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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FCA Regulatory Priorities for the Insurance Sector: Focus for 2026
In February 2026, the FCA published its first Regulatory Priorities: Insurance report, the inaugural sectorspecific publication in a new series designed to replace the historical portfolio letters with a clearer and more consolidated view of […]