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FCA news & analysis

565 FCA publications, newest first, 16 of them priority (score 90+). Our own commentary is in Our analysis Showing 401–440 of 561.

News & SpeechesInvestigation into Market Financial Solutions LimitedWe have opened an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS). MFS is an Annex 1 business, which is solely registered with and supervised by us for its compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.Annex 1 registered firms are not authorised or subject to wider FCA regulation.MFS entered administration on 25 February 2026.20 March 2026
News & SpeechesHow technology is changing the pensions conversationSpeech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, at the JP Morgan Pensions and Savings Symposium 2026. Last year, I spoke about the importance of getting on the right track.That if we want better consumer outcomes – as well as stronger capital markets to support growth – we need to think beyond individual products and look at the whole financial journey.How pensions interact with housing wealth…How savings interact with advice…And how all these decisions evolve across a lifetime.Over the past year, we have made good progress.Targeted Support goes live next month, helping bridge the gap between generic guidance and regulated advice.The ABI says this could be 'one of the most significant engagement shifts in pensions since auto-enrolment'.And with 75% of DC pension holders over 45 having no clear plan for taking their money at retirement, a big opportunity to help secure better outcomes at lower cost.For those wanting more personalised advice,...Consumer CreditBanking20 March 2026
News & SpeechesMS26/1: Later Life Mortgages Market StudyWe published a Terms of Reference on 20 March 2026, setting out our rationale and plans for this study. ... We are launching this market study to examine whether change is needed to enable the lifetime and retirement interest only (RIO) mortgage sector to meet consumers’ changing needs, driven by effective competition in the market. Read our Terms of Reference (PDF)Our Terms of Reference explains our rationale for this market study, its scope, the issues we’ll explore, the potential outcomes our work might lead to, and next steps. This study is relevant for a range of parties, including:Current and potential providers of lifetime and RIO mortgages.Firms who provide funding to providers.Intermediaries who are, or could be, involved in the distribution of these products. Consumers who could benefit from using these products in future.Existing lifetime and RIO mortgage customers. Relevant industry and consumer bodies.Give us your viewsWe are not formally consulting...Mortgages20 March 2026 · deadline 17 Apr
News & SpeechesFCA orders Beauforce Corporation to stop operating and return client moneyWe have restricted Beauforce Corporation Limited from carrying out any regulated activities. This means it cannot provide regulated debt advice or debt management services to consumers. We have also ordered the firm to return money held in its bank accounts to its clients.We’ve taken this action following concerns about the suitability of the firm’s senior management and its conduct in dealing with us. Read the full Notice (PDF)Consumer CreditBanking20 March 2026
News & SpeechesFCA confirms new incident and third party rules to bolster resilienceWe’ve confirmed new rules to make existing incident and third party reporting clearer, more consistent, and easier for firms to follow. These new rules will help us respond quickly to disruption such as a cyber attack or power outage, give firms greater certainty on what to report and when and strengthen firm resilience to better protect consumers and markets.Cyber attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, and firms are increasingly reliant on third party providers. In 2025, over 40% of cyber incidents reported to us involved a third party and we have seen several recent high-profile incidents impacting the financial services sector including the Cloudflare and AWS outage. Clear and timely reporting will help us identify risks and respond effectively.What’s changingFirms don’t always report incidents consistently and industry have told us they want more clarity on what to report and what information to provide.In December 2024, we consulted (PDF)...PaymentsConsumer CreditBanking18 March 2026
Policy StatementPriorityPS26/2: Operational incident and third party reportingOur final rules and guidance setting out requirements for reporting operational incidents and material third party arrangements. ... Read PS26/2 (PDF)Read FG26/3: Operational Incident Reporting (PDF)Read FG26/4: Material Third Party Reporting (PDF) ... Why we are changingWhen operational incidents occur, the disruption to the services firms provide can harm consumers and the wider sector. Additionally, many of the incidents reported to us originate at third parties, with firms becoming increasingly reliant on the services they provide.Following our consultation CP24/28 (PDF), we’ve created single FCA, PRA and Bank of England regulatory regimes for operational incident and third party reporting that will apply from 18 March 2027.Find out more if your firm is regulated by the PRA and the Bank of England.Operational incident reportingOur final rules:Define what an operational incident is.Set out the thresholds for when firms must report an incident.Introduce a standardised reporting process so all firms make a single submission...PaymentsConsumer CreditInvestment18 March 2026
News & SpeechesUnderstanding how our regulation can help SMEs access financeWe want views on how our regulation can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access finance. ... Supporting growth is one of our strategy’s 4 priorities and this work is part of our commitment to making sure businesses have better access to capital.18 March 2026
ConsultationHigh impactCP26/9: Modernising the redress systemThe FCA and Financial Ombudsman Service are seeking views on proposals to modernise the redress framework, to better serve consumers and give firms greater certainty to invest and innovate. ... Read CP26/9 (PDF)Read FG26/2 (PDF)18 March 2026 update: the email address in the CP document was updated to cp26-9@fca.org.ukWhy we are consultingOur strategy (PDF) recognises that the current redress regime can create uncertainty for consumers, firms and investors. We want to achieve greater predictability, certainty and transparency, with appropriate responsibility for firms to identify and address redress issues early on. This paper follows our November 2024 joint Call for Input (PDF) and July 2025 consultation (PDF) with the Financial Ombudsman.We are finalising a number of the proposals we consulted on:Finalised guidance FG26/2, which includes good and poor practice on identifying and rectifying harm.Guidance in SUP 15 clarifying when firms should report emerging issues to us. Rule changes for improved efficiency...Payments16 March 2026 · deadline 11 May
News & SpeechesCreating a redress system that works better for consumers and firmsWe’ve reached a significant milestone in our joint work with the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Government to modernise the redress systemso that consumers get fair outcomes quicker and firms have greater clarity about how issues will be handled.We’re delivering change at speed by acting now within our current powers, with a focus on improving how the system works in practice. This includes a new registration stage for complaints, updated dismissal grounds and clearer guidance on the fair and reasonable test.Throughout, our aim has been to improve alignment, predictability and early engagement across the system – while maintaining strong and effective consumer protection.16 March 2026

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News & SpeechesFCA bans Kasim Garipoglu from working in UK financial servicesKasimGaripoglu has been banned from working in UK financial services. The FCA found he is not fit and proper because of his lack of honesty and integrity. Mr Garipoglu is the owner of a firm that provided online trading of foreign exchange and contracts.Between April 2012 and December 2022, including when Mr Garipoglu was the chief executive and director at the firm and an approved person, he repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for regulatory requirements, undermined compliance and anti‑money laundering controls, and positively encouraged serious misconduct amongst his colleagues.He repeatedly overruled those advising him that his instructions were illegal and in breach of regulatory requirements. He consistently prioritised commercial advantage over regulatory requirements, including by regarding the potential for regulatory fines to be a business risk worth taking.He also deliberately provided false and misleading information to the FCA and other regulators, instructed the forgery of a document to evidence that an...Corporate Finance13 March 2026
News & SpeechesConsumer understanding: good practice and areas for improvementRead the findings of our review into firms' approaches to consumer understanding.13 March 2026
Handbook UpdateConcept Capital Group update: administrators appointedOn 9 March 2026, the High Court placed Concept Capital Group (CCG) into administration. BTG are the administrators of the company. In July 2025, the FCA announced High Court proceedings against CCG and others over an alleged unauthorised investment scheme. CCG has been under a court order that temporarily froze its assets since then.CCG had promoted investments in static homes. CCG claimed these would be let to social housing tenants placed by local councils. Investors were promised fixed returns and told the scheme was backed by the UK Government, claims the FCA considers were false or misleading.While the administration was not initiated by the FCA, it has put the FCA’s High Court proceedings against CCG on hold. The administrators will take control of CCG and investors’ claims will be handled as part of the administration process. The FCA will support the administrators as needed and will continue to communicate with...Consumer Credit12 March 2026
News & SpeechesSecond charge mortgage firms told to raise standards for consumersLenders and brokers in thesecond charge mortgagemarket need toconsiderhow theyadvise customers, assess affordability and charge fees. An FCA review has found that weaknesses in some firms’ practices could put borrowers, particularly those consolidating debt, at increased risk of financial harm.Second charge mortgages are often used by customers with high existing levels of debt and low financial resilience. The FCA’s review found examples of good practice across the sector but also issues that raise concerns about whether firms are meeting expectations, including under the Consumer Duty. The issues identified in the review include:Affordability assessments that appeared to overlook key living expenses.Advice that steered customers towards debt consolidation when it was not clear if it was appropriate.Inadequate record keeping. Unclear fees, often added to loans, making comparisons difficult.David Geale, executive director of payments and digital finance at the FCA, said:'The second charge market is relied on by people often already heavily in...Consumer CreditMortgages12 March 2026
News & SpeechesSecond charge mortgages – improving outcomes for consumersWe have reviewed mortgage advice, fees and charges, and affordability assessments by second charge mortgage intermediaries and lenders.Consumer CreditMortgages12 March 2026
News & SpeechesFCA imposes restrictions on Sendsii LtdOn 23 January 2026, the FCA imposed requirements on Sendsii Ltd which prevent them from carrying out any regulated activity. The FCA has issued a First Supervisory Notice to Sendsii Ltd after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) suspended the firm’s registration on 9 October 2025. The suspension means that Sendsii Ltd no longer met the conditions required for its FCA authorisation under the Payment Services Regulations 2017.These requirements prevent Sendsii Ltd from carrying out any regulated activity, including money remittance, without the FCA’s prior written consent. The firm is required to return all funds held for or on behalf of existing customers in accordance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.Full details of the requirements can be found on the Financial Services Register.Consumers who need to send or receive money should use an alternative authorised payment firm. If you were expecting funds from Sendsii Ltd and have not received them,...Payments11 March 2026
News & SpeechesMan jailed for running illegal sale-and-rent-back scheme targeting struggling homeownersRajinder Gill and accomplices have been sentenced for their involvement in a sale-and-rent-back scheme. Mr Gill has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for running a sale-and-rent-back scheme without being authorised and illegally providing credit agreements and mortgages. As accomplices in the scheme, Amandeep Heer received a community order for 2 years with a condition of 250 hours of unpaid work, and Jetinder Sandhu has completed 100 hours' unpaid work over 12 months (as a condition of a 15-month suspended imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months).Through Secure Property Consultants Ltd, Mr Gill targeted homeowners in financial difficulty, claiming he could sell their homes quickly, offering them cash advances and saying they could stay in homes as tenants. Victims were encouraged to sell their houses at less than market value, while he charged excessive, confusing or hidden fees – totalling £925,233. Some were evicted from their...Consumer CreditMortgages11 March 2026
News & SpeechesStepping back, staying safe: a joined-up approach to growthSpeech by David Geale, executive director, payments and digital finance, and PSR managing director at the MoneyLIVE Summit 2026, London. ConsolidationRule 1 is ‘Out of clutter, find simplicity.’The Government announced its intention to consolidate the PSR into the FCA about a year ago. It was a decision we welcomed.Our work has always been complementary, and we made it work.As an economic regulator, the PSR is focused on getting the foundations right – the payment systems and infrastructure that enable the ecosystem to operate.And as the conduct authority, the FCA focuses on what sits on top – the delivery of the services and products consumers rely on.But, that separation was a product of its time. The world was different then – we needed the specific focus on competition, innovation and access in payments infrastructure that came from the PSR.Since then, both we and the market have evolved and grown. The ecosystem...Payments10 March 2026
Data ReleaseCommentary on Mortgage lending statistics Q4 2025The FCA and the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) both have responsibility for the regulation of mortgage lenders and administrators. We jointly publish the mortgage lending statistics every quarter. ... Since the beginning of 2007, around 340 regulated mortgage lenders and administrators have been required to submit a Mortgage Lending and Administration Return (MLAR) each quarter, providing data on their mortgage lending activities.Key findingsThe outstanding value of all residential mortgage loans increased by 0.8% from the previous quarter to £1,734.4 billion, the highest stock of outstanding mortgage loans since reporting began in 2007, and was 3.0% higher than a year earlier (Table A). The value of gross mortgage advances decreased by 1.3% from the previous quarter to £79.4 billion, but remained 15.4% higher than a year earlier (Table A and Chart 1). The value of new mortgage commitments decreased by 11.9% from the previous quarter to £69.9 billion, the largest decrease...Consumer CreditMortgagesBanking10 March 2026
Data ReleaseMortgage lending statistics - September 2026We collect mortgage lending data via the Mortgage Lending and Administration Return (MLAR) which is submitted to the FCA by firms carrying out mortgage lending and mortgage administration. ... Statistics on mortgage lending: Q2 2026 editionThe latest commentary and full statistical tables are available below. The commentary includes technical information on the MLAR as well as analysis of the findings.Commentary on the statisticsMLAR statistics: summary tables (Excel)MLAR statistics: detailed tables (Excel)Technical notes (PDF)How the data is calculated (PDF)For any technical queries on the tables contact MLAR Statistics.An explanatory note detailing the relationship between this data and other mortgage statistics published by the Bank of England is available on their website.Latest findingsThe outstanding value of all residential mortgage loans increased by 0.8% from the previous quarter to £1,760.6 billion, and was 3.1% higher than a year earlier. The value of gross mortgage advances increased by 11.1% from the previous quarter to...Consumer CreditMortgagesBanking10 March 2026
Data ReleaseMortgage Charter uptake data - September 2026The latest data from firms who have signed up to the Government’s Mortgage Charter. ... The Government’s Mortgage Charter, introduced in June 2023, contains commitments, over and above FCA requirements, made by mortgage lenders. There are 47 signatories, representing around 90% of the mortgage market.These commitments include:Not to force a borrower to leave their home without their consent, unless in exceptional circumstances, in less than a year from their first missed payment. To allow customers to lock in a new deal up to 6 months ahead of the end of a fixed rate deal, and to request a better like-for-like deal up until the new one starts, if one is available. Without assessing affordability, to permit customers who are up to date with their payments to switch to interest-only payments for 6 months, or to extend their mortgage term with the option to revert to their original term within 6...Consumer CreditMortgages10 March 2026
ConsultationCP26/8: Quarterly consultation paper No. 51Once a quarter, we consult on proposed miscellaneous amendments to our Handbook. These tend to be minor changes but we still want to get your feedback on our proposals. ... Read CP26/8 (PDF) ... What we are consulting on this quarterProposed changes:To make consequential amendments to CASS 1, 7 and 8, following the proposed changes to the definition of designated investment business, to ensure the rules work for cryptoasset activities and the wider new crypto regime.To rehouse some provisions in Article 17 of RTS 1 into the framework now provided by MAR 11A so that more equity transparency provisions are available and more clearly expressed in a single location.To disapply rights of action for private persons under section 138D of FSMA for the remaining chapters in MAR governing the mechanics and operation of secondary markets where trading venue members are generally professional investors as opposed to consumers. We propose a...PaymentsConsumer CreditInvestment6 March 2026
News & SpeechesFCA announces senior leadership appointmentsWe have appointed 2 new senior leaders, further strengthening our capability across key areas of our remit. Chris Knight will join us in July 2026 as director of insurance within our Supervision, Policy and Competition (SPC) division. He joins the FCA from Legal & General, where he has been the group chief risk officer for the last 5 years and member of the Group management committee. Prior to this, he was CEO of Legal & General Retail Retirement for 3 years.David Lymburn joined the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) on 23 February 2026 as interim deputy managing director. David brings over 15 years’ experience in financial services, including as chief operating officer and global payments programme director at Nordea Bank and payments roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group. He will serve in this interim role while the permanent recruitment takes place.Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive, FCA,...PaymentsInsuranceBanking5 March 2026
News & SpeechesFCA warns customers of HDH Investment Services LimitedWe're concerned that HDH Investment Services Limited may have given unsuitable financial advice to some of its customers, potentially leading to financial loss. We recently placed restrictions on HDH Investment Services Limited (HDH). From 20 January 2026, HDH agreed to stop carrying out all regulated activities. This now means the firm can't give investment advice.HDH also agreed to write to all customers to explain what these restrictions mean for them. What customers should do nowIf you think you were given unsuitable advice, or you're unhappy with the service you received from HDH, you have the right to complain.We know this news may be worrying. If you have concerns, you can use our contact form to get in touch. If you're a customer of HDH and need financial advice, you should contact another FCA‑authorised financial adviser. You can find information on finding an adviser on MoneyHelper. You can also use the...Consumer CreditInvestment5 March 2026
News & SpeechesConsumer investments priorities: strengthening trust, supporting investorsSpeech by Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments, at the TISA Inclusive Investing Conference 2026. Speaker: Lucy Castledine, director, consumer investmentsEvent: TISA Inclusive Investing Conference 2026Delivered: 4 March 2026Note: this is the speech as drafted and may differ from the delivered version.Reading time: 11 minutesKey points:Consumer investments are a cornerstone of the UK economy, with over 5,000 authorised firms and their representatives, serving 19 million adults – around a third of our population. Our sector safeguards the future of individuals and families up and down the country.Building a stronger investment culture is critical for consumers’ financial lives. We’re excited to work with firms on plans such as targeted support.For a strong investment culture, consumers need trust, confidence in good consumer outcomes, and reassurance in strong financial crime controls.Through all this, we recognise that the consumer investments landscape is changing – and we want to hear from firms.4 March 2026
DecisionFCA fines John Wood Group PLC for issuing misleading statementsJohn Wood Group PLC (Wood Group) has been fined £12,993,700 for publishing inaccurate information in its financial results. Following the poor performance of certain projects, Wood Group’s accounting judgements were inappropriately influenced by its desire to maintain previously stated financial results. Wood Group did not have adequate systems, controls or procedures to prevent this from happening.This resulted in Wood Group publishing inaccurate information in its full-year 2022 and 2023 financial results and the half-year 2024 results. The company failed to take reasonable care to ensure that its announcements about those results were not false or misleading.These issues came to light from November 2024 onwards. Wood Group’s share price fell by 78% by April 2025 and its shares were suspended in May 2025.Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market oversight, said:'Investors rely on accurate information to make decisions. Wood Group failed to provide this and fell well short of the...Consumer CreditCorporate Finance4 March 2026
News & SpeechesMotor finance compensation scheme to include implementation periodWe'd also streamline the scheme, so millions get compensation in 2026. We're considering over 1,000 responses to our proposals for a compensation scheme for motor finance customers who were treated unfairly.If we proceed with a scheme, we are likely to make several changes. If we do go ahead, we expect to publish final rules in late March. The timing of publication will be outside market hours and we'll confirm the date in advance. Final decisions on the scheme have not yet been made. But to help firms prepare and ensure consumers get any money owed promptly, we're setting out some details now on how we intend to streamline the consumer journey and make it smoother for firms to operate.Given the scale and complexity of the scheme and in response to feedback, we're likely to introduce an implementation period of 3 months, with up to 5 months for older agreements. Firms...Consumer Credit4 March 2026
News & SpeechesOPBAS identifies areas where anti-money laundering supervisors can improveThe latest report from the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) finds there is still room for improvement. The anti-money laundering supervisors of professional services firms are more effective than at any time since 2018. However, OPBAS remains concerned that their enforcement lacks the teeth to deter firms from falling short of minimum standards.OPBAS’s latest report found Professional Body Supervisors (PBSs) generally continue to demonstrate good levels of compliance. Yet some PBSs continue to perform poorly in their enforcement approach relative to other areas, and supervision could also be improved. OPBAS is concerned that for some PBSs, their dual role as both a membership organisation and a supervisor can hinder effective action.Mark Francis, director, specialists at the FCA, said: 'Fighting financial crime is a priority for the FCA. In recent years, OPBAS has driven progress in the way money laundering is tackled in the legal and accountancy sectors,...Consumer Credit3 March 2026
News & SpeechesUK Listing Rules for investment entities reviewWe are bringing forward a review of some aspects of the UK Listing Rules to consider how they apply to specific types of investment entities. As part of the Primary Markets EffectivenessReviewwe explored which types of investment entities could be eligible to be listed. Since introducing the new listingruleswe have heard from stakeholders that these eligibility criteria, particularlyregardingrisk-spreading, may be unduly restrictive. We will use this review to assess if changes should be made.As part of this review, we will also conduct targeted work to assess howourrules, in the context of company law, ensure that boards support strong shareholder rights and engagement and manage conflicts of interests.We plan to set out proposals in a consultation paper and to complete the work by the end of the year.Corporate Finance3 March 2026
News & SpeechesFCA opens authorisation gateway for targeted supportFirms can now apply for permission to provide targeted support. Targeted support is a once in a generation change that will help millions navigate their financial lives. From 6 April 2026, people’s banks, pension providers, or other financial firms that are authorised for targeted support can provide suggestions designed for groups of consumers with common characteristics. This will help them make important decisions across their pensions and investments.We want authorised firms to be ready to offer the new service as soon as the rules take effect. And, for these firms to take advantage of the reforms, to be bold and provide support for their customers.An important milestoneCurrently, consumers don’t have access to the help they need to make these important decisions. We estimate around 23 million consumers are currently underserved by the markets for advice and guidance.Targeted support will help fill the gap between generic guidance and individualised advice and...Banking2 March 2026
News & SpeechesSustainability Disclosure Requirements labels: good and poor practiceFind examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime. ... Firms have been able to use sustainability labels under the SDR regime since July 2024.The labelling part of the regime seeks to improve transparency and equip consumers with information to navigate the market.While implementing sustainability labelling, we’ve found examples of good and poor practice disclosures. We’ve set these out below for each of the 4 labels. These examples are intended to help firms prepare pre-contractual disclosures for use of labels, following the pre-contractual disclosure examples we published previously.27 February 2026
News & SpeechesRenaissance at market speed: UK wholesale finance in 2026Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, at the Goldman Sachs EMEA Head of Trading conference 2026. And as we roll with the punches, we also shouldn’t sell ourselves short.We gained ground last year - London just one point behind New York in the latest Global Financial Centres Index.There is understandable focus on equities market share and listings, where we have delivered far-reaching regulatory reforms.But on FX trading, international debt issuance, OTC derivatives, parts of commodities markets - we lead the global pack.Also seeing, as one commentator recently described it, a 'quantitative trading renaissance'.These aren’t flukes.Market activity agglomerates in locations where execution is reliable, infrastructure is resilient, talent at all levels is strong, and the rulebook is credible, pragmatic and responsive to change.Corporate Finance26 February 2026
News & SpeechesPayments Vision Delivery Committee publishes Payments Forward PlanThe Payments Vision Delivery Committee (the Committee) has published the Payments Forward Plan (the Plan). Read the Plan on GOV.UKThe Committee comprises:HM TreasuryBank of EnglandFinancial Conduct AuthorityPayment Systems RegulatorThe Plan sets out upcoming initiatives across retail and wholesale payments, including elements of digital assets. Recent publications on open banking, stablecoins and contactless limits, alongside the initiatives in the Plan, show the high level of activity across the sector.The Plan provides clarity on what is coming and when, helping firms plan ahead and focus on innovation. The Plan sets out actions to deliver the Government’s National Payments Vision of a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem built on next-generation technology, offering consumers and businesses a choice of payment methods.The Committee will continue to consider our collective impact on firms and support competition, innovation and economic growth.Going forwards, the Committee has agreed to add an enhanced focus on payments to the Regulatory Initiatives Grid...PaymentsBanking26 February 2026
News & SpeechesFCA Authorisations operating service metrics 2025/26 Q3We report our authorisations metrics quarterly to provide greater transparency of our performance. This data covers October to December 2025. ... We want to make sure the UK is the best place in the world for financial services to thrive. This includes providing an effective and efficient authorisations service while maintaining high standards to protect customers and to further bolster the reputation of the UK market.Download Authorisations operating service metrics 2025/26 Q3 (PDF)Q3 2025/26 is the first quarter we will be reporting against our new targets. Some of these reduced timelines will be reflected in proposed statutory deadlines published and consulted on by the Government and some reflect our own new, faster targets. As part of our work to support UK growth, we have decided to voluntarily start working towards all these faster targets, ahead of any legislation. These targets are deliberately ambitious and will require consistently high performance from...Payments26 February 2026
News & SpeechesFCA proposes action to close gaps in borrowers’ credit filesLenders could have access to more comprehensive information to support lending decisions, under new proposals by the FCA. The FCA is consulting on designating certain credit reference agencies (CRAs). If a lender shares credit information with one designated consumer CRA, it would be required to share it with them all.The changes aim to close gaps in consumers’ credit files and ensure these more accurately reflect people’s financial circumstances.Alison Walters, director of consumer finance at the FCA, said: 'Access to affordable credit relies on good-quality data – it’s vital in helping consumers navigate their financial lives. That’s why we want to make sure everyone’s credit information is as full and accurate as possible.'CRAs collect personal financial data – including credit repayment histories – to provide lenders with information that helps inform lending decisions.Where the information CRAs hold is limited, people may face barriers to accessing credit, or be exposed to increased...Consumer CreditMortgages25 February 2026
ConsultationHigh impactCP26/7: Credit Information Market Study: Proposed approach to implementing FCA remediesWe are consulting on proposals designed to improve how consumer credit information is shared and used across retail lending markets. ... Read CP26/7 (PDF)Why we are consultingOur proposals include a mandatory reporting requirement for firms in the credit and mortgage markets and connected obligations to create a regulatory framework for how credit information is shared and used across these markets.This aims to make consumer credit information more consistent and comprehensive across Designated Consumer Credit Reference Agencies (DCCRAs) and to improve the accuracy of information shared.The proposals in this consultation form part of the wider programme of remedies set out in our Credit Information Market Study Final Report (MS19/1).This consultation focuses on remedies 2A and 2D and also sets out our proposed next steps for remedies 2C and 3A. ... Who this is forFirms involved in consumer credit and mortgage activitiesCredit reference agencies (CRAs) and credit information service providersFirms that share...Consumer CreditMortgages25 February 2026 · deadline 1 May
News & SpeechesA smarter approach to communicating our regulatory prioritiesWe've launched our new Regulatory Priorities reports, starting with the insurance sector. This marks a new approach that will help to transform our supervision and streamline regulation.We expect regulated firms to follow the rules and stay informed about any changes. This is important for maintaining a safe and resilient market. Our mission to be a smarter regulator means reducing burden where we can, so that firms can get the information they need as efficiently as possible.Our Regulatory Priorities publications are part of this drive to simplify things. They replace our portfolio letters, which set out our expectations for firms in various markets.There were more than 40 of these letters, with some firms needing to work through several to understand what they needed to do. We know these created an extra layer of complexity, and we’ve responded to these concerns.What firms can expectThere are just 9 of the new publications, covering...Consumer CreditInsurance24 February 2026
News & SpeechesIndependent Football Regulator and FCA Memorandum of UnderstandingWe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). The MoU establishes how the 2 organisations will work together and support effective regulation where football and financial services intersect.It also sets out a high-level framework for principles for cooperation between the IFR and the FCA.Read the MoU (PDF)24 February 2026
Data ReleaseFCA Listings dataWhat changed – The FCA’s “Primary Market Effectiveness” reforms altered the UK Listing Rules on 29 July 2024. Equity shares in shell companies, non‑equity shares and non‑voting equity shares are no longer counted under the “Equity Commercial Companies” category. Consequently, the 2024 figures for new commercial companies on the Official List are lower than 2023, and the data now excludes those shell‑company listings for like‑for‑like comparison. Who is affected – All issuers and advisers that list or plan to list equity securities on the UK Main Market, especially those using shell‑company structures or non‑voting shares, as well as market‑data providers and analysts relying on FCA Listings data. Actions to consider (process steps only) 1. Review internal listings classification to align with the post‑reform categories. 2. Update reporting templates and dashboards to reflect the new definition of “Equity Commercial Companies”. 3. Communicate the change to clients and stakeholders, highlighting the impact on KPI calculations (e.g., number of IPOs). 4. Adjust any regulatory filing checklists to ensure shell‑company listings are captured correctly under the revised rules. Key deadlines – The new classification applies from 29 July 2024 onward; quarterly FCA Listings data updates (including the revised figures) will be published thereafter, with the next release due 30 September 2024. Source – FCA Listings data (Data) – https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/listings-data (Quarterly update, June 2026).Consumer CreditBankingCorporate Finance23 February 2026
DecisionInfluencers fined for issuing unauthorised financial promotionsSeven social media influencers have been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for their role in the promotion of an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme. Biggs Chris, Jamie Clayton, Lauren Goodger, Rebecca Gormley, Yazmin Oukhellou, Scott Timlin and Eva Zapico all pleaded guilty to one count of issuing unauthorised financial promotions.The outcomes were:Lauren Goodger was fined £3,750 and ordered to pay costs of £5,778.18.Biggs Chris was fined £600 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.Jamie Clayton was fined £820 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.Rebecca Gormley was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £2,866.42.Yazmin Oukhellou was fined £974 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000. Scott Timlin was fined £938 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.Eva Zapico was given an absolute discharge and ordered to pay costs of £1,770.44. Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said:'These influencers betrayed the...20 February 2026
News & SpeechesStatement on notifications relating to admissions to trading and recent changes to the UK Listing RulesOur clarification about forbearance following the introduction of the new Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATRs) regime. On 19 January 2026, the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATRs) regime and associated changes to our listing processes in the UK Listing Rules (UKLR) came into force. These changes introduced a requirement in the Prospectus Regime Manual (PRM 1.6.4R) for issuers to notify a Regulatory Information Service (RIS) of any admission to trading within 60 days of the admission.A key reason for introducing a 60-day notification period was to avoid requiring frequent issuers of securities to publish detailed notifications each time shares are admitted to trading. The policy intention was to support transparency in a proportionate manner by enabling issuers to group admissions occurring within a 60-day period into a single notification.Since the rules took effect, it has been brought to our attention that potentially overlapping requirements in...Consumer CreditCorporate Finance19 February 2026