Tag Archives: FCA
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 finalises pension transfer advice rules
FCA has published feedback and final rules and guidance following its consultation on improving the quality of pension transfer advice. Since the introduction of “pension freedoms” in 2015 members have had more options available to them in terms of accessing their defined contribution (DC) pension savings. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of […]
FCA and SFC sign MoU on UK-Hong Kong Mutual Recognition of Funds
The FCA and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Recognition of Funds, which will allow eligible Hong Kong public funds and UK retail funds to be distributed in each other’s market through a streamlined process. The MoU also establishes a framework for exchange of information, regular dialogue, and regulatory cooperation […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FCA consults on applying SM&CR to CMCs
The FCA has opened a consultation that sets out how it will apply the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) to Claims Management Companies (CMCs), following taking over regulation of them from 1 April 2019. The consultation also sets out when SM&CR may apply to CMCs, and what action they will need to take. The […]
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 […]
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 […]
Dear CEO letter to firms on preparations for transition from LIBOR
The FCA and PRA have published a joint ‘Dear CEO’ letter sent to major banks and insurers supervised in the UK regarding the preparations and actions they have taken to manage the transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to alternative risk-free rates (RFRs). The purpose of the letters is to seek assurance that firms’ senior […]
Ringleader sentenced in the FCA’s largest fraud prosecution
Michael Nascimento, the controlling mind of a £2.8m investment fraud was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment in the Southwark Crown Court. Between July 2010 and April 2014, members of the public were cold-called and subjected to high pressure sales tactics to persuade them to purchase shares in a company that owned land on the island of Madeira. […]
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.
FCA bans individual
FCA has confirmed its ban on Arif Hussein following a decision of the Upper Tribunal published in June. Mr Hussein was a derivatives trader with UBS, who engaged in internal chats with a UBS trader-submitter knowing that it would be improper to participate in conduct intended to influence UBS’ LIBOR submissions. FCA found that Mr […]
Regulators launch new campaign to tackle pension scams
The FCA and the Pensions Regulator have launched a joint advertising campaign to raise awareness of pension scams, following research they have conducted which shows that pension scam victims each lost an average of £91,000 in 2017. The campaign, ScamSmart, is aimed at individuals aged 45-65 who are the group most at risk of pension […]
FOS update on publication of complaints data
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published a statement, following its October 2016 Consultation Paper and December 2016 Feedback Statement on complaints data publication. The Feedback Statement included FOS’s commitment to work with stakeholders to explore a new measure of cases received per 100 FCA-reportable complaints, and to report some resolved PPI complaints by volume only […]
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 […]
FCA Dear CEO Letter on cross border arrangements
The FCA has published a Dear CEO letter on cross border booking arrangements. In its letter, the FCA acknowledges that, in order to deal with the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, firms have put in place contingency plans which when executed will impact current business models, legal entity strategies and booking arrangements. The FCA appreciates the […]
FCA announces GFIN creation
FCA has announced the creation of the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN), in collaboration with 11 other regulators and organisations. This builds on FCA’s plans for a global regulatory sandbox and will create a new framework for innovative firms interacting with regulators, and regulators sharing information. FCA has now published a consultation seeking views on […]
Tribunal backs decision to ban
The Upper Tribunal has upheld FCA’s decision to ban Alistair Burns, Director and CF1 of TailorMade Independent Limited, firm that advised on pension transfers and opt-outs, from any significant influence or senior management function because of his lack of competence and capability. It also directed FCA to fine Mr Burns £60,000 for failing to ensure the […]
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. […]
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 […]
FCA updates on high-risk products and retail investors
FCA has added its own views on selling high-risk speculative investments to retail clients. It fully supports ESMA’s measures and notes that ESMA has also recognised the risks of products similar to CFDs. However, it is concerned firms will try to get around the ESMA product intervention restrictions by selling to retail investors products that […]
FCA plans changes for loan-based crowdfunding
FCA is consulting on rule changes for loan-based crowdfunding platforms, following its post-implementation review. It has noted the market has developed, and models have become increasingly complex, since FCA’s last review of the sector. It has also noticed some poor practices developing. Now it wants to make changes to ensure: investors get clear and accurate […]
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 makes new rules
FCA’s latest Handbook Notice confirms several rule amendments, including: changes to DEPP and EG to explain the status of industry codes of conduct that FCA has formally recognised; changes to several parts of the Handbook including SYSC and COBS in respect of the IDD, to ensure professional firms regulated by FCA meet similar requirements to […]
FCA seeks views on PRIIPs experience
FCA has opened a Call for Input to get firms’ and consumers’ initial experiences of the PRIIPs requirements. It welcomes comments generally, but particularly in respect of: determining whether a product is within or out of scope; and the practical aspects of cost and risk disclosure requirements. The Call for Input usefully summarises the various […]
FCA bans individuals for misleading consumers
FCA has banned the 4 former directors of a now-dissolved credit broker, Secure My Money Limited. It found the firm misled customers into thinking they had been approved for short term loans and as a result took fees of over £7.2m from around 124,000 online customers. The failings happened over an 8 month period. Customers […]
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 […]
FCA responds on complaints
The Complaints Commissioner has published its annual report on complaints against FCA and FCA has responded. FCA notes that the Commissioner upheld FCA’s decision in 90% of the cases reviewed and generally feels FCA deals with the large majority of complaints fairly. It also takes on board the recommendations as to how it could have […]
FCA publishes annual enforcement report
FCA has published its annual report on enforcement actions. In 2017/18 it issued 269 final notices (of which only 21 were against individuals), secured 303 regulatory/civil outcomes (mainly involving refusal, variation or cancellation of permission or authorisation) and 14 criminal, and imposed 16 financial penalties which totalled nearly £70m. This contrasts to the £884m of fines 2 […]
FCA publishes Annual Report
FCA has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2017/18. The report includes details of: FCA’s work preparing for Brexit; key regulatory changes such as MiFID 2 and PSD 2; work on SMCR extension; thematic work on high cost credit and consumer debt; and the PPI customer information campaign. It also articulates what FCA has done […]
FCA publishes interim report on investment platforms
FCA has published the interim findings of its market study on competition in the investment platform market. It has concluded that competition is working well for most consumers, but has identified a few areas that need attention to help consumers. It found: barriers to switching are significant and therefore the pressure on platforms to continue […]
FCA proposes further consumer support and protection in the retirement income market
The FCA has launched a consultation on a package of measures designed to protect consumers, improve engagement and promote competition in the retirement income market. Alongside the consultation, the FCA has published the final report of its Retirement Outcomes Review, an investigation into how the pensions and retirement income sector has been working since the […]
FCA confirms that pension schemes will not need to start clearing OTC derivatives when EMIR exemption expires on 16 August 2018
On 3 July 2018, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published a statement on the clearing obligations for pension scheme arrangements under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). EMIR introduced a temporary exemption for certain pension schemes from the obligation to clear their OTC derivative contracts to allow time for a suitable technical solution […]
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 […]
FCA thinks about price discrimination
FCA has published a paper looking at how it should approach fairness in price discrimination in financial services. It notes that price discrimination is not in itself unfair as practices such as student discounts are widely accepted. But others are more controversial, such as where longstanding customers receive a worse deal than new ones. Views […]
PRA publishes policy statement on extension of the SM&CR to insurers
On 4 July 2018, the PRA published policy statement (PS)15/18 in response to Consultation Paper (CP) 14/17 ‘Strengthening individual accountability in insurance: extension of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime to insurers’ and CP 28/17 ‘Strengthening accountability: implementing the extension of the SM&CR to insurers and other amendments’. As well as feedback to responses to […]
FCA feeds back on SMCR extension
FCA has published a suite of papers feeding back on the SMCR extension, and has proposed the creation of a new directory of individuals working in financial services to enable their status and history to be checked. The directory would include all individuals who require FCA approval to hold SMFs and those who fall within […]
Themes from thematic reviews
We recently wrote an article for Compliance Monitor setting out themes from recent FCA thematic reviews.
FCA makes new rules
FCA has made new rules. The changes affect several parts of the Handbook, including: miscellaneous minor and clarificatory changes, including a change to the application chapter of SYSC to clarify that certain rules in SYSC 4.3A do not apply to an AIFM investment firm that is not a CRR firm; changes to make the Handbook consistent […]
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 consults on push payment fraud complaints
FCA is consulting on changes to complaints handling rules to help victims of authorised push payment fraud. Currently, victims cannot complain to the PSP that receives their payment when their own PSP is not at fault. FCA now proposes rule changes to require firms to handle this type of complaint, and also to allow eligible […]
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 […]
FCA writes Dear CEO letter on crypto and financial crime
FCA has written a “Dear CEO” letter on the financial crime risks of crypto-assets. The letter notes the scope for cryptoassets to be used for both criminal purposes and non-criminal purposes that nonetheless present the risk for abuse. The letter sets out what FCA regards as good practice for how banks handle these risks. The letter suggests: that […]
Treasury Committee engages with FCA over TSB IT migration
Nicky Morgan and Andrew Bailey have exchanged letters of the problems customers faced following TSB’s IT migration. The Treasury Committee had asked about the work FCA had done in advance of the planned migration, its assessment of the problems and its views on TSB’s evidence to the Committee and its communications with customers as well […]
FCA fines Canara Bank for AML failings
FCA has fined Canara Bank £896,100 for failings in its AML systems, and has restricted it from accepting deposits from new customers for 147 days. FCA found that, for a period of over 3 years, the banks failed to maintain adequate systems and did not take sufficient steps to remedy weaknesses that it had been […]
FCA consults on CMC regulation
FCA is consulting on draft rules for regulating claims management companies (CMCs) when it acquires regulatory responsibility for them on 1 April 2019. FCA is focussing on 3 key aspects: empowering customers to be confident they have chosen a value-for-money service that is appropriate for their needs; ensuring CMCs get redress for their customers in […]
FCA publishes quarterly consultation
FCA’s latest quarterly consultation proposes the usual minor miscellaneous changes to its Handbook, including; changes to the appointed representatives appointment firm: the changes are spurred on by IDD changes but generally require firms to make a statement that they have complied with their regulatory obligations as principal; the COBS rules for insurance distribution to ensure […]
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest Policy Development Update heralds a policy statement on fees and levies rates in July. Otherwise its timetable is quiet, with a policy statement on the MMF Regulation due at some point together with feedback on an increasing number of proposals from quarterly consultations going back 2 years.
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 […]
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 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 […]
FCA speaks on technology in combating crime
Megan Butler has spoken at the AML TechSprint event. She focused on how data and technology can help to detect and disrupt criminal activity and how financial institutions staff can help in the fight against financial crime. She spoke of the insights into criminal behaviour FCA has gained since it introduced the financial crime return. It […]
FCA consults on consumer contract variations
FCA is consulting on guidance for firms setting out what factors under the Consumer Rights Act they should take into account when they are drafting and reviewing variation terms. The draft guidance sets out a list of things FCA says firms should take into account, which would include: how valid the reason for variation is […]
FCA retires retail advice guidance
FCA has confirmed that it will “retire” with immediate effect FG12/15: RDR: independent and restricted advice, and FG14/1: Supervising retail investment advice: inducements and conflicts of interest. It consulted last December on the proposal to do so, as it considers their content has been largely superseded by rule changes, including those implementing MiFID 2.
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest Policy Development Update promises over the next couple of months the overdue feedback on fees and levies policy proposals with consultation on rates proposals. No dates are set for any other key papers.
FCA publishes mortgage market interim report
FCA has published its interim report into the mortgage market. Although it is pleased with how competition is working to the benefit of many people, it has made some suggestions for improvement. It found that there are generally high levels of choice for consumers and that consumers engage with their options, with evidence of switching […]
FCA publishes second 5 Conduct Questions report
The FCA has published its second annual report setting out responses from wholesale banking firms to the FCA’s conduct question set. The FCA notes that the second report indicates progress has been made from the time when 5 Conduct Questions were first introduced, in 2015. The FCA indicates that they intend to extend the 5 […]
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 […]
FCA publishes PAD linked services list
FCA has published the final list of the most representative services linked to a payment account and subject to a fee for the purposes of the Payment Accounts Regulations. Firms will have to use the terminology from 31 October. There are 15 defined services: maintaining the account arranged overdraft unarranged overdraft refusing a payment due […]
FCA makes new rules
FCA (in one case together with FOS) has made several instruments amending the Handbook. Changes include: changes to FEES (from 1 April) to ensure better mapping of tariff data and that Directive and non-Directive insurers are treated consistently. Further change creates a new fee-block for consumer credit lending as a mechanism for collecting the levy for […]
FCA speaks on asset management
Andrew Bailey has given a regulatory perspective on asset management. His speech considered: market-wide risks: he looked at the growth in the asset management sector and particularly the increase in proportionate growth of the asset management sector over others. open-ended funds: he considered the risks of funds offering daily redemption in illiquid assets which also […]
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 […]
Wyman report on debt advice funding published
Peter Wyman’s report on a review of debt advice funding has been published. The report makes several recommendations, including: face-to-face advice should still be widely available but there should be general and phased shifts by free-to-client providers from face-to-face to phone and then to webchat; free-to-client providers should commit to 20% efficiency savings over the next 2 financial years, […]
FCA gives application guidance
FCA has updated its website on pre-application stages for firms wishing to become authorised. The changes focus on what asset managers should consider.
FCA creates new basic advice page
FCA has created a new page on its website explaining the basic advice regime under MiFID 2 and the IDD. It explains it needed to update its guidance to firms to explain the impact of these pieces of legislation. In particular, it addresses how it needed to apply some MiFID 2 requirements (or “at least […]
FCA publishes latest complaints data
The latest complaints data from FCA shows 3.76m complaints were received by firms in the second half of 2017. This is a significant increase on the previous half year, with 1.55 million complaints relating to PPI – 40% more than the previous half year and the highest level for over 4 years. Similarly, firms paid […]
FCA writes to CEOs on irredeemable preference shares
FCA has written a “Dear CEO” letter on irredeemable preference shares and similar instruments. FCA is looking to ensure investors have all the information they need to assess the risks and rewards of certain fixed income shares and is particularly concerned about those described or implied in some way to be permanent. It therefore wants […]
FCA looks at confirmation of payee development
FCA has published an insight article looking at the ongoing problems for victims of APP scams. The article looks at initiatives to minimise the risks of falling victim to these scams and, in particular, how the advent of Faster Payments brings both advantages and bigger risks to consumers. The article considers the potential safety feature […]
Updating the Financial Crime Guide
We have written an article on FCA’s proposals for updating the Financial Crime Guide.
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 […]
Up next from FCA
FCA’s latest policy development update does not promise anything particularly new. Key deadlines for the next quarter include: policy statement on regulatory fees and levies, with consulation on rates – during April; changes to rules and guidance in SUP under the PSR – now overdue; and possibly a policy statement on the FSCS funding review.
FCA clarifies cryptocurrency regulatory status
FCA has clarified its views on the regulation of cryptocurrency derivatives. It has previously explained that cryptocurrencies are, of themselves, not regulated although they may be part of other regulated products or services. Cryprocurrency derivatives, though, may be financial instruments for the purpose of MiFID 2. FCA says those who deal, arrange deals in, advise […]
FCA cross over insurance renewals
FCA has warned firms it is prepared to take action against those who have failed to implement rules that have now been in force for a year designed to clearly show customers who are due to renew their general insurance the premium they paid the previous year. RAC has just agreed to contact customers after […]
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, […]
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 […]
FCA sets out supervision and enforcement approach
FCA has published a draft of its approach to enforcement and supervision. The documents follow its publication of its Mission, in which it committed to publishing a series of documents setting out how it carries out its main activities. The approach to supervision explains FCA’s commitment to being forward-looking and pre-emptive, focusing on firms’ cultures […]
FCA speaks on affordability
Jonathan Davidson has spoken on getting affordability right in consumer credit. He said that as the UK consumer credit sector is growing, so are concerns about excessive debt. FCA does not consider the sector has yet reached levels of debt that are likely to be harmful to lenders. His focus was on harm to borrowers, […]
FCA updates on motor finance
FCA has updated on its work reviewing the motor finance sector. So far, it has drawn several comforting conclusions, including around general default rates. But the 3% of customers who have the lowest credit ratings have higher arrears and default rates. It also notes that commission arrangements could lead to dealers arranging more expensive than […]
FCA outlines approach to authorisation
Sarah Rapson has spoken of FCA’s approach to authorising firms. She focused on FCA’s use of authorisation as a way to prevent harm, and its focus on using it proportionately. As a result, the information it asks firms for, and the degree of scrutiny it gives it, has to be linked to its assessment of […]
FCA looks back on past 5 years
John Griffith-Jones has reflected on FCA’s first 5 years of operation, since it took over from the FSA. He outlined: highlights – specifying FCA’s engagement with pension exit charges, general insurance renewals, interest-only mortgage work, FX and LIBOR issues and reform, MiFID 2 implementation, the Innovation Hub, market abuse enforcement, fixing PPI, the asset management […]
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 […]