Understanding the UK Financial Advice Market: What the FCA’s Latest Survey Tell Us
The FCA’s Understanding the Financial Advice Market publication provides a data‑led overview of how the UK financial advice sector is operating, evolving and responding to consumer needs. The report draws primarily on […]
SM&CR Phase 1 Reforms: From CP25/21 to PS26/6 – What Changed in the Final Rules?
The publication of the FCA’s Policy Statement PS26/6 marks the culmination of the first phase of reform to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR). While the direction of travel was clearly […]
APP Fraud Scope Without Surprises: Proving Who’s In (and Who Isn’t)
Author: Joel Bailey, Consultant Why Firms Get This Wrong We often see Payment Service Providers (“PSPs”) assume they are ‘out of scope’ for the Payment Systems Regulator’s Authorised Push Payment (“APP”) fraud reimbursement scheme based on their licence type or how […]
The FCA are Modernising the Redress Scheme: What This Means in Practice
The FCA recently published CP26/9, building on the foundations set out in CP25/22 last year, as part of a broader programme of reform aimed at reshaping how firms identify, assess and remedy consumer harm. CP25/22 primarily focused on […]
UK Fraud Strategy 2026–2029: Disrupting Criminal Networks, Strengthening Resilience and Protecting Victims
Fraud as the UK’s Largest Crime Threat Fraud is consistently the largest reported crime type in England and Wales, affecting millions of individuals and businesses each year. It undermines public […]
Inactive ARs Under FCA Scrutiny
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) has published guidance on managing the risks associated with inactive Appointed Representatives (“ARs”), including Introducer Appointed Representatives (“IARs”), setting out examples of good and poor […]
FCA Finalises UK Short Selling Reforms: Evolution, Not Revolution
Following its earlier consultation (CP25/29), the FCA has now published PS26/5, confirming the final shape of the UK’s revised short selling regime. As anticipated, the Policy Statement largely cements the proposals outlined in the […]
FCA Takes Next Steps Toward Enforcement Action Against Hartley Pensions and an Individual
Importance of Protecting Pension Holders Pensions represent the long-term savings and financial security of individuals, often built over decades of contributions. When pension operators fail to act with integrity or […]
Rekindling the Cross-Border Services Debate
Author: James Borley, Director, Payment Services A recent enquiry from a former client regarding the ability of a European firm to provide payment services in the United Kingdom (UK) on […]
The New FCA “Client Categorisation and Certified Investor” Return: What Investment Firms Need to Know (and how to prepare)
As of April 2026, the FCA has introduced a new regulatory return requiring certain investment firms to report on: Client categorisation under COBS 3; and The volume of “certified” and “restricted” investors […]