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 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 […]
Smarter Customer Segmentation for Targeted Support
With the Financial Conduct Authority’s (“FCA”) recent publication, Targeted Support: firm considerations when designing consumer segments, firms were given clearer expectations for designing consumer segments that deliver meaningful, fair and responsible outcomes. In a marketplace […]
FCA Annual Work Programme 2026/27: Regulatory Priorities and What They Mean for Firms
The FCA’s Annual work programme 2026/27 reinforces a clear direction of travel: a regulatory approach that is increasingly outcomes-focused, data-led, and aligned with supporting UK growth and competitiveness. Alongside this, the FCA […]
FCA PS26/2: Operational Incident and Third-Party Reporting
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), together with the Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) and the Bank of England, have published Policy Statement (PS26/2), setting out final rules on reporting serious operational incidents and material third party arrangements. […]
Regulatory Priorities for Payments: Clarity, Consolidation and Accountability
Author: James Borley, Director of Payment Services As previously heralded, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) Regulatory Priorities Report for Payments (“the Report”) forms part of the FCA’s broader shift away from fragmented portfolio (“Dear CEO”) letters toward a consolidated suite of […]
FCA GC26/2: Applying the Consumer Duty to Cryptoasset Firms
Overview The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) has published Guidance Consultation GC26/2 (“GC26/2”), setting out clear expectations on how firms undertaking regulated cryptoasset activities must apply the Consumer Duty. While the cryptoasset market offers innovation and growth opportunities, its complexity, volatility and […]
Offshore Cryptocurrency Providers and Illicit Finance: What UK Law Enforcement Needs to Know
In March 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published a detailed report examining the risks associated with Offshore virtual asset service providers (oVASPs). UK law enforcement, particularly those involved in economic […]