai to develop, assess and deploy safe and responsible AI.The service helps firms to consider key questions around evaluating AI including governance, risk management and monitoring to help...
The FCA's decision to ban Darren Antony Reynolds from working in financial services and fine him £2,037,892 has been upheld by the Upper Tribunal. The FCA's decision to ban Darren Antony Reynolds from working in financial services and fine him £2,037,892 has been upheld by the Upper Tribunal.Mr Reynolds was dishonest when he gave pension transfer advice and investment recommendations to his customers, causing them significant harm.Mr Reynolds showed a clear disregard for his customers’ intere...
On 16 January 2026, Logic Investments Ltd (Logic Investments) entered special administration. Alex Watkins and Ed Boyle of Interpath Ltd were appointed as joint special administrators. Logic Investments is FCA authorised and regulated to provide wealth management services. On 16 December 2025, Logic Investments agreed to an FCA requirement preventing it from accepting new clients, client money or assets; or moving existing client money or assets without FCA consent. This was done because of c...
On 19 December 2025 the High Court approved the FCA’s proposals to distribute funds to Asset Land investors. The Court has directed the FCA to pay funds to investors in the Asset Land schemes who provide valid bank account details to the FCA on or before 20 February 2026.Investors who have not received previous communications from the FCA or who have not updated their contact information are requested to immediately contact the FCA using the details below.Please ensure this is completed no la...
The FCA has fined Russel Gerrity £309,843 for using inside information to net himself £128,765. As a consultant, Mr Gerrity had access to information about whether oil and gas had been discovered during the drilling of wells. Between October 2018 and January 2022, he took advantage of this and used inside information to buy shares in Chariot Oil & Gas Limited and Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Plc ahead of announcements that increased their price. On another occasion, he used inside information t...
The FCA, Bank of England and Prudential Regulation Authority have together signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Supervisory Authorities to enhance cooperation and oversight of critical third parties (CTPs) that fall under the UK’s CTP regime.The MoU establishes a framework for coordinating and sharing information on the oversight of CTPs under the UK regime and critical third party providers (CTPPs) under the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), including du...
AI Analysis
The FCA, Bank of England (BoE), and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) to coordinate oversight of critical third parties (CTPs) under the UK's CTP regime and critical third party providers (CTPPs) under the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). This matters because it enhances cross-border information sharing and cooperation during incidents like cyber-attacks, reducing regulatory duplication while bolstering financial stability and operational resilience for firms reliant on these providers.
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What Changed
Establishes a framework for timely information sharing, coordination of oversight activities, and joint responses to incidents affecting CTPs/CTPPs, including power outages or cyber-attacks.
Defines principles for cooperation on mutually designated CTPs/CTPPs, including notifications of investigations and best endeavors to share material information where legally and operationally feasible.
Complements the UK's CTP regime (effective 1 January 2025), which requires designated CTPs to provide regu
What You Need To Do
For CTPs/CTPPs
For financial firms/FMIs
Regulators' internal actions
Firms should review contracts with third parties for compliance alignment and conduct gap analyses against CTP requirements
Key Dates
1 January 2025UK CTP rules came into effect, applying to CTPs designated by HMT.
Ongoing (process begun pre-2025)HMT designation process for CTPs, with regulators recommending based on concentration and materiality criteria; no fixed end date specified.
DORA effective date (prior context)EU CTPPs oversight under DORA aligns with UK regime; MoU signed to ensure compatibility (exact DORA timeline not in publication but supports post-2024 implementation).
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – The MoU operationalizes the live UK CTP regime (effective January 2025), with designations underway, amplifying risks of non-compliance for firms using critical ICT providers amid rising cyber and resilience threats. It matters for cross-border firms as it enables regulator-to-regula
We reviewed how firms sell complex exchange traded products (ETPs) to retail consumers. Complex ETPs are a subset of the wider ETP market and include high-risk investment strategies that can be difficult for retail consumers to understand.We assessed how firms of different sizes and business models evaluate these products, communicate key risks and monitor outcomes under the Consumer Duty.Given the complexity and risk profile of ETPs, it is essential firms make sure investors have the knowled...
The FCA has secured a confiscation order of £265,523.96 against Andrew Currie. Mr Currie was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to 2 years 6 months imprisonment for defrauding investors through the collapsed peer-to-peer lending platform Collateral (UK) Ltd.He diverted funds from Collateral investors and used them for personal gain, including the purchase of a property in Spain.At a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 9 January 2026, Mr Currie was ordered to pay £265,523.96. This amount represen...
Pension schemes must now publish transparent data on their performance, costs, and service quality, according to new proposals from the FCA, DWP, and TPR. Pension schemes will need to publish clear data on their performance, costs and quality of service, under proposals announced today by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR). If a pension offers poor value, firms and trustees must then fix it by moving savers to bet...
This page contains information about fines published during 2026. The total amount of fines so far is £371,700. Firm or individual finedDateAmountReasonRichard Adam07/01/2026£232,800The Final Notice refers to knowing concern in breaches of Article 15 of the Market Abuse Regulations, Listing Rule 1.3.3R, Listing Principle 1 and Premium Listing Principle 2.Zafar Khan07/01/2026£138,900The Final Notice refers to knowing concern in breaches of Article 15 of the Market Abuse Regulations, Listing Ru...
The FCA has fined 2 former finance directors for their part in misleading statements being issued by Carillion plc. Richard Adam and Zafar Khan were both aware of serious financial troubles in Carillion’s UK construction business but failed to reflect this in company announcements or alert the Board and audit committee, leading to poor oversight.Mr Adam and Mr Khan have been fined £232,800 and £138,900, respectively. The fines were imposed after Mr Adam and Mr Khan withdrew their challenges t...
The FCA has opened an enforcement investigation into The Claims Protection Agency Limited (TCPA) following concerns about its advertising and sales tactics in relation to potential motor finance claims. The FCA is investigating what customers were told about the amount of redress they might obtain, whether they were told they could make a claim for free, and whether they were pressurised to sign up.Announcing the investigation allows TCPA customers to consider their options.The FCA has not re...
On 21 November 2025, Michael Pettifer Insurance Brokers Limited, trading as MPI Brokers, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation. Robert Cooksey of Bridgestones Limited has been appointed as liquidator. MPI Brokers was authorised and regulated by the FCA to sell and arrange insurance policies. The firm specialised in travel insurance.If you need to contact the liquidator, please contact Bridgestones using the details below:Email: mail@bridgestones.co.ukIn writing: MPI Brokers (In Liquidation...
A growing number of investment schemes are being promoted unlawfully, are high risk and may even be scams. We've identified a growing number of investment schemes in holiday lodges and holiday homes being promoted to UK consumers by companies that are not FCA authorised.They may be unregulated collective investment schemes, where several investors invest their money. The schemes are being promoted unlawfully, are high risk and may even be scams. We remind consumers that if you invest in an un...
AI Analysis
The FCA has issued a consumer warning about unregulated investment schemes in holiday lodges and holiday homes, which are often promoted unlawfully by unauthorised firms, posing high risks or outright scams. These schemes typically involve collective investments without FCA authorisation, breaching UK financial promotion and collective investment scheme (CIS) rules. This matters for compliance professionals as it signals heightened FCA scrutiny on unauthorised promotions, potential enforcement actions, and the need for firms to review marketing materials and client referrals to avoid facilitation risks.
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What Changed
This is not a formal rulemaking or policy change but a consumer alert and enforcement signal under existing regulations. Key reminders include:
Unauthorised firms cannot lawfully promote collective investment schemes (CIS) under section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).
Holiday park schemes pooling investor funds for lodge purchases and management often qualify as unregulated CIS, making promotions illegal.
No new requirements are introduced, but the FCA emphasises its on
What You Need To Do
Immediate verification
Client communication review
Training and monitoring
Internal reporting
Due diligence
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High. This alert indicates active FCA enforcement priority on consumer-facing scams in property-linked investments, with risks of fines, bans, or asset freezes for non-compliance (e.g., similar to past actions against mini-bond issuers). Firms face heightened supervisory visits or thematic
The FCA has removed all regulatory permissions from Verus Financial Services Limited requiring it to stop conducting all regulated activities and imposed a more stringent assets restriction. The action follows concerns that the firm has repeatedly breached an existing asset restriction, which prevented it from selling, transferring or diminishing its assets without our approval. It also failed to comply with a Financial Ombudsman Service decision. We issued a First Supervisory Notice (PDF) on...
People could find it easier to pay using contactless, thanks to greater flexibility and the removal of red tape by the FCA. Banks and payment providers with strong fraud controls will be able to set their own limit for contactless payments, allowing them to better respond to changing consumer demands, inflation and new technology. They are also being encouraged to let customers set their own limit, or turn contactless off altogether, as many high street banks already do. People are using cont...
We confirm that the FCA has opened an investigation into WH Smith PLC. The investigation concerns potential breaches of UK Listing Principles and Rules and Disclosure and Transparency Rules in relation to the matters announced by WH Smith PLC on 19 November 2025.
AI Analysis
The FCA has launched an investigation into WH Smith PLC for potential breaches of UK Listing Principles and Rules, as well as Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs), stemming from announcements made by the company on 19 November 2025. This underscores the FCA's heightened scrutiny of listed companies' disclosure practices and adherence to market conduct standards. Compliance professionals should note this as a signal of enforcement risk in timely and accurate market disclosures, potentially setting precedents for similar cases.
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What Changed
This is not a policy change or new rule; it is an enforcement investigation announcement with no immediate regulatory amendments. It highlights ongoing enforcement of existing rules:
UK Listing Principles and Rules: These require listed issuers to act with integrity, provide accurate and timely information, and maintain effective systems for compliance (e.g., Principle 2 on communication with investors; Listing Rule 9 on continuing obligations).
Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs): Specific
plan profit warnings or material updates, documenting decision trails
Key Dates
19 November 2025 - WH Smith PLC announcement triggering the investigation(reference point for alleged breaches).
late 2026or 2027. Firms should monitor FCA updates via the specific URL or FCA enforcement news.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High. This matters due to the FCA's aggressive enforcement posture on market abuse/disclosures (e.g., post-SPPF reforms emphasizing individual accountability). Breaches can lead to multimillion-pound fines (e.g., 10% of annual revenue), director bans, and reputational damage, amplified by p
We're expanding the significant work we had planned to improve standards in the home and travel insurance markets, following Which?’s super complaint. Read our response to Which? (PDF)While 79% of consumers who make an insurance claim are satisfied with how it was handled, our work shows there's room for improvement - with 3 in 10 (31%) saying there isn’t enough information to judge the quality of different policies. Over the next year, we will do more to: Improve claims handling, by reviewin...
AI Analysis
The FCA is expanding its planned supervisory work in home and travel insurance markets in response to a Which? super complaint, focusing on improving claims handling, information provision, and overall standards. This matters for compliance professionals as it intensifies scrutiny under Consumer Duty, requiring firms to demonstrate better consumer outcomes amid ongoing simplification of insurance rules. It signals heightened FCA expectations for evidence-based improvements in customer satisfaction and transparency.
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What Changed
This statement announces an expansion of existing planned work rather than new rules, with specific emphases over the next year on:
Improving claims handling through reviews of firms' processes.
Enhancing information available to consumers for judging policy quality (addressing the 31% dissatisfaction rate).
Building on prior simplification efforts, such as risk-based product reviews (replacing annual mandates), removal of prescriptive CPD requirements (e.g., 15 hours), and reduced data returns,
What You Need To Do
Review and enhance claims handling processes to ensure efficiency and fairness, preparing evidence for FCA supervisory reviews
Improve pre-sale information on policy quality, addressing gaps where 31% of consumers lack sufficient data
Adopt risk-based product and distribution reviews (per PS25/21), documenting rationale for frequency based on harm risks; align with co-manufacturers
Embed Consumer Duty via outcomes monitoring, data-driven MI on customer behavior/complaints, and vulnerability support; shift from process compliance to evidenced effectiveness
Retain records, respond to FCA data requests, and invest in governance/MI for supervision
Key Dates
Over the next year (from publication, approx. late 2025)- FCA to conduct expanded reviews on claims handling, information provision, and standards improvement.
2026- FCA to decide on changes to GAP insurance product-specific rules.
Q2 2026- FCA consultation on removing non-UK customers from Consumer Duty scope, with parallel review of ICOBS and PROD application.
H1 2026- FCA consultations on Consumer Duty amendments for distribution chains and UK customer focus.
September 2026- Conduct Rules (COCON) expand to non-financial misconduct.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High - This expands active FCA supervision in 2026, overlapping with Consumer Duty embedding and insurance simplification; non-compliance risks intensified reviews, enforcement, or redress schemes (as seen in motor finance). Firms gain flexibility but face accountability for outcomes, with
The FCA welcomes the Government’s consultation on a new benchmarks regime for the UK. Since the introduction of the current regulatory framework, the financial landscape has evolved significantly. We now have an opportunity to build a regime that is more targeted to current market conditions and to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry, without compromising high standards. We are working with the Government to reform the current benchmarks regime to ensure that the regulatory framework remai...
AI Analysis
The FCA welcomes HM Treasury's consultation on reforming the UK Benchmarks Regulation (BMR) to create a narrower, risk-based **Specified Authorised Benchmarks Regime (SABR)**, reducing regulatory scope by 80-90% to target only systemically important benchmarks and administrators while easing burdens on industry. This matters for compliance professionals as it shifts from broad regulation of all benchmarks to targeted oversight, requiring firms to reassess benchmark usage, prepare for transition, and adapt to FCA rules on risk management, enhancing UK competitiveness post-FSMA 2023 repeal of assimilated laws.
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What Changed
Narrower scope: Regulation limited to benchmarks/administrators designated by HM Treasury (HMT) on FCA advice, based on criteria like systemic impact on UK financial integrity, consumers, or markets; reduces coverage by 80-90%, with no distinction between critical/significant/other types or benchmark categories (e.g., interest rate, commodity).
FCA-led firm-facing rules: HMT delegates requirements (governance, conflicts, oversight, methodology transparency, record-keeping) to FCA Handbook; remov
What You Need To Do
Review current benchmarks for potential designation risk (systemic impact criteria) and map usage across portfolios
Participate in HMT consultation (responses via gov
Develop/revise policies for benchmark risk management, including cessation/wind-down plans for regulated/non-regulated benchmarks per future FCA guidance
Assess transition from current authorisation (if non-designated, prepare for deregistration); overseas firms evaluate ORR eligibility
Update governance/conflicts frameworks for any designated activities; monitor ESG data inclusion in rules
Key Dates
17 December 2025- HM Treasury publishes consultation on benchmarks regime reform.
1 January 2026- Reforms take initial effect; UK becomes only jurisdiction regulating all local benchmarks pre-reform; EU BMR reforms effective, highlighting UK divergence.
Due course 2026- FCA consults on regulatory requirements for designated administrators/users.
2026- FCA expected to publish updated guidance on critical benchmarks and implement SABR refinements.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High - Significant scope reduction eases burdens but introduces transition risks, new FCA rules, and designation uncertainty; firms must act now on consultation (post-Dec 2025) and prep for 2026 FCA changes to avoid non-compliance during shift, especially with 1 Jan 2026 milestone amplifyin
Open banking in the UK is growing rapidly. Latest industry figures show there are more than 16 million users now benefiting from the service. The number of open banking payments has soared by 53% year on year, reflecting a significant shift in how consumers and businesses manage their finances.See the API performance statsA key driver of this transformation is the rise of variable recurring payments (VRPs), which now account for 16% of all open banking transactions. VRPs allow consumers and b...
We’re seeking feedback on whether tailored market risk rules for non-bank trading firms could remove unnecessary barriers, free up capital and attract new market participants, ultimately supporting economic growth. The rules in place today were originally designed for banks to ensure they held enough capital to absorb major trading losses and protect depositors.While that approach is sensible, it means non-bank trading firms face the same standards even though the potential harm from their fa...
We are asking for views on new proposals as the next step in shaping the UK’s crypto rules. These proposals continue our progress towards an open, sustainable and competitive crypto market that people can trust. We want a market where innovation can thrive, but where people understand the risks. Regulation cannot – and should not – remove all risk. Instead, it should make sure anyone investing in crypto does so with their eyes open.Our proposals apply a similar approach to crypto as we do in ...
Earlier this year, we undertook a refresh of our Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee. In line with good governance, we planned to refresh the membership on a staggered basis, allowing us to bring in new expertise whilst benefiting from some continuity. Following this process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the Committee:Elly Dowding, Director of ESG AccordFarnam Bidgoli, Independent AdviserThese appointments reflect our commitment to drawing on diverse exp...
An update on our investigation into Mirabella Advisors LLP. On 4 May 2021, we announced that we had opened an investigation into the oversight of Greensill Capital Securities Limited, an appointed representative, by its principal, Mirabella Advisors LLP. Our investigation reviewed the nature, conduct and scope of Mirabella’s business. We did not identify breaches by Mirabella that require further action. The investigation has therefore now closed. Mirabella applied to have its authorisation c...
AI Analysis
The FCA has closed its investigation into Mirabella Advisors LLP's oversight of its appointed representative (AR), Greensill Capital Securities Limited, finding no breaches warranting further action. This closure, announced after reviewing Mirabella's business nature, conduct, and scope, signals effective AR oversight in this high-profile case tied to the Greensill collapse, while Mirabella voluntarily cancelled its authorisation effective 12 September 2025. It matters for compliance professionals as it reinforces FCA expectations on principal-AR relationships without imposing new penalties or rules, but underscores ongoing scrutiny in trade finance and supply chain finance sectors.
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What Changed
There are no new regulatory changes, requirements, or rules introduced by this publication. The statement solely announces the closure of an existing investigation with no identified breaches by Mirabella, maintaining the status quo on AR oversight obligations under FCA rules such as SUP 12 (Appointed Representatives). The FCA reserves the right to reopen if new information emerges, but no policy shifts or guidance updates are provided.
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Key Dates
4 May 2021- FCA announced opening of investigation into Mirabella's oversight of Greensill Capital Securities Limited as AR.
12 September 2025- Mirabella's authorisation cancelled; firm no longer provides financial services.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Low - This is a positive closure with no findings of misconduct, new rules, or enforcement, reducing immediate compliance burdens. It matters indirectly by exemplifying robust AR oversight meeting FCA standards amid Greensill fallout, offering reassurance for similar firms while signaling c
With over 20 years’ experience and responsibility for supervising 5,000 firms, I know that when an issue arises, the first question is often: 'What action will you take?'That’s a fair question – enforcement is one of the most visible ways we act. It often grabs headlines with big fines and publicity.But our role as supervisors is to exercise judgement - selecting the right tool to achieve the best and fastest outcomes for consumers and markets.While enforcement is a vital part of the kit, it’...
AI Analysis
This FCA blog post outlines the regulator's supervisory "toolkit" for addressing consumer harm, emphasizing proactive supervision over enforcement to achieve faster outcomes like redress and market-wide improvements. It matters because it signals FCA's preference for swift, non-enforcement interventions (e.g., skilled person reviews, voluntary requirements), urging firms to respond promptly to supervisory feedback to avoid escalation. Compliance teams should view this as a reminder to prioritize Consumer Duty compliance, as supervision tools are increasingly tied to it for rapid harm prevention.
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What Changed
No new rules or requirements are introduced; this is a supervisory strategy update highlighting FCA's full range of tools beyond enforcement. Key emphases include:
Prioritizing supervision for quick fixes, such as multi-firm reviews, good/poor practice guidance, and skilled person reviews (s.166) under FSMA.
Integration of Consumer Duty (Principle 12) as a core principle for assessing and remedying poor outcomes, e.g., unclear policy renewals or inadequate support.
Examples from insurance (e.g.,
What You Need To Do
Embed proactive monitoring
Respond swiftly to FCA contact
Improve practices market-wide
Evidence compliance
Facilitate redress
Key Dates
October 2022Boards to scrutinise and agree implementation plans.
July 2023) - Implement for new/existing products.
July 2024) - Extend to closed-book products.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium – This reinforces existing obligations under Consumer Duty and Principles, but underscores risk of supervisory escalation if firms ignore early warnings. It matters because FCA prioritizes speed (supervision over enforcement), enabling quick harm fixes but exposing non-responsive fir
First-time buyers and the self-employed could get a step-up onto the housing ladder, under new plans from the FCA. Its priorities for reforms to the mortgage market also include helping homeowners unlock housing wealth for a more comfortable later life.The FCA will focus on 4 areas:First-time buyers & underserved consumers: Simplifying mortgage rules to allow more flexible products that reflect different working patterns and income levels at different stages of life.Later-life lending: Review...
We're providing guidance to support firms to tackle bullying, harassment and violence in financial services, after they asked for additional support. In July, we changed our rules – setting clearer standards for how financial services firms should address non-financial misconduct.This more closely aligned the rules for banks and non-banks. We wanted to give firms the confidence to act against serious misconduct, drive consistency and make it clearer when non-financial misconduct is a breach o...