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🇬🇧 FCA News high

Emil the Seal hijacks Waterloo station to warn commuters about investment scams

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...

BankWealth ManagerFintech
🇬🇧 FCA News medium

FCA seeks views on how to help close the protection gap

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...

Insurance
🇬🇧 FCA Policy high

OFSI and partners clamp down on the abuse of cryptoassets

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.

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🇬🇧 FCA Policy high

Next steps for establishing a bond consolidated tape provider

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

Mills Review to consider how AI will reshape retail financial services

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

Guavapay Limited enters compulsory liquidation

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...

Payment Provider
🇬🇧 FCA Policy high

FCA welcomes the Accelerated Settlement Taskforce’s 2025 report on T+1 progress

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance medium

GC25/1: Primary Market Bulletin No. 55

Guidance consultations

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance high

Consumer Duty: International payment pricing transparency – good and poor practice

Good and poor practice

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance high

PS25/19: Improving the complaints reporting process

Consultation papers

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance high

CP25/15: A prudential regime for cryptoasset firms

Consultation papers

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance medium

GC25/2: Primary Market Bulletin No. 57

Guidance consultations

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance medium

Statement of Policy on statutory investigations into regulatory failure and producing reports [PDF]

Policy and guidance

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance high

CP25/31: The framework for a UK equity consolidated tape

Consultation papers

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance high

PS25/22: Supporting consumers’ pensions and investment decisions: rules for targeted support

Policy statements

AI Analysis

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.

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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance high

PS25/23: Tackling non-financial misconduct in financial services

Policy statements

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA Guidance medium

CP26/2: Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2026/27

Consultation papers

AI Analysis

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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🇬🇧 FCA News high

New regime for securities and what consumers should look out for

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...

BankWealth ManagerFintech
🇬🇧 FCA News high

FCA seeks feedback on further rules for cryptoasset firms

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...

Crypto ExchangeFintech
🇬🇧 FCA Speech medium

Screening for success: Opening the gateway to growth

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...

BankFintechWealth Manager
🇬🇧 FCA Policy high

Regulators give clarity in relation to open banking pricing models

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.

Action Required

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.

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🇬🇧 FCA News medium

Applications now open for next round of FCA’s AI Live Testing

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

Tribunal upholds ban and fines for corrupt and dishonest adviser

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

Logic Investments Ltd enters special administration

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...

Wealth Manager
🇬🇧 FCA News medium

Court approves FCA’s proposals to distribute Asset Land investor funds

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...

Deadline: 20 February 2026
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🇬🇧 FCA News high

FCA fines oil rig consultant £309,843 for insider dealing

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA Policy high

UK and EU regulators sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen oversight of critical third parties

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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🇬🇧 FCA News high

FCA highlights good practice and risks in complex ETPs for retail investors

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

FCA obtains £265,523.96 confiscation order against Collateral fraudster Andrew Currie

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...

BankWealth ManagerFintech
🇬🇧 FCA News medium

Pension value to be put under the spotlight

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News medium

2026 fines

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

FCA fines former finance directors of Carillion plc (in liquidation)

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...

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🇬🇧 FCA News high

FCA opens investigation into claims management company

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...

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