Author Archives: Emma Radmore
PRA and FCA consult on mortgage reporting
PRA and FCA are consulting on new reporting requirements for mortgage lenders and home finance administrators. Both regulators think there are areas in which they need data from firms additional to that which is currently being reported. The changes will affect the MLAR and PSD returns. Key proposals include that: mortgage administrators should submit PSD […]
FCA updates on PPI campaign
FCA has published the latest figures on engagement of consumers with its PPI helpline.
Court finds no MCOB breach by lender on self-certified loan
A Court has found in favour of the lender in a case brought by a couple who entered into a 5 year interest only loan through a broker, which they met repayments on but were ultimately unable to repay the capital. The claimants said that the lender, Godiva, should have realised that a claim on the […]
FCA reports on cyber review findings
FCA has published the results of its study of cyber-resilience and security in 20 asset management and wholesale banking firms. Its review comprised firms of varying size, scale, operating models and geography. The review comes with many caveats, but the key messages include: Boards and Management Committees still have limited familiarity with the specific cyber-risks […]
Tribunal rules on Prodhan
The Upper Tribunal has ruled on an application by Mohammad Prodhan, former CEO of Sonali Bank (UK). Mr Prodhan contended that FCA was time-barred from taking action against him. He also applied for a direction for his anonymity in proceedings of the Tribunal and the FCA. Mr Prodhan alleged that FCA had not issued him with a Warning […]
Companies House to do sanctions checks
Companies House has announced it now carries on additional checks on certain applicants for registration, to guard against designated persons using economic resources such as companies in an attempt to get round sanctions restrictions. From 12 December, Companies House will check applications from UK companies, European Companies, LLPs and SLPs, to assess the name, address, […]
Charity Commission publishes sanctions alert
The Charity Commission has warned charities that operate in Syria or Turkey of the dangers of aid passing through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing. There have been reports that the crossing is under the control of Al Qa’ida which means that charities and their partners that use it could inadvertently be funding that organisation and thereby […]
FCA publishes quarterly consultation
FCA’s latest quarterly consultation proposes rules that: amend SUP 16 to address FCA’s concern that it does not always hold accurate “firm details” by requiring an annual accuracy check and removing the option some firms currently benefit from to update details other than using Connect; and add the Association of Accounting Technicians to the list of bodies […]
FATF publishes UK mutual evaluation
FATF has published the long-awaited mutual evaluation report on the UK’s measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The report notes that, because of the exceptionally large funds flow through the UK financial sector and the risks that some of these have links to crime and terrorism, there is a strong understanding of the […]
FCA plans permanent CFD intervention measures
FCA is consulting on permanent rules to restrict the marketing, distribution and sale of CFDs and CFD-like options to retail consumers. The proposals are similar to the ESMA temporary measures, but FCA wants also to cover closely substitutable products and are proposing some different leverage limits. FCA feels the action is necessary because of constant […]
ESMA publishes KID amendment advice
ESMA has published the advice it received from the Securities and Markets Stakeholder Group on amending the PRIIPs KID. The group fully supports the principle of the KID but is disappointed that there are proposals for change so soon after firms spend significant resource to implement the original requirements and also that the consultation period […]
FCA updates on “unacceptable” pension transfer advice
FCA has published the key findings from its recent information gathering exercise on pension transfer advice. This year it has collected information from an additional 45 firms and visited 18 of them. It found less than half the advice given was suitable and FCA is very disappointed that firms are still failing to give suitable […]
FCA decides to fine former Sonali CEO
FCA has published a decision notice setting out its proposal to find Mohammad Prodhan, the former CEO of Sonali Bank (UK) Ltd £76,400 in relation to the bank’s AML systems and controls. Mr Prodhan was responsible for the establishment and maintenance of effective AML systems and controls and FCA considered that between 2012 and 2014 […]
ECB publishes cyber resilience expectations
ECB has published its expectations on financial market infrastructures in terms of cyber resilience oversight. Its expectations are based on CPMI/IOSCO guidance and is aimed at providing the FMIs with clear steps on how to operationalise and enhance the guidance as well as providing supervisors with a clear remit for engaging with FMIs and assessing […]
Treasury makes SAMLA Regulations
Treasury has made the Sanctions Review Procedure (EU Exit) Regulations 2018. The Regulations, made under SAMLA, come into force on 7 January 2019 and address the mechanics of requesting reviews, variations or revocations of designations made under the Act.
Standard Bank DPA comes to an end
SFO announced that the first DPA, agreed with what is now ICBC Standard Bank plc for breach of s7 Bribery Act, has come to an end after the bank successfully complied with its terms. The DPA lasted for 3 years. Its terms included payment of compensation and disgorgement of profits as well as a fine, and […]
Thank you to our readers
The FIN team was delighted to win two awards at the 2018 Compliance Register Platinum awards, including Best Consultancy/Law Firm – Regulatory Compliance. Thank you to those of you who nominated us and those who were there to share the evening with us.
Treasury Committee publishes Withdrawal Agreement analyses
The Treasury Committee has published the Bank of England’s analysis of the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration. The lengthy document explains how the reduction in openness with reduce the UK economy’s productive capacity and generally its short-term rate of growth – and how a disorderly Brexit will exacerbate this. It also notes that the longer-term […]
BoE publishes Financial Stability Report and stress test results
BoE has published its latest Financial Stability Report together with the results of the 2018 Stress Tests. The Financial Stability Report found that the UK financial system has good resilience to a range of risks, including Brexit – banks could lend in a scenario more severe than the financial crisis and are prepared and strong […]
FCA publishes cyber resilience report
FCA has published the results of its survey on tech and cyber resilience, which showed that nearly half of all firms don’t upgrade or retire old IT systems in time, and only just over half say they can measure the effectiveness of their information asset controls. Megan Butler, speaking about the report, said that FCA […]
FCA publishes DISP modification for PPI claims
FCA has published a new modification by consent to allow firms to exclude from their complaints return form those PPI complaints in relation to which the complainant had not in fact bought PPI from the firm. Any firm wanting to take advantage of the waiver must email FCA to apply for it.
1st SAMLA commencement order made
The first Commencement Order under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 has been made. It brings into force the majority of the sanctions provisions in the Act that enable Ministers to make and implement sanctions. The rest of the Act, including the repeal of existing legislation, will be the subject of a separate Order, […]
FCA consults further on Brexit approach
FCA has published additional proposals on how it will deal with a hard Brexit. The consultation focuses on: more changes to the Temporary Permissions regime; reflecting the new Credit Rating Agency and Trade Repository Regime in the Handbook and FCA’s approach to guidance and forms Key elements of the consultation include: new “cross-cutting” issues that […]
SFO elaborates on bribery and DPAs
Matthew Wagstaff has spoken on SFO’s priorities and resourcing, and the successes of its collaborations with other enforcement agencies, particularly the DOJ. He spoke of SFO’s perception that the s7 Bribery Act offence has been a big success, as has been the ability generally to hold senior management to account. He moved on to discuss […]
FCA speaks on AI and financial crime
Rob Gruppetta has spoken on FCA’s views on the use of innovation, data and algorithms to help it in its supervision of, and approach to, financial crime prevention. He said that FCA is always open to innovation, but that it should not be approached without scrutiny. He highlighted FCA’s TechSprints (or “hackathons”), one of which […]
FCA updates on PCA prompts
FCA has published a report looking at how banks and building societies are developing and delivering their commitment to provide prompts to customers. The prompts should increase engagement of consumers with their products and make them aware of switching possibilities and developments in retail banking. The report has identified practices that are helpful, such as […]
FCA consults on fees and levies
FCA is consulting on policy proposals for its proposed regulatory fees and levies for 2019/2020. Among the proposed changes is a plan to streamline the process of setting consumer credit fees by exemption community finance organisations and credit unions. The other main element of the paper discusses how FCA will raise fees from credit rating agencies […]
FCA makes new rules on RND and PPI complaints
At its latest Board meeting, FCA has made changes to DISP and its guidance, effective from 8 November, to confirm that firms must not reject relevant regular premium PPI complaints without considering whether recurring non-disclosure is an issue. Separately, FCA has amended Chapter 13 of IPRU(INV) to require personal investment firms to have PII cover […]
FCA writes to Treasury Committee on Register
Andrew Bailey has written to Nicky Morgan setting out FCA’s plans for improving accessibility and usability of the Financial Services Register, and updating on its recent consultation on the register of individuals.
Leveson and Osofksy give evidence in Bribery Act enquiry
Sir Brian Leveson and Lisa Osofsky (among others) were listed to give evidence to the Bribery Act Committee. They were expected to be asked questions such as: whether a company that self-reports at an early stage should be offered a DPA as a matter of course; the truth in a belief that some of the […]
ESMA updates MAR FAQs
ESMA has updated its FAQs on the Market Abuse Regulation, adding new questions on trading restrictions for persons discharging managerial responsibilities.
FSB publishes Cyber Lexicon
The Financial Stability Board has published a “cyber lexicon“, comprising a set of around 50 core terms related to cyber security and cyber resilience in the financial sector.
ESMA briefs on suitability
ESMA has updated its supervisory briefing for regulators on the suitability requirements under MiFID 2. The briefing covers: when a suitability assessment is needed; information to clients on the assessment; getting information from clients; arrangements necessary to understand products; arrangements necessary to understand the suitability of an investment; suitability report; staff qualifications; and record keeping.
FCA publishes financial crime data
FCA has completed its first financial crime survey. It intends to carry out the survey annually, using the Financial Crime Return. Over 2,000 firms were required to file the return, and FCA looked to establish: the number of customers that pose a higher risk of financial crime: Firms identified 120,000 PEPs and 11,000 non-EEA correspondent […]
Commons launches sanctions policy inquiry
The Foreign Affairs Committee in the Commons has launched an inquiry on the future of UK sanctions policy. Given SAMLA’s Royal Assent, the Committee is to look at different options for the UK’s sanctions policy post-Brexit. It is calling for written submissions on several elements of sanctions regimes, including views on the advantages and disadvantages […]
ESAs consult on PRIIPs KID changes
The ESAs are consulting on proposed amendments to the PRIIPs KID. The consultation follows the ESAs’ letter to the Commission on developing guidance on information on investment funds. It also noted the need to make targeted amendments to the PRIIPs delegated Regulation to apply the PRIIPs KID requirements appropriately to UCITS and relevant non-UCITS funds, […]
SFO warns firms on dangers of hiding
Hannah von Dedelszen has spoken on how companies that choose to self-report can engage with SFO. She stressed that being open, honest and transparent is the key. she noted some firms operate “smoke and mirrors”, involving admitting some things but hiding more major issues. She said any firm reporting must do so properly. Going forward, […]
Treasury Committee starts access inquiry
The Treasury Committee in the Commons has launched a new inquiry into consumers’ access to financial services, with a focus on vulnerable customers. Nicky Morgan said the committee will look at FCA’s definition of vulnerability and how practical it is, as well as how financial institutions try to address the problems of financial exclusion and whether vulnerable […]
Regulators hold 2018 resilience exercise
BoE, Treasury and FCA have hosted what has now become a regular one day exercise to test the financial sector’s resilience to a major cyber incident impacting the UK.
Law Society responds on SARs proposals
The Law Society has responded to the Law Commission’s consultation on reform of the SARs regime. It says the proposals, in the main, do no more than “tinker around the edges” of the issues. It says some of the more radical proposals, such as adopting a serious crimes approach instead of an all crimes approach, […]
Ombudsman News focuses on retirement
The latest edition of Ombudsman News looks at complaints and trends around pensions. Complaints about pensions make up a very small proportion of all complaints, but as a pension is so important to consumers, FOS has focussed on assessing what it sees as the key rights, and included case studies on complaints involving defined benefit to […]
PRA fines individuals for failing to disclose information
PRA has fined 2 individuals connected with the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi following its action in 2017 against the bank and MUFJ Securities EMEA. It has fined Akira Kamiya, former Chair of Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International plc £22,700, and fined Takami Onodera, a former NED of the firm, £14,945. The actions occurred before the SMR took […]
EBA publishes stress test results
EBA has published the results of its 2018 EU-wide stress tests. This year’s test involved 48 banks from 15 countries and generally shows increased resilience and capacity to withstand the shocks the exercise tested. The exercise did not have a defined pass/fail threshold but rather sought to give supervisors a tool to assess banks’ ability […]
CMA unhappy with ComparetheMarket home insurance deals
The CMA has made a provisional finding that ComparetheMarket includes clauses in many of its contracts with home insurers that breach competition law and could lead to higher premiums for consumers. It says the clauses stop insurers quoting lower prices elsewhere and therefore prevent rival comparison sites and other channels from offering cheaper prices than […]
CMA proposes definitions in investment consultancy study
CMA has published a consultation paper as part of its review of the investment consultancy and fiduciary management services study. The paper contains draft definitions. The proposals define: “investment consultancy service” and “fiduciary management service” The paper also notes that other terms, such as “pension scheme trustees” and “interconnected body corporate” will need separate definition. […]
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest Policy Development Update lists a number of publications due before the end of the year: policy statement on regulating CMCs policy statement on RTS and guidelines under PSD2 rates proposals for covering the costs of OPBAS review of permitted links for insurers in relation to Patient Capital and a discussion paper on Patient […]
HMRC updates AML penalty guidance
HMRC has updated its guidance on how it takes civil measures for breaches of AML requirements. The guidance not only sets out HMRC’s approach, which is to promote compliance and prevent non-compliance, but then to respond to any non-compliance in a way that will encourage sustained future compliance but also explains how it will use […]
PRA updates approach documents
PRA has updated its “approach” documents in relation to banking and insurance supervision. Key changes to the previous versions include: an update on the changes to supervisory approach following implementation of the SMR and SIMR (and, in the case of insurers, looking forward to the SIMR changing to the SMCR at the end of the […]
UK Finance comments on sanctions regime
UK Finance has submitted a note to the Economic Crime enquiry on how to improve the effectiveness of the sanctions regime. It says its members regard SAMLA as a necessary piece of legislation which is largely as expected. It recognises that operating outside the EU framework might lead to greater flexibility, and makes some suggestions […]
FCA makes new rules on safeguarded to flexible benefits transfers
FCA’s latest Handbook Notice heralds just one set of rule changes. The changes are to COBS, PERG and examination standards in respect of pension advisers providing suitable advice to consumers about whether to transfer from safeguarded benefits to flexible benefits.
FCA updates on complaints data
FCA has published its H1 2018 complaints data, which show that firms received more than 4 million complaints in the period. This was a 10% increase from the previous period. Nearly all the complaints were made to 235 of the more than 3,000 firms which recorded complaints. PPI accounted for 42% of complaints, and then […]
FCA writes to CEOs on SIPP due diligence
FCA has written a “Dear CEO” letter on the duties of SIPP operators in respect of due diligence. The letter refers to the judgement in the Berkeley Burke case and several other pending civil claims, and asks firms to consider the potential implications of these cases for them and their customers. The Berkeley Burke case, […]
Cryptoassets task force publishes report
The Cryptoassets task force, led by Treasury, has published its report on the UK’s policy and regulatory approach to cryptoassets. The report looks at the policy and regulatory implications of DLT and cryptoassets and comments on the considerable risks as well as the potential benefits. Now the Task force will consult on a number of initiatives, specifically: […]
FATF publishes risk-based guidance for the life insurance and securities sectors
FATF has published Guidance to a risk-based approach (RBA) to AML and CFT in the life insurance and securities sectors. The Guidance: outlines the key elements involved in applying a RBA to AML/ CFT associated with life insurance sets out the types of securities providers that may be involved in a securities transaction and their […]
Treasury updates AML advisory
Treasury has updated its periodic AML advisory notice to reflect the conclusions from the FATF plenary meeting. The notice reiterates the expectation that firms will: apply EDD and countermeasures in respect of North Korea apply EDD in respect of Iran and take appropriate measures to minimise risks in respect of the Bahamas, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, […]
IFF surveys firms’ approach to Machine Learning in the Anti-Money Laundering space
The Institute of International Finance has published a short form summary report following a survey it conducted of 59 regulated firms. In particular, the study found that the use of machine learning techniques is spreading across the industry, and is being used to gain greater and faster insights to be reviewed by dedicated AML analysts, […]
FATF holds plenary
At FATF’s latest plenary meeting, in Paris, the US presidency discussed: streamlining FATF; strategic initiatives, such as further statements on monitoring of terrorist funds, amendments to FATF Recommendations to address regulation of virtual assets and future work on proliferation financing; peer reviews and review of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies. The UK report is expected to […]
Court rules on inspection of SARs
The High Court has delivered a judgment in David Lonsdale v National Westminster Bank PLC. The bank had made several SARs in relation to Mr Lonsdale and companies he was involved with and, as a result, had frozen all relevant accounts. After Mr Lonsdale applied to the court, the bank lifted the freeze. The next […]
FCA calls for more sandbox applications
FCA is calling for the next round of applications for the regulatory sandbox. The deadline for applications to join cohort 5 is 30 October 2018.
PIFMA concerned about FOS limit increase
PIFMA is concerned that the proposed extension of the upper limits of compensation FOS can order firms to pay out, from £150, 000 to £350,000 could put some small firms out of the market as they will be unable to get affordable PII cover. From 1 April, 2019, FCA is proposing to increase the limits […]
BoE publishes FPC minutes and confirms Brexit analysis
The FPC met on 3 October. At the meeting, it continued to assess the risks Brexit presents to the UK financial services sector, noting there had been considerable progress in the UK to address the risks, but not much in the rest of the EU, such that companies no longer have time to mitigate all […]
Treasury starts chemical weapons sanctions regime
Treasury has enabled a regime to implement the EU Regulation on financial sanctions against persons, entities and bodies involved in proliferation and use of chemical weapons. There are not any designated persons on the list as yet.
EU adopts measures on criminal sanctions for money laundering
The EU has adopted a Directive on criminal sanctions for money laundering. The Directive: sets minimum requirements for Member States’ laws on defining criminal offences and sanctions in relation to money laundering; imposes a maximum 4 years’ imprisonment with the possibility for additional civil and administrative sanctions; introduces the possibility of holding legal entities liable […]
Treasury updates Brexit SIs
Treasury has published some new draft statutory instruments to be made under the EU (Withdrawal) Act, or announced plans to make them, and also updated existing drafts. New or updated documents include Regulations on : plans for the Solvency II and Insurance measures Bank Recovery and Resolution Credit Rating Agencies (FCA has also published an […]
Treasury plans transitional regulatory tool
Treasury has set out its plans for a temporary transitional tool for the UK regulators to use that will enable them to phase in the requirements for UK firms that will change under the raft of onshoring legislation consequent on Brexit. The EU Withdrawal Act provides the enabling powers for Treasury to make the various […]
FATF publishes scoresheet
FATF has published its updated consolidated assessment ratings, based on reviews of its members AML/CFT measures after the 4th round of reviews. All countries are graded on methodology and technical compliance. The UK does not yet feature in the table as the 4th round report for it has not yet been published.
OFSI publishes annual review
OFSI has published its annual review covering the period from April 2017-March 2018. The review covers: that 29 regimes were implemented during the year, with the most active list by far being North Korea (with 96 additions, and other regimes accounting for less than 30, but the lists with the largest number of sanctioned targets […]
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest policy development update promises various publications before the end of this year, including: policy statement on the approach to the final RTS and EBA guidelines under PSD 2, in December; policy proposals on regulatory fees and levies for 2019/20, in November; and review of permitted links rules for insurers in relation to Patient […]
AFME publishes guidance on COBS
AFME has published guidance on financial analysts’ interaction with representatives of private companies and their financial advisers under the revised rules in COBS 12.2.21 which took effect in July. The change stemmed from the MiFID Org Reg, which states that financial analysts should not engage in activities other than the preparation of investment research where […]
First UWO stands up in court
The respondent to the first Unexplained Wealth Order granted under the Criminal Finances Act 2017 failed in an appeal against it. NCA had obtained the order in February, and it was appealed in July. The respondent is the wife of a banker from a non-EEA country. £22m of UK property has been frozen, and the respondent […]
ESMA speaks on MiFID 2 and Brexit
Steven Maijoor has spoken on the state of implementation of MiFID 2 and preparing for Brexit. He focussed on the impact of MiFID 2 on non-EU trading venues – in particular looking at the impact of the trading obligation and on secondary markets and transparency. He looked also at the role and increase in market […]
FCA publishes financial crime e-money review
FCA has published its Thematic Review into money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the E-money sector. Its review covered 13 firms and focused on e-money products including prepaid cards and digital wallets, but not money remittance services or any services that fall outside FCA’s regulatory remit (such as exempt cards). FCA found the firms […]
Skilled person not for judicial review
The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgement in R (Holmcroft Properties Ltd) v KPMG LLP. The case had raised the issue of whether KPMG, as a “skilled person” appointed to carry out an independent review of Barclays in the context of the IRHP redress scheme, could be judicially reviewed. The High Court had […]
ESMA updates FAQs
ESMA has updated its FAQs on: commodity derivatives. Changes address the ancillary activity test, and position limits and reporting; and MAR. Changes clarify delayed disclosure of inside information. It has also published a number of documents tracking compliance of Member States with MAR, including on the delay in disclosure of inside information and on […]
ESMA publishes 2019 work programme
ESMA has published its 2019 work programme. As ever, its top priority is supervisory convergence. It will be working particularly on prospectuses, investment funds and MiFID 2 as well as cross-cutting supervisory themes. Of course, all activities will consider Brexit. It also plans to work on improvement of data quality and risk monitoring and further […]
FCA speaks on crises
Charles Randell, speaking at AFME’s conference, highlighted the damage that a cycle of deregulation, crisis and regulation can do. He discussed in particular the risks of deregulation, or the choice not to apply regulation to something innovative, thus encouraging business into that area – which often then leads to a scandal and then the introduction […]
ESMA writes to Commission on third-country regimes
ESMA has written to the European Commission on various issues which are relevant in the context of Brexit but also to third-countries generally. There has already been discussion on the MiFID 2/MiFIR requirements on trading venues, and this letter now addresses: how MiFIR treats third country firms providing services and activities to ECPs and per […]
PRA consults on notification form changes
PRA is consulting on changes to various forms relating to: passporting change in control ISPVs and Notifications It asks for comments by 1 November.
FCA speaks on intervention testing
Christopher Woolard has spoken on how FCA recognises the value of testing interventions so that regulation works most effectively. He highlighted how what may seem well intentioned and well designed interventions may in fact fail and how FCA has made significant use of behavioural economics to assess what works best. He gave an example of […]
FCA fines Tesco Bank for failing to prevent cyber attack
FCA has fined Tesco Personal Finance plc £16,400,000. It found the bank failed to exercise due skill, care and diligence in protecting its PCA holders against a cyber attack that took place in November 2016. As a result, it breached Principle 2 by failing to act with due skill, care and diligence. When the cyber […]
FCA makes new rules
FCA has made three new rules instruments at its September board meetings: the Individual Accountability (Dual-Regulated Firms) Instrument 2018: this instrument makes significant changes to SYSC as well as to COCON, COND, APER FIT and SUP, and several other changes to many other handbook modules and guides. The changes mainly take effect on 10 December […]
ESMA confirms and updates product intervention on CFDs
ESMA has confirmed the further extension of the restriction on marketing, distributing and selling CFDs to retail clients, for another three months. Alongside the extension it has updated its FAQs, particularly to clarify how the measures apply to rolling spot forex.
MEPs back proportional rules for investment firms
MEPs from ECON have backed the Commission’s proposal for a proportionate regime for smaller, non-systemic investment firms. The proposals suggest that firms’ whose total average monthly assets over a 12 month period exceed €30 bn should be subject to the current capital requirements for banks, but that smaller firms can either be regulated at that […]
Latest Market Watch focuses on transaction reporting
FCA’s latest Market Watch focuses on market conduct and transaction reporting issues. It follows up on previous editions, which looked at FCA’s conclusions from a series of supervisory visits on suspicious transaction reporting. FCA had been concerned about over-reliance on “out of the box” alert calibration and that surveillance was not very developed for some asset […]
EP publishes draft fund marketing report
The EP has published draft reports on the Commission’s proposals relating to fund marketing. The key concern of the rapporteur, Wolf Klinz, is that while it is a good idea to make pre-marketing to professional investors easier, reverse solicitation should be prevented. As a result, he says that, within 18 months of a pre-marketing, investors […]
LSB publishes report on Access to Banking Standard
LSB has published its first summary report on how banks have applied the Access to Banking Standard. Generally it found banks have used a positive approach, but suggests some improvements, such as improvement in training for staff in branches closest to a branch which is to be closed.
Commons calls for crypto-asset regulation
The Treasury Committee has published a report, in which it describes its unanimous support for regulation for the “Wild West” crypto-currency market. The report outlines all the problems and dangers the market presents and calls for proportionate regulation, which could improve customer outcomes, reduce some of the risks and see the UK become well placed […]
FCA announces life insurance investigation outcome
FCA has confirmed it has closed its remaining investigations into life insurers, following its thematic review into the fair treatment of longstanding customers in the life insurance sector. FCA has already closed investigations into some of the firms within its study and has now concluded no further action is needed in respect of the last […]
FCA bans former Deutsche trader
FCA has confirmed its ban on Christian Bittar, formerly interest rate derivative trader at Deutsche Bank. It found Mr Bittar requested EURIBOR submitters to make high or low submissions, both internally and externally, so that he could benefit his own and sometimes other traders’ profitability. Mr Bittar was convicted and imprisoned for his actions, otherwise […]
Carney and Cunliffe to continue in post
Treasury and the BoE have announced that Mark Carney is to carry on in his role as Governor of the Bank until 31 January 2020, an extension of 7 months to his originally agreed term, while Sir Jon Cunliffe, deputy-governor with responsibility for financial stability, has also been reappointed.
Treasury makes SMCR extension Regulations
Treasury has made the Regulations extending the SMCR to insurers. The Regulations bring into force certain provisions of the Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 from 13 September to enable the making of the measures necessary to apply the SMCR to insurers from 10 December 2018. There are also transitional provisions delaying the […]
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest Policy Development Update promises a number of papers before the end of the year. policy statement on fees for CMCs proposals for regulatory fees and levies for 2019/20 and on recovering the costs of OBPAS for 2018/19 and review of permitted links rules for insurers in relation to investment in Patient Capital
FCA publishes quarterly consultation
FCA’s latest quarterly consultation focuses on SUP. FCA proposes changes that will update the Gabriel validation rule and FCA guidance on the capital adequacy form for APIs, and update its supervisory principles in line with its Approach document. Consultation closes on 7 November and 7 October respectively.
FCA creates new adviser re-evaluation test
FCA and the Chartered Insurance Institute have worked together to create a re-assessment test of the level 4 diploma in financial planning. The new “Regulated Retail Investment Adviser Re-Evaluation” will be available from October. FCA encourages firms to use the test and may ask them to use it as part of its supervisory activities if […]
FCA appoints new competition director
FCA has appointed Sheldon Mills, currently senior director of mergers and state aid at the CMA, as its new director of competition. He will take up the role in November.
ESAs report on financial advice automation
The joint committee of ESAs has published the results of its monitoring exercise on automation in financial advice. The ESAs found that automation is growing but that there are still only a limited number of firms and customers involved. Moreover, the risks many had identified with the practice have not materialised, not least because most […]
New SFO chief speaks on plans
Lisa Osofsky has given her first speech since taking over as SFO Director. She spoke of her past, as a federal prosecutor and then working in financial institutions. Her speech focused on how SFO has now successfully used DPAs and how she plans to use many more. She noted that SFO will look at whether the company has […]
OFSI reminds on frozen asset reporting
OFSI has reminded all firms that hold or control funds or economic resources belonging to, owned, held or controlled by a designated person to provide a report to OFSI by 12 October. The report should cover both the UK and overseas where they are subject to UK financial sanctions legislation and should report the value […]