Author Archives: Roseyna Jahangir
John Neal takes up Lloyd’s CEO role
John Neal, most recently Group CEO of QBE Insurance Group, is to be the new Lloyd’s CEO.
PRA consults on climate change supervisory statement
PRA is consulting on a draft supervisory statement setting out how it expects banks and insurers to manage the financial risks from climate change. The statement sets out how effective governance, risk management, scenario analysis and disclosures can be used to address the risks and is intended to build on previous statements and embed appropriate […]
PRA updates Solvency II supervisory expectations
PRA has published updated Supervisory Statements on: regulatory reporting, internal model outputs, and on ORSA and the ultimate time horizon for non-life firms. The new policies take effect for all financial year-ends on or after 31 December 2018; internal models – modelling of the volatility adjustment and am amended SS on internal models – assessment, […]
FCA consults on Statements of Responsibilities and Responsibilities Map guidance
The FCA has published a consultation on proposed guidance to help solo-regulated firms draft their Statements of Responsibilities (SoR) and (for enhanced firms) Responsibilities Maps, in preparation for the SMCR extension in December 2019. Although targeted at solo-regulated firms, the FCA notes that the guidance may also be useful for dual-regulated firms preparing or updating […]
FCA consultation on rules for open-ended funds holding illiquid assets
The FCA is consulting on the introduction of rules to address issues that could arise where open-ended funds with illiquid asset holdings encounter stressed conditions. Following the outcome of the Brexit referendum in June 2016, a number of such funds had to cease trading for a period of time, following a rush by investors to […]
Industry body calls for review of PRIIPs Regulation
Following the FCA’s Call for Input into the implementation of the PRIIPs Regulation, the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA) has commented that it agrees with concerns about the practical operation and the detailed KID requirements of the regime. In particular, PIMFA has noted that there is a suggestion that UCITS and other […]
ESMA updates MiFID 2 and MiFIR FAQs
ESMA has updated its FAQs on MiFID 2 and MiFIR on market structures and transparency. New questions look at: how derivatives are classified for transparency purposes amending an existing question on the default liquidity status of bonds the scope of the MiFIR pre-trade transparency waiver market making activities and incentives in stressed trading consitions bulk […]
CMA calls for evidence in response to ‘loyalty penalty’ super-complaint
Following a super-complaint by the Citizens Advice bureau, the CMA has announced that it is seeking views on concerns about long term customers paying more for goods and services. The CMA has identified four key issues to which it invites responses by 14 October 2018: the existence, impact and root causes of a ‘loyalty penalty’ […]
ESMA updates MiFID and MiFID II materials
ESMA has published an update to its Q&As on MiFID II and MiFIR, answering questions relating to investor protection and intermediaries. The answers address: best execution: reporting for firms using a venue’s RFQ system to agree a trade; and investment advice on an independent basis: use of a ‘look-through’ approach. EMSA has also formally withdrawn […]
PSR welcomes draft APP reimbursement code
The APP Scams Steering Group, set up by the PSR, is consulting on a draft industry code to reimburse victims of APP scams. The code sets standards for industry to meet to help get appropriate treatment for customers. The code proposes, among other things, that where a consumer has met their requisite level of care […]
PRA reviews risks of climate change to banks
The PRA has published a report examining the impact of climate change on banks in terms of financial risk implications. The report notes that 70% of banks recognise that climate change poses financial risks to their business model, for example, and immediately, exposures to mortgaged homes at risk of flooding or by investments in countries […]
FCA consults on PSD2 SCA-RTS approach
As part of its implementation of PSD2, the FCA has published a consultation on matters relating to the Regulatory Technical Standards for strong customer authentication and common and secure open standards of communication (SCA-RTS) (CP18/25). Most of the SCA-RTS provisions come into effect from 14 September 2019, and certain provisions relate to measures that regulators […]
Second consultation on extending SM&CR to insurers
The PRA has published the second part of its consultation on the extension of SM&CR to insurers. These proposed amendment to its rules consist of ‘technical consequential changes’ and ‘minor administrative amendments’ arising from this extension, for example refining the scope of those individuals for whom insurers may consider seeking approval for a PRA senior […]
FCA publishes direction on recognised overseas investment exchanges
The Treasury is not planning to include EEA market operators in the proposed arrangements enabling incoming firms and businesses to continue to operate immediately after Brexit. Accordingly if EEA market operators are no longer able to rely on MiFID II passporting rights (eg because a transitional deal is not agreed), they may need to have […]
ASA rules on RAPR prominence in TV ad
The ASA has published a ruling which upheld a complaint that the representative APR (RAPR) in an advertisement for Sunny Loans was insufficiently prominent. The advert’s ‘incentives’ that triggered then requirement for the RAPR were the lines ‘At Sunny they don’t charge fees at all’, and ‘Loans with no fees from £100’, delivered in voiceover and […]
Treasury updates Brexit draft laws
Treasury has published further drafts of Brexit-related statutory instruments: the EEA Passport Rights (Amendment, etc, and Transitional Provisions)(EU Exit) Regulations 2018 address the necessary amendments to legislation to repeal passport rights under single market directives consequent on Brexit and legislates for the temporary permissions regime for those who will lose any passports; the draft Payments […]
PRA Regulatory Update – August 2018
The August edition of the PRA’s Regulatory Digest includes: news about a New Insurer Start-up Unit. This is a joint initiative with the FCA. The dedicated page on the Bank of England’s website includes a guide to becoming an insurer in the UK, and also a call for feedback on perceived barriers to entry in […]
FinTech agreement between Dubai and Singapore develops international regulatory co-operation
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Singapore Monetary Authority (MAS) have announced that they have entered into an agreement to promote the regulation of innovative businesses. The agreement allows referrals of FinTech firms between the two authorities, provides a framework for sharing information on innovation, and also records a commitment to collaborate on […]
HM Government publishes Brexit Financial Services framework
The UK Government has published a presentation (dated 25 July) that sets out a proposed ‘Framework for the UK-EU partnership’, as part of the preparations by the UK Brexit negotiating team. This document sets out a proposed model, that would be based on the principle of autonomy, including autonomous judgement over market access, legislation and […]
Law Commission confirms status of electronic signatures
In December 2017 the Law Commission confirmed that one of the projects it would be working on was addressing the absence of explicit case law and legislation that has given rise to uncertainty as to the validity of electronic signatures in some cases. Consequently, the Law Commission has now published early conclusions from its review […]
FSB launches peer review of LEIs
The Financial Stability Board has published the Summary Terms of Reference of a thematic peer review of the implementation of the Legal Entity Identifier. The thematic review seeks feedback from a range of stakeholders on issues such as: awareness and adoption of the LEI in various jurisdictions; types of private sector uses of the LEI; […]
FCA personal and business current account comparison rules come into force
New FCA rules requiring banks to publish information about personal and business current accounts came into force on 15 August 2018. The new rules cover standing data relating to account opening and service availability and major incident metrics. Further rules will require firms to publish information about account opening and debit card replacement from 15 […]
All-Party Parliamentary Group calls for full statutory inquiry into business banking sector
The Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Business Banking has written to Andrew Bailey of the FCA in the wake of the FCA’s announcement that it was unable to take further action in relation to its investigation of RBS’ treatment of business customers. The letter calls for further information and action on a […]
UK Finance publishes guidance on Funds Transfer Regulation
The industry body UK Finance has developed a voluntary ‘How to’ guide on compliance with the requirements of the Funds Transfer Regulation (also referred to as the Wire Transfer Regulation). The guide aims to assist with an industry-wide harmonised approach to compliance, thereby increasing the efficiency of payment processing. The guidance’s stated aim is to […]
FCA publishes interim report on CCA review
The FCA is progressing with its statutory obligation to review the CCA, by publishing an interim report on its review. The interim report sets out the FCA’s initial views on whether the repeal of CCA provisions would adversely affect consumers. Comments are requested by 2 November 2018; the final report must be delivered by 1 April 2019. […]
Consultation on use of digital technology in insurance
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors has published a draft issues paper on the increasing use of digital technology in insurance and its potential impact on consumer outcomes. The focus of the paper is on product design, underwriting and distribution. The paper notes the potential for advances in digitalisation to impact fair customer outcomes, including […]
FCA publishes evaluation of GAP insurance intervention
Following its intervention in the add-on GAP insurance market in September 2015, the FCA has published an evaluation of the effect of its measures. The measures introduced by the FCA were designed to address the harms identified in its Market Study of July 2014. Their findings then were that the sale of GAP insurance as […]
Extension of SM&CR to insurers: PRA consults on implementation
The PRA is consulting on proposed changes to its Rulebook, to provide for: a technical correction to the Solvency II firms: Insurance General Application Part; and consequential changes and minor administrative amendments relating to the extension of the SM&CR to insurers. The proposed amendments include the application of an ‘overlap’ rule for individuals with ‘FCA […]
FCA updated guidance for firms outsourcing IT
The FCA has updated FG 16/5, ‘Guidance for firms outsourcing to the ‘cloud’ and other third party IT services’. This update takes account of the publication of the European Banking Authority’s recommendations, and changes to relevant legislation.
FCA publishes research note on credit card users’ debt
The FCA has published a note that summarises research conducted as part of the FCA Credit Card Market Study into helping credit card users who are only making the minimum payments increase the rate at which they repay their debt. In particular, the research describes the effectiveness (or otherwise) of a series of experiments designed […]
FCA publishes intervention approach documents
On a new page on its website, ‘Measuring our impact before we intervene‘, the FCA has published a group of documents that aim to provide an indication of how the FCA assesses the likely impact of its policies. These documents consist of: a paper setting out the FCA’s approach to conducting cost benefit analyses for […]
Treasury Committee asks PRA to work with insurance industry in relation to areas covered by Solvency II
In a letter to the Chief Executive of the PRA regarding Solvency II, the House of Commons Treasury Committee has asked the PRA to consider challenges raised by industry in a number of areas, including to the current risk model change process and reporting requirements. Furthermore, in the light of Brexit and while acknowledging it […]
FCA publishes final rules for EU Money Market Funds Regulation
From 21 July 2018, the EU’s Money Market Funds (MMF) Regulation will require new MMFs to be authorised by national competent authorities. Existing funds that are already branded as, or substantially similar to (for the purposes of the Regulation), MMFs will have until 21 January 2019 to apply for authorisation. Accordingly, in Policy Statement PS18/17, […]
FCA and PSR Chair discusses potential future algocracy
Charles Randell, the recently appointed Chair of the FCA and the PSR, has delivered a speech, in which he discussed the increasing dominance of algorithms in our day to day lives, and noted some of the consequent issues that will need to be grappled with, as the rise of Big Data, AI and machine learning […]
PRA updates on large exposures
PRA has published a policy statement together with updated supervisory statements on changes to its large exposures framework. PRA received 5 responses to its consultation paper, which supported the additional guidance. Most also supported the proposals relating to the non-core large exposures group limit and the exemption of certain exposures at UK consolidated level, although […]
Customer authentication under PSD2
We recently wrote an article for Compliance Monitor on strong customer authentication under PSD2 and EBA Guidelines.
EIOPA opens InsurTech Insight survey
EIOPA is inviting the insurance industry as well as those not directly active in the insurance value chain to provide views on InsurTech, which they define as ‘technology-enabled innovation in insurance that could result in new business models, applications, processes or products with an associated material effect on the provision of insurance products and services’. The […]
FCA publishes update on Strategic Review of Retail Banking Business Models
The FCA has published a progress report on its ongoing Strategic Review of Retail Banking Business Models. The purpose of the Review is to consider the sources of competitive advantage that may have helped the major banks retain their market share, and from that analysis consider the potential for change and the impact of that […]
HMT, Bank of England and FCA set out approach to onshoring financial services legislation
The Treasury, the Bank of England and the FCA have published information about how financial services legislation will be on-shored under the EU (Withdrawal) Act, in particular to ensure the (hopefully unlikely) ‘hard Brexit’ scenario is addressed, if the negotiated implementation period is not able to take effect from March 2019. The Treasury intends to lay […]
FCA concerned about travel insurance access
FCA has published feedback on its Call for Input on Access to Insurance. Its main concern is that people with pre-existing medical conditions find it hard to get travel insurance. Common themes were: lack of good information about options for consumers who had received a high quote or been refused cover; lack of consumer understanding […]
PSR reports on initiatives to protect public from APP scams
The Payment Systems Regulator has published a summary of measures it is currently working on with other bodies to protect customers from authorised push payment scams – where fraudsters trick people into sending them money. These ongoing or imminent measures include the enhancement of sanctions data quality confirmation of payee guidelines for identity, verification, authentication […]
Law Commission opens consultation on expanded definition of ‘insurable interest’
The Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission have published an updated bill that proposes an expansion to the concept of insurable interest for life-related insurance. By using the term ‘life-related insurance’, the bill intends to create a wider category of insurance than just traditional life insurance, thereby also covering other forms of insurance which […]
AG Opinion on ‘payment accounts’ for the purposes of PSD
In the ongoing case of Bundeskammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte v ING-DiBa Direktbank Austria Niederlassung der ING-DiBa AG (Case C-191/17), the European Court of Justice has been asked for the first time to interpret the term ‘payment account’ for the purposes of the Payment Services Directive (PSD). The Advocate General’s Opinion has now been handed down, […]
ESMA confirms end of LEI grace period
ESMA has issued a statement confirming that the six month grace period granted to those required by MiFIR to have a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI), will end on 2 July 2017. ESMA will now work with national competent authorities to develop a supervision action plan which focuses on compliance with LEI reporting requirements.
PRA publishes Policy Statement and Supervisory Statement on Algorithmic Trading
The PRA has issued PS12/18 and SS5/18, which sets out the PRA’s expectations of a firm’s risk management and governance of algorithmic trading. The SS applies to all algorithmic trading activities of a firm, including in respect of unregulated financial instruments such as spot foreign exchange. It should be read in conjunction with other applicable requirements, including […]
EBA consults on PSD2 RTS Guidelines for ASPSPs
The EBA has published a consultation on draft Guidelines supplementing the Regulatory Technical Standards on strong customer authentication published in the OJ in March 2018, and applicable from September 2019. Article 33(6) of the RTS set out the conditions that must be met when an Account Servicing Payment Service Provider (ASPSP) wishes to provide access […]
FCA’s high-cost credit review published
The FCA has concluded its review into high-cost credit, and based on issues it found has published two consultations: CP18/12 on rent-to-own, home-collected credit, catalogue credit and store cards, and alternatives to high-cost credit, and CP18/13 on arranged and unarranged overdrafts. In the rent-to-own category, which covers hire-purchase and condition sale agreements, it found that […]
FOS Annual Review published
The FOS has published its Annual Review for 2017/2018. Many of the complaints statistics highlight products that are the subject of ongoing regulatory scrutiny and activity: the FOS notes significant increases in complaints in home credit, hiring, leasing and renting, and payday loans: putting to one side PPI, one in four new complaints related to […]
FCA publishes Final Guidance relating to Part VII insurance business transfers
The FCA has published FG18/4: The FCA’s approach to the review of Part VII insurance business transfers, which sets out the FCA’s key considerations and general expectations when reviewing a Part VII transfer application. The areas covered by the guidance include: factors and information requirements firms should consider before contacting the FCA documents that firms […]
FCA develops its focus on improving culture in financial services
The FCA has published an event summary describing output from a conference it held in March on Transforming Culture. Following the conference, and the publication of its Discussion Paper on Transforming Culture in Financial Services, the FCA has identified four key thematic lines of enquiry around which to focus ongoing engagement with the financial services […]
FCA publishes Handbook updates including IDD instrument
The FCA has published Handbook Notice No. 55, setting out: the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (Funding Review) Instrument 2018, the Handbook Administration (Data Protection) Instrument 2018, the Insurance Distribution Directive Instrument 2018, and the Supervision Manual (Reporting No 8) Instrument 2018. The Data Protection Instrument sets out administrative changes arising from the implementation of GDPR, […]
FCA discusses mortgage enforcement and competition issues in Building Societies speech
The FCA’s Director of Supervision, Jonathan Davidson, has delivered a talk on Building Societies and the Future of Retail Banking at the Building Societies annual conference. In his speech, Jonathan raised the issue of whether the historically low repossession rates was actually a concerning indication: whether forbearance should be offered in cases where the borrower […]
PRA publishes policy statement on financial management for insurers
Following its consultation on effective financial management and planning for insurance firms and groups, the PRA has now published its final policy statement PS10/18, and Supervisory Statement SS4/18, ‘Financial management and planning by insurers’. The Supervisory Statement (which has been modified in the light of responses to the consultation) includes a framework for the: development […]
FinTech industry associations publish PSD2 voluntary guidelines
UK Finance, the Financial Data and Technology Association, the Electronic Money Association and techUK have jointly published voluntary guidelines. The guidelines are directed at account servicing payment service providers, account information and payment initiation services and technical service providers. The guidelines seek to increase customer protection in relation to ‘screen scraping’, including by promoting the […]
Bank of England announces consolidation of three UK Payment System Operators
The Bank of England has announced that the New Payment System Operator Limited (NPSO) has taken over responsibility for the Bacs and Faster Payment retail payment systems. This consolidation is the result of work by both the Bank of England and the Payment Systems Regulator. The objective is to develop the capability and capacity of […]
FCA publishes new FSCS funding rules
Following its consultation in 2017, the FCA has now published its final rules on reformed FSCS funding. These rules will take effect from April 2019. Additionally the FCA has opened a consultation on draft rules relating to Professional Indemnity Insurance requirements for Personal Investment Firms, CP 18/11. The proposed rules will require that policies do […]
PRA publishes model risk management principles for stress testing
PRA has published a policy and supervisory statement setting out its expectation of the model risk management practices firms should adopt when using stress test models. It expects firms to apply the principles proportionately, with the larger firms applying them in full. The principles require banks: to have an established definition of a model, and […]
EC VP speech highlights risks arising from Brexit
In a recent speech, Vice-President of the EC, Valdis Dombrovskis, warned of the consequences arising from the fact that the transition period agreed at a European level was part of the overall future withdrawal agreement. Therefore, if finalisation of the withdrawal agreement was compromised due to issues such as the Irish border and governance of […]
Andrew Bailey of the FCA discusses open financial markets
The FCA has published a speech by its Chief Executive, Andrew Bailey, in which he spoke about open markets through the prism of Brexit, including the prospects and reasons for a transition period and what the steady-state future could look like. Bailey highlighted the paramount need for financial stability and argued that this would be […]
Claims Management regulations published for consultation
As part of the proposed process of transferring the regulation of Claims Management Companies to the FCA, HM Treasury is consulting on draft regulations that will form part of a final statutory instrument creating a new framework of regulation for Claims Management Companies (CMCs). The draft regulations set out the proposed permissions that CMCs will […]
BEIS publishes Green Paper on modernising consumer markets
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is consulting on proposals which, among other issues, seek to to improve the consumer experience in regulated markets for utilities, telecommunications and financial services and to ensure consumers buying and selling online benefit from new technology and business models, and have appropriate protection for their personal data. […]
PRA publishes ‘Dear CEO’ letter on capital extractions by insurance firms in run-off
The PRA has published a ‘Dear CEO‘ letter which addresses capital extraction requests from insurance firms in run-off, and firms not supplying sufficient information to the PRA. It reminds firms of the need to closely consider Supervisory Statement 4/14 on capital extractions, and sets out illustrations of the types of information they expect to see […]
ESAs report on key risks for H2 2017
The Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities has published its report for the second half of 2017. This report highlights the following potential sources of instability: repricing of risk premia uncertainties regarding the terms of Britain’s exit from the EU; cyber attacks; and climate change. The report urges firms and supervisory authorities to seek […]
FCA and PRA publish business plans
The FCA and the PRA have both published their business plans for 2018/2019. The FCA’s business plan shines a spotlight on consumer protection, including in relation to pension products and high-cost credit, as an area of concern for the forthcoming year, as well as ongoing programmes such as Brexit, and firms’ culture and governance (including […]
CMA to continue insurance price comparison website investigation
The CMA has confirmed that it has decided to continue the investigation into a price comparison website’s (PCW) use of certain ‘most favoured nation’ clauses in its contracts with home insurance providers. In the context of PCWs, ‘most favoured nation’ clauses require the provider of a product that wishes to offer their product on the […]
HM Treasury launches first Fintech Sector Strategy paper
The Treasury has published its first Fintech Sector Strategy, setting out the government’s proposals to secure the UK’s place as a preferred location to start and grow a fintech business. The paper announces a number of measures, including: a Cryptoassets Task Force will be established by HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the FCA, […]
Council of the EU approves EU-US insurance agreement
Following the announcement in September last year that the EU and the USA signed a bilateral agreement on insurance and reinsurance prudential measures, the Council of the EU has now formally adopted a decision to conclude this agreement. This agreement can now provide legal certainty to EU and US insurers in the application of regulatory […]
Complaints Commissioner concerned about information sharing between FOS and FCA
In a recent report the Complaints Commissioner expressed concern about the absence of published information about how and in what circumstances information about live ombudsman cases may be shared between the FOS and the FCA. The complaint alleged that the FCA illegally influenced the FOS in its handling of complaints against a firm represented by […]
BoE outlines 2018 stress test
The BoE has published the scenario against which it will stress-test banks in 2018. As confirmed by the FPC, the basis of the test will be the same as the 2017 version, but the hurdles will evolve such that: banks will be held to higher standards the more systemically important they are; hurdle rates will […]
ABI writes to FCA on Brexit issues
The ABI has written to Andrew Bailey highlighting the issues its members are facing in meeting their duty to treat customers fairly, in the context of communications with customers over Brexit. The letter welcomes the December communications on authorisation of EEA branches of insurers, and says members will assume this will happen, even though it […]
FCA Discussion Paper on transforming culture in financial services
As part of its ongoing work on culture and governance, the FCA has published a discussion paper, comprising a series of essays from academics and industry thought leaders covering: what a ‘good’ culture might look like; the role of regulation and regulators; how firms might go beyond incentives; and how to change behaviour for the […]
European Commission publishes plans to accelerate delivery of Capital Markets Union
The Commission has published a new package of proposals that it wishes to see adopted by mid-2019. The proposals will ‘put in place all building blocks of the Capital Markets Union’, and comprise: legislative proposals on facilitating cross-border distribution of investment funds, to boost the cross-border market for investment funds; a legislative proposal on covered […]
EU Council confirms IDD delay
Following the publication of the provisional Directive text postponing the date of application of IDD to 1 October 2018, the Council has now confirmed that the directive has been adopted, and applies with retroactive effect from 23 February 2018.
FSB publishes final version of supplementary guidance on sound compensation practices
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published the final version of its Supplementary Guidance to the FSB Principles and Standards on Sound Compensation Practices. It consulted upon this guidance in June 2017, as part of its work on misconduct risk management. The Guidance is aimed at ‘significant’ firms and supervisors, and provides a framework to […]
FCA updates on consumer credit landscape
Andrew Bailey has spoken to the FLA on the current consumer credit landscape. He noted the constant fall in the real cost of debt which has supported the rise in household borrowing, and the growth in consumer credit particularly among the young. FCA has carried out several pieces of research to determine who is driving the growth […]
FCA consults on implementation of EU Benchmarks Regulation
FCA has published a consultation paper on Handbook changes necessary as a result of the EU Benchmarks Regulation and the UK Benchmarks Regulations 2018. Specifically, it plans changes to DEPP and EG FCA proposes to apply its existing policy and procedure to the exercise of its enforcement powers under the Benchmarks Regulation. FCA also proposes […]
EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum launched
The European Commission has announced the launch of an EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum. This aims to: highlight key developments in blockchain technology; promote European participants; and reinforce European engagement with key stakeholders. It is mandated to gather information, monitor and analyse trends, address challenges and explore blockchains’ socioeconomic potential, by facilitating cross border cooperation […]
EIOPA consults on adaptation of requirements for insurance intermediaries’ PII and financial capacity
The Insurance Distribution Directive sets out in Article 10 base amounts of PII and minimum financial cover required by insurance and reinsurance intermediaries. It also requires EIOPA to review the prescribed levels of cover by 31 December 2017 and every five years thereafter, in order to take account of changes in the European index of […]
EBA writes to Commission on authentication RTS
The EBA has written to the European Commission following the Commission’s adoption of the RTS on strong customer authentication under PSD2. The EBA welcomes the adoption, appreciates the note the Commission took of some of EBA’s concerns and says it appreciates the Commission’s decision not to take note of some others. However, it questions why […]
Commission finalises own funds adjustment RTS
The European Commission has finalised the RTS for procedures excluding transactions with NFCs established in third countries for the purposes of the own funds requirement for credit valuation adjustment risk. The RTS require institutions to verify the status of the counterparty at trade inception and thereafter annually, unless there is any reason to believe the […]
EIOPA translates official IBIPs Guidelines
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published official translations of guidelines under the IDD relating to insurance-based investment products (IBIPs) which incorporate a structure that makes it difficult for the customer to understand the risks involved. In so doing, the guidelines seek to minimise risks of consumer detriment arising from mis-sold IBIPs. […]
Payment Systems Regulator explains focus on UK’s ATM network
The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published a letter sent by it to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee regarding the UK’s ATM network. The letter sets out the PSR’s continued commitment to ensuring access to ‘free to use’ ATMs, and describes its ongoing program of work on the ATMs network. The letter also […]
Treasury publishes response to IDD consultation
In February 2017, the Treasury opened its consultation on the UK transposition of the IDD. The Treasury has now published the results of that consultation, and also the draft statutory instrument. The consultation response document indicates that the draft statutory instrument will be laid before Parliament ‘in due course’. It also notes that the proposal […]
FCA sends ‘Dear CEO’ letter following CFD market review
Following its review of the contracts for difference (CFD) market, the FCA has written to the CEOs of providers and distributors of CFDs to highlight specific concerns. The letter warns that there are areas of serious concern regarding the following areas: target market identification, and alignment to the characteristics of the product; communication, oversight and […]
FCA updates Enforcement Guide as PRIIPs Regulation comes into force
The FCA has published a legislative instrument that amends its Enforcement Guide to reflect the implementation of the Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation (PRIIPs Regulation). The changes to the Enforcement Guide outline the FCA’s approach to enforcement of the PRIIPs Regulation, and came into force on 4 January 2018.
Increase in limit on Building Societies’ maximum currency transaction size
Treasury has published the Building Societies (Restricted Transactions) (Amendment to the Limit on the Trade in Currencies) Order 2017. This Order increases the limit set out in section 9A of the Building Societies Act 1997 at which building societies can convert currency from £100,000 to £3 million, in order to better reflect the nature and […]
ESMA consults on draft Securitisation Regulation technical standards
The European Securities and Markets Authority has published three consultation papers on draft technical standards implementing the Securitisation Regulation that is expected to be published by the end of this year. The matters addressed by the draft technical standards include requirements for the content and format of underlying exposures and investor report templates, and operational […]
Digital comparison tools: government responds to CMA market study
Earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published the results of a market study into the use of digital comparison tools in a number of sectors, including car insurance, home insurance and credit cards. The findings of the market study included strong concern about the use of ‘most favoured nation’ clauses, which can […]
PRA publishes consultation papers on approach to supervision of third country firms after Brexit
The PRA has issued two consultation papers on its approach to branch authorisation and supervision, addressed to international banks and to international insurers. Both consultations close on 27 February 2018. The Bank of England has also published letters from Sam Woods, Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation regarding PRA regulated firms’ planning assumptions, and from Sir […]
ESMA and FCA issue statements on LEIs
In advance of the implementation date for MiFID II on 3 January 2018, ESMA has issued a public statement that provides a form of 6 month transitional period for certain trading venues and certain legal persons, to support the introduction of Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) requirements. This includes provision that trading venues whose non-EEA issuer […]
European Commission publishes proposals regarding capital requirements for investment firms
The European Commission is proposing an overhaul of the prudential requirements for investment firms by bringing in a two track system. The largest, more systemically important firms will be subject to the same rules and requirements as banks; the other firms will be relieved from these more onerous requirements. The changes will be introduced by […]
EC publishes proposal to delay IDD application date
The European Commission has today published a legislative proposal to push back the application date of IDD until 1 October 2018, at the request of the European Parliament and Member States. Member states will still be required to transpose IDD into national legislation by the current implementation date of 23 February 2018. The European Parliament […]
FCA publishes second IDD policy statement
As the implementation date for the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) approaches, the FCA has published the second of its three policy statements on the implementation of IDD, PS17/27. This policy statement contains near-final amendments to the FCA’s rules to enable firms to be able to prepare based on the substance of what the final versions […]
FCA publishes distributed ledger technology feedback statement
Following the publication of its discussion paper regarding the risks and opportunities, and characteristics of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in April 2017, the FCA’s feedback statement FS17/4 sets out responses received and the FCA’s next steps. The responses related to the following issues: operational risk, including outsourcing and network security; digital currency, including digital currency […]
Payment Services Regulator requires change to Direct Debit rules regarding switching Facilities Management providers
The Payment Services Regulator (PSR) has published its decision to require the operator of the Bacs payment system, of which the Direct Debit scheme is a part, to change its rules to help clients switch Facilities Management (FM) service providers. Direct Debit FM service providers enable organisations which aren’t specifically approved or sponsored as Bacs […]