Shojin Financial Services Limited (Shojin) is a crowdfunding platform authorised and regulated by the FCA. Shojin allowed customers to make investments that were used to fund loans toward property developments. On 23 March 2026, Shojin went into administration. Simon Carvill-Biggs and Ian Corfield of FRP Trading Advisory Limited were appointed as Joint Administrators.The Joint Administrators are responsible for acting in the best interests of the people who are owed money by Shojin, and they ...
A new taskforce will tackle poor handling of motor finance claims by some claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms, after the FCA, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed to join up their efforts. The announcement comes as the FCA prepares to set out its final compensation scheme for motor finance customers.The regulators will step up efforts to share intelligence and continue to take co-ordinated ...
On 3 March 2026, we said we’d bring forward our planned review of the UK Listing Rules for Investment entities, including how they apply to board independence and related party provisions.Since then, there has been substantial debate over our role in relation to investment trusts, including calls for us to ‘get to grips’ with voting rules ‘that allow a minority shareholder to repeatedly attack an investment trust’.Much of this debate suggests there are misunderstandings about how investment t...
AI Analysis
This FCA blog post announces an accelerated review of UK Listing Rules for investment entities, focusing on board independence, related party provisions, conflicts of interest, and shareholder rights amid debates over activist minority shareholders targeting investment trusts. It matters because it clarifies the FCA's limited role (rules apply to issuers, not shareholders), reinforces Companies Act protections, and signals upcoming proposals to ensure rules fit novel scenarios like concentrated ownership, potentially impacting governance and listing compliance for investment trusts.[FCA blog]
What Changed
No immediate regulatory changes or new requirements are introduced; this is a consultation precursor outlining a planned review. The review will assess:
Application of Listing Rules to board independence and related party transactions for investment entities.
How rules, alongside company law, support shareholder rights, engagement, and conflict management (e.g., protecting against "back door takeovers" by minority activists like Saba).
Proposals will be detailed in a consultation paper, with work completing by end-2026.
What You Need To Do
Monitor and engage
Review governance
Enhance shareholder engagement
Conflict checks
Key Dates
3 March 2026- FCA announces acceleration of planned Listing Rules review for investment entities.[FCA blog]
End of 2026- FCA to complete review and publish consultation paper with proposals.[FCA blog]
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium. This signals future changes via consultation but imposes no immediate obligations; however, it heightens scrutiny on investment trust governance amid activist pressures, risking enforcement if conflicts or independence lapses occur pre-review. Matters for compliance teams to audit current setups against Listing Rules and Companies Act, avoiding missteps in high-profile cases like Saba campaigns, while preparing for end-2026 proposals that could tighten related party and board rules.[FCA blog]
As part of ongoing improvements to My FCA, and following the successful removal of RegData sign in at the end of last year, we have now removed direct access to Connect and the Online Invoicing System. Firms do not need to take any action. All existing RegData, Connect and Online Invoicing links and bookmarked pages will now automatically redirect to My FCA, where you can access all systems from a single homepage without signing in again. This makes managing your regulatory tasks quicker and ...
We sympathise with former members of the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) who lost money after they were given unsuitable advice from people they trusted. Complaints are a valuable source of feedback which help us improve and learn. There have also been 4 independent reports into the BSPS since 2018, which have helped us learn lessons. We have accepted several of their recommendations and implemented improvements, including those below.We now have much closer collaboration between the FCA,...
AI Analysis
The FCA's response to the Complaint Commissioner's report on the British Steel Pension Scheme addresses systemic failures in pension transfer advice that affected approximately 7,700 members, with 47% receiving unsuitable advice. This statement demonstrates the FCA's acknowledgment of regulatory shortcomings and outlines remedial measures implemented to prevent similar harm, including enhanced inter-agency collaboration, stricter product governance rules, and a £106 million redress scheme now benefiting 1,870 affected members.
What Changed
The FCA has implemented the following regulatory and operational changes in response to BSPS failures:
Enhanced inter-agency collaboration: Closer coordination between the FCA, The Pensions Regulator, Pension Protection Fund, and Money and Pensions Service to improve intelligence sharing on defined benefit (DB) pension transfer risks
Data collection and monitoring: Expanded collection of pension transfer data from advisory firms to proactively identify emerging risks and market trends
Contingent charging ban: Prohibition of contingent charging arrangements for DB pension transfers to...
What You Need To Do
*For firms that provided DB pension transfer advice:
*Conduct retrospective suitability reviews of all DB pension transfer advice provided, particularly during 2015-2018, identifying unsuitable recommendations
*Calculate and pay redress to affected customers to restore them to their pre-transfer financial position, with reference to the FSCS redress methodology
*Implement enhanced governance for DB pension transfer advice, including:
Documented suitability assessments with clear rationale
Key Dates
Late 2017- FCA received initial intelligence about poor pension transfer advice quality
December 2018- FCA published initial findings showing less than 50% of reviewed advice was suitable
May 2020- FCA directed 45 firms to conduct suitability assessments (Past Business Reviews)
April 2022- FCA imposed asset retention rules for DB pension transfers
April 2023- BSPS redress scheme formally introduced, requiring firms to review advice suitability and pay redress
On 25 March 2026, following a petition filed by the FCA, the High Court ordered that Equity for Growth (Securities) Limited (EFG) be wound up. EFG is a corporate finance firm. EFG was also a principal for a number of appointed representatives between 2015 and 2020, including Amyma Ltd and Osborne Baldwin Ltd, which traded as Hunter Jones.An appointed representative carries on regulated activity under the responsibility of an authorised firm, known as 'the principal'. Find more information on ...
We have set out plans for using AI to speed up authorisations, testing new tools to identify key risks earlier, with our people remaining at the heart of decision-making. The new authorisation tool is being developed internally and will be integrated into existing FCA systems.It forms part of our annual work programme 2026/27, which lays out how we’re accelerating our ambition to be a smarter, more data-driven regulator.We will also use generative AI to support our efforts to modernise regula...
More people could access financial advice, under proposals set out by FCA. The FCA is consulting on how to make it easier for firms to give more simplified forms of individualised financial advice to consumers.Simplified forms of advice can help consumers with more straightforward needs and do not require a full assessment of all their financial circumstances, making it more accessible and affordable.Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive of the FCA, said:'For too long the support people nee...
Speech at the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia and SUERF conference – Central Banking Amid Persistent Global Shifts: Fostering Stability, Innovation, and Resilience, Skopje
We will set out our approach on motor finance redress shortly after markets close on Monday 30 March, having consulted on a compensation scheme in October 2025.
AI Analysis
The FCA is scheduling its announcement on a proposed motor finance redress scheme—addressing historical commission disclosure failures in car loans—for shortly after markets close on Monday, 30 March 2026, following a consultation launched in October 2025. This matters because it signals imminent final rules that could impose up to GBP11 billion in costs on lenders, affecting millions of consumers and requiring urgent operational preparations to ensure timely payouts in 2026.
What Changed
Introduction of a 3-month implementation period for most firms, extendable to 5 months for older motor finance agreements, to handle the scheme's scale and complexity.
Streamlined consumer journey: Pre-scheme complainants no longer need to opt out; lenders must notify them of owed compensation within 3 months post-implementation, with immediate acceptance options available.
Removal of mandatory recorded delivery for customer communications, allowing flexible channels with fraud safeguards.
No final decision yet on proceeding, but likely modifications based on over 1,000 consultation...
What You Need To Do
Review and prepare systems
Monitor complaints
Assess provisions
Compliance checks
Stakeholder engagement
Key Dates
October 2025 - Consultation on compensation scheme launched.
30 March 2026 (shortly after markets close) - FCA to publish final rules/approach on motor finance redress.
~June 2026 (3 months post-announcement) - End of standard implementation period; lenders notify consumers of redress.
Urgency: High – With the announcement just 6 days away (as of 24 March 2026), firms have minimal time to finalize preparations amid GBP11 billion cost risks, market disruption warnings, and lender pushback; delays could amplify redress delays, fines, or consumer harm claims.
We are reminding regulated firms they need to undertake proper checks when dealing with unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies – also known as 'Annex 1' firms. There are around 1,200 of these firms registered with us for solely anti-money laundering purposes. Our powers are currently limited to looking at how these firms are meeting their anti-money laundering obligations and they are not subject to our wider rulebook. This regime is based o...
AI Analysis
The FCA statement reminds regulated firms to perform robust due diligence on 'Annex 1' firms—unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers, and financial leasing companies registered solely for AML purposes—due to their limited oversight and heightened financial crime risks. This matters because Annex 1 firms (approx. 1,200) are not subject to FCA's full rulebook, conduct rules, or protections like the Financial Ombudsman Service, exposing regulated firms to contagion risks if they fail to manage interactions properly. Non-compliance could lead to regulatory scrutiny, enforcement, or reputational damage amid FCA's ongoing AML focus.
What Changed
No new rules or legislative changes are introduced; this is a supervisory reminder reinforcing existing obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLRs). It emphasizes enhanced due diligence on Annex 1 firms, referencing the 2025 National Risk Assessment (NRA) for risk management. The FCA highlights proactive engagement, including a 2024 letter to CEOs and follow-up with 300 firms in late 2025, signaling intensified supervision without altering the registration-only regime under the Financial Services and Markets Act.
What You Need To Do
Verify Annex 1 registration status directly from the firm and via independent checks (e
Understand the Annex 1 firm's business model, products, and risks, aligning with MLRs and 2025 NRA
Manage identified risks, such as AML deficiencies or consumer encouragement into limited company structures for unregulated lending
Document due diligence to demonstrate compliance, integrating into broader financial crime frameworks (e
Key Dates
2024 - FCA letter to CEOs of Annex 1 firms raising AML concerns.- **Late 2025 - FCA follow-up engagement with 300 Annex 1 firms.**
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – This amplifies existing AML due diligence requirements amid FCA's 2025-30 financial crime strategy, with evidence of supervisory action (2024 letter, 2025 follow-ups). Failure risks enforcement, as Annex 1 interactions could facilitate financial crime or consumer harm without FOS protections; firms should audit exposures immediately to align with BWRA/CRA expectations and avoid findings like those in FCA's risk assessment review.
Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, at the JP Morgan Pensions and Savings Symposium 2026. Last year, I spoke about the importance of getting on the right track.That if we want better consumer outcomes – as well as stronger capital markets to support growth – we need to think beyond individual products and look at the whole financial journey.How pensions interact with housing wealth…How savings interact with advice…And how all these decisions evolve across a lifetime.Over the past yea...
We have restricted Beauforce Corporation Limited from carrying out any regulated activities. This means it cannot provide regulated debt advice or debt management services to consumers. We have also ordered the firm to return money held in its bank accounts to its clients.We’ve taken this action following concerns about the suitability of the firm’s senior management and its conduct in dealing with us. Read the full Notice (PDF)
We’ve reached a significant milestone in our joint work with the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Government to modernise the redress systemso that consumers get fair outcomes quicker and firms have greater clarity about how issues will be handled.We’re delivering change at speed by acting now within our current powers, with a focus on improving how the system works in practice. This includes a new registration stage for complaints, updated dismissal grounds and clearer guidance on the fai...
AI Analysis
The FCA, in collaboration with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and the Government, has announced modernization of the UK's financial redress system to accelerate consumer compensation and provide firms with greater regulatory clarity. This initiative represents a fundamental shift in how complaints are registered, assessed, and resolved, with immediate implementation underway within existing FCA powers and broader legislative reforms planned.
What Changed
The redress system modernization introduces several structural and procedural reforms:
*Registration Stage for Complaints**
A new formal registration stage has been introduced to standardize how complaints enter the system, improving tracking and early identification of systemic issues across firms and markets.
*Updated Dismissal Grounds**
The FCA has revised the criteria for dismissing complaints, providing clearer standards that should reduce disputes about complaint admissibility and improve consistency in decision-making.
*Enhanced Fair and Reasonable Test Guidance**
Clearer guidance...
What You Need To Do
*Immediate Operational Priorities (Pre-May 2026)
*Governance and Accountability
Appoint senior managers with explicit accountability for complaints handling and redress programmes
Establish board-level oversight structures with regular reporting on complaints volumes, redress calculations, and regulatory compliance
Document decision-making frameworks for complaint eligibility and dismissal grounds
Key Dates
31 May 2026- Complaints pause lifts for DCA-related motor finance complaints; standard 8-week response deadline resumesDEADLINE
End of March 2026- FCA expected to publish final rules and guidance for motor finance redress scheme, confirming scope, calculation methodologies, and timescales
Mid-2026 onwards- Motor finance compensation payments anticipated to commence
Before end of 2026- Consumers expected to begin receiving compensation under motor finance scheme
KasimGaripoglu has been banned from working in UK financial services. The FCA found he is not fit and proper because of his lack of honesty and integrity. Mr Garipoglu is the owner of a firm that provided online trading of foreign exchange and contracts.Between April 2012 and December 2022, including when Mr Garipoglu was the chief executive and director at the firm and an approved person, he repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for regulatory requirements, undermined compliance and anti‑money...
On 9 March 2026, the High Court placed Concept Capital Group (CCG) into administration. BTG are the administrators of the company. In July 2025, the FCA announced High Court proceedings against CCG and others over an alleged unauthorised investment scheme. CCG has been under a court order that temporarily froze its assets since then.CCG had promoted investments in static homes. CCG claimed these would be let to social housing tenants placed by local councils. Investors were promised fixed ret...
Lenders and brokers in thesecond charge mortgagemarket need toconsiderhow theyadvise customers, assess affordability and charge fees. An FCA review has found that weaknesses in some firms’ practices could put borrowers, particularly those consolidating debt, at increased risk of financial harm.Second charge mortgages are often used by customers with high existing levels of debt and low financial resilience. The FCA’s review found examples of good practice across the sector but also issues tha...
On 23 January 2026, the FCA imposed requirements on Sendsii Ltd which prevent them from carrying out any regulated activity. The FCA has issued a First Supervisory Notice to Sendsii Ltd after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) suspended the firm’s registration on 9 October 2025. The suspension means that Sendsii Ltd no longer met the conditions required for its FCA authorisation under the Payment Services Regulations 2017.These requirements prevent Sendsii Ltd from carrying out any regulated activ...
Rajinder Gill and accomplices have been sentenced for their involvement in a sale-and-rent-back scheme. Mr Gill has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for running a sale-and-rent-back scheme without being authorised and illegally providing credit agreements and mortgages. As accomplices in the scheme, Amandeep Heer received a community order for 2 years with a condition of 250 hours of unpaid work, and Jetinder Sandhu has completed 100 hours' unpaid work over 12 months (as a con...
Images of the UK’s wildlife are to feature on the next series of banknotes following a public consultation run by the Bank of England.
AI Analysis
The Bank of England has announced that **wildlife imagery will replace historical figures on the next series of banknotes**, following a public consultation in which nature received 60% support. This decision represents a significant shift in banknote design policy and carries implications for currency authentication, public engagement, and operational planning across the payments ecosystem.
What Changed
The Bank of England is implementing the following design changes:
Theme Selection: Wildlife native to Britain will feature on all denominations (£5, £10, £20, £50) of the next banknote series, replacing historical figures such as William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and Jane Austen.
Monarch Continuity: King Charles' portrait will continue to appear on all notes.
Security Integration: Wildlife imagery has been selected partly for its effectiveness in developing banknotes with easily recognizable and distinguishable security features.
Scope Expansion: The design may incorporate additional...
What You Need To Do
*Monitor the summer 2026 consultation
*Plan for authentication updates
*Update systems and procedures
*Engage with BoE communications
*Prepare customer communications
Key Dates
July 2025- Initial public consultation on banknote themes closed
Summer 2026- Second public consultation to gather views on specific wildlife species (announced as forthcoming)
Future (multi-year process)- Design, testing, and printing of next-generation banknotes with anti-counterfeiting technology
Several years ahead- Issuance of next generation of banknotes
Speech by David Geale, executive director, payments and digital finance, and PSR managing director at the MoneyLIVE Summit 2026, London. ConsolidationRule 1 is ‘Out of clutter, find simplicity.’The Government announced its intention to consolidate the PSR into the FCA about a year ago. It was a decision we welcomed.Our work has always been complementary, and we made it work.As an economic regulator, the PSR is focused on getting the foundations right – the payment systems and infrastructure t...
We have appointed 2 new senior leaders, further strengthening our capability across key areas of our remit. Chris Knight will join us in July 2026 as director of insurance within our Supervision, Policy and Competition (SPC) division. He joins the FCA from Legal & General, where he has been the group chief risk officer for the last 5 years and member of the Group management committee. Prior to this, he was CEO of Legal & General Retail Retirement for 3 years.David Lymburn joined the Payment S...
We're concerned that HDH Investment Services Limited may have given unsuitable financial advice to some of its customers, potentially leading to financial loss. We recently placed restrictions on HDH Investment Services Limited (HDH). From 20 January 2026, HDH agreed to stop carrying out all regulated activities. This now means the firm can't give investment advice.HDH also agreed to write to all customers to explain what these restrictions mean for them. What customers should do nowIf you th...
Speech by Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments, at the TISA Inclusive Investing Conference 2026. Speaker: Lucy Castledine, director, consumer investmentsEvent: TISA Inclusive Investing Conference 2026Delivered: 4 March 2026Note: this is the speech as drafted and may differ from the delivered version.Reading time: 11 minutesKey points:Consumer investments are a cornerstone of the UK economy, with over 5,000 authorised firms and their representatives, serving 19 million adults – ar...
We'd also streamline the scheme, so millions get compensation in 2026. We're considering over 1,000 responses to our proposals for a compensation scheme for motor finance customers who were treated unfairly.If we proceed with a scheme, we are likely to make several changes. If we do go ahead, we expect to publish final rules in late March. The timing of publication will be outside market hours and we'll confirm the date in advance. Final decisions on the scheme have not yet been made. But to ...
AI Analysis
The FCA is implementing a **streamlined motor finance compensation scheme** to address unfair commission disclosure practices, with final rules expected in late March 2026 and scheme launch in early 2026. This represents a major regulatory intervention affecting approximately 14 million motor finance agreements with estimated total redress costs of £8.2 billion, requiring immediate operational preparation by all lenders and finance providers.
What Changed
The FCA's streamlined approach introduces several material modifications to the original compensation scheme proposal:
*Process Streamlining
Automatic opt-in for prior complainants: Customers who complained before scheme launch will no longer be asked to opt out. Instead, lenders must notify them of compensation eligibility within three months of the implementation period ending.
Immediate acceptance of offers: Consumers can accept redress offers immediately rather than waiting for final determinations.
Flexible communication channels**: Firms are no longer required to use recorded delivery;...
What You Need To Do
*Immediate Priorities (Q1 2026)
*Data Integrity Assessment
*Redress Calculator Development
Repricing loans based on proposed APR reductions
Calculating compensatory interest at BoE base rate + 1%
Key Dates
31 May 2026– Motor finance complaints handling pause lifts; firms must be ready to respond to complaints outside the schemeDEADLINE
Late March 2026– FCA to publish final scheme rules (timing to be confirmed in advance, outside market hours)
Early 2026– Scheme implementation begins (exact date dependent on final rules publication)
Three months from scheme launch– Standard implementation period for lenders to contact prior complainants and provide compensation notifications
Five months from scheme launch– Extended implementation period for older agreements
The latest report from the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) finds there is still room for improvement. The anti-money laundering supervisors of professional services firms are more effective than at any time since 2018. However, OPBAS remains concerned that their enforcement lacks the teeth to deter firms from falling short of minimum standards.OPBAS’s latest report found Professional Body Supervisors (PBSs) generally continue to demonstrate good levels o...
Firms can now apply for permission to provide targeted support. Targeted support is a once in a generation change that will help millions navigate their financial lives. From 6 April 2026, people’s banks, pension providers, or other financial firms that are authorised for targeted support can provide suggestions designed for groups of consumers with common characteristics. This will help them make important decisions across their pensions and investments.We want authorised firms to be ready t...
Katharine Braddick CB appointed as the next Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation at the Bank of England and Chief Executive of the Prudential Regulation Authority, succeeding Sam Woods when his term ends in June 2026.
The FCA has chosen 4 companies to test how their stablecoin services work with proposed regulation in a safe environment. The stablecoins cohort is part of our commitment to supporting growth and innovation in UK financial services. 20 applications were received and the FCA has chosen the following firms:Monee Financial TechnologiesReStabiliseRevolutVVTXThe Regulatory Sandbox programme allows firms to trial stablecoin products in real world conditions with appropriate safeguards. It will help...
Lenders could have access to more comprehensive information to support lending decisions, under new proposals by the FCA. The FCA is consulting on designating certain credit reference agencies (CRAs). If a lender shares credit information with one designated consumer CRA, it would be required to share it with them all.The changes aim to close gaps in consumers’ credit files and ensure these more accurately reflect people’s financial circumstances.Alison Walters, director of consumer finance a...
We've launched our new Regulatory Priorities reports, starting with the insurance sector. This marks a new approach that will help to transform our supervision and streamline regulation.We expect regulated firms to follow the rules and stay informed about any changes. This is important for maintaining a safe and resilient market. Our mission to be a smarter regulator means reducing burden where we can, so that firms can get the information they need as efficiently as possible.Our Regulatory P...
Seven social media influencers have been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for their role in the promotion of an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme. Biggs Chris, Jamie Clayton, Lauren Goodger, Rebecca Gormley, Yazmin Oukhellou, Scott Timlin and Eva Zapico all pleaded guilty to one count of issuing unauthorised financial promotions.The outcomes were:Lauren Goodger was fined £3,750 and ordered to pay costs of £5,778.18.Biggs Chris was fined £600 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.Jam...
The Upper Tribunal has upheld the FCA's decisions to ban Stephen Joseph Burdett and James Paul Goodchild from working in financial services. Mr Burdett and Mr Goodchild previously held senior roles at Synergy Wealth Limited (Synergy) and Westbury Private Clients LLP (Westbury), respectively.The FCA banned the pair from working in regulated financial services for recklessly exposing pension holders to unsuitable investments.The Tribunal also found that it was appropriate for the FCA to impose ...
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) borrowers will benefit from stronger protections from 15 July 2026, following the Government's decision to bring the sector under the FCA's regulation. BNPL will be subject to the Consumer Duty and consumers will benefit from:Clear information: Consumers will get clear, upfront details about their agreement, including when payments will be due, amounts, and what happens if they miss a payment.Affordability checks: Lenders must carry out proportionate checks to make su...
The FCA has begun legal proceedings against global crypto exchange HTX (formerly Huobi) for illegally promoting cryptoasset services to UK consumers. Access documents on this claim on the FCA websiteFirms providing crypto products to UK consumers need to comply with rules which protect consumers from unfair and misleading marketing. Advertising cryptoassets on social media or websites without complying with these rules is a criminal offence.Since the rules came into force in October 2023, the...
FCA v Huobi Global S.A. and Others. On 21 October 2025, the FCA commenced proceedings in the Chancery Division of the High Court against the following parties:HUOBI GLOBAL S.A.(a company incorporated in Panama)PERSONS UNKNOWN (who are the owner of, controller and/or the persons currently in control of all or part of www.htx.com and/or its associated mobile applications (“the HTX Exchange”))PERSONS UNKNOWN (who are the legal and/or natural persons defined as the HTX Operators in the HTX Platfo...
AI Analysis
The FCA has initiated civil proceedings in the High Court against Huobi Global S.A. (HTX, formerly Huobi) and multiple categories of "Persons Unknown" for unlawfully promoting cryptoasset services to UK consumers without authorisation, breaching the financial promotions regime. This action underscores the FCA's aggressive enforcement against unauthorised crypto entities targeting UK retail investors, signaling heightened scrutiny on overseas platforms. Compliance teams must note this as evidence of the regulator's willingness to pursue novel legal strategies like "Persons Unknown" claims to enforce compliance extraterritorially.[https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/htx-huobi-legal-proceedings]
What Changed
This is not a policy change but an enforcement action highlighting existing requirements under the UK's financial promotions regime (effective October 2023 for cryptoassets), which mandates FCA registration under anti-money laundering (AML) rules and compliance with promotion standards for all firms—domestic or foreign—marketing to UK consumers. Key elements include prohibitions on unauthorised promotions, with the FCA now using High Court proceedings to target operators, owners, controllers, and even future controllers up to 31 October 2028.
What You Need To Do
Immediate audit
Self-identification
Compliance checks
Social media monitoring
Documentation
Key Dates
21 October 2025- FCA commences proceedings via Claim Form in Chancery Division, High Court.
2 October 2025- Particulars of Claim dated (note: precedes claim form, likely preparatory).
22 October 2025- Application Notice for service out of jurisdiction/alternative means.
4 February 2026- High Court (Deputy Master Dovar) grants permission to serve proceedings out of jurisdiction and by alternative means.
31 October 2028- Cut-off for "Persons Unknown" category covering new owners/controllers/promoters.[https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/htx-huobi-legal-proceedings]
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High - This sets a precedent for extraterritorial enforcement via "Persons Unknown" claims, extending liability to unidentified/future actors, which amplifies risks for non-UK crypto firms. It matters because post-October 2023 rules have seen positive compliance from most, but FCA vows action against outliers, potentially leading to injunctions, fines, or asset freezes; authorised firms face contagion risks via associations.[https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/htx-huobi-legal-proceedings]
From 6 April 2026, Gemini is closing all customer accounts in the UK. Gemini Payments UK, Ltd (GPUK) is authorised by the FCA to issue electronic money (e-money) and provide payment services.Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd (GIUK) offers cryptoasset products. These activities are not regulated by the FCA, although we oversee compliance in accordance with UK anti-money laundering regulations. On 5 February 2026, GPUK and GIUK confirmed they plan to exit the UK market. Effective 6 April 2026, Gemin...
The FCA has imposed restrictions on independent financial adviser Advantage Wealth Management Ltd (AWM), which means it must not dispose of any assets or conduct any regulated activities without the written consent of the FCA. The action follows concerns that AWM is not being managed in a way that ensures that its affairs are conducted in a sound and prudent manner. We issued a First Supervisory Notice (PDF)on 22 December 2025, outlining further details about our concerns and the basis for im...
The FCA and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have today issued a joint warning to claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms involved in motor finance commission claims to make sure consumers don’t have multiple representatives for the same claim and are not charged excessive termination fees. The regulators are reminding CMCs and law firms that they are expected to have robust checks in place to confirm consumers have not already instructed another representative. The FCA has also...
The FCA and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are warning claims management companies and law firms (representatives) involved in motor finance claims to make sure clients don’t have multiple representatives for the same claim and are not charged excessive termination fees We have seen some clients with up to 4 different representatives for the same claim. They risk being charged termination fees, which could be deemed excessive, should they try to cancel duplicate agreements.
AI Analysis
The FCA and SRA have issued a joint warning to claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms handling motor finance commission claims, addressing multiple client representations (up to 4 per claim observed) and excessive termination fees, which risk unfair consumer treatment. This matters because regulators are intensifying scrutiny amid a paused complaints-handling period (ending May 2026) and a forthcoming redress scheme, with enforcement actions already underway against non-compliant firms.
What Changed
This is a non-binding joint message reinforcing existing obligations under FCA's Consumer Duty, Claims Management Conduct of Business Sourcebook, Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA), and SRA standards, rather than introducing new rules. Key emphases include mandatory robust onboarding due diligence to prevent multiple representations, clear upfront disclosure of termination fees, and justification of any fees charged (especially if onboarding was inadequate).
What You Need To Do
Engaging clients and other representatives to confirm client wishes and establish single representative
Notifying respondent firms promptly of the sole representative
Supporting file transfers with client consent and considering no-charge resolutions if onboarding was poor
Robust onboarding checks (e
Entering new agreements only after prior termination and informed consent
Key Dates
May 2026- Current pause on motor finance commission complaints handling ends; non-CRS complaints must progress per DISP timelines.DEADLINE
End of March 2026- FCA to publish final rules on proposed Motor Finance Consumer Redress Scheme (CRS).
Early 2026- FCA expected to finalize redress scheme rules (per consultation responses). (https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/alerts/fca-consultation-paper-on-motor-finance-redress-published)
5 February 2026- FCA launches consumer advertising campaign warning of scammers (post-dated relative to publication).
7 October 2025- FCA letter to CMCs on related expectations.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High - Immediate risk of enforcement; FCA/SRA using CRA/DMCA 2024 powers (e.g., info requests from 9 law firms), 5 CMCs paused onboarding, 1 under investigation, SRA closed 7 firms. Matters due to paused complaints (ending soon), impending CRS, consumer harm from fees/delays, and proactive monitoring signaling broader crackdown on HVCC misconduct like excessive fees or poor due diligence.
Speech by Sarah Pritchard, FCA deputy chief executive, at the ABI Annual Conference. IntroductionIt’s hard to think of a more symbolic venue to discuss driving change in the insurance sector than the QEII Centre.Step outside, and you’re in the shadow of both the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Scrutiny, change and serving citizens on one side. Tradition on the other.That’s where insurance sits, too.As an industry, you have to balance the new with the non-negotiables – finding way...
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have announced the first cohort of banks and building societies to benefit from their joint Scale-up Unit. The Scale-up Unit announced last year is designed to build stronger ties and provide tailored support for fast-growing and innovative financial firms, helping them to grow sustainably at pace.The 6 firms that expressed interest and have been accepted to the first cohort are:Allica BankClearBankMonument BankNo...
People who pay monthly for their insurance are saving around £157m a year, with over half the firms the FCA reviewed as part of a market study lowering the cost of premium finance. Interest rates for premium finance have fallen by an average 4.1 percentage points since 2022, saving consumers £8 on a typical motor policy and £3 on a typical home policy per year. The changes result from regulatory attention, fair value assessments and base rate reductions. The FCA has seen even more significant...
What does 'fair value' mean in financial services? It might sound like dry regulator speak, but it’s really asking a simple question – are customers paying a reasonable price for a product, compared to the benefits they get in return?This is not us setting a particular price or level of profit which firms can make. But it's a challenge to firms – can they provide evidence that their customers are getting a fair deal? If they can’t, then they need to look again.This applies across financial se...
AI Analysis
This FCA blog post clarifies the 'fair value' concept under Consumer Duty, emphasizing that firms must evidence a reasonable price-to-benefits relationship without the FCA dictating prices or profits. It matters because it signals ongoing FCA scrutiny and enforcement in sectors like cash savings, investment platforms, and premium finance, with demonstrated consumer savings of £167m annually from interventions. Compliance professionals must prioritize robust fair value assessments to avoid challenges, remedial actions, or enforcement.
What Changed
No new rules are introduced; this reinforces existing Consumer Duty requirements (effective July 2023 for new products, July 2024 for closed books) on fair value as one of four outcomes (products/services, price/value, consumer understanding, support). Key emphases include:
Firms must demonstrate evidence of fair value, assessing price against benefits, costs, and services delivered.
Ongoing reviews required throughout product lifecycle, with actions if fair value fails (e.g., improve, withdraw).
FCA rejects prescriptive interventions like 0% APR in premium finance to avoid market harm,...
What You Need To Do
Conduct and evidence fair value assessments
Review and act on failures
Monitor markets/products ongoing
Premium finance specific
Key Dates
2023Consumer Duty effective for new/open products (fair value assessments mandatory).
2024Closed book products brought into scope.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – FCA is actively intervening (e.g., £157m savings in premium finance, £10m in platforms), with threats of enforcement for poor processes/evidence. Matters due to cultural shift under Consumer Duty; weak assessments risk fines, remediation, or product halts, especially in high-complaint areas like savings/insurance. Firms without frameworks face immediate exposure in supervisory reviews.
Speech by David Geale, executive director, payments and digital finance and Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) managing director, at the Payments Regulation and Innovation Summit 2026. A payments system that works for everyoneJust before Christmas I was in Billericay for the opening of the 200th banking hub.I got to chat to local people and business owners about the difference the hub will make to their everyday lives. It was great.Although if I’m honest, the biggest talking point was probably t...
Speech by Sheldon Mills, at the FCA's Supercharged Sandbox Showcase event. Before we begin, take a look around this room. This is the Supercharged Sandbox. 23 firms at the frontier of retail financial services, chosen from 132 applications. If anyone still doubts the pace of AI change in our sector, this room is the answer.The Board has asked me to lead the long-term review into AI and retail financial services. I will report to the FCA Board in the summer, setting out recommendations to help...
AI Live Testing now open for applicationsAt the FCA, we’re providing a structured but flexible space where firms can test AI-driven services in real-world conditions, all with our regulatory support and oversight and help from our technical partner, Advai. Collaboration and communication is at the heart of what we are doing.The first cohort joined AI Live Testing in October last year. We opened a second application window on 19 January 2026 and are now inviting applications.Moving on from 'PO...
AI Analysis
The FCA's AI Live Testing initiative provides a voluntary, structured program for firms with mature AI proofs-of-concept (POCs) to test AI-driven services in controlled real-world environments under regulatory oversight and support from technical partner Advai. This matters because it enables safe progression from 'POC paralysis' to deployment, while helping the FCA gather insights on translating AI principles into consumer and market protections, informing future regulation. Participation enhances firms' governance, risk management, and evaluation frameworks for responsible AI use in financial services.
What Changed
This is not a mandatory regulatory change but a voluntary testing service launched by the FCA; no new enforceable requirements are imposed. Key elements include a holistic focus on the AI system (model + deployment context, risks, governance, human-in-the-loop, evaluation, input/output controls) rather than isolated foundation models. The program features three phases: Discovery, Framework validation, and AI system testing (quantitative/qualitative), emphasizing live monitoring, governance, and risk management. It complements the FCA's Supercharged Sandbox for earlier-stage AI exploration.
What You Need To Do
Review FCA's Terms of Reference (PDF) for eligibility, focusing on mature POCs and enterprise-level AI systems
Submit application form via FCA portal by 2 March 2026 if ready for live testing; contact suptech@ fca
Prepare documentation on AI system components (model, context/risks, governance, human oversight, evaluation, controls) for three-phase process
Assess internal governance, data, risk frameworks, and monitoring for AI readiness; consider non-participation but monitor for future FCA expectations
Firms not selected should use insights from first cohort (e
Key Dates
19 January 2026- Second application window opens.
2 March 2026- Application deadline for second cohort.DEADLINE
Mid-March 2026- Notification of successful applicants.
April 2026- Testing starts for second cohort.
October 2025- First cohort began testing (historical reference).
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium - Voluntary program, but signals FCA's proactive stance on AI oversight; non-participation risks lagging in best practices for Consumer Protection / Conduct and Operational Resilience / Outsourcing as regulator builds evidence for potential rules. Matters for competitive edge in AI deployment and demonstrating alignment with principles-based regulation amid 'POC paralysis'. Early movers gain tailored support, intelligence-sharing on risks, and influence on FCA's evolving AI approach.
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...
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 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.
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 intermediary/recipient bank fees where applicable.
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 targets common weaknesses like hidden fees amid broader Duty portfolio reviews.
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.
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 selection for firms with no complaints.
Removal of group reporting: Shifts to individual legal...
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 protection data quality.
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.
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; supplements threshold conditions and principles requiring appropriate resources.
Risk Management and...
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 crypto growth. This elevates risks for firm failures and consumer harm, demanding immediate gap assessments to align with proportionate standards supporting innovation.
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.
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 formal probes.
Clarified two-part statutory test: (1) Events indicating significant failure 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) should prioritize as probes, though rare, amplify reputational and remedial risks via Treasury publication.
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 policy intent and avoid confusion with the Consumer Duty requirement for "good outcomes." This...
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.
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 implausible claims or breaching privacy; removes disproportionate examples like minor motoring...
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 FCA Strategy 2025-2030.
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, utilities, and public sector payments.
Temporary framework: This is explicitly a temporary...
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 PRA and FCA have jointly issued consultation paper CP1/26 proposing to set the **Management Expenses Levy Limit (MELL) for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) at £113 million for 2026/27**, comprising a £108 million management expenses budget and a £5 million unlevied reserve. This consultation determines the maximum amount the FSCS can levy on authorised financial services firms to fund its statutory compensation scheme operations, directly affecting compliance costs for all regulated entities.
What Changed
The proposed MELL for 2026/27 introduces the following material changes:
Budget increase of £4.4 million from 2025/26 (from approximately £103.6 million to £108 million), broadly aligned with inflation
Nominal reduction of £6.6 million on a like-for-like basis when excluding the cost of enhancements to the FSCS's revolving credit facility (RCF)
Real terms reduction of £11 million when accounting for inflation adjustments
RCF enhancement to £3 billion to support the Bank of England's recapitalisation powers and enable faster depositor payouts
Unlevied reserve maintained at £5 million to...
What You Need To Do
*Review the consultation paper (CP1/26) in detail, particularly Appendices 3 and 4 detailing budget line items and PRA/FCA funding class allocations
*Assess levy impact on your firm's 2026/27 budget based on your regulated business volume and funding class allocation
*Prepare internal stakeholder communication regarding the £4
*Monitor the FSCS January 2026 budget update for detailed cost breakdowns and compensation levy forecasts
*Submit consultation responses if your firm wishes to comment on the proposal by 10 February 2026
Key Dates
10 February 2026– Consultation deadline for comments on CP1/26DEADLINE
1 April 2026– Effective date: proposed MELL applies from start of FSCS financial year
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...
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.
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 ongoing monitoring and willingness to intervene, including via the Financial Promotions Regime...
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 reviews; inaction could lead to principal liability for facilitating unauthorised activities, especially post-2023 promotions regime. Prioritise within 30 days to align with FCA's "buyer beware" stance shifting to proactive gatekeeping.
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...
The Artificial Intelligence Consortium (AIC) aims to provide a platform for public-private engagement to further dialogue on the capabilities, development, deployment, use, and potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in UK financial services.
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.
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, as finalized in PS25/21.
No immediate new requirements are imposed, but firms must align with...
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 scrutiny on data quality and vulnerability handling amplifying risks in a trust-based regime.
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 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 ...
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.
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., stolen vehicle claims yielding £200m redress; home emergency cover improvements reducing...
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 firms to s.166 reviews (costly, used 20+ times in insurance since 2022) or restrictions, impacting reputation and finances. Firms with consumer-facing products must audit processes now to align with "good outcomes" expectations.
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...
A raft of new measures designed to support the growth of the mutuals sector have been announced today by the financial regulators. They include a review of credit union regulations and the launch of a Mutual Societies Development Unit by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Our Financial Policy Committee (FPC) meets to identify risks to financial stability and agree policy actions aimed at safeguarding the resilience of the UK financial system.
From the start of December, UK bank customers will benefit from an increase to the maximum amount they would be reimbursed for if their bank were to fail
The PRA's PS24/25 finalizes rules increasing Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) depositor protection limits from £85,000 to £120,000 and temporary high balances (THB) from £1 million to £1.4 million for firm failures on or after 1 December 2025, responding to consultation feedback in CP4/25. This matters for PRA-authorized deposit-takers as it enhances consumer protection amid inflation but requires urgent system and disclosure updates to avoid FSCS payout delays or regulatory breaches. Firms must prioritize single customer view (SCV) readiness and phased disclosure revisions to comply efficiently.
What Changed
Increased Protection Limits: Standard FSCS deposit limit rises from £85,000 to £120,000; THB limit from £1 million to £1.4 million, applying to failures from 1 December 2025.
SCV System Updates: Firms must update SCV systems (used by FSCS for rapid compensation) to reflect new limits from 1 December 2025, including accurate contact details.
Disclosure Materials:
- Update information sheets on FSCS cover to reflect new limits and improve clarity/accessibility; provide to depositors as soon as practicable post-1 December 2025, by 31 May 2026.
- Revise compensation stickers/posters (for...
What You Need To Do
Immediate (pre-1 Dec 2025)
By 1 Dec 2025
Post-1 Dec 2025 to 31 May 2026
Document changes for audit trails; consider regtech for SCV automation
Key Dates
1 December 2025- New deposit (£120,000) and THB (£1.4 million) limits apply to firm failures on/after this date; SCV systems must be updated; SS18/15 and SoP1/15 effective.DEADLINE
As soon as practicable after 1 December 2025- Provide updated information sheets, stickers/posters, and exclusions lists to depositors (encouraged immediately to avoid confusion).
31 May 2026- Firm deadline for all disclosure material updates and provision to depositors (six-month transition ends).DEADLINE
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – SCV updates are mandatory by 1 December 2025 with no transition, risking delayed FSCS payouts and enforcement if unprepared; disclosure changes allow six months but PRA emphasizes early action to prevent depositor confusion. Impacts operational resilience and conduct risk; non-compliance could trigger supervisory action, especially for firms with outdated systems. Cost-benefit analysis shows minimal PRA impact but higher potential FSCS payouts in failures.
The PRA and FCA have today confirmed plans to increase flexibility around senior banker pay, alongside changes to create better links between bonus awards and responsible risk-taking.